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A Mermaid Isle Romance #1
One Sweet Summer
From NY Times and USA Today bestselling author, Cali MacKay...
Riley Carter’s never found anyone who could live up to her first love, Thorsen Black. So imagine her surprise when, twelve years later, he shows up at the unique and quirky inn she manages on Mermaid Isle. The sweet, gangly teen has matured into a sexy and handsome man, leaving her heart desperate to pick up where they left off.
It’s impossible for her to ignore the way her body instantly reacts to his touch and he's just the distraction she needs when she finds out the owners of the Siren Song Inn are selling it to Holt Enterprises. Holt only has eyes on the bottom line and Riley knows they’ll strip the inn of everything that makes it special, ruining not only the Siren, but devastating the island economy.
While fighting to save her beloved inn, Riley falls in love with Thorsen all over again. But when she’s faced with the real reason Thorsen’s on the island and his unbearable betrayal, will she be able to save the inn and her chance at true happiness?
Riley Carter’s never found anyone who could live up to her first love, Thorsen Black. So imagine her surprise when, twelve years later, he shows up at the unique and quirky inn she manages on Mermaid Isle. The sweet, gangly teen has matured into a sexy and handsome man, leaving her heart desperate to pick up where they left off.
It’s impossible for her to ignore the way her body instantly reacts to his touch and he's just the distraction she needs when she finds out the owners of the Siren Song Inn are selling it to Holt Enterprises. Holt only has eyes on the bottom line and Riley knows they’ll strip the inn of everything that makes it special, ruining not only the Siren, but devastating the island economy.
While fighting to save her beloved inn, Riley falls in love with Thorsen all over again. But when she’s faced with the real reason Thorsen’s on the island and his unbearable betrayal, will she be able to save the inn and her chance at true happiness?
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2013
300 people are currently reading
1483 people want to read
About the author
Cali MacKay
48 books322 followersCali MacKay is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives in New England with her husband, two girls and their crazy mutt. When not tapping away on her laptop and getting her characters into trouble, she can be found designing book covers for other authors, wrangling her girls, and splicing DNA.
She's also a decent potter, adventurous cook, and a horrible gardener.
She's also a decent potter, adventurous cook, and a horrible gardener.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 26, 2014
Ended at the 80% mark on my Kindle. If I had paid for this book I would have asked for 20% of the price back. I don't mind books that have the last few pages devoted to other work by the author, but 20% feels like I have been cheated.
As for the story. I got to the stage where I wanted to scream whenever Thorson called Riley 'darling' !! And he was half Norwegian? so why did he keep reverting to broad Scots with his 'och love'
It just didn't work for me.
As for the story. I got to the stage where I wanted to scream whenever Thorson called Riley 'darling' !! And he was half Norwegian? so why did he keep reverting to broad Scots with his 'och love'
It just didn't work for me.
August 16, 2014
Not nearly what I was expecting and I will not be reading anymore of this series.
First of all there were inconsistencies in this story and at times I had to ask myself: What is the real reason Thorsen came to the Island? The real reason he made the purchase? Was it really for Riley or a business decision to make more profit? Out of the blue, not seeing or hearing from Riley or she from him in twelve years 'Thorsen' all of the sudden is ready to spend millions of dollars to purchase the Inn where she works? What were the true motives? If he loved her as he says he did/does would a man let twelve years pass without a word, no contact with Riley whatsoever, no matter what job he had? All through the book we played the name game and it became tiring. What the heck was his real name anyway. And let us not forget that keeping secrets is the same as lying. Sins of omission that can cost you everything including the ones you love most.
And another very troublesome problem for me was this: If he decided he wanted to make this purchase for Riley and himself, how did he know she was single? What if he did all of this to find she was married or in a committed relationship? The plans he had for the Inn...how on earth would he have a clue that those changes would be what Riley wanted in her business plan...and they so were not. He looked none to bright.
