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Ohana Surfing Club #2
Pura Vida
To push past the trauma, it takes family and unexpected love to achieve the Pura Vida way of life.
Lucy
I struggled with change, unable to deal with the divorce of my parents, and my dad coming out as bisexual. He found a man to love, and as I tried to adapt, I sought companionship and love with a young man, and foster son to my father’s lover. On the surface, Mateo seemed like any other cute boy you’d want to get to know. Deep down, he was complex and soulful. But that complexity came with a price. He was closed off, making it difficult to get to know him. How could I help him through his pain if he didn’t let me?
Mateo
Life on a stunning island isn’t all it’s cracked up to be for us locals. It trapped us with limited options. Some of us rise above it, while others crash and burn. I was one of those who burned. A traumatic experience as a child left me riddled with anxiety and PTSD, which pushed me over the edge into drug addiction. I’d been clean for four years after finding a new family, but with a chance at finding love, my world threatened to collapse around me as the lure of drugs called to me once more.
Can Lucy breach Mateo’s thick walls enough for her to help him with his pain? Will Mateo resist the hunger of his addiction? Will young love be able to withstand the complexities of life that are tossed their way?
CW: Murder of a parent, homelessness, drug abuse, addiction, PTSD, mental health issues, explicit language, sex, and violence.
This book can be read as a standalone, but like any series, it's always appreciated more if read in order.
This is a M/F New Adult Romance
Lucy
I struggled with change, unable to deal with the divorce of my parents, and my dad coming out as bisexual. He found a man to love, and as I tried to adapt, I sought companionship and love with a young man, and foster son to my father’s lover. On the surface, Mateo seemed like any other cute boy you’d want to get to know. Deep down, he was complex and soulful. But that complexity came with a price. He was closed off, making it difficult to get to know him. How could I help him through his pain if he didn’t let me?
Mateo
Life on a stunning island isn’t all it’s cracked up to be for us locals. It trapped us with limited options. Some of us rise above it, while others crash and burn. I was one of those who burned. A traumatic experience as a child left me riddled with anxiety and PTSD, which pushed me over the edge into drug addiction. I’d been clean for four years after finding a new family, but with a chance at finding love, my world threatened to collapse around me as the lure of drugs called to me once more.
Can Lucy breach Mateo’s thick walls enough for her to help him with his pain? Will Mateo resist the hunger of his addiction? Will young love be able to withstand the complexities of life that are tossed their way?
CW: Murder of a parent, homelessness, drug abuse, addiction, PTSD, mental health issues, explicit language, sex, and violence.
This book can be read as a standalone, but like any series, it's always appreciated more if read in order.
This is a M/F New Adult Romance
- GenresAddictionContemporary
263 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2022
5 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Courtney W. Dixon
39 books1,079 followersCourtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy hurt/comfort romance, giving her characters challenges, struggles, and sometimes trauma... Fine, a LOT of trauma. Her team teases her about charging her for their therapy bills after reading one of her books.
She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
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She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
Follow Me
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 15, 2022
After first meeting Lucy and Mateo in Impact Zone, I was not sure that their story would grip me the way it did. They are a beautiful example of first love and soul mates. The author approached addiction and PTSD with a realistic eye. There was no romanticizing of the issues that is so often found in fiction. I appreciated that such attention was paid to ensure authenticity. The traumas that Mateo endured were absolutely heart wrenching. He had me on the verge of tears more than a few times, and reading how he learns to open himself up to love and support made my heart break for him a little more. I was glad to see Lucy emotionally mature through out the book. She was a little tough to handle in the beginning, but as the book progressed, her perspective on life and love changed. Wonderful second book of the Ohana Surfing Club series. Looking forward to book three.
September 15, 2022
OMG I AM OBSESSED WITH MATEO AND LUCY! Holy book hangover 😭 I needed another 29 chapters about these two. This was my first New Adult Romance book with some serious smut in a while and you put me in my feels!! Those scenes were written so well and you put me right back into that phase of my life! This book had some serious drug use so make sure to read the trigger warnings! Courtney you did such a great job doing your research on that! Fan-freakin-tasting. Courtney, the growth you’ve made from your first book is amazing and I’m so proud of you!! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next!! ⭐️: 10000/10000 (seriously)🌶: 3/5.
September 15, 2022
I usually don't read MF but after reading the first book in this series, I felt like I just *had* to know Mateo's story.
Mateo's story broke my heart. The experiences that boy had been through 💔
Courtney writes about his pain, his suffering and his addiction so realistically and painfully honest.
Lucy, sweet, sweet Lucy... That girl is heaven-sent. Her patience, her understanding and her willingness to fight at such a young age is admirable.
I really enjoyed this story and the wonderful characters.
I am very happy I ventured outside my comfort reading zone ♥️
Mateo's story broke my heart. The experiences that boy had been through 💔
Courtney writes about his pain, his suffering and his addiction so realistically and painfully honest.
Lucy, sweet, sweet Lucy... That girl is heaven-sent. Her patience, her understanding and her willingness to fight at such a young age is admirable.
I really enjoyed this story and the wonderful characters.
