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Abieville Love Stories #3
That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss
My dream job just got snapped up by the one man who rejected me…
That’s right. I’m an unemployed twenty-something stuck sleeping on my grandmother’s old futon while Hudson Blaine, the guy who shot me down, gets to manage The Beachfront Inn.
Talk about life being unfair.
I’m about to flee town with what’s left of my pride when Mr. Rejection begs me to stay. Apparently, he needs my help resuscitating the inn’s reputation before the grand reopening.
But I’m not sure I can bear Hudson being my new boss, or survive sharing an office with him and his wife-me-up eyes.
So I tell myself it’s just for one month. One month to prove myself and what I’m capable of…
Or go down on the shores of The Beachfront Inn in a blaze of humiliation.
That’s right. I’m an unemployed twenty-something stuck sleeping on my grandmother’s old futon while Hudson Blaine, the guy who shot me down, gets to manage The Beachfront Inn.
Talk about life being unfair.
I’m about to flee town with what’s left of my pride when Mr. Rejection begs me to stay. Apparently, he needs my help resuscitating the inn’s reputation before the grand reopening.
But I’m not sure I can bear Hudson being my new boss, or survive sharing an office with him and his wife-me-up eyes.
So I tell myself it’s just for one month. One month to prove myself and what I’m capable of…
Or go down on the shores of The Beachfront Inn in a blaze of humiliation.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2024
303 people are currently reading
873 people want to read
About the author
Julie Christianson
16 books606 followersJulie Christianson writes sweet romantic comedies—but only when she’s not reading them. Born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, she loves her hilarious family, her three crazy rescue dogs, and laughing at her own jokes.
Julie dreamed of being an author the first time she held a crayon, and after the library where she worked closed in 2020, she decided to try her hand at penning her own small-town romcoms.
She’s a former high school English teacher and lapsed marathon runner, the mother of two great kids, and the wife of one very funny man. Her goal is to write books that make you laugh out loud, fall in love, and live happily ever after.
To connect with Julie, follow her on instagram (@juliechristiansonauthor), Facebook (@juliechristiansonauthor) or visit her website, juliechristianson.com.!
Julie dreamed of being an author the first time she held a crayon, and after the library where she worked closed in 2020, she decided to try her hand at penning her own small-town romcoms.
She’s a former high school English teacher and lapsed marathon runner, the mother of two great kids, and the wife of one very funny man. Her goal is to write books that make you laugh out loud, fall in love, and live happily ever after.
To connect with Julie, follow her on instagram (@juliechristiansonauthor), Facebook (@juliechristiansonauthor) or visit her website, juliechristianson.com.!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
March 17, 2024
What I liked-
- love that the FMC dresses cute and wears makeup; she’s feminine & pretty and still casual & fun to be around.
- Love the family dynamics- especially the close relationships between cousins!
- There were some funny embarrassing moments, like the dry cupcakes misunderstanding.
- Clean romance! And no swearing.
- The 2 main characters are nice people.
What I didn’t love-
- FMC dealing with insecurities about her worth that seem like a stretch to me, and some self discovery that is described in detail. Self therapy is never my favorite aspect in romances, and this had enough that it made the book drag!!! I almost DNF’d it with 4 chapters left, but I powered through.
- Romance had good potential and I was feeling the anticipation, but it fizzled and ended up getting pretty cheesy. :( Maybe the dual POV had something to do with the lower chemistry. The “finding yourself” and therapy talk absolutely definitely had a role in the low chemistry since all that took center stage after they were both into each other at the 50% mark.
- There’s the token outspoken grandma who sexually harasses hot guys. Luckily she didn’t have a lot of page time. Same with the fact that Olivia is incompetent with making even basic food; I was thankful that didn’t have a lot of page time either.
- By the way, the whole scene with Jacqueline was weird.
- love that the FMC dresses cute and wears makeup; she’s feminine & pretty and still casual & fun to be around.
- Love the family dynamics- especially the close relationships between cousins!
- There were some funny embarrassing moments, like the dry cupcakes misunderstanding.
- Clean romance! And no swearing.
- The 2 main characters are nice people.
What I didn’t love-
- FMC dealing with insecurities about her worth that seem like a stretch to me, and some self discovery that is described in detail. Self therapy is never my favorite aspect in romances, and this had enough that it made the book drag!!! I almost DNF’d it with 4 chapters left, but I powered through.
- Romance had good potential and I was feeling the anticipation, but it fizzled and ended up getting pretty cheesy. :( Maybe the dual POV had something to do with the lower chemistry. The “finding yourself” and therapy talk absolutely definitely had a role in the low chemistry since all that took center stage after they were both into each other at the 50% mark.
- There’s the token outspoken grandma who sexually harasses hot guys. Luckily she didn’t have a lot of page time. Same with the fact that Olivia is incompetent with making even basic food; I was thankful that didn’t have a lot of page time either.
- By the way, the whole scene with Jacqueline was weird.
March 1, 2024
How to convey this book in a few sentences...
Let's just say that this is one of the messages I sent to Julie Christianson:
I am SO into this book. Liv just asked Hudson about getting locals to donate their old books for the library. I was just thinking, "Oh, yeah! I could take... Oh. Never mind."
Yeah. You could say I was living in this story.
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
Let's just say that this is one of the messages I sent to Julie Christianson:
I am SO into this book. Liv just asked Hudson about getting locals to donate their old books for the library. I was just thinking, "Oh, yeah! I could take... Oh. Never mind."
Yeah. You could say I was living in this story.
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
April 11, 2024
“On the one hand, Olivia McCoy is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. On the other hand, she’s the kind of woman who breaks men’s hearts. What I need is a third hand to remind me I’ve sworn off all women entirely.”
This story was fun, sweet, heartwarming, and an absolute delight!
Between Hudson‘s parent’s divorce and a recent breakup, he knows the only way to avoid heartbreak is to avoid any romantic relationships.
