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Dare Island #1
Carolina Home
Home to the Fletcher family for generations, Dare Island is a fishing village rocked by changing times—its traditions slipping away like the sands of the North Carolina coast. Single dad and fishing boat captain Matt Fletcher deferred his own dreams to support his innkeeper parents and build a future for his sixteen-year-old son. Matt has learned to weather life's storms by steering a steady emotional course...and keeping a commitment-free approach to love.
Newcomer Allison Carter came to Dare Island to escape the emotional demands of her wealthy family. The young teacher aims to build a life here, to make a lasting place for herself. She doesn't want to be another in the long line of Women Who Once Dated Matt Fletcher. It's both tempting and dangerous to believe she can be something more.
Then Matt's brother Luke makes a sudden return home, with a child of his own—and a request that will change all their lives. With a child's welfare at stake, Matt must turn to Allison to teach him to let go of the past, open his eyes...and follow his heart.
Newcomer Allison Carter came to Dare Island to escape the emotional demands of her wealthy family. The young teacher aims to build a life here, to make a lasting place for herself. She doesn't want to be another in the long line of Women Who Once Dated Matt Fletcher. It's both tempting and dangerous to believe she can be something more.
Then Matt's brother Luke makes a sudden return home, with a child of his own—and a request that will change all their lives. With a child's welfare at stake, Matt must turn to Allison to teach him to let go of the past, open his eyes...and follow his heart.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
67 people are currently reading
1148 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Kantra
48 books1,005 followersNew York Times bestselling author
Virginia Kantra
is the author of thirty books of women's fiction, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense.
Kindred spirits and Anne of Green Gables fans, look for Anne of a Different Island , coming January 20, 2026.
Her latest release, The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale , a contemporary reimagining inspired by Dorothy's adventures in Oz, follows Kansas graduate student Dee Gale as she flees personal heartbreak and public humiliation to enroll in the writing program at Trinity College Dublin (the Emerald Isle!).
Meg and Jo , a contemporary novel inspired by the classic story Little Women, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist and was a People Magazine pick.
Beth and Amy (May 25, 2021) "continues her delightful 21st-century retelling of Little Women...Kantra’s compulsively readable update will attract a whole new group of readers, as well as satisfy Alcott devotees."—Publishers Weekly
Her stories have earned numerous awards including two Romance Writers of America's RITA (R) Awards, ten RITA nominations, and two National Readers' Choice Awards.
Carolina Dreaming, the fifth book in her Dare Island series , won the 2017 RITA (R) Award for Best Contemporary Romance - Midlength and was named one of BookPage's Top Ten Romance Novels of 2016. Her work includes the popular Children of the Sea series and, in e-book format, The MacNeills stories.
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Kindred spirits and Anne of Green Gables fans, look for Anne of a Different Island , coming January 20, 2026.
Her latest release, The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale , a contemporary reimagining inspired by Dorothy's adventures in Oz, follows Kansas graduate student Dee Gale as she flees personal heartbreak and public humiliation to enroll in the writing program at Trinity College Dublin (the Emerald Isle!).
Meg and Jo , a contemporary novel inspired by the classic story Little Women, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist and was a People Magazine pick.
Beth and Amy (May 25, 2021) "continues her delightful 21st-century retelling of Little Women...Kantra’s compulsively readable update will attract a whole new group of readers, as well as satisfy Alcott devotees."—Publishers Weekly
Her stories have earned numerous awards including two Romance Writers of America's RITA (R) Awards, ten RITA nominations, and two National Readers' Choice Awards.
Carolina Dreaming, the fifth book in her Dare Island series , won the 2017 RITA (R) Award for Best Contemporary Romance - Midlength and was named one of BookPage's Top Ten Romance Novels of 2016. Her work includes the popular Children of the Sea series and, in e-book format, The MacNeills stories.
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I love to connect with readers! Find me on Facebook and Instagram.
And for exclusive content and news of my latest releases,
join my mailing list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
November 27, 2013
This series wasn't even on my radar until Marty pointed it out to me. I found the cover normal and series set in small towns have become passe but I am so glad I started this series because I devoured the two books which are out.
This book is about Matt, a fisherman who lives with his parents who run an inn and has a sixteen year old son. The heroine Allison is new to the island and his son's teacher. Matt left his dreams of college when at 20 he was left divorced with a small baby to take care off. He has rebuilt his life but women are fleeting, he doesn't do commitment and then Allison walks into his life, approaching him about his son, and he tells himself he doesn't date island women but they have a connection.
I just loved every aspect of the book, Matt's marine brother learning that he has a ten year old daughter and her coming to live with his family, Matt's former marine father and mother, heck even his son. I loved how Matt was such a family man, taking care of his niece, his son and everyone and not asking for help.
