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Half Moon Bay #1
Finding Hope
Two damaged hearts, one island paradise.
Can their wary spark ignite an unbreakable destiny?
Hope Collins is in a rut, but her dreary Chicago existence gives her the safety she craves. Until her life is turned upside down when she unexpectedly becomes the owner of a scuba diving resort on the Caribbean island of St. Croix. Leaping into the unknown, she arrives to complications. The biggest?
Gorgeous yet enigmatic dive instructor Alex Monroe.
Alex has made peace with his life on the island—mostly—but is soon captivated by the beautiful, but clearly out-of-her-element Hope. Deeply scarred by his past, he has found a way to move on. But only an existence, not a life.
Until Hope arrives.
While trying resist the magnetic pull between them, a series of mishaps throws them together. Both are searching for new beginnings, but can they trust that the only way forward is with each other?
With an irresistible tropical setting,Finding Hopeis a slow burn, steamy beach romance and the start of Hope and Alex’s epic journey from wounded souls to soulmates. This captivating tale is the first novel in the completed Half Moon Bay series. Dive in today!
Can their wary spark ignite an unbreakable destiny?
Hope Collins is in a rut, but her dreary Chicago existence gives her the safety she craves. Until her life is turned upside down when she unexpectedly becomes the owner of a scuba diving resort on the Caribbean island of St. Croix. Leaping into the unknown, she arrives to complications. The biggest?
Gorgeous yet enigmatic dive instructor Alex Monroe.
Alex has made peace with his life on the island—mostly—but is soon captivated by the beautiful, but clearly out-of-her-element Hope. Deeply scarred by his past, he has found a way to move on. But only an existence, not a life.
Until Hope arrives.
While trying resist the magnetic pull between them, a series of mishaps throws them together. Both are searching for new beginnings, but can they trust that the only way forward is with each other?
With an irresistible tropical setting,Finding Hopeis a slow burn, steamy beach romance and the start of Hope and Alex’s epic journey from wounded souls to soulmates. This captivating tale is the first novel in the completed Half Moon Bay series. Dive in today!
Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2021
171 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Erin Brockus
49 books829 followersDive into steamy small-town romance, where passion meets paradise!
Award-winning author Erin Brockus writes steamy small town romances that transport readers to exotic, tropical destinations, and provide a perfect beachy getaway from everyday life. Her mature, relatable characters are impossible not to root for, and she weaves breezy romantic adventure into her stories, emphasizing scuba diving and the ocean.
Drawing on her twin passions for diving and travel, Erin infuses her characters and narratives with a sense of excitement and passion. Her idea of the perfect day involves sipping a cocktail on the beach after exploring the ocean depths.
Erin lives in Washington wine country with her husband, who is also a scuba instructor. She is currently hard at work on her next island adventure. When she's not writing, she enjoys running, mountain biking, or enjoying a good book with a cup of coffee.
Award-winning author Erin Brockus writes steamy small town romances that transport readers to exotic, tropical destinations, and provide a perfect beachy getaway from everyday life. Her mature, relatable characters are impossible not to root for, and she weaves breezy romantic adventure into her stories, emphasizing scuba diving and the ocean.
Drawing on her twin passions for diving and travel, Erin infuses her characters and narratives with a sense of excitement and passion. Her idea of the perfect day involves sipping a cocktail on the beach after exploring the ocean depths.
Erin lives in Washington wine country with her husband, who is also a scuba instructor. She is currently hard at work on her next island adventure. When she's not writing, she enjoys running, mountain biking, or enjoying a good book with a cup of coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 26, 2021
This would be a perfect read for readers who are looking for something cozy and light.
It was full of sunny days, sandy beaches and scuba diving. The author gave beautiful accounts of the ocean and the underwater creatures. Hope and Alex met in this paradise and started an incredible journey together.
I've received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via VoraciousReadersOnly.
It was full of sunny days, sandy beaches and scuba diving. The author gave beautiful accounts of the ocean and the underwater creatures. Hope and Alex met in this paradise and started an incredible journey together.
I've received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via VoraciousReadersOnly.
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April 4, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/30/2022)! 🎁
October 21, 2021
Overall I liked this book. Hope is dumped by her boyfriend and she decides she needs a change. Luckily for Hope her sister enters her in a drawing to go run a hotel on the beach,. Of courses he wins and so begins her new adventure. Here she meets Alex and falls for him but he has his own issues. At the end of this book they are happy but their story continues in the next book.
August 6, 2024
3.5 – 4 stars
Welcome to Half Moon Bay, a small-town island with sun, sand, surf, and scuba diving. The story follows two fractured souls: a woman who is out of her depth and a dive instructor who comes to the rescue. Both are looking for change and a sense of belonging. Winning a resort in a raffle sounds like a dream, especially if it's on a Caribbean island, but that's the beauty of fiction - you can create whatever you like.
Erin's narrative vividly brings the island, the resort, and the sea to life. The beautiful picture she paints is marred by the characters' feelings of inadequacy, hurt, and scarred hearts. This heartwarming romance tale makes it hard not to feel for the characters. The slow-burn relationship between them isn't fully developed until closer to the end of the book, but I hope we get to explore it further in the next book.
I'm eagerly anticipating reading more in the Half Moon Bay series.
Welcome to Half Moon Bay, a small-town island with sun, sand, surf, and scuba diving. The story follows two fractured souls: a woman who is out of her depth and a dive instructor who comes to the rescue. Both are looking for change and a sense of belonging. Winning a resort in a raffle sounds like a dream, especially if it's on a Caribbean island, but that's the beauty of fiction - you can create whatever you like.
Erin's narrative vividly brings the island, the resort, and the sea to life. The beautiful picture she paints is marred by the characters' feelings of inadequacy, hurt, and scarred hearts. This heartwarming romance tale makes it hard not to feel for the characters. The slow-burn relationship between them isn't fully developed until closer to the end of the book, but I hope we get to explore it further in the next book.
I'm eagerly anticipating reading more in the Half Moon Bay series.
August 11, 2024
Hope Collins has had her eyes open that her life is stagnate, the signs were all there but until everything clicked into place Hope realizes that it is time for a change. She makes a drastic change, perhaps fate played a hand but she is both nervous and excited about her new journey. What she is not ready for is Dive Instructor Alex Monroe. Hope feels connected to Alex but with all the turmoil surrounding the changes at the resort she is now running, Hope is reluctant to take a chance. Close proximity plays a hand and soon they cannot stop the feelings growing around them. Can both Alex and Hope work together to put the past in the past and move towards a future together?
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I really enjoyed Hope finding herself and starting her new journey. I thought this was inspiring and was rooting for Hope finding her happy. Alex is a bit of a mystery initially but I was drawn to his character the chemistry was wonderful between Alex and Hope, look forward to the next book.
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I really enjoyed Hope finding herself and starting her new journey. I thought this was inspiring and was rooting for Hope finding her happy. Alex is a bit of a mystery initially but I was drawn to his character the chemistry was wonderful between Alex and Hope, look forward to the next book.
July 29, 2021
Scuba divers will love the details included in "Finding Hope," which takes place on a diving resort in St. Croix. I wasn't entirely on board with the pacing of the love story-- it didn't move much for a good while, and then kind of exploded in the last couple of chapters. Still, if you're looking for a light beach read (that has lots of actual beach scenes!), pick this one up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2021
What do you do when you find yourself trapped by the past? When you are stranded in a monotonous life with no intention to turn things around, what do you do? In a way, you are content living a life without hope.
In Erin Brockus' 'Finding Hope', Alex finds hope in Hope Collins in an unexpected turn of events. In Chicago, Hope is anticipating a promotion in her job at the hotel. She is in a boring relationship with no sparks. Things come crashing down when her boyfriend broke up with her out of nowhere and her much-deserved promotion is offered to someone else. Hope's sister, Sara, takes charge. She enters Hope in a raffle. She wins the raffle and becomes the owner of a dive resort in St. Croix. Hope is reluctant to leave home. After much deliberation, she decides to build a new life in St. Croix. There, she meets the dashing dive leader, Alex. He is a man shrouded in mystery. Though living in the present, he is still trapped by his past.
Will Hope and Alex find hope in each other? Will they be able to be free from their pasts? Will they find love and happiness?
'Finding Hope' is Erin Brockus' debut novel it is the first book in the 'Half Moon Bay' series. Brockus is an amazing author. One can hardly tell that this is her first novel. She masterfully uses all the imageries. Her vivid writing style immerses the reader into the story. We feel Hope's outrage, confusion, trepidation, and excitement. We fall in love with the island of St. Croix and Alex along with Hope. The diving scenes are beautifully depicted. I could imagine myself being a part of the dive team. The technicalities of a dive are aptly presented.
The author does a great job at characterization. Hope and Alex do not change overnight. There is a gradual progression in their characters. This makes them all the more relatable. Though there is a spark from the very beginning, they fall in love over time. This indicates that their love is real. The secondary characters were well-developed as well. Patti, Clark, Tommy, and Sara were all amazing.
Though we get a sense of closure at the ending, we are still left at tenterhooks for the next book. I cannot wait to get my hands on 'Defending Hope.'
Overall, I rate 'Finding Hope', 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to fans of tropical romance novels. People who like diving would love this book.
P.S - I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In Erin Brockus' 'Finding Hope', Alex finds hope in Hope Collins in an unexpected turn of events. In Chicago, Hope is anticipating a promotion in her job at the hotel. She is in a boring relationship with no sparks. Things come crashing down when her boyfriend broke up with her out of nowhere and her much-deserved promotion is offered to someone else. Hope's sister, Sara, takes charge. She enters Hope in a raffle. She wins the raffle and becomes the owner of a dive resort in St. Croix. Hope is reluctant to leave home. After much deliberation, she decides to build a new life in St. Croix. There, she meets the dashing dive leader, Alex. He is a man shrouded in mystery. Though living in the present, he is still trapped by his past.
Will Hope and Alex find hope in each other? Will they be able to be free from their pasts? Will they find love and happiness?
'Finding Hope' is Erin Brockus' debut novel it is the first book in the 'Half Moon Bay' series. Brockus is an amazing author. One can hardly tell that this is her first novel. She masterfully uses all the imageries. Her vivid writing style immerses the reader into the story. We feel Hope's outrage, confusion, trepidation, and excitement. We fall in love with the island of St. Croix and Alex along with Hope. The diving scenes are beautifully depicted. I could imagine myself being a part of the dive team. The technicalities of a dive are aptly presented.
The author does a great job at characterization. Hope and Alex do not change overnight. There is a gradual progression in their characters. This makes them all the more relatable. Though there is a spark from the very beginning, they fall in love over time. This indicates that their love is real. The secondary characters were well-developed as well. Patti, Clark, Tommy, and Sara were all amazing.
Though we get a sense of closure at the ending, we are still left at tenterhooks for the next book. I cannot wait to get my hands on 'Defending Hope.'
Overall, I rate 'Finding Hope', 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to fans of tropical romance novels. People who like diving would love this book.
P.S - I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2021
𝙵𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙷𝚘𝚙𝚎
Series: Half Moon Bay Book 1
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️/5
Heat Level: 🔥🔥/5
Author: Erin Brockus
ARC: @booksirens
Pub date: Jun 25, 2021
This book was perfect to cozy up to and ride out all the crazy Tornado weather that’s been hitting my area. I needed something good to be distracted, and this did the job. I loved loved this book so much!!! This is my first time reading a book by this author and it will definitely not be my last time!!!! I completely fell head over heels for both Hope and Alex in this story. My heart is still melting. The writing is superb and OMG the Super Slow Burn 🔥 Romance is everything. I seriously couldn’t put this book down. I also fell in love with Half Moon Bay Resort itself and all the wonderful well developed characters who worked there, how could I not?! I felt like I was right there along side these amazing characters as the story unfolded. It takes place at a scuba diving resort, and btw I have ZERO interest in scuba diving haha, but I still loved it! THAT’s how good this book was.
My Heat 🔥 rating is based on how steamy the book is. This was not very racy, and if you are looking for quick hot steamy explicit sex scenes….um, you have came to the wrong place my friends, lol. The sex scenes were very tame and a lot of it was left to the imagination, but it’s what makes this slow burner romance so good. It’s a perfect Summer Beach Read. I don’t know about you, but I hate reading racy sex scenes when I’m on the beach with a bunch of people around me…ick 😂 So uncomfortable. They also don’t jump into bed in the first few chapters, which I kind of loved about this story because it took it’s sweet time. It’s a slow building love story so you have to wait for the sex, HAHA! I’m thrilled to see that Alex and Hope are returning in Book 2 coming out in the end of 2021, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Series: Half Moon Bay Book 1
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️/5
Heat Level: 🔥🔥/5
Author: Erin Brockus
ARC: @booksirens
Pub date: Jun 25, 2021
This book was perfect to cozy up to and ride out all the crazy Tornado weather that’s been hitting my area. I needed something good to be distracted, and this did the job. I loved loved this book so much!!! This is my first time reading a book by this author and it will definitely not be my last time!!!! I completely fell head over heels for both Hope and Alex in this story. My heart is still melting. The writing is superb and OMG the Super Slow Burn 🔥 Romance is everything. I seriously couldn’t put this book down. I also fell in love with Half Moon Bay Resort itself and all the wonderful well developed characters who worked there, how could I not?! I felt like I was right there along side these amazing characters as the story unfolded. It takes place at a scuba diving resort, and btw I have ZERO interest in scuba diving haha, but I still loved it! THAT’s how good this book was.
My Heat 🔥 rating is based on how steamy the book is. This was not very racy, and if you are looking for quick hot steamy explicit sex scenes….um, you have came to the wrong place my friends, lol. The sex scenes were very tame and a lot of it was left to the imagination, but it’s what makes this slow burner romance so good. It’s a perfect Summer Beach Read. I don’t know about you, but I hate reading racy sex scenes when I’m on the beach with a bunch of people around me…ick 😂 So uncomfortable. They also don’t jump into bed in the first few chapters, which I kind of loved about this story because it took it’s sweet time. It’s a slow building love story so you have to wait for the sex, HAHA! I’m thrilled to see that Alex and Hope are returning in Book 2 coming out in the end of 2021, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2021
Erin Brockus gives us a highly stirring fulfilling, romance in "Finding Hope" which makes it a good time to escape on this tropical interlude to the (USVI) US Virgin Islands! For Alex and Hope finding love was the furthest thing from their minds. Hope wins a diving resort where Alex, a bachelor is the dive master with credentials from the navy. Both found love challenging. For Hope being betrayed once, never fell in love after that shattering experience. Under her management, she completely turns around the resort into a more popular tourist destination spot with sheer determination, former experience in the hotel industry, she gains everyone's respect and Alex's trust too! Their mutual attraction which started as only cursory appreciation for each other's appeal, becomes too difficult to avoid especially when surrounded by scuba diving and snorkeling in breathtaking reefs, private boats in secluded islets, lush flora and fauna, workers turn loyal friends.The perfect combinations for a fully developed, detailed, romantic beginnings for finding a perfect HEA for Alex after he finds Hope! Finding Hope is finding love!
I was lucky to receive an ARC copy for which I have voluntarily posted a review.
I was lucky to receive an ARC copy for which I have voluntarily posted a review.
January 11, 2025
4 star Review of Finding Hope (Half Moon Bay #1) by Erin Brockus
Erin Brockus is a new author to me and I was surprised to learn that this is her debut novel.; this was a well written story that I was quickly drawn into and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Brockus.
Hope Collins is in desperate need of a change and when she wins a raffle with the prize, a scuba diving resort on the Caribbean island of St. Croix, she jumps at the chance that fate has placed in her path. Arriving in St Croix, she meets instructor Alex Monroe who is trying to forget his past.
Neither Hope or Alex are looking for a relationship and yet they are drawn to one another. When some unusual occurrences start to happen around them they will need to team up. The writing was descriptive and I could imagine myself on a beach in the Caribbean.
Can they both let down their guards long enough to trust in the feelings that are developing? What will happen when their pasts come rattling back to haunt them? Will they be able to move on and in doing so find love and happiness together?
One click and find out.
Erin Brockus is a new author to me and I was surprised to learn that this is her debut novel.; this was a well written story that I was quickly drawn into and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Brockus.
Hope Collins is in desperate need of a change and when she wins a raffle with the prize, a scuba diving resort on the Caribbean island of St. Croix, she jumps at the chance that fate has placed in her path. Arriving in St Croix, she meets instructor Alex Monroe who is trying to forget his past.
Neither Hope or Alex are looking for a relationship and yet they are drawn to one another. When some unusual occurrences start to happen around them they will need to team up. The writing was descriptive and I could imagine myself on a beach in the Caribbean.
Can they both let down their guards long enough to trust in the feelings that are developing? What will happen when their pasts come rattling back to haunt them? Will they be able to move on and in doing so find love and happiness together?
One click and find out.
October 15, 2021
[I was given a free copy of the book by the author in exchange for a review through Voracious Readers Only]
I really enjoyed this book! Hope is a sweet yet feisty and relatable heroine who is fun to read about. Alex is a great romantic lead too; he's kind yet secretive and I wanted to keep reading to find out what the source of all his angst was. The interactions between these two feel real and believable and their unresolved sexual tension builds up in an irresistible slow-burn. Both get good character development as well.
Characters aside, Brockus excels in the other aspects of her writing also. The plot moves along at a steady, reasonable pace and her lush descriptions of St. Croix and its tropical waters definitely do them justice. She put her personal knowledge of scuba diving to great use as well so all of the diving scenes felt very realistic and authentic, which is something I can really appreciate as a marine science person myself. The story itself has a few great surprises and suspenseful scenes and ends in a satisfying way. Overall, this was a charming and immersive romance novel and I look forward to reading the sequel very soon!
I really enjoyed this book! Hope is a sweet yet feisty and relatable heroine who is fun to read about. Alex is a great romantic lead too; he's kind yet secretive and I wanted to keep reading to find out what the source of all his angst was. The interactions between these two feel real and believable and their unresolved sexual tension builds up in an irresistible slow-burn. Both get good character development as well.
Characters aside, Brockus excels in the other aspects of her writing also. The plot moves along at a steady, reasonable pace and her lush descriptions of St. Croix and its tropical waters definitely do them justice. She put her personal knowledge of scuba diving to great use as well so all of the diving scenes felt very realistic and authentic, which is something I can really appreciate as a marine science person myself. The story itself has a few great surprises and suspenseful scenes and ends in a satisfying way. Overall, this was a charming and immersive romance novel and I look forward to reading the sequel very soon!
July 26, 2021
What a great read, I fell in love with Hope and Alex and their journey to find each other. This is the perfect summer romance/women’s fiction read, the story was easy to follow, made me want to take a trip to the resort and learn how to dive. I found I loved the story the more I read into it....about 1/4 of the way in it felt like the writing fell into a groove and I was hooked.
Im already awaiting the next book in this series to see what happens to the main characters and hopefully all the others we met .
I would recommend this book to my book club or friends as a great summer or vacation read...an escape from day to day life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Im already awaiting the next book in this series to see what happens to the main characters and hopefully all the others we met .
I would recommend this book to my book club or friends as a great summer or vacation read...an escape from day to day life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 19, 2021
This was a fun book! I loved the diving references
August 6, 2024
Finding Hope: A Small-Town Beach Romance Book 1
Erin Brockus
Before I get to the book review looked up St Croix, it looks as beautiful as the book describes. As for the water I do not think I have ever seen water so blue or pretty. 44 hours from Australia thinking in the future that might be doable lol.
I loved the storyline of book one in this series. The main characters in this book are Hope and Alex. Both Hope and Alex have issues from the past which make it hard for them to even think about being in a relationship with anyone. Issues or not Alex makes for the perfect bbf lol.
