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Gansett Island #4
Falling for Love
Since he won the Academy Award for best original screenplay a few years ago, Grant McCarthy's personal and professional lives have fallen apart. Abby, the woman he was supposed to marry, is engaged to someone else, and Grant is back at home on Gansett Island helping to run the family marina business while his father recovers from a serious injury.
While all Grant's focus should be on winning back the love of his life, pesky Stephanie, who runs the marina restaurant, is working her way under his skin and into his bed. As Tropical Storm Hailey cuts off Gansett Island from the mainland, Grant suspects Stephanie is hiding something big from her past.
When he finds out what it is, what will be more important to him? Winning Abby back or helping Stephanie to right a terrible wrong?
While all Grant's focus should be on winning back the love of his life, pesky Stephanie, who runs the marina restaurant, is working her way under his skin and into his bed. As Tropical Storm Hailey cuts off Gansett Island from the mainland, Grant suspects Stephanie is hiding something big from her past.
When he finds out what it is, what will be more important to him? Winning Abby back or helping Stephanie to right a terrible wrong?
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2012
1341 people are currently reading
2550 people want to read
About the author
Marie Force
213 books8,463 followersMarie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
March 29, 2017
Screenwriter Grant McCarthy can't believe he's really lost his girlfriend, Abby Callahan, even though she left him in California and returned to Gansett Island...a year ago! Now that she's engaged to someone else, things look grim. When he awakens the morning after his sister's wedding reception and a boozy night, he finds Stephanie Logan, the woman who runs his family's marina restaurant, in his bed.
Grant and Stephanie's prickly relationship sure took a turn. She never lets up and gives it to him straight, especially regarding his delusional thinking about Abby. When the island is hunkered down through a storm, the few days/nights they spend together was a game changer. Her backstory was stunning and I really liked how Grant's feelings shifted as he got to know her better.
There are other storylines involving old and new characters, which I very much enjoy. Those who don't like page time to characters other than the main ones might find this distracting but I'm a fan. It's very reminiscent of the Virgin River series.
I enjoy reading these stories as a palate cleanser after my murder and mayhem mysteries. They offer a nice respite as the strong sense of family and community just makes you feel good. 3.5 stars
Grant and Stephanie's prickly relationship sure took a turn. She never lets up and gives it to him straight, especially regarding his delusional thinking about Abby. When the island is hunkered down through a storm, the few days/nights they spend together was a game changer. Her backstory was stunning and I really liked how Grant's feelings shifted as he got to know her better.
There are other storylines involving old and new characters, which I very much enjoy. Those who don't like page time to characters other than the main ones might find this distracting but I'm a fan. It's very reminiscent of the Virgin River series.
I enjoy reading these stories as a palate cleanser after my murder and mayhem mysteries. They offer a nice respite as the strong sense of family and community just makes you feel good. 3.5 stars
March 11, 2018
Tamam çik-lit okuyorum çok bir beklentim yok. Ama 3 günde, 1 yıldır barışmak için peşinden koştuğun 10 yıllık aşkının, gerçek aşk olmadığını, diğer kıza deli gibi aşık olduğunu anlaması da biraz fazla hızlı olmuyor mu? Biraz zaman atlaması yapmak bu kadar zor mu? Her çik-lit kitabında çiftler tavşan gibi olmak zorunda mı?
Başka sorum yok 😃
Başka sorum yok 😃
May 10, 2022
I am definitely a Stephanie fan. I felt she was the perfect woman for Grant and he was 'the one' for her. So glad he didn't choose Abby. I really like Abby and she has a great story coming up. I'm venturing a reread today. It's been six years since I first read it so I'm sure it will be like reading it for the first time again!
This was one of my top favorites in this series. The McCarthy's are a wonderful clan and love each other dearly.
Grant McCarthy, Academy Award Winner for best screenplay a few years back, is at a dead standstill. He can't write. He let the love of his life, Abby, leave and go back home after ten years together, and now she is engaged to another. He decides he needs to go home and make amends.
Grant is filling in for his brother at their marina on Gansett Island and there he meets Stephanie, a young girl with a lot of problems. Along comes Tropical Storm Hailey and the town is basically shut down.
I highly recommend this book. I could not put it down and read it in one setting.
Safety
No cheating
Celibate couple
No OW/OM drama
Hero had GF for ten years.
She was the only one he had ever been with until the h.
This was one of my top favorites in this series. The McCarthy's are a wonderful clan and love each other dearly.
Grant McCarthy, Academy Award Winner for best screenplay a few years back, is at a dead standstill. He can't write. He let the love of his life, Abby, leave and go back home after ten years together, and now she is engaged to another. He decides he needs to go home and make amends.
Grant is filling in for his brother at their marina on Gansett Island and there he meets Stephanie, a young girl with a lot of problems. Along comes Tropical Storm Hailey and the town is basically shut down.
I highly recommend this book. I could not put it down and read it in one setting.
Safety
No cheating
Celibate couple
No OW/OM drama
Hero had GF for ten years.
She was the only one he had ever been with until the h.