Allison came from wealth like Matt's ex but she was not a snob instead she just fit into Matt's life better than he expected. Their eleven year age gap, her family's wealth all fading. I loved the romance, their chemistry was sizzling and the whole family aspect worked well for me.
This book is about Matt, a fisherman who lives with his parents who run an inn and has a sixteen year old son. The heroine Allison is new to the island and his son's teacher. Matt left his dreams of college when at 20 he was left divorced with a small baby to take care off. He has rebuilt his life but women are fleeting, he doesn't do commitment and then Allison walks into his life, approaching him about his son, and he tells himself he doesn't date island women but they have a connection.
I just loved every aspect of the book, Matt's marine brother learning that he has a ten year old daughter and her coming to live with his family, Matt's former marine father and mother, heck even his son. I loved how Matt was such a family man, taking care of his niece, his son and everyone and not asking for help.
Allison came from wealth like Matt's ex but she was not a snob instead she just fit into Matt's life better than he expected. Their eleven year age gap, her family's wealth all fading. I loved the romance, their chemistry was sizzling and the whole family aspect worked well for me.
March 10, 2021
"Където си ти, там е домът ми. Другото е просто една къща, където да пребиваваме."
March 24, 2015
Originally reviewed here @ Angieville
Glowing recommendations from my trusty Chachic and the lovely Laura Florand put this book (and series) on my radar awhile back and I proceeded to add it to my ever-growing TBR. And then I just sort of continued to put it off since a copy wasn't readily available at any of the usual sources and the ebook was (and is) a whopping $7.99. Then I hit a sick weekend and nothing, but nothing was hitting the spot. So I bit the bullet and dove in. It's worth pointing out that I'm not a huge connoisseur of small town contemporaries, and I was not a little concerned that it would prove to be (as has happened a number of times in the past) a little too cozy for my taste. But of course the range within that subgenre is as wide as it is with any other, and I think I just hadn't come across the right recipe. Happily, Virginia Kantra's Dare Island series hit just the right spot for this quasi-cozy-phobic reader.
Allison Carter came to Dare Island in the hopes of shedding the scales of her parents' expectations and finding fulfillment teaching high school English in the somewhat isolated fishing village. Matt Fletcher spent his early life at the whim of his father's career in the Marines, but has called the island his home long enough now for it to mean something. As a single father who captains a charter fishing boat for a living and lives with and helps support his aging parents at their inn, he is not in any way looking for a long-term relationship. Longing for just the sort of permanence Matt is working hard to avoid, Allison is nevertheless reluctant to get into any sort of relationship with him, especially given the fact that his son Josh is one of her students. But the two somewhat isolated individuals continue to be thrown together by circumstance (and Josh's performance, or lack thereof, at school) and soon it becomes a not inconsiderable struggle to find reasons give at least some semblance of togetherness a try.
Growing up, I spent many summers at my aunt and uncle's house in North Carolina. I have countless fond memories of sweltering summer days, chasing fireflies at night, and trips to the coast full of hours of splashing in the turf and falling asleep tangled in a bed of cousins listening to the crash of the waves. All of this to say that it took Dare Island and I no time at all to appreciate each other's charms. The setting is such a strength in this novel, and that is saying something, because it is a novel full to the brim of swoony romance and heady glances, weighty family drama and genuine humor. Given how many elements Kantra was balancing, I kept expecting at least one to veer into the cheesy, the melodramatic, or the overwrought. And yet not one did. Somehow she made me care for not only Allison and Matt, but every single one of Matt's family members, from his sweetheart parents and his scalawag son, to his somewhat heedless younger brother and his unexpected niece. This attentive character development made it a pleasure to follow whomever the narrative revolved to with each chapter. The focus definitely hinges on Allison and Matt's relationship, but so much of what goes down plays against the very important background of the Fletcher family and the charming inn they all inhabit. I loved how good Allison is with children, from the teenage students in her classes to Matt's troubled niece Taylor who gets dumped in their laps after her mother's sudden death.
The Fletchers themselves are a very loving family, but they need Allison, no matter how much Matt might like to think he's a lone reed. And Allison herself is so careful and conscientious when it comes to carrying on a relationship with a single father and being there to help as much as she can without stepping on any toes. I always loved Allison. It's no small challenge she and Matt face in daring to test the waters of their attraction. But what was between them fit itself unobtrusively into the spaces inside them that were empty. It felt real and sweet, and it so clearly made their hours and days better. I love it when a romance manages to demonstrate that. And while there were a couple of expected misunderstandings here and there, I appreciated how they were handled and how my emotions never felt toyed with or forcibly disengaged by unnecessary drama or inconsistencies. The whole thing builds to a particularly lovely resolution scene in the inn and I put Carolina Home down completely satisfied. Of course, I immediately binged on the rest of the series. And a good time was had by all.
Glowing recommendations from my trusty Chachic and the lovely Laura Florand put this book (and series) on my radar awhile back and I proceeded to add it to my ever-growing TBR. And then I just sort of continued to put it off since a copy wasn't readily available at any of the usual sources and the ebook was (and is) a whopping $7.99. Then I hit a sick weekend and nothing, but nothing was hitting the spot. So I bit the bullet and dove in. It's worth pointing out that I'm not a huge connoisseur of small town contemporaries, and I was not a little concerned that it would prove to be (as has happened a number of times in the past) a little too cozy for my taste. But of course the range within that subgenre is as wide as it is with any other, and I think I just hadn't come across the right recipe. Happily, Virginia Kantra's Dare Island series hit just the right spot for this quasi-cozy-phobic reader.
Allison Carter came to Dare Island in the hopes of shedding the scales of her parents' expectations and finding fulfillment teaching high school English in the somewhat isolated fishing village. Matt Fletcher spent his early life at the whim of his father's career in the Marines, but has called the island his home long enough now for it to mean something. As a single father who captains a charter fishing boat for a living and lives with and helps support his aging parents at their inn, he is not in any way looking for a long-term relationship. Longing for just the sort of permanence Matt is working hard to avoid, Allison is nevertheless reluctant to get into any sort of relationship with him, especially given the fact that his son Josh is one of her students. But the two somewhat isolated individuals continue to be thrown together by circumstance (and Josh's performance, or lack thereof, at school) and soon it becomes a not inconsiderable struggle to find reasons give at least some semblance of togetherness a try.
Growing up, I spent many summers at my aunt and uncle's house in North Carolina. I have countless fond memories of sweltering summer days, chasing fireflies at night, and trips to the coast full of hours of splashing in the turf and falling asleep tangled in a bed of cousins listening to the crash of the waves. All of this to say that it took Dare Island and I no time at all to appreciate each other's charms. The setting is such a strength in this novel, and that is saying something, because it is a novel full to the brim of swoony romance and heady glances, weighty family drama and genuine humor. Given how many elements Kantra was balancing, I kept expecting at least one to veer into the cheesy, the melodramatic, or the overwrought. And yet not one did. Somehow she made me care for not only Allison and Matt, but every single one of Matt's family members, from his sweetheart parents and his scalawag son, to his somewhat heedless younger brother and his unexpected niece. This attentive character development made it a pleasure to follow whomever the narrative revolved to with each chapter. The focus definitely hinges on Allison and Matt's relationship, but so much of what goes down plays against the very important background of the Fletcher family and the charming inn they all inhabit. I loved how good Allison is with children, from the teenage students in her classes to Matt's troubled niece Taylor who gets dumped in their laps after her mother's sudden death.
The Fletchers themselves are a very loving family, but they need Allison, no matter how much Matt might like to think he's a lone reed. And Allison herself is so careful and conscientious when it comes to carrying on a relationship with a single father and being there to help as much as she can without stepping on any toes. I always loved Allison. It's no small challenge she and Matt face in daring to test the waters of their attraction. But what was between them fit itself unobtrusively into the spaces inside them that were empty. It felt real and sweet, and it so clearly made their hours and days better. I love it when a romance manages to demonstrate that. And while there were a couple of expected misunderstandings here and there, I appreciated how they were handled and how my emotions never felt toyed with or forcibly disengaged by unnecessary drama or inconsistencies. The whole thing builds to a particularly lovely resolution scene in the inn and I put Carolina Home down completely satisfied. Of course, I immediately binged on the rest of the series. And a good time was had by all.
January 3, 2015
4.5/5
I would have given this book full five stars if Matt had given Allison an apology. (Instead, he gave her camellia!)
I would have given this book full five stars if Matt had given Allison an apology. (Instead, he gave her camellia!)
July 4, 2012
This reminded me strongly of Nora Roberts's Chesapeake Bay series (Sea Swept, Rising Tides, Inner Harbor, Chesapeake Blue), my very favorite of her series. I like the quiet romances and settings spiked with the drama of domestic catastrophies- car accidents, death, accidental pregnancies, custody disputes. I know that sounds like the soaps, but I eat it up. A well done, non-zany, family-centered contemporary romance series should be the genre's bread and butter but is increasingly hard to find. Virgin River fit the bill for a while until the proliferation of Marines and city-girls who secretly just want to pop out babies drowned the premise with ridiculous cliche. Kantra hooked me with this initial book, however. I'm in.
