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Almost #2
Bungalow Nights
Return to USA TODAY bestselling author Christie Ridgway's Crescent Cove, California, where the magic of summer can last forever... Combat medic Vance Smith made a promise to a fallen officer: to treat the man's young daughter to an idyllic vacation at Beach House No. 9. One month, some sun and surf, a "helmet list" of activities to check off and Vance will move on. But the "little girl" he's expecting turns out to be a full-grown woman. With silky hair, big brown eyes and smelling sweetly of the cupcakes she makes for her mobile bakery, Layla Parker is irresistible. And Vance shouldn't lay a finger on her. Honor-and one heck of a scarred heart-says so.
To Layla, Vance is a hero who was injured trying to save her father's life. She intends to spend their month of lazy days and warm nights taking very good care of the gorgeous soldier-inside and out....
To Layla, Vance is a hero who was injured trying to save her father's life. She intends to spend their month of lazy days and warm nights taking very good care of the gorgeous soldier-inside and out....
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
March 5, 2013
Very good book. Colonel Parker is the one man Vance wasn't able to get off the battlefield alive. But he made a promise that he would take the man's young daughter on a vacation and do the things he had kept putting off with her. So Vance set everything up and waited to meet the girl. He was stunned when he discovered that Layla was actually a full grown and beautiful woman. He is instantly attracted to her, but considers her to be "hands off."
I really liked both Layla and Vance. Layla has always kept a tight hold on her emotions. Her mother left when she was two, so she was raised by her soldier father and his hippie brother. While she knew she was loved excessive emotions were not something that were shown in her family. Also, as a military brat, relationships of any kind tended to be brief and fairly superficial because their lives were so transient. When she met Vance she too was attracted. She also didn't want to do anything about it because the inevitable end would be too painful. She considered Vance to be a hero so she was determined to go along with his plans. Because of her years of burying her emotions she still hasn't really dealt with her father's death. She also sees Vance's issues with his family and wants to help him get back together with them. Never having had a family like his she doesn't want to see him lose it forever. There is a lot of growth in Layla as she learns to open herself up to possibilities. She still has a tendency to retreat when the feelings get intense, but she also sees the happiness that is possible if she can just reach out and grab it.
Vance's guilty feelings for not saving the colonel are what caused him to agree to spend the month with the colonel's daughter. When he discovered that she was an adult he was ready to run. His intense attraction to her was not in his plan and it made him feel even guiltier. He was also trying to avoid his family who he'd been estranged from for years. He had been a wild teenager, mostly in reaction to what he saw as his older brother's perfection (loved his nickname for his brother). This caused his father to refuse to bring him into the family business, claiming that Vance was too irresponsible to do the job. Then his fiancee dumped him for his brother causing even more tensions. It was heartbreaking to see just how much Vance wanted to reconnect, but refused to allow himself to admit it. He had some really eye opening moments that helped him come to terms with his family and finally find some peace. That caring transferred to Layla and I loved the way he tried so hard to do the things her father wanted done. He tried so hard to resist the physical attraction but every time he thought he had a handle on it something would happen to reinforce it. He too would retreat when he was trying to resist. I loved the way that he would find himself telling her things that he never told anyone else and how much it would surprise him. He spent a long time refusing to admit the strength of his feelings to himself much less to her.
I loved the way that both Vance and Layla understood each other far more than they understood themselves. There were some very emotional moments between them and also some very fun ones. I loved the way that Layla would step in to defuse tension between Vance and his brother - some of those times were really funny. Vance was also very good at sensing Layla's emotional needs and being there for her.
I really enjoyed the secondary romance between Baxter and Addy. He was so uptight and OCD that seeing him deal with her laid back side was pretty funny. She did a great job of needling him into letting go. I liked his unwilling possessiveness and how he ended up showing it. The mystery she was working on was pretty good, but only partly solved. I really hope we get the rest of it in the next book.
I really liked both Layla and Vance. Layla has always kept a tight hold on her emotions. Her mother left when she was two, so she was raised by her soldier father and his hippie brother. While she knew she was loved excessive emotions were not something that were shown in her family. Also, as a military brat, relationships of any kind tended to be brief and fairly superficial because their lives were so transient. When she met Vance she too was attracted. She also didn't want to do anything about it because the inevitable end would be too painful. She considered Vance to be a hero so she was determined to go along with his plans. Because of her years of burying her emotions she still hasn't really dealt with her father's death. She also sees Vance's issues with his family and wants to help him get back together with them. Never having had a family like his she doesn't want to see him lose it forever. There is a lot of growth in Layla as she learns to open herself up to possibilities. She still has a tendency to retreat when the feelings get intense, but she also sees the happiness that is possible if she can just reach out and grab it.
Vance's guilty feelings for not saving the colonel are what caused him to agree to spend the month with the colonel's daughter. When he discovered that she was an adult he was ready to run. His intense attraction to her was not in his plan and it made him feel even guiltier. He was also trying to avoid his family who he'd been estranged from for years. He had been a wild teenager, mostly in reaction to what he saw as his older brother's perfection (loved his nickname for his brother). This caused his father to refuse to bring him into the family business, claiming that Vance was too irresponsible to do the job. Then his fiancee dumped him for his brother causing even more tensions. It was heartbreaking to see just how much Vance wanted to reconnect, but refused to allow himself to admit it. He had some really eye opening moments that helped him come to terms with his family and finally find some peace. That caring transferred to Layla and I loved the way he tried so hard to do the things her father wanted done. He tried so hard to resist the physical attraction but every time he thought he had a handle on it something would happen to reinforce it. He too would retreat when he was trying to resist. I loved the way that he would find himself telling her things that he never told anyone else and how much it would surprise him. He spent a long time refusing to admit the strength of his feelings to himself much less to her.
I loved the way that both Vance and Layla understood each other far more than they understood themselves. There were some very emotional moments between them and also some very fun ones. I loved the way that Layla would step in to defuse tension between Vance and his brother - some of those times were really funny. Vance was also very good at sensing Layla's emotional needs and being there for her.
I really enjoyed the secondary romance between Baxter and Addy. He was so uptight and OCD that seeing him deal with her laid back side was pretty funny. She did a great job of needling him into letting go. I liked his unwilling possessiveness and how he ended up showing it. The mystery she was working on was pretty good, but only partly solved. I really hope we get the rest of it in the next book.
December 4, 2017
Life is an ever changing cycle of love, loss and new beginnings. The key to surviving the evolution of it all, is to make every second count. I consider Almost Everything, my lost in the moment tale. Vance and Layla are an entrancing duo, not easy to let go of. With a little help from above, two wanderers find a home in each others arms. Ms. Ridgway has a profoundness to her storytelling that stimulates the mind almost as easily as it touches the heart. She speaks to that voice inside of the soul, searching for hope in times that may seen hopeless.
December 11, 2017
ALMOST EVERYTHING is a terrific read!
Layne Parker is on her way to Crescent Cove to fulfill her Dad’s bucket list.
Vance Smith is on his way to Crescent Cove to meet the daughter of the Colonel he tried to save on the battlefield and keep a promise. Expecting a young girl, imagine his surprise when he realized he will be spending a month at a Beach House #9 with the most gorgeous woman he ever laid eyes on.
Ms. Ridgway writes stories I love to read. Her characters are strong yet vulnerable. This beautifully written story will grab your heart. I highly recommend!
Layne Parker is on her way to Crescent Cove to fulfill her Dad’s bucket list.
Vance Smith is on his way to Crescent Cove to meet the daughter of the Colonel he tried to save on the battlefield and keep a promise. Expecting a young girl, imagine his surprise when he realized he will be spending a month at a Beach House #9 with the most gorgeous woman he ever laid eyes on.
Ms. Ridgway writes stories I love to read. Her characters are strong yet vulnerable. This beautifully written story will grab your heart. I highly recommend!
December 11, 2017
What started out as an obligation quickly turns into something more.
Vance was expecting a little girl, but.....Layla was far from a little girl. When i read the synopsis of Almost Everything I knew I wanted to read it. Why you ask.....it has a military theme to it.....which I love!!!
I enjoyed the story of how Vance and Layla relationship turned to love.
Vance was expecting a little girl, but.....Layla was far from a little girl. When i read the synopsis of Almost Everything I knew I wanted to read it. Why you ask.....it has a military theme to it.....which I love!!!
I enjoyed the story of how Vance and Layla relationship turned to love.
December 12, 2017
"Love didn’t force the two of us together, Layla. The two of us together create the love."
Vince is a Combat Medic and he made a promise to his dying Colonel that he would help his daughter have an amazing summer at Beach House # 9 in Crescent Cove. He’s determined to fulfill that promise.
After her father is killed in Afghanistan, Layla Parker has come to Crescent Cove to complete a bucket list of things he always wanted to do with her and that he always carried with him in his helmet (his helmet list).
Vince and his family are estranged. He and his brother had a major falling out. His father won’t allow him to have anything to do with the family business. When Vince goes off to Afghanistan, he only send his family an email to let them know he went. No personal goodbyes, he does not keep in touch regularly, he cuts them off from his life. Except for his one cousin, Baxter, who he’s very close to.
So this is more than just a romance, but a healing of hearts! A healing of Layla’s hearts, Vince’s heart, and his family’s too. This was a beautiful story!!!!! There was a side romance between Vince’s cousin, Baxter and Addison. I thought at first that I wouldn’t be interested, and got irritated because it was interrupting Vince and Layla’s story. But the story of Baxter and Addy grew on me. There was a healing of hearts there too.
I really loved this book!!! I’m not surprised when it’s written by one of my go to authors. This Always Series has been SO special!!! Beach House #9 truly is magical!! I am really looking forward to the next one, Almost Paradise!!! If you enjoy really good romance, with so much depth to it, then I highly recommend this book and this whole series to you! They can be read as standalones, but are much nicer read as a series.
Vince is a Combat Medic and he made a promise to his dying Colonel that he would help his daughter have an amazing summer at Beach House # 9 in Crescent Cove. He’s determined to fulfill that promise.
After her father is killed in Afghanistan, Layla Parker has come to Crescent Cove to complete a bucket list of things he always wanted to do with her and that he always carried with him in his helmet (his helmet list).
Vince and his family are estranged. He and his brother had a major falling out. His father won’t allow him to have anything to do with the family business. When Vince goes off to Afghanistan, he only send his family an email to let them know he went. No personal goodbyes, he does not keep in touch regularly, he cuts them off from his life. Except for his one cousin, Baxter, who he’s very close to.
So this is more than just a romance, but a healing of hearts! A healing of Layla’s hearts, Vince’s heart, and his family’s too. This was a beautiful story!!!!! There was a side romance between Vince’s cousin, Baxter and Addison. I thought at first that I wouldn’t be interested, and got irritated because it was interrupting Vince and Layla’s story. But the story of Baxter and Addy grew on me. There was a healing of hearts there too.
I really loved this book!!! I’m not surprised when it’s written by one of my go to authors. This Always Series has been SO special!!! Beach House #9 truly is magical!! I am really looking forward to the next one, Almost Paradise!!! If you enjoy really good romance, with so much depth to it, then I highly recommend this book and this whole series to you! They can be read as standalones, but are much nicer read as a series.
February 20, 2013
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I was really looking forward to this book, I found the blurb really interesting and I was sure I was going to love it, but to my dismay this was not what I hoped it would be and in the end I didn’t really enjoy it at all.
The story seemed to float along at an unhurried pace that left me feeling a little bored. I felt there was little substance and to be not enough going on to really interest me. The romance felt cold and I didn’t really care if Vance and Layla ended up together or not.
Layla was alright but there was nothing to her, she had nothing to give to the story. I found Lance to be quite unlikeable. I struggle to think of a real moment where he actually considered Layla’s feelings. In the second half of the book after he has slept with her he takes her to a spa, then flirts with another woman whilst he is waiting for her appointment to finish. After they go to lunch and he spends his time thinking about how he regrets not getting the other woman’s number. I have seen stuff like this before in other books but not so close to the end.
There were another two characters and a romance that was starting between them. I much preferred them and their story so I hope that there will be a book about them soon.
Clearly Bungalow Nights was not for me, it had a lot of potential but I just couldn’t enjoy it at all.
