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Sandy Cove #1
The Red Bikini
A sparkling debut romance where a getaway vacation turns into an unexpected new beginning……
For the last five years, Giselle McCabe’s life has been about sippy cups and playdates. But when her husband suddenly leaves her, Giselle flees to her sister’s California beach house for a two-week getaway. Out of her element, she’s surprised to receive such a warm welcome—especially from gorgeous celebrity athlete Fin Hensen……
Fin is escaping his pro tour for a season, trying to lie low until all the hubbub over a huge mistake in his past blows over. And when he sets his sights on Giselle, he realizes that the beautiful good girl just might be the ticket to his success.
But Giselle never expected romance to enter the picture again—especially with a hot twentysomething from a completely different world. And even though it feels like Fin is everything she’s trying to run away from, she can’t help coming back for more……
For the last five years, Giselle McCabe’s life has been about sippy cups and playdates. But when her husband suddenly leaves her, Giselle flees to her sister’s California beach house for a two-week getaway. Out of her element, she’s surprised to receive such a warm welcome—especially from gorgeous celebrity athlete Fin Hensen……
Fin is escaping his pro tour for a season, trying to lie low until all the hubbub over a huge mistake in his past blows over. And when he sets his sights on Giselle, he realizes that the beautiful good girl just might be the ticket to his success.
But Giselle never expected romance to enter the picture again—especially with a hot twentysomething from a completely different world. And even though it feels like Fin is everything she’s trying to run away from, she can’t help coming back for more……
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
45 people are currently reading
769 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Christopher
10 books94 followersLauren Christopher is the author of the new Lavender Island romance series, which includes THE KISS ON CASTLE ROAD and LOVE ON LAVENDER ISLAND, as well as the Sandy Cove romance series, which includes THE RED BIKINI and TEN GOOD REASONS.
She has been a 2015 Holt Medallion Award of Merit finalist and a 2012 Golden Heart finalist.
A professional writer for more than two decades, Lauren has worked on a wild range of writing projects, from magazine fashion articles to ghost-writing for professional athletes.
A graduate of UCLA with a degree in English, she resides in Southern California with her husband and three children.
She loves to chat with readers! Visit her at her website to say hello and learn more about upcoming books at www.LaurenChristopherAuthor.com.
She has been a 2015 Holt Medallion Award of Merit finalist and a 2012 Golden Heart finalist.
A professional writer for more than two decades, Lauren has worked on a wild range of writing projects, from magazine fashion articles to ghost-writing for professional athletes.
A graduate of UCLA with a degree in English, she resides in Southern California with her husband and three children.
She loves to chat with readers! Visit her at her website to say hello and learn more about upcoming books at www.LaurenChristopherAuthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 29, 2014
3 Surf and Sea Stars
Giselle is a single mother. Her husband has left her for a younger woman. It’s the summer and Giselle plans to find herself. She moves to the beach to recharge her batteries.
Fin is a pro surfer, but doesn’t have the best reputation. He’s taking time off and he needs to get a better image. Maybe dating a sophisticated older woman will help him.
Giselle
I liked Giselle. Her story is sad. She’s in her mid-thirties, has a daughter and doesn’t have a job. She doesn’t feel young or desirable. I have a soft spot for single mothers and although I’m not too fond of the older woman and younger guy story line, the age gap wasn’t too much.
Fin
Fin is a character and he has a lot of issues. He single and doesn’t want to settle down. He’s never been in love and doesn’t plan on to. He asks Giselle to go with him to impress some sponsors. Giselle said she would if he would go with her to a funeral where her ex will be there. Both know they are using each other and both agree to keep their relationship at a friendship level.
Review
Of course it’s difficult to keep a friendship relationship, when one starts to have more feelings for the other. The Red Bikini’s pace is a bit slow and very descriptive. I’m not fond of descriptive reads, but I do find the beach setting perfect for the current season.
The relationship between Fin and Giselle forms slowly and there’s definitely chemistry. I wouldn’t call The Red Bikini too steamy, but very light and cute.
An Arc was provided in exchange for an honest review
AMAZON
Giselle is a single mother. Her husband has left her for a younger woman. It’s the summer and Giselle plans to find herself. She moves to the beach to recharge her batteries.
Fin is a pro surfer, but doesn’t have the best reputation. He’s taking time off and he needs to get a better image. Maybe dating a sophisticated older woman will help him.
Giselle
I liked Giselle. Her story is sad. She’s in her mid-thirties, has a daughter and doesn’t have a job. She doesn’t feel young or desirable. I have a soft spot for single mothers and although I’m not too fond of the older woman and younger guy story line, the age gap wasn’t too much.
Fin
Fin is a character and he has a lot of issues. He single and doesn’t want to settle down. He’s never been in love and doesn’t plan on to. He asks Giselle to go with him to impress some sponsors. Giselle said she would if he would go with her to a funeral where her ex will be there. Both know they are using each other and both agree to keep their relationship at a friendship level.
Review
Of course it’s difficult to keep a friendship relationship, when one starts to have more feelings for the other. The Red Bikini’s pace is a bit slow and very descriptive. I’m not fond of descriptive reads, but I do find the beach setting perfect for the current season.
The relationship between Fin and Giselle forms slowly and there’s definitely chemistry. I wouldn’t call The Red Bikini too steamy, but very light and cute.
An Arc was provided in exchange for an honest review
AMAZON
June 27, 2014
A cast aside woman and her little daughter head to the beach for a time of healing and discover that sometimes the Prince in the fairy tale arrives the second chance around and he may not be anyone's idea of a Prince- including his own- when he starts out.
I picked up this book with the promise of a diverting summer beach read and was pleasantly surprised when it delivered so much more. There was fun in the sun, laughter, passion and romance, but the character development, the plot, the pacing and tone gave it that little something more. The author's writing and the way I responded to this story had me so surprised to discover that this was a debut novel. I loved how the red bikini, the abalone shell, and the next wave were used as symbolism to offer the evidences of healing and change in both the main character's lives. I was pretty impressed to say the least.
The story opens when a nearly broken and despondent Giselle Underwood arrives at her sister's beach house while she's away in NYC. Her husband cheated on her and finally left with no explanation after ten years of marriage. She tried so hard to be the perfect wife and she never met up to Roy's expectations. From her appearance, to her personality, her interests, to her sexuality, to her family and even their daughter, it was never enough. But now, she and Coco are starting fresh. Too bad, the very idea of change has Giselle hyperventilating. Her family worries about her and her sister did it one better than the house when she arranged for Coco to get surfing lessons from the young neighbor next door in exchange for Giselle photographing him and his buddies to make a brochure for his surfing school for kids, she arranged for a blind date with a 'safe' guy, and finally, she left a bold red bikini for Giselle. Giselle whisks the bikini to the back of the drawer, she feels overwhelmed by Rabbit and his boisterous, friendly group and the blind date? Well she wasn't exactly excited about that. But she was here to start anew so she would take a few baby steps forward and those baby steps are leading her toward the much younger and free-wheeling pro surfer, Fin Hensen. Fin isn't the type to want a staid middle-aged woman like her when he has all those bouncy younger women in bikinis hanging on him, right?
