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Pajaro Bay #1
The Honeymoon Cottage
Out Of Print Edition. See below for links to currently available editions.
Camilla Stewart desperately needs to make a fresh start: her despicable ex-fiance stole her life savings, embezzled from her job, and then disappeared without a trace--leaving behind nothing but his eight-year-old son, Oliver.
But when she arrives in the little beach town of Pajaro Bay, she immediately runs into local sheriff's captain Ryan Knight, and finds escaping her past won't be as easy as she planned.
Because Ryan soon realizes that Camilla and little Oliver may be the only people alive who can identify a serial killer... and they are next on his hit list.
Camilla Stewart desperately needs to make a fresh start: her despicable ex-fiance stole her life savings, embezzled from her job, and then disappeared without a trace--leaving behind nothing but his eight-year-old son, Oliver.
But when she arrives in the little beach town of Pajaro Bay, she immediately runs into local sheriff's captain Ryan Knight, and finds escaping her past won't be as easy as she planned.
Because Ryan soon realizes that Camilla and little Oliver may be the only people alive who can identify a serial killer... and they are next on his hit list.
250 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2012
5445 people are currently reading
5164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
November 26, 2023
HONEYMOON COTTAGE had all the makings of a wonderful cozy mystery. A woman trying to escape after a bad man cheated her and wronged an innocent child. A picturesque little town on the coast. A cop with a painful past. Wonderful descriptions and great pacing, plus a quaint, quirky little cottage you just want to spend time in on the beach!
It turns out Camilla’s ex may have been even more dangerous than she initially believed, and as bad things begin happening in Pajaro Bay, Ryan must work to put the pieces together and figure out the history of her ex before he can get to her and adopted son Oliver. Great combination of romance, cozy, and police procedural. Good character backstories. Likeable side characters. Bonus points for seagulls and an amusement park. This is the first in a series and I downloaded it for free, and I definitely plan to check out more in the series.
It turns out Camilla’s ex may have been even more dangerous than she initially believed, and as bad things begin happening in Pajaro Bay, Ryan must work to put the pieces together and figure out the history of her ex before he can get to her and adopted son Oliver. Great combination of romance, cozy, and police procedural. Good character backstories. Likeable side characters. Bonus points for seagulls and an amusement park. This is the first in a series and I downloaded it for free, and I definitely plan to check out more in the series.
February 23, 2018
I found this one for free on a website somewhere....so I probably shouldn't complain....it sounded kind of cute. It was really kind of dopey. I almost put it away a few times but I wanted to finish it. The premise was interesting.. Camilla is on the run with young Oliver, having been scammed out of money by her fiancée Dennis and accused of embezzlement by her employer. She goes to the sleepy little town of Pajaro Bay and moves into a charming little cottage that Dennis had purchased for her (head scratching moment for me). She meets stalwart cop Ryan Knight (yes, Knight) and the predictable love tug of war ensues. There were many elements of this story that made it interesting to me. I loved the cockeyed cottages, the DIY work, the quirky characters of the town folk. The "mystery" was ok, nothing earth shattering but interesting enough...What bugged me was the endless thought and discussion between Camilla and Ryan as to why they couldn't get together, be together, stay together. I got it the first ten times, and was rolling my eyes until my head ached. I wanted something light, and this fit the bill. But doubtful I'll be going back to Pajaro Bay for any further adventures.
March 24, 2019
This is a 3.5 star mystery romance with a happy ending.
July 15, 2020
A cute mystery romance.
Camilla is on the run along with her son Oliver. In the cute little place that she comes, she meets Ryan. The problem for Camilla comes in the form of Dennis, her ex. How Ryan and Camilla work together to solve the puzzle is the story.
The romance was cute and the characters were very well etched. Enjoyed the cosy mystery
Camilla is on the run along with her son Oliver. In the cute little place that she comes, she meets Ryan. The problem for Camilla comes in the form of Dennis, her ex. How Ryan and Camilla work together to solve the puzzle is the story.
The romance was cute and the characters were very well etched. Enjoyed the cosy mystery
April 15, 2018
I enjoyed this story. Two broken people trying to solve a mystery while learning and growing to overcome their pasts. I especially liked that each became a healthier person though their own experience. Otherwise it is a cute cozy.