Olivia recently quit her job in Colorado and is back in Abieville, trying to figure out her next move. She gets a job temporarily working for Hudson. They have a bit of an awkward history with each other, but soon they develop a nice friendship.
In the past, Olivia came across as flighty, superficial, and a heartbreaker. Hudson soon learns there’s much more to her than what he originally thought, and he falls fast and hard.
What I Loved:
Forced proximity
Lakeside setting
Dual POV
He falls first
"I dare you"
Flirty banter
He takes care of her
Open communication
Wuthering Heights
He’s protective
The cupcakes
“Permanently interested”
The almost kisses
The second first kiss
HEA
This is book three in the Abieville Love Stories, and is my favorite of the series. I loved it!
Many thanks to the author for an ebook!
This story was fun, sweet, heartwarming, and an absolute delight!
Between Hudson‘s parent’s divorce and a recent breakup, he knows the only way to avoid heartbreak is to avoid any romantic relationships.
Olivia recently quit her job in Colorado and is back in Abieville, trying to figure out her next move. She gets a job temporarily working for Hudson. They have a bit of an awkward history with each other, but soon they develop a nice friendship.
In the past, Olivia came across as flighty, superficial, and a heartbreaker. Hudson soon learns there’s much more to her than what he originally thought, and he falls fast and hard.
What I Loved:
Forced proximity
Lakeside setting
Dual POV
He falls first
"I dare you"
Flirty banter
He takes care of her
Open communication
Wuthering Heights
He’s protective
The cupcakes
“Permanently interested”
The almost kisses
The second first kiss
HEA
This is book three in the Abieville Love Stories, and is my favorite of the series. I loved it!
Many thanks to the author for an ebook!
March 4, 2024
Oh my goodness, I am having the hardest time even knowing where to start with this book to adequately describe how much I love it.
It is the FUN-BRINGER!!!
Julie is an author that is solidly on my auto-buy/auto-read list and each book of hers is another notch on the ever growing list of why she is on that list. I can reread her books over and over for the rest of my life and be perfectly content.
Okay, lets move on to this book!!
Olivia...Liv. She feels all of the pressure of being a triplet and feeling lesser-than her sisters. I loved her character arc. It's one that's so relatable to anyone with siblings or works closely with others. I love her tenacity, her fight and her overall personality!
Hudson. Hudson has a great arc as well. (Two amazing and full arcs in one story is kind of like the jackpot!) Hudson also has something to prove and while his reasons are different than Liv's, they are both valid and will tug at your heart strings.
The swoon factor is at an all-time high in this book. Forced proximity in this workplace romance creates so much fun for these two characters. They have the sweetest gestures towards one another and dual POV is 100% excellent in this book. SO MUCH FUN! The chemistry and tension is palpable and I dare you to not be completely entertained throughout this entire book! ...and once you read this book you'll have a new love of dares :)
"...now that Olivia and I are working together, we'll be forced to keep things professional. Technically, she's my assistant, which makes me the boss. And I promised her a reference when she leaves. So anything happening between us would be--at best--unethical. And at worse, against some kind of workplace rules. So there's no chance of romance at all, right?
"Sure, buddy."
"Oh, Hudson." Winnie's mouth is on a slant. "Have you ever seen a Hallmark movie?"
Excellent read and entertaining from start to finish!
BIG TIME FAN of this one!!! Cue all the CAPS LOCK and emojis!!!
This book will be available March 8, 2024.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content: parent abandonment, self discovery, minimal innuendo, adorable moments throughout, full of the swoonies, romance-kisses only.
It is the FUN-BRINGER!!!
Julie is an author that is solidly on my auto-buy/auto-read list and each book of hers is another notch on the ever growing list of why she is on that list. I can reread her books over and over for the rest of my life and be perfectly content.
Okay, lets move on to this book!!
Olivia...Liv. She feels all of the pressure of being a triplet and feeling lesser-than her sisters. I loved her character arc. It's one that's so relatable to anyone with siblings or works closely with others. I love her tenacity, her fight and her overall personality!
Hudson. Hudson has a great arc as well. (Two amazing and full arcs in one story is kind of like the jackpot!) Hudson also has something to prove and while his reasons are different than Liv's, they are both valid and will tug at your heart strings.
The swoon factor is at an all-time high in this book. Forced proximity in this workplace romance creates so much fun for these two characters. They have the sweetest gestures towards one another and dual POV is 100% excellent in this book. SO MUCH FUN! The chemistry and tension is palpable and I dare you to not be completely entertained throughout this entire book! ...and once you read this book you'll have a new love of dares :)
"...now that Olivia and I are working together, we'll be forced to keep things professional. Technically, she's my assistant, which makes me the boss. And I promised her a reference when she leaves. So anything happening between us would be--at best--unethical. And at worse, against some kind of workplace rules. So there's no chance of romance at all, right?
"Sure, buddy."
"Oh, Hudson." Winnie's mouth is on a slant. "Have you ever seen a Hallmark movie?"
Excellent read and entertaining from start to finish!
BIG TIME FAN of this one!!! Cue all the CAPS LOCK and emojis!!!
This book will be available March 8, 2024.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content: parent abandonment, self discovery, minimal innuendo, adorable moments throughout, full of the swoonies, romance-kisses only.
March 8, 2024
It felt so good to have a book by Julie in my hands again! I have missed my friends from Apple Valley and we picked right back up where we left off! Also! buddy reading this with my bestie, Kayla, was a treat! I loved our fangirling moments and your insights to being a twin. You made me love this story all the more.
It all started with a dare…and ended up being so much more.
Olivia grew up being a triplet, and never really felt like she measured up to her sisters. She didn’t understand her true worth. But underneath, she was a ray of sunshine and the sweetest person. She had so much to offer and was very smart and determined.