Fin Hensen spots the gorgeous, sophisticated, Grace Kelly-looking Giselle and knows instantly that she is the right person to take to his sponsor's art gala event to impress them with a new image of a stable, mature surfer at the top of his game. It doesn't hurt that Giselle is beautiful, sweet and kind and so attractive that he can't get his mind off her. Fin doesn't do relationships though so he is wary of his own plans. It shocks him when Giselle has a bit of fake boyfriend need too when her ex pressures her into attending his dad's funeral, graveside and wake at her ex-mother in law's house. The more Fin learns about Giselle's ex and the number he did on her self-esteem and self-confidence; the angrier and more protective of her he becomes. He needs to keep his distance since she is his best friend's sister and not the kind of woman who does one night stands and that's all he's good for. He can't seem to stay away though. Giselle's presence in his life sends him into a tailspin of confusing emotions, wants and needs that he denies because of his pro-surfing lifestyle of being away traveling so much and because he doesn't think he's cut out for a real home and family.
This book elicited so many different emotions in me. I found it amusing on one level, sad for Giselle and Fin, and a burning hatred for her ex, Roy. It was heartwarming particularly when Coco was present and it got steamy without getting extremely explicit.
I really enjoyed following along as the two took turns narrating from the beginning when they are both so broken and in need of healing. Their flaws make it tough to like them at first, but they do grow so the reader just needs to be patient. They were beautiful together even when they were in the early stages of getting stuff sorted out. I was cheering so hard when she finally put on that red bikini and Fin finally got up on his board in competition and rode the wave like a boss.
This is an older woman- younger man romance. There is a bit of insecurity, but it was just enough to feel authentic without going overboard on the unnecessary drama. I'm glad because the story already had enough legit conflict going on and didn't need that as a distraction. They didn't seem that different in age when they were together because Fin is an old weary soul and Giselle had been so suppressed and under her ex's thumb that she's really just starting to live.
I look forward to getting Giselle's sister's story next. I had so much enjoyment from this story about the little beach town of Sandy Cove and a few of its inhabitants that I can't wait to go back for a visit. This would definitely appeal to Contemporary Romance fans who are looking for a summer beach romance with a bit more substance.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review.
I picked up this book with the promise of a diverting summer beach read and was pleasantly surprised when it delivered so much more. There was fun in the sun, laughter, passion and romance, but the character development, the plot, the pacing and tone gave it that little something more. The author's writing and the way I responded to this story had me so surprised to discover that this was a debut novel. I loved how the red bikini, the abalone shell, and the next wave were used as symbolism to offer the evidences of healing and change in both the main character's lives. I was pretty impressed to say the least.
The story opens when a nearly broken and despondent Giselle Underwood arrives at her sister's beach house while she's away in NYC. Her husband cheated on her and finally left with no explanation after ten years of marriage. She tried so hard to be the perfect wife and she never met up to Roy's expectations. From her appearance, to her personality, her interests, to her sexuality, to her family and even their daughter, it was never enough. But now, she and Coco are starting fresh. Too bad, the very idea of change has Giselle hyperventilating. Her family worries about her and her sister did it one better than the house when she arranged for Coco to get surfing lessons from the young neighbor next door in exchange for Giselle photographing him and his buddies to make a brochure for his surfing school for kids, she arranged for a blind date with a 'safe' guy, and finally, she left a bold red bikini for Giselle. Giselle whisks the bikini to the back of the drawer, she feels overwhelmed by Rabbit and his boisterous, friendly group and the blind date? Well she wasn't exactly excited about that. But she was here to start anew so she would take a few baby steps forward and those baby steps are leading her toward the much younger and free-wheeling pro surfer, Fin Hensen. Fin isn't the type to want a staid middle-aged woman like her when he has all those bouncy younger women in bikinis hanging on him, right?
Fin Hensen spots the gorgeous, sophisticated, Grace Kelly-looking Giselle and knows instantly that she is the right person to take to his sponsor's art gala event to impress them with a new image of a stable, mature surfer at the top of his game. It doesn't hurt that Giselle is beautiful, sweet and kind and so attractive that he can't get his mind off her. Fin doesn't do relationships though so he is wary of his own plans. It shocks him when Giselle has a bit of fake boyfriend need too when her ex pressures her into attending his dad's funeral, graveside and wake at her ex-mother in law's house. The more Fin learns about Giselle's ex and the number he did on her self-esteem and self-confidence; the angrier and more protective of her he becomes. He needs to keep his distance since she is his best friend's sister and not the kind of woman who does one night stands and that's all he's good for. He can't seem to stay away though. Giselle's presence in his life sends him into a tailspin of confusing emotions, wants and needs that he denies because of his pro-surfing lifestyle of being away traveling so much and because he doesn't think he's cut out for a real home and family.
This book elicited so many different emotions in me. I found it amusing on one level, sad for Giselle and Fin, and a burning hatred for her ex, Roy. It was heartwarming particularly when Coco was present and it got steamy without getting extremely explicit.
I really enjoyed following along as the two took turns narrating from the beginning when they are both so broken and in need of healing. Their flaws make it tough to like them at first, but they do grow so the reader just needs to be patient. They were beautiful together even when they were in the early stages of getting stuff sorted out. I was cheering so hard when she finally put on that red bikini and Fin finally got up on his board in competition and rode the wave like a boss.
This is an older woman- younger man romance. There is a bit of insecurity, but it was just enough to feel authentic without going overboard on the unnecessary drama. I'm glad because the story already had enough legit conflict going on and didn't need that as a distraction. They didn't seem that different in age when they were together because Fin is an old weary soul and Giselle had been so suppressed and under her ex's thumb that she's really just starting to live.
I look forward to getting Giselle's sister's story next. I had so much enjoyment from this story about the little beach town of Sandy Cove and a few of its inhabitants that I can't wait to go back for a visit. This would definitely appeal to Contemporary Romance fans who are looking for a summer beach romance with a bit more substance.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review.
April 15, 2014
In her debut novel, The Red Bikini, author Lauren Christopher puts a capital “S” on the word sleazebag when it comes to rotten ex-husbands. But hey, she also manages to put a very fine capital “S” on the word steamy when it comes to hot heroes. Giselle McCabe has been dragged down so low in a marriage to a narcissistic bully, she’s a mere shadow of the person she once was. Her self-confidence at an all-time low, the only thing she feels capable of doing with any measure of success is raising her young daughter. So when Giselle escapes to a California beach vacation and a hot, younger-than-her, international surfing champion Fin Henson can’t take his eyes off her (I so want to find this guy in real life and take him home with me), she thinks he’s only after a one-night stand. But as time passes, and a one night stand begins to appeal to her, the tables are turning because Fin is coming to the realization that he wants something more in life than wealth and fame. A yummy, yummy read I stayed up all night to devour. I definitely have this new author on automatic buy.
I read an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
April 28, 2014
This is the best contemporary romance that I've read in a long, long time. Ms. Christopher brings Southern California to life and takes the reader on a long luxurious vacation through the streets of Sandy Cove. Her description is so exact that if you close your eyes, you can envision yourself walking along the beach with Giselle as she discovers excitement and romance away from home. I fell in love with her hero Fin from the beginning and angst coupled with his vulnerability regarding Giselle is one many readers will sigh over. Her secondary characters are engaging and well-rounded, and one will root for Rabbit to have his own book.
This is a wonderful start to a fantastic series, and I can't wait for the second book to arrive. Sandy Cove is a world I will revisit again and again..
(Given an advanced copy to review.)
This is a wonderful start to a fantastic series, and I can't wait for the second book to arrive. Sandy Cove is a world I will revisit again and again..
(Given an advanced copy to review.)
February 16, 2015
Lauren Christopher truly captures the ambiance of high/low Southern California beach communities; shacks and mansions, the best surfing beaches, laid back surfers, young surfing phenoms, fish tacos, and the art scene. A little long, but fun to read.
