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Summer Vibes In Paradise Bay: Marco & Amelia
He's socially awkward. Some would even say a nerd. She's wild, carefree, and loves to have a good time.
So, what could they possibly have in common? While Marco is wary and has a hard time believing that Amelia is actually into him, she really just can't get enough of him.
Who in their right mind can turn down a summer fling? Marco and Amelia aren't sure how it happened, but this might be the most fun they have had in a long time.
So, what could they possibly have in common? While Marco is wary and has a hard time believing that Amelia is actually into him, she really just can't get enough of him.
Who in their right mind can turn down a summer fling? Marco and Amelia aren't sure how it happened, but this might be the most fun they have had in a long time.
- GenresAfrican American Romance
96 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2023
103 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 28, 2023
“Women have a hard time getting past the outer appearance. They don’t take the time to get to know me.”
“You mean the way you dress and talk? Because you don’t tote guns and have tattoos everywhere? Bitches swear they want a hood nigga until he’s beating their ass and cheating on them with their baby mama.” LOL!!! 🤣🤣🤣 Shanel for the win ladies and gents. I finished this book with the biggest smile on my face. Marco and Amelia were so stinkin’ cute. These two were the epitome of opposites attract. Marco was in his nerdy bag heavy. He may have had the height and the looks but, his sense of fashion was zero. Matter of fact, it was less than zero. Marco was a sneakers and high water slacks with the shirt tucked in kind of guy. He was definitely channeling Uncle Lee Chester. He was also painfully shy and lacked confidence. So, when Ms. Extrovert, AKA Amelia, took an interest in him, Marco couldn’t understand why. Amelia is fresh out of a four year toxic relationship and tryin’ to get back to her old self. A relationship is the last thing she’s lookin’ for so, when she accidentally bumps into Marco at brunch, she didn’t expect the immediate pull of attraction to the cute but, awkward computer geek. He may have been givin’ Steve Urkle vibes but, he definitely had Stefan Uraquelle potential. I love how Marco was 100% his authentic self and never wavered. He said you can take him in these high water corduroys and New Balance kicks or you don’t have to take him at all. And, that’s exactly what Amelia did. She accepted Marco for who he was and she was able to look past his appearance and see that he was genuinely a good guy. I also love how she encouraged him to take his blinders off and see that his “friends” weren’t truly his friends at all. Well, at least Benzo and Shane weren’t. I absolutely adored this book. Marco and Amelia were my favorite couple. This is definitely one of those instances where you can’t judge a book by its cover because, you never know what kind of treasure you may find.
“You mean the way you dress and talk? Because you don’t tote guns and have tattoos everywhere? Bitches swear they want a hood nigga until he’s beating their ass and cheating on them with their baby mama.” LOL!!! 🤣🤣🤣 Shanel for the win ladies and gents. I finished this book with the biggest smile on my face. Marco and Amelia were so stinkin’ cute. These two were the epitome of opposites attract. Marco was in his nerdy bag heavy. He may have had the height and the looks but, his sense of fashion was zero. Matter of fact, it was less than zero. Marco was a sneakers and high water slacks with the shirt tucked in kind of guy. He was definitely channeling Uncle Lee Chester. He was also painfully shy and lacked confidence. So, when Ms. Extrovert, AKA Amelia, took an interest in him, Marco couldn’t understand why. Amelia is fresh out of a four year toxic relationship and tryin’ to get back to her old self. A relationship is the last thing she’s lookin’ for so, when she accidentally bumps into Marco at brunch, she didn’t expect the immediate pull of attraction to the cute but, awkward computer geek. He may have been givin’ Steve Urkle vibes but, he definitely had Stefan Uraquelle potential. I love how Marco was 100% his authentic self and never wavered. He said you can take him in these high water corduroys and New Balance kicks or you don’t have to take him at all. And, that’s exactly what Amelia did. She accepted Marco for who he was and she was able to look past his appearance and see that he was genuinely a good guy. I also love how she encouraged him to take his blinders off and see that his “friends” weren’t truly his friends at all. Well, at least Benzo and Shane weren’t. I absolutely adored this book. Marco and Amelia were my favorite couple. This is definitely one of those instances where you can’t judge a book by its cover because, you never know what kind of treasure you may find.