February 7, 2017
3.5 Stars - Grant McCarthy has returned to Gansett Island. His mission is clear - win back Abby - a woman he let slip through his fingers by putting his career as a screenplay writer first - a woman now engaged to marry someone else. How did that happen? Can Grant change her mind? And why does Stephanie who is running the marina restaurant keep getting in his face like a pesky mosquito? He knows what & who he wants . . . doesn't he?
Falling For Love is an enjoyable, heart-touching romance featuring the McCarthy family along with a few lost souls who find their way and eventually make a home on Gansett Island. I've enjoyed meeting this large, loving, traditional family and love the way they welcome everyone into their fold with open arms. I've looked forward to Grant's story since the previous book as I knew he was most likely in for a rude wakening (and a lot of heartache) when it came to his relationship with Abby. While I enjoyed his story, I felt his acceptance of some things came a little too quickly for the previous build up. Having said that, I absolutely loved the spunky, take no prisoners, quirky, in-your-face Stephanie. Great character and just the right heroine to set the mighty Grant straight. Seeing all the characters from past books is always a plus in this series. And let me say, there's plenty of them to get excited about! Falling For Love is another Must Read in this series!
Falling For Love is an enjoyable, heart-touching romance featuring the McCarthy family along with a few lost souls who find their way and eventually make a home on Gansett Island. I've enjoyed meeting this large, loving, traditional family and love the way they welcome everyone into their fold with open arms. I've looked forward to Grant's story since the previous book as I knew he was most likely in for a rude wakening (and a lot of heartache) when it came to his relationship with Abby. While I enjoyed his story, I felt his acceptance of some things came a little too quickly for the previous build up. Having said that, I absolutely loved the spunky, take no prisoners, quirky, in-your-face Stephanie. Great character and just the right heroine to set the mighty Grant straight. Seeing all the characters from past books is always a plus in this series. And let me say, there's plenty of them to get excited about! Falling For Love is another Must Read in this series!
August 16, 2017
Simply too many stories in one ... for others, there is a slow burn, but with the main characters, pure insta-lust.
January 24, 2012
Another nice easy, read from Marie Force and The McCarthy series. There was no villain, no major conflict, just a sweet love story. At the end of book 3 Grant McCarthy comes home to Rhode Island because his father was hurt. He finds out his long time girlfriend (currently on break from each other), Abby, has moved on and is engaged to another. Grant is devastated and shocked, he chose his career (Academy Award winner screenplay writer) over Abby, not really worried at the time because he thought they were destined to be together.
Book 4, Falling for Love starts with Grant waking after his sister's wedding with a bad hangover and in bed with Stephanie, an employee of his parents. Stephanie has had some bad luck growing up, has no close friends, no family except a step father who is currently in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Stephanie knows Grant used her to try to make Abby jealous, but as they get to know each other better Grant starts to question if Abby is who he really wants or if it was just young love. I did like that Grant walked around with an erection for a lot of the book because he kept getting flash backs to his and Steph's night together. There was definite connection between him and Steph and she kept lighting up his world with many more sexy memories.
The book also brought back all of the characters from the previous books and some involving story lines with them as well. I know that Marie Force is planning more books for this series as there are two brothers left and I will definitely be reading them. What is great is that even though you get one main love story there was lots of other love and emotional connections to be explored.
Book 4, Falling for Love starts with Grant waking after his sister's wedding with a bad hangover and in bed with Stephanie, an employee of his parents. Stephanie has had some bad luck growing up, has no close friends, no family except a step father who is currently in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Stephanie knows Grant used her to try to make Abby jealous, but as they get to know each other better Grant starts to question if Abby is who he really wants or if it was just young love. I did like that Grant walked around with an erection for a lot of the book because he kept getting flash backs to his and Steph's night together. There was definite connection between him and Steph and she kept lighting up his world with many more sexy memories.
The book also brought back all of the characters from the previous books and some involving story lines with them as well. I know that Marie Force is planning more books for this series as there are two brothers left and I will definitely be reading them. What is great is that even though you get one main love story there was lots of other love and emotional connections to be explored.
January 19, 2012
I fell in love with the McCarthys with the first book in the series. It seemed like Grant's story was never going to get here, and now that it is, I'm sad the book is over. Like any book by Marie Force, it sure as hell did not disappoint. Grant McCarthy is just as loveable as Mac, Joe, and Luke. In fact, he may be my favorite. Ummm...it's a toss up maybe between him and Joe. But wait...I really luuuvv Mac too. And Big Mac. And Ned. OMG...Marie has me in love with so many men. Haha. And I haven't even mentioned her other books (sexy quarterback, senator, pilot, lawyer, the list goes on and on).
Anyway, the chemistry between Grant and Stephanie is hot, fun, and so freaking adorable. The plot twists with Steph's past were unexpected and amazing to read. I cried, smiled, laughed, ooo-ed, and awwww-ed throughout the entire novel. Page after page, even though my body was in California, my heart was on Gansett Island with the rest of the crew. I love the feeling I get when I read this series.
Overall, I absolutely loved Falling for Love, and cannot wait to read Evan's tale. I have a feeling I'll be dishing out a piece of my heart to yet another McCarthy man.