October 23, 2016
I really love Lauren's voice, and her heroine is so relatable. Highly recommend this author.
July 30, 2014
JavaGirl‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
3 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
The Red Bikini is the story of a woman who lost herself; she sacrificed her relationships with her mother and sisters; she set aside her own goals and dreams, in order to be the perfect wife and mother, only to get kicked to the curb by her cheating husband.
Giselle has fled her life and her cheating ex-husband in Indiana for a California beach vacation with her five year-old daughter, Coco. Offered the use of her sister’s apartment while Lia is out of town on business, Giselle and Coco are surrounded by Lia’s friends and neighbors, who won’t allow Giselle to hide out and lick her wounds.
I usually enjoy stories of people, especially women, who are on a journey to find themselves after being in a stifling relationship. While there were elements of The Red Bikini that I enjoyed, I didn’t really connect with Giselle and was ultimately disappointed.
Giselle’s divorce is final. Her ex-husband, Roy, refuses to answer or return her phone calls; he has made it clear he has no desire to be a father to their daughter; the woman he left Giselle for is pregnant, and just the latest in a string of mistresses. He is a total jerk, with no visible redeeming qualities, and yet Giselle calls him constantly wanting to know why he left her; she still wears her wedding ring, and continues to believe it is in her daughter’s best interest that her parents are together. I really struggled to understand why such an intelligent woman would continue to pine for this man and their marriage in spite of how badly he behaved toward both her and their child.
Giselle and Coco are befriended by some young neighbors who run a surf school, where Coco takes lessons. She also meets Fin, an attractive younger man, who is trying to hold on to his sponsors and regain his former surf champion status. Fin needs a respectable woman on his arm to convince his main sponsor that his wild, partying days are behind him and he is ready to focus on surfing. In exchange for being that woman, Giselle invites Fin to be her date to Roy’s father’s funeral. I thought this was a breakthrough for Giselle—using a hot younger man to show Roy that she has moved on, but no. She saw the funeral as an opportunity to talk to Roy about why he left her. Roy mysteriously hates Fin, and threatens Giselle with a custody battle if she doesn’t immediately stop seeing him. There is supposed to be a bit of a mystery surrounding Roy’s attitude and why he knows so much about a man he just met, but it wasn’t much of a challenge to figure out exactly where this story was headed.
For every step forward that Giselle took, and she did, she took two steps backward. I was thrilled when she took off her wedding ring, only to be disappointed when she put it back on. I was so excited when she and Fin started dating, only to be annoyed and frustrated by the constant misunderstandings and lack of communication. They both had lots of thoughts swirling around in their heads, but neither was good at verbalizing those thoughts.
There was quite a cast of secondary characters. I loved the surfers. They’re a fun bunch, who gently encourage Giselle and Coco to step outside their comfort zones. Even though Roy is a stereotype, he’s the type of character you love to hate. I had no such love for the wife of one of Fin’s business associates/friends whose childish, over the top behavior provided what I thought was unnecessary melodrama (I won’t spoil it for you), but who Giselle, inexplicably adored.
Giselle does find herself; she literally lets her hair down and wears jeans, and eventually, that red bikini. However, her journey took much too long for me to really enjoy it.
3 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
The Red Bikini is the story of a woman who lost herself; she sacrificed her relationships with her mother and sisters; she set aside her own goals and dreams, in order to be the perfect wife and mother, only to get kicked to the curb by her cheating husband.
Giselle has fled her life and her cheating ex-husband in Indiana for a California beach vacation with her five year-old daughter, Coco. Offered the use of her sister’s apartment while Lia is out of town on business, Giselle and Coco are surrounded by Lia’s friends and neighbors, who won’t allow Giselle to hide out and lick her wounds.
I usually enjoy stories of people, especially women, who are on a journey to find themselves after being in a stifling relationship. While there were elements of The Red Bikini that I enjoyed, I didn’t really connect with Giselle and was ultimately disappointed.
Giselle’s divorce is final. Her ex-husband, Roy, refuses to answer or return her phone calls; he has made it clear he has no desire to be a father to their daughter; the woman he left Giselle for is pregnant, and just the latest in a string of mistresses. He is a total jerk, with no visible redeeming qualities, and yet Giselle calls him constantly wanting to know why he left her; she still wears her wedding ring, and continues to believe it is in her daughter’s best interest that her parents are together. I really struggled to understand why such an intelligent woman would continue to pine for this man and their marriage in spite of how badly he behaved toward both her and their child.
Giselle and Coco are befriended by some young neighbors who run a surf school, where Coco takes lessons. She also meets Fin, an attractive younger man, who is trying to hold on to his sponsors and regain his former surf champion status. Fin needs a respectable woman on his arm to convince his main sponsor that his wild, partying days are behind him and he is ready to focus on surfing. In exchange for being that woman, Giselle invites Fin to be her date to Roy’s father’s funeral. I thought this was a breakthrough for Giselle—using a hot younger man to show Roy that she has moved on, but no. She saw the funeral as an opportunity to talk to Roy about why he left her. Roy mysteriously hates Fin, and threatens Giselle with a custody battle if she doesn’t immediately stop seeing him. There is supposed to be a bit of a mystery surrounding Roy’s attitude and why he knows so much about a man he just met, but it wasn’t much of a challenge to figure out exactly where this story was headed.
For every step forward that Giselle took, and she did, she took two steps backward. I was thrilled when she took off her wedding ring, only to be disappointed when she put it back on. I was so excited when she and Fin started dating, only to be annoyed and frustrated by the constant misunderstandings and lack of communication. They both had lots of thoughts swirling around in their heads, but neither was good at verbalizing those thoughts.
There was quite a cast of secondary characters. I loved the surfers. They’re a fun bunch, who gently encourage Giselle and Coco to step outside their comfort zones. Even though Roy is a stereotype, he’s the type of character you love to hate. I had no such love for the wife of one of Fin’s business associates/friends whose childish, over the top behavior provided what I thought was unnecessary melodrama (I won’t spoil it for you), but who Giselle, inexplicably adored.
Giselle does find herself; she literally lets her hair down and wears jeans, and eventually, that red bikini. However, her journey took much too long for me to really enjoy it.
September 11, 2016
Loved this book. Finished it in less than 24 hours.
First you should know that I'm a bit prejudiced when it comes to the romance genre. I want my books to have a love story in them, but I also want adventure and excitement...maybe an epic battle between good and evil. I don't mind some steamy scenes, but I don't like the lust to overpower the love. I also want my heroine to kick butt. To be blunt, I can't get past the cover of most romance novels with the cliche half-clad man holding up a swooning woman. My sense of feminist indignation kicks in. So it is generally a section of the bookstore that I steer clear of.
This book was different for me. The cover of the book showed a couple in love, not lust. Good start. I was surprised to learn that the heroine is a recently divorced mother. I can relate to a woman that wants passion, but puts the needs of her child first. But the moment I really got sucked in was the first time the story went into the head of the hero. This man needed saving as much as the woman. I was continually pleased that the author delivered so much respect and dignity through her characters while still keeping it steamy. I even got some adventure thrown in.
Overall, if this is the direction that the modern romance genre is headed, I'll have to reconsider my prejudice. The only reason I didn't give it a 5-star rating is that I reserve that for books I know I will read over-and-over again. Not sure I will read this multiple times, but I will definitely be picking up the next one in the series.