June 8, 2022
I liked this book enough, it has a good premise and interesting details, even a cozy mystery going on.
But I think the author could have developed the characters better and the interactions between everyone could have been more engaging and compelling.
But I think the author could have developed the characters better and the interactions between everyone could have been more engaging and compelling.
September 27, 2016
I really liked this romantic suspense. Barbara Cool Lee is a very illustrative writer making it easy to picture the events taking place. The book is a great read and definitely captures the reader in the story line, but that wouldn't work if she didn't have good characters. Ryan and Camilla are such likable individuals that you can't help but root for them. Camilla's ex stole her money, embezzled from her company making it look like she did it and left. But he didn't take his young son, Oliver. Ryan is the sheriff in the small town Camilla moved to. He tried to keep Camilla and Oliver safe which got trickier when he realized a serial killer was after them. I loved how protective Ryan was and felt bad that he was so hard on himself. The slow building of feelings between Camilla and Ryan was great in this sweet romance. I liked the small town where everybody knew what everybody else was doing - all the time. The surprising twist at the end made this book an even better read.
March 28, 2023
An easy going read, the stakes never felt very high. It was an interesting plot to follow. There really wasn't much to the whole thing.
I felt at times that I somehow missed certain chunks. Like, we'd have a fade-to-black or a brief moment that was later explained to be something that we didn't actually read. The couple could be annoying at times, always mad about something and then forgiven too easily and then mad again...just make up your damn minds please!!
Either way, this was fine, it passed the time which was it's intended purpose as far as I'm concerned.
I felt at times that I somehow missed certain chunks. Like, we'd have a fade-to-black or a brief moment that was later explained to be something that we didn't actually read. The couple could be annoying at times, always mad about something and then forgiven too easily and then mad again...just make up your damn minds please!!
Either way, this was fine, it passed the time which was it's intended purpose as far as I'm concerned.
February 3, 2020
At last, a cosy mystery with backbone and integrity that takes more than five minutes to read. It is a book that immerses you in a new world full of interesting people, and romance and cute and funny town.
This is a mystery that takes time to read and unfolds slowly as we learn more about the people, their circumstances and backstory. There are some real characters, happy moments and a lot of empathy generated for the woman at the centre of the story.
I really enjoyed the book, and appreciate the fact that not everything is 'instant'. There is no character having a dazzling moment of revelation and solving the mystery (which is all too common...) but the story develops slowly.
This is a mystery that takes time to read and unfolds slowly as we learn more about the people, their circumstances and backstory. There are some real characters, happy moments and a lot of empathy generated for the woman at the centre of the story.
I really enjoyed the book, and appreciate the fact that not everything is 'instant'. There is no character having a dazzling moment of revelation and solving the mystery (which is all too common...) but the story develops slowly.
June 3, 2016
I loved this! It's more than a bit of froth, and certainly not a 'steamy, hot romance' ( I hate reading that in a blurb - it always makes me think of books like FSoG). This is a pretty solid romance/mystery with believable characters and some excellent conflict to keep the reader engaged.
The first thing I really appreciated was the inclusion, under the copyright, of the date the book was originally published. That is something I think should be done as a matter of course. I've read a couple of ebooks recently which were written some 2o years ago, and it takes a while to get into the era.
The writing is lovely. I adore reading about vulnerable men, and Ryan is just that, - not a wimp, or a macho-man braving it out - he is truly damaged and there is a real sense of more than unhappiness there.
I also loved the way this was not one of the far-too-comm0n 'lust at first sight' stories. You know - Lonely man sees stranded woman and a certain part of his anatomy takes over. ;) There was subtle appreciation instead which was, as far as I am concerned, far more realistic.
The child was a delight - not one of those ghastly precocious brats who seem to populate so many chick-lit books nowadays. (You know the sort, cute little lisps and a vocabulary that rivals a Pulitzer prize winner) Oliver was kept firmly in the background and only made an appearance when needed. Kudos to the author for not giving him a speech impediment and blond curls. ;)
There is some truly lovely writing. No flowery purple prose, just everyday words that say so much.
e.g: He pulled the seatbelt taut across her chest and fastened it. She smelled like flowers. She wouldn't meet his eyes.