August 30, 2023
I see you, Marco! Ladies, we have to stop sleeping on the unassuming man with glasses, with less than great fashion sense, and "nerdy" qualities. He may just be the one you need. Amelia was out with her girl turning up at a day party, when she bumps into a nice-looking man, but is almost turned off by his wack ass outfit! 😂 I say almost, because she took a minute to look at him, and saw a handsome man behind the glasses, and she felt something different being around him; that she wanted to explore.
Marco was used to being the butt of jokes from his so-called friends, and less than lucky with the ladies. However, he was smart, and good looking, just had no idea how to put together a decent outfit, and not wear dirty shoes. 😂 When Amelia begins to conversate with him, he wonders what the catch is. A woman that looks like her, could never want a man like me, right? What Marco doesn't realize is that he does have charm, and a low-key swag he isn't even aware of.
I loved their conversations, the development of their friendship, and how they quickly fell into a groove. Amelia really liked this man, and she would make sure that he knew he was a catch too. But wait..... Marco also knew what he was doing in the sheets, and Amelia was shooketh! 🤩🔥 She learned that what you need isn't always in the package that you expect. Loved these two, and their story was adorable! Wouldn't mind seeing more in the future. 👍👍👍
Marco was used to being the butt of jokes from his so-called friends, and less than lucky with the ladies. However, he was smart, and good looking, just had no idea how to put together a decent outfit, and not wear dirty shoes. 😂 When Amelia begins to conversate with him, he wonders what the catch is. A woman that looks like her, could never want a man like me, right? What Marco doesn't realize is that he does have charm, and a low-key swag he isn't even aware of.
I loved their conversations, the development of their friendship, and how they quickly fell into a groove. Amelia really liked this man, and she would make sure that he knew he was a catch too. But wait..... Marco also knew what he was doing in the sheets, and Amelia was shooketh! 🤩🔥 She learned that what you need isn't always in the package that you expect. Loved these two, and their story was adorable! Wouldn't mind seeing more in the future. 👍👍👍
August 25, 2023
The underdog comes out on top!!! 🥰🥰
Now listen, this is clearly fiction because real life Marco may not fare the same fate 😩😩😩! I really enjoyed reading about the nerd whose BDE was not on display still get the girl!
Marco and Amelia were the absolute cutest! After bumping into each other at a brunch/day party, Amelia was completely smitten by the nerd dressed in suspenders and high waters with geeky glasses! His homeboys stayed clowning how he dressed but one thing I could appreciate was that Marco was unapologetically himself! Amelia was fresh out of a on again off again 4 year relationship and wanted to try her hand at a friendship with a guy completely different from what she’s used to.
The connection wasn’t instant with these two because Marco had trouble coming to grips with the fact that a woman as beautiful and successful as Amelia was genuinely into him and for that reason he remained guarded! Once Amelia reassured him that she was down to ride til the very end, Marco’s walls came tumbling down and the end result was beautiful! He might’ve been nerdy but that dominance was crystal clear in the bedroom!! 🥵💦😈
Let me just add that Marco had some fk nîggas for friends and with “friends” like them, who needs enemies! 😒
This was different from the usual BDE assertive stories that I love but I enjoy when an author gives me something I’m not used to! I was pleasantly surprised!
Now listen, this is clearly fiction because real life Marco may not fare the same fate 😩😩😩! I really enjoyed reading about the nerd whose BDE was not on display still get the girl!
Marco and Amelia were the absolute cutest! After bumping into each other at a brunch/day party, Amelia was completely smitten by the nerd dressed in suspenders and high waters with geeky glasses! His homeboys stayed clowning how he dressed but one thing I could appreciate was that Marco was unapologetically himself! Amelia was fresh out of a on again off again 4 year relationship and wanted to try her hand at a friendship with a guy completely different from what she’s used to.
The connection wasn’t instant with these two because Marco had trouble coming to grips with the fact that a woman as beautiful and successful as Amelia was genuinely into him and for that reason he remained guarded! Once Amelia reassured him that she was down to ride til the very end, Marco’s walls came tumbling down and the end result was beautiful! He might’ve been nerdy but that dominance was crystal clear in the bedroom!! 🥵💦😈
Let me just add that Marco had some fk nîggas for friends and with “friends” like them, who needs enemies! 😒
This was different from the usual BDE assertive stories that I love but I enjoy when an author gives me something I’m not used to! I was pleasantly surprised!
August 28, 2023
Goodness. I love a nerd. They have BDE sometimes… yes 4.75
October 11, 2023
Cute 🥰
Amelia wasn’t the only one pleasantly surprised. I wasn’t sure what to expect and wasn’t necessarily expecting what was given. Don’t judge a book or a person by their cover. Very Good read!
Amelia wasn’t the only one pleasantly surprised. I wasn’t sure what to expect and wasn’t necessarily expecting what was given. Don’t judge a book or a person by their cover. Very Good read!
August 13, 2023
Marco and Amelia
I loved that Marco didn't change his ways for anyone. I loved that Amelia liked him just the way he was. Now his friends wasn't his friend at all. They was using Marco in my opinion. When he final stood up for himself it made me proud. I'm just hoping him and Trevor can continue with their friendship?
I loved that Marco didn't change his ways for anyone. I loved that Amelia liked him just the way he was. Now his friends wasn't his friend at all. They was using Marco in my opinion. When he final stood up for himself it made me proud. I'm just hoping him and Trevor can continue with their friendship?
August 13, 2023
love this one
I really loved this book. I hope Shanel will do a follow up of them. This was one of my favorite books. I loved the story line never judge a book by its cover.
I really loved this book. I hope Shanel will do a follow up of them. This was one of my favorite books. I loved the story line never judge a book by its cover.
September 17, 2023
Great Read
That was good. Summer fling romances with opposite are fun. That saying opposite attract is true especially with a sexy nerd.
That was good. Summer fling romances with opposite are fun. That saying opposite attract is true especially with a sexy nerd.
August 29, 2023
I love me some Marco & Amelia! Sometimes knocking into someone can be the best thing and this couple proved it. I loved how Amelia accepted him for who he was an didn’t require him to change. One thing I love about an opposites attract book when the other person is completely knocked off their seat! Marco came through in a way that had Amelia shooketh and baby I loved every second of it!!! She couldn’t keep up!! That’s what I’m talking about Marco! This book gave me all the feels and i enjoyed this couple getting to know each other. The brother/sister dynamic gave me life too because why you showing up at my house unannounced 😂😂😂😂. Loved how they came together to help Marco! My only drawback is this book is not getting a resolution with the friendship. I mean he had a friend that he was cool with. No call? No nothing? He was actually nice to him. I wanted to know something! Overall, great read and an addition to the opposites attract trope.
August 24, 2023
Don't Ever Judge A Book By It's Cover!!
Marco is the shy nerdy type who wasn't good at talking to women. Amelia thought he sexy, nerdy and didn't pass judgement about his clothes or awkwardness towards women. To me he is the butt of all his friends jokes. He told Shane to walk away and he didn't. Shane, he was drunk but they say sober thoughts. They were using him. Even Amelia said that. If he didn't see All and Jamie at the mall, he would have bought what ever. Amelia asked him to accompany her to the opening of her bakery. She started looking at him in a different light. They didn't put no expectations one another. I love that for them, I expect to hear more of them.
Marco is the shy nerdy type who wasn't good at talking to women. Amelia thought he sexy, nerdy and didn't pass judgement about his clothes or awkwardness towards women. To me he is the butt of all his friends jokes. He told Shane to walk away and he didn't. Shane, he was drunk but they say sober thoughts. They were using him. Even Amelia said that. If he didn't see All and Jamie at the mall, he would have bought what ever. Amelia asked him to accompany her to the opening of her bakery. She started looking at him in a different light. They didn't put no expectations one another. I love that for them, I expect to hear more of them.
September 1, 2023
Loved It🤎
I just want a Marco for myself 🤭! I’m so happy that Marco finally realized that those haters was truly not his friends. I just loved how Marco & Amelia accepted each other for who they really were and didn’t have to change to make each other see the other person! I was happy that Al accepted Marco even though he was different in his own way. I like how Marco was willing to come out of his comfort zone when his ready and didn’t let anyone force him to because they wanted him to change. Great novella and highly recommended!
I just want a Marco for myself 🤭! I’m so happy that Marco finally realized that those haters was truly not his friends. I just loved how Marco & Amelia accepted each other for who they really were and didn’t have to change to make each other see the other person! I was happy that Al accepted Marco even though he was different in his own way. I like how Marco was willing to come out of his comfort zone when his ready and didn’t let anyone force him to because they wanted him to change. Great novella and highly recommended!
August 26, 2023
MOOORRREEE!!!!
I freaking LOVEEEEEE MARCO AND AMELIA! Like seriously! I love them! lol Shanel, I swear you are the GOAT! This was so fun and different! Why aren’t fine nerdy men talked about more? I swear I was gonna jump through this book and snatch Marco up for myself if you would have mentioned anime! 😂 It’s something about them nerdy black men who watch anime that screams demon dck 😏😂😂 You gotta run these two back! It’s a requirement!