First you should know that I'm a bit prejudiced when it comes to the romance genre. I want my books to have a love story in them, but I also want adventure and excitement...maybe an epic battle between good and evil. I don't mind some steamy scenes, but I don't like the lust to overpower the love. I also want my heroine to kick butt. To be blunt, I can't get past the cover of most romance novels with the cliche half-clad man holding up a swooning woman. My sense of feminist indignation kicks in. So it is generally a section of the bookstore that I steer clear of.
This book was different for me. The cover of the book showed a couple in love, not lust. Good start. I was surprised to learn that the heroine is a recently divorced mother. I can relate to a woman that wants passion, but puts the needs of her child first. But the moment I really got sucked in was the first time the story went into the head of the hero. This man needed saving as much as the woman. I was continually pleased that the author delivered so much respect and dignity through her characters while still keeping it steamy. I even got some adventure thrown in.
Overall, if this is the direction that the modern romance genre is headed, I'll have to reconsider my prejudice. The only reason I didn't give it a 5-star rating is that I reserve that for books I know I will read over-and-over again. Not sure I will read this multiple times, but I will definitely be picking up the next one in the series.
August 1, 2014
A lovely contemporary romance. This is older woman younger man but the conflict is not really built around that though it is mentioned. It is more about life styles and what each character thinks they do or do not deserve out of life. The characterization in this novel was stellar. I loved both the hero and the heroine. Fin especially seemed so real. He was vulnerable and sweet but he wasn't beta at all. I really liked him. I liked the heroine too, she was a sweet woman who was used to looking after everyone but herself. She was cool and Grace Kelly like. At first they each wanted to use each other for the surface stereotypical characteristics that each portrayed and when they were faced with who the other actually was was when they fell in love.
The book was well written all around. The secondary characters were great and well drawn too. The world of surfing was a focus in this book but not in the least info dumpy. And that is another thing that made the book so good. The author got all the info in without you really noticing. It was all organic to the story.
I can't wait for more from this debut author.
The book was well written all around. The secondary characters were great and well drawn too. The world of surfing was a focus in this book but not in the least info dumpy. And that is another thing that made the book so good. The author got all the info in without you really noticing. It was all organic to the story.
I can't wait for more from this debut author.
July 9, 2017
Plutôt 3,5/5
Un Promesses qui sent bon les vacances, c'est tranquille (trop dans la 1ère partie) et gentil.
Un Promesses qui sent bon les vacances, c'est tranquille (trop dans la 1ère partie) et gentil.
November 22, 2018
Giselle Underwood is recently divorced with a 5 year old daughter, Coco. She and her daughter flee to California for a two week getaway at her sisters beach house. Totally out of her element, suburban stay at home mom Giselle is surprised to meet 28 year old Fin Hensen, a celebrity surfer at a beach party with her daughter. With her self confidence at an all time low, she focuses on raising her daughter rather than finding the missing romance in her life.
"Giselle was enough of a surprise- her kindness, her humor, her patience with Coco, her curves, her softness. But he knew he'd be doing her a service by getting the hell out of her way as soon as possible. He wasn't a good person for her to have brought here. She should have brought someone with honor..."
Fin Hensen is escaping his pro tour for a season, attempting to lie low until all of the chaos over his past rolls with the tide. A woman who he surfed with for years, who he also called his best friend, was killed by surfing, and he blames himself for not noticing her disappearance. To cope with the loss, he strings women along (it sounds bad, I know), and only has one night stands, no long term relationships. But Giselle brings something out in him that he can't ignore. He is able to have honest, real conversations with her, but he is insecure about himself so much that he doesn't want Giselle to fall in love with a beach bum.
"...Giselle's beauty was different. It began at her spine, or maybe at her soul, and radiated from there. He'd read once that a pretty woman was only pretty when she was young, but a beautiful woman was beautiful her whole life. The line finally made sense to him"
Giselle contemplates about her love life, and decides to have a one night stand with Fin. This moment truly illustrates her love and awareness of herself as an individual, in addition to Fin. Giselle's ex never really shares the reason to which he divorced her, except that he cheated twice in their 10 year marriage. After the one night stand, with Fin and Giselle realize their love for each other, but they really aren't ready for it because of her ex, who completely degrades Giselle at any moment possible. At the end of Giselle's two weeks, Fin travels to South Africa for a competition, and realizes in the semifinals that his "perfect wave" is having a family, a wife, and most of all, love.
"He liked laughing with her. He liked talking with her. He liked seeing her with Coco. He liked how she smelled, how she smiled, and how she left him feeling whole, and absolved, and smart, and... like he mattered somehow..."
This book has so many feels, so many emotions that I cant help but wish that I had a Fin Hensen in my life. It had heart, sass, steamy romance, and laughter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will recommend it to any reader!! :)
"You asked me the night while we were watching the water if I'd been in love before, and I hadn't, but I couldn't help but stare at you and wonder if it was like that I was feeling right then for you. From now on, I'd have to say yes. I've been in love. With you."
"Giselle was enough of a surprise- her kindness, her humor, her patience with Coco, her curves, her softness. But he knew he'd be doing her a service by getting the hell out of her way as soon as possible. He wasn't a good person for her to have brought here. She should have brought someone with honor..."
Fin Hensen is escaping his pro tour for a season, attempting to lie low until all of the chaos over his past rolls with the tide. A woman who he surfed with for years, who he also called his best friend, was killed by surfing, and he blames himself for not noticing her disappearance. To cope with the loss, he strings women along (it sounds bad, I know), and only has one night stands, no long term relationships. But Giselle brings something out in him that he can't ignore. He is able to have honest, real conversations with her, but he is insecure about himself so much that he doesn't want Giselle to fall in love with a beach bum.
"...Giselle's beauty was different. It began at her spine, or maybe at her soul, and radiated from there. He'd read once that a pretty woman was only pretty when she was young, but a beautiful woman was beautiful her whole life. The line finally made sense to him"
Giselle contemplates about her love life, and decides to have a one night stand with Fin. This moment truly illustrates her love and awareness of herself as an individual, in addition to Fin. Giselle's ex never really shares the reason to which he divorced her, except that he cheated twice in their 10 year marriage. After the one night stand, with Fin and Giselle realize their love for each other, but they really aren't ready for it because of her ex, who completely degrades Giselle at any moment possible. At the end of Giselle's two weeks, Fin travels to South Africa for a competition, and realizes in the semifinals that his "perfect wave" is having a family, a wife, and most of all, love.
"He liked laughing with her. He liked talking with her. He liked seeing her with Coco. He liked how she smelled, how she smiled, and how she left him feeling whole, and absolved, and smart, and... like he mattered somehow..."
This book has so many feels, so many emotions that I cant help but wish that I had a Fin Hensen in my life. It had heart, sass, steamy romance, and laughter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will recommend it to any reader!! :)
"You asked me the night while we were watching the water if I'd been in love before, and I hadn't, but I couldn't help but stare at you and wonder if it was like that I was feeling right then for you. From now on, I'd have to say yes. I've been in love. With you."
November 23, 2017
DNF @ 59%
The Red Bikini starts off quite interesting with Giselle and Fin's encounter. However, the execution of Giselle and Fin's story did not work for me.
1. It has too much superfluous descriptions. The prose has a one line dialogue, followed by paragraphs of monologues or narrations, and then followed by another one line dialogue with paragraphs of monologues or narrations afterward. It isn't always like this but the majority of it is and it grew very tiresome.
2. There is NO DEVELOPMENT. For the 59% that I read, the characters just push and pull, and rinse/repeat. I really expect that by 50%, there's some progression to the plot or characters in respect to the problems presented. But alas, it's one of those stories where the two main romantic characters just spend the majority of the book pushing away each other but they only get together at the end.
I prefer reading romance novels that actually spend most of the story on the actual romance, rather than not romance. When I realized that the story is just going to meander and skirt around without any romantic development, I just gave up. I especially hate reading stories with characters that do everything in their power to push each other away for silly reasons.
If the above isn't your pet peeves, then it will be a good read. Personally, it was a very slow and frustrating read.
March 7, 2015
OMG Giselle has such low self esteem at the beginning of this book I really couldn't stand her. Heaven only knows why she stayed with her scumbag ex-husband. He had two affairs while they were married & near the end she finds out about a third affair. Anyway, when she finally starts getting a backbone is when I started liking her again. She was so insecure she kept doubting her worth as a person every step of the way & it was getting on my nerves. As for Fin, he's a typical party boy who's finally starting to grow up. When he meets Giselle he starts to realize he wants something more substantial in a relationship besides one night stands or meaningless girlfriends that he feels nothing for. They start off as strangers who made a deal with each other. He would be her date to the funeral of her ex-father-in-law to make her ex-husband jealous. She would be his date at a sponsor party to make him look good to his company sponsors. They end up falling for each other (of course) & realizing that there's more to life than shallow relationships. I would be interested to read the next book in the series which deals with Giselle's sister Lia.
September 17, 2016
This book made me go zzz and skim!I honestly felt no connection to the heroine atleast, she was so weak and passive. The hero Finn was better but I didn't buy their love connection. Enough said!
I would rate it an average 3 stars!
I would rate it an average 3 stars!
February 9, 2021
I love this book!
Giselle and Fin are lovely together. Since I read the 10 good reasons first, I decided to go back and read a little bit on how their relationship develop after the red bikini.
I like it that both books have different themes and the plot twist. The end of the red bikini made me like Fin even more. And detest Roy even more too!
Giselle and Fin are lovely together. Since I read the 10 good reasons first, I decided to go back and read a little bit on how their relationship develop after the red bikini.
I like it that both books have different themes and the plot twist. The end of the red bikini made me like Fin even more. And detest Roy even more too!
Did Not Finish
June 13, 2023DNF @ 20%
This was all me, but I just found THE RED BIKINI boring and I couldn't get into the story. I didn't particularly like either the hero or the heroine though it was nothing specific that I can point too. Just not for me I guess.
This was all me, but I just found THE RED BIKINI boring and I couldn't get into the story. I didn't particularly like either the hero or the heroine though it was nothing specific that I can point too. Just not for me I guess.
June 8, 2022
I really wanted to like this, but . . .DNF
January 1, 2023
Cute, but not particularly profound
July 1, 2014
I was blown away by Ms. Christopher's debut novel, The Red Bikini. A woman who was suddenly divorced her husband, was taking a break in beautiful "Sandy Cove" (Southern Californian's will recognize this town!) at her sister's place, and while she is taking some time for herself she meets the interesting, and younger, man named Fin.
The first half of the book lures you in with beautiful imagery of San, er, Sandy Cove and the Southern California lifestyle. I actually LIVE in SoCal so it was fun to take a trip through the beach.
You are slowly introduced to the main players that appear in Giselle's life. From Coco, her beautiful daughter who is always cracking jokes, to Rabbit, the 23 year old surfer who teaches kids how to surf during the summer. You hear about Lia, her marketing minded sister (whom I can't wait to read about in the next book!) and Roy, her ex-husband who screams of reality in an over-powering relationship that goes bad. While Giselle is out in Sandy Cove, Roy calls her to let her know that his Father has died and he wants her to attend since she's out in California already.
To keep busy, Lia arranged that Giselle does a trade with Rabbit. She will take photos of his surfing lessons so Lia can help him create brochures about his business, while he teaches Coco how to surf in his grommet class.
Giselle & Coco's relationship is sweet to read about, especially if you have kids and remember that sweet young time.
***
"'You know who lives here?' Coco asked Giselle, pointing at her largest castle. She had just trudged back up from the water's edge from the millionth time with another pail full of sandy, murky water. The sun was sitting low on the horizon.
'Who?' said Giselle.
'Me.' She readied her pail with both hands to pour into the moat she'd created around the sand mansion. 'And you. And Iggy. And a prince.'
'A prince?'
She nodded solemnly. 'For you.'.
Coco poured the water into the moat and sat back on her haunches, the sand granules sticking to her legs in circular patterns, while the water swirled briefly, then disappeared into the sand.
'Oh.' The wind swept the tendrils of yellow hair around her ears while she put together what just happened. 'I guess we need soldiers.' She scrambled to her feet and ran back to the foamy surf to look for pebbles and shells, which she collected the rest of the afternoon."
***
The best part is Fin. Giselle is attracted to him but finds out that Fin is 28 years old compared to her own 35. She feels humiliated that the surfer boys are calling her a 'betty' and a 'donna' (Donna Reed!) even though it's a compliment and when Fin introduces himself to her at a beach party he wants her to come to a 'party' with him because she is 'older', or more 'his age', so he can show off how responsible he is.
**
"Do you...date Lia?" she asked anyway, unable to keep the incredulity out of her voice.
"No, no." Fin shook his head as if the idea were preposterous. "She's not - I'm not... her type at all."
At least they agreed on that much.
"We're friends. She's helped me out of a few jams. But this one - even she wasn't right for this. But you..." He looked her up and down. "You're perfect."
**
So they decide on a trade. Giselle will attend his exclusive party where he needs to show off a responsible 30-something woman while Fin will go to the funeral with Giselle so she won't be alone in front of her ex-husband.
**
She took a deep breath. All right. A gorgeous pro surfer, who had all these people here to see him - including at least forty stunningly beautiful women in very small bikinis - had just asked her on a date. Or, well, not really a date. An event. And she'd asked him to a funeral.
**
You get to know Fin more, and his motivations for why he needs an older, more responsible looking woman gracing his arm at some events. As well as Giselle and how she navigates learning more about herself and moving forward.
I loved this book. Learning more about surfing was an education and kept me enthralled through the whole book. I highly recommend you read the Red Bikini and Lauren Christopher is now on my 'Must Read' list!
The first half of the book lures you in with beautiful imagery of San, er, Sandy Cove and the Southern California lifestyle. I actually LIVE in SoCal so it was fun to take a trip through the beach.
You are slowly introduced to the main players that appear in Giselle's life. From Coco, her beautiful daughter who is always cracking jokes, to Rabbit, the 23 year old surfer who teaches kids how to surf during the summer. You hear about Lia, her marketing minded sister (whom I can't wait to read about in the next book!) and Roy, her ex-husband who screams of reality in an over-powering relationship that goes bad. While Giselle is out in Sandy Cove, Roy calls her to let her know that his Father has died and he wants her to attend since she's out in California already.
To keep busy, Lia arranged that Giselle does a trade with Rabbit. She will take photos of his surfing lessons so Lia can help him create brochures about his business, while he teaches Coco how to surf in his grommet class.
Giselle & Coco's relationship is sweet to read about, especially if you have kids and remember that sweet young time.
***
"'You know who lives here?' Coco asked Giselle, pointing at her largest castle. She had just trudged back up from the water's edge from the millionth time with another pail full of sandy, murky water. The sun was sitting low on the horizon.
'Who?' said Giselle.
'Me.' She readied her pail with both hands to pour into the moat she'd created around the sand mansion. 'And you. And Iggy. And a prince.'
'A prince?'
She nodded solemnly. 'For you.'.
Coco poured the water into the moat and sat back on her haunches, the sand granules sticking to her legs in circular patterns, while the water swirled briefly, then disappeared into the sand.
'Oh.' The wind swept the tendrils of yellow hair around her ears while she put together what just happened. 'I guess we need soldiers.' She scrambled to her feet and ran back to the foamy surf to look for pebbles and shells, which she collected the rest of the afternoon."
***
The best part is Fin. Giselle is attracted to him but finds out that Fin is 28 years old compared to her own 35. She feels humiliated that the surfer boys are calling her a 'betty' and a 'donna' (Donna Reed!) even though it's a compliment and when Fin introduces himself to her at a beach party he wants her to come to a 'party' with him because she is 'older', or more 'his age', so he can show off how responsible he is.
**
"Do you...date Lia?" she asked anyway, unable to keep the incredulity out of her voice.
"No, no." Fin shook his head as if the idea were preposterous. "She's not - I'm not... her type at all."
At least they agreed on that much.
"We're friends. She's helped me out of a few jams. But this one - even she wasn't right for this. But you..." He looked her up and down. "You're perfect."
**
So they decide on a trade. Giselle will attend his exclusive party where he needs to show off a responsible 30-something woman while Fin will go to the funeral with Giselle so she won't be alone in front of her ex-husband.
**
She took a deep breath. All right. A gorgeous pro surfer, who had all these people here to see him - including at least forty stunningly beautiful women in very small bikinis - had just asked her on a date. Or, well, not really a date. An event. And she'd asked him to a funeral.
**
You get to know Fin more, and his motivations for why he needs an older, more responsible looking woman gracing his arm at some events. As well as Giselle and how she navigates learning more about herself and moving forward.
I loved this book. Learning more about surfing was an education and kept me enthralled through the whole book. I highly recommend you read the Red Bikini and Lauren Christopher is now on my 'Must Read' list!
February 9, 2024
I’m giving this book three stars because for me it was unnecessary long. There were too many repetitions without which the book would be more concise.
Apart from that, I actually enjoyed the book more than I initially thought. I liked the storyline where a man falls in love with a woman who is older than him and has a child. Especially age-wise, it’s usually the other way around. So that was a novelty.
I also enjoyed the surf slang. As a non native speaker, I’m always looking for ways to learn new words.
Apart from that, I actually enjoyed the book more than I initially thought. I liked the storyline where a man falls in love with a woman who is older than him and has a child. Especially age-wise, it’s usually the other way around. So that was a novelty.
I also enjoyed the surf slang. As a non native speaker, I’m always looking for ways to learn new words.
June 30, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer JoAnne
Giselle McCabe Underwood has just been divorced from her husband of eleven years, Roy. He walked away without a backward glance for her or their five-year-old daughter, Coco; and now Giselle needs a break from her life in Indiana and decides to visit her sister Lia in California. But Lia is in another city for business, and has offered the use of her beach house to Giselle and Coco. Lia has also asked her next-door neighbor, Rabbit, to keep an eye out for them.
While visiting Rabbit and his friends, Giselle turns to the door and sees the most gorgeous man she has ever seen in her life standing there. He’s Fin Henson, a pro surfer, and there is an instant attraction that neither can shake. After they see each other on the beach and get to know each other, he asks her for a favor: will she go to a business meeting with him so he can impress his boss; and she asks one in return: will he go to her ex-father-in-law’s funeral with her so she can let her ex-relatives know she’s not pathetic. Deal struck, the two tentatively enter into a fragile friendship that gradually turns into romance.
This book surprised me. I finished it and thought ‘wow.’ Really. You have two damaged people: he, damaged by his parents and upbringing in the fact that he felt hungry in more ways than one; and her, damaged by a doctor husband who cheated on her throughout their marriage and made her feel like less than a woman. In a sense, they are both impoverished, scared, and alone. And they find each other. But it is not an easy journey. There are misunderstandings, because they are both afraid to share with another human being: share love, share sorrow, share pain, share joy. Their common bond of loneliness, and the fact that Fin obviously cares as much for Coco as Giselle does, goes a long way into bringing these two hurt souls together. It is a final revelation – one that is a surprise to both Fin and Giselle – that finally gives them their strength.
If you don’t read romances, don’t let that stop you from reading this one. It is very well-written, and carries the emotions of the characters well; and the secondary characters buoy the relationship between the two, sometimes without knowing they are doing so. Highly recommended.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer JoAnne
Giselle McCabe Underwood has just been divorced from her husband of eleven years, Roy. He walked away without a backward glance for her or their five-year-old daughter, Coco; and now Giselle needs a break from her life in Indiana and decides to visit her sister Lia in California. But Lia is in another city for business, and has offered the use of her beach house to Giselle and Coco. Lia has also asked her next-door neighbor, Rabbit, to keep an eye out for them.
While visiting Rabbit and his friends, Giselle turns to the door and sees the most gorgeous man she has ever seen in her life standing there. He’s Fin Henson, a pro surfer, and there is an instant attraction that neither can shake. After they see each other on the beach and get to know each other, he asks her for a favor: will she go to a business meeting with him so he can impress his boss; and she asks one in return: will he go to her ex-father-in-law’s funeral with her so she can let her ex-relatives know she’s not pathetic. Deal struck, the two tentatively enter into a fragile friendship that gradually turns into romance.
This book surprised me. I finished it and thought ‘wow.’ Really. You have two damaged people: he, damaged by his parents and upbringing in the fact that he felt hungry in more ways than one; and her, damaged by a doctor husband who cheated on her throughout their marriage and made her feel like less than a woman. In a sense, they are both impoverished, scared, and alone. And they find each other. But it is not an easy journey. There are misunderstandings, because they are both afraid to share with another human being: share love, share sorrow, share pain, share joy. Their common bond of loneliness, and the fact that Fin obviously cares as much for Coco as Giselle does, goes a long way into bringing these two hurt souls together. It is a final revelation – one that is a surprise to both Fin and Giselle – that finally gives them their strength.
If you don’t read romances, don’t let that stop you from reading this one. It is very well-written, and carries the emotions of the characters well; and the secondary characters buoy the relationship between the two, sometimes without knowing they are doing so. Highly recommended.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
May 15, 2014
Title: The Red Bikini
Author: Lauren Christopher
Publisher: Berkley
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Age Recommended: Adult
Rating: 4.5
Review:
"The Red Bikini" By Lauren Bikini was a beautiful told contemporary romance that turned out to be a new beginning for Giselle McCabe. In my opinion I liked how this author's presentation of this story of after Giselle husband had leaves her, she decides to take a two week getaway to her sister's California beach house and there she meets Fin Hensen who was a gorgeous celebrity athlete. I liked how this author was able to give us the inside of how Fin was escaping his pro tour for a season, due to a big huge mistake that had happen in his past, but for him when he meets up with Giselle he realizes that maybe she was just the one to be his ticket to success. "The Red Bikini" will definitely be a page turner finding myself constantly turning the pages zoomed into this read of just what is going to happen next for these two people. I felt like I was there seeing what did happen as Giselle realizes that romance has entered into the picture with this hot twenty eight...almost twenty nine that she is dealing with which definitely put her into quite a different world spin for her being seven or so year older or really does it? What can I make of a older woman with a younger man? Not really nothing...if it's to be so be it. It was fun reading and somewhat humours seeing Giselle trying to stop running away from Fin's advancements. At this point I felt the author did a excellent job with showing the predicament that Giselle was getting herself in and seeing only one way out.
This is where I say you must pick up this well written read to see how this author will bring it all out to the readers. I found "The Red Bikini" was not only a intriguing read but also fantastic, charming and humours that I would definitely recommend to you as a satisfying read.
Author: Lauren Christopher
Publisher: Berkley
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Age Recommended: Adult
Rating: 4.5
Review:
"The Red Bikini" By Lauren Bikini was a beautiful told contemporary romance that turned out to be a new beginning for Giselle McCabe. In my opinion I liked how this author's presentation of this story of after Giselle husband had leaves her, she decides to take a two week getaway to her sister's California beach house and there she meets Fin Hensen who was a gorgeous celebrity athlete. I liked how this author was able to give us the inside of how Fin was escaping his pro tour for a season, due to a big huge mistake that had happen in his past, but for him when he meets up with Giselle he realizes that maybe she was just the one to be his ticket to success. "The Red Bikini" will definitely be a page turner finding myself constantly turning the pages zoomed into this read of just what is going to happen next for these two people. I felt like I was there seeing what did happen as Giselle realizes that romance has entered into the picture with this hot twenty eight...almost twenty nine that she is dealing with which definitely put her into quite a different world spin for her being seven or so year older or really does it? What can I make of a older woman with a younger man? Not really nothing...if it's to be so be it. It was fun reading and somewhat humours seeing Giselle trying to stop running away from Fin's advancements. At this point I felt the author did a excellent job with showing the predicament that Giselle was getting herself in and seeing only one way out.
This is where I say you must pick up this well written read to see how this author will bring it all out to the readers. I found "The Red Bikini" was not only a intriguing read but also fantastic, charming and humours that I would definitely recommend to you as a satisfying read.
October 3, 2014
I'm always looking for new authors in romance genre and recently I stumbled into The Red Bikini and just Love it! Lauren Christopher is one of those new voices in Contemporary Romance and her debut novel is very refreshing. Set in the sunny beaches of CA, a 30 something young mother is coming to terms with changes and learns that there is so much more in life and the beach is the place where she confronts and conquer her demons, emerging the victor and stronger than ever.
Giselle McCabe is coming for a 2 week beach vacation with her daughter Coco. She will be staying in her sister's bungalow and will share the patio in between the structures with a charming surf instructor and his friends. They struck a deal, Coco's will have surfing lessons in exchange of Giselle doing a professional brochure and pictures of the instructor and other up and coming surfers who practice in the area. It is no surprise how well Coco adjusts to life at the beach but Giselle, who is still hurting after a bitter divorce, is shocked by her attraction to super star Fin Hensen. Fin is battling his own demons, doubting his ability to return to his former #1 status because of his bad boy persona taking over, and a string of loses. And so, these two met and help each other but coming from different worlds, Giselle's small town mentality versus Fin's worldly experience, will they can make it as a couple? Their story is filled with vivid descriptions and sweet moments of normal daily life. There is humor, surf tips, romance and a sexy red bikini (perfect and stylish symbol of liberty) so well integrated that once I started reading, it wasn't easy to let go of the book. As Giselle asked herself, how a sea horse will survive in a prairie, you can't stop cheering for that prairie girl to come out and play at the beach. Stellar, Lauren Christopher! I just want to start it again.
Giselle McCabe is coming for a 2 week beach vacation with her daughter Coco. She will be staying in her sister's bungalow and will share the patio in between the structures with a charming surf instructor and his friends. They struck a deal, Coco's will have surfing lessons in exchange of Giselle doing a professional brochure and pictures of the instructor and other up and coming surfers who practice in the area. It is no surprise how well Coco adjusts to life at the beach but Giselle, who is still hurting after a bitter divorce, is shocked by her attraction to super star Fin Hensen. Fin is battling his own demons, doubting his ability to return to his former #1 status because of his bad boy persona taking over, and a string of loses. And so, these two met and help each other but coming from different worlds, Giselle's small town mentality versus Fin's worldly experience, will they can make it as a couple? Their story is filled with vivid descriptions and sweet moments of normal daily life. There is humor, surf tips, romance and a sexy red bikini (perfect and stylish symbol of liberty) so well integrated that once I started reading, it wasn't easy to let go of the book. As Giselle asked herself, how a sea horse will survive in a prairie, you can't stop cheering for that prairie girl to come out and play at the beach. Stellar, Lauren Christopher! I just want to start it again.
July 10, 2014
Looking for the perfect summer read? The Red Bikini should be added to your list. I absolutely loved this debut novel by Lauren Christopher!
Gisele is taking a break. Heading to California to try and figure out where her life went wrong. Being the perfect doctor's wife and mother to Coco, she just didn't know what to do now that her husband had left their life in Indiana.
So Gisele packs up for a two week vacation in Sandy Cove, CA, where her sister has offered up her apartment near the beach. Once there Gisele finds herself in the care of "Rabbit" - her sister Lia's next door neighbor - and instructor to the local surf camp. In exchange for photos and a brochure, Rabbit takes Coco into his grommet school, teaching her how to surf. Gisele doesn't see how hanging with a bunch of surfers at least a decade younger than her is going to help her find herself, until she meet Fin.
Fin is a pro-surfer who is in a bit of a pickle. His past year has been plagued with rumors and careless partying and habits trying to forget the lonely life he leads and the guilt of letting down the ones he loves. But when he meet Gisele, he sees her as his ticket to getting picked back up by his sponsors and maybe getting himself back to the life he is use to.
What neither of them expected was to find in each other the one thing that they were missing...home.
I loved Rabbit and his group of friends. Coco was adorable and the chemistry between Fin and Gisele was hot. There were twists and turns throughout the book as Gisele and Fin's lives are revealed and connections are made.
This was a great jumping off point for this series and can't wait for Lia's (Gisele's Sister) story, coming in the Spring of 2015.
Gisele is taking a break. Heading to California to try and figure out where her life went wrong. Being the perfect doctor's wife and mother to Coco, she just didn't know what to do now that her husband had left their life in Indiana.
So Gisele packs up for a two week vacation in Sandy Cove, CA, where her sister has offered up her apartment near the beach. Once there Gisele finds herself in the care of "Rabbit" - her sister Lia's next door neighbor - and instructor to the local surf camp. In exchange for photos and a brochure, Rabbit takes Coco into his grommet school, teaching her how to surf. Gisele doesn't see how hanging with a bunch of surfers at least a decade younger than her is going to help her find herself, until she meet Fin.
Fin is a pro-surfer who is in a bit of a pickle. His past year has been plagued with rumors and careless partying and habits trying to forget the lonely life he leads and the guilt of letting down the ones he loves. But when he meet Gisele, he sees her as his ticket to getting picked back up by his sponsors and maybe getting himself back to the life he is use to.
What neither of them expected was to find in each other the one thing that they were missing...home.
I loved Rabbit and his group of friends. Coco was adorable and the chemistry between Fin and Gisele was hot. There were twists and turns throughout the book as Gisele and Fin's lives are revealed and connections are made.
This was a great jumping off point for this series and can't wait for Lia's (Gisele's Sister) story, coming in the Spring of 2015.
August 11, 2014
I would have never read this book if it wasn't for Susan Mallery's facebook page. I am so glad I decided to enter a contest and like Lauren's page. That's what lead me to go out and get my hands on "The Red Bikini". I'm not a bikini wearer so I wasn't sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the first page and couldn't put it down. I had gotten it to put in my beach bag for my last vacay before fall but it never left my hands.