I love that. It resonates with me for some reason.
Anyway, this is one of the most enjoyable romance books I have read in quite a while. Yes, there was no 'on page' sex, but the mystery and the development of the relationship was sufficient.
The first thing I really appreciated was the inclusion, under the copyright, of the date the book was originally published. That is something I think should be done as a matter of course. I've read a couple of ebooks recently which were written some 2o years ago, and it takes a while to get into the era.
The writing is lovely. I adore reading about vulnerable men, and Ryan is just that, - not a wimp, or a macho-man braving it out - he is truly damaged and there is a real sense of more than unhappiness there.
I also loved the way this was not one of the far-too-comm0n 'lust at first sight' stories. You know - Lonely man sees stranded woman and a certain part of his anatomy takes over. ;) There was subtle appreciation instead which was, as far as I am concerned, far more realistic.
The child was a delight - not one of those ghastly precocious brats who seem to populate so many chick-lit books nowadays. (You know the sort, cute little lisps and a vocabulary that rivals a Pulitzer prize winner) Oliver was kept firmly in the background and only made an appearance when needed. Kudos to the author for not giving him a speech impediment and blond curls. ;)
There is some truly lovely writing. No flowery purple prose, just everyday words that say so much.
e.g: He pulled the seatbelt taut across her chest and fastened it. She smelled like flowers. She wouldn't meet his eyes.
I love that. It resonates with me for some reason.
Anyway, this is one of the most enjoyable romance books I have read in quite a while. Yes, there was no 'on page' sex, but the mystery and the development of the relationship was sufficient.
April 11, 2014
I've come to the conclusion that the books with the best reviews tend to leave me cold --- they're just a bit boring (too mainstream). Ones with mixed reviews, like this book, are far more likely to suck me in and keep me happy.
I can't really explain what separates books like this from the ones I stop reading after a couple of chapters. If I described the plot, they'd sound the same. But The Honeymoon Cottage has that spark of life that many books lack, plus a heroine dealing with a con-man ex and father and one of those wacky communities I love reading about. A fun, feel-good read.
I can't really explain what separates books like this from the ones I stop reading after a couple of chapters. If I described the plot, they'd sound the same. But The Honeymoon Cottage has that spark of life that many books lack, plus a heroine dealing with a con-man ex and father and one of those wacky communities I love reading about. A fun, feel-good read.
April 21, 2017
Enjoyable quirky read
Have to say I never write reviews but this book was thoroughly enjoyable. I fell in love with the characters and transported myself to this lovely quaint town. Not to mention wasn't expecting the twist. Really satisfied with this read. I will continue to read the series.
Have to say I never write reviews but this book was thoroughly enjoyable. I fell in love with the characters and transported myself to this lovely quaint town. Not to mention wasn't expecting the twist. Really satisfied with this read. I will continue to read the series.
October 7, 2020
Interesting characters and story. Camilla is an accountant that is seduced and robbed by a con man. He leaves her a house in Pajaro Bay and wants her to raise his son, after he has stolen all her money. Camilla becomes involved with Ryan, the local deputy.
Explanations of Camilla's past and anxieties becomes repetitious after 4 or 5 tellings.
Some twists near the end and a good ending
Explanations of Camilla's past and anxieties becomes repetitious after 4 or 5 tellings.
Some twists near the end and a good ending
April 12, 2021
The couple: Camilla and Ryan
Romance genre: Contemporary
Part of a series: Yes (Parajo Bay)
Length: 251 pages
Plot: Camilla is trying to recover after her fiance used her to rip off the company she worked for. He left her high and dry, and left her with his eight-year-old son, Oliver. She has three things: a clunker of a car, an engagement ring, and a rundown house (the titular manse, Honeymoon Cottage). Apparently, the house is worth quite a lot, or will be, once it's fixed up. In the meantime, Camilla keeps having run-ins with local law enforcement, Ryan. Ryan is simply biding his time until he can leave, needing to escape bad memories. But these two are drawn back together again and again, until they have to make a decision: stay or go.
In the meantime, though, there are some recurring problems: Dennis, the missing fiance, might be around to make more trouble - that's part of the mystery; Camilla has something in her past that she things will keep her from truly bonding with someone; Ryan carries a lot of guilt over something from his past; Camilla needs to figure out how to provide for her and Oliver.