I am very happy I ventured outside my comfort reading zone ♥️
September 15, 2022
I am so in love with this story. Matoe was the guy to pull Lucy out of what she thought was her little bubble world. She thought her life was hard with having divorced parents. Matoe's life story wasn't so sweet. The love they have for each other is so strong they can do anything together. My poor broken Matoe. He has my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2022
WOW! This story took me through a rollercoaster of emotions. Dixon has delivered again, this second book in the Ohana Surfing Club is an amazing continuation of the story of this family!
After the first book, Impact Zone that shared Kel's story, this one just blew me away. It was intricately tied into the first book, where you don't HAVE to read the first story, but it's always nice to read it for the full effect! This is a crushing story of how Mateo struggles to cope with PTSD, addiction, anxiety, and depression while finding the one person who he feels comfortable with. Lucy is a new face around the Ohana Surfing Club and is also dealing with her own life changes, but is adoringly attracted to Mateo.
Experiencing their struggles to cope and exploring each other is such a heart breaking and wonderful story that will have you sitting on edge. Dixon sure knows how to bring out the raw emotions and really make you feel them deeply. Literally, my screen was so blurry from tears during at least two parts in this story!
I highly suggest the Ohana Surfing Club series to anyone who enjoys romance and drama. They are such uplifting stories that bring the dark to light on hard topics, including addictions, PTSD, childhood trauma, anxiety and depression. Shedding light on the importance of family and a healthy support system.
Thank you @cwdixon for my ARC in exchange for this honest review. I will cherish both of these stories!!
After the first book, Impact Zone that shared Kel's story, this one just blew me away. It was intricately tied into the first book, where you don't HAVE to read the first story, but it's always nice to read it for the full effect! This is a crushing story of how Mateo struggles to cope with PTSD, addiction, anxiety, and depression while finding the one person who he feels comfortable with. Lucy is a new face around the Ohana Surfing Club and is also dealing with her own life changes, but is adoringly attracted to Mateo.
Experiencing their struggles to cope and exploring each other is such a heart breaking and wonderful story that will have you sitting on edge. Dixon sure knows how to bring out the raw emotions and really make you feel them deeply. Literally, my screen was so blurry from tears during at least two parts in this story!
I highly suggest the Ohana Surfing Club series to anyone who enjoys romance and drama. They are such uplifting stories that bring the dark to light on hard topics, including addictions, PTSD, childhood trauma, anxiety and depression. Shedding light on the importance of family and a healthy support system.
Thank you @cwdixon for my ARC in exchange for this honest review. I will cherish both of these stories!!
September 21, 2022
I don't know where to begin. Courtney Dixon is amazing. She never disappointed me when I read her books. I read her first book which was a MM romance so I knew Mateo and Lucy would get a story I wanted to know more. I wanted to know what happen to Mateo.
This is an emotional book. I never thought I would feel that much emotions for the characters however I did.
Mateo lost his parents when he was 12 years old which then live with his grandma until she died. He later was introduced to heroine and if Kel didn't find him he would OD'd on it.
This book is well written by the time I got to the end I wanted more of this. More specifically I wanted more of Mateo.
This is an emotional book. I never thought I would feel that much emotions for the characters however I did.
Mateo lost his parents when he was 12 years old which then live with his grandma until she died. He later was introduced to heroine and if Kel didn't find him he would OD'd on it.
This book is well written by the time I got to the end I wanted more of this. More specifically I wanted more of Mateo.
September 17, 2022
Oh sweet Mateo! His story grips you into this book! So very well written and I love me some Courtney Dixon books! This is definitely a must read along with all of her other books!!!!!!!!!!
October 31, 2022
Heartbreaking but full of love
This second book is head and shoulders above Impact Zone and Mateo wrung my heart out with his story.
Courtney wrote so movingly and sympathetically about Mateo's addiction. I can't begin to imagine the descent into addiction, the havoc it wreaks, the struggle to get clean and stay clean but this book gave me a perspective that I couldn't have seen on my own and it was an eye-opener.
The trauma that Mateo suffered was heartbreaking, the immediate effect of that was heartbreaking, and his continued constant struggle was heartbreaking. His demons were a fraction of an inch below the surface at all times and even though he was surrounded by his found family, he was alone. It was hard to read.
I struggled with Kel's and Lucy's part in the story. Lucy pushed Mateo too much for my liking, as she had an inkling that he had deep-seated trauma and I think she handled it all wrong. I know you have to do what's best for you, but she just came on too strong and more or less pushed him into a corner. She also came across as very immature at times, in respect of her parents' divorce and of Anders' new relationship. I know she is only young but she acted like a spoilt brat for far too long.
Kel was even worse because he understandably shut himself away when his Dad died, but then he spent all his time with Anders, too besotted to think about the troubled teens that were now his sole responsibility. He was the only one who knew about Mateo's addiction and should have been able to see that Mateo was slipping away from all of them. I really didn't like his behaviour but more importantly, I don't think it was true to his character.
I also wished that all Mateo's found family, his support system, had been there more for him. He understandably kept everything locked up inside him but they could have told him they loved him, would always be there for him no matter what and nothing could push them away, not even his walls. It may not have changed anything but who knows?
Apart from those concerns, I did like Mateo and Lucy as a couple. They had so much chemistry and she was good for him. I also loved the other foster children and I'm looking forward to Zay and Noah's story.
Overall, Mateo had my heart and he was worth more than the five stars.
This second book is head and shoulders above Impact Zone and Mateo wrung my heart out with his story.
Courtney wrote so movingly and sympathetically about Mateo's addiction. I can't begin to imagine the descent into addiction, the havoc it wreaks, the struggle to get clean and stay clean but this book gave me a perspective that I couldn't have seen on my own and it was an eye-opener.
The trauma that Mateo suffered was heartbreaking, the immediate effect of that was heartbreaking, and his continued constant struggle was heartbreaking. His demons were a fraction of an inch below the surface at all times and even though he was surrounded by his found family, he was alone. It was hard to read.
I struggled with Kel's and Lucy's part in the story. Lucy pushed Mateo too much for my liking, as she had an inkling that he had deep-seated trauma and I think she handled it all wrong. I know you have to do what's best for you, but she just came on too strong and more or less pushed him into a corner. She also came across as very immature at times, in respect of her parents' divorce and of Anders' new relationship. I know she is only young but she acted like a spoilt brat for far too long.
Kel was even worse because he understandably shut himself away when his Dad died, but then he spent all his time with Anders, too besotted to think about the troubled teens that were now his sole responsibility. He was the only one who knew about Mateo's addiction and should have been able to see that Mateo was slipping away from all of them. I really didn't like his behaviour but more importantly, I don't think it was true to his character.
I also wished that all Mateo's found family, his support system, had been there more for him. He understandably kept everything locked up inside him but they could have told him they loved him, would always be there for him no matter what and nothing could push them away, not even his walls. It may not have changed anything but who knows?
Apart from those concerns, I did like Mateo and Lucy as a couple. They had so much chemistry and she was good for him. I also loved the other foster children and I'm looking forward to Zay and Noah's story.
Overall, Mateo had my heart and he was worth more than the five stars.
October 10, 2022
BOOK : PURA VIDA- OHANA SURFING CLUB,BOOK TWO BY COURTNEY W DIXON
BOOK REVIEWER: OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE
This romance fantacy and sports YA book poetic style fiction has as its major characters, Mateo and Lucy with a Mateo struggling over heroin relapse. Translated as the "pure life" or the "pee(cum) or lye/lie".The story mirrors the union of marriage and the threats to it such as spouse sexuality and the resort to divorce or living apart. The story looks at legal drinking age,alcohol addiction,prostitution for survival(survive-al) as seen in Levi prostituting himself to men( me- earn), educational gap in dating relationships,post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety,domestic violence instigated by jealousy,the place of ones past in relationships,and surfing(sur-fin(super propelling oneself in a finning motion as done by Mateo and Lucy in the sports of surfing and in the act of sex /without a striker(Fast-Fa-No in Ijaw and ST for strike or saint as her both parents live on).I'll be quick to warn that the story contains obscene language. Maggie's introduction of Mateo to heroin seems a symbolic use of words in reference to "he-row- in" and sex by her pressing the needle into a vein resulting in nothingness (a void).Also the reference to honest in the book and Mateo reference to "honest" speaks little of honesty literally and more of "whore- est"/hone-est to mean develop/sex established in reference to a companionship business and sex as a foundation for lasting relationship.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ.
🖲️The story preaches protected sex.
🖲️Talking to others as good therapy for healing PTSD ,addiction and controlled logical thought.
🖲️The danger of jealousy in unions is seen in mateo's dad killing his mom.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT
Lucy and her thoughts of asking Mateo out raise the topical question of whether a girl should ask a guy out and we see the world going in the affirmative lately
BOOK REVIEWER: OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE
This romance fantacy and sports YA book poetic style fiction has as its major characters, Mateo and Lucy with a Mateo struggling over heroin relapse. Translated as the "pure life" or the "pee(cum) or lye/lie".The story mirrors the union of marriage and the threats to it such as spouse sexuality and the resort to divorce or living apart. The story looks at legal drinking age,alcohol addiction,prostitution for survival(survive-al) as seen in Levi prostituting himself to men( me- earn), educational gap in dating relationships,post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety,domestic violence instigated by jealousy,the place of ones past in relationships,and surfing(sur-fin(super propelling oneself in a finning motion as done by Mateo and Lucy in the sports of surfing and in the act of sex /without a striker(Fast-Fa-No in Ijaw and ST for strike or saint as her both parents live on).I'll be quick to warn that the story contains obscene language. Maggie's introduction of Mateo to heroin seems a symbolic use of words in reference to "he-row- in" and sex by her pressing the needle into a vein resulting in nothingness (a void).Also the reference to honest in the book and Mateo reference to "honest" speaks little of honesty literally and more of "whore- est"/hone-est to mean develop/sex established in reference to a companionship business and sex as a foundation for lasting relationship.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ.
🖲️The story preaches protected sex.
🖲️Talking to others as good therapy for healing PTSD ,addiction and controlled logical thought.
🖲️The danger of jealousy in unions is seen in mateo's dad killing his mom.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT
Lucy and her thoughts of asking Mateo out raise the topical question of whether a girl should ask a guy out and we see the world going in the affirmative lately
September 15, 2022
Pura Vida is book two in Courtney Dixon’s Obama Surfing Club series, and it had me all in my feels.
Just as everything seems to be falling into place for the Ohana Surfing Club, Mateo Del Luna it’s falling apart. Mateo has been living with his foster family for four years, ever since Kel Quinn found him when he overdosed on heroin. Mateo has never told anyone, including Kel, about the intense pain and trauma and PTSD he lives with. He’s been clean for four years and has built a life for himself. When he meets beautiful Lucy, he’s ready to fall in love, but he’s not ready to tell Lucy or anyone else his story. If Mateo can’t open up, he’ll lose everything and everyone who loves him, including Lucy.
In order for me to like a book, the characters have to be good, and Dixon continues to write amazing characters who have so many qualities and seem to come alive from the page. Mateo has experienced great trauma, so much so that he doesn’t believe himself worthy of anything or anyone. Lucy is strong and stands up for herself, refusing to accept less than she deserves. When Mateo and Lucy meet, it’s like two pieces of a puzzle clicking into place, and Dixon has fond an amazing job of telling their story. I also love the found family aspect of this series. Kel and all his foster kids truly love and care for one another. They’re so honest and open and full of love.
Pura Vida can be read as a standalone, but you’ll enjoy it more if you read the first book in the series, Impact Zone, to get all the background information. Be sure to let me I know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
Just as everything seems to be falling into place for the Ohana Surfing Club, Mateo Del Luna it’s falling apart. Mateo has been living with his foster family for four years, ever since Kel Quinn found him when he overdosed on heroin. Mateo has never told anyone, including Kel, about the intense pain and trauma and PTSD he lives with. He’s been clean for four years and has built a life for himself. When he meets beautiful Lucy, he’s ready to fall in love, but he’s not ready to tell Lucy or anyone else his story. If Mateo can’t open up, he’ll lose everything and everyone who loves him, including Lucy.
In order for me to like a book, the characters have to be good, and Dixon continues to write amazing characters who have so many qualities and seem to come alive from the page. Mateo has experienced great trauma, so much so that he doesn’t believe himself worthy of anything or anyone. Lucy is strong and stands up for herself, refusing to accept less than she deserves. When Mateo and Lucy meet, it’s like two pieces of a puzzle clicking into place, and Dixon has fond an amazing job of telling their story. I also love the found family aspect of this series. Kel and all his foster kids truly love and care for one another. They’re so honest and open and full of love.
Pura Vida can be read as a standalone, but you’ll enjoy it more if you read the first book in the series, Impact Zone, to get all the background information. Be sure to let me I know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
September 20, 2022
I had some trepidation about reading a M/F story because I had been reading so many heterosexual books all of my life until I stumbled onto M/M stories which I’m hooked! However, I loved “Impact Zone” so much that I was willing to read this one since it’s the follow up book after “Impact Zone”. I am very glad I did so! It was a great book! I absolutely am endeared to Mateo because of his PTSD and his struggles! How could I not be!!! I am very appreciative of Courtney Dixon’s writing style because I couldn’t stop turning the pages until I got to the end! I shed couple tears at different intervals while reading it. I definitely think the Ohana Surfing series should be made into gay hallmarkesque TV movie series!
The story focuses on Mateo who was introduced to us in “Impact Zone” and we got to know Mateo more. We learned what he went through, his traumas and his PTSD which was pretty horrible! Even though the household contains mostly gay men, he’s straight and was in love with one of the owners’ daughter, Lucy. She was smitten with him and wanted to try to help him with his PTSD and trauma but he wasn’t willing to indulge much information about it. Then a crisis erupted but that’s where I’m going to stop and encourage you to pick up the book and read it to find out! It’ll make you tear up and want to hold Mateo tightly!!!! More than 5 stars for this series!!!!
The story focuses on Mateo who was introduced to us in “Impact Zone” and we got to know Mateo more. We learned what he went through, his traumas and his PTSD which was pretty horrible! Even though the household contains mostly gay men, he’s straight and was in love with one of the owners’ daughter, Lucy. She was smitten with him and wanted to try to help him with his PTSD and trauma but he wasn’t willing to indulge much information about it. Then a crisis erupted but that’s where I’m going to stop and encourage you to pick up the book and read it to find out! It’ll make you tear up and want to hold Mateo tightly!!!! More than 5 stars for this series!!!!
January 2, 2023
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My last of book the year was actually an MF one. My first. Normally I skip MF books in a series, but I loved Courtney’s first book in the series so much, and I became so invested in the family that Kel created with his foster kids that I decided I couldn’t skip one. Especially that of quiet Mateo.