Without giving away the story, it's about second chances and finding love. Giselle, a single mom finally leaves safe and secure Indiana for a vacation on the beach with her daughter. There she meets the surfer world and finds herself daydreaming about a pro-surfer playboy. The story explores real people and their emotions.
This book offers the romance reader something different in that the Giselle the main character is older 35 and her Fin, the surfer isn't older but instead is younger (under 30).This twist really made the story stand on it's own. Lauren did a great job of interweaving both characters past with the present as well as introducing several Sandy Cove residents (I hope to see more of).
Give Lauren a try and you will not be disappointed. She offers a fresh voice in contemporary romance and has created a warm beach community (Sandy Cove), I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Without giving away the story, it's about second chances and finding love. Giselle, a single mom finally leaves safe and secure Indiana for a vacation on the beach with her daughter. There she meets the surfer world and finds herself daydreaming about a pro-surfer playboy. The story explores real people and their emotions.
This book offers the romance reader something different in that the Giselle the main character is older 35 and her Fin, the surfer isn't older but instead is younger (under 30).This twist really made the story stand on it's own. Lauren did a great job of interweaving both characters past with the present as well as introducing several Sandy Cove residents (I hope to see more of).
Give Lauren a try and you will not be disappointed. She offers a fresh voice in contemporary romance and has created a warm beach community (Sandy Cove), I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
May 16, 2015
Giselle McCabe has a giant jerk for an ex husband. He's cheated multiple times and it's left her confidence shattered. So now she finds herself on vacation in California with her daughter. She's saying at her sister's place while her sister is out of town. Giselle doesn't expect to meet her sister's neighbor Rabbit or his friend Fin. Rabbit becomes a good friend but Finn becomes much more. Neither thinks they're right for each other long term but short term they work great. Giselle needs a date for a funeral and Fin needs a date for a business meeting. It doesn't take long for the chemistry between them to get out of hand. They have some tough decisions to make about their futures. What do they really want and can they find it with each other? This is a couple you just can't help but love. Fin is younger than Giselle but he is in no way an immature little boy. He thinks Giselle can do much better than him. Their insecurities plague them both throughout the entire book. You'll feel proud about how far they both come in such a short time. It's cute, it's sweet and it's a good book to take on a vacation for yourself. I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
August 26, 2014
This summer read had depth and 2 decent leads that felt very genuine and that really met each other's needs. Giselle was much more than a woman whose cheating husband had scorched her confidence. She was a warm, giving mom and generous friend to Finn despite her troubles. She never whined or felt sorry for herself; she just gave too much at times like so many women do and didn't deserve her fate.
Finn was an amazing lead- a sizzling pro surfer that showed Giselle she was still desirable, but so much more. He was vulnerable, caring and responsile while still being an alpha male, slowly opening up to Giselle but staying away from her physically so as not to upset her sister or take advantage of her. The long wait until the two came together was worth it, and they truly were soulmates. The supporting cast was very colorful also, and I look forward to more in this series. I would have liked a longer ending--these two spent so much of the book talking about how they had to stay apart and not much being together, so the reading got frustrating and slow at times. But Lauren Christopher and this series definitely are promising.
Finn was an amazing lead- a sizzling pro surfer that showed Giselle she was still desirable, but so much more. He was vulnerable, caring and responsile while still being an alpha male, slowly opening up to Giselle but staying away from her physically so as not to upset her sister or take advantage of her. The long wait until the two came together was worth it, and they truly were soulmates. The supporting cast was very colorful also, and I look forward to more in this series. I would have liked a longer ending--these two spent so much of the book talking about how they had to stay apart and not much being together, so the reading got frustrating and slow at times. But Lauren Christopher and this series definitely are promising.
July 20, 2016
Confessions of a non-romance reader: I am now a convert! At least when it comes to Lauren Christopher's stories. It started with that crack title---how could you NOT want to pick up and dive into a book called The Red Bikini?! With a few exceptions over the years, I usually steer clear of romance novels because I find myself cringing at either embarrassingly predictable scenes, anachronistic dialogue, or one too many bodice-rippings than a person can handle (reading about, anyway) in a single sitting. Maybe it was the 21st-century Southern California beaches as the ideal backdrop, or the believable surfer-dude language. (If you grow up in SoCal like I did, you know enough to be dangerous). But more than, likely it was the 3-dimensional characters who seemed so real and so likable you either wanted to BE them (like Giselle) or BE WITH them (like Fin). They were perfect in their imperfections. I'd give this one 5 stars, but in the hopes that this watchable new author will outdo herself in her upcoming second novel---ha!---I am going to give her room for even more fabulousness. Thanks for the great read! Can't wait for Ten Good Reasons to hit the bookstores!
July 15, 2014
First I would like to thank Lauren Christopher for writing such a compelling, sexy and emotional debut book. This book had characters you cared for, that you rooted for and wanted to become friends with in real life.
Giselle was a heroine that I related to right from the get-go. Her insecurities and doubts after her divorce took me back to how I felt after my divorce, her struggles were exactly what I felt and through the love of a good man ( my now husband ) I too came into my own and was able to move on.
Speaking of the good man, Fin is my new book boyfriend , I loved his character and how he interacted with CoCo and Giselle. It was great how Ms. Christopher wrote about the insecurities he was going through as well, and how we read the discovery of him falling for Giselle.
The secondary characters were perfect , CoCo and Rabbit especially, they added to the storyline immensely.
Thank you again Ms. Christopher for such an enjoyable read and looking forward to your next book in the series.
Giselle was a heroine that I related to right from the get-go. Her insecurities and doubts after her divorce took me back to how I felt after my divorce, her struggles were exactly what I felt and through the love of a good man ( my now husband ) I too came into my own and was able to move on.
Speaking of the good man, Fin is my new book boyfriend , I loved his character and how he interacted with CoCo and Giselle. It was great how Ms. Christopher wrote about the insecurities he was going through as well, and how we read the discovery of him falling for Giselle.
The secondary characters were perfect , CoCo and Rabbit especially, they added to the storyline immensely.
Thank you again Ms. Christopher for such an enjoyable read and looking forward to your next book in the series.
July 10, 2014
I loved and enjoyed reading the romantic, heart wrenching, wonderfully written, contemporary love story, The Red Bikini by Lauren Christopher which I received free through Goodreads First Reads.
Giselle's heart is broken when her husband leaves & divorces her for a younger woman. Giselle and her daughter go to her sister's house on the beach for a mini-vacation, and Giselle meets the hot & sexy Finn Henson. Finn's career as an athlete surfer needs a makeover and Giselle appears to be the perfect choice. Finn needs Giselle to go to an event with him, and Giselle needs Finn to go to her ex-husband's father's funeral with her. As Finn and Giselle's attraction for each other sizzles, their feelings spiral as Giselle's mini-vacation ends and Finn goes on tour.
Read the awesome and amazing, highly recommended, love story of Giselle and Finn in The Red Bikini by Lauren Christopher.
Giselle's heart is broken when her husband leaves & divorces her for a younger woman. Giselle and her daughter go to her sister's house on the beach for a mini-vacation, and Giselle meets the hot & sexy Finn Henson. Finn's career as an athlete surfer needs a makeover and Giselle appears to be the perfect choice. Finn needs Giselle to go to an event with him, and Giselle needs Finn to go to her ex-husband's father's funeral with her. As Finn and Giselle's attraction for each other sizzles, their feelings spiral as Giselle's mini-vacation ends and Finn goes on tour.
Read the awesome and amazing, highly recommended, love story of Giselle and Finn in The Red Bikini by Lauren Christopher.
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