Character development: Camilla was super wishy-washy and definitely closed-off to all possibilities about everything. I could understand the second, but not the first. She made it more difficult to fully root for the couple, because I couldn't believe that she would be all in. Ryan was great, personality-wise, but at the same time I wondered how his job as a police officer would work when he was halfway out the door already. I felt like the two of them really liked each other too soon, fought the attraction for too long, and then finally gave in, but only after forty different attempts. It was a little much on the push-pull for me.
Would I read more from this author/in this series: undecided
Next book in the series: Under the Boardwalk (also known as Boardwalk Cottage)
Romance genre: Contemporary
Part of a series: Yes (Parajo Bay)
Length: 251 pages
Plot: Camilla is trying to recover after her fiance used her to rip off the company she worked for. He left her high and dry, and left her with his eight-year-old son, Oliver. She has three things: a clunker of a car, an engagement ring, and a rundown house (the titular manse, Honeymoon Cottage). Apparently, the house is worth quite a lot, or will be, once it's fixed up. In the meantime, Camilla keeps having run-ins with local law enforcement, Ryan. Ryan is simply biding his time until he can leave, needing to escape bad memories. But these two are drawn back together again and again, until they have to make a decision: stay or go.
In the meantime, though, there are some recurring problems: Dennis, the missing fiance, might be around to make more trouble - that's part of the mystery; Camilla has something in her past that she things will keep her from truly bonding with someone; Ryan carries a lot of guilt over something from his past; Camilla needs to figure out how to provide for her and Oliver.
Character development: Camilla was super wishy-washy and definitely closed-off to all possibilities about everything. I could understand the second, but not the first. She made it more difficult to fully root for the couple, because I couldn't believe that she would be all in. Ryan was great, personality-wise, but at the same time I wondered how his job as a police officer would work when he was halfway out the door already. I felt like the two of them really liked each other too soon, fought the attraction for too long, and then finally gave in, but only after forty different attempts. It was a little much on the push-pull for me.
Would I read more from this author/in this series: undecided
Next book in the series: Under the Boardwalk (also known as Boardwalk Cottage)
August 3, 2020
"The Honeymoon Cottage" is the first book of a series. I got the book for free a couple of years ago, and it is still is in the Amazon app. I thought it is a cozy mystery, and I was in the mood for one I picked it up.
The truth is, "The Honeymoon Cottage" is a regular mystery-thriller, it doesn't have a sleuth detective, but the police are taking part in the investigation of the mystery.
This story has so many teaching moments—a lot of sad times and a lot of pleased times. It is an ok read for me; I might continue with the series, but I am not sure when it will happen.
The truth is, "The Honeymoon Cottage" is a regular mystery-thriller, it doesn't have a sleuth detective, but the police are taking part in the investigation of the mystery.
This story has so many teaching moments—a lot of sad times and a lot of pleased times. It is an ok read for me; I might continue with the series, but I am not sure when it will happen.
March 1, 2018
Loved this book and it kept me turning pages just to see what will happen next.
July 21, 2020
Endearing and sweet, a very enjoyable book.
February 17, 2018
2017 ebook edition from Pajaro Bay Publishing; ASIN B0190LLDKA; cover kindle edition 2017
Romance/mystery - not entirely all sweetness and light but more upbeat than depressing. A light read.
Romance/mystery - not entirely all sweetness and light but more upbeat than depressing. A light read.
October 26, 2014
I was a little unsure about this book at first but the more I read the more I started to enjoy it. Camilla and her eight year old step-son Oliver have arrived in Pajaro Bay to make a fresh start after Dennis, her fiancé and father to Oliver, disappeared out of their lives leaving a trail of problems, debts and accusations behind him. Their predicament touches the heart of Police Officer Ryan Knight who is determined to help them and get to the bottom of Dennis’ disappearance.
The story can be read on two levels. Firstly, as a nice, cosy, predictable romance as Camilla and Ryan fight their attraction to each other. I did get a little irritated after a while with the constant angst and “should I, or shouldn’t I” from Camilla though. Both have had a rocky time in the romance stakes in the past and Camilla has a lot of secrets which she is reluctant to reveal, especially in a town like Pajaro Bay where everyone knows everything about each other and gossip travels like wildfire.
I really did enjoy the mystery part of the story, which wasn’t as predictable as you may think. I was kept guessing and second guessing throughout the story right until the end when Dennis’ story is revealed in its full glory.
The author has created a really nice setting of a Californian coastal village, with some very colourful characters. I did like Robin and was a little disappointed not to find out about her past, which was dangled a little in front of us, but maybe this will come out in the next Pajaro Bay book.
If you are looking for an easy to read comfort story with a bit of drama and mystery mixed into your romance then this may be a good choice.
The story can be read on two levels. Firstly, as a nice, cosy, predictable romance as Camilla and Ryan fight their attraction to each other. I did get a little irritated after a while with the constant angst and “should I, or shouldn’t I” from Camilla though. Both have had a rocky time in the romance stakes in the past and Camilla has a lot of secrets which she is reluctant to reveal, especially in a town like Pajaro Bay where everyone knows everything about each other and gossip travels like wildfire.
I really did enjoy the mystery part of the story, which wasn’t as predictable as you may think. I was kept guessing and second guessing throughout the story right until the end when Dennis’ story is revealed in its full glory.
The author has created a really nice setting of a Californian coastal village, with some very colourful characters. I did like Robin and was a little disappointed not to find out about her past, which was dangled a little in front of us, but maybe this will come out in the next Pajaro Bay book.
If you are looking for an easy to read comfort story with a bit of drama and mystery mixed into your romance then this may be a good choice.
January 12, 2014
Running is what Camila does best. Running from her past, running from her present, and trying to avoid a happy future.
The first book in this series leaves a little bit to be desired...a better proofread is one of those desires. I'm not someone who always notices errors, but I noticed these.
The plot of the story was decent, but not executed in the best manner. Brooding guy quickly falls in love with a damsel in distress. damsel fights brooding guy because she feels she is a criminal because of her father.
This is the beginning of the series, I hope the next is written better.
The first book in this series leaves a little bit to be desired...a better proofread is one of those desires. I'm not someone who always notices errors, but I noticed these.
The plot of the story was decent, but not executed in the best manner. Brooding guy quickly falls in love with a damsel in distress. damsel fights brooding guy because she feels she is a criminal because of her father.
This is the beginning of the series, I hope the next is written better.
August 12, 2014
This first novel in the Pajaro Bay romance series promises great things to come!
Read full review in the 2012 May/June issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2012 May/June issue of InD’tale Magazine.
September 19, 2024
Love the life lessons
All of the main characters come from fractured, harmful backgrounds but the author doesn't harp on the negative like most injured people might. But gave us a plausible scenario where it was necessary to forgive and forget. Nicely done
All of the main characters come from fractured, harmful backgrounds but the author doesn't harp on the negative like most injured people might. But gave us a plausible scenario where it was necessary to forgive and forget. Nicely done
February 22, 2018
Great mystery, but if you want people reading your series I would suggest that you don't put in that page that will irritate the hell out of them. You know the one where you ask if they want a free book, but you really don't give them one, you just make it impossible to get off that page.
November 3, 2018
This was a cute little read with a fairly decent mystery, reasonably likable characters, a quaint little town and a sweet little HEA. However, it wasn't really my style. Parts felt forced, rushed, and incomplete. Probably won't continue with the series.
July 21, 2018
I picked this up as a free Kindle book and it’s been in my library for a while now. I just got my new paperwhite on Prime Day and thought this would be a good place to start weeding out some of those books that I have on the list. This looked like a cozy little mystery, so a good place to start. For the most part it was.
This is not great literature, don’t expect that of it. But it’s an easy, casual, story that for me didn’t feel like a waste of time. It did, in the beginning, feel like it could be a discarded script from a Hallmark Christmas movie, however. Ryan and Camilla expressed feelings for each other fairly quickly. But the usual obstacles arose, as is usually the case, based on lack of communication between the main characters. Ryan and Camilla do not disappoint in that regard, lots of thinking about what the other doesn’t know, can’t know, must hide, etc. She’s got a secret, he has a tragedy, they are both broken. Lots of angst to spread around, along with a red herring and a bunny-boiler in the wings.
