Beach Please

Paradise Bay #6

by Melanie Summers

He’s one of those hot nerds. The kind who eats healthy and works out all the time. He’s also a total people-hater. And he just asked me to move in.

I’m about to lose everything.

My ex stole the money I needed to keep my surf shop going, and now the bank is going to auction off my dreams.

So when news of an exciting treasure hunt sweeps through the island, it’s my last shot to rebuild my life.

There's just one obstacle standing in my way: I need a boat.

Enter Aidan Clarke, a disillusioned Canadian expat whose main goal in life is to be left alone. So when his parents decide to hunt for a house near his seaside cottage, Aidan must create an illusion of happiness.

And this is the part where we make a deal. He'll provide the boat if I pose as his live-in girlfriend.

Shouldn’t be a problem since we’ve both sworn off love forever.

Only, soon the lines between fiction and reality blur, and our fake affection starts to feel all too genuine.

Beach Please is a delightfully funny, uber-romantic tale that includes: a fake relationship, forced proximity (with only one bed), a little adventure, a whole lot of witty banter, twists and turns you won’t see coming, and a grand romantic gesture that’ll make you swoon.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Rom Com, Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, Summer Reads

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2023

About the author

Melanie Summers is a multi-award-winning, Amazon best-selling author of romantic comedies and women’s fiction. She’s written over thirty books for people who have 'had it up to here' with the real world and need to laugh, feel good, and sigh happily. When she’s not writing or reading, she's usually out for a walk with her two adorable dogs, hanging out on the beach with her husband and their three teenagers, or curled up on the couch for family movie night. Melanie resides on Vancouver Island, Canada where her life goal is to become one of those fabulous people who take daily ice baths in the ocean. So far, she can get in up to her ankles, which is not awful, thank you very much.

Melanie Summers also writes under the name M.J. Summers

Reviews

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, sweet story with a plot that’s easy to remember and be intrigued by.

[Randi (randi_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola Gordon has been burned by her ex-boyfriend/business partner. He took off with all the money from their surf shop and disappeared. She can’t pay the mortgage and the shop is scheduled for a foreclosure sale unless she can come up with the money.

Aidan Clarke escaped/moved to Santa Valentina Island to start over after he found his girlfriend in bed with one of his brothers. And now on his birthday, he learns that they are having a baby.

When Lola learns about a treasure hunt challenge with a huge prize money she knows this is her last chance to save her shop. Aidan has the necessary boat, so she asks him to help her. He asks her a favor in return: pretend to be his girlfriend while his parents are visiting.

I really enjoyed my first foray into a Paradise Bay romantic comedy. Aidan is sweet and kind, plus a very funny drunk. The pub trivia scene in the beginning is hilarious. He also sings ABBA. Lola is a determined woman who has been burned too many times in her 28 years, but still she perseveres. Meeting each other is just what they both needed even if they say they have sworn off relationships.

Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beach Please is such a perfect summer romance! It had me LOLing every chapter. Melanie Summers is is so funny. She puts the COM in romcom.

This is a closed door but very sexy romance. A perfect combo for those of us who aren't quite ready for all the spice and explicit nature of open doors.

Lola is about to lose her dream of owning a surf shop. The bank is ready to forclose on her building. Then the most amazing thing happens. A treasure hunt, with an amazing payout, is going to occur nearby based on an uber popular TV show and book series. And Lola is an expert on the content. But she needs a boat.

She reaches out to Aidan who owns said boat to help her and share in the winnings. He agrees but has a proposition of his own. He needs her to be his fake girlfriend when his parents come to visit. Aidan was crushed by his last girlfriend who hooked up with his brother and his parents are worried about him. He has to prove his happiness so they allow him the solitude he needs.

This book has everything I love about books including superb chapter titles such as "A Canadian's Guide to Making a Horrible Impression" or "This Invasion Was Brought to You by Target Home Decor"

And of course my favorite, the epic grand gesture. SWOON

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aidan and Lola's Bargain . . .

Aidan Clarke and Lola Hunter have experienced betrayal. Relationships are not what they are looking for! But she needs a boat to compete in a treasure hunt so that she won’t lose her surf shop after her ex ran off with all of her money. Aidan has a broken heart from a cheating fiancée and has to prove to his family that he is happy now after finding a “non-existent” someone else. So when he and Lola agree to help each other out, friends only, no relationship allowed, Aidan agrees to provide the boat and Lola agrees to pretend to be his live-in girlfriend. They are ready to move forward out of the rut they have been in and work together on this treasure hunt.

Together on an exciting adventure, getting to know each other and beginning to heal, can they trust these feelings that are awakening? Will they find the treasure? When the hunt is over, will they go their separate ways? Or will they take a chance on a new loving relationship that feels like it just might last?

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect summer read! This romantic comedy will have you laughing out loud, leave a constant smile on your face and have you swooning and sighing throughout the entire story. You can't help but feel good after reading this book. The characters are just as enjoyable and fun as the story itself and you feel like you've known them your entire life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect summer beach read. This book was so enjoyable, fun to read and well written. I loved the wonderful characters and adventure in this story. So much laughter and funny dialog and it inspires hope and tugs your heart strings. I loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sylvia Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Head over heals

Melanie you did it again. I love your stories, full of friends, simple life and do finding true love. When I am feeling sad seeing what is happening in the world I just turn to one of your books and transport myself to a place where people care. Love your characters and their struggles. Specially Lola Gordon who always tries to find the positive. Thank you for simple JOY.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Ms. Summers does not disappoint her readers, Beach Please has relatable characters and situations, a great plot, and makes the reader laugh and feel good for some hours. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be one of my favorite series out there. And this one was no different.:)

[Krista Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Melanie Summers book yet

This story had everything: suspense, comedy, chemistry, and Canadians. A very well told story. My favourite from Summers by far.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

When I saw this was series, I was worried because I wasn't aware. But it's just set in the same universe. Stand alone "series" are my favorite.

This was a fun, quick read. I really enjoyed Lola and her story. I wish we had a little more depth on her and her background. That would have been fun to explore. Aiden's chapters got a little annoying at times. I didn't care for how to spoke in those chapters. His story was interesting too.

I enjoyed the tropes in this. Fake dating, only one bed. Always fun. I was more invested in the adventure and finding the crowns than the fake dating. I enjoyed the parts with Aiden's parents but I just wanted to get to the crowns. I did feel like the crown thing could have been worked out in a different way. And the insta love was a little much for me. I get it but also, I need a little more time.

[Jenna Stensland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read! Perfect for a summer beach read. I found Summers writing witty and playful. All this things you want in a summer read and I would definitely pick up another in the series. I thought the treasure hunt added an extra element that made this more playful than your typical beach read. If you are looking for a solid read with a fun main couple, this is a great book for you. Also, poor Aiden & Lola. Both of our main characters have understandably sworn off love at the beginning of this book and I loved their annoyance with each other instead of insta-love. It was fun to go from insta-lust to grumpy/grumpy and then to watch them find love. A nice twist on the typical story line.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute romantic comedy. It was a well written story with a good pace. The storyline was interesting and entertaining. Aiden and Lola were great characters and I liked the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! I laughed out loud, it tugged at my heart strings, and just adored Lola and Aidan! What a fabulous combination! The characters were so real and both have had their lives dramatically altered by both their loved ones and their significant others. How they deal with those obstacles are as different as how they look at life. Yet sometimes, we need to see how others live their lives to open our hearts and our minds! Will definitely be reading this book again!! Thanks Melanie Summers for another great book in this fun island getaway!!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

I love this series. I hope there will be more soon. If this place wasn't a fictional place I would be trying to figure out a way to move there.

[Evy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. The story was by times hilarious, entertaining and engaging. I love how opposite the two characters were, he’s a neat freak and a nerd but with a heart of gold. She’s fun and adventurous, the perfect match for him. I really loved the chemistry between Lola and Aidan and their shenanigans. The whole treasure hunt and fake relationship were so much fun. I really hope his single brothers get their own love stories!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beach Please is the latest romance by Melanie Summers. It is about a woman named Lola, who is desperately trying to get her life back on track after having her boyfriend at the time steal all her money and Aidan, who moved to another country to try to escape from all the reminders of his brother stealing his fiancé. They team up together to help each other out and end up falling for one another.
I really liked Lola and Aidan’s characters and was rooting for them from the very beginning. I recommend Beach Please to anyone who is looking for a sweet island romance. I do wish that it was a bit more funny, especially with a title like Beach Please.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Corky]

This one has got tropes for everyone. A lot happened in so few pages. Nerdy guy ends up with a surfer. An enjoyable read that has total beach/ summer vibes with cleverly placed sarcasm. OH & a Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo reference.

[Cindra Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

I live revisiting Paradise Bay! It's a different fun romance with unique all the feels romances with test the right amount of drama, fun, and adventure to make them amazing funtastic fun reads.

[Pieter deWaart · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun

An adventure that leads to true love. Two wonderful characters who have been through bad love connections who find each other in an unlikely place. I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. Great story!!!

[Michelle Strommen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! What a great funny, relaxing, fun read. I couldn’t have loved Aiden more! The characters were great and I was rooting for Lola the whole time! More please! Love the island adventures

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola's dream of owning a surf shop at Paradise Bay was shattered when her ex embezzled the company's funds. A treasure hunt is her last chance to save the business. Fishing boat captain Aidan agrees to help if she pretends to be his girlfriend during his parents' upcoming visit. Will their fake affection turn real?

Lola and Aidan are adorable together. They find each other irritating at first, but they soon realize they make a good team. This funny, clever romance is a great summer beach read. It's heartwarming and uplifting with a sense of family.

Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, fake relationship

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Janet Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was such a fun story with a strong female character.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great summer reading (or anytime really) mini-escape romcom! I really enjoyed both the lead characters…Aidan had me laughing from the very first page. There’s something about a man belting out Abbas the Winner Takes it All that makes me smile, even though his ‘backstory’ is nothing short of excruciatingly painful. And Lola is full of sunshine positivity, even though her life is basically a disaster courtesy of a con-man.

Beach Please has some of my fav tropes like one bed and fake dating, and the ‘treasure’ hunting with clues was fun to read about too.

Thanks NetGalley and Melanie Summers for an ARC copy. All thoughts are mine and not impacted by receiving an ARC.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola and Aidan’s had been burned by love. Can they help each other faking a relationship and searching for a hidden treasure and not falling in love? Love is worth the pain and they perfect for each other, only if they can see their true feelings. Sweet and funny.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has reminded me how satisfying it is to watch the underdog come out on top. Because lately, both Aiden and Lola have gotten the short end of life’s stick. A fake relationship, a bit of a treasure hunt, and a whole lot of laughs along the way in the sun, sand, and surf of Santa Valentina and the surrounding Benavente Islands. I loved these characters, and I was cheering for them to kind of get out of their own way and embrace the possibilities being presented to them. I’m not sure what the author has planned for us next, but I think Aiden’s single brothers could be an excellent place to start.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read with its ups and downs, crazy schemes, heartbreak, and so much more

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get this book as an ARC copy this is my honest and truthful opinion. Melanie Summers certainly pulled out everything in this book. Aiden is from a famous hockey family in Canada, but unfortunately he isn't interested in sport and is more of a computer geek and a neat freak. Lola is a totally surfer chick who's been left losing all she's worked for. The twists and turns these two go through to finally moved on from ex's who have left them both believing there's no such thing as a hea. I throughly enjoyed and believed in these characters even though I must admit to humming Lola L O L A Lola all the time at the moment. The thrills, smiles, tears and friendship this story holds is so worth reading I cant recommend it enough.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheri P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola and Aiden had great chemistry. Each of them has sworn off love after being badly burned.
I love the small community of Paradise Bay, I have read the previous books in the series but this one would be fun even without that. Summers writes witty banter causing me to laugh out loud multiple times! The rom-com has it all-forced proximity, a fake relationship and two characters fighting their attraction to each other. I read it in one day!!

[Jeannine Vogt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one!

Another book by Melanie Summers I could not put down! Thank you for making me laugh out loud and for putting a smile on my face!