This is an emotional series full of characters that have had to deal with some of the worst things that life could throw at them. And honestly, Mateo’s story will break your heart. And to watch him meet the wonderful Lucy, and fall in the love with the bold and sweet woman, but still struggle to come to terms with his past in order to have a meaningful life with her, was both real and frustrating (in a heartbreaking way).
The family that’s been created between the foster siblings, and Kel (and his Dad) is incredible, they have some much love for one another.
Lucy is young and charismatic and is also struggling with her parent's divorce. She’s frustrating and you want to shake her frequently, but it’s relatable for so many children of divorced/separated parents. She has such a kind heart for Mateo.
Once these two are able to work through some of their pain and hurt, it’s clear they have a chance at a beautiful future.
My last of book the year was actually an MF one. My first. Normally I skip MF books in a series, but I loved Courtney’s first book in the series so much, and I became so invested in the family that Kel created with his foster kids that I decided I couldn’t skip one. Especially that of quiet Mateo.
This is an emotional series full of characters that have had to deal with some of the worst things that life could throw at them. And honestly, Mateo’s story will break your heart. And to watch him meet the wonderful Lucy, and fall in the love with the bold and sweet woman, but still struggle to come to terms with his past in order to have a meaningful life with her, was both real and frustrating (in a heartbreaking way).
The family that’s been created between the foster siblings, and Kel (and his Dad) is incredible, they have some much love for one another.
Lucy is young and charismatic and is also struggling with her parent's divorce. She’s frustrating and you want to shake her frequently, but it’s relatable for so many children of divorced/separated parents. She has such a kind heart for Mateo.
Once these two are able to work through some of their pain and hurt, it’s clear they have a chance at a beautiful future.
September 15, 2022
When Dixon said this book would involve a broken boy that would steal my heart, I admit I didn't think much of it, but boy was I wrong. Not only did Mateo steal my heart, he also had it shattering to pieces. The pain and constant calling of his àddíctión and his severe PTSD was one of the most difficult parts of this book to read. His unwillingness to be vulnerable, even with Lucy, the girl he's loved from afar was completely understandable.
His shyness matched perfectly with Lucy's bratty stubborness and straightforward personality. When he finally decide to tell his story and be vulnerable, not only to Lucy, but also to his brothers, sister and Kel, from the Ohana Surfing Club, it made the moment that little bit more bittersweet. I can say with full honest, this is my favorite book, Courtney has ever written.
The book hangover I got after reading Pura Vida was real, I even had to take some time to process it all after I read the last page. It was raw, heartbreak, but at the same time your could tell Courtney took the time to research the topic fully. Beware, chapter 22 will have you sobbing. Please make sure to check the trigger warnings beforehand, as it does involve a heavy dosage of the struggle with dr¥g add¡cti0n, PTSD, grief/death of a parent, etc. I'm exciyed to find out what else Dixon has in planned for the next book in this series!
His shyness matched perfectly with Lucy's bratty stubborness and straightforward personality. When he finally decide to tell his story and be vulnerable, not only to Lucy, but also to his brothers, sister and Kel, from the Ohana Surfing Club, it made the moment that little bit more bittersweet. I can say with full honest, this is my favorite book, Courtney has ever written.
The book hangover I got after reading Pura Vida was real, I even had to take some time to process it all after I read the last page. It was raw, heartbreak, but at the same time your could tell Courtney took the time to research the topic fully. Beware, chapter 22 will have you sobbing. Please make sure to check the trigger warnings beforehand, as it does involve a heavy dosage of the struggle with dr¥g add¡cti0n, PTSD, grief/death of a parent, etc. I'm exciyed to find out what else Dixon has in planned for the next book in this series!
September 27, 2022
Pura Vida is the second book in Courtney W. Dixon’s Ohana Surfing Club and was a fabulous addition to the series! If you love a surfing romance featured in the gorgeous setting of Hawaii then this is the one for you! And even though it’s slightly different then Courtney’s other works it’s just as amazing! Especially if you were a fan of the first book and fell in love with Mateo and Lucy way back when like I did!
And when I say this story captured the essence of these two characters beautifully and that I wasn’t prepared for this emotional roller coaster of a ride is an understatement! Their story was so captivatingly heartbreaking and full of so much trauma, pain, grief, loss, love and so much tragedy you can’t help but feel for these characters as they fought to overcome all the obstacles in their way for a second chance at love!
Courtney is a true writing genius, being able to pull a readers heart strings with just her words alone, as she takes you on the ultimate heart wrenching journeys and I love how she’s able to cover so much trauma and sensitive topics as addiction and PTSD with enough care and finesse you leave her world feeling a little bit lighter even after the heavy heartbreak she delves out first. If you love a good story that tugs on your heartstrings and captures your heart and soul this is the one for you!
And when I say this story captured the essence of these two characters beautifully and that I wasn’t prepared for this emotional roller coaster of a ride is an understatement! Their story was so captivatingly heartbreaking and full of so much trauma, pain, grief, loss, love and so much tragedy you can’t help but feel for these characters as they fought to overcome all the obstacles in their way for a second chance at love!
Courtney is a true writing genius, being able to pull a readers heart strings with just her words alone, as she takes you on the ultimate heart wrenching journeys and I love how she’s able to cover so much trauma and sensitive topics as addiction and PTSD with enough care and finesse you leave her world feeling a little bit lighter even after the heavy heartbreak she delves out first. If you love a good story that tugs on your heartstrings and captures your heart and soul this is the one for you!
September 20, 2022
This series is such a pleasure to read. I have lived in Arkansas my whole life, knowing nothing about surfing or beach life, but the Ohana Surfing Club takes me away to a paradise I may never see in real life. Pura Vida is the second book in this series, and as much as I loved Kel and Ander's story, Mateo and Lucy stole my heart.
Our sweet Mateo has a tragic home life that leads him to a childhood on the streets and the perils of drug abuse. Enter Kel and his father, John, who takes in Mateo, giving him purpose and a family he desperately needs. Our sweet Lucy has led a charmed life, but now her mother and father are divorcing. Her father has started dating a man, and her life feels like it's turning upside down. These two souls form a perfect union until the past rears its ugly head, and their future together is very unsure.
I will always read anything Courtney W. Dixon releases. I continually fall in love with her characters and their crazy lives. I swoon at the relationships she creates, and those spicy scenes will make you tingle. Pura Vida absolutely gets five shiny stars from me. If you are thinking about reading this book, you must take the plunge.
Our sweet Mateo has a tragic home life that leads him to a childhood on the streets and the perils of drug abuse. Enter Kel and his father, John, who takes in Mateo, giving him purpose and a family he desperately needs. Our sweet Lucy has led a charmed life, but now her mother and father are divorcing. Her father has started dating a man, and her life feels like it's turning upside down. These two souls form a perfect union until the past rears its ugly head, and their future together is very unsure.
I will always read anything Courtney W. Dixon releases. I continually fall in love with her characters and their crazy lives. I swoon at the relationships she creates, and those spicy scenes will make you tingle. Pura Vida absolutely gets five shiny stars from me. If you are thinking about reading this book, you must take the plunge.
March 3, 2023
Slow but moving young romance with lots of angst, passion and tragedy
I have enjoyed all the books in this series but honestly this one has me stymied. As much as the plot is intriguing and interesting, it was very slow. I can’t put my finger on the cause but maybe because the reader is made to spend so much time in Mateo’s mind/thoughts that it lacked in action which kept me from wanting to read it. Truly, I don’t know. The ending is very good however. I was invested in Mateo’s and Lucy’s HEA. It was definitely a cautionary tale of how simple it is to be led to wrong decisions. I’ll say there were parts that nearly broke my heart starting with chapter 22. Mateo’s backstory is tragic which led to his PTSD, anxiety and drug addiction. Lucy will be his red-headed angel. Can Mateo get off drugs without Lucy though?
Fascinating story and good, but slow. Keep in mind this is my impression. Yours may be entirely different. This book does display the author’s versatility. She can write both M/M and M/F with much success. It is well-written and edited. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.
I have enjoyed all the books in this series but honestly this one has me stymied. As much as the plot is intriguing and interesting, it was very slow. I can’t put my finger on the cause but maybe because the reader is made to spend so much time in Mateo’s mind/thoughts that it lacked in action which kept me from wanting to read it. Truly, I don’t know. The ending is very good however. I was invested in Mateo’s and Lucy’s HEA. It was definitely a cautionary tale of how simple it is to be led to wrong decisions. I’ll say there were parts that nearly broke my heart starting with chapter 22. Mateo’s backstory is tragic which led to his PTSD, anxiety and drug addiction. Lucy will be his red-headed angel. Can Mateo get off drugs without Lucy though?
Fascinating story and good, but slow. Keep in mind this is my impression. Yours may be entirely different. This book does display the author’s versatility. She can write both M/M and M/F with much success. It is well-written and edited. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.
September 16, 2022
Where do I even find the right words to express how absolutely amazing this epic love story was and is . To say that Lucy and Mateos journey was a emotional rollercoaster would definitely be a understatement, in fact it genuinely touched my heart in ways I never would have expected . Tragedy, trauma , ptsd , , , twists and turns, love , romance, secrets, second chances, heartbreaking, heartfelt, death , grief , characters that are so likable and relatable as well as unique and multi layered and a storyline that I can guarantee will grab onto all your emotions and pull at your heartstrings so completely you will literally find yourself balling your eyes out while rooting so hard for both characters to get the happiness they deserve . I honestly believe that to fully appreciate how what a brilliant job Courtney did not only writing this wonderful but also touching on some very touching and sensitive topics you need to go in with a completely open mind and read it for yourself. What I can promise is that it will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make
September 15, 2022
Pura Vida is book 2 in the Ohana Surfing Club. It is a friends to lovers, first love romance.
Lucy is a strong, kind, young woman. She is confident and sticks up for herself and those she loves.
Mateo, sweet, broken Mateo. He is quiet, suffering from past traumas in silence. He’s an addict who was found by Kel after ODing in the streets.
Mateo and Lucy start to build a relationship together and are each other’s first love. They have insane chemistry together and explore kinks together. They are so strong together, but Mateo’s past and addictions threaten to ruin it all.
This story is a beautiful roller coaster ride of emotions. The characters are so relatable and likeable, and have you rooting for their HEA. There are many struggles they go through and it doesn’t seem like they will make it. The story is a wonderful example of chosen family, forgiveness, and love. I can’t wait to read on in the series!!
Lucy is a strong, kind, young woman. She is confident and sticks up for herself and those she loves.
Mateo, sweet, broken Mateo. He is quiet, suffering from past traumas in silence. He’s an addict who was found by Kel after ODing in the streets.
Mateo and Lucy start to build a relationship together and are each other’s first love. They have insane chemistry together and explore kinks together. They are so strong together, but Mateo’s past and addictions threaten to ruin it all.
This story is a beautiful roller coaster ride of emotions. The characters are so relatable and likeable, and have you rooting for their HEA. There are many struggles they go through and it doesn’t seem like they will make it. The story is a wonderful example of chosen family, forgiveness, and love. I can’t wait to read on in the series!!
December 16, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Partway through this book, I realized I had read the first book in this series as I remembered Kel and Anders and the fire at the Club.
This book goes into depth about Matt, one of Kel's foster kids who is now an adult but still in need of family and his demons. It is also a love story that is NOT LGBTQ+ as Matt falls in love with Lucy, Ander's daughter.
It takes a huge amount of understanding for an author to write about pain and addiction so vividly. I will not say much about the ending but I could not stop the tears (not negative) throughout the last 50 pages or so as Matt was healing. The author provided a short mail-out of an Epilogue but the ending was clear without the Epilogue.
I am looking forward to more in this series.
Partway through this book, I realized I had read the first book in this series as I remembered Kel and Anders and the fire at the Club.
This book goes into depth about Matt, one of Kel's foster kids who is now an adult but still in need of family and his demons. It is also a love story that is NOT LGBTQ+ as Matt falls in love with Lucy, Ander's daughter.
It takes a huge amount of understanding for an author to write about pain and addiction so vividly. I will not say much about the ending but I could not stop the tears (not negative) throughout the last 50 pages or so as Matt was healing. The author provided a short mail-out of an Epilogue but the ending was clear without the Epilogue.
I am looking forward to more in this series.
March 4, 2023
This is a mature young adult book. Mateo is a very damaged young man who was lucky to be rescued by a caring adult. His partner is Lucy, also an angry kid without many real problems. In the book's first two-thirds, we know his secret, but no one else except his rescuer, Kel, does. Lucy tries to get him to talk, but he is legitimately (in his mind) fearful. The events described are hideous. The two also have a sweet romance marred by dancing around each other and not being able or willing to tell the truth. In the end, everything is okay for now. There are still many side characters to get their own stories. The Hawaiian setting is not utilized as much as it could be. The writer needs better sentence structure in the narrative parts, but she has the essence of teen-speak down!
I received an advance review copy for free and left this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and left this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2022
it’s so good and heart tugging
Seeing Mateo grow from where we was basically just surviving day by day, to his eventual drop-off over the cliff, and seeing how he claws his way back up with both the help of his found family and his found love in Lucy tugged at my heart.
Seeing how they both made the choices, as difficult as they were, not only for the other person but for themselves is just a great way in showing that you don’t have to do everything and go through everything yourself.
And yes you do need to love yourself to love someone else, but you can also let someone show you love while you learn to love yourself, then in turn be able to fully and honestly love them back.
Seeing Mateo grow from where we was basically just surviving day by day, to his eventual drop-off over the cliff, and seeing how he claws his way back up with both the help of his found family and his found love in Lucy tugged at my heart.
Seeing how they both made the choices, as difficult as they were, not only for the other person but for themselves is just a great way in showing that you don’t have to do everything and go through everything yourself.
And yes you do need to love yourself to love someone else, but you can also let someone show you love while you learn to love yourself, then in turn be able to fully and honestly love them back.
September 16, 2022
🖤 New adult
🖤 Found family
🖤 Virgins
🖤 Childhood trauma
🖤 PTSD
🖤 Addiction
🖤 Abandonment issues
🖤 Hurt/comfort
Mateo’s traumatic past hinders him from having deep meaningful relationships with those who care about him. He's a good friend, and well liked, but he often would rather be alone.
When his new girlfriend Lucy pushes him for more information about himself, he can’t answer her questions. He will risk losing her before he lets her know his pain.
Lucy does her best to be patient and understanding with Mateo, but she recognizes their relationship is doomed if her can’t trust her and be truthful.
This book was simultaneously heart breaking and heart warming.
I enjoyed both of the main characters and their friends.
They are very sweet together.
🖤 Found family
🖤 Virgins
🖤 Childhood trauma
🖤 PTSD
🖤 Addiction
🖤 Abandonment issues
🖤 Hurt/comfort
Mateo’s traumatic past hinders him from having deep meaningful relationships with those who care about him. He's a good friend, and well liked, but he often would rather be alone.
When his new girlfriend Lucy pushes him for more information about himself, he can’t answer her questions. He will risk losing her before he lets her know his pain.
Lucy does her best to be patient and understanding with Mateo, but she recognizes their relationship is doomed if her can’t trust her and be truthful.
This book was simultaneously heart breaking and heart warming.
I enjoyed both of the main characters and their friends.
They are very sweet together.
September 27, 2022
I loved Mateo and Lucy! They are a young couple so they act in a youthful way while also being mature. On top of this new relationship with Mateo, Lucy is still struggling with her parents divorce and the fact that her dad now has a male partner.
Lucy was very brave to set boundaries on her relationship with Mateo. You can’t be with someone if you don’t really know them. Mateo needed to learn that he can never truly have solid relationships until he opens up. And Lucy learned she can’t be without Mateo and that she would support his journey however slow or fast it may be.
Overall it was well written as usual Courtney! It was sweet and sassy but also heartbreaking and emotional. So glad I read their story!
Lucy was very brave to set boundaries on her relationship with Mateo. You can’t be with someone if you don’t really know them. Mateo needed to learn that he can never truly have solid relationships until he opens up. And Lucy learned she can’t be without Mateo and that she would support his journey however slow or fast it may be.
Overall it was well written as usual Courtney! It was sweet and sassy but also heartbreaking and emotional. So glad I read their story!
October 3, 2022
Tears, Sweetness and Heat = A Fantastic Read!!!
This book started with tearing my heart out and then slowly putting it back together, but then, it shattered for Mateo all over again. You can’t help but feel for Mateo and want to give him a hug, want to care for him and at times, I wanted to yell at Lucy to stop pushing him! But, thank goodness she didn’t and that the things that he had to endure through their relationship happened or else, i don’t think he would have gotten his happy ending. This book is has dark, sad elements, it tells a sweet love story of two young adults while it continues to build this fantastic world! I can’t wait to read what is next in this series!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book started with tearing my heart out and then slowly putting it back together, but then, it shattered for Mateo all over again. You can’t help but feel for Mateo and want to give him a hug, want to care for him and at times, I wanted to yell at Lucy to stop pushing him! But, thank goodness she didn’t and that the things that he had to endure through their relationship happened or else, i don’t think he would have gotten his happy ending. This book is has dark, sad elements, it tells a sweet love story of two young adults while it continues to build this fantastic world! I can’t wait to read what is next in this series!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2022
Mateo lost his parents when 12 then lived with his grandmother she died when he was 14, was homeless. Maggie took him and showed him some of how to survive on the streets and a place to sleep. Because of his nightmares she introduced him to heroin would have OD’d if Kel hadn’t found him. Got him better, he started to like Lucy but he wouldn’t answer any questions about himself. He withdrew from everyone and went got heroin again, Kel and the kids found him before he OD and put him in detox. He had to tell everyone his past and was still accepted. Good book!
September 27, 2022
Pura Vida is book 2 of the Ohana Surfing Club where we meet Mateo and Lucy.
Court’s characters and storylines get better and better whether they’re MM or MF, this author can definitely write a story with all the feelings and makes you feel really connected to her books.
A beautifully written first love, young love with such emotion. Mateo is beautifully damaged and Lucy is incredibly strong( which I pick up from her MFC) together these two make a fantastic love story and one to definitely read!!!
September 27, 2022
This book will send you on an emotional journey so make sure you check those trigger warnings! After reading Impact Zone I was very excited for this book! Even though it’s outside my typical genre being new adult romance I really enjoyed the whole story. Mateo had a very traumatic childhood that left him with anxiety and PTSD but Lucy has caught his eye. He’s never lets people get close but if he wants Lucy he needs to be honest with her. I love the found family of the Ohana Surfing club and I can’t wait for the next book!
December 10, 2022
This series is very well written and flows well, making it easy to read. This story felt a bit young for me, based on two virginal 18 year olds finding their path together, so the sexual tension and the sex scenes are expectedly rather calm and vanilla. At times the story delved into very dark territory with harrowing memories and drug addiction. Heartbreaking to read Matty's pain. The description of the surfing and ocean is very calming, as the MC's are so young it has a HFN ending but feels long term.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2022
Pura vida
Oh my heart! I loved Lucy and mateos story. Mateos was really awful and sad and Lucy’s well I can see where having your world go upside can really impact these two but in the end their love survives . I also had a glimpse of kell and anders . They totally fit in this story. So if you haven’t read book one you should it’s just as great as this book. Please mind trigger warnings.
Oh my heart! I loved Lucy and mateos story. Mateos was really awful and sad and Lucy’s well I can see where having your world go upside can really impact these two but in the end their love survives . I also had a glimpse of kell and anders . They totally fit in this story. So if you haven’t read book one you should it’s just as great as this book. Please mind trigger warnings.
January 23, 2023
Mateo and Lucy are battling their own demons when their paths collide. Drawn together by a sizzling attraction, their path isn’t plain sailing. Falling for each other isn’t easy as both are holding back due to their own insecurities. With the help of their friends and family, can Mateo and Lucy find a way to open up to each other and take a chance on what could be a bright future together? Or will they allow their own fears to tear them apart before they’ve even begun?
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