The publisher provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for and honest review
I was really looking forward to this book, I found the blurb really interesting and I was sure I was going to love it, but to my dismay this was not what I hoped it would be and in the end I didn’t really enjoy it at all.
The story seemed to float along at an unhurried pace that left me feeling a little bored. I felt there was little substance and to be not enough going on to really interest me. The romance felt cold and I didn’t really care if Vance and Layla ended up together or not.
Layla was alright but there was nothing to her, she had nothing to give to the story. I found Lance to be quite unlikeable. I struggle to think of a real moment where he actually considered Layla’s feelings. In the second half of the book after he has slept with her he takes her to a spa, then flirts with another woman whilst he is waiting for her appointment to finish. After they go to lunch and he spends his time thinking about how he regrets not getting the other woman’s number. I have seen stuff like this before in other books but not so close to the end.
There were another two characters and a romance that was starting between them. I much preferred them and their story so I hope that there will be a book about them soon.
Clearly Bungalow Nights was not for me, it had a lot of potential but I just couldn’t enjoy it at all.
The publisher provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for and honest review
March 3, 2013
This is a great second installment of Ridgway's Beach House series. I really enjoyed this story. I've also written this review twice and have deleted it. I really like how Ridgeway weaves the story and characters together. It makes sense how the main and secondary love story go together. The pacing is just right and the book moved along at a great pace. However, I wanted more of the secondary characters. They are so great, they could have had their own book.
The only thing Ridgeway gets wrong is the family politics involved in a business. This could be because I have experience with dysfunctional people who have no business running a business. I thought the story with the extended family resolved too easy. That could be because our issues with the family and their business ended up totally different than the book. But, this is a romance novel, and I was happy to see someone resolve their conflicts and have a HEA, even if they were extended family.
Overall, Ridgeway has given us another great story that is poignant. I highly recommend this book for all romance readers.
The only thing Ridgeway gets wrong is the family politics involved in a business. This could be because I have experience with dysfunctional people who have no business running a business. I thought the story with the extended family resolved too easy. That could be because our issues with the family and their business ended up totally different than the book. But, this is a romance novel, and I was happy to see someone resolve their conflicts and have a HEA, even if they were extended family.
Overall, Ridgeway has given us another great story that is poignant. I highly recommend this book for all romance readers.
April 21, 2013
For Layla and Vance, Addy and Baxter, their month at Beach House No. 9 is a time of love and learning, of forgiveness and letting go, trust and faith. If you are looking for that perfect book (series actually) to kick off your summer, run out and get Bungalow Nights (and its predecessors - Beach House Beginnings and Beach House No 9). You’ll quickly be drawn into a world of sun, sea, surf and love. Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress...
November 18, 2013
Like in the previous book, there's also a secondary love story in this book.
I liked better the characters in this one: the hero being a former bad boy turned military medic with a long story of conflicts with his family and a weak self-confidence in any situations but work. The heroine is a very lonely character longing but really afraid to belong and get attached. Their story evolved nicely, I liked how both of them managed to make the other better. And even the secondary love story was rather nice with likable characters and some surprising moments.
I liked better the characters in this one: the hero being a former bad boy turned military medic with a long story of conflicts with his family and a weak self-confidence in any situations but work. The heroine is a very lonely character longing but really afraid to belong and get attached. Their story evolved nicely, I liked how both of them managed to make the other better. And even the secondary love story was rather nice with likable characters and some surprising moments.
June 22, 2013
I liked this one best of the series. No good reason why as they weren't all that different. I think I liked the heroine just a bit better.
June 8, 2019
Vance made promise to dying man that hed he'd take his little girl and give her a great time at beach house no. 9 the thing is he thought she was 10 not in 20's with her business of Karma cupcakes. She's there for month and things are up and down from start to finsh. After all he did buy her teddy bear and hired a nanny.
Vance doesn't feel like a hero even though he is army medic and besides Layla dad he has saved everyone that been in his care. That doesn't mean they lived after hospital but he got them there alive. He was also injured in trying save Layla dad.
It took most of book before Vance and Layla got their act together. By the end he had made amends with his family. His brother and ex fiancee are getting married. Yep read right Vance brother got his girl but he'd gotten with her just try win his family back but it didn't work and he went back to Afghanistan til got injured. Layla was Vance pretend girlfriend and became real by end. She helped him make amends with his family. Layla also dealt with her dad dying through out book going through the emotions.
There is also Baxter who is Vance cousin and I really liked him in some ways more than Vance. They nanny Addy that Vance hired is a formal one night stand that Baxter had when was leaving for business school. He made promises he shouldn't have made and knew couldn't keep he's beaten his self up for 6 yrs and apologizing is all he can think to do. Addy acts like doesn't remember at first. She does though and he confronts her on this. They start on off thing as well which got on my nerves.
Baxter to Addy has always been the golden boy. He reveals to her that he's not and he hates his job which quits. Baxter doesn't know French but he's going with her to Paris where she going study film for year. Which I thought was cute.
With Baxter quitting and Vance brother moving into Baxter job it left open Fritz job and Vance got it since he got medical discharge for his wounds if he wanted it which by end he did too be with Layla.
Griffin and Jane from first book made small appearance and mentioned that something happen with Gage twin brother. There was also little mystery that wasn't solved which hope book three does I who broke into place Addy was working about the collar jewel thing that was left from Edith owner of movie studio in the cove.
Altogether was 4 same first book. Hope next one with Gage be better.
Vance doesn't feel like a hero even though he is army medic and besides Layla dad he has saved everyone that been in his care. That doesn't mean they lived after hospital but he got them there alive. He was also injured in trying save Layla dad.
It took most of book before Vance and Layla got their act together. By the end he had made amends with his family. His brother and ex fiancee are getting married. Yep read right Vance brother got his girl but he'd gotten with her just try win his family back but it didn't work and he went back to Afghanistan til got injured. Layla was Vance pretend girlfriend and became real by end. She helped him make amends with his family. Layla also dealt with her dad dying through out book going through the emotions.
There is also Baxter who is Vance cousin and I really liked him in some ways more than Vance. They nanny Addy that Vance hired is a formal one night stand that Baxter had when was leaving for business school. He made promises he shouldn't have made and knew couldn't keep he's beaten his self up for 6 yrs and apologizing is all he can think to do. Addy acts like doesn't remember at first. She does though and he confronts her on this. They start on off thing as well which got on my nerves.
Baxter to Addy has always been the golden boy. He reveals to her that he's not and he hates his job which quits. Baxter doesn't know French but he's going with her to Paris where she going study film for year. Which I thought was cute.
With Baxter quitting and Vance brother moving into Baxter job it left open Fritz job and Vance got it since he got medical discharge for his wounds if he wanted it which by end he did too be with Layla.
Griffin and Jane from first book made small appearance and mentioned that something happen with Gage twin brother. There was also little mystery that wasn't solved which hope book three does I who broke into place Addy was working about the collar jewel thing that was left from Edith owner of movie studio in the cove.
Altogether was 4 same first book. Hope next one with Gage be better.
December 29, 2017
I received a complimentary copy of this title and voluntarily reviewed it.
This is the third book in Christie Ridgway’s “Almost” series, but this is my favorite book so far. This story deals with two couples, Vance and Layla, and Baxter and Addy, and how personal insecurities play a major role in their forming relationship.
The main couple is Vance and Layla. Vance is a medic in the army, who returns home when he is injured trying to save an officer, who happens to be Layla’s father. Unfortunately, because of his youthful wild ways, Vance is estranged from his parents who don’t trust him.
Then, Vance’s brother returns for a visit accompanied by his girlfriend who was formerly Vance’s fiancee. All of these cause Vance so much anxiety that he asks Layla to help him save face by pretending to be his girlfriend.
This book caught my attention from the first chapter and, between Vance and Layla, and Baxter and Abby, I had trouble putting the book down until I finished it. I was never totally sure how both couples would overcome their self-doubts enough to give in to their love.
I really enjoyed this book because I can relate to the theme of the story – how insecurities can affect a relationship. Even though Vance comes from a loving, caring family, and is medic who has saved many lives, he is very insecure about his worth as a man. He returns home after losing a patient, Layla’s father, and must interact with his parents who don’t trust him and his ex-fiancee who left him.
Then there is beautiful Layla who owns a travelling truck where she creates novelty cupcakes and sells them in different places. However, she feels unworthy because her mother left her when she was 4, and her father, who is career military, never stayed around long enough to spend time with her.
Insecurities, also, turn up in Abby and Baxter’s relationship.
The characters were so realistic that there were times when I wanted to take one of the characters aside and tell them to stop being so stubborn and to listen to their heart. In spite of them, I kept rooting for the characters to overcome their doubts and listen to their hearts.
This is the third book in Christie Ridgway’s “Almost” series, but this is my favorite book so far. This story deals with two couples, Vance and Layla, and Baxter and Addy, and how personal insecurities play a major role in their forming relationship.
The main couple is Vance and Layla. Vance is a medic in the army, who returns home when he is injured trying to save an officer, who happens to be Layla’s father. Unfortunately, because of his youthful wild ways, Vance is estranged from his parents who don’t trust him.
Then, Vance’s brother returns for a visit accompanied by his girlfriend who was formerly Vance’s fiancee. All of these cause Vance so much anxiety that he asks Layla to help him save face by pretending to be his girlfriend.
This book caught my attention from the first chapter and, between Vance and Layla, and Baxter and Abby, I had trouble putting the book down until I finished it. I was never totally sure how both couples would overcome their self-doubts enough to give in to their love.
I really enjoyed this book because I can relate to the theme of the story – how insecurities can affect a relationship. Even though Vance comes from a loving, caring family, and is medic who has saved many lives, he is very insecure about his worth as a man. He returns home after losing a patient, Layla’s father, and must interact with his parents who don’t trust him and his ex-fiancee who left him.
Then there is beautiful Layla who owns a travelling truck where she creates novelty cupcakes and sells them in different places. However, she feels unworthy because her mother left her when she was 4, and her father, who is career military, never stayed around long enough to spend time with her.
Insecurities, also, turn up in Abby and Baxter’s relationship.
The characters were so realistic that there were times when I wanted to take one of the characters aside and tell them to stop being so stubborn and to listen to their heart. In spite of them, I kept rooting for the characters to overcome their doubts and listen to their hearts.
December 9, 2017
***review to come***
This is my first book by author Christie Ridgway and I was pleasantly happy I took a chance on this on. This was actually what I would say was a 2 for one. This book was not only about Vince and Layla but also had a nice bonus of Baxter and Addy. This is the 3rd book in this series and I can say that this can be read as a standalone.
Vince is a Combat Medic and he made a promise to his dying Colonel that he would help his daughter have an amazing summer at Beach House # 9 in Crescent Cove. Vince is determined to follow through with the dying wish of the Colonel and books the house and even hires a nanny (Addy March) for the Colonel's daughter (who he mistakenly thinks is the little girl in the picture). He was in for a big shock when the beautiful (and NOT so little) Layla Parker walks up to his table.
Layla is nervous and excited to meet the man that tried to save her father. She has always been the dutiful solder's daughter and as such will follow out her father's dying wish no matter how much it pains her.
This was a great story. Very Sweet and there wasn't a ton of angst in this. This story was about 2 lost souls looking to be loved and accepted for who they are. This was also the story of the magic that is Beach House #9.
I really enjoyed the book. As I said it was sweet, loving and had some cute and laugh out loud moments. I enjoyed the side story of of Addy and Baxter as well as the set up for Skye. I will most likely check out the next book because the author did a great job in piquing my interest.
The only thing that I would have to say that bothered me about the writing is the word usage. There were words that the author chose to use that did not work in the way she was going for. For Example: "He yanked a free chair from an adjacent table and "insinuated" it between her and the guy in the black T-Shirt." While Insinuated "technically" means: maneuver oneself into (a position of favor or office) by subtle manipulation, this is not a traditional sense of the word and is awkward word usage. Perhaps she could have used, shoved, placed or separated instead.
Overall, if you are looking for a sweet story with low angst and an HEA this would be a great one to check out.
This is my first book by author Christie Ridgway and I was pleasantly happy I took a chance on this on. This was actually what I would say was a 2 for one. This book was not only about Vince and Layla but also had a nice bonus of Baxter and Addy. This is the 3rd book in this series and I can say that this can be read as a standalone.
Vince is a Combat Medic and he made a promise to his dying Colonel that he would help his daughter have an amazing summer at Beach House # 9 in Crescent Cove. Vince is determined to follow through with the dying wish of the Colonel and books the house and even hires a nanny (Addy March) for the Colonel's daughter (who he mistakenly thinks is the little girl in the picture). He was in for a big shock when the beautiful (and NOT so little) Layla Parker walks up to his table.
Layla is nervous and excited to meet the man that tried to save her father. She has always been the dutiful solder's daughter and as such will follow out her father's dying wish no matter how much it pains her.
This was a great story. Very Sweet and there wasn't a ton of angst in this. This story was about 2 lost souls looking to be loved and accepted for who they are. This was also the story of the magic that is Beach House #9.
I really enjoyed the book. As I said it was sweet, loving and had some cute and laugh out loud moments. I enjoyed the side story of of Addy and Baxter as well as the set up for Skye. I will most likely check out the next book because the author did a great job in piquing my interest.
The only thing that I would have to say that bothered me about the writing is the word usage. There were words that the author chose to use that did not work in the way she was going for. For Example: "He yanked a free chair from an adjacent table and "insinuated" it between her and the guy in the black T-Shirt." While Insinuated "technically" means: maneuver oneself into (a position of favor or office) by subtle manipulation, this is not a traditional sense of the word and is awkward word usage. Perhaps she could have used, shoved, placed or separated instead.
Overall, if you are looking for a sweet story with low angst and an HEA this would be a great one to check out.
December 12, 2017
Vance Smith is determined to rescue everyone & live the motto of the military "leave no man/woman behind". When he couldn't rescue and revive a fallen soldier, he made a promise to the officer. They had discussed a bucket list of items that the officer wanted to experience with his daughter & Vance was determined to make sure she experienced all of it. Too bad the officer didn't tell Vance what age his daughter was. Imagine Vance's surprise when he encountered a young sexy woman instead of the little girl he was expecting.
Layla has a lot of respect for the military even though her father wasn't around for the important moments of her life. She has her uncle to lean on. When her father died during his tour, the medic injured while trying to rescue him became a hero to Layla. At least her dad had someone with him. Now, the medic has reached out to Layla for some reason. She's determined to spend the month helping the medic relax & recuperate. Who knew he'd be such a sexy hot male that pushes her buttons.
I enjoyed the interactions between Layla & Vance. Their wit & sarcasm were matched with the tenderness & warmth through out the story. Vance felt survivor's guilt & Layla was determined to make him realize he had nothing to feel guilty about. The secondary characters & their interactions with each other & the two primaries supported the general feel of the book & added an extra dimension. There were some twists & turns in the plot that were not expected. Ms. Ridgeway has a way with writing emotional stories with very descriptive narrativethat makes you feel as if you were in the same scene with them.
Layla has a lot of respect for the military even though her father wasn't around for the important moments of her life. She has her uncle to lean on. When her father died during his tour, the medic injured while trying to rescue him became a hero to Layla. At least her dad had someone with him. Now, the medic has reached out to Layla for some reason. She's determined to spend the month helping the medic relax & recuperate. Who knew he'd be such a sexy hot male that pushes her buttons.
I enjoyed the interactions between Layla & Vance. Their wit & sarcasm were matched with the tenderness & warmth through out the story. Vance felt survivor's guilt & Layla was determined to make him realize he had nothing to feel guilty about. The secondary characters & their interactions with each other & the two primaries supported the general feel of the book & added an extra dimension. There were some twists & turns in the plot that were not expected. Ms. Ridgeway has a way with writing emotional stories with very descriptive narrativethat makes you feel as if you were in the same scene with them.
December 13, 2017
Almost everything was about grief, heartbreak, family, love and letting go of the past. There was something about this story that had me hooked from the first page to the very end. The love in this story is evident all the way through the story and the relationship between the two main characters I absolutely adored reading about. I loved the way that the relationship developed between them and the way that it happened naturally.
Laylah was a strong female character that has been let down a lot of times in her life. But that didn’t let her down because she always had a smile on her face as she sold her beloved cupcakes. I really enjoyed the way that she was trying to help the main male character in the story Vance and I loved the relationship that she had with her uncle.
Vance I absolutely loved from the first moment we met him. He was a combat medic who was with Laylah’s father when he died and was fulfilling his dying wish. I think he was a completely beautiful character for wanting to fulfil his wish and look after Laylah. I felt for Vance throughout the story so many times and loved the way that he took care of Laylah.
Almost everything is about Laylah Parker who was upholding her fathers final request to spend a month at Cresent Cove with the Combat Medic Vance Smith who tried to save the life of her father. However, will that be all that happens during the month or will something more happen.
Almost everything was a beautiful story that had characters that I completely adored. I absolutely loved this story and definitely recommend it to everyone.
Laylah was a strong female character that has been let down a lot of times in her life. But that didn’t let her down because she always had a smile on her face as she sold her beloved cupcakes. I really enjoyed the way that she was trying to help the main male character in the story Vance and I loved the relationship that she had with her uncle.
Vance I absolutely loved from the first moment we met him. He was a combat medic who was with Laylah’s father when he died and was fulfilling his dying wish. I think he was a completely beautiful character for wanting to fulfil his wish and look after Laylah. I felt for Vance throughout the story so many times and loved the way that he took care of Laylah.
Almost everything is about Laylah Parker who was upholding her fathers final request to spend a month at Cresent Cove with the Combat Medic Vance Smith who tried to save the life of her father. However, will that be all that happens during the month or will something more happen.
Almost everything was a beautiful story that had characters that I completely adored. I absolutely loved this story and definitely recommend it to everyone.
December 12, 2017
This is the third book in the Almost Series and my first book by author Christie Ridgway. Although it is book three in the series is can't be read as a standalone novel.
After her father is killed in Afghanistan, Layla Parker has come to Crescent Cove to complete a bucket list of things he always wanted to do with her and that he always carried with him in his helmet.
Injured combat medic, Vance Smith has arrived at Crescent Cove on a mission to fulfill a promise. The promise was to complete a list along with the daughter of an injured Colonel Parker whom he tried to save and couldn't. Armed with a a wishlist and a photograph of Colonel Parker's ten year old daughter, Vance books a month-long stay at Beach House #9. But when Layla arrives Vance is surprised to learn she isn't the ten year old child from the pucture. She's an adult and the most beautiful woman he's laid eyes on. Despite the attraction is he feels and the unease at having to spend a whole month with her, he is determined to fulfill his promise.
This was such a sweet story with equally endearing characters. The connection and attraction between Vance and Layla is sweet without being over the top and too obvious. The writing was very good and had me anxiously turning the pages to get to their happily ever after. I look forward to reading more from Christie Ridgway and the previous two books in the Almost Series. 4 stars.
After her father is killed in Afghanistan, Layla Parker has come to Crescent Cove to complete a bucket list of things he always wanted to do with her and that he always carried with him in his helmet.
Injured combat medic, Vance Smith has arrived at Crescent Cove on a mission to fulfill a promise. The promise was to complete a list along with the daughter of an injured Colonel Parker whom he tried to save and couldn't. Armed with a a wishlist and a photograph of Colonel Parker's ten year old daughter, Vance books a month-long stay at Beach House #9. But when Layla arrives Vance is surprised to learn she isn't the ten year old child from the pucture. She's an adult and the most beautiful woman he's laid eyes on. Despite the attraction is he feels and the unease at having to spend a whole month with her, he is determined to fulfill his promise.
This was such a sweet story with equally endearing characters. The connection and attraction between Vance and Layla is sweet without being over the top and too obvious. The writing was very good and had me anxiously turning the pages to get to their happily ever after. I look forward to reading more from Christie Ridgway and the previous two books in the Almost Series. 4 stars.
March 30, 2018
Actually this is the second time I've read this book. The first time was when it was part of the Beach House #9 Series, which was the first books I've read by Christie and gave me a love for her writing. Reading Vance and Layla's story was just as heart grabbing the second time around. Vance, a combat medic, promised a fallen officer that he would keep his dying wish, to give his daughter a month of fun in the sun on Crescent Beach. Seeing a picture of a 10 yr old girl, not knowing it was an old picture, he was expecting a little girl and was quite surprised to find that Layla was a beautiful woman. They tried to stay just friends living in the same house. With the help of the magic of Beach House #9, like Potion #9, their instant explosive chemistry could not be denied. They both had personal scars that needed healing and together they healed each other and found true love. Also loved Addy and Vance's cousin Baxter's love story. I really loved this series the first time I read it, and am loving it again the second time around. Cannot wait to read Skye and Gage's story next. I highly recommend this book and series and anything written by Christie Ridgway. Her writing has a way of capturing your heart. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my voluntary review.
December 12, 2017
This is the third book in the Almost series, by talented author, Christie Ridgeway. I read an advanced copy for an honest review.
As in the previous book, there are 2 couples that succumb to the magic of Beach House No 9 at Covent Cove, which seems to have been sprinkled with Love Potion # 9.
Combat medic, Vance Smith., was injured in his last mission and lost his last patient, his colonel. He made a deathbed promise to take his little girl, Layla, to the month long vacation that he had already planned. All the details were on a paper that he kept in his combat helmet. He hired his neighbor Addy March, to help him as a nanny. But Layla is not the little girl that Vance was expecting, but a grown beautiful woman, who runs a cupcake truck with her uncle.
The second couple is Addy and Vance's cousin Baxter. Addy is a graduate student and is researching the movie studio that had originally used the cove for filming. Baxter was her first. She has crushed on him since she was a teen, but has so low self esteem that never believed his promise that he would call her, while Baxter has felt guilty for not doing so.
Vance and Baxter's mothers are twin sister, who both have had wonderful marriages, something that Vance, Baxter and Vance's older brother Frix, grew up believing was normal. While Addy's parents were always fighting, so that she escaped into books and a fantasy world and Layla's mother abandoned her daughter when she was just two. All four of them still have issues. But Beach House No 9 does it's magic. It is the journey, conflicts and resolutions that draw the reader in. There is also a mystery that needs solving and Skye, Griffin and Jane from the previous book make guest appearances. Delightful series.
As in the previous book, there are 2 couples that succumb to the magic of Beach House No 9 at Covent Cove, which seems to have been sprinkled with Love Potion # 9.
Combat medic, Vance Smith., was injured in his last mission and lost his last patient, his colonel. He made a deathbed promise to take his little girl, Layla, to the month long vacation that he had already planned. All the details were on a paper that he kept in his combat helmet. He hired his neighbor Addy March, to help him as a nanny. But Layla is not the little girl that Vance was expecting, but a grown beautiful woman, who runs a cupcake truck with her uncle.
The second couple is Addy and Vance's cousin Baxter. Addy is a graduate student and is researching the movie studio that had originally used the cove for filming. Baxter was her first. She has crushed on him since she was a teen, but has so low self esteem that never believed his promise that he would call her, while Baxter has felt guilty for not doing so.
Vance and Baxter's mothers are twin sister, who both have had wonderful marriages, something that Vance, Baxter and Vance's older brother Frix, grew up believing was normal. While Addy's parents were always fighting, so that she escaped into books and a fantasy world and Layla's mother abandoned her daughter when she was just two. All four of them still have issues. But Beach House No 9 does it's magic. It is the journey, conflicts and resolutions that draw the reader in. There is also a mystery that needs solving and Skye, Griffin and Jane from the previous book make guest appearances. Delightful series.
December 12, 2017
I really enjoyed reading Almost Everything by Christie Ridgway, the third book in her Almost series. This story is a re-issue from her Beach House series with updates. Vance Smith was determined to fulfill his promise to Colonel Parker by treating his daughter to a vacation in Crescent Cove and work their way through what the colonel called his "helmet list". There was just one problem, instead of the little girl Vance was anticipating; Layla Parker is a young, gorgeous and tempting woman. I suspect the colonel did a little matchmaking before he died. A second story within this one follows Vance’s cousin Baxter and friend Addy which only added to this fun story. Another addition was the search for the film memorabilia and missing jewels of the original owners.
Ms. Ridgway is a wonderful story teller, making me feel as if I was right there and making me want to spend time in Crescent Cove. Her books draw me in, making me forget the world around me, not wanting to put the book down until I turned the last page. This book was sweet and sexy with a touch of suspense that just improved the story. I highly recommend this book to other readers and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Ridgway is a wonderful story teller, making me feel as if I was right there and making me want to spend time in Crescent Cove. Her books draw me in, making me forget the world around me, not wanting to put the book down until I turned the last page. This book was sweet and sexy with a touch of suspense that just improved the story. I highly recommend this book to other readers and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 12, 2017
Almost Everything (Book 3) has characters that you immediately like and by the end you have grown to love, which customary in a book by Christie Ridgway. It is one of the reasons I enjoy her books. The other reason is top-notched writing with emotional depth from the characters. This is a story that you can just get lost in reading. I loved the helmet list idea, while finding the mix-up on ages hilarious. Layla Parker definitely does not need a baby sitter.
Almost Everything is complete n its own, but the other books in the series are just as good so a new reader to Christie Ridgway books will want to check them out. Also, all the stories in this series take place in Crescent Cove Beach House Rentals, which some are revamp from the old Beach House Series. I had not read any of that series, so I cannot say how much has been redone in the new releases of the older books. What I can say is that this is a series with heart and soul healing along with being a wonderful romance.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book.
Almost Everything is complete n its own, but the other books in the series are just as good so a new reader to Christie Ridgway books will want to check them out. Also, all the stories in this series take place in Crescent Cove Beach House Rentals, which some are revamp from the old Beach House Series. I had not read any of that series, so I cannot say how much has been redone in the new releases of the older books. What I can say is that this is a series with heart and soul healing along with being a wonderful romance.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book.
December 12, 2017
I am really loving this series and this book was so enjoyable. Layla and Vance are a special couple that you can't help but love. They are brought together by the most unusual of circumstances and they are true soul mates.
Vance has been injured in his deployment and has come home to grant the wish of the fallen soldier he couldn't save. Layla's dad was killed and knew that Vance was the last person to see him alive. Upon meeting and agreeing to spend a month together since her father couldn't be with her, Vance takes on the duty of wanting to give Layla a month she will never forget in remembrance of her father. Neither of them, not knowing what to expect when they meet, find they have a connection they can't deny.
As the days progress, they seem to heal each other in so many ways. Layla helps Vance mend his broken relationship with his family and Vance helps her heal from her father's death. All of the characters are easy to love and I can't wait to read the next book of this series!
Vance has been injured in his deployment and has come home to grant the wish of the fallen soldier he couldn't save. Layla's dad was killed and knew that Vance was the last person to see him alive. Upon meeting and agreeing to spend a month together since her father couldn't be with her, Vance takes on the duty of wanting to give Layla a month she will never forget in remembrance of her father. Neither of them, not knowing what to expect when they meet, find they have a connection they can't deny.
As the days progress, they seem to heal each other in so many ways. Layla helps Vance mend his broken relationship with his family and Vance helps her heal from her father's death. All of the characters are easy to love and I can't wait to read the next book of this series!
December 12, 2017
Reviewed on behalf of http://bookaddict.live,
Almost Everything, is more magic from Christie Ridgeway and Crescent Cove. Beach house number 9 is where Vance army medic was to spend a month giving dead Colonel Parker’s daughter Layla a month long vacation as the dying wish of her father.
Only one problem he was waiting for a 9 year old girl. Layla comes to Crescent Cove with her Cupcake van, and her uncle Phil. So when he meets a beautiful woman instead of a young child, he decides he can’t let a fellow officer down or a beautiful woman and decides to keep his word. Vance and Layla feel the sparks immediately right from the word go, but both are determined to not act on the temptation.
Both Layla and Vance are wounded and broken from life, even though they hide it well. Layla pretends to be his girlfriend in front of his estranged family. Vance is completing her father’s helmet list for him. Gradually we see the healing and the love grow between them and to find out how, you need to read the book.
This is another of her books that is a feel good summer holiday of Romance.
Almost Everything, is more magic from Christie Ridgeway and Crescent Cove. Beach house number 9 is where Vance army medic was to spend a month giving dead Colonel Parker’s daughter Layla a month long vacation as the dying wish of her father.
Only one problem he was waiting for a 9 year old girl. Layla comes to Crescent Cove with her Cupcake van, and her uncle Phil. So when he meets a beautiful woman instead of a young child, he decides he can’t let a fellow officer down or a beautiful woman and decides to keep his word. Vance and Layla feel the sparks immediately right from the word go, but both are determined to not act on the temptation.
Both Layla and Vance are wounded and broken from life, even though they hide it well. Layla pretends to be his girlfriend in front of his estranged family. Vance is completing her father’s helmet list for him. Gradually we see the healing and the love grow between them and to find out how, you need to read the book.
This is another of her books that is a feel good summer holiday of Romance.
December 11, 2017
Almost Everything
By: Christie Ridgway
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review by Kristie K
An amazing tale perfect for the true romantic, Almost Everything delivers a sweet and heart-wrenching tale of love and loss…
A combat medic, the daughter of his fallen comrade in arms, a sun-swept beach, and a deathbed promise…these are the building blocks of Almost Everything. The third installment of the Almost series is everything you’ve come to expect from Christie Ridgway. A sweet and sensual plot and storyline, with plenty of heart, soul, and scars, this book moves you in the most beautiful ways. These characters are incredible. Well developed, with a deep sense of self and authenticity, Layla and Vance grab hold of your heart and keep it entranced for the entirety of their story. A beautiful story, from a beautiful author…I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Kristie K
By: Christie Ridgway
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review by Kristie K
An amazing tale perfect for the true romantic, Almost Everything delivers a sweet and heart-wrenching tale of love and loss…
A combat medic, the daughter of his fallen comrade in arms, a sun-swept beach, and a deathbed promise…these are the building blocks of Almost Everything. The third installment of the Almost series is everything you’ve come to expect from Christie Ridgway. A sweet and sensual plot and storyline, with plenty of heart, soul, and scars, this book moves you in the most beautiful ways. These characters are incredible. Well developed, with a deep sense of self and authenticity, Layla and Vance grab hold of your heart and keep it entranced for the entirety of their story. A beautiful story, from a beautiful author…I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Kristie K
December 13, 2017
Oh my, this book has all the feels! Vance is making good on a death-bed promise to take the fallen soldier's daughter on the already planned vacation. Expecting a young girl, Vance is completely off-guard when he sees the beautiful, grown-up Layla! Layla agrees to spend the month with the medic who was with her father at the end, not dreaming that he'd be everything she could ever want.
This enthralling love story has a witty, sarcastic humor along with an amazing depth of emotion. There is a sweetness throughout, and the writing is smart and insightful. These are characters that feel so real, so relatable, even the secondary characters become instant friends. Every bit of this story is heartwarming and captivating. It's pure romantic escapism at its best, and I loved every page. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This enthralling love story has a witty, sarcastic humor along with an amazing depth of emotion. There is a sweetness throughout, and the writing is smart and insightful. These are characters that feel so real, so relatable, even the secondary characters become instant friends. Every bit of this story is heartwarming and captivating. It's pure romantic escapism at its best, and I loved every page. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
December 21, 2017
I am a big fan of Christie Ridgway and eagerly await each new book. Almost Everything, the 3rd in the Almost series, was worth the wait. In Almost Everything, Vance promised a dying colonel that he would give his daughter, Layla, a vacation to remember at Beach House No. 9. One problem though, Vance thinks Layla is a little girl. Instead, he finds a grown up, cupcake baking, beautiful young woman. How they finally fall in love makes for a wonderful story. There is also a second love story involving Vance’s cousin, Baxter, and his one night stand from six years ago, Addy. The two stories go back and forth throughout the book. Finally, another story line involves Vance and family issues that must be resolved. Needless to say, this story will hold your attention. I can’t wait for the next story set in Crescent Cove and especially Beach House No. 9.
December 11, 2017
I really like this series. Vance and Layla have issues they need to resolve so they can move on with their lives. Can they do it together? Vance made a promise that he would look after an officer's little girl. What he didn't know is that the "little girl" isn't so little. She is grown up and beautiful. How can Vance spend a month at the beach with this gorgeous woman? Layla is still grieving for her father and her dad had told her about Vance. She just wasn't prepared for him. As Vance checks things off of the list, Layla is thinking she might have to leave before the month is up. She is getting too attached to Vance and is wanting to solve his problems with his family. She knows you shouldn't get too attached to anyone.
December 12, 2017
Wonderful Romance!
This is the first book of this series that I’ve read and it was an incredible romance! I want to read the first 2 books!
Vance Smith was trying to fulfill his Colonels dying wish for him to help his daughter Layla have an amazing month at Beach House #9. He wants them to fulfill his “ helmet “ list.
Lance thought he was meeting a little girl but it turns out she was very grown!
He doesn’t know how he’s going to spend a month at the beach house with a very beautiful woman!
Christie Ridgway writes great story that draws you in and keeps you reading until the end! It has great characters and a great storyline! I highly recommend this book to everyone!
I can’t wait to read more books from Christie!
This is the first book of this series that I’ve read and it was an incredible romance! I want to read the first 2 books!
Vance Smith was trying to fulfill his Colonels dying wish for him to help his daughter Layla have an amazing month at Beach House #9. He wants them to fulfill his “ helmet “ list.
Lance thought he was meeting a little girl but it turns out she was very grown!
He doesn’t know how he’s going to spend a month at the beach house with a very beautiful woman!
Christie Ridgway writes great story that draws you in and keeps you reading until the end! It has great characters and a great storyline! I highly recommend this book to everyone!
I can’t wait to read more books from Christie!
December 13, 2017
Boy was Vance surprised on his first meeting of Layla. While expecting a little girl, he was unprepared to meet a grown woman. While they both fought their attraction, they couldn't do it forever. I like to think Layla's father had it in mind to pair them up as a way to take care of her. Both have had family issues. Layla always being left behind and Vance being practically disowned by his family. The two fit together so well, that they helped make each other feel whole again. The book was very good. I look forward to the next installment. While it is part of a series, the stories are not dependent so it can be read on it's own. I received an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
January 3, 2018
I love that Ridgway is able to throw us two romances in one book. Vance and Layla are the "main"romance, while Addy and Baxter offer us up the other. I loved that Vance and Layla started out with Vince thinking that the daughter of the fallen soldier he made a promise to stay with for a month on vacation isn't the ten year old he thought, but a grown woman. And a gorgeous woman at that! With the mistaken perception aside, there is sizzle when they touch. As they get to know each other, it becomes harder and harder to not give in to the heat. Vance fights it because he feels an obligation to her deceased father to protect her. Which will win, heat or obligation.
Definitely another hit for Ms. Ridgway. This book was previously published under a different name.
Definitely another hit for Ms. Ridgway. This book was previously published under a different name.
January 9, 2018
I got a free ARC copy of this book and was slow to read it (you can do that when it's free). The beginning felt too predictable, so I set it aside for awhile. The good news is that it got a lot better!
The first couple was likeable, but I was afraid the author was going to stretch out the angst and drama to make it into a full-length story. Instead, she introduced a second likable pair. The book went at a fast pace as the two stories intertwined. I also liked the drama of the dirty rotten "perfect" brother who stole fiance #1.
I'm probably giving this story higher marks because my initial expectations were so low and it was nice to be proved wrong. I thought the story kept getting better as it moved along, and I really enjoyed it in the end. Definitely worth a read!
The first couple was likeable, but I was afraid the author was going to stretch out the angst and drama to make it into a full-length story. Instead, she introduced a second likable pair. The book went at a fast pace as the two stories intertwined. I also liked the drama of the dirty rotten "perfect" brother who stole fiance #1.
I'm probably giving this story higher marks because my initial expectations were so low and it was nice to be proved wrong. I thought the story kept getting better as it moved along, and I really enjoyed it in the end. Definitely worth a read!
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