Spoilers past this point.
Because some (several!) loose ends were NOT tied up, at first I was disappointed in the epologue. But I thought “the Polaroid Bay series” was the beginning of a series that would be based on the Ryan – Camilla relationship. Now that I see that it isn’t, I understand the story a little differently. Still lots of threads to pull that weren’t tied down!
Why would Camilla not investigate a freezer in her shed that is plugged in and running? She has apparently been in and out of the shed a few times while she is repairing the cottage. Wouldn’t someone get curious about why the freezer is plugged in in a house that hasn’t been lived in for a while? Why does Ms Zelda only make one appearance at the house and there isn’t more information forthcoming? What happened to all the money that was in the freezer with Dennis? How did Dennis get in the freezer? Where what is Janice killed and how did the body get there? What was Karen doing in the shed? It might’ve been helpful to have Dora make some more appearances in the book so she didn’t seem to come so far from left field. What was left on the cutting room floor after the author edited the book down to a specific number of words? What about Felix? He has a vacation home there in Pojaro Bay. Wouldn’t one think that Camilla would run into him at some point? Ms Zelda mentioned him on her visit and his name never comes up again. What about the appearance Camilla is scheduled to have to give a deposition with the sheriffs office, In the beginning of the book it’s the following Monday yet it’s never mentioned again. So many questions!
I enjoyed the book and kind of wonder if more books in the series will mention Ryan, Camilla, Oliver et al. But there are other books on my list before I get to those. I think the book is worth the read, especially if you have a hammock, chaise, or even a recliner beckoning your way — but especially if you have a new paperwhite (or even an old Kindle keyboard). A glass of iced tea nearby is a plus!
This is not great literature, don’t expect that of it. But it’s an easy, casual, story that for me didn’t feel like a waste of time. It did, in the beginning, feel like it could be a discarded script from a Hallmark Christmas movie, however. Ryan and Camilla expressed feelings for each other fairly quickly. But the usual obstacles arose, as is usually the case, based on lack of communication between the main characters. Ryan and Camilla do not disappoint in that regard, lots of thinking about what the other doesn’t know, can’t know, must hide, etc. She’s got a secret, he has a tragedy, they are both broken. Lots of angst to spread around, along with a red herring and a bunny-boiler in the wings.
Spoilers past this point.
Because some (several!) loose ends were NOT tied up, at first I was disappointed in the epologue. But I thought “the Polaroid Bay series” was the beginning of a series that would be based on the Ryan – Camilla relationship. Now that I see that it isn’t, I understand the story a little differently. Still lots of threads to pull that weren’t tied down!
Why would Camilla not investigate a freezer in her shed that is plugged in and running? She has apparently been in and out of the shed a few times while she is repairing the cottage. Wouldn’t someone get curious about why the freezer is plugged in in a house that hasn’t been lived in for a while? Why does Ms Zelda only make one appearance at the house and there isn’t more information forthcoming? What happened to all the money that was in the freezer with Dennis? How did Dennis get in the freezer? Where what is Janice killed and how did the body get there? What was Karen doing in the shed? It might’ve been helpful to have Dora make some more appearances in the book so she didn’t seem to come so far from left field. What was left on the cutting room floor after the author edited the book down to a specific number of words? What about Felix? He has a vacation home there in Pojaro Bay. Wouldn’t one think that Camilla would run into him at some point? Ms Zelda mentioned him on her visit and his name never comes up again. What about the appearance Camilla is scheduled to have to give a deposition with the sheriffs office, In the beginning of the book it’s the following Monday yet it’s never mentioned again. So many questions!
I enjoyed the book and kind of wonder if more books in the series will mention Ryan, Camilla, Oliver et al. But there are other books on my list before I get to those. I think the book is worth the read, especially if you have a hammock, chaise, or even a recliner beckoning your way — but especially if you have a new paperwhite (or even an old Kindle keyboard). A glass of iced tea nearby is a plus!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2018
What can I say about this book? It was an enjoyable short read that helped me past the time. However I didn’t really connect with the characters very much. The story line was intriguing but I felt a disconnect between the characters. When I read a story I try to visualize the way the characters look but it was hard for me to get a defining image of them in my head. I also felt the characters weren’t developed as much as they could have been. The ending was also cliche. Like I said before it was a read to past the time. As far as the other books in this series goes I’ll have to read their synopsis to see if I want to go on.
I found this book through my daily email from Robin Reads. It was free through Amazon Kindle and $1.99 for an audio edition through Audible. I downloaded the free ebook and I purchased the audio version. I don’t feel I wasted that $1.99 on the audio book.
I’ve never heard of the narrator before and I haven’t heard of any of her other readings. However, the reading was not bad.
I found this book through my daily email from Robin Reads. It was free through Amazon Kindle and $1.99 for an audio edition through Audible. I downloaded the free ebook and I purchased the audio version. I don’t feel I wasted that $1.99 on the audio book.
I’ve never heard of the narrator before and I haven’t heard of any of her other readings. However, the reading was not bad.
February 28, 2018
I loved this book. The characters are well developed as well as likable and relatable. And the author nailed the main characters with very realistic issues. Camilla and Ryan both suffer from self image problems. They spend too much focused on self and on perceptions they assume others have that they do not really get close with anyone. These two struggling souls find each other and something about the other causes guards to go down and a true personality shine through.
This book was also enjoyable because it wasn’t covered with cursing and sex. It was truly an entertaining story that had substance. This is the first author I’ve read in a while that I truly look forward to the next in the series.
This book was also enjoyable because it wasn’t covered with cursing and sex. It was truly an entertaining story that had substance. This is the first author I’ve read in a while that I truly look forward to the next in the series.
April 29, 2021
1,5 stars.
This started well. I liked the two main characters, and the build up of the young woman with the boy trying to get their life as a family on track.
The first few interactions with the Police Captain were well told, had some good chemistry and some good observations.
And then it went downhill fast.
It became a mixture between kitchen psychology, self-help personal growth story and overly sweet insta-love story. Even the perfect new best friend (also insta!) came with the quaint little house and the new job and all the other cute stuff.
The quality of the writing, the storytelling really declined. I just wanted it to end.
And then it did. With the exact kitschy ending I expected.
This started well. I liked the two main characters, and the build up of the young woman with the boy trying to get their life as a family on track.
The first few interactions with the Police Captain were well told, had some good chemistry and some good observations.
And then it went downhill fast.
It became a mixture between kitchen psychology, self-help personal growth story and overly sweet insta-love story. Even the perfect new best friend (also insta!) came with the quaint little house and the new job and all the other cute stuff.
The quality of the writing, the storytelling really declined. I just wanted it to end.
And then it did. With the exact kitschy ending I expected.
May 24, 2019
Camilla is in dire straits when she meets Ryan. Insecurities nearly drive her nuts as she tries to wrap her mind around Ryan's over-protective nature.
Ryan's own insecurities nearly drive them apart as they each grow during the course of the story.
The story covers so much! Bits and pieces of both of their pasts are naturally sprinkled throughout, revealing their individual complexities and cunningly adding to the mystery. The conclusion caught me off-guard, in more than one way. It didn't happen when or where I expected.
It was wrapped up neatly, with Ms. Lee adroitly demonstrating how the events of the story have a lasting impact on each of the characters.
Ryan's own insecurities nearly drive them apart as they each grow during the course of the story.
The story covers so much! Bits and pieces of both of their pasts are naturally sprinkled throughout, revealing their individual complexities and cunningly adding to the mystery. The conclusion caught me off-guard, in more than one way. It didn't happen when or where I expected.
It was wrapped up neatly, with Ms. Lee adroitly demonstrating how the events of the story have a lasting impact on each of the characters.
October 9, 2022
Camilla Stewart's ex-fiance ripped her off and disappeared, leaving her to care for his eight-year-old son alone. But when she arrives in Pajaro Bay, she finds a village full of cute cottages, quirky characters... and a killer on the loose who's somehow linked to her, the young boy, and the darling little house known as The Honeymoon Cottage. A good looking Policeman named Ryan feels protective and wary about the woman that landed in Pajaro but quickly realizes that she is in serious trouble and together they solve several mysteries and Camilla makes peace with her past. An enjoyable, well written tale that keeps you guessing until the very end!
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