Anyway, the chemistry between Grant and Stephanie is hot, fun, and so freaking adorable. The plot twists with Steph's past were unexpected and amazing to read. I cried, smiled, laughed, ooo-ed, and awwww-ed throughout the entire novel. Page after page, even though my body was in California, my heart was on Gansett Island with the rest of the crew. I love the feeling I get when I read this series.
Overall, I absolutely loved Falling for Love, and cannot wait to read Evan's tale. I have a feeling I'll be dishing out a piece of my heart to yet another McCarthy man.
April 2, 2025
Falling for Love is the sweet, heartwarming, entertaining fourth book in amazing Gansett Island series. It features drama, angst, secrets and desires that kept me interested and invested.
Grant has always loved her and is hearbroken she is engaged but there is someone else who needs his help. Now he's not sure where his heart lay.
This could be read as a standalone but each book features another person on the island so I would read them all in order because if not you are missing out.
Make sure this one is on your TBR. I read it a few years ago and fell in love with the characters then and rereading now makes me realise why I loved this series so much.
Grant has always loved her and is hearbroken she is engaged but there is someone else who needs his help. Now he's not sure where his heart lay.
This could be read as a standalone but each book features another person on the island so I would read them all in order because if not you are missing out.
Make sure this one is on your TBR. I read it a few years ago and fell in love with the characters then and rereading now makes me realise why I loved this series so much.
August 19, 2019
Gerçekten mi Grant? Samimiyetlerine inanamadığım bir çiftti maalesef :(
February 10, 2021
Cercavo una storia soft e dolcina...
Ma questo volume mi ha quasi annoiata😔
Come nei libri precedenti, oltre alla coppia di protagonisti vengono narrate le vicende di tutti i personaggi dell'isola fino ad aggiungerne anche di nuovi. Carino, ma nulla di imperdibile, ahimé.
Ma questo volume mi ha quasi annoiata😔
Come nei libri precedenti, oltre alla coppia di protagonisti vengono narrate le vicende di tutti i personaggi dell'isola fino ad aggiungerne anche di nuovi. Carino, ma nulla di imperdibile, ahimé.
September 12, 2018
Es wird immer besser und immer mehr Gansett Island Einwohner finden ihre wahre Liebe und alle wachsen einen ans Herz. 4,5 Sterne
July 10, 2021
4-
Quello che mi piace di più in questa serie è la coralità. Il fatto di rivedere i protagonisti dei libri precedenti e come una finestra aperta sulle loro vite . Ne dovrebbero fare una serie tv, i presupposti ci sono tutti .
Quello che mi piace di più in questa serie è la coralità. Il fatto di rivedere i protagonisti dei libri precedenti e come una finestra aperta sulle loro vite . Ne dovrebbero fare una serie tv, i presupposti ci sono tutti .
January 15, 2018
First impression.. A couple or more yrs ago. Can't do heroes hung up page after page on someone else. Totally upset.
New feelings after giving it another try.
I actually really enjoyed this story. Yes Grant was at first hung up on Abby but nothing happened with her. He's only with Stephanie and starts right away realizing how much more everything she is. Better chemistry, better passion, better conversation. She challenged him. They were like a storm just like what brought them together for real.
I had forgotten how many side romances that Ms Force weaves into her stories. Even Ned and Francine had me smiling. Then there's Owen and Laura. I sure hope he doesn't fight his feelings to long being she's gonna be a single mom.
Of course the teaser of Tiffany and the sheriff. I'll definitely be reading more.
I've missed this small town big love awesome family feel type romance.
New feelings after giving it another try.
I actually really enjoyed this story. Yes Grant was at first hung up on Abby but nothing happened with her. He's only with Stephanie and starts right away realizing how much more everything she is. Better chemistry, better passion, better conversation. She challenged him. They were like a storm just like what brought them together for real.
I had forgotten how many side romances that Ms Force weaves into her stories. Even Ned and Francine had me smiling. Then there's Owen and Laura. I sure hope he doesn't fight his feelings to long being she's gonna be a single mom.
Of course the teaser of Tiffany and the sheriff. I'll definitely be reading more.
I've missed this small town big love awesome family feel type romance.
June 24, 2016
I wasn't sure about this one as it started out with Grant being in love with someone else, but I loved it! The story was great and there were so many side stories going on that I was never bored. A great read, now I really want to read Laura's story and I need everything to work out for Ned!
June 16, 2020
Another great book in the Gansett Island series. Loved Grant and Stephanie’s story. I’m so glad Marie Force choose Stephanie as Grant’s partner. She did a great job of creating a character who wasn’t sure which way in life he wanted to go, with his career and his love life. I liked that Grant wasn’t the perfect hero, he was Confused at first about his past relationship with Abby but eventually he knew Stephanie was the one. The connection between the two main characters was great with lots of laugh out loud moments, they both cracked me up. Stephanie’s past was sad, I’m liking this author is having serious themes running throughout her books.
It was great to catch up with old friends, Maddie has her baby (in a middle of a hurricane), their scene when they were bringing their daughter into the world was beautiful. Absolutely love Ned, what a great character he is, and really looking forward to Owen and Laura’s book too. The only reason for four stars is I loved Sydney and Luke a little more than Stephanie and Grant, although this is a very good book too.
It was great to catch up with old friends, Maddie has her baby (in a middle of a hurricane), their scene when they were bringing their daughter into the world was beautiful. Absolutely love Ned, what a great character he is, and really looking forward to Owen and Laura’s book too. The only reason for four stars is I loved Sydney and Luke a little more than Stephanie and Grant, although this is a very good book too.
January 23, 2021
4.5
Potrei ripetere ciò che ho scritto nella recensione della Young o in quelle della Carr.
Scrivono quel tipo di storia semplice e dal sapore genuino di cui ogni tanto si sente il bisogno.
Grant e Stephanie sono due personaggi da un certo punto di vista complessi sì, ma anche tanto divertenti a causa del loro continuo battibeccare.
Potrei ripetere ciò che ho scritto nella recensione della Young o in quelle della Carr.
Scrivono quel tipo di storia semplice e dal sapore genuino di cui ogni tanto si sente il bisogno.
Grant e Stephanie sono due personaggi da un certo punto di vista complessi sì, ma anche tanto divertenti a causa del loro continuo battibeccare.
January 9, 2020
Ya Mac'i okumak beni benden alıyor😍😍😍 Canımcım baba bile oldu ya🤗
Ve bu kitabı da sevdim. Seri kesinlikle çok güzel. İnsanı resmen rahatlatıyorlar 🤗
Ve bu kitabı da sevdim. Seri kesinlikle çok güzel. İnsanı resmen rahatlatıyorlar 🤗
January 19, 2012
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Grant. He was a man that was hung up on the woman who left him a year ago and was determine to get her back. He didn't listen when Abby repeatedly told him they were over, instead became more adamant that he'd get her back. But as Falling for Love opens, you can see that Grant is truly a lost soul and he's simply hanging onto the one lifeline he thinks will keep him above water. He doesn't anticipate anything changing his course of action, especially not the red-headed spitfire who manages his families restaurant. It's seems only one a certain appendage (below the waist) of Grant's seems to recognize Stephanie as the one who can pull him out of the slump he's in.
But Stephanie has her own issues to deal with. She's spent fourteen years trying to free her stepfather from prison. Every dime she has goes towards appealing the conviction he was wrongly given after he rescued her from her abusive mother. So while she works to right a wrong, she find herself attracted to the last man she should. She doesn't think she's good enough for Grant, but she can't seem to stay out of his business either. Grant's actions, whether it's verbally sparring with her or making love to her, slowly chips away at the barriers she's built around her heart. But she's still left with that one nagging question...is being with her worth giving up Hollywood and the career Grant loves or will he leave her like he left Abby?
I think what makes Grant and Stephanie stand out to me as a couple in this series is that they both fought their coupling so hard. Sure they were great in bed, but it was all the other "stuff" that seemed to get in the way. They had to really dig through all that to get to their HEA.
Loved the continuation of Mac and Maddie's storyline. I think the best part of the book was when Mac told Maddie it was time to meet their daughter and when she questioned why he thought they were having a girl he said "Only a woman would create this kind of drama." I guess deciding to be born two months early during a tropical storm with no doctor (that they knew of) on the island constitues drama!
Another great addition to the series. Looking forward to more.
But Stephanie has her own issues to deal with. She's spent fourteen years trying to free her stepfather from prison. Every dime she has goes towards appealing the conviction he was wrongly given after he rescued her from her abusive mother. So while she works to right a wrong, she find herself attracted to the last man she should. She doesn't think she's good enough for Grant, but she can't seem to stay out of his business either. Grant's actions, whether it's verbally sparring with her or making love to her, slowly chips away at the barriers she's built around her heart. But she's still left with that one nagging question...is being with her worth giving up Hollywood and the career Grant loves or will he leave her like he left Abby?
I think what makes Grant and Stephanie stand out to me as a couple in this series is that they both fought their coupling so hard. Sure they were great in bed, but it was all the other "stuff" that seemed to get in the way. They had to really dig through all that to get to their HEA.
Loved the continuation of Mac and Maddie's storyline. I think the best part of the book was when Mac told Maddie it was time to meet their daughter and when she questioned why he thought they were having a girl he said "Only a woman would create this kind of drama." I guess deciding to be born two months early during a tropical storm with no doctor (that they knew of) on the island constitues drama!
Another great addition to the series. Looking forward to more.
June 10, 2012
Piper's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
4.5 Stars
Marie Force is another author I love to read. This is the fourth book in The McCarthy's of Gansett Island series, but you do not need to read the others to enjoy this wonderful story. Of course you will only enjoy it more if you have read the other stories. This is Grant's story and with each book these stories just get better.
Stephanie has been through a lot of hard times in her life and manages to keep it together and find her way on her on. Grant is an Oscar winning screenwritter who has not written a thing since he won the Oscar. Grant is back in Gansett for his sister's wedding. The spark between Stephanie and Grant is great. Their love story is written so well that you root for them from the start. Grant and Stephanie challenge each other in the best possible ways. Marie kicks it up a notch in this story. Falling For Loving has a little more steam than the previous book, which was great. Grant and Stephanie really do heat up the bedroom and some other places as well. I love that Marie never leaves the other residences of Gansett Island out of the stories. Marie always has wonderful secondary stories that keep previous stories going or set up the great stories to come. You will not be disappointed in this book or any of the other wonderful McCarthy stories.
Happy Reading
4.5 Stars
Marie Force is another author I love to read. This is the fourth book in The McCarthy's of Gansett Island series, but you do not need to read the others to enjoy this wonderful story. Of course you will only enjoy it more if you have read the other stories. This is Grant's story and with each book these stories just get better.
Stephanie has been through a lot of hard times in her life and manages to keep it together and find her way on her on. Grant is an Oscar winning screenwritter who has not written a thing since he won the Oscar. Grant is back in Gansett for his sister's wedding. The spark between Stephanie and Grant is great. Their love story is written so well that you root for them from the start. Grant and Stephanie challenge each other in the best possible ways. Marie kicks it up a notch in this story. Falling For Loving has a little more steam than the previous book, which was great. Grant and Stephanie really do heat up the bedroom and some other places as well. I love that Marie never leaves the other residences of Gansett Island out of the stories. Marie always has wonderful secondary stories that keep previous stories going or set up the great stories to come. You will not be disappointed in this book or any of the other wonderful McCarthy stories.
Happy Reading
January 18, 2012
The fourth installment in the "McCarthys of Gansett Island" series was filled with sensual sparks as Grant and Stephanie steamed up the pages. FALLING FOR LOVE surpasses any expectations I might have had in mind for this particular couple. So far, this one is my favorite book in the series -- and they've all been superb. There's lots of interaction with the entire McCarthy family, along with introductions to new characters as well. Marie Force continues to set the standard high with great interaction between characters, storylines that are filled with interesting topics, dialogues that flow naturally, and her ever present attention to details and editing . . . a big plus for self-publishing authors in my opinion. Each visit to Gansett Island just gets better and better and I'm considering permanent residency.
September 10, 2016
I am a huge fan of Marie Force, which is why it pains me to admit...I really didn't like this book. There was a LOT going on in this book. To me, it didn't seem like there was one focused couple. Not only did Grant and Stephanie get a storyline, but in come Mac and Maddie....then Francine and Ned had quite a story to tell as well. There was a little triangle with David, Joe and Janey...I admit it didn't last long, but I felt it was unnecessary. The ending really annoyed me, it was so...abrupt. I admit, I did like getting to visit with Mac, Maddie, Joe and Janey...but it just seemed to much to cram it all in one book. My favorite part of the book, was the birth of the baby. There was so much emotion packed in that delivery room it was very well written. I am the first to say, I understand not everyone likes every book, this just happens to be one I didn't care for.
May 9, 2015
It's a total lie that this book is a stand alone, actually I believe that none of them are. Even with the author making extra effort explaining who is who and what happened with them, I still think there's too much going on. Because there's no way we can make a connection with the characters when they're shoved down our throats. And for those that are reading the series since the beginning it must be really annoying having to read again and again what happened in the other books.
With all this extra weight there's no room to properly develop the main couple's relationship.
With all this extra weight there's no room to properly develop the main couple's relationship.
January 22, 2012
What can I say about this book. I loved the story of Steph and Grant but their were so many other story lines too. Like Laura and Owen I would like to see more of them. Just can't wait for Evan's Story Next!!
January 18, 2012
I love this series Marie Force can do no wrong.
January 7, 2023
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Falling for Love is the fourth installment of Marie Force’s long-running Gansett Island series. In this one we have Grant, the second-oldest McCarthy sibling, paired with Stephanie, the young woman his parents hired to run the Beachcomber during the summer season. As an award-winning screenwriter, Grant had been in Los Angeles, but he returned home for his sister’s wedding with intentions of wooing back Abby, the woman he’s always believed to be the love of his life. However, Abby is now engaged to someone else, and when Grant meets Stephanie, sparks fly. At the end of the previous book, these two were headed toward a one-night stand, and this book opens in the awkward aftermath of their steamy night together. Overnight a powerful Nor’easter blows in, leaving the residents of Gansett Island cut off from the mainland and in the dark, without power, for several days. Grant and Stephanie thought it would only be the one night, but with everything closed down and not much else to do, they get to know each other better, leading to many more passionate encounters that rock both their worlds. Grant learns of Stephanie’s plight with regards to her imprisoned stepfather and decides he wants to help in any way he can. He also comes to the realization that Abby wasn’t the woman for him after all, and that he feels more strongly for Stephanie in just a few days than he ever did for Abby over years. But convincing Steph of his sincerity could be a challenge especially when he’s offered a new, potentially lucrative screenwriting deal that requires him to be back in L.A. in a few short days.
Grant has always had a passion for writing and his talents earned him an Oscar for a screenplay he authored. But ever since winning the award, he can’t seem to find another gig and he’s lost his muse. Grant had been in love with his high-school sweetheart and they’d been together for many years until Abby found her passion as a gift shop owner on Gansett Island. She begged him to come home and write there, and told him that if he didn’t, it was over between them. Not taking her seriously, Grant chose to stay in L.A. to keep pursuing an elusive movie deal that never materialized. A year later, he’s returned to Gansett for his baby sister, Janey’s wedding. While there he intends to get Abby back, but he’s shocked to discover that she’s now engaged to someone else. Drunk and upset, he meets up with Stephanie at the wedding and ends up sharing a night of passion with her. He awakens the next morning to no memory of what happened, and when it becomes obvious that they slept together, he hopes to just pretend it didn’t happen. He has no such luck when a powerful storm blows in, knocking out power to the island. He also pretty quickly comes to the realization that things really are over between him and Abby, and as his memories of the night with Stephanie start to resurface, it slowly becomes a case of “Abby who?”. Grant and Stephanie can’t seem to keep their hands off each other and share many more passionate encounters. They also get to know each other on a deeper level and when Grant learns how hard things have been for Stephanie, he wants nothing more than to help her even if this thing between them doesn’t last. But when he’s finally offered a new movie deal, he’ll have a hard time convincing her that he’s coming back for her. Grant is yet another to-die-for hero in this series who I absolutely fell for. Man-whores in romance seem to be a dime a dozen, so I love that he’s a one-woman kind of guy who’d never been with another woman besides Abby until his night with Stephanie. Then in pretty short order, he’s all-in on Steph. I also adored him for wanting to use his money and influence to help Steph with her problems and that he’s very supportive of her. He’s just an all-around great guy.
Stephanie was raised by an abusive mother and the only person who ever truly cared for her was her stepfather, who is now unjustly in prison for kidnapping and assaulting her… except that he didn’t do it. He never laid a hand on her and only technically kidnapped her to get her away from her mother. Feeling responsible, Steph has spent the past fourteen years and nearly every spare penny she’s earned trying to get him a new trial in hopes of him finally being released, but so far, to no avail. Steph met Big Mac and Linda on the mainland, where they asked her to manage the Beachcomber for them during the summer season. It’s a job that has paid well and that she enjoys, but when the summer is over, she plans to return to Rhode Island. Then she meets Grant. The two seem like oil and water until the night following Janey’s wedding, when Grant totally rocked her world. She needed to blow off some steam, and knowing that he still wants to pursue his ex, she decides not to make a big deal of it. But then it happens again… and again, until she can no longer deny their chemistry. She also gradually warms up to him, sharing her story and is surprised to find an ally. Not only does Grant believe her, but he also wants to use his resources to try to help her, something no one has ever done for her before, which finally gives her hope for the future. But when she learns about Grant’s new job offer, she doesn’t truly believe him when he says he’s coming back for her. Steph is a young woman who’s had a rough go of it in life. She’s never genuinely known the love of family until meeting the McCarthys and all the other wonderful people on Gansett Island. I think she wants to believe it can be hers, but isn’t sure she deserves it, yet her heart is open when things start falling into place. Steph is sweet with a back bone, challenging Grant in a way Abby never did and matching his passion with a fire of her own. I loved and related to her very much.
Given the long-running nature of the Gansett Island series, we have secondary POVs aplenty and I loved catching up with all the other island residents. Mac and Maddie (Maid for Love) welcome their new baby in dramatic fashion during the storm. I love the way Mac cares so tenderly for Maddie but is also fiercely protective. Joe and Janey’s (Fool for Love) honeymoon gets postponed due to the storm. Sydney (Ready for Love) takes care of Luke who is still suffering from an injured ankle after his heroic rescue of Big Mac in the previous book. Big Mac (Celebration After Dark) is also still recovering with Linda’s help after his life-threatening injuries. Grant’s younger brothers Evan (Hoping for Love) and Adam (Waiting for Love) are also on the island for the wedding and to help out. Grant’s cousin, Laura, (Season for Love) is visiting, too. She comes clean to the family about why her new husband isn’t with her and meets musician Owen who offers her a tempting new opportunity. We briefly see Blaine and Tiffany (Longing for Love) and learn that Tiffany’s husband is leaving her. Janey’s ex, David, comes to the rescue when Maddie goes into labor early and begins his redemption arc toward becoming the hero of Time for Love. But perhaps most fun of all is old Ned. When he was introduced in the very first book, I never would have guessed what a hopeless romantic he’d turn out to be. He reconnected with his long-lost love, Francine, in the previous book and although Francine drops a bit of a bomb on him in this book, they work through it to take the next steps in their relationship.
Overall, I loved Falling for Love every bit as much as the previous books in the series. Grant is a yummy hero, sweet, gentle and a passionate lover. Although he didn’t initially think Stephanie was his type, I was glad that he didn’t pine very long over Abby and instead opened his heart to Steph pretty quickly. She also proved to be the muse that he desperately needed. Steph is a strong, determined woman, but open to letting Grant help her when he offers. Although she has a hard time believing that it will actually work out between them, she gradually lets him in and is surprised by what she finds. These two were great together, and I’m absolutely certain we’ll see more of them as the series progresses. I can’t wait to learn how things turn out with a couple of loose threads that were left hanging and I have to doubt that Marie Force will fill us in later. The supporting characters give the series lots of flavor and many different perspectives, and I loved learning what’s going on in the lives of the people we’ve already met, as well as meeting new ones who’ll play roles down the line. Falling for Love was an absolute pleasure to read and I can’t wait to continue the series soon.
Falling for Love is the fourth installment of Marie Force’s long-running Gansett Island series. In this one we have Grant, the second-oldest McCarthy sibling, paired with Stephanie, the young woman his parents hired to run the Beachcomber during the summer season. As an award-winning screenwriter, Grant had been in Los Angeles, but he returned home for his sister’s wedding with intentions of wooing back Abby, the woman he’s always believed to be the love of his life. However, Abby is now engaged to someone else, and when Grant meets Stephanie, sparks fly. At the end of the previous book, these two were headed toward a one-night stand, and this book opens in the awkward aftermath of their steamy night together. Overnight a powerful Nor’easter blows in, leaving the residents of Gansett Island cut off from the mainland and in the dark, without power, for several days. Grant and Stephanie thought it would only be the one night, but with everything closed down and not much else to do, they get to know each other better, leading to many more passionate encounters that rock both their worlds. Grant learns of Stephanie’s plight with regards to her imprisoned stepfather and decides he wants to help in any way he can. He also comes to the realization that Abby wasn’t the woman for him after all, and that he feels more strongly for Stephanie in just a few days than he ever did for Abby over years. But convincing Steph of his sincerity could be a challenge especially when he’s offered a new, potentially lucrative screenwriting deal that requires him to be back in L.A. in a few short days.
Grant has always had a passion for writing and his talents earned him an Oscar for a screenplay he authored. But ever since winning the award, he can’t seem to find another gig and he’s lost his muse. Grant had been in love with his high-school sweetheart and they’d been together for many years until Abby found her passion as a gift shop owner on Gansett Island. She begged him to come home and write there, and told him that if he didn’t, it was over between them. Not taking her seriously, Grant chose to stay in L.A. to keep pursuing an elusive movie deal that never materialized. A year later, he’s returned to Gansett for his baby sister, Janey’s wedding. While there he intends to get Abby back, but he’s shocked to discover that she’s now engaged to someone else. Drunk and upset, he meets up with Stephanie at the wedding and ends up sharing a night of passion with her. He awakens the next morning to no memory of what happened, and when it becomes obvious that they slept together, he hopes to just pretend it didn’t happen. He has no such luck when a powerful storm blows in, knocking out power to the island. He also pretty quickly comes to the realization that things really are over between him and Abby, and as his memories of the night with Stephanie start to resurface, it slowly becomes a case of “Abby who?”. Grant and Stephanie can’t seem to keep their hands off each other and share many more passionate encounters. They also get to know each other on a deeper level and when Grant learns how hard things have been for Stephanie, he wants nothing more than to help her even if this thing between them doesn’t last. But when he’s finally offered a new movie deal, he’ll have a hard time convincing her that he’s coming back for her. Grant is yet another to-die-for hero in this series who I absolutely fell for. Man-whores in romance seem to be a dime a dozen, so I love that he’s a one-woman kind of guy who’d never been with another woman besides Abby until his night with Stephanie. Then in pretty short order, he’s all-in on Steph. I also adored him for wanting to use his money and influence to help Steph with her problems and that he’s very supportive of her. He’s just an all-around great guy.
Stephanie was raised by an abusive mother and the only person who ever truly cared for her was her stepfather, who is now unjustly in prison for kidnapping and assaulting her… except that he didn’t do it. He never laid a hand on her and only technically kidnapped her to get her away from her mother. Feeling responsible, Steph has spent the past fourteen years and nearly every spare penny she’s earned trying to get him a new trial in hopes of him finally being released, but so far, to no avail. Steph met Big Mac and Linda on the mainland, where they asked her to manage the Beachcomber for them during the summer season. It’s a job that has paid well and that she enjoys, but when the summer is over, she plans to return to Rhode Island. Then she meets Grant. The two seem like oil and water until the night following Janey’s wedding, when Grant totally rocked her world. She needed to blow off some steam, and knowing that he still wants to pursue his ex, she decides not to make a big deal of it. But then it happens again… and again, until she can no longer deny their chemistry. She also gradually warms up to him, sharing her story and is surprised to find an ally. Not only does Grant believe her, but he also wants to use his resources to try to help her, something no one has ever done for her before, which finally gives her hope for the future. But when she learns about Grant’s new job offer, she doesn’t truly believe him when he says he’s coming back for her. Steph is a young woman who’s had a rough go of it in life. She’s never genuinely known the love of family until meeting the McCarthys and all the other wonderful people on Gansett Island. I think she wants to believe it can be hers, but isn’t sure she deserves it, yet her heart is open when things start falling into place. Steph is sweet with a back bone, challenging Grant in a way Abby never did and matching his passion with a fire of her own. I loved and related to her very much.