Hudson was so dreamy, y’all! He won my heart from the beginning! He came from a rocky past and never had a role model of what true love should and feel look like. But when Olivia trips into his life, he starts to see maybe there is someone out there for him, someone to love him for who he is.
I loved these two so much! They both got off on the wrong foot after the dare, but oh, it led to so much more. I loved the slow build to their relationship. Olivia seen Hudson to his core and she showed him in all the small ways that she did. It was a beautiful thing to see. And Hudson helped her see her worth. The growth of these characters was one of my favorite things from this book.
There were so many sweet, swoony, funny and tender moments in this book. I’m still not over Liv and Hudson and all their sweetness!
I loved seeing all the McCoy siblings again and the rest of Apple Valley! These characters feel like family to me and I’m already looking forward to the next book!
Caution: this book may cause you to want to watch Jane Eyre. My fav is the series version, in case you wondered! 😂
Things I Loved:
💦The Dare
💦Embarrassing moments
💦Sesame seed buns
💦Cupcakes
💦Sibling group chats
💦Big Mama
💦The fire hose
💦Nicknames
💦The dunk tank
💦She wears his clothes
💦He takes care of her
💦Jane Eyre references
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 13, 2024
I loved this super sweet and swoony story from Julie Christianson! It was a fun read that was hard to put down.
Olivia just got passed over for a promotion. She finds herself jobless and homeless after quitting her job in order to gain manager experience somewhere else, so she returns to Abieville to stay with her family while she figures out her next step. When she hears of a job opening at the Beachfront it sounds like the perfect fit, so she heads straight over there only to find out the job has already been filled by Hudson. Hudson and her have some history and are currently not on friendliest of terms.
This book is one you will need to binge so make sure you get comfy! I promise you once you start you won’t want to stop reading. I inhaled the story like the breath of fresh air that it is. It started off in a way that I wasn’t expecting. I just loved it and was very intrigued. I couldn’t wait to see how things would pan out for Hudson and Olivia. Hudson and Olivia both have great arcs that brought depth to their characters. They both had different reasons that kept them from wanting a relationship, but when they fell for each other they fell hard. I loved Olivia’s spunk and pure genuine heart. Hudson wanted to take care of her and had so much concern for Olivia. I adored that about him! I just love the characters Julie writes. I clearly see Hudson and Olivia together forever! They were super cute together and so so swoony! The story is light and fun. Just pure happiness! It is one rom-com lovers will fall in love with. I know I did.
What I loved:
Small Town
The nicknames
He falls first
Titanic reference - You Jump, I Jump
“And now I feel like I'm ten years old, standing on a porch, asking a friend to come out and play. Except someone just said, “Hubba, hubba in the background. So that’s different.”
The cupcakes
“Not just the food, also the chef”
Natalie and Brady, Hadley and Link cameos
The second first kiss
No third act breakup
McCoy sibling group chat
The ending
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Olivia just got passed over for a promotion. She finds herself jobless and homeless after quitting her job in order to gain manager experience somewhere else, so she returns to Abieville to stay with her family while she figures out her next step. When she hears of a job opening at the Beachfront it sounds like the perfect fit, so she heads straight over there only to find out the job has already been filled by Hudson. Hudson and her have some history and are currently not on friendliest of terms.
This book is one you will need to binge so make sure you get comfy! I promise you once you start you won’t want to stop reading. I inhaled the story like the breath of fresh air that it is. It started off in a way that I wasn’t expecting. I just loved it and was very intrigued. I couldn’t wait to see how things would pan out for Hudson and Olivia. Hudson and Olivia both have great arcs that brought depth to their characters. They both had different reasons that kept them from wanting a relationship, but when they fell for each other they fell hard. I loved Olivia’s spunk and pure genuine heart. Hudson wanted to take care of her and had so much concern for Olivia. I adored that about him! I just love the characters Julie writes. I clearly see Hudson and Olivia together forever! They were super cute together and so so swoony! The story is light and fun. Just pure happiness! It is one rom-com lovers will fall in love with. I know I did.
What I loved:
Small Town
The nicknames
He falls first
Titanic reference - You Jump, I Jump
“And now I feel like I'm ten years old, standing on a porch, asking a friend to come out and play. Except someone just said, “Hubba, hubba in the background. So that’s different.”
The cupcakes
“Not just the food, also the chef”
Natalie and Brady, Hadley and Link cameos
The second first kiss
No third act breakup
McCoy sibling group chat
The ending
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 8, 2024
Liv and Hudson have a tension-filled workplace romance with some great character growth and vulnerability amidst so much McCoy family hilarity and tons of sweetness.
Things I Loved:
-The dare 😂
-Eaten first by zombies
-Touché
-“And now I feel like I’m ten years old, standing on a porch, asking a friend to come out and play. Except someone just said, ‘Hubba hubba,’ in the background. So that’s different.”
-Big Mama
-Sibling thread
-Distractor
-Nope 😂
-The Betty White of the Adirondacks
-“The truth is, Olivia McCoy is braver and more generous than just about anyone I know. Too bad wanting her is self-destructive. And it’s also way too late for you to stop.”
-Reading 💛
-“You’re so piney and strong and messy, I can’t think straight anymore.”
-Hudson Blaine-hound
-Permanently interested 🫠
-“‘I knew I could count on you,’ she says. ‘Thanks for just listening and not resorting to rainbows or murder.’”
-HadLink!
-I dare you.
-“Yeah. Well. I guess I’m pretty grateful too …
… for the Johnsons, and new libraries, porch swings for two, and Hudson Blaine’s lips.”
-The ending 💛
Do yourself a favor and read this sweet and swoony story. I just couldn’t put it down—except I had to after the first chapter—being responsible with my sleep and all, and that was literally torture. When you read, you will understand…I binge read after that. 🤣
Things I Loved:
-The dare 😂
-Eaten first by zombies
-Touché
-“And now I feel like I’m ten years old, standing on a porch, asking a friend to come out and play. Except someone just said, ‘Hubba hubba,’ in the background. So that’s different.”
-Big Mama
-Sibling thread
-Distractor
-Nope 😂
-The Betty White of the Adirondacks
-“The truth is, Olivia McCoy is braver and more generous than just about anyone I know. Too bad wanting her is self-destructive. And it’s also way too late for you to stop.”
-Reading 💛
-“You’re so piney and strong and messy, I can’t think straight anymore.”
-Hudson Blaine-hound
-Permanently interested 🫠
-“‘I knew I could count on you,’ she says. ‘Thanks for just listening and not resorting to rainbows or murder.’”
-HadLink!
-I dare you.
-“Yeah. Well. I guess I’m pretty grateful too …
… for the Johnsons, and new libraries, porch swings for two, and Hudson Blaine’s lips.”
-The ending 💛
Do yourself a favor and read this sweet and swoony story. I just couldn’t put it down—except I had to after the first chapter—being responsible with my sleep and all, and that was literally torture. When you read, you will understand…I binge read after that. 🤣
March 17, 2024
4.5 stars rtc
May 4, 2024
That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Julie Christianson
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from Julie Christianson and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: My dream job just got snapped up by the one man who rejected me…
That’s right. I’m an unemployed twenty-something stuck sleeping on my grandmother’s old futon while Hudson Blaine, the guy who shot me down, gets to manage The Beachfront Inn. Talk about life being unfair. I’m about to flee town with what’s left of my pride when Mr. Rejection begs me to stay. Apparently, he needs my help resuscitating the inn’s reputation before the grand reopening. But I’m not sure I can bear Hudson being my new boss, or survive sharing an office with him and his wife-me-up eyes.
So I tell myself it’s just for one month. One month to prove myself and what I’m capable of … Or go down on the shores of The Beachfront Inn in a blaze of humiliation.
My Thoughts: This is the third book in the Abieville Love Stories. While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Liv finds herself unemployed and sleeping in her grandmother’s sewing room. At one of her cousins weddings, she kissed Hudson on a dare and he flat out rejected her. When Liv attempts to get the job at The Beachfront Inn, her dream job, of course Hudson has beat her to it. In a twist of events, Hudson begs Liv to stay and help him with the marketing to get the place opened. Liv swallows her humiliation and gives it one month, to help her resume. This follows the tropes of forced proximity, workplace romance, small town, and sworn off relationships.
The story is narrated by in a dual narration by both Liv and Hudson, in their respective perspectives. Liv is independent, fierce, and is trying to make her own mark in the world, independent of her triplet sisters. Hudson is charming, sexy, a little grumpy, and is trying to find his place away from his father. The chemistry between these two is out of this world. I really loved the dare in the beginning that opened the story up, Iit really plays into the triplet’s relationship and how rejection can come in many forms. They try to keep it strictly platonic, but that does not survive long. The characters were created with depth, witty flirty banter, chemistry, and creativity. The author’s writing style was complex, closed door, funny, swoon-perfect, and just beautiful. The supporting characters were wonderful, as always, and I really loved the family dynamics, this really elevated the story. From the first word to the last word, this was just a beautifully written story with an amazing HEA that warms my heart.
I really enjoyed this closed door romcom surrounded around the opening of the Beachfront Inn. This author is one of my favorites and I know when I open the page, I will get a lighthearted story that will touch my heart, and that will sometimes touch on sensitive subject matter, always with grace and dignity. This book is on KU. I highly recommend picking up today!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Julie Christianson
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from Julie Christianson and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: My dream job just got snapped up by the one man who rejected me…
That’s right. I’m an unemployed twenty-something stuck sleeping on my grandmother’s old futon while Hudson Blaine, the guy who shot me down, gets to manage The Beachfront Inn. Talk about life being unfair. I’m about to flee town with what’s left of my pride when Mr. Rejection begs me to stay. Apparently, he needs my help resuscitating the inn’s reputation before the grand reopening. But I’m not sure I can bear Hudson being my new boss, or survive sharing an office with him and his wife-me-up eyes.
So I tell myself it’s just for one month. One month to prove myself and what I’m capable of … Or go down on the shores of The Beachfront Inn in a blaze of humiliation.
My Thoughts: This is the third book in the Abieville Love Stories. While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Liv finds herself unemployed and sleeping in her grandmother’s sewing room. At one of her cousins weddings, she kissed Hudson on a dare and he flat out rejected her. When Liv attempts to get the job at The Beachfront Inn, her dream job, of course Hudson has beat her to it. In a twist of events, Hudson begs Liv to stay and help him with the marketing to get the place opened. Liv swallows her humiliation and gives it one month, to help her resume. This follows the tropes of forced proximity, workplace romance, small town, and sworn off relationships.
The story is narrated by in a dual narration by both Liv and Hudson, in their respective perspectives. Liv is independent, fierce, and is trying to make her own mark in the world, independent of her triplet sisters. Hudson is charming, sexy, a little grumpy, and is trying to find his place away from his father. The chemistry between these two is out of this world. I really loved the dare in the beginning that opened the story up, Iit really plays into the triplet’s relationship and how rejection can come in many forms. They try to keep it strictly platonic, but that does not survive long. The characters were created with depth, witty flirty banter, chemistry, and creativity. The author’s writing style was complex, closed door, funny, swoon-perfect, and just beautiful. The supporting characters were wonderful, as always, and I really loved the family dynamics, this really elevated the story. From the first word to the last word, this was just a beautifully written story with an amazing HEA that warms my heart.
I really enjoyed this closed door romcom surrounded around the opening of the Beachfront Inn. This author is one of my favorites and I know when I open the page, I will get a lighthearted story that will touch my heart, and that will sometimes touch on sensitive subject matter, always with grace and dignity. This book is on KU. I highly recommend picking up today!
May 29, 2025
This was so cute and cosy I listened to this arc on a 3 hour road trip then back again.
It kept me awake and smiling it was an easy listen the narrators did a great job.
Olivia, was fired from her job and has no where left to go apart from home to her mums and big mamas house. The small town where everyone knows eachother and everyone is related and family.
Hudson broke up with his girlfriend and decides to leave an unfulfilled job with his dad. His found a job and the beach side inn.
Together they go back for similar reasons but both want the same job.
After a few years ago Olivia kisses Hudson on a date and has been mortified about the situation when Hudson abruptly tells her no.
So how awkward can the next meeting be!
It was great the plot was great, the character on point!
Big mama is defo my fave!
If you want small town romance, an intrusive family, close door romance, lighthearted and not complicated this is for you!
Thank you netgalley and dreamscape select for the arc in exchange for an honest review
It kept me awake and smiling it was an easy listen the narrators did a great job.
Olivia, was fired from her job and has no where left to go apart from home to her mums and big mamas house. The small town where everyone knows eachother and everyone is related and family.
Hudson broke up with his girlfriend and decides to leave an unfulfilled job with his dad. His found a job and the beach side inn.
Together they go back for similar reasons but both want the same job.
After a few years ago Olivia kisses Hudson on a date and has been mortified about the situation when Hudson abruptly tells her no.
So how awkward can the next meeting be!
It was great the plot was great, the character on point!
Big mama is defo my fave!
If you want small town romance, an intrusive family, close door romance, lighthearted and not complicated this is for you!
Thank you netgalley and dreamscape select for the arc in exchange for an honest review
March 25, 2024
Olivia is a triplet. Can we give a round of applause to that mama? Sheesh. Olivia was my person. I so related to her struggles and celebrated her wins. She returns home to figure out all the hard things after being turned down for a promotion.
Of course she runs into a guy she kissed because of a dare in a totally embarrassing meet. And now he’s even more the hottie Hudson. And he took the job she wanted.
So many funny moments and things to love:
❤️sibling texts
❤️working together
❤️Big Mama
❤️cupcake fiasco
❤️Olivia’s superpowers
❤️Hudson’s big protective heart
❤️trust
❤️the ending
❤️interrupted and uninterrupted kisses
This totally stands alone and feels like that romcom you just want to marinate in for days. And this author ALWAYS brings the feels.
Can Olivia see her worth and find her own place? How can Hudson let Olivia fill his heart space?
Of course she runs into a guy she kissed because of a dare in a totally embarrassing meet. And now he’s even more the hottie Hudson. And he took the job she wanted.
So many funny moments and things to love:
❤️sibling texts
❤️working together
❤️Big Mama
❤️cupcake fiasco
❤️Olivia’s superpowers
❤️Hudson’s big protective heart
❤️trust
❤️the ending
❤️interrupted and uninterrupted kisses
This totally stands alone and feels like that romcom you just want to marinate in for days. And this author ALWAYS brings the feels.
Can Olivia see her worth and find her own place? How can Hudson let Olivia fill his heart space?
April 8, 2024
This sweet romcom is pretty predictable. The characters are average but likable. There are lots of side characters from previous books. The setting is great and a place I’d like to visit in real life. 3 1/2 stars.
June 25, 2025
** Updated audio book review**
I loved this book when I first read it last year and I loved experiencing it again in audio when I listened to it on a family road trip.
I found Hudson and Olivia to be extremely likable people. The awkwardness that they experienced with each other when they reconnected once Olivia was back in Abieville created excellent tension between them that had to be worked through.
Once again, I liked that Hudson was able to see that he had misjudged who Olivia was when they had last been around each other at her cousin’s wedding. As he began to work with Olivia and really talk with her, the attraction and connection grew between them in a very organic way. They were such a sweet couple!
The narrators did a great job of bring Olivia and Hudson to life in this audio book and I really enjoyed listening to this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this audio book, but have purchased print and ebook copies, as well. All opinions are my own.
**Original review**
This is book three in the Abieville Love Stories series, and I have had fun reading books one and two before this one. However, you could jump in and read That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss even if you haven’t read the other books in the series.
I really liked Hudson and Olivia. I liked the way Hudson’s eyes were opened to who Olivia was. He had been attracted to her, even when he met her a couple of years earlier, yet he had formed an idea of who she was that wasn’t exactly accurate. It was refreshing to see him recognize there was much more to this woman than what most people saw.
I also loved that Hudson and Olivia opened up to each other and told each other things that they were never comfortable telling other people. Even when they both thought that there was probably no way they could make a relationship work, they shared those confidences and grew closer still to one another.
There were many laugh out loud and awkward moments in this sweet romcom, but there were also some moments that just grabbed my heart. And, of course, there were many wonderfully swoony moments, as well.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I loved this book when I first read it last year and I loved experiencing it again in audio when I listened to it on a family road trip.
I found Hudson and Olivia to be extremely likable people. The awkwardness that they experienced with each other when they reconnected once Olivia was back in Abieville created excellent tension between them that had to be worked through.
Once again, I liked that Hudson was able to see that he had misjudged who Olivia was when they had last been around each other at her cousin’s wedding. As he began to work with Olivia and really talk with her, the attraction and connection grew between them in a very organic way. They were such a sweet couple!
The narrators did a great job of bring Olivia and Hudson to life in this audio book and I really enjoyed listening to this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this audio book, but have purchased print and ebook copies, as well. All opinions are my own.
**Original review**
This is book three in the Abieville Love Stories series, and I have had fun reading books one and two before this one. However, you could jump in and read That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss even if you haven’t read the other books in the series.
I really liked Hudson and Olivia. I liked the way Hudson’s eyes were opened to who Olivia was. He had been attracted to her, even when he met her a couple of years earlier, yet he had formed an idea of who she was that wasn’t exactly accurate. It was refreshing to see him recognize there was much more to this woman than what most people saw.
I also loved that Hudson and Olivia opened up to each other and told each other things that they were never comfortable telling other people. Even when they both thought that there was probably no way they could make a relationship work, they shared those confidences and grew closer still to one another.
There were many laugh out loud and awkward moments in this sweet romcom, but there were also some moments that just grabbed my heart. And, of course, there were many wonderfully swoony moments, as well.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
March 6, 2024
I just adored this third book in the Abieville Love Stories series. It could be read as a standalone story, but I think it is enjoyed more by knowing the other characters that are featured in the story. Many of them have books about them in other series by Julie Christianson. I have read some of them but not all. I am working my way through the previous stories, so that I can be all caught up.
The world of characters Julie Christianson has created is lovely. Hudson and Olivia make the sweetest team in working together to get the Beachfront Inn ready to reopen.
The first chapter is one of my favorites in any book! It was perfection!
I thank the author for the advanced digital reader copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The world of characters Julie Christianson has created is lovely. Hudson and Olivia make the sweetest team in working together to get the Beachfront Inn ready to reopen.
The first chapter is one of my favorites in any book! It was perfection!
I thank the author for the advanced digital reader copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 21, 2024
I really struggled to finish this book. I loved the setting and the big family, but the plot didn’t keep me engaged.
September 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: romcom
Content: makeouts, parental abandonment (in the past), car accident
I really enjoyed this one! So much really. In fact, I dare you to read it. 😉
Olivia is a triplet and has always felt less than her sisters. I loved the way that Hudson built her up and pointed out all of the positive qualities that she possessed but somehow always seemed to overlook.
Hudson never saw a healthy relationship modeled and thinks he might be incapable of having one. Liv was there to validate and encourage him as well.
Olivia and Hudson are both kind of looking to prove themselves. They work really well together professionally and personality-wise. They both were hesitant to get involved in relationships because of issues stemming from their pasts. Olivia and Hudson have a slow burn romance, although they are both fighting feelings for the other for a good chunk of the book. I am so glad that they recognized the significance of what they had together!
Also, I LOVED the way that Julie name dropped our favorite fictional celebrities into the McCoy kids' text thread! Seriously so fun!
Favorite Quotes:
‼️ The main goal is to stay in the present, not loop on the past or worry about the future. I can't control those things, or change reality, no matter how hard I try. What I need to do is be here, now.
💯“I think we're all probably just a little bit messier than anybody else ever knows."
😍 But I've opened up to Hudson now, shared all sides of me—even the worst of it-and in his eyes I still see nothing reflected back but the best.
💋 "When I finally kiss you," he says, "it's going to mean something to me." His breath is warm against my skin. "It's going to mean everything." "To me too," I say.
❤️"You're so patient with me," I say.
His eyes go soft, both lids hooded.
"You're so worth the wait."
I blink up at him. "Really?"
"So much really."
Genre: romcom
Content: makeouts, parental abandonment (in the past), car accident
I really enjoyed this one! So much really. In fact, I dare you to read it. 😉
Olivia is a triplet and has always felt less than her sisters. I loved the way that Hudson built her up and pointed out all of the positive qualities that she possessed but somehow always seemed to overlook.
Hudson never saw a healthy relationship modeled and thinks he might be incapable of having one. Liv was there to validate and encourage him as well.
Olivia and Hudson are both kind of looking to prove themselves. They work really well together professionally and personality-wise. They both were hesitant to get involved in relationships because of issues stemming from their pasts. Olivia and Hudson have a slow burn romance, although they are both fighting feelings for the other for a good chunk of the book. I am so glad that they recognized the significance of what they had together!
Also, I LOVED the way that Julie name dropped our favorite fictional celebrities into the McCoy kids' text thread! Seriously so fun!
Favorite Quotes:
‼️ The main goal is to stay in the present, not loop on the past or worry about the future. I can't control those things, or change reality, no matter how hard I try. What I need to do is be here, now.
💯“I think we're all probably just a little bit messier than anybody else ever knows."
😍 But I've opened up to Hudson now, shared all sides of me—even the worst of it-and in his eyes I still see nothing reflected back but the best.
💋 "When I finally kiss you," he says, "it's going to mean something to me." His breath is warm against my skin. "It's going to mean everything." "To me too," I say.
❤️"You're so patient with me," I say.
His eyes go soft, both lids hooded.
"You're so worth the wait."
I blink up at him. "Really?"
"So much really."
March 7, 2024
Over the course of Julie Christianson’s previous books, we have met a lot of the Bradford cousins and seen them fall in love and get married, that’s precisely where this book picks up…at the unofficial reception where the McCoy triplets are standing around! Tess has dared Olivia to kiss Hudson, she goes through with it but gets rejected in the aftermath.
Fast forward two years and that’s where the real story begins! Olivia ends up back in Abieville and has been asked to help with the relaunch of The Beachfront Inn with none other than Hudson! Determined to make the best of things, she does her best to remain focused despite her thoughts lingering back to the fatal kiss!
Hudson is the newly appointed manager of The Beachfront Inn, but soon realizes he’s over his head when it comes to marketing and social media hyping it…enter Olivia! He all but begs to her to help him – which is adorable! He tries to compartmentalize her like everything else related to the inn as he has sworn off relationships! However much like Olivia, their dare prompted kiss seems to trickle into his thoughts from time to time!
If there is one thing that I have learned to expect with Julie’s series being so closely interconnected is crossovers are bound to happen, knowing that some of her most well-known characters have cameos in this book makes extra special! Before reading this story, I thought I had figured out which McCoy triplet was my favorite, now I’m not so sure! Also, best laid plans don’t always go as expected, but I honestly love that about Julie’s books! This book will be finding its way on to my paperback shelves very soon!
Fast forward two years and that’s where the real story begins! Olivia ends up back in Abieville and has been asked to help with the relaunch of The Beachfront Inn with none other than Hudson! Determined to make the best of things, she does her best to remain focused despite her thoughts lingering back to the fatal kiss!
Hudson is the newly appointed manager of The Beachfront Inn, but soon realizes he’s over his head when it comes to marketing and social media hyping it…enter Olivia! He all but begs to her to help him – which is adorable! He tries to compartmentalize her like everything else related to the inn as he has sworn off relationships! However much like Olivia, their dare prompted kiss seems to trickle into his thoughts from time to time!
If there is one thing that I have learned to expect with Julie’s series being so closely interconnected is crossovers are bound to happen, knowing that some of her most well-known characters have cameos in this book makes extra special! Before reading this story, I thought I had figured out which McCoy triplet was my favorite, now I’m not so sure! Also, best laid plans don’t always go as expected, but I honestly love that about Julie’s books! This book will be finding its way on to my paperback shelves very soon!
August 30, 2025
I absolutely loved this story. It had me really laughing from the beginning. Hudson is so sweet and Olivia’s personality just kept making me smile or laugh. They make the sweetest couple and they make a dynamic duo in the marketing world. I really enjoy stories that involve renovating / revamping a building to improve the business that in turn helps the whole town. And Big Mama’s character was great! I mean who doesn’t love a granny side character. I also got really excited to see cameos of Lincoln James and Hadley from the book “Faking the Fall” from the Sweater Weather series, which is another book I enjoyed and recommend.
This is a perfect summer beach read or anytime of the year if you need some sunshine during the winter months. I listened to the audio for this book and the dual narrators did an excellent job. I have enjoyed all of the Abieville series and recommend them all! 👏🏼
❓𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬❓
FMC: Olivia (Liv) - unemployed hospitality marketer
MMC: Hudson - Marketing, new Beachfront manager
What you’ll find:
🏖️ Dual POV
🏖️ Sworn off relationships
🏖️ Forced Proximity
🏖️ Workplace Romance
🏖️ Small town
🏖️ Found family
🏖️ Sibling group chats 😆
🏖️ She has a nightmare ➕ He comforts her
🏖️ First kiss on a dare 😂
🏖️ Big Mama (funny “Betty White” character)
INFO:
📚: Book 3 of 4 - “Abieville Love Stories” series
🔹: Connected Standalone
📖: 348 pages;🎧 9hrs 48min
CONTENT:
🌶️: Kissing only
🤬: None
⚠️: loss of loved one (past), abandonment (past)
This is a perfect summer beach read or anytime of the year if you need some sunshine during the winter months. I listened to the audio for this book and the dual narrators did an excellent job. I have enjoyed all of the Abieville series and recommend them all! 👏🏼
❓𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬❓
FMC: Olivia (Liv) - unemployed hospitality marketer
MMC: Hudson - Marketing, new Beachfront manager
What you’ll find:
🏖️ Dual POV
🏖️ Sworn off relationships
🏖️ Forced Proximity
🏖️ Workplace Romance
🏖️ Small town
🏖️ Found family
🏖️ Sibling group chats 😆
🏖️ She has a nightmare ➕ He comforts her
🏖️ First kiss on a dare 😂
🏖️ Big Mama (funny “Betty White” character)
INFO:
📚: Book 3 of 4 - “Abieville Love Stories” series
🔹: Connected Standalone
📖: 348 pages;🎧 9hrs 48min
CONTENT:
🌶️: Kissing only
🤬: None
⚠️: loss of loved one (past), abandonment (past)
May 28, 2025
That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
vibes:
-saving the small town business together
-not relationship material MMC and FMC
-triplets
-duet narration audiobook
-marketing and PR girlie
-no language or spice
-favorite quote: "I think we're all probably just a little bit messier than anyone ever knows."
Don't let this cover and the title fool you, this was a five star audiobook for me! It's so sweet and funny with great characters with depth while keeping the tone fun.
These two are saving a beachfront resort in their small town. Guys, the FMC is a triplet, which is already fun, and she's in the marketing industry which was my field before I became a stay at home mom several years ago, so I love to see that in books.
This is a duet narration, which means that the male narrator speaks all of the male characters' dialogue in every scene, and vice versa. It's a superior way to consume audiobooks. Hooray!
If you want all the summer vibes, banter, flirting and forced proximity, this one is for you!Add this one to your summer TBR.
vibes:
-saving the small town business together
-not relationship material MMC and FMC
-triplets
-duet narration audiobook
-marketing and PR girlie
-no language or spice
-favorite quote: "I think we're all probably just a little bit messier than anyone ever knows."
Don't let this cover and the title fool you, this was a five star audiobook for me! It's so sweet and funny with great characters with depth while keeping the tone fun.
These two are saving a beachfront resort in their small town. Guys, the FMC is a triplet, which is already fun, and she's in the marketing industry which was my field before I became a stay at home mom several years ago, so I love to see that in books.
This is a duet narration, which means that the male narrator speaks all of the male characters' dialogue in every scene, and vice versa. It's a superior way to consume audiobooks. Hooray!
If you want all the summer vibes, banter, flirting and forced proximity, this one is for you!Add this one to your summer TBR.
May 31, 2025
4.5 stars
The romantic tension was really, really good. Olivia and Hudson dancing around each other while fixing up the inn for a grand reopening was very entertaining. I was very much hooked as I watched them get closer and closer. The build up between these two was great. Even though there was no physical intimacy, the emotional intimacy was just spot on and felt even more intimate than other romances where couples sleep together. I was rooted for them as a couple.
I loved all the family dynamics. They made me laugh several times as they added to the humor that was already in the story. It was great to see that bond they had and how much of a family they truly were.
The romantic tension was really, really good. Olivia and Hudson dancing around each other while fixing up the inn for a grand reopening was very entertaining. I was very much hooked as I watched them get closer and closer. The build up between these two was great. Even though there was no physical intimacy, the emotional intimacy was just spot on and felt even more intimate than other romances where couples sleep together. I was rooted for them as a couple.