Hopes life seems to be predictable to others around her she is the only one that dos not see it until she walks into the coffee shop and barista Ashley calls out her usual coffee without her ordering it, this has her thinking that Sara and Kyle could be right. Hopes life is about to be turned upside down when her boyfriend Kyle takes her to her favourite restaurant only to break up with her. To add insult to injury the promotion she was going for was given to someone younger. Hope was not happy and resigned from the job she loved. In the meantime, her younger sister Sara gave her somewhat of a lecture on it was time to change her life a little. Sara also told her about a raffle to win Half Moon Bay Resort in St Croix in the Virgin Islands. Sara knowing Hope would not buy the tickets, bought some for her. A week later Sara phoned her to say she had won the raffle. On hearing the news at first Hope wondered what Sara had done to her, but then thought this could be the change she needed. Steve the current owner of the resort spoke to Hope and was impressed with her. telling her he would remain at the resort for up to six months or less to help her settle. However, on arriving at the resort and introducing herself to Patti the resorts general manager found that Steve had abruptly left the night before without telling anyone. Patti informed Hope that Steve had also disconnected his phone number making him non contactable. The reason behind Steve leaving so abruptly was that he could not be there to hand over the arduous work he and his beloved wife Susan had done with the resort before she passed away. Patti lets Hope know that Steve had left her a letter which she could read when she was ready. Steve had also left a letter for Patti and Alex. Alex was angry that Steve could just up and leave like he had. Hopes concern was that Steve had promised to be there for the transition and now she would have to work things out with the resort by herself. That was until Patti said her and Alex would help her settle with the resort. Just a final part Erin has described some of the diving scenes in a way you can imagine yourself being there. Such a great and easy read, I give this book a 5-star rating.
Erin Brockus
Before I get to the book review looked up St Croix, it looks as beautiful as the book describes. As for the water I do not think I have ever seen water so blue or pretty. 44 hours from Australia thinking in the future that might be doable lol.
I loved the storyline of book one in this series. The main characters in this book are Hope and Alex. Both Hope and Alex have issues from the past which make it hard for them to even think about being in a relationship with anyone. Issues or not Alex makes for the perfect bbf lol.
Hopes life seems to be predictable to others around her she is the only one that dos not see it until she walks into the coffee shop and barista Ashley calls out her usual coffee without her ordering it, this has her thinking that Sara and Kyle could be right. Hopes life is about to be turned upside down when her boyfriend Kyle takes her to her favourite restaurant only to break up with her. To add insult to injury the promotion she was going for was given to someone younger. Hope was not happy and resigned from the job she loved. In the meantime, her younger sister Sara gave her somewhat of a lecture on it was time to change her life a little. Sara also told her about a raffle to win Half Moon Bay Resort in St Croix in the Virgin Islands. Sara knowing Hope would not buy the tickets, bought some for her. A week later Sara phoned her to say she had won the raffle. On hearing the news at first Hope wondered what Sara had done to her, but then thought this could be the change she needed. Steve the current owner of the resort spoke to Hope and was impressed with her. telling her he would remain at the resort for up to six months or less to help her settle. However, on arriving at the resort and introducing herself to Patti the resorts general manager found that Steve had abruptly left the night before without telling anyone. Patti informed Hope that Steve had also disconnected his phone number making him non contactable. The reason behind Steve leaving so abruptly was that he could not be there to hand over the arduous work he and his beloved wife Susan had done with the resort before she passed away. Patti lets Hope know that Steve had left her a letter which she could read when she was ready. Steve had also left a letter for Patti and Alex. Alex was angry that Steve could just up and leave like he had. Hopes concern was that Steve had promised to be there for the transition and now she would have to work things out with the resort by herself. That was until Patti said her and Alex would help her settle with the resort. Just a final part Erin has described some of the diving scenes in a way you can imagine yourself being there. Such a great and easy read, I give this book a 5-star rating.
July 6, 2025
Finding Hope: A Small-Town Beach Romance Book 1
Erin Brockus
Before I get to the book review looked up St Croix, it looks as beautiful as the book describes. As for the water I do not think I have ever seen water so blue or pretty. 44 hours from Australia thinking in the future that might be doable lol.
I loved the storyline of book one in this series. The main characters in this book are Hope and Alex. Both Hope and Alex have issues from the past which make it hard for them to even think about being in a relationship with anyone. Issues or not Alex makes for the perfect bbf lol.
Hopes life seems to be predictable to others around her she is the only one that dos not see it until she walks into the coffee shop and barista Ashley calls out her usual coffee without her ordering it, this has her thinking that Sara and Kyle could be right. Hopes life is about to be turned upside down when her boyfriend Kyle takes her to her favourite restaurant only to break up with her. To add insult to injury the promotion she was going for was given to someone younger. Hope was not happy and resigned from the job she loved. In the meantime, her younger sister Sara gave her somewhat of a lecture on it was time to change her life a little. Sara also told her about a raffle to win Half Moon Bay Resort in St Croix in the Virgin Islands. Sara knowing Hope would not buy the tickets, bought some for her. A week later Sara phoned her to say she had won the raffle. On hearing the news at first Hope wondered what Sara had done to her, but then thought this could be the change she needed. Steve the current owner of the resort spoke to Hope and was impressed with her. telling her he would remain at the resort for up to six months or less to help her settle. However, on arriving at the resort and introducing herself to Patti the resorts general manager found that Steve had abruptly left the night before without telling anyone. Patti informed Hope that Steve had also disconnected his phone number making him non contactable. The reason behind Steve leaving so abruptly was that he could not be there to hand over the arduous work he and his beloved wife Susan had done with the resort before she passed away. Patti lets Hope know that Steve had left her a letter which she could read when she was ready. Steve had also left a letter for Patti and Alex. Alex was angry that Steve could just up and leave like he had. Hopes concern was that Steve had promised to be there for the transition and now she would have to work things out with the resort by herself. That was until Patti said her and Alex would help her settle with the resort. Just a final part Erin has described some of the diving scenes in a way you can imagine yourself being there. Such a great and easy read, I give this book a 5-star rating.
Erin Brockus
Before I get to the book review looked up St Croix, it looks as beautiful as the book describes. As for the water I do not think I have ever seen water so blue or pretty. 44 hours from Australia thinking in the future that might be doable lol.
I loved the storyline of book one in this series. The main characters in this book are Hope and Alex. Both Hope and Alex have issues from the past which make it hard for them to even think about being in a relationship with anyone. Issues or not Alex makes for the perfect bbf lol.
Hopes life seems to be predictable to others around her she is the only one that dos not see it until she walks into the coffee shop and barista Ashley calls out her usual coffee without her ordering it, this has her thinking that Sara and Kyle could be right. Hopes life is about to be turned upside down when her boyfriend Kyle takes her to her favourite restaurant only to break up with her. To add insult to injury the promotion she was going for was given to someone younger. Hope was not happy and resigned from the job she loved. In the meantime, her younger sister Sara gave her somewhat of a lecture on it was time to change her life a little. Sara also told her about a raffle to win Half Moon Bay Resort in St Croix in the Virgin Islands. Sara knowing Hope would not buy the tickets, bought some for her. A week later Sara phoned her to say she had won the raffle. On hearing the news at first Hope wondered what Sara had done to her, but then thought this could be the change she needed. Steve the current owner of the resort spoke to Hope and was impressed with her. telling her he would remain at the resort for up to six months or less to help her settle. However, on arriving at the resort and introducing herself to Patti the resorts general manager found that Steve had abruptly left the night before without telling anyone. Patti informed Hope that Steve had also disconnected his phone number making him non contactable. The reason behind Steve leaving so abruptly was that he could not be there to hand over the arduous work he and his beloved wife Susan had done with the resort before she passed away. Patti lets Hope know that Steve had left her a letter which she could read when she was ready. Steve had also left a letter for Patti and Alex. Alex was angry that Steve could just up and leave like he had. Hopes concern was that Steve had promised to be there for the transition and now she would have to work things out with the resort by herself. That was until Patti said her and Alex would help her settle with the resort. Just a final part Erin has described some of the diving scenes in a way you can imagine yourself being there. Such a great and easy read, I give this book a 5-star rating.
July 6, 2021
Erin Brockus, ‘Finding Hope’.
Half Moon Bay Book 1 - ARC Copy.
As an ARC reader I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily promised an honest review. Here it is.
Rating: 4 (of 5 stars).
In general: Love in the Caribbean..
Main characters:
- Hope Collins (36).
She worked for many years as Assistent Desk Manager in a hotel in Chicago. Almost at the same time she had an unexpected break up with her boyfriend and at work she was passed over for a well deserved promotion; so she resigned. When her sister was informed about her misfortunes, she signed Hope up for a raffle to become the owner of a dive resort in St. Croix, one of the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. To her shock and joy Hope became the winner of that raffle. So she moved from the cold Chicago to the semi-tropical Antilles.
- Alex Monroe (40).
An ex soldier, now the dive instructor at Hope’s resort.
When Hope arrives at her new property she’s confronted with an unpleasant surprise: the ex-owner promised to introduce her to her new ownership but a day before she arrived in St. Croix he decided that he emotionally couldn’t surrender the beloved life’s work of him and his recently deceased wife to a new owner and he immediately disappeared. So Hope has to discover all the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of the resort on herself. Fortunately she is helped by two dedicated staff members of the missing ex owner, manager Patti and dive instructor Alex.
Then the author, Erin Brockus, describes how step by step Hope gets the feeling of being the boss in her own resort. Secretly she admires Alex, the skilled, experienced (and gorgeous looking) dive instructor, but she finds it wiser to keep their relationship businesslike. However (sometimes very exciting) dive events and the ups and downs in the resort management brings them closer, so both considered a deeper relationship, in spite of bad experiences in the past. The result is a nice love story with a lot of wonderful characters, many exciting (dive) action scenes and interesting information about a resort on a small, exotic tropical island. For me a pleasure to read this sweet love novel.
R. Huiszoon.
Half Moon Bay Book 1 - ARC Copy.
As an ARC reader I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily promised an honest review. Here it is.
Rating: 4 (of 5 stars).
In general: Love in the Caribbean..
Main characters:
- Hope Collins (36).
She worked for many years as Assistent Desk Manager in a hotel in Chicago. Almost at the same time she had an unexpected break up with her boyfriend and at work she was passed over for a well deserved promotion; so she resigned. When her sister was informed about her misfortunes, she signed Hope up for a raffle to become the owner of a dive resort in St. Croix, one of the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. To her shock and joy Hope became the winner of that raffle. So she moved from the cold Chicago to the semi-tropical Antilles.
- Alex Monroe (40).
An ex soldier, now the dive instructor at Hope’s resort.
When Hope arrives at her new property she’s confronted with an unpleasant surprise: the ex-owner promised to introduce her to her new ownership but a day before she arrived in St. Croix he decided that he emotionally couldn’t surrender the beloved life’s work of him and his recently deceased wife to a new owner and he immediately disappeared. So Hope has to discover all the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of the resort on herself. Fortunately she is helped by two dedicated staff members of the missing ex owner, manager Patti and dive instructor Alex.
Then the author, Erin Brockus, describes how step by step Hope gets the feeling of being the boss in her own resort. Secretly she admires Alex, the skilled, experienced (and gorgeous looking) dive instructor, but she finds it wiser to keep their relationship businesslike. However (sometimes very exciting) dive events and the ups and downs in the resort management brings them closer, so both considered a deeper relationship, in spite of bad experiences in the past. The result is a nice love story with a lot of wonderful characters, many exciting (dive) action scenes and interesting information about a resort on a small, exotic tropical island. For me a pleasure to read this sweet love novel.
R. Huiszoon.
August 16, 2024
Hope Collins is stuck in a rut, but when she is passed over for a promotion which should have been hers, her sister Sara decides to take Hope’s future in her hands. So when Hope confronts her boss and quits she is plunged into a world of darkness but Sara has the answer.
So when Sara announces that Hope has won a raffle and it’s a beach resort in the Virgin Islands Hope is not quite sure it’s legit until she speaks to the owner Steve and it seems above board. So Hope packs up her life and makes her way to her new business Half Moon Bay Resort.
Alex Monroe is trying to regain his life back from his past, being the Divemaster at New Moon Bay Resort has calmed him but when his boss decides to retire and raffle the resort Alex thinks he has gone mad, so when the new owner is about to arrive they discover Steve can’t stick around and vanishes leaving him and Pattie to welcome Hope. U Pom seeing Hope something stirs in Alex that he thought had gone away so as they continue to become friends, can they resist the attraction and chemistry or will they delve straight in.
This is the first book in this series and what a book, the main characters are wonderful and Alex and Hope’s chemistry jumps off the page with each turn.
I loved the sassy nature of Hope and her determination to make the resort a success but the internal thoughts that she was having regarding Alex kept you on your toes. Alex’s character although strong and Alpha has a vulnerability which I love in alpha characters which is lovely to read and as you gone he become more beautiful inside and out.
The secondary character make this book a joy to read and you feel at times as being a part of this wonderful family the author has created.
I definitely can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see where the author takes us in the relationship of Alex and Hope.
So when Sara announces that Hope has won a raffle and it’s a beach resort in the Virgin Islands Hope is not quite sure it’s legit until she speaks to the owner Steve and it seems above board. So Hope packs up her life and makes her way to her new business Half Moon Bay Resort.
Alex Monroe is trying to regain his life back from his past, being the Divemaster at New Moon Bay Resort has calmed him but when his boss decides to retire and raffle the resort Alex thinks he has gone mad, so when the new owner is about to arrive they discover Steve can’t stick around and vanishes leaving him and Pattie to welcome Hope. U Pom seeing Hope something stirs in Alex that he thought had gone away so as they continue to become friends, can they resist the attraction and chemistry or will they delve straight in.
This is the first book in this series and what a book, the main characters are wonderful and Alex and Hope’s chemistry jumps off the page with each turn.
I loved the sassy nature of Hope and her determination to make the resort a success but the internal thoughts that she was having regarding Alex kept you on your toes. Alex’s character although strong and Alpha has a vulnerability which I love in alpha characters which is lovely to read and as you gone he become more beautiful inside and out.
The secondary character make this book a joy to read and you feel at times as being a part of this wonderful family the author has created.
I definitely can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see where the author takes us in the relationship of Alex and Hope.
August 7, 2024
I have never wanted to travel to the Virgin Islands more!! I enjoyed this book, especially the setting. It starts off in Chicago where Hope is working at a hotel and hoping for a big promotion. She is the best choice for the job but gets passed over for a younger man. She walks into the office and quits, even after her boss tries to backtrack and get her some type of incentive. Little does she know, her sister had signed her up for a raffle to win a dive resort in St. Croix. On her birthday, while feeling down and not sure what to do with her life, her sister calls to let her know that she WON! She has 48 hours to decide if she is ready to leave the cold and dreary Chicago. No job, no boyfriend, what does she have to lose? She gets to the resort only to find out the owner bailed instead of staying to help her transition. She is freaked out and doesn’t make a great impression on the dive master, Alex. He has been working at the resort for five years and was stunned when the owner and his closest friend just left. He is angry and raises his voice and also doesn’t make a great first impression. Hope, being the hard worker that she is, jumps right in to learning the ins and outs of the resort the next day. Alex and Hope start to get to know each other and are keeping their distance since they both have troubled pasts that they don’t want to share. As they become friends, and try to avoid their attraction to each other, they start to open up. When Hope’s sister visits, we learn a little more about Alex. They boat, swim, dive, and share some meals while deciding if they trust each other enough to start a romance. As soon as I finished, I got onto KU to download the next book!
August 20, 2024
This is the first book in the Half Moon Bay series. This is a contemporary romance which has lots of twists and turns, angst, slow burn romance and finding love when you least expect it. This was definately a book I would enjoy curled up on a beach somewhere. Once I started it I was transported to the beautiful setting of white beaches and blue seas.
Hope thinks her life is good until her boyfriend leaves her because she is predictable. Hope has never really taken a risk in her life so when her sister tells her about a raffle to win a scuba resort Hope thinks it's a joke. I mean it's not like she will win right?
But that is exactly what happens and now Hope finds herself leaving her old life behind and setting off somewhere new to start and run her resort. However she doesn't have a clue on how to run a scuba resort. She needs help and that comes in the form of scuba diving instructor Alex.
Alex sees that Hope needs help and he's only to happy to help her find her feet. But when the chemistry between them starts to become too much can they resist the pull. Especially when fate keeps dragging them back together.
Both Hope and Alex have scars from their past but can they both be brave enough to realise that their way forward could be with each other?
I loved both Hope and Alex. They both have their own demons from their pasts but when they are together all that seems to fade into the background. You can't help be captivated by their story and wishing for their happy ever after.
August 21, 2024
Hope is in a predictable rut. Even her boyfriend Kyle had compared her to a favorite pair of slippers. Eek! That's until a day that turns everything upside down. Going into a interview for a raise in job and pay turns into becoming the owner of a scuba diving resort. On the Caribbean!! Talk about a life change! She can hardly believe it, while she upgrades to first class on the way to take things over and meet her new life. Why not splurge? But she isn't prepared for what awaits her and the complications ahead. Alex, a dive instructor at the resort Hope just inquired, is okay with his life. Things are okay given his past. Content to his life he's existing day by day. But fates seem to through them together. Mishaps pulling them into each other baths while both searching for something. But can either one trust again? With each other's baggage there might be to much past stuff. Can these two come together and move past their past? Trust can sometimes be the only way. Leap of faith into the unknown. I can not wait to read more in this series!! I honestly thought this book was part of another series, but as soon as I started reading I realized I was in for something new. Boy was I surprise and excited at the same time! PS. I am bad at looking at names when it comes to not only books or authors names. I know, I know. Bad. But hey I got a great knew series out of it!! So hey! Win in by book! :)
August 21, 2024
Ooooo this I’m loving this cover ! It’s one of those you just want to climb into and enjoy for yourself 📚❣️
My bags are packed , my passport is ready , sunscreen and snorkel ready , I’m heading out 😉
So Hope has been working at the Rosemont Inn and has been dating Kyle for 2 years , life in Chicago is good , there’s a promotion up for grabs at the Inn and she applies , confident she’s going to get it , life seems good but life does have a way of throwing you a curveball or 2 at times and it would seem poor Hope not only doesn’t get the promotion but Kyle decides to move on to greener pastures 🤷♀️🙈
Don’t fret things do look up when she wins a dive resort in St Croix in the Virgin Island with a raffle ! I know what luck she had ! Change is as good as a holiday and those turquoise waters are just what she needed and didn’t even know it 😉well I do think Alex also plays a role 😍
The previous owner ups and leaves but instead of hitting panic stations Hope takes it in her stride but the staff were very good and so supportive , they’re their own little family really 🤗
Alex has scars but the island life seems to be good for him and as a dive master he’s living a good life but Hope lights a spark within that he didn’t think he’d feel again…..they’re each others healing balm actually and in such a beautiful setting !
I loved watching Alex and Hope evolve , heal and create their own story 🥰 looking forward to the rest of the series ❣️📚
My bags are packed , my passport is ready , sunscreen and snorkel ready , I’m heading out 😉
So Hope has been working at the Rosemont Inn and has been dating Kyle for 2 years , life in Chicago is good , there’s a promotion up for grabs at the Inn and she applies , confident she’s going to get it , life seems good but life does have a way of throwing you a curveball or 2 at times and it would seem poor Hope not only doesn’t get the promotion but Kyle decides to move on to greener pastures 🤷♀️🙈
Don’t fret things do look up when she wins a dive resort in St Croix in the Virgin Island with a raffle ! I know what luck she had ! Change is as good as a holiday and those turquoise waters are just what she needed and didn’t even know it 😉well I do think Alex also plays a role 😍
The previous owner ups and leaves but instead of hitting panic stations Hope takes it in her stride but the staff were very good and so supportive , they’re their own little family really 🤗
Alex has scars but the island life seems to be good for him and as a dive master he’s living a good life but Hope lights a spark within that he didn’t think he’d feel again…..they’re each others healing balm actually and in such a beautiful setting !
I loved watching Alex and Hope evolve , heal and create their own story 🥰 looking forward to the rest of the series ❣️📚
August 26, 2021
QOTD: Have you ever gone snorkling or scuba diving?
My A: Nope, never! Being an Iowan, I live around 20hrs from the ocean any way I go so there hasn’t been much of an opportunity.
.
This sweet and slow romance features two older adults, a tropical island, one sinking boat, many nights spent stargazing, one hurricane sister and a whole lotta love. What’s not to love yourself? This is another Kindle Unlimited gem I stumbled across the other day and I was instantly sucked in. While the story pace is on the slower side and the romance stays pretty tame until like 75% through, this book is still a must read for any romance lover! Two lost souls finding healing and happiness on a tropical island surrounded by fun side characters I’m hoping we get to read about next, this book hit all the right spots for me this week! I’ll admit, I typed ‘tropical romance’ into my Kindle’s search bar after finishing this one.
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Hope’s life is at a crossroads. First, her longtime boyfriend takes her to her favorite restaurant just to end things, calling her predictable and boring. Then she’s passed up for a promotion at her hotel she is clearly the best candidate for, leaving her jobless. When her sister buys her three tickets to a raffle boasting a tropical island resort as a prize, Hope is kept in the dark. That is, until Hope’s name is drawn. With her years of experiences and being jobless and single, she decides to take the chance.
Alex has worked as a master diver at half Moon Bay for five years, accepting the full beach bum life. He has a few friends and has had even fewer romantic relationships and is not looking to change that. When hope breezes in and breathes fresh life into the resort, he can’t help feeling like she’s doing the same for him.
My A: Nope, never! Being an Iowan, I live around 20hrs from the ocean any way I go so there hasn’t been much of an opportunity.
.
This sweet and slow romance features two older adults, a tropical island, one sinking boat, many nights spent stargazing, one hurricane sister and a whole lotta love. What’s not to love yourself? This is another Kindle Unlimited gem I stumbled across the other day and I was instantly sucked in. While the story pace is on the slower side and the romance stays pretty tame until like 75% through, this book is still a must read for any romance lover! Two lost souls finding healing and happiness on a tropical island surrounded by fun side characters I’m hoping we get to read about next, this book hit all the right spots for me this week! I’ll admit, I typed ‘tropical romance’ into my Kindle’s search bar after finishing this one.
.
Hope’s life is at a crossroads. First, her longtime boyfriend takes her to her favorite restaurant just to end things, calling her predictable and boring. Then she’s passed up for a promotion at her hotel she is clearly the best candidate for, leaving her jobless. When her sister buys her three tickets to a raffle boasting a tropical island resort as a prize, Hope is kept in the dark. That is, until Hope’s name is drawn. With her years of experiences and being jobless and single, she decides to take the chance.
Alex has worked as a master diver at half Moon Bay for five years, accepting the full beach bum life. He has a few friends and has had even fewer romantic relationships and is not looking to change that. When hope breezes in and breathes fresh life into the resort, he can’t help feeling like she’s doing the same for him.
September 20, 2021
Hope is a straight forward organized stick to the routine type of gal until her boyfriend breaks up with her and she’s passed up for a promotion she was sure was in the bag. Her sister is her biggest supporter and entered her in a raffle to win the ownership of a resort and by some chance Hope won. Needing some change in her life she agrees to pack up and move to handle running the resort.
Alex is an ex military man that seems closed off, authoritative, and somewhat mysterious and he runs the diving operations at the resort. When the previous owner disappears without following through on his promise to help Hope adjust to the new management Alex and another employee Patti are entrusted to help Hope navigate everything.
Neither Alex nor Hope are looking for a relationship so both try to deny their curiosity about the other but the little flutters ensue and when Hope wants to learn how to dive feelings deepen despite both parties trying to resist.
I loved watching this relationship change and grow and loved seeing them slowly start opening up and sharing each other’s pasts. And I absolutely loved her sister and the spunk and tension she added to the mix as well!
The author was really able to paint the scenes so well it felt like I was there with them! I would definitely recommend this book!
*I received a free copy of this book for an honest review*
Alex is an ex military man that seems closed off, authoritative, and somewhat mysterious and he runs the diving operations at the resort. When the previous owner disappears without following through on his promise to help Hope adjust to the new management Alex and another employee Patti are entrusted to help Hope navigate everything.
Neither Alex nor Hope are looking for a relationship so both try to deny their curiosity about the other but the little flutters ensue and when Hope wants to learn how to dive feelings deepen despite both parties trying to resist.
I loved watching this relationship change and grow and loved seeing them slowly start opening up and sharing each other’s pasts. And I absolutely loved her sister and the spunk and tension she added to the mix as well!
The author was really able to paint the scenes so well it felt like I was there with them! I would definitely recommend this book!
*I received a free copy of this book for an honest review*
August 8, 2024
3 – 3.5 Stars
Finding Hope is Book #1 in the Half Moon Bay Series by Erin Brockus. It is a slow burn, small town romance with an island paradise setting, angst, emotion, challenges, chemistry, steam, hope, and finding love unexpectedly.
Hope Collins has a chance for a new beginning when fate hands her a scuba diving resort on St. Croix island in the Caribbean. With it comes many challenges that will test her resolve. But fate seems to have a bigger plan- which may have started with the island resort- but also involves scuba diving instructor, Alex Monroe when he becomes part of the package. These two damaged souls set off sparks, in more ways than one.
This is the first instalment of Hope and Alex’s story, with all instalments available now.
The series contains:
-Tropical Chance (Book #0.5) -> Megan and Derek’s story
-Finding Hope (Book #1) -> Hope and Alex’s story
-Defending Hope (Book #2) -> Hope and Alex
-Rising Hope (Book #3) -> Hope and Alex
-Forever Hope (Book #4) -> Hope and Alex
-Half Moon Whim (Book #5) -> Sara and Jack’s story
-Half Moon Ember (Book #6) -> Heather and Robert’s story
-Half Moon Aqua (Book #7) -> Sara and Jack’s story
-Crowning Hope (Book #8) -> Hope and Alex
-Tropical Dawn (Series Prequel set 5 years before ‘Finding Hope’)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Erin Brockus!
Finding Hope is Book #1 in the Half Moon Bay Series by Erin Brockus. It is a slow burn, small town romance with an island paradise setting, angst, emotion, challenges, chemistry, steam, hope, and finding love unexpectedly.
Hope Collins has a chance for a new beginning when fate hands her a scuba diving resort on St. Croix island in the Caribbean. With it comes many challenges that will test her resolve. But fate seems to have a bigger plan- which may have started with the island resort- but also involves scuba diving instructor, Alex Monroe when he becomes part of the package. These two damaged souls set off sparks, in more ways than one.
This is the first instalment of Hope and Alex’s story, with all instalments available now.
The series contains:
-Tropical Chance (Book #0.5) -> Megan and Derek’s story
-Finding Hope (Book #1) -> Hope and Alex’s story
-Defending Hope (Book #2) -> Hope and Alex
-Rising Hope (Book #3) -> Hope and Alex
-Forever Hope (Book #4) -> Hope and Alex
-Half Moon Whim (Book #5) -> Sara and Jack’s story
-Half Moon Ember (Book #6) -> Heather and Robert’s story
-Half Moon Aqua (Book #7) -> Sara and Jack’s story
-Crowning Hope (Book #8) -> Hope and Alex
-Tropical Dawn (Series Prequel set 5 years before ‘Finding Hope’)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Erin Brockus!
August 14, 2021
Hope has gone through a bad patch in life when she's passed up for a promotion that she deserved, and her boring as hell boyfriend dumps her, and she's lucky enough to have a sister who would do anything for her. Said sister enters Hope into a raffle to become the new owner of a diving resort in St. Croix, and it just so happens that Hope wins it so thankfully, she's going to get that chance she needs to start over. There's a complication when she gets there though, the owner left her high & dry so she has no idea as to what to do but there are people there who really come through to help her. Alex is the dive instructor with secrets that he won't allow anyone to find out so he keeps to himself, but he never saw Hope coming. I have to say Erin Brockus really is a descriptive genius as I felt like I was scuba diving along with these people, not to mention I swear I could smell that beach air all over the place. However, I did find the romance aspect a bit too slow burn for me as it made the story drag a tad but that's just me. I do know that I'm super excited to read more of this series, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
September 9, 2021
Another new author and another great read.
Finding Hope is book one in the Half Moon Series and it’s a fantastic debut novel, if this book is anything to go by Erin Brockus will have a promising career ahead of her. This is a well written story that draws you in from the first few pages and doesn’t let you go into you have read the final line.
Hope Collins can’t believe her luck, just when she needs it, she wins a raffle prize to a scuba diving resort on the Caribbean Island of Sr Croix. Could this be just what she needs to turn her life around.
Alex Monroe is the instructor she meets on her arrival, neither are looking for a relationship but they find it hard to ignore the attraction. When strange things start happening they decide to team up to get to the bottom of it and that’s when things really get interesting.
This author really does a wonderful job painting picture with her words and there were times I really felt like I was relaxing on a beach watching the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean. I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading more from Ms Brockus.
Finding Hope is book one in the Half Moon Series and it’s a fantastic debut novel, if this book is anything to go by Erin Brockus will have a promising career ahead of her. This is a well written story that draws you in from the first few pages and doesn’t let you go into you have read the final line.
Hope Collins can’t believe her luck, just when she needs it, she wins a raffle prize to a scuba diving resort on the Caribbean Island of Sr Croix. Could this be just what she needs to turn her life around.
Alex Monroe is the instructor she meets on her arrival, neither are looking for a relationship but they find it hard to ignore the attraction. When strange things start happening they decide to team up to get to the bottom of it and that’s when things really get interesting.
This author really does a wonderful job painting picture with her words and there were times I really felt like I was relaxing on a beach watching the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean. I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading more from Ms Brockus.
August 16, 2024
Erin Brockus’ Finding Hope follows Hope Collins, ready to start over after losing a relationship and leaving her job. An exciting opportunity brings her to St Croix, where she meets Alex, reserved diver with a mysterious past. Both reluctant to work together at first, and both having spent their lives holding themselves back from feeling anything, this is a slowburn romance with a sweet ending. A lot happens over the course of a few months and Erin manages to show how not only the relationship but also the characters develop over time. The only issue I had with the writing was at the beginning, where the race of the black characters was frequently mentioned but the race of the white characters was not, as it felt out of place, especially considering the story was set in the Virgin Islands. I recommend this book because both Hope and Alex are relatable to a lot of people, and their stories are inspiring. Hope’s story was particularly inspiring to me, after everything she’s been through, and having the courage to start over. ‘Most of all, under the table, Alex’s knee had been pressed against hers for quite some time, and she hadn’t moved away. Didn’t want to move away.’
July 22, 2021
Thanks to BookSirens, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a wonderful book for a hot summer day. Just the right amount of sizzling sun, fun, and romance with a little bit of danger thrown in the mix.
Hope Collins is up for a big promotion at the hotel where she works and her boyfriend has asked her out for a special dinner. Things are looking up, until they aren't. Passed over for the promotion and dumped by her boyfriend, Hope quits her job. She isn't sure what she is going to do.
Unbeknownst to Hope, her sister Sara has bought three raffle tickets for a chance to win a dive resort on St. Croix in Hope's name. And Hope wins. She makes sure it is all legitimate and off she goes to start her new life.
Will she fall for the hunky dive master? Will she be able to run the resort even though the previous owner has left her high and dry? Will she get past her former life and the baggage she has brought along?
The setting is lovely, the characters are fun and well fleshed out. Can't wait for the sequel!
What a wonderful book for a hot summer day. Just the right amount of sizzling sun, fun, and romance with a little bit of danger thrown in the mix.
Hope Collins is up for a big promotion at the hotel where she works and her boyfriend has asked her out for a special dinner. Things are looking up, until they aren't. Passed over for the promotion and dumped by her boyfriend, Hope quits her job. She isn't sure what she is going to do.
Unbeknownst to Hope, her sister Sara has bought three raffle tickets for a chance to win a dive resort on St. Croix in Hope's name. And Hope wins. She makes sure it is all legitimate and off she goes to start her new life.
Will she fall for the hunky dive master? Will she be able to run the resort even though the previous owner has left her high and dry? Will she get past her former life and the baggage she has brought along?
The setting is lovely, the characters are fun and well fleshed out. Can't wait for the sequel!
August 15, 2024
A great story of two people who have given up on love but slowly find the strength through unexpected challenges. After some setbacks she wasn’t expecting, Hope finds out that her sister has entered Hope’s name into a drawing for a chance to win a Scuba diving resort in St Croix. What Hope expected was help and guidance from the prior owner to show her the ropes. Unfortunately, he left the island before Hope even landed leaving her a letter why he left. As hope learns the ins and outs of the resort, she finds wonderful people supporting her that worked for the prior owner helping. One person she didn’t expect to meet was Alex, a very handsome scuba diver & instructor. Slowly we find out how Hope, the amazing supportive staff and Alex find their way together to make sure the resort continues to flourish.
I enjoyed the book very much. The author wrote in a way that makes you imagine the beauty of the island, the people, the sea and all of the marine life to experience was all a huge part of the story.
I enjoyed the book very much. The author wrote in a way that makes you imagine the beauty of the island, the people, the sea and all of the marine life to experience was all a huge part of the story.
August 10, 2024
Finding Hope: A Small Town Beach Romance (Half Moon Bay Series) by Erin Brockus. This is a great small Caribbean town romance. Its the story of Hope who is really wanting a change in her life so when she wins a raffle and the prize is a Scuba Diving Resort in St. Croix she is so excited and thinks this is the change she really needs. When she arrives she meets Alex a retired Navy Dive Instructor she can't help notice how hot he is but does't want a relationship because in the past she has always been hurt. Alex feels the same way about relationships and he also has no faith in Hope turning this failing Resort into anything. Hope is determined to prove him wrong and with her hotel management background she actually is starting to make it into a popular resort. Alex is impressed by Hope and how well she has done and he can't hide his attraction to her. They begin to spend more time together and in the beautiful setting how can they not fall in love. This book will make you want you to travel to the Caribbean immediately and fall in love!
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