Given the long-running nature of the Gansett Island series, we have secondary POVs aplenty and I loved catching up with all the other island residents. Mac and Maddie (Maid for Love) welcome their new baby in dramatic fashion during the storm. I love the way Mac cares so tenderly for Maddie but is also fiercely protective. Joe and Janey’s (Fool for Love) honeymoon gets postponed due to the storm. Sydney (Ready for Love) takes care of Luke who is still suffering from an injured ankle after his heroic rescue of Big Mac in the previous book. Big Mac (Celebration After Dark) is also still recovering with Linda’s help after his life-threatening injuries. Grant’s younger brothers Evan (Hoping for Love) and Adam (Waiting for Love) are also on the island for the wedding and to help out. Grant’s cousin, Laura, (Season for Love) is visiting, too. She comes clean to the family about why her new husband isn’t with her and meets musician Owen who offers her a tempting new opportunity. We briefly see Blaine and Tiffany (Longing for Love) and learn that Tiffany’s husband is leaving her. Janey’s ex, David, comes to the rescue when Maddie goes into labor early and begins his redemption arc toward becoming the hero of Time for Love. But perhaps most fun of all is old Ned. When he was introduced in the very first book, I never would have guessed what a hopeless romantic he’d turn out to be. He reconnected with his long-lost love, Francine, in the previous book and although Francine drops a bit of a bomb on him in this book, they work through it to take the next steps in their relationship.
Overall, I loved Falling for Love every bit as much as the previous books in the series. Grant is a yummy hero, sweet, gentle and a passionate lover. Although he didn’t initially think Stephanie was his type, I was glad that he didn’t pine very long over Abby and instead opened his heart to Steph pretty quickly. She also proved to be the muse that he desperately needed. Steph is a strong, determined woman, but open to letting Grant help her when he offers. Although she has a hard time believing that it will actually work out between them, she gradually lets him in and is surprised by what she finds. These two were great together, and I’m absolutely certain we’ll see more of them as the series progresses. I can’t wait to learn how things turn out with a couple of loose threads that were left hanging and I have to doubt that Marie Force will fill us in later. The supporting characters give the series lots of flavor and many different perspectives, and I loved learning what’s going on in the lives of the people we’ve already met, as well as meeting new ones who’ll play roles down the line. Falling for Love was an absolute pleasure to read and I can’t wait to continue the series soon.
January 20, 2012
Falling for Love is the 4th book in the series following The McCarthy Family of Gansett Island.
We have all come to love the McCarthy family and this book pulls you in even more. Grant was in love with Abby, but then made some bad life choices and ended up losing the love of his life. In this book he redeams himself and finds it wasn't really love he shared with Abby and learns what love really is with Stephanie.
In the process of new love, Big Mac healing from the boat accident and a wedding, a storm hits the island. With no power, no way on or off the island, and doctor, Maddie finds herself a little worried when braxton hicks contractions turn into a little bit more than anyone planned on.
This book will have you laughing, crying and leave you wanting more. I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out this spring. Thanks for another GREAT read, Marie.
We have all come to love the McCarthy family and this book pulls you in even more. Grant was in love with Abby, but then made some bad life choices and ended up losing the love of his life. In this book he redeams himself and finds it wasn't really love he shared with Abby and learns what love really is with Stephanie.
In the process of new love, Big Mac healing from the boat accident and a wedding, a storm hits the island. With no power, no way on or off the island, and doctor, Maddie finds herself a little worried when braxton hicks contractions turn into a little bit more than anyone planned on.
This book will have you laughing, crying and leave you wanting more. I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out this spring. Thanks for another GREAT read, Marie.
January 21, 2012
I just finished FALLING FOR LOVE and loved it! So much happened in this book...a little drama with Francine and Ned, a new baby, a wedding, and Stephanie and Grant getting together!
I liked how Stephanie and Grant got together. I loved their chemistry and how Stephanie challenged Grant. I was so happy to see him realize she was it for him. As always I liked checking back in with everyone.
I liked the side story of Laura and Owen…I hope we get to see more of them in future books. After reading the excerpt from book #5 I can’t wait for Spring!
I liked how Stephanie and Grant got together. I loved their chemistry and how Stephanie challenged Grant. I was so happy to see him realize she was it for him. As always I liked checking back in with everyone.
I liked the side story of Laura and Owen…I hope we get to see more of them in future books. After reading the excerpt from book #5 I can’t wait for Spring!
January 19, 2012
Well let me start by saying I'm a fiercely loyal Marie Force fan (is there any other kind?). With that said, this was my least favorite of hers. I connected with the main characters a bit but I think it had more to do with the McCarthy connection than to Grant and Stephanie. For me it was just crazy, hot sex. Which I love to read about don't get me wrong, but that's all there was. No substance for them as a couple. As always I'm thrilled to have been able to read another MF book and I understand that not every book will be a hit with every reader. This one just wasn't for me.
July 25, 2013
When I pick up a Marie Force book, I expect to read about solid characters with real life issues and a great mix of drama, romance, emotion, and humor. This newest addition to the series does not disappoint.
There is also a great balance between telling the main characters' story while advancing the story lines of characters we've grown to love in previous books.
There is also a great balance between telling the main characters' story while advancing the story lines of characters we've grown to love in previous books.
September 5, 2015
This one had a ton of potential and I liked where it was going in the beginning, but it gave up the fight too quickly. He's totally in love with his ex and then, eh, not so much. Could have played up that tension for much better effect. This book was pretty short, 250 pages, it could have benefited from a few extra pages to really bring the story home.
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