I loved all the family dynamics. They made me laugh several times as they added to the humor that was already in the story. It was great to see that bond they had and how much of a family they truly were.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2024
Julie Christianson is a go to author for me! I’ve read everything she’s written and I love it all! I love reading the stories of side characters in her other books. Olivia had more depth in this book than as a side character in others. I loved how she developed, and her strengths really came out. Hudson is the perfect compliment for her, despite their awful start 🫣 talk about second hand embarrassment! This book can definitely be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading all of Julie’s books because they are delightful!
September 27, 2024
I love a good dare. And I love Julie's books. (We're real life friends now, so I am comfortable using just her first name 😆😉) I love Abieville, Apple Valley, Harvest Hollow. I love the McCoys lots and I cant wait for them all to be happy. I feel like Ford will be my favorite so heres hoping one day I'll be able to read his story. This book is full of chemistry, attraction, and a healthy dose of denial. And Inwas here for all of it.
If you like dares, second chances, the Bronte sisters, workplace romances, quaint towns, spunky grandmas and family group texts, read this book!!
If you like dares, second chances, the Bronte sisters, workplace romances, quaint towns, spunky grandmas and family group texts, read this book!!
March 13, 2024
Cute!
Two years after being dared to kiss Hudson in a bar, he and Olivia are back in the same town working together!
Hudson is the sweetest guy trying to break away from the family business and trying to make himself proud! Olivia is down on her luck after losing her job and staying with her mom and Big Mama in a tiny sewing room. Together, these two need to rebuild The Beachfront and in the process build a strong connection that leads to a HEA!
Two years after being dared to kiss Hudson in a bar, he and Olivia are back in the same town working together!
Hudson is the sweetest guy trying to break away from the family business and trying to make himself proud! Olivia is down on her luck after losing her job and staying with her mom and Big Mama in a tiny sewing room. Together, these two need to rebuild The Beachfront and in the process build a strong connection that leads to a HEA!
March 19, 2024
3.5 Stars - Loved the beginning but at 75% I lost interest
I really loved the beginning, but there was a point in the story where it flipped and started to feel like the author was dragging out the story. I felt like this was right before the accident. I did love the growth of the characters and the sweet romance. I also really enjoyed the way this story starts on a dare at a wedding - I thought that was a fun start. I love the grandma, the setting at The Beachfront, and the family relationships. The ending just didn't work for me.
Content: Triggers with abandonment and death of a parent. But overall this has no spice outside of kissing. This is not a heavy read.
Language: No language
Religious: No
Happy reading!!
I really loved the beginning, but there was a point in the story where it flipped and started to feel like the author was dragging out the story. I felt like this was right before the accident. I did love the growth of the characters and the sweet romance. I also really enjoyed the way this story starts on a dare at a wedding - I thought that was a fun start. I love the grandma, the setting at The Beachfront, and the family relationships. The ending just didn't work for me.
Content: Triggers with abandonment and death of a parent. But overall this has no spice outside of kissing. This is not a heavy read.
Language: No language
Religious: No
Happy reading!!
March 4, 2024
Oh I adored this one❤️! Hudson & Olivia both had their reasons for being noncommittal but watching them fall in love and realize it was different with each other?!? Sigh…love them so much🥰. Hudson was literally the sweetest🫠. Great book on finding yourself and true love!
June 2, 2025
A quick beach read. Workplace romance, small town locale, and cute banter. Did love the literary references too. Duet narration, so perfect.
I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2024
This book was sweet. It's about learning what you really want in life, discovering who you are, and the people that help you discover those things. The romance is very sweet and clean. I think I liked the last 20% of the book best.
May 25, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape for the audio ARC!
4 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this audio. The FMC voiced annoyed me some but it was still good. I enjoyed the MMC tho. It flowed nicely.
The story tho was super cute!! I really enjoyed it.
4 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this audio. The FMC voiced annoyed me some but it was still good. I enjoyed the MMC tho. It flowed nicely.
The story tho was super cute!! I really enjoyed it.
March 8, 2024
I absolutely loved Hudson & Olivia's sassy, sweet, caring, funny, loving, swoony story!!
March 29, 2024
“This is what I’ve been longing for, and also what I’ve been afraid of since I first saw Hudson again. Because the truth is, I want him to kiss me and mean it. I want him to claim me. I want to be his.”
☀️
Reading this new story from @juliechristiansonauthor is like soaking up sunshine vibes that are as bright and lovely as this cover! One of my favorite things about her books are her characters- they are relatable and loveable- and have struggles that are real and deep.
☀️
Hudson and Olivia are a delightful duo- both wary of a forever kind of love, which they aren’t sure is possible for them, but so kind and caring to those around them. They are both looking for a fresh start, a second chance, and are hesitant partners in this new adventure. Mostly because they are aware enough to realize they have the potential to have big feelings for each other that don’t fit in either of their plans.
☀️
I loved them working together to revive this inn and beachfront in Olivia’s hometown and the things they discovered along the way! I also enjoyed seeing the effect they had on each other and the way they took care of each other! Also, I love Olivia’s family- they feel familiar in the best way at this point and I love them dearly!
☀️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
☀️
Reading this new story from @juliechristiansonauthor is like soaking up sunshine vibes that are as bright and lovely as this cover! One of my favorite things about her books are her characters- they are relatable and loveable- and have struggles that are real and deep.
☀️
Hudson and Olivia are a delightful duo- both wary of a forever kind of love, which they aren’t sure is possible for them, but so kind and caring to those around them. They are both looking for a fresh start, a second chance, and are hesitant partners in this new adventure. Mostly because they are aware enough to realize they have the potential to have big feelings for each other that don’t fit in either of their plans.
☀️
I loved them working together to revive this inn and beachfront in Olivia’s hometown and the things they discovered along the way! I also enjoyed seeing the effect they had on each other and the way they took care of each other! Also, I love Olivia’s family- they feel familiar in the best way at this point and I love them dearly!
☀️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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