The whole story seemed to focus on the ignorance of a very smart and educated man and what he 'claimed' he wanted to do for a woman he loved but had not seen in twelve years without a clue if said woman would even be interested. He messed that up so badly that he was made to look incapable of a sound decision. For me, it placed him in a very poor light. Made him appear dull and a bit dim in his business sense. I guess to sum it up it simply did not make much sense, especially for someone to invest almost all that he had and owned. The story was all over the place.
Although I thought the first half was okay although it did drag somewhat, the last half I found to be almost unbearable.
No recommendation from me on this book. I wish I had passed on this one.
First of all there were inconsistencies in this story and at times I had to ask myself: What is the real reason Thorsen came to the Island? The real reason he made the purchase? Was it really for Riley or a business decision to make more profit? Out of the blue, not seeing or hearing from Riley or she from him in twelve years 'Thorsen' all of the sudden is ready to spend millions of dollars to purchase the Inn where she works? What were the true motives? If he loved her as he says he did/does would a man let twelve years pass without a word, no contact with Riley whatsoever, no matter what job he had? All through the book we played the name game and it became tiring. What the heck was his real name anyway. And let us not forget that keeping secrets is the same as lying. Sins of omission that can cost you everything including the ones you love most.
And another very troublesome problem for me was this: If he decided he wanted to make this purchase for Riley and himself, how did he know she was single? What if he did all of this to find she was married or in a committed relationship? The plans he had for the Inn...how on earth would he have a clue that those changes would be what Riley wanted in her business plan...and they so were not. He looked none to bright.
The whole story seemed to focus on the ignorance of a very smart and educated man and what he 'claimed' he wanted to do for a woman he loved but had not seen in twelve years without a clue if said woman would even be interested. He messed that up so badly that he was made to look incapable of a sound decision. For me, it placed him in a very poor light. Made him appear dull and a bit dim in his business sense. I guess to sum it up it simply did not make much sense, especially for someone to invest almost all that he had and owned. The story was all over the place.
Although I thought the first half was okay although it did drag somewhat, the last half I found to be almost unbearable.
No recommendation from me on this book. I wish I had passed on this one.
April 15, 2015
This book is supposed to be a light romance, perfect for the summer or for a lazy day staying in, but in trying to get that point across, the story was redundant and almost sickly sweet. The plot was, in my opinion, terribly predictable, which isn't a huge surprise for chick-lit romance, but when it's too predictable on top of everything else, it can take some of the enjoyment out of reading.
The story did try to have tension though, it just wasn't necessary conflict, so it didn't add much depth to things and the drama just seemed melodramatic and overdone.
This was another book where the characters both are adamant about "taking things slow" that then flies right out the window just a chapter or two later. Speaking of slow, the relationship between the two lover interests gets very intense very quickly. I know they're supposed to be teenage sweethearts, but it's been years since they've seen each other, the old dynamic can't be the only reasoning they have to jump head first into things the way they do- making this a fine case of literary insta-love. Also, no one finds it at all strange that these two have only just begun to get to know each other and already taking huge steps in their relationship.
Thorsen is another male character who doesn't think things through completely before acting.
While trying to force the sweetness of their love, Thorsen gives Riley a nickname that doesn't quite fit, which would be fine if it weren't constantly repeated throughout the rest of the book as if repetition would convince the readers that it was a great idea.
Riley drove me insane with her inability to communicate with the other characters, which made me annoyed with her. Both her and Thorsen's flaws made me dislike them as characters because I didn't feel like, as a reader, I genuinely got to know them through the story. Sure exposition was given, as were descriptions, but it didn't read like an introduction, and they didn't develop much during the plot.
The ending wrapped up too cleanly considering the mess of a problem (that shouldn't have existed and could have been avoided but wasn't) that hung over the characters' heads.
In the end, I don't know if I would recommend this one. It's available for free, so like I said, there's nothing to lose by trying it out, but unless you have no other options, I would say you can definitely pass on it.
The story did try to have tension though, it just wasn't necessary conflict, so it didn't add much depth to things and the drama just seemed melodramatic and overdone.