I freaking LOVEEEEEE MARCO AND AMELIA! Like seriously! I love them! lol Shanel, I swear you are the GOAT! This was so fun and different! Why aren’t fine nerdy men talked about more? I swear I was gonna jump through this book and snatch Marco up for myself if you would have mentioned anime! 😂 It’s something about them nerdy black men who watch anime that screams demon dck 😏😂😂 You gotta run these two back! It’s a requirement!
September 7, 2023
Don't judge a book by its cover
This book reminded me of the movie class act. The cool pretty girl with the nerdy guy.
Running into Marco and causing him to spill his drink all over her was the start of something great between him and Amelia. Marco was so shocked that someone like her could really be in to him. She saw more in him than his outer appearance and saw a gorgeous guy with a big heart.
This book reminded me of the movie class act. The cool pretty girl with the nerdy guy.
Running into Marco and causing him to spill his drink all over her was the start of something great between him and Amelia. Marco was so shocked that someone like her could really be in to him. She saw more in him than his outer appearance and saw a gorgeous guy with a big heart.
November 21, 2023
Nice very nice
This standalone is so lit. My boy got tired of his friends clowning him to their expense. My girl took that leap for my boy. Shane deserved that can of whoop ass he was getting from Marco. U did good on yet another book and I'm looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and while eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read
This standalone is so lit. My boy got tired of his friends clowning him to their expense. My girl took that leap for my boy. Shane deserved that can of whoop ass he was getting from Marco. U did good on yet another book and I'm looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and while eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read
August 14, 2023
what a vibe!!
This was such a sweet, fun, and sexy story. First of all I love the story of nerd getting a hot girl!! Marco and Amelia were so sexy and fun together. I love a smart, nerdy man who is comfortable and confident within themselves! Marco definitely gives BDE when he is with Amelia and I loved it. This is a great summertime read!
This was such a sweet, fun, and sexy story. First of all I love the story of nerd getting a hot girl!! Marco and Amelia were so sexy and fun together. I love a smart, nerdy man who is comfortable and confident within themselves! Marco definitely gives BDE when he is with Amelia and I loved it. This is a great summertime read!
August 14, 2023
Marco and Amelia 🩵
This story was to cute. Marco was so unsure of himself and his “friends” were some jerks and he deserved better. Amelia genuinely like him for just the way he was and I loved that for Marco. They were playing by their own rules and I would a update on them. Great job
This story was to cute. Marco was so unsure of himself and his “friends” were some jerks and he deserved better. Amelia genuinely like him for just the way he was and I loved that for Marco. They were playing by their own rules and I would a update on them. Great job
August 14, 2023
Marco and Amelia
They met during brunch when he bumped into her and spilled his beer on her outfit. She thought he was fine but nerdy and that intrigued her. She gave him her number. Marco was shy and a bit insecure. They began to get to know each other. Amelia realized you can’t judge a book by its cover and he realized he deserved a woman like her! A good read!
They met during brunch when he bumped into her and spilled his beer on her outfit. She thought he was fine but nerdy and that intrigued her. She gave him her number. Marco was shy and a bit insecure. They began to get to know each other. Amelia realized you can’t judge a book by its cover and he realized he deserved a woman like her! A good read!
August 16, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Marco was the awkward shy computer geek, who had a hard time holding a conversation with a woman. He was always the butt of his friends jokes, when it came to the topic of women. So not only we’re his friends shocked, but Marco was also shocked as well, when the life of the party Amelia, showed interest in him. This was a cute opposites attract story!
Marco was the awkward shy computer geek, who had a hard time holding a conversation with a woman. He was always the butt of his friends jokes, when it came to the topic of women. So not only we’re his friends shocked, but Marco was also shocked as well, when the life of the party Amelia, showed interest in him. This was a cute opposites attract story!
August 19, 2023
Marco was bae.
This was a good read, I knew author Shanel was not going to disappoint. Marco was everything baby. I could read about him all day. He didn't change for no one and that's why I like about him. Amelia saw something different she saw the man behind the glasses and the shyness. She was glad she didn't a good thing get away by judging a book by it's cover.
This was a good read, I knew author Shanel was not going to disappoint. Marco was everything baby. I could read about him all day. He didn't change for no one and that's why I like about him. Amelia saw something different she saw the man behind the glasses and the shyness. She was glad she didn't a good thing get away by judging a book by it's cover.
January 2, 2024
Marco and Amelia
This was a nice spin on what a healthy relationship looks like. Marco and Amelia were made for each other and time will show that. Stepping away from people that meant them no good only made their union stronger. I would love to see another book with these characters. Great read!
This was a nice spin on what a healthy relationship looks like. Marco and Amelia were made for each other and time will show that. Stepping away from people that meant them no good only made their union stronger. I would love to see another book with these characters. Great read!
May 15, 2024
Love it!!!
Ms. Shanel can you write Marco and Amelia their own book? I love how everything about them, they are truly opposite attract (lol). I would love an updated story, like did his so called friends try to interfere with his relationship with Amelia or did Jamare try to get Amelia back? Anyway just hoping for another story.
Ms. Shanel can you write Marco and Amelia their own book? I love how everything about them, they are truly opposite attract (lol). I would love an updated story, like did his so called friends try to interfere with his relationship with Amelia or did Jamare try to get Amelia back? Anyway just hoping for another story.
June 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Marco & Amelia are one of my favorite couples from this series. He’s super nerdy and she’s outgoing. Total opposites but connected in the best way. Marco ended up being a total surprise because baby that is a man. He was cute and shy at first but once he stepped into that bedroom I was invested.
August 14, 2023
Good Read
I loved the dynamic of the 2 characters. I enjoyed that Marco was the complete opposite of what we typically read about. I loved that he didn't change for anyone, especially his "friends." I would love to read more.
I loved the dynamic of the 2 characters. I enjoyed that Marco was the complete opposite of what we typically read about. I loved that he didn't change for anyone, especially his "friends." I would love to read more.
August 15, 2023
Great book
I loved it from beginning to end. This one here dod it for me love the concept of the book. I think they need their own series. Dont like the friends he had, but other than that im glade he finally stud up to them...
I loved it from beginning to end. This one here dod it for me love the concept of the book. I think they need their own series. Dont like the friends he had, but other than that im glade he finally stud up to them...
August 19, 2023
So good!
This was different, he was your "typical" book bar and I loved it Their relationship just worked and it didn't matter about Marco's ratchet homeboys. First book by this author but I look forward to reading more.
This was different, he was your "typical" book bar and I loved it Their relationship just worked and it didn't matter about Marco's ratchet homeboys. First book by this author but I look forward to reading more.
August 19, 2023
So good
This book reminds me went you can't judge a book by it's cover. His friends wasn't crap I'm so happy he finally put them in their place. They tried to clown him when they were the clowns.
This book reminds me went you can't judge a book by it's cover. His friends wasn't crap I'm so happy he finally put them in their place. They tried to clown him when they were the clowns.
August 20, 2023
Marco & Amelia
I’ve been waiting on your book to drop. I loved everything about Marco and Amelia. Marco was so stinking cute..I loved how Amelia saw past his dingy clothes and shoes, and saw the fine man he was. Loved the vibe between these two. Five stars!!
I’ve been waiting on your book to drop. I loved everything about Marco and Amelia. Marco was so stinking cute..I loved how Amelia saw past his dingy clothes and shoes, and saw the fine man he was. Loved the vibe between these two. Five stars!!
August 23, 2023
urkel better than steffon
love loved loved the story line..a lot of times we loose sight of the “corny” guys and i wish us women give them more chances because the grass b greener..im currently dating my urkel and it’s been amazing to say the least
love loved loved the story line..a lot of times we loose sight of the “corny” guys and i wish us women give them more chances because the grass b greener..im currently dating my urkel and it’s been amazing to say the least
August 26, 2023
Refreshing
This is not the typical bad boy book and I truly enjoyed it. Marco wasn't the typical guy and neither was his clothes but he knew how to treat Amelia. I was glad that she made him talk to her. I would love to read more books like this. Shanel did her thing
This is not the typical bad boy book and I truly enjoyed it. Marco wasn't the typical guy and neither was his clothes but he knew how to treat Amelia. I was glad that she made him talk to her. I would love to read more books like this. Shanel did her thing
August 29, 2023
Loved it
I love me some Marco. I am happy that he finally cut off his friends. They bullied and embarrassed him too much. I hope things work out for him and Amelia. They make a beautiful couple. Great Read!
I love me some Marco. I am happy that he finally cut off his friends. They bullied and embarrassed him too much. I hope things work out for him and Amelia. They make a beautiful couple. Great Read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews