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Turtle Island #1

Ex on the Beach

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She vowed to protect her heart… Andie Shayne believes in forever…for everyone else. She has an up-and-coming wedding planning business, and her own failed engagement, to prove it. Now, all Andie wants is to save the date for Seaglass Celebrations becoming a premier destination wedding resort. And making sure the wedding of the summer goes off without a hitch will get her there―despite the arrival of one unexpected guest. The sexy-as-sin best man…who’s also the ex who broke Andie’s heart. Mark Kavanaugh wants to make amends with Andie. He knows breaking off their engagement―at the altar!―was unforgivable. But he’s a wiser man now, vowing to make peace with his past. But with desire reigniting on Turtle Island, Mark realizes he never stopped loving Andie. He wants her; and this time, he’s determined to do it right. This book was initially released in episodes as a Kindle Serial. All episodes are now available for immediate download as a complete book.

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 2013

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1017 people want to read

About the author

Kim Law

31 books836 followers
Kim Law is an award-winning bestselling author of contemporary romance. Kim writes epic love stories with heart, heat, and happily ever afters. Her novels are set mostly in small towns and contain a fun mix of drama, family & friends, and laughter. 😊 Her most recent release is Caught off Guard.

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The Wildes of Birch Bay:
Montana Inspired (The Wildes of Birch Bay, #.5) by Kim Law
Montana Cherries (The Wildes of Birch Bay, #1) by Kim Law Montana Rescue (The Wildes of Birch Bay, #2) by Kim Law Montana Mornings (The Wildes of Birch Bay, #3) by Kim Law Montana Mistletoe (The Wildes of Birch Bay, #4.5) by Kim Law Montana Dreams (The Wildes of Birch Bay, #4) by Kim Law Montana Promises (The Wildes of Birch Bay, #5) by Kim Law Montana Homecoming (The Wildes of Birch Bay #6) by Kim Law
Montana Ever After The Wildes of Birch Bay Book 8 (BONUS story) by Kim Law

The Davenports:
Caught on Camera (The Davenports,#1) by Kim Law Caught in the Act (The Davenports, #2) by Kim Law Caught off Guard (The Davenports Book 3) by Kim Law

Sugar Springs:
Sugar Springs (Sugar Springs, #1) by Kim Law Sweet Nothings (Sugar Springs, #2) by Kim Law Sprinkles on Top (Sugar Springs, #3) by Kim Law

Turtle Island:
Ex on the Beach (Turtle Island, #1) by Kim Law Hot Buttered Yum (Turtle Island, #2) by Kim Law [bc:Two Turtle Island Doves|5594867

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5 stars
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4 stars
817 (35%)
3 stars
475 (20%)
2 stars
125 (5%)
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40 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,409 reviews495 followers
December 8, 2022
Ex on the Beach by Kim Law
Turtle Island #1. Contemporary romance. Second chance troupe.
Andie Shayne is an event planner and needs the bonus on the next event to stay afloat. Having her ex-fiancé at the event is not her ideal situation so she will just avoid him as much as possible. That’s not Mark’s plan. He wants to apologize for walking out on her and he’s not taking busy as an excuse.

A lot of drama, forgiveness and second chance sexiness. Extended family drama adds more to the story than just the romance. I think she forgave him and trusts too easily. A bit longer than it needed to be. In the end, hea which is what it needed to be.
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,715 reviews313 followers
August 31, 2020
Disgusting pig of a hero

Terrible book. Left her at altar then preceded to have sex with many other women and even got engaged to another girl but of course he always loved her. She of course was celibate. I can't call this a romance and she was an idiot to take him back. Just a horrible story. I wish I hadn't read it. Just gross.
Profile Image for Maida.
1,086 reviews
April 5, 2014
I'd be remiss if I didn't explain to my Goodreads friends why I just couldn't finish this particular book. I think that I encountered two major problems. 1) The main characters (Andi & Mark) are dull & unlikeable, IMO. 2) The circumstances are just unrealistic & outlandish.

Just to give you a rundown: a female with a Harvard MBA runs a business into the ground, she is left at the alter by her Harvard lawyer boyfriend, & it's apparent via the book's title & its cover that they somehow still end up with their "happily ever after."

***Oh, & here's the kicker... (wait for it... wait for it)... IN SPITE OF THE DEMISE OF ANDI'S OWN WEDDING AND THE TRAUMA & HUMILIATION THAT SHE STILL FEELS FROM BEING LEFT AT THE ALTER (things that continue to haunt Andi on a daily basis, even many years after the fact), ANDI SOMEHOW ENDS UP BECOMING A WEDDING PLANNER!!! A wedding planner?!? Seriously? She's a wedding planner on Turtle Island, which is where Mark finds her again...

I found these circumstances absolutely ludicrous, hence the DNF. The Goodreads ratings for this book are actually pretty high, so perhaps the problem is with me. However, this book is my first DNF ever, & it's not a book that I ever plan to revisit.


January 1, 2014:
My first "Did Not Finish" ever.... I don't know what it was about this book. I just couldn't do it.
Profile Image for Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen.
1,692 reviews634 followers
July 27, 2020
4.5 Turtle Stars

Perfect read while enjoying the summer or even in winter wishing for the beach!

Andie and Mark had a second chance at love but both were scared of the past and of the future. It was easy to connect with Andie and realize why she continued to hold back.

And the ending? The perfect HEA you could dream of.
Profile Image for Deanie Nelder.
1,131 reviews24 followers
July 30, 2020
Once upon a time, Andie Shayne had a high powered corporate job in Boston, and a great fiancee named Mark Kavanaugh. Then he left her at the altar, and she lost her job, moving back to her Georgia hometown and turning her aunt's inn into a luxury wedding destination. But with the mortgage coming due, Andie really needs this next wedding to go off without a hitch, which is a problem, because her ex-fiance is the best man, and the happy couple is keeping secrets.

There's a lot going on in Ex on the Beach and only about half of it is Mark and Andie's romance. They do eventually end up together, but it takes a lot of work. The book also delves into Andie's relationship with her absent father and estranged mother, Mark's issues with his own family, a side plot about a relationship between their friends, and the bride and groom hiding secrets that could disrupt the wedding. The book could have been simplified a bit, but overall is full of real, authentic emotions and interesting conflicts.
Profile Image for Angela Carr.
762 reviews81 followers
November 5, 2013
4.5 Stars


Oh boy, this novel hit so close to home in so many ways. Though I’ve never been left alone at the altar, I know of similar heartbreak. Unfortunately, too many times then I would’ve wanted. But this novel didn’t just touch a lover’s heartbreak it also touched on heartaches caused by family members. I have read Ms. Law’s Sugar Springs novel, and I can confirm and tell you that this author is good with writing scenes that are heartfelt and touching. One thing is for sure; her readers will feel every emotion if not by empathy definitely by sympathy for her characters.

Ex on the Beach brought out all kinds of feelings that by the end of this book, I felt like I had multiple personalities. With that being said…

My first impression of Mark was not good at all. I mean after leaving Andie at the altar, started a big whoop of emotions for me. I thought he can just die from a bad case of toe fungus and I wouldn’t care. Mark shows up at Andie’s small town of Turtle Island looking and acting like he’s all that and a bag of chips. But with what he pulled years before, I felt like I couldn’t forgive him. I really didn’t know how on earth Ms. Law can possibly change my mind about him and frankly, I was nervous. Okay, he comes across as the rich, handsome with sex appeal kind of guy…a good catch if you will. But still, some things are just unforgivable. To my surprise and with subtleness, I fell for Mark. I can’t really say at which point exactly when he won me over but he ended up to be a stand up guy who did what he thought was the right thing to do.

And Andie bless her heart, saw it too. I really have to give to this heroine. After the humiliation she was put through, she took her situation and turned it around in a good way. She took the opportunity to finally follow her dreams. She had started Seaglass Celebrations and live the independent life she always wanted. Despite the drama between her past, her financial status and issues with her mother, I thought she was a pretty strong gal. When Mark showed up, Andie handled it with class, too little for my standards anyway. Yes, Andie seeing her Ex on the Beach scene did not do her any justice but it was definitely therapeutic for me.

Holding sarcasm aside, Andie and Mark had a very rough beginning but their story was romantic and sweet. It’s definitely a novel I would recommend to readers who like contemporary reads.

I do want to mention that I was fortunate to read this book as a finished copy and not as a serial. I thought it would have been hard to wait each week for the episodes. I am currently reading the second installment, Hot Buttered Yum which is also a serial. Yes, I’m reading it as a serial and God help me, so far the wait is tolerable. I guess the fun of it is the suspense and having to discuss with other readers at the forum that Amazon had provided. The installment is about Roni and Lucas who at the first episode has already won my heart. =)

*Review copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for SheLove2Read.
3,106 reviews203 followers
August 10, 2013
This was a nice story about second chances.

I loved the setting - coastal Georgia. Very close to my home and I have to be prejudicial - a gorgeous area! I liked both main characters as well, Andie and Mark. I thought each of them had some issues that needed to be worked out and a few times I wanted to smack them both, but I could see where each was coming from emotionally. Also liked the happy ending, even if as a reader I could see it coming from ten miles away.

My only issue with the book was the length - 408 pages. It really could have wrapped up around 275 and I felt like a few situations were manufactured to keep the story going unnecessarily.

Between 3 and 4 stars, I can't make up mind so we'll round up.
Profile Image for Pat.
1,374 reviews43 followers
June 18, 2013

Andie Shayne is a young woman from Chicago, who four years ago, after emotional and job related catastrophes, gave up the big city to live with her Aunt Ginnie on Turtle Island. Ginnie has turned her home into a bed and breakfast/destination wedding site called Seaglass Celebrations, and is starting to get some wonderful feedback from guests. They are getting ready for an over the top affair, with two very upper crust families being joined in marriage, and two weeks of festivities to start off the celebration. Andie is very stressed about this wedding, as it will make or break their business.

Mark Kavanaugh is the man responsible for Andies emotional catastrophe. He left her standing at the alter, with his best man passing on the news he wasn't coming. Four years have past, he is on Turtle Island for the wedding festivities of his friends, and he's the best man. Mark had actually suggested Seaglass Celebrations as a go to site. Now he's here hoping to get a chance to speak to Andie, and try to explain his thoughtless breaking of her heart.

This was a very enjoyable sweet love story. It has lots of twists and turns, and even a mystery is solved. I would recommend this book for a great beach read, and for readers who enjoy love stories.

I waited for all the episodes to be loaded on my Kindle before reading this novel. I can't imaging waiting two weeks for another episode. That being said, I felt like the writing was a little "wordy" in parts, I assume to catch up readers to each episode. For me, it made it a slow read in spots.

That being said, I really enjoyed this story. It is my own personal opinion that I am not a fan of Serial Novels, and will avoid buying another. I'm sure some readers would greatly enjoy this type of novel. I am looking forward to reading Ms. Law's newest novel being published in September.
Profile Image for Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms.
1,479 reviews156 followers
September 4, 2015
*4.5 Stars*
Omigoodness! I loved this book!

You know how sometimes there's a book that just really resonates with you? Ex on the Beach was that book for me. I'm a firm believer in fate - that things happen for a reason and in a way that's meant to be. Ex on the Beach revolves around this premise. I loved that! But this is also a story about two people figuring out what they want out of life - their place in the world. That's journey I'm always happy to be a part of. It's more than that though. It's also about how decisions, both those we make ourselves and those made by others, affect the people we become. And it all falls into place as it's meant to be...fate!

Andie and Mark were engaged but Mark left her at the alter. Four years later, he's back - on her beach - to get closure. Only it seems neither has moved on. Although this story is told in dual POV, it's primarily in Andie's voice. I relished how Law took us along for the ride as Andie and Mark had revelation after revelation about themselves, their families, and what they wanted out of life.

Law created quite a colorful supporting cast as well and I'd happily spend more time with any and all of them. I am particularly fond of Andie's aunt and Mark's best friend, as well as his mom. This was my first read from Law but it certainly won't be the last.
Profile Image for Danielle.
1,339 reviews50 followers
June 25, 2015
This story had some really cute parts but then it had a little emotional parts included. It also had a ton of drama and most of it had really nothing to do with the two main characters. It started out cute and interesting but then I ran into parts that just felt like it was dragging and words were just there.


So she finds out her uncle was really her father, her fiancé was a jerk and now he wants to be with her again and the list goes on. I think I just expected more or well I guess hoped for more.


The next book is about one of her friends but I was hoping it was about one of his friends. They just sounded more interesting. It wasn't a bad book at all and I enjoyed it but it was just okay.


I did enjoy the ending where mark surprised andie with a surprise wedding on the beach and told her he is moving there. It was sweet of him to think of everything.

This book is on kindle unlimited for free.
7 reviews
May 29, 2015
Stupid Characters :(

Story started with great promise but went down hill very quickly.
1) No one deserves to left at the altar . And then he didn't had guts to make amends for 4 years.
2) how can one steals love of her sister's life , & justify it as real right . Spends years with the man she has married by selling him lies about her sister. Lead Andie was fine with her for doing so.
3) Andie spends much time claiming that zhe wants to work & in the end she just wants to be mom & takes of people.........
4) No professionalism , how can u have sex when you are supposed to working , especially when that pay check is very important to save your home ? Not to mention there are several people on the boat :/
Profile Image for Lorinda Cockrell.
108 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2013
Kim Law has written an perfect book, it pulls you in and takes you on so many twists and turns you don't know what's happening next! She was dump right before she was to walk down the aisle by her fiance' Mark. She starts a wedding resort and who shows up four years later with a wedding party that she needs to keep her house from going into foreclosure. She's stressed and although she doesn't believe she loves Mark she still wants to fool around just for closure sake. Will she be able to get his attention, does he want to be around her? This is a great book to read! I enjoyed every bit of it!
Profile Image for Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews.
2,181 reviews63 followers
August 23, 2013
Kim Law has created two complicated and very human characters in Andie and Mark. Throughout this book, we cheer Andie on in her endeavor to succeed at SOMETHING! While Andie is trying to be professional and deliver the best wedding experience for the bride, Mark is doing his best to capture Andie's love one more time and make her his forever love. Did I mention that Mark left her at the altar four years ago? Well, that is part of the complication between these two lovers. Recommended reading for a good time.
Profile Image for Roslyn.
53 reviews
May 7, 2013
I gave this two stars because I haven't completely given up on it, yet. It is FULL of typos, which I find completely unforgivable. It also sounds like a horny teenager. I even know exactly how it will end. Despite all of this, I keep reading it. I think the serial/episode format keeps baiting me into thinking, "maybe this episode will be better!" I'm wrong every time.
Profile Image for Judi Borne.
58 reviews
June 14, 2013
I read Ex on the Beach as a serial on my Kindle. The wait for each installment was a torture. I would find myself checking everyday just by the off chance that it was delivered early. I enjoyed reading Kim Law's book. The characters are entertaining and the story keeps you attentive. I would recommend this to others who love romance & second chances with love and family!
Profile Image for Lucy.
10 reviews
August 15, 2013
The title "Ex on the Beach" sound a little cheesy, but this book was so good! This just goes to say, NEVER judge a book by its cover or title in this sake.
What a great storyline about betrayal, love and most importantly forgiveness. I loved everything about this book!
Profile Image for Darla.
140 reviews
January 30, 2013
OMG I love this serial thing! It hooks you and then you have to wait....in my mind I have all kinds of scenarios that could happen and I can't wait to see how the story goes!!
Profile Image for Leigh Parrish.
1,058 reviews35 followers
January 12, 2016
I thought it was a ok read, kind of drawn out in spots. Would have liked to see a little more of the action instead if just being told about it. But I give it a 2.9 stars.
Profile Image for D.B. Reynolds.
Author 39 books2,366 followers
July 15, 2013
Enjoyable contemporary romance with lots of heart and excellent, evocative writing.
Profile Image for Preet.
3,383 reviews233 followers
May 15, 2016
3.5 stars!

I liked it and read it quickly. More to come once I've got my thoughts together!
959 reviews
February 8, 2023
Andie is still stinging from being left at the alter by Mark four years ago. She had a great job and wonderful fiancée in Boston before it all fell apart. Andie returned home to Turtle Island to rebuild her life. She and her Aunt Ginny started a bed & breakfast that also does weddings. With a fateful turn of events, Mark ends up part of a wedding party that end up on Turtle Island at Andie’s venue. This was a nice story of the revelation of secrets and the damage they can do but also of the healing of hearts.
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,788 reviews9 followers
March 13, 2018
So many misunderstandings

So many misunderstandings that could have been avoided by communication. But then that's human nature and this book really hits on that. I enjoyed the interplay between all 5he characters, but never really got invested in either Mark or Andy. There was never an aha moment where they fell in love, either time. The book is well written and the storyline pretty well developed. 3.5 stars
172 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2019
It takes a village

Or rather it seemed to to get this couple out of their own heads and go for what feels right. The story was interesting and fun and Mark and Andie finally made their feelings for each other override the misunderstandings that always seemed to surface at the inopportune moment.
Profile Image for Garbage McSmutly.
60 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2017
Solid meh. Too predictable, even for a romance.

The writing was... fine? but the plot points were super predictable. And I say this as someone who enjoys many a formulaic romance.

Also, the method by which they arrived at the HEA may be (IMHO) the actual worst romance trope.
548 reviews5 followers
January 2, 2018
Too predictable, too unrealistic, too many characters you just can't really care about and others that act in ways no actual human being ever wood, all packed into one book. I guess it would be OK for a trashy beach read if you're into that sort of thing. Apparently I am not.
Profile Image for Sara Beth Lyon.
1,481 reviews14 followers
November 19, 2025
Beach read

3.25⭐️ Ex on the Beach surprised me and had more depth than I expected with a great story of two people who had loved each other, were supposed to get married but didn’t, and now it’s 4 years later. A lot has changed in that time, but some things have not.
252 reviews
May 26, 2017
Loved it

This was a great story. The love between Andie and Mark was a rough at first with him leaving her at the alter.
Profile Image for Amanda.
49 reviews7 followers
July 4, 2018
A fun summer read

A steamy, sexy summer romance. Made for a great escape. I don't usually like 2nd chance romance stories but I enjoyed this one.
Profile Image for Debra French.
99 reviews
June 21, 2019
Lots of sizzle and great author who really knows how to deliver a great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews

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