February 8, 2016
This begins the saga of the Fletcher family living on Dare Island. One of my favorite “comfort” reads is to pick a story set in a small town setting with a close-knit family who support one another through thick and thin. And Virginia Kantra’s descriptive talents introducing the North Carolina Outer Banks area, along with the Fletcher siblings “back to back to back” motto in relating to each other’s wellbeing just felt right in starting a new series. I was not disappointed in the first book.
Our hero, Matt Fletcher is a charter boat captain, who is the single father of a sixteen-year old son and devoted to his family that runs an inn. Allison is newcomer to the island and is a teacher. I’ll note here that there is an eleven year difference in age between Matt and Allison and a hint of attraction between opposites. Matt doesn’t do commitments, but he’s finding the connection he feels towards Allison hard to fight. These two have a dynamic and sizzling chemistry and Allison knows what she wants and isn’t going away. Glimpses of real life and family-related matters are threaded throughout sparking future storylines for upcoming books.
For those who enjoy Nora Roberts, Robyn Carr, Jodi Thomas and similar authors will most likely find what they are looking for within the pages of Carolina Home.
Our hero, Matt Fletcher is a charter boat captain, who is the single father of a sixteen-year old son and devoted to his family that runs an inn. Allison is newcomer to the island and is a teacher. I’ll note here that there is an eleven year difference in age between Matt and Allison and a hint of attraction between opposites. Matt doesn’t do commitments, but he’s finding the connection he feels towards Allison hard to fight. These two have a dynamic and sizzling chemistry and Allison knows what she wants and isn’t going away. Glimpses of real life and family-related matters are threaded throughout sparking future storylines for upcoming books.
For those who enjoy Nora Roberts, Robyn Carr, Jodi Thomas and similar authors will most likely find what they are looking for within the pages of Carolina Home.
October 7, 2025
October 2025: 11 years later, and the family aspect is still my favorite part of this book. They are so comforting, available, loving, and just there for each other.
March 2014:This was good. I really liked Matt and Allison despite their age difference and I loved that the author made their chemistry so obvious that it was picked up by everyone. But what I loved so much about this book, was that it was all about family. I liked that we got the POV from multiple characters because you got a idea of what each individual was like - from Matt, to his mother Tess, to his newly discovered niece Taylor. It was done really well and I think I liked the family aspect more than the romance (I know I know, gasp and horror).
March 2014:This was good. I really liked Matt and Allison despite their age difference and I loved that the author made their chemistry so obvious that it was picked up by everyone. But what I loved so much about this book, was that it was all about family. I liked that we got the POV from multiple characters because you got a idea of what each individual was like - from Matt, to his mother Tess, to his newly discovered niece Taylor. It was done really well and I think I liked the family aspect more than the romance (I know I know, gasp and horror).
January 19, 2015
Originally posted at Chachic's Book Nook.
Virginia Kantra’s Dare Island series was one of my favorite discoveries last year. I got the recommendation for this series from one of my favorite contemporary romance authors: Laura Florand. I’ve also seen positive reviews about the Dare Island books from my friend Brandy and that has just made me more curious. I love romances that don’t just focus on the couple but also highlights the important people in their lives. The Fletcher family is a very close-knit family. Growing up as Marine brats, the Fletcher siblings knew they had to support each other – they even had a motto: "back to back to back". I liked how the stories in the series are so different from each other because of the distinct personalities of the characters. I had a lot of fun reading about the Fletchers and the cozy island where they’ve made their home. I’ve never been to the Outer Banks of North Carolina but it seems like a lovely place based on the descriptions in the books. I like the small town vibe of the island, with everyone sticking their noses into everyone else’s business but people are also willing to help out when the need arises.
I grabbed a copy of Carolina Home back when it was a Kindle deal. I was just waiting for the right mood to strike before I dived into it. I was in a contemporary romance kind of mood one night last December so I decided to start reading Carolina Home over dinner. It was very easy to get into and I was immediately absorbed. I read it on my commute back to the flat and stayed up late to finish reading the whole thing. I basically gave up sleep and read the book in one sitting because it’s such an enjoyable read. Matt is firmly settled in Dare Island, taking care of his teenage son and helping out his aging parents. Allison has never really put down roots but she fell in love with the island and wants to see if there’s a chance for her to become a part of this place. Aside from that, Matt grew up in a very supportive, close-knit family while Allison feels the need to keep a distance from her controlling parents. I like the contrast between Matt and Allison and how well they fit together in spite of their differences.
Virginia Kantra’s Dare Island series was one of my favorite discoveries last year. I got the recommendation for this series from one of my favorite contemporary romance authors: Laura Florand. I’ve also seen positive reviews about the Dare Island books from my friend Brandy and that has just made me more curious. I love romances that don’t just focus on the couple but also highlights the important people in their lives. The Fletcher family is a very close-knit family. Growing up as Marine brats, the Fletcher siblings knew they had to support each other – they even had a motto: "back to back to back". I liked how the stories in the series are so different from each other because of the distinct personalities of the characters. I had a lot of fun reading about the Fletchers and the cozy island where they’ve made their home. I’ve never been to the Outer Banks of North Carolina but it seems like a lovely place based on the descriptions in the books. I like the small town vibe of the island, with everyone sticking their noses into everyone else’s business but people are also willing to help out when the need arises.
I grabbed a copy of Carolina Home back when it was a Kindle deal. I was just waiting for the right mood to strike before I dived into it. I was in a contemporary romance kind of mood one night last December so I decided to start reading Carolina Home over dinner. It was very easy to get into and I was immediately absorbed. I read it on my commute back to the flat and stayed up late to finish reading the whole thing. I basically gave up sleep and read the book in one sitting because it’s such an enjoyable read. Matt is firmly settled in Dare Island, taking care of his teenage son and helping out his aging parents. Allison has never really put down roots but she fell in love with the island and wants to see if there’s a chance for her to become a part of this place. Aside from that, Matt grew up in a very supportive, close-knit family while Allison feels the need to keep a distance from her controlling parents. I like the contrast between Matt and Allison and how well they fit together in spite of their differences.
December 21, 2012
This was a lovely book and I nearly swallowed it in one gulp. The setting was very vivid, the family relationships were really well done and felt so real (especially between the hero and his son) and the writing was beautiful, while still being spare. My only gripes are that it felt like it resolved too quickly for me (which may have been influenced by the extended excerpt at the back of the book making me think I had more pages to read) and that Taylor's story wasn't resolved (only in romancelandia would Taylor's story resolve so quickly anyway--much more real this way, just less satisfying).
Just lovely.
Just lovely.
October 5, 2014
So I liked this a LOT, but the romance didn't do much for me at all. It was so fast and I don't really get what was so different for Matt this time. Like, mostly the difference seemed to be that Allison wasn't someone there on vacation and, okay, but is that enough for him to change his mind on relationships? I loved both characters, but I didn't understand them enough as a couple.
BUT. That doesn't matter a great deal because, like the people said, this is a family book. And it is awesome in that regard.
BUT. That doesn't matter a great deal because, like the people said, this is a family book. And it is awesome in that regard.
December 19, 2014
OMG, such a great book. I was looking for a comfort read--not an old favorite, but a new book that would offer a world that felt familiar and real. That is just what I got from Carolina Home. I loved Allison's idealism and Matt's steadiness that hid a wounded heart. The kids were well drawn and realistic, there was just enough of the Fletcher family to endear them to me, and Dare Island felt like a real place. Only downside is that the third book hasn't come out yet so I can read them back to back to back. Highly recommended!
Reread: 10/18/14 Still so good!
Reread: 10/18/14 Still so good!
March 29, 2015
Read this on the plane to Seoul and had a crazy grin on my face the entire time. So. Good.
September 30, 2019
Loved it
This is a great romantic book. It sucked me right in. All of the characters were well developed; Allison was completely relatable, good, but not a pushover. All I wanted to do was to keep reading, putting it down was difficult. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
This is a great romantic book. It sucked me right in. All of the characters were well developed; Allison was completely relatable, good, but not a pushover. All I wanted to do was to keep reading, putting it down was difficult. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Want to read
July 23, 20177/23/17 - $2.99 on Kindle
February 27, 2014
Why I read it: A well done small town romance is just what I was in the mood for. Plus, I wanted to be caught up on the series before the third book comes out in March.
What worked for me (and what didn’t): This story is in part about the Fletcher family – that arc is unresolved at the end of the book and I gather will be wrapped by by Luke’s story (the book coming out in March). Then each book has a “complete” romantic storyline. Matt is the eldest Fletcher (he’s 36), a single parent to son Josh, now 16. His wife left him when Josh was just a baby and has had basically nothing to do with her son since. Matt dropped out of college to support his wife and son and when his wife left, he moved back to Dare Island where his family have settled. He is passionately committed to his family but leery of relationships. After the devastation that was his marriage and seeing the hurt Josh experienced when at age 8 there was a (small and badly done) attempt by his mother to establish a relationship, he’s determined that he will protect himself and Josh from someone whom they will come to love, only for that person to leave them. He makes a reasonable living as a charter fishing captain, with some commercial fishing in the off season and he has very short term relationships with “summer girls” or off-island people that don’t impact his family.
Read the rest of the review here: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2014/0...
What worked for me (and what didn’t): This story is in part about the Fletcher family – that arc is unresolved at the end of the book and I gather will be wrapped by by Luke’s story (the book coming out in March). Then each book has a “complete” romantic storyline. Matt is the eldest Fletcher (he’s 36), a single parent to son Josh, now 16. His wife left him when Josh was just a baby and has had basically nothing to do with her son since. Matt dropped out of college to support his wife and son and when his wife left, he moved back to Dare Island where his family have settled. He is passionately committed to his family but leery of relationships. After the devastation that was his marriage and seeing the hurt Josh experienced when at age 8 there was a (small and badly done) attempt by his mother to establish a relationship, he’s determined that he will protect himself and Josh from someone whom they will come to love, only for that person to leave them. He makes a reasonable living as a charter fishing captain, with some commercial fishing in the off season and he has very short term relationships with “summer girls” or off-island people that don’t impact his family.
Read the rest of the review here: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2014/0...
May 9, 2015
A bit of drama, two people falling in love, and a small town. Concepts I enjoy.
Matt is a fisherman, Allison is the new teacher. She was actually closer to his son's age than him btw ;) Ok that did not matter bit still. Moving on...
She is rich, but trying to find her way. He is a single dad. She teacher's his son's class. He never dates anyone for long.
But we all know they will fall for each other. She is hot, he is hot, it's a small island. She wants meaning in life, he does not know this is what he needs.
The drama is the niece that suddenly shows up, and the tiny tiny tiny should we should we not...and they quickly decided they should so they did.
A nice romance.
Matt is a fisherman, Allison is the new teacher. She was actually closer to his son's age than him btw ;) Ok that did not matter bit still. Moving on...
She is rich, but trying to find her way. He is a single dad. She teacher's his son's class. He never dates anyone for long.
But we all know they will fall for each other. She is hot, he is hot, it's a small island. She wants meaning in life, he does not know this is what he needs.
The drama is the niece that suddenly shows up, and the tiny tiny tiny should we should we not...and they quickly decided they should so they did.
A nice romance.
Read
August 10, 2016I enjoyed this to a certain extent (friends have loved it) but there were too many points of view for as short as it was, so character development was limited, plus there was a decidedly retrograde undertone to the gender dynamics that I wasn't thrilled with.
December 4, 2012
Love Dare Island and the Fletcher family. Can't wait to read the next story about them.
March 18, 2014
Really enjoyed this one!
August 9, 2018
It was pretty good, a little cliché and corny at times, but managed to keep the sweetness. I do like how the kids, Taylor and Josh, are not just thrown in there as a complication to the romance, but are actually characters. matt's relationship with both of them is really sweet.
Allison is a strong woman, and I love how she gives the space needed, and her enthusiasm. The one thing that irked me was when she deiced she was going to leave Dare because things did not work out with Matt. She said before she loved the island, and it was obvious she cared about her students, so to leave over a break up was not an adult decision, nor was it in character for her. In the end, of course, she does not leave, but...
The writing was good, the pace not rushed and the characters who were named were actually characters, not just cardboard cutouts.
Over all, if you like contemporary romances, give it a try!
Allison is a strong woman, and I love how she gives the space needed, and her enthusiasm. The one thing that irked me was when she deiced she was going to leave Dare because things did not work out with Matt. She said before she loved the island, and it was obvious she cared about her students, so to leave over a break up was not an adult decision, nor was it in character for her. In the end, of course, she does not leave, but...
The writing was good, the pace not rushed and the characters who were named were actually characters, not just cardboard cutouts.
Over all, if you like contemporary romances, give it a try!
July 18, 2023
I started this book while I was on vacation in the OBX (a place I have gone every year for vacation since I was a little girl) since the story takes place there. Overall, I enjoyed the beach town vibes and the family storylines. The romance felt a little underwhelming, but I still think I will follow through with the series because it gave me what I wanted — a beach read located in a specific beach town that I love.
August 26, 2016
This was really good!
I am a sucker for these kinds of family-oriented books with a romance thrown in. It made me think of Kristan Higgins' books in some way, because of the setting and the strong family element, only this was much better because Kristan Higggins' writing doesn't always work for me.
I had issues with the ending (but when don't I ever not have issues with how fast it all goes?). The ending was also just so very abrupt. I guess that's because there are other books in the series and they can just pick up where it left off, but still. The abruptness was odd. But that's really just a small complaint.
Mostly, I just love the Fletchers a lot.
Yes. This was good.
I am a sucker for these kinds of family-oriented books with a romance thrown in. It made me think of Kristan Higgins' books in some way, because of the setting and the strong family element, only this was much better because Kristan Higggins' writing doesn't always work for me.
I had issues with the ending (but when don't I ever not have issues with how fast it all goes?). The ending was also just so very abrupt. I guess that's because there are other books in the series and they can just pick up where it left off, but still. The abruptness was odd. But that's really just a small complaint.
Mostly, I just love the Fletchers a lot.
Yes. This was good.
August 3, 2012
Carolina Home is the first book in Virginia Kantra’s Dare Island series. It is a beautiful story about love, family and letting go of the past to make way for the future. Allison Carter, our heroine, is a caring, compassionate teacher who really wants to make a difference in others’ lives. Our hero, Matt Fletcher, is charming, handsome and most importantly a strong and steady presence in the life of his family. He calmly handles everything they throw at him. Matt was hurt in the past by his ex-wife and is afraid to risk his heart by letting himself get too close to anyone besides his family. Can Matt let go of the past and take a chance on his feelings for Allison? That’s the question at the heart of this romance.
I found the secondary characters in this book to be just as interesting and enjoyable as the hero and heroine. Josh, Matt’s son and Allison’s student, is funny and sweet and cares just as deeply for his family as his father does. None of the usual teen angst stuff with Josh, which I found very refreshing. Taylor, Matt’s newly found niece, also added a great deal of interest and emotion to the story. I cannot wait to find out more about her in future books. Matt’s brother and sister also play small supporting roles and I am hoping they each get their own books, as I would love to learn more about them.
I loved everything about Carolina Home. If you are a fan of sweet contemporary romances with great secondary characters that are as much a part of the story as the hero and heroine, then you will love this book.
I found the secondary characters in this book to be just as interesting and enjoyable as the hero and heroine. Josh, Matt’s son and Allison’s student, is funny and sweet and cares just as deeply for his family as his father does. None of the usual teen angst stuff with Josh, which I found very refreshing. Taylor, Matt’s newly found niece, also added a great deal of interest and emotion to the story. I cannot wait to find out more about her in future books. Matt’s brother and sister also play small supporting roles and I am hoping they each get their own books, as I would love to learn more about them.
I loved everything about Carolina Home. If you are a fan of sweet contemporary romances with great secondary characters that are as much a part of the story as the hero and heroine, then you will love this book.
July 11, 2012
I really enjoyed this one. Had a hard time putting it down. Matt is a single dad. He has his own boating/fishing business and likes to keep things simple. He doesn't date anyone long term after being burned by his ex-wife. Allison is a newcomer to Dare Island, hired to be a teacher for the local school. She is also 11 years younger than Matt, which I thought wouldn't work but it does. She is trying to escape the pressure her wealthy parents put on her to settle down and marry someone of their stature. They don't like that she is a teacher, that its beneath her. Matt is the oldest child, then his sister Meg, and then his younger brother Luke. Shortly into the book - Luke drops in on his family on emergency leave from the military with his 10 year old daughter Taylor(that he didn't know about). Taylor just broke my heart. She is a very quite girl and is very slow to trust others. You get glimmers of what scares her and causes her mistrust. I know when we find out in the next two books - its going to be something bad. A building romance is blindsided by an accident and a surprise visit by Allison's parents to Matt's family's Inn. In the end Matt finally figures out what he wants. I hate that I have to wait till 2013 for the next book. Should be interesting - Meg and Sam (a local guy who they grew up with).
July 5, 2013
3.5*
This is a wonderfully readable "small town" contemporary romance. I'm not a huge fan of small town books, but I enjoyed this close knit community on a smallish island in the Outer Banks of NC. The writing is smooth, although the POV changes a little abruptly at times. There is always a page break to keep the reader clued in, however.
The story is perhaps predictable to some degree, but the characters were still well done. Some time is spent on secondary characters that are going to show up in later books, but they were woven into this storyline very well, and about the right amount of time was spent on them. One subplot of this book involving a young girl named Taylor isn't resolved here and will obviously be picked up in later books. But it doesn't feel like a cliff hanger so much as a snapshot of real life, were not all issues and and stories end on the same day.
I did think the ending somewhat abrupt, but we'll get to see Alison and Matt again in future books as well, so we're not leaving them forever.
Good book that I read quickly and enjoy from start to finish. I can't wait to read Carolina Girl.
This is a wonderfully readable "small town" contemporary romance. I'm not a huge fan of small town books, but I enjoyed this close knit community on a smallish island in the Outer Banks of NC. The writing is smooth, although the POV changes a little abruptly at times. There is always a page break to keep the reader clued in, however.
The story is perhaps predictable to some degree, but the characters were still well done. Some time is spent on secondary characters that are going to show up in later books, but they were woven into this storyline very well, and about the right amount of time was spent on them. One subplot of this book involving a young girl named Taylor isn't resolved here and will obviously be picked up in later books. But it doesn't feel like a cliff hanger so much as a snapshot of real life, were not all issues and and stories end on the same day.
I did think the ending somewhat abrupt, but we'll get to see Alison and Matt again in future books as well, so we're not leaving them forever.
Good book that I read quickly and enjoy from start to finish. I can't wait to read Carolina Girl.
December 1, 2014
This was an enjoyable and fast read, but not particularly memorable. I will try another one and see if it gets a little more interesting. On reflection I think the reason it seemed a bit bland was there was no sexual tension between the H and h. The h was portrayed as being different to all other girls that he had been with because she was a "good girl" and yet she fell into bed with him the first second so I'm not quite sure what made her so different except she wanted to stay on the island. I don't have a personal problem with women doing that if they want to, however, in a book it meant there was no tension and so bland. The other little niggle I had was one line the H had which was something to the effect of he doesn't usually have to work so hard at this. Well, hello, you didn't have to work at it at all, she fell into bed with you pretty well straight away and it wasn't a good look being so arrogant that he can get any woman he wants into bed. I was very interested in the storyline with the child, Taylor, but it is a bit annoying to see her father's book is not the next one, so I'm assuming there will be more on Taylor, but not resolved for some time yet.
September 8, 2016
3.5 stars
My friend, Katie, recommended this to me because I was in M/F mood and I had to agree with her thoughts. While I loved this as a family-centric book, but I wasn't convinced with the romance. I don't really feel the chemistry between Matt and Allison -- and since Matt is so determined not to be involved in a relationship with local (not that Allison IS a local, so to speak), his change of heart in the end feels rushed and happens off page. I don't get to see his realization that Allison is the woman for him.
I also thought some issues were still left unsolved -- like what about Josh and his issues that he is not active enough at class (which brings Allison to the Fletcher's in the first place), also Taylor (Matt's niece) seems to also still have issues with her nightmares. I realize that this might be a plot to be carried on to the next book, but it makes me dissatisfied, and that influences my rating as well
I'm still intrigued to read Meg's story in book #2 and Luke's in book #3 though.
My friend, Katie, recommended this to me because I was in M/F mood and I had to agree with her thoughts. While I loved this as a family-centric book, but I wasn't convinced with the romance. I don't really feel the chemistry between Matt and Allison -- and since Matt is so determined not to be involved in a relationship with local (not that Allison IS a local, so to speak), his change of heart in the end feels rushed and happens off page. I don't get to see his realization that Allison is the woman for him.
I also thought some issues were still left unsolved -- like what about Josh and his issues that he is not active enough at class (which brings Allison to the Fletcher's in the first place), also Taylor (Matt's niece) seems to also still have issues with her nightmares. I realize that this might be a plot to be carried on to the next book, but it makes me dissatisfied, and that influences my rating as well
I'm still intrigued to read Meg's story in book #2 and Luke's in book #3 though.
August 23, 2012
An absorbing read about small town life, family dramas, being true to yourself and finding your other half. Caroline Home is the beginning of a new series by Virginia Kantra. The H, h and the secondary characters are brought to life and well written, however the ending is very abrupt even though not everything in the story is wrapped up as presumably it will be continued in Carolina Girl, the next book.
It always upsets me when a promising book just wraps things up out of the blue in literally the last 3 pages of the book when the H discovers that he cannot live without the heroine! Exasperating!
Despite that I was so drawn into this family that I want to read the rest of the books to see how it all works out.
It always upsets me when a promising book just wraps things up out of the blue in literally the last 3 pages of the book when the H discovers that he cannot live without the heroine! Exasperating!
Despite that I was so drawn into this family that I want to read the rest of the books to see how it all works out.
October 17, 2012
I didn't plan to enjoy this book as much as I did...the heroine was a little annoying, the hero a serial dating jerk, and I'm allergic to books where the main characters put their lives on hold for children...a concept I find to be unhealthy and not admirable.
Although the romance was ok, and the main characters grew on me, the kids charmed me. Go figure! I read a book for a romantic escape, and end up being entranced by these two complex young characters instead.
I want to know what happens to them! So I'll be reading the next one in the series.
You gotta love a book that leaves you feeling like you want more, especially in a series!
Although the romance was ok, and the main characters grew on me, the kids charmed me. Go figure! I read a book for a romantic escape, and end up being entranced by these two complex young characters instead.
I want to know what happens to them! So I'll be reading the next one in the series.
You gotta love a book that leaves you feeling like you want more, especially in a series!
June 24, 2012
Virginia Kantra has long been an auto-buy for me and once again she delivers a one-sitting read with CAROLINA HOME! What a stellar launch to the Dare Island series. Matt and Allison are now two of my all-time favorite Kantra characters – I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Virginia Kantra is a storyteller extraordinaire whose characters curl right up in your heart to live long after the last page has been turned. Readers who enjoyed Nora Roberts’ Chesapeake Series (as I did!) will love this book!
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