This was another book where the characters both are adamant about "taking things slow" that then flies right out the window just a chapter or two later. Speaking of slow, the relationship between the two lover interests gets very intense very quickly. I know they're supposed to be teenage sweethearts, but it's been years since they've seen each other, the old dynamic can't be the only reasoning they have to jump head first into things the way they do- making this a fine case of literary insta-love. Also, no one finds it at all strange that these two have only just begun to get to know each other and already taking huge steps in their relationship.
Thorsen is another male character who doesn't think things through completely before acting.
While trying to force the sweetness of their love, Thorsen gives Riley a nickname that doesn't quite fit, which would be fine if it weren't constantly repeated throughout the rest of the book as if repetition would convince the readers that it was a great idea.
Riley drove me insane with her inability to communicate with the other characters, which made me annoyed with her. Both her and Thorsen's flaws made me dislike them as characters because I didn't feel like, as a reader, I genuinely got to know them through the story. Sure exposition was given, as were descriptions, but it didn't read like an introduction, and they didn't develop much during the plot.
The ending wrapped up too cleanly considering the mess of a problem (that shouldn't have existed and could have been avoided but wasn't) that hung over the characters' heads.
In the end, I don't know if I would recommend this one. It's available for free, so like I said, there's nothing to lose by trying it out, but unless you have no other options, I would say you can definitely pass on it.
June 11, 2024
It was what it was!!
Want to read
December 6, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/11/2020)! 🎁
December 26, 2022
Riley Carter’s never found anyone who could live up to her first love, Thorsen Black. So imagine her surprise when, twelve years later, he shows up at the unique and quirky inn she manages on Mermaid Isle, off the coast of Maine. The sweet, gangly teen has matured into a sexy and handsome man, leaving her heart desperate to pick up where they left off.
It’s impossible for her to ignore the way her body instantly reacts to his touch and he's just the distraction she needs when she finds out the owners of the Siren Song Inn are selling it to Holt Enterprises. Holt only has eyes on the bottom line and Riley knows they’ll strip the inn of everything that makes it special, ruining not only the Siren, but devastating the island economy.
While fighting to save her beloved inn, Riley falls in love with Thorsen all over again. But when she’s faced with the real reason Thorsen’s on the island and his unbearable betrayal, will she be able to save the inn and her chance at true happiness?
A bit too much melodrama and believe it or not---a bit too much sex for me! Never thought I would say that in this lifetime! There are many struggles between the cast of characters and many things had good intentions but got waylaid by a corporation. Happily Thorsen is able to get things switched around and he and Riley get the happily ever after, but not without a number of obstacles needing to be overcome! Still it was a good read!
It’s impossible for her to ignore the way her body instantly reacts to his touch and he's just the distraction she needs when she finds out the owners of the Siren Song Inn are selling it to Holt Enterprises. Holt only has eyes on the bottom line and Riley knows they’ll strip the inn of everything that makes it special, ruining not only the Siren, but devastating the island economy.
While fighting to save her beloved inn, Riley falls in love with Thorsen all over again. But when she’s faced with the real reason Thorsen’s on the island and his unbearable betrayal, will she be able to save the inn and her chance at true happiness?
A bit too much melodrama and believe it or not---a bit too much sex for me! Never thought I would say that in this lifetime! There are many struggles between the cast of characters and many things had good intentions but got waylaid by a corporation. Happily Thorsen is able to get things switched around and he and Riley get the happily ever after, but not without a number of obstacles needing to be overcome! Still it was a good read!
May 30, 2021
A good time!
Summer Love is a comfortable read. I realize that recently I have only been reading feel good stories with happy endings. This one is no different. I like this story. It has elements to it that are different than the normal feel good romance. You kind of don’t know whether you should like the MMC for a lot of the book, but he’s charming & that goes a long way towards liking a fictional man. Sweet, fun with a bit of drama. 4⭐️
Summer Love is a comfortable read. I realize that recently I have only been reading feel good stories with happy endings. This one is no different. I like this story. It has elements to it that are different than the normal feel good romance. You kind of don’t know whether you should like the MMC for a lot of the book, but he’s charming & that goes a long way towards liking a fictional man. Sweet, fun with a bit of drama. 4⭐️
August 16, 2023
This was a second chance romance but it wasn’t executed very well! It was way too insta-lovey for my liking (literally wanting to marry after a few weeks of knowing each other). They just fell in love with each other after five minutes, which is way too fast imo. I also just didn’t feel chemistry between the two characters. The main plot point (buying the inn) also got wrapped up very fast and felt kind of rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2023
Great second chance at love.
I enjoyed this book. Loved that Thorsen and Riley were first loved and now that he’s come to where she’s at, they get another chance. But he’s keeping a secret and will she forgive him? They do get a happy ever after and I recommend this book. Love when I feel their their heartbreak and always happy for happy ever afters.
I enjoyed this book. Loved that Thorsen and Riley were first loved and now that he’s come to where she’s at, they get another chance. But he’s keeping a secret and will she forgive him? They do get a happy ever after and I recommend this book. Love when I feel their their heartbreak and always happy for happy ever afters.
January 22, 2024
NY Times Best Selling Author - Same scenes repeated over and over w/o much plot movement. Great concept - Riley's life/job is in the balance b/c new owners to her Inn - Not sure what the future holds. Thorsen - Teenage love - reappears to rekindle their relationship. Doesn't tell Riley he's the one buying the Inn.
June 7, 2017
Loved It
This was such a well-written Book. The storyline was a 2nd chance romance who try to save a local business from a Corporate Takeover. The characters were unique and realistic. I'd wish for more of an ending however it ended with an HEA. Great Read
This was such a well-written Book. The storyline was a 2nd chance romance who try to save a local business from a Corporate Takeover. The characters were unique and realistic. I'd wish for more of an ending however it ended with an HEA. Great Read
August 6, 2021
Great Storyline
First of all this book is for adults only! The love between Riley and Thorson , not only is a strong relationship but this story will keep you reading til the very last word!
First of all this book is for adults only! The love between Riley and Thorson , not only is a strong relationship but this story will keep you reading til the very last word!
December 31, 2017
fair
didn't like the continued use of the phrase, "by the gods,"
didn't like the continued use of the phrase, "by the gods,"
December 13, 2023
Not too shabby
It was a good story, had a great plot and characters you could easily follow along with. Also the spice wasn't too bad 😏
It was a good story, had a great plot and characters you could easily follow along with. Also the spice wasn't too bad 😏
December 23, 2025
hokey and predictable.
July 30, 2013
I had the honour of beta reading this book for Cali and her new series won't disappoint romance readers! Hot and fun--fist fights, betrayals and more. Set on a small island on the Eastern coast of the US, it is about long lost loves, first loves, and a second chance at true love.
Riley Carter runs the inn on Mermaid Isle. The inn is quirky and so are its patrons. Over the years Riley has built up the inn and its programs and with it, boosted the isle's economy. It is a one-of-a-kind spot in the world. The only problem is that the owners of the inn are ready to retire and have sold the inn to a big conglomerate. Riley is afraid quirky is heading toward cookie cutter putting everything at risk.
But then along comes a distraction in the most heavenly form--her former heart throb boyfriend and first love, Thorsen. Within hours they have fallen back in love... but is Thorsen's arrival coincidental? Or is there something he isn't telling her? (I'm not telling you! You'll have to read it yourself. ;) )
Riley Carter runs the inn on Mermaid Isle. The inn is quirky and so are its patrons. Over the years Riley has built up the inn and its programs and with it, boosted the isle's economy. It is a one-of-a-kind spot in the world. The only problem is that the owners of the inn are ready to retire and have sold the inn to a big conglomerate. Riley is afraid quirky is heading toward cookie cutter putting everything at risk.
But then along comes a distraction in the most heavenly form--her former heart throb boyfriend and first love, Thorsen. Within hours they have fallen back in love... but is Thorsen's arrival coincidental? Or is there something he isn't telling her? (I'm not telling you! You'll have to read it yourself. ;) )
September 27, 2014
This is a start to what looks to be a good series. The love between the main characters is strong. The feel you get for them as a couple is consistent. But when you realize that Thorsen is lying to her it makes it hard to like him, because we all know what happens when you lie it comes back to bite you. So that was expected and you were just waiting for it to happen. I liked Riley she is a strong women who has her opinions about the Inn even though it's not really hers. I will say that I liked this book and the characters. You do have your bad guy in the form of Mark and Anna, but you can see it from their point of view to. You get to meet Logan and Ethan who I hope have their own books. I will say this book will keep you flipping the pages just waiting for it to unravel so you can see how they fix it. It's a good start. My full review is here: http://allnightbooks.com/?p=662
December 1, 2013
Riley Carter oversees Siren Inn on Mermaid Isle off the coast of Maine and has forever. She grew up on the Inn and when Thorsen Black came there as teenage it was love at first sight. Neither one had really forgotten the other one. Years latter his families company was going to buy the Inn and change it and he knew it would upset her. He wanted to go to the Island and see about it but he had to go in secret. Yup,the romance was rekindle, secrets were kept, he felt for a good cause. His mission was to right the wrongs, and make certain her Inn was kept as is and his girl remained his. This is a story of romance, pain, endurance, stranger danger, trust issues. I loved the story and can't wait to see what happens next. Great job Cali. Loved it.
March 6, 2015
I really loved the story line of this book...first and only true love, they shared one unforgettable night together as teenagers before he glad to leave. They are brought together again after years apart...and their effect on each other was instantaneous. After that thought the plot seemed rushed and the story forced. It definitely had some hot sex scenes but the main portion of the book just didn't work for me. Part of it may have been how wishy washy the leading lady was...I love you and cannot bear being without you, then the next minute they are through and she can't stand being near him or him touching her. Then a day or so later, all is forgiven and they are having sex.
September 16, 2016
sweet and short romance book that you can enjoy for a quick read.
Riley and Thorsen.They have a back story its not quiet great to have fallen in love. they met as teenages and now they meet after a long time apart makes me believe in one true love.the story but lost its good vibe at the end as it finished up abruptly.Riley lives and works at Siren Song Inn now the oners are going to sellto some big company called holt. Thorsen her first teenage love shows up after being gone for the last twelve years.She has no idea how he actually is but she will and cue the drama.
Riley was the most likable character whom i seemd to connect to dont really know why but she was decent and captivating.
Riley and Thorsen.They have a back story its not quiet great to have fallen in love. they met as teenages and now they meet after a long time apart makes me believe in one true love.the story but lost its good vibe at the end as it finished up abruptly.Riley lives and works at Siren Song Inn now the oners are going to sellto some big company called holt. Thorsen her first teenage love shows up after being gone for the last twelve years.She has no idea how he actually is but she will and cue the drama.
Riley was the most likable character whom i seemd to connect to dont really know why but she was decent and captivating.
June 16, 2014
2.5 stars
It was a sweet, easy summer read. This one didn't speak to me, but it wasn't a waste of time.
The significance of the event that drew them together years ago was hinted at but not explained enough to justify the insta-love, and later they both claim they fell in love years ago. I just wasn't sold on the back story. Thorsen's position in the company and his feelings about it seem to change drastically, as does his relationship with his nemesis at the end. The climax seemed to occur to early, and the resolution was anti-climactic. I just felt like I was missing something.
It was a sweet, easy summer read. This one didn't speak to me, but it wasn't a waste of time.
The significance of the event that drew them together years ago was hinted at but not explained enough to justify the insta-love, and later they both claim they fell in love years ago. I just wasn't sold on the back story. Thorsen's position in the company and his feelings about it seem to change drastically, as does his relationship with his nemesis at the end. The climax seemed to occur to early, and the resolution was anti-climactic. I just felt like I was missing something.
July 24, 2014
Riley had spent summers on Mermaid Isle off the coast of Maine. Now after twelve years she lives and works at Siren Song Inn but that was about to change. The owners were looking to sell the inn and retire. They were talking to Holt Enterprises, a large company to buy the inn. Riley didn't want a big company coming in and changing the uniqueness of the inn into some fancy hotel/spa. Thorsen her first teenage love shows up after being gone for the last twelve years. But what she doesn't know is that he is part of Holt. What is he really doing there?
July 29, 2014
I enjoyed this book.
Riley’s never found anyone who could live up to her first love, Thorsen. So imagine her surprise when, twelve years later, he shows up at the inn she manages on Mermaid Isle. She finds out the owners of the inn are selling it to Holt Enterprises. Holt only has eyes on the bottom line and Riley knows they’ll strip the inn of everything that makes it special. While fighting to save her inn, she's faced with the real reason Thorsen’s on the island and his unbearable betrayal.
Riley’s never found anyone who could live up to her first love, Thorsen. So imagine her surprise when, twelve years later, he shows up at the inn she manages on Mermaid Isle. She finds out the owners of the inn are selling it to Holt Enterprises. Holt only has eyes on the bottom line and Riley knows they’ll strip the inn of everything that makes it special. While fighting to save her inn, she's faced with the real reason Thorsen’s on the island and his unbearable betrayal.
August 7, 2014
Cute story, but seemed like everything got wrapped up a little too cleanly with the purchase of the inn. I was also a little uncertain as to the timing of everything...it seemed like the main part of the book took place in a span of a few days but then there were references that made it seem a bit longer. Perhaps a little sudden for Riley and Thorsen to jump back in with each other too, but I was glad the truth of his identity came out early on instead of right at the climax of the book like it often does in similar stories.
May 3, 2015
Riley fell for Thorsen/Eirik when she was a teenager and they spent two summers on Mermaid Isle. Years later, Riley is manager of The Siren Song Inn and Thorsen is majority shareholder in Holt Enterprises, the company that is buying the inn and planning turning it into a luzury resort. Riley and Thorsen rekindle their romance, but will it survive the corporate take over of her beloved inn? Hot, sexy romance with well written characters that navigate a rocky path to love.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
June 11, 2015
Return to Summer
Riley managed the Inn on Mermaid Isle, on the coast of Maine, and just found out the owners were retiring. She questioned who the new owner was and what their intentions were for the Inn, that played an enormous role in the survival of Mermaid Isle.
Riley was also surprised by the return of an old boyfriend, Thorsen that leaves Riley with more to think about than ever. How will she deal with him and why did he return?
Exciting, romantic, and thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.
Riley managed the Inn on Mermaid Isle, on the coast of Maine, and just found out the owners were retiring. She questioned who the new owner was and what their intentions were for the Inn, that played an enormous role in the survival of Mermaid Isle.
Riley was also surprised by the return of an old boyfriend, Thorsen that leaves Riley with more to think about than ever. How will she deal with him and why did he return?
Exciting, romantic, and thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.
August 7, 2015
Lots of inconsistency in this story. All I kept thinking is that our hero is a zero. How can you be in love so quick. Yeah they meet on vacation as teens, but he's been in love with her, with no contact for ten years?? I don't buy it. There was intimacy, no connection. Insta love at it's worst. I'm a fan of insta love if the writing supports it, but not this time. And the solution to the big problem didn't work for me either. Too many holes in it. Sorry to say this. I can forgive a lot of things, but I know this writer is better than this book.
February 4, 2017
Although I enjoyed this book I struggled for it to keep my attention sometimes. The story of Thorsen and Riley is a second chance romance and I felt that the storyline could of been explored more in depth. All that aside it is a sweet quick read and has a good plot four stars for content and plot.
September 2, 2015
Romance, suspense, when young love returns
When you spend your life at an Inn only to find that it is to be sold and the boy that was your first love shows up. When you inherit a company where your best memories are that same Inn and the girl running it is that special girl. Throw in a cousin who does not believe you have the right to run the company. Adult reader due to sexual content and violence.
When you spend your life at an Inn only to find that it is to be sold and the boy that was your first love shows up. When you inherit a company where your best memories are that same Inn and the girl running it is that special girl. Throw in a cousin who does not believe you have the right to run the company. Adult reader due to sexual content and violence.
August 4, 2013
Loved this book! I had the privilege of beta reading this one and it's fabulous! Great romance with characters who will remain with you long after you've finished the story. Love the unique plot twists of the story and how the characters have to deal with intriguing internal and external conflicts. A great read!! Can't wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews