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Summer Lake #2
Work like You Don't Need the Money
Holly Hayes is a realist, if nothing else. She's going to be Maid of Honor at her best friend, Emma's wedding in Summer Lake. Pete Hemming, self made millionaire, powerful CEO, all around good guy, is going to be the Best Man. If they're going to be able to get through their official duties, there's one thing they'll need to deal with first. Sex!
He may be out of her league socially and financially, but one thing is clear. He wants her. She wants him. What's the harm in one night of passion? It's inevitable they're going to end up naked together. So it's best to get it out of the way early, right? So they can get on with organizing the wedding.
Pete Hemming is a man with a plan. He's lived his life by the plan, built his business by it. The plan doesn't allow for a woman in his life, only in his bed. Trouble is, once he gets Holly into his bed, he can't get her out of his mind. But he can't let her into his life, can he?
The Summer Lake series follows a group of friends from a small lakeside town in the California hills. They have kept in touch over the years and now, in their early thirties, their lives are drawing them back to Summer Lake and to each other.
He may be out of her league socially and financially, but one thing is clear. He wants her. She wants him. What's the harm in one night of passion? It's inevitable they're going to end up naked together. So it's best to get it out of the way early, right? So they can get on with organizing the wedding.
Pete Hemming is a man with a plan. He's lived his life by the plan, built his business by it. The plan doesn't allow for a woman in his life, only in his bed. Trouble is, once he gets Holly into his bed, he can't get her out of his mind. But he can't let her into his life, can he?
The Summer Lake series follows a group of friends from a small lakeside town in the California hills. They have kept in touch over the years and now, in their early thirties, their lives are drawing them back to Summer Lake and to each other.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2013
163 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
S.J. McCoy
77 books1,056 followersHi, I'm SJ. A coffee addict, lover of chocolate and drinker of good red wines. I'm a lost soul and a hopeless romantic. Reading and writing are necessary parts of who I am. Though perhaps not as necessary as coffee! I can drink coffee without writing, but I can't write without coffee.
I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.
I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.
These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I'm not reading or writing you'll find me just down the road in the park - Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)
I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.
I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.
These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I'm not reading or writing you'll find me just down the road in the park - Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
November 25, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
When S.J. asked me to read this book I was super excited! I really enjoyed the first book in the series and was looking forward to reading more about these characters.
Holly is Emma's best friend from LA. She is a self proclaimed independent woman with her own boutique and a great little townhouse. She is working really hard to say afloat due to some stressful financial problems.
Pete is a man with a plan! A super successful business man who has built a huge corporation with his partner Jack. He is extremely busy but loves to spend time with his close friends at Summer Lake.
This book begins pretty much right where the last one leaves off so we have a good background on these characters and their interactions with each other and boy do they have chemistry! S.J. doesn't waist anytime getting these two together and it is H-O-T!
They both decide that this can only be a temporary fling due to their lifestyles but that may be easier said then done! This was me for a big chunk of this book!
S.J. has created a excellent group of characters and I can't wait to read the rest of their stories! Dan and Missy are up next and it is shaping up to be a great read!
Oh and for no particular reason her is another picture of my Pete!
Thanks again for the Ms McCoy for the opportunity to read this book!
When S.J. asked me to read this book I was super excited! I really enjoyed the first book in the series and was looking forward to reading more about these characters.
Holly is Emma's best friend from LA. She is a self proclaimed independent woman with her own boutique and a great little townhouse. She is working really hard to say afloat due to some stressful financial problems.
Pete is a man with a plan! A super successful business man who has built a huge corporation with his partner Jack. He is extremely busy but loves to spend time with his close friends at Summer Lake.
This book begins pretty much right where the last one leaves off so we have a good background on these characters and their interactions with each other and boy do they have chemistry! S.J. doesn't waist anytime getting these two together and it is H-O-T!
They both decide that this can only be a temporary fling due to their lifestyles but that may be easier said then done! This was me for a big chunk of this book!
S.J. has created a excellent group of characters and I can't wait to read the rest of their stories! Dan and Missy are up next and it is shaping up to be a great read!
Oh and for no particular reason her is another picture of my Pete!
Thanks again for the Ms McCoy for the opportunity to read this book!
June 18, 2018
Oh my goodness I just love Holly & Pete. There story was so sweet, loving and everything in between. I just love how close Pete is with his friends and how Holly came to be one of the gang as well. To see their friendship and love grow.
April 12, 2020
The slowpokes were really annoying me with their (lack of) speed going into (committed) relationships!
But I guess that was what made the story flow from the beginning to end. So all is forgiven. Haha.
But I guess that was what made the story flow from the beginning to end. So all is forgiven. Haha.
November 29, 2017
Actual rating - 3.5
September 28, 2020
Omg I loved this book. HAPPY tears were shed. I loved every bit of this book. So much went into the characters and setting. I am most happy with the way this book brought it all together.
December 27, 2013
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
I absolutely loved book one in the Summer Lake series so I was very excited when I found out that there would be a book two. I quickly answered yes when SJ asked me if I would like to read book two. Holly and Pete's story definitely did not disappoint, and I enjoyed that the dynamic of their relationship was different from Emma and Jack's. By the way if you have not read book 1 you definitely should. I always prefer to read a series in order, but you could read this without reading the first book. The same characters are in both books though and book one gives great background so I would say get both at the same time because after reading book one you will want to jump right into book two.
Holly and Pete's story picks up right where the first book left off with Pete giving Holly a ride back to LA. Holly and Pete both feel an instant attraction for each other. Pete is a CEO that has a plan that does not call for a serious relationship for a few more years, and Holly is a small business owner that puts her all into making it successful. Holly also believes that Pete is way out of her league because they come from different worlds. So the two of them agree that since she will be the Maid of Honor and he will be the Best Man for Emma and Jack's wedding that instead of fighting the attraction they feel, they should give in and get it out of their system, but when one night is not enough and only intensifies how they feel they most both decide whether plans and beliefs are worth changing for something that could be so much more than just sex.
This story made me feel so many different emotions as I was reading. I laughed, smiled a lot, and felt for the two main characters as they struggled with what choices to make. Any book that makes me feel different emotions is an automatic high rated book for me. This book gets five stars because not only did I get invested in the main characters, but I am really looking forward to reading more about the other characters. There are also several very hot and steamy scenes, which is always a plus! I really liked how the first two books focused on coming back home and lifelong friendship along with finding love. It will be interesting to read more about the other characters of Summer Lake. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
I absolutely loved book one in the Summer Lake series so I was very excited when I found out that there would be a book two. I quickly answered yes when SJ asked me if I would like to read book two. Holly and Pete's story definitely did not disappoint, and I enjoyed that the dynamic of their relationship was different from Emma and Jack's. By the way if you have not read book 1 you definitely should. I always prefer to read a series in order, but you could read this without reading the first book. The same characters are in both books though and book one gives great background so I would say get both at the same time because after reading book one you will want to jump right into book two.
Holly and Pete's story picks up right where the first book left off with Pete giving Holly a ride back to LA. Holly and Pete both feel an instant attraction for each other. Pete is a CEO that has a plan that does not call for a serious relationship for a few more years, and Holly is a small business owner that puts her all into making it successful. Holly also believes that Pete is way out of her league because they come from different worlds. So the two of them agree that since she will be the Maid of Honor and he will be the Best Man for Emma and Jack's wedding that instead of fighting the attraction they feel, they should give in and get it out of their system, but when one night is not enough and only intensifies how they feel they most both decide whether plans and beliefs are worth changing for something that could be so much more than just sex.
This story made me feel so many different emotions as I was reading. I laughed, smiled a lot, and felt for the two main characters as they struggled with what choices to make. Any book that makes me feel different emotions is an automatic high rated book for me. This book gets five stars because not only did I get invested in the main characters, but I am really looking forward to reading more about the other characters. There are also several very hot and steamy scenes, which is always a plus! I really liked how the first two books focused on coming back home and lifelong friendship along with finding love. It will be interesting to read more about the other characters of Summer Lake. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
August 13, 2016
This is Book #2 of the Summer Lake books, and another fun, Sweet 'n' Steamy read.
Overall, I got more frustrated with this book than I did with Love Like You've Never Been Hurt. I really wanted to beat Pete over the head for being such an idiot about not changing 'the plan.' I think I just didn’t quite buy why it would take him so long. *smack* WTF, dude! Other than that, I really loved Pete – especially
Holly. I wanted to smack her, too. She is very well developed as someone who is uber-responsible, and who takes care of whatever needs taking care of with little complaint. Even things that are so outrageous I bought it, but at the same time I hated it, and wanted to shake some sense into her. I don’t think it was too overdone, but like Emma in Love Like You've Never Been Hurt, it was right on the edge of being annoying. What totally redeemed it was her
This stubbornness is the reason for the loss of a full star. While Pete and Holly were honest with each other-I was afraid a couple times that they were just going to operate on misunderstandings the whole way through, but that was unfounded-I just got frustrated with how stubborn they both were.
At the end of the day, Work Like You Don't Need the Money is a hot and fun way to stave off a cold polar vortex kind of night. Or even a regular winter night. Or a summer day at the beach. Or.... :-)
Overall, I got more frustrated with this book than I did with Love Like You've Never Been Hurt. I really wanted to beat Pete over the head for being such an idiot about not changing 'the plan.' I think I just didn’t quite buy why it would take him so long. *smack* WTF, dude! Other than that, I really loved Pete – especially
Holly. I wanted to smack her, too. She is very well developed as someone who is uber-responsible, and who takes care of whatever needs taking care of with little complaint. Even things that are so outrageous I bought it, but at the same time I hated it, and wanted to shake some sense into her. I don’t think it was too overdone, but like Emma in Love Like You've Never Been Hurt, it was right on the edge of being annoying. What totally redeemed it was her
This stubbornness is the reason for the loss of a full star. While Pete and Holly were honest with each other-I was afraid a couple times that they were just going to operate on misunderstandings the whole way through, but that was unfounded-I just got frustrated with how stubborn they both were.
At the end of the day, Work Like You Don't Need the Money is a hot and fun way to stave off a cold polar vortex kind of night. Or even a regular winter night. Or a summer day at the beach. Or.... :-)
January 17, 2014
**I received an ARC copy for my review**
This is the second story in Summer lake series, it will involve Holly and Pete.
Holly’s in a young realist with her own small business and the maid of Honor for her best friend Emma and Pete hot big millionaire and powerful CEO is the best Man for Jack. What started as an innocent drive together their friends ends up in a hot sexual attraction.
They only way they can deal with it is to have it over with, so they promise each other one night of hot steamy sex with no strings. But will this be enough they next morning will they head back to reality?
But Pete is a man with a plan and no one even a hot sensual woman can get him to chance his plan. Easier said than done but he can’t get her of his mind and neither does she, so they make a small adjustment to have a relationship till the day of the wedding and then go their separate ways.
Will they be able to end it? Or will their love for each other be stronger?
This is the second story in Summer lake series, it will involve Holly and Pete.
Holly’s in a young realist with her own small business and the maid of Honor for her best friend Emma and Pete hot big millionaire and powerful CEO is the best Man for Jack. What started as an innocent drive together their friends ends up in a hot sexual attraction.
They only way they can deal with it is to have it over with, so they promise each other one night of hot steamy sex with no strings. But will this be enough they next morning will they head back to reality?
But Pete is a man with a plan and no one even a hot sensual woman can get him to chance his plan. Easier said than done but he can’t get her of his mind and neither does she, so they make a small adjustment to have a relationship till the day of the wedding and then go their separate ways.
Will they be able to end it? Or will their love for each other be stronger?
July 10, 2014
My second favorite of the series. Well worth the read, had some sad and some tender moments, yet still steamy.
December 29, 2019
Pete and Holly. Cant believe I finished this book. It was sooooo slow and boring. I was so sick of “oh, ive got to complete the plan.” This book was not for me.
Want to read
February 5, 2023🎁 Part of Summer Lake Romance Boxed Set (Books 1-3) which is FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (2/5/2023)! 🎁
April 18, 2018
Google Books - 3.5 stars
Holly - business owner, best friends with Emma
Pete (32) - business partner with Jack, Emma's husband
I was looking forward to Holly's story because she talked sense in Emma in the first story. This pretty much picks up where the first book ended. I really loved the B&B scene which set up the terms of their relationship.
Holly is soooo stubborn and proud, I found her resistance to Pete's offer of help quite annoying. And Pete was a sweetheart in book one, an unbelievable insatiable hunger for making love, but he also had a stubborn trait which everyone kept pointing out was silly and inflexible. I really loved Jack continually pointing this out to him, "F@%# the plan!"
Together they made a great couple, great chemistry and banter, but I was also getting frustrated at both of them for not just getting to their happy ending sooner!
I'll read book 3, but I hope Missy isn't too annoying! I like her character so far, she tells it like it is!
Holly - business owner, best friends with Emma
Pete (32) - business partner with Jack, Emma's husband
I was looking forward to Holly's story because she talked sense in Emma in the first story. This pretty much picks up where the first book ended. I really loved the B&B scene which set up the terms of their relationship.
Holly is soooo stubborn and proud, I found her resistance to Pete's offer of help quite annoying. And Pete was a sweetheart in book one, an unbelievable insatiable hunger for making love, but he also had a stubborn trait which everyone kept pointing out was silly and inflexible. I really loved Jack continually pointing this out to him, "F@%# the plan!"
Together they made a great couple, great chemistry and banter, but I was also getting frustrated at both of them for not just getting to their happy ending sooner!
I'll read book 3, but I hope Missy isn't too annoying! I like her character so far, she tells it like it is!
May 30, 2020
This is the second book in the Summer Lake series. I’ll give it 3.5 stars and bump it up to 4. It was definitely better than the first. Holly had hang-ups, but they weren’t nearly as annoying as Emma’s. She was also willing to get over herself much quicker. Heck, Emma was still having the same hang-ups in book two! There was still plenty of tension between Holly and Pete and they definitely had some things to iron out, but they managed to muddle through with a little help from their friends.
Pete? Yeah, he is the glue that holds the Summer Lake gang together. He has, or had, a plan that he’s stuck to since he was a kid. That plan has gotten him where he is today and he just knows he can’t deviate from it. He’s pretty sure that his world will fall apart if he does. But what if his world is falling apart because of the plan?
This is a sweet and fast-moving story about the second couple to fall as everyone comes home to Summer Lake. Pete is definitely my fave so far!
Pete? Yeah, he is the glue that holds the Summer Lake gang together. He has, or had, a plan that he’s stuck to since he was a kid. That plan has gotten him where he is today and he just knows he can’t deviate from it. He’s pretty sure that his world will fall apart if he does. But what if his world is falling apart because of the plan?
This is a sweet and fast-moving story about the second couple to fall as everyone comes home to Summer Lake. Pete is definitely my fave so far!
June 11, 2019
I enjoyed this book as second in the series. I enjoyed the friendships that are renewed or being started. As in the previous ( 1st ) book of the series the book circles around one couple starting a relationship, very fast sexual content, and the friends they make or renew. There are some spelling and grammeric errors which the Author should address with her proof readers. The sexual content is explicit as in 1st book of series so should definitely be read only 18+ age bracket. It is a nice story, with characters that definitely have their own personalities and opinions. It is nice to see folks moving back to their hometowns or to small communities where they are there for each other needed or wanted.
August 30, 2019
I loved this! It’s total romance escapism. I was fascinated with Pete in book one and I’ve really enjoyed watch him grow and change his plan (boy does that man love his plan!). Watching him fight for Holly was beautiful, just like Jack in book 1 he was adamant he didn’t want to settle down and then he ends up doing the chasing and convincing that forever is worth it.
I enjoyed seeing the continuation of Jack and Emma’s story, and still keeping all the other characters story lines flowing. I really can’t wait to read Dans story as I was drawn to him straight away in book 1.
The sexual tension and chemistry in this book was hot hot hot, yet still very tasteful, the author has very cleverly balanced the tension and the physical act. An absolutely brilliant read.
I enjoyed seeing the continuation of Jack and Emma’s story, and still keeping all the other characters story lines flowing. I really can’t wait to read Dans story as I was drawn to him straight away in book 1.
The sexual tension and chemistry in this book was hot hot hot, yet still very tasteful, the author has very cleverly balanced the tension and the physical act. An absolutely brilliant read.
June 11, 2017
Great Read
I really enjoyed this book, it is nice that the same people are in it but it is a different couple.
The main male character starts of as a bit of a pig headed arse and the female character can be frustrating. But it all works out in the end thank god, they both redeem their selves in my eyes.
I was pulled into the book from the end of chapter one, it took a little bit for me to get into it.
Highly recommend it to all you romantics out there. so worth the 5 stars I have given it.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
SJ McMoy sure knows how to hold your interest in her books.
I really enjoyed this book, it is nice that the same people are in it but it is a different couple.
The main male character starts of as a bit of a pig headed arse and the female character can be frustrating. But it all works out in the end thank god, they both redeem their selves in my eyes.
I was pulled into the book from the end of chapter one, it took a little bit for me to get into it.
Highly recommend it to all you romantics out there. so worth the 5 stars I have given it.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
SJ McMoy sure knows how to hold your interest in her books.
January 27, 2023
Holly Hayes is a realist, if nothing else. She's going to be maid of honor at her best friend, Emma's wedding in Summer Lake. Self made millionaire, powerful CEO, all around good guy is going to be the best man. If they're one thing they'll need to deal with first. Sex! He may be out of her league socially and financially, but one thing is clear. He wants her. She wants him. What's the harm in one night of passion?
Work line You Don't Need the Money was such a great read from the start and the story line is very enjoyable. S.j. McCoy is a fabulous author and the book has a very intriguing story line and i highly recommend this book.
Work line You Don't Need the Money was such a great read from the start and the story line is very enjoyable. S.j. McCoy is a fabulous author and the book has a very intriguing story line and i highly recommend this book.
February 5, 2019
Holly and Pete's story is very sweet and steamy, they start out trying to convince themselves that it is only a fling but soon enough they are both suffering heartache. The relationship between the four friends is so strong and I love how they were not afraid to tell Pete the hard truth that he needed to hear. There is lots more fun to be had at Summer Lake and I look forward to reading more in this series.
December 7, 2022
I really wanted to like this book, however, I do not know if it was an error in the download but the middle and end of the book were super choppy and kept going back and forth. I felt like sections of the book was missing. I would have liked to have seen how some of the scenes had played out but they were either edited out or just missing. Note this was part of the Summer Lake Box Set and not the individual book.
January 9, 2024
I really enjoyed the second installment of the Summer Lake romance series. At first I was surprised at how Pete's character changed from the first book, but soon settled into it. Mouse's insecurities are growing a bit old, but luckily that's a small part of this book, and hopefully over now.
The characters are becoming family. I'm excited to start the next one, but also sad to know it's almost done.
The characters are becoming family. I'm excited to start the next one, but also sad to know it's almost done.
October 10, 2022
As with all SJ McCoy books you get involved!
It's as if you live among the people she is writing about, and they became people you care for, and want them to find the happiness they deserve.
Every time I finish one of these books I am sad, but that's because I have to wait for the next one to come out.
It's as if you live among the people she is writing about, and they became people you care for, and want them to find the happiness they deserve.
Every time I finish one of these books I am sad, but that's because I have to wait for the next one to come out.
August 23, 2017
This was fun to read if however a bit hot and heavy with the sex scenes. Be aware. The sex goes on for quite a while. I found myself skipping. There were some editing problems with words missing that distracted me from the flow, but over all worth reading.
June 18, 2018
I loved going back to Summer Lake and seeing all the friends together again. I loved that Holly and Pete got there own book. I loved it from the very beginning. They were just made for each other. Holly and Pete might have to be my favorites! Can't wait to read about Missy and Dan! 😊
May 8, 2019
This book started off really great but I don’t what happened to the end. It was HEA but I was a bit confused about it. It didn’t carry the same intensity as the rest of the story. Still fabulous friends and hot reads but want the emotions to tie with it.
May 31, 2019
I loved the summer lake characters from i read Emma and Jacks story, so ofcourse i had to read Holly and Pete’s story, the storyline of this book is fantastic and i have to say i loved this book even more than the first in the series
July 30, 2017
An excellent summer read! Overcoming the need to stay independent. Learning to trust others. Learning to live life and take what it offers. The second in the series of wonderful characters.
September 5, 2017
Loved Holly and Pete together. It kind all fell into place maybe a little to nicely, but overall it was a fun read with great characters. I look forward to the rest of the series.
November 30, 2017
Loved this story, a perfect modern fairytale
December 6, 2017
Another good book in the series. On to the next.
December 9, 2017
Meeting Holly, Emma's friend from the city. Pete grew up in Summer Lake. Pete lives by "The Plan" meeting Holly is a bumpy road outside of the comfort zone encouraging him to change the plan.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews