Hopelessly Romantic

Ocean Shores #1

by Barbara Freethy

Welcome to OCEAN SHORES in the sun-soaked paradise of Oceanside, California where the ocean pounds the shore, surfers ride the early morning waves, and the local military base sends roaring jets into the sky. Just steps from the sand sits a large apartment building filled with interesting and quirky tenants, possible love connections, and more than a few secrets! Once you come to visit, you'll never want to leave…

In HOPELESSLY ROMANTIC, Ava Campbell, a pragmatic and fiercely independent woman, is housesitting for her newlywed sister Serena, whom she practically raised. Struggling with the void left by her sister's departure and the feeling that life is passing her by, Ava's solitude is shattered by Liam Nash, a laid-back Australian surfer with a smile as captivating as the waves he rides.

Liam is clearly someone with absolutely no boundaries, and he insists that he has the green light from Serena's hubby, Brad, to crash at the apartment. With no room for negotiation, these two opposites are forced into a shared living arrangement, further complicated by the antics of Miss Daisy, a feisty cat with a knack for mischief.

As Ava's grumpy, cynical attitude clashes with Liam's sunny optimism, sparks fly, and an unexpected connection blooms. Can Liam's infectious charm thaw Ava's very well-guarded heart? Will Ava discover that the best things in life often arrive when you least expect them?

Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions in this humorous and heartwarming tale that proves love can sneak up on you in the most unexpected places, leaving you breathless and yearning for more.

HOPELESSLY ROMANTIC is the first book in the utterly charming and irresistibly appealing Ocean Shores Series from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy. For fans of Robyn Carr, Susan Mallery, and Lucy Score!

PRAISE FOR BARBARA FREETHY NOVELS…

"A fabulous, page-turning combination of romance and intrigue. Fans of Nora Roberts and Elizabeth Lowell will love this book." — NYT Bestselling Author Kristin Hannah on Golden Lies

"A warm, moving story of the power of love." — NYT Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber on Daniel's Gift

"Freethy's zesty storytelling will keep readers hooked, and the sisters' loving but prickly interactions will make anyone with a sibling smile." Publishers Weekly on Summer Secrets

"Gifted author Barbara Freethy creates an irresistible tale of family secrets, riveting adventure and heart- touching romance." — NYT Bestselling Author Susan Wiggs on Summer Secrets

"This book has it heart, community, and characters who will remain with you long after the book has ended. A wonderful story." — NYT Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber on Suddenly One Summer

"From the rocky isolation of Alcatraz to the haunts of California's historic North Beach, this intricately plotted story has more twists and turns than Lombard Street as it takes its characters on a dangerous adventure with roots in a deadly past. Romance sizzles between the wary protagonists in this riveting page-turner ..." — Library Journal on Taken

"Hooked me from the start and kept me turning pages throughout all the twists and turns. Silent Run is powerful romantic intrigue at its best." — NYT Bestselling Author JoAnn Ross

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Slow Burn, Ebooks, Audiobook, Rom Com

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2024

About the author

Barbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.

Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.

Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.

When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!

For a complete list of her books, visit her website!

Reviews

[Shelby (catching up on 2025 reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopelessly Romantic
Barbara Freethy

Tight-laced Ava and laid-back Liam are unexpected roomies when they're both asked to house-sit (unbeknownst to the other). Will these opposites be able to handle living together?

This was the perfect escape! Blending lighthearted humor with a touching love story, Ava and Liam's romance is wholesome and tender; this would make the perfect beach read. Taking place in California's Ocean Shores apartment complex, with a great cast of side characters, this promises to be the start of a wonderful new series.

[Ivana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t hate this book but like.. it wasn’t great either. The characters and the plot felt pretty predictable - which I typically enjoy. However, the dialogue was a bit choppy at some points, and it also felt like some of the subplot with added characters was unnecessary for building the main plot line. Realistically, I probably would’ve given this book 3 or 4 stars if there was even just a little 🤏🏼 more action than the characters kissing a few times. There was a lot of tension and build up between the two main characters, just for the chapter or paragraph to then end.

[Katerina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Мені не зайшло.
Хімії не відчула між героями взагалі, під кінець стало вже так нудно, що не могла читати

[Madeline (always_reading1) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute and fun!! Can’t wait to read the next one.

[Randi (randi_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava Campbell and Liam Nash meet when they are both set up to apartment sit/cat sit while Ava’s sister, Serena, and her new husband are on their honeymoon.

Ava and Liam are complete opposites in the way they live their life. Liam is an Australian who has spent his life as a professional surfer. He has never settled down, always traveling to one competition after another. Now, he wants to settle down and buy a local surf shop. Ava has raised Serena after their parents died. She is the responsible sister, likes to be in control and feel safe and secure in her job. (Even though it’s not a passion)

Over the course of the few short days, Ava and Liam help each other out. He gently pushes her out of her comfort zone and she helps him with his upcoming purchase and that it’s not bad to have a backup plan. They have chemistry and a connection, but she knows that nothing could happen. She lives two hours away.

I really enjoyed this sweet, low angst romance. It’s my first time reading this author and this is the first story in a new series about the residents of Ocean Shores apartment complex. A lot of the residents were introduced in this book and I’m definitely looking forward to their stories.

Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Barbara Freethy has done it again! I absolutely loved Hopelessly Romantic, the first book in her new Ocean Shores series! I can truly say that Hopelessly Romantic is an incredible love story, which filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions, and was impossible to put down. I loved every moment on every page. Barbara Freethy continues to deliver incredibly written love stories that I LOVE to read and continues to be one of my favorite authors to read. Barbara Freethy definitely does not disappoint her readers with all the feels in Hopelessly Romantic and has once again delivered an amazing story filled with everything that I have come to love about and expect from her books. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, big loving families, and caring friends, who always support each other? Hopelessly Romantic is an incredible enemies to lovers love story between Ava Campbell, financial analyst for a venture capital company in Los Angeles and Liam Nash, professional surfboarder from Australia hoping to settle in Oceanside with the goal of purchasing the Beach Shack from John Peterman. Ava came to Oceanside for the wedding of her younger sister, Serena, to Brad Morrison. Serena asked Ava to stay in the apartment in Ocean Shores to pet sit her cat, Miss Daisy while she and Brad honeymoon in Paris, Ava would work remotely while they were away. Meanwhile Brad gave a key to his friend Liam so that he could stay at their apartment after the wedding to finalize his purchase of the Beach Shack. Neither Ava nor Liam knew the other was staying at the apartment. Ava and Liam meet when Liam uses the key from Brad to open the apartment door and enter after midnight. Liam missed the wedding because of flight delays. I love that Ava defended herself with a broom. Immediately, Ava does not like Liam and wants him to stay somewhere else. Miss Daisy seems to prefer Liam over Ava As Ava and Liam begin to spend time together as roommates, things change between them starting with stolen kisses. Conversation between Liam and Ava flows so easily, I love their playful banter. I love the chemistry between them. I love the ways that Liam and Ava spend time together, especially when Liam teaches Ava to ride a surfboard and the lessons that he taught her changed her life. I love that they open up to one another and Ava shares how she always felt that she was responsible for Serena’s happiness following the death of their parents in a car accident when Ava and Serena were teenagers. The ultimate challenge of their relationship is that Liam is planning on staying in Oceanside and the Ava was leaving. Liam experiences an obstacle in his purchase agreement with John, because of John’s separation from his wife Maggie. Ava reviews the financial records of the Beach Shack and informed Liam that his offer was more than generous. An unexpected plot twist puts their relationship in jeopardy, but Ava puts her trust in Liam. Ultimately, Ava runs away back to Los Angeles when she realizes that she feels more than friendship for Liam and gets concerned about losing someone else she loves during a surfboard competition. I love the changes the Liam was willing to make to have a relationship with Ava. I love the changes that Ava made in her life and how she stands up for herself at work, because of the lessons she learned on a surfboard. So glad that Liam used his knowledge that he learned from Ava in his negotiations with John for purchase of the Beach Shack and how his future is in Oceanside. Another favorite part is the epilogue and Liam’s proposal and the location of the proposal. I love how Barbara develops her characters in such a way that you fall in love with them and care about them much like a good friend. I love how Barbara Freethy always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. Barbara Freethy continues to deliver all that and so much more. I am not sure how she does it, but Barbara Freethy has once again given her readers another remarkable book. Hopelessly Romantic is filled with all the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments and plot twists, that I have come to love and expect in a Barbara Freethy love story, I especially loved the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Barbara Freethy continues to prove that she is an incredible storyteller. I love that she writes her stories from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. My favorite part is how Barbara Freethy incorporates the title of the book into the love story. Hopelessly Romantic was an amazing love story; I am so glad that Ava and Liam got the happily ever after. I loved all the surprises that filled the pages of this love story. I loved meeting all the residents in the Ocean Shores apartment complex and cannot wait to read their stories. I enjoy all the interactions among the residents, it feels like real family love. I love the descriptions of the Oceanside, California setting in Hopelessly Romantic. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I loved every moment. I cannot wait to read the other books in the series. Highly recommend this beautifully written story. Received an advanced copy from the author.

[Grace Huffman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick, light hearted read, held my attention but was predictable.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopelessly Romantic by Barbara Freethy. I extend thanks to the author and publisher for the Advanced Readers Copy that was gifted to me.

Hopelessly Romantic absolutely loved up to its title. The premise of the story pitted two individuals who couldn't be more opposite in every way. Throw them together in a proverbial pot of water, turn up the heat bringing the situation to a boil, stir aggressively to agitate, and at the last moment add in just the right amount of sweetness. The final product, a Romantic Home Run. This story has all the elements and was impossible to put down. I finished it in one day. Ocean Shores is going to be another phenomenal success for this author. I can't wait for book two. Highly recommend to readers of all kinds.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopelessly Romantic is a wonderful beginning to a new series! I loved Ava and Liam’s story, a roller coaster story of two opposites who definitely are attracted! Chemistry, frustration, questions and hesitations, breaking out of comfort zones, making new friends, and looking at things from another perspective. It’s emotional, heartwarming, and lots of fun! We are introduced to a whole apartment building filled with interesting and intriguing characters, so many stories waiting to be told, and I’m looking forward to each and every one!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read!! I loved all the emotions this book covers, fear, comfort, friendship, anger, love and support. They had to think through situations, got to explore outside their comfort zones and find love all at the same time. I like the contrasting personalities and how they each helped the other. I loved the community! Such a great book!!

[Kathleen M. Dillon · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t care for this book. The writing was terrible and the story was very slow and boring. Did not hold my interest and I usually like this author

[ROBIN RUIZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ Even though, magic was the last thing she would ever believe in.” There was something about ocean Shores that was healing.

Ava goes to Ocean Shores for her sisters, wedding, one that Ava thinks is spur of the moment, after all, they haven’t known each other very long.
Ava has always been the responsible one, and it always has just been her and her sister, her sister ask her to take the cat while she is on her honeymoon.
Unfortunately or fortunately the groom lets his friend Liam stay at the apartment.
So they both are staying at the apartment taking care of the cat
Liam pushes Ava to loosen up and get out of her comfort zone, and Ava gets Liam to see the big picture
But they both know that there’s an expiration date on this relationship, as Ava has a life in Los Angeles, and Liam may not be settling down.

This is a wonderful start to what is going to be a fantastic new series, we get to meet most of the residence of Ocean Shores. I cannot wait for more of the Ocean Shores magic!

[Veronica (Honey Roselea Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was okay. I just thought that the chemistry between the fmc and mc were kind of lacking. This was closed door which is not something that mattered to me and was not included in my rating, but I just felt like the romance was lacking. Plot itself was also kind of meh. Did we even get a conclusion to John and Maggie's relationship? I don't think so.

Overall, okay.

[Kendall Hullinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was the writing great? not really, but the story was super cute!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chic flick easy summer read. Looks like a series and I will check out the next book to see how their story evolves.

[Linds · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Linda Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely light read! Just what I needed after a few weeks of murder mysteries. Always enjoy Barbara Freethy’s offerings.

[Roseann Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Los Angeles based Ava -- financial analyst, rules-follower, independent loner -- agreed to house-sit/cat-sit at her sister Serena’s apartment in the Ocean Shores complex in Oceanside, California. Their parents died when Ava was in high school. Although the sisters went to live with their Aunt and Uncle Ava was responsible for the care and upkeep of her younger sister. While Ava was away at college the Aunt and Uncle decided they could no longer care for Serena so she moved to Ava’s college and Ava became the sole support and caregiver for her high-school-age sister. Ava made sure Serena didn’t have to endure the obligations of life; that she could enjoy her growing-up years without the added burden of Ava’s grown-up responsibilities. The reason for the house/cat-sitting assignment was that Serena met, fell in love, and married all in less than a year. She and her new husband, Brad, are honeymooning in Paris, France. Ava is conflicted. She feels she is losing her sister to a man she barely knows. She wonders where her own life is heading. She works hard and is good at her job but feels she should have been promoted after the years and contributions she has devoted to the company. She isn’t taking leave; she will be working remotely for the 10 days she’ll be in Oceanside. It is a great two-bedroom apartment in the Ocean Shores complex, within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants. The tenants are friendly… maybe too friendly… she likes her solitude and isn’t a mixer. On her first night in the complex someone was trying to break in the apartment! The man trying to break in actually has a key! Liam, a surfer from Australia and Brad’s best friend, is also house and cat-sitting, invited by Serena’s husband Brad. Serena conveniently “forgot” to let Ava know in advance! Liam and Serena are polar opposites in personalities and actions. He is a professional surfer who takes life as it comes, grew up in the surfing scene with his surfer father and family traveling the world, always looking for the next wave and the next adventure. How will these two disparate individuals share the responsibility of taking care of Miss Daisy the cat? What life-changes brought Liam to Ocean Shores? How will Ava react to his carefree, easy lifestyle? Will he be able to convince her to let him stay despite her great discomfort having a stranger taking up her space and completely disrupting her solitude? Will the Ocean Shores tenants work their magic and convince Ava to join their social circle? I couldn’t put this book down. I literally read it in one sitting. I am a great fan of Barbara Freethy’s books. This new volume didn’t disappoint. The reader gets to know the characters and to care about the life circumstances, loves, problems, joys and sorrows of each and every one. I can hardly wait for the next book in this new series to publish!

[Erin Koz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Barbara Freethy! I had an eARC copy and I couldn't put it down- I didn't want the story to end. The characters and setting are going to make a great series and it will be exciting to read all the different adventures that will be coming within the future books. This is a must read! Make sure to pre-order or buy it if you haven't already!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is a financial analyst, rule follower and independent loner house sitting her sister's cat Miss Daisy while Serena is on her honeymoon. On the first night in the apartment she hears someone breaking in. Only Liam has a key given to him by Serena's new husband Brad. Liam is the opposite of Ava. Liam is a surfer and free spirit used to taking life as it comes. Did Serena set up her sister? Can Liam break through that hardshell Ava has erected over her heart?

I enjoyed Ava and Liam's characters and watching them help each other and overcome their differences. The tenants of the apartment building are all secondary characters that make Ocean Shores a fun place to live. We got to meet the tenants learning a little of their backstories. They are an eclectic and welcoming group and I already feel a part of this apartment community. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and finding out more about these characters. This is a fun and light read that I read in one afternoon.

[Kellendra Godfrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt the writing was robotic - no character had a distinct language or personality you could pull from the way they spoke. Lots of repetitive verbiage…she said dryly. And the last sentence of each chapter felt forced and cringy 😅 I found myself rooting against the main characters ending up together.
Albeit cheesy, it was a quick and easy read. I may kick myself but I have the second book in the series and I’m still planning to read it.

[Michele (Michelem.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You had me at Australian surfer…. This opposites attract romance is the perfect beach read. It takes place in California in a beach community. The characters are likable and Ava and Liam have great chemistry. The interesting neighbors added to the charm. I believe the series will follow neighbors and their stories. I was fully invested in this book and finished it in one sitting.

[Gwen Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ocean Shores, the apartment complex in Barbara Freethy’s new series reminds me of everything I nostalgically love about growing up in a small town. Of course, in the moment I didn’t appreciate it.
In Ocean Shores, we meet young people starting their adult lives in a place where they create families of the heart. Ava, however, doesn’t appreciate that everyone knows who she is — older sister to Serena, who is off on her honeymoon while Ava apartment sits and takes care of her cat.
Enter, Liam, an Australian surfer who has been asked by Serena’s new husband to stay in the apartment and watch the cat. What Ava has yet to realize is that she is at a crossroads in her life, and viewing the world through Liam’s eyes may just help her find some answers.
I loved this first book in Freethy’s new series. Ava has spent her life caring for others and always choosing the safe path so others can thrive. Liam takes life one surf competition at a time. He, too, is at a bit of a crossroads as he works to fashion the life he wants post-competition.
HOPELESSLY ROMANTIC is classic Barbara Freethy: vividly drawn characters that I would easily welcome into my own life. This first title is filled with a supporting cast, and I’m sure we will learn more about them when they each earn their own stories.
Another welcome piece of the Ocean Shores community is that it is intergenerational. While most characters are in their 20s and 30s, we also have some in middle age and even looking at retirement and the difficult decisions that can entail.
HOPELESSLY ROMANTIC is an easy read that will leave you waiting impatiently for the next title.

[Kaylie]

Ok I technically didn't really read this but I think this is funny for myself and want to record it.

I had just finished the Just for the Summer audiobook and was looking for another kind of cheesy romance audiobook. This one takes place in OCEANSIDE, CA which I know so that was a win. I still wasn't one hundred percent sold on it though so I found it on Spotify and just started listening to it without downloading it on my phone.
Thank goodness I did that! Because wow it did not leave a good impression at all, and I'm not super in the mood to just push through something. Especially with audiobooks, it's hard to just skim.
I started playing Chapter 1 while washing the dishes and there weren't many dishes in the sink but I had decided I wasn't going to finish the book before finishing the dishes, it was that bad. Like I wanted to stop it but my hands were wet so I just pushed through the remaining.
What turned me off was the immediate telling and not showing. Like it was speed-running the characterization by just blatantly putting out kind of vulnerable thoughts and opinions of the character that should have been better earned. Like first few sentences were along the lines of like "I felt happy for my sister for getting married but I felt like I was losing her." Like something like that is supposed to be hinted at and then maybe found at least a chapter later. So I immediately didn't trust the author, didn't like the style, and I figured there was no use wasting my time on it. It's kind of a shame, because when I read the synopsis it seemed cute.
Sorry Oceanside.

[Michele A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ava is tasked with taking care of her sister, Summer's, cat while she is on her honeymoon. Ava has taken care of Summer since they were children when their parents died when she was 13. She has had to grow up quickly and is definitely not a fly by the seat of her pants person. She is a financial analyst and lives in LA. She is surprised to find Liam, Brad's friend, has also been asked to stay for the 10 days they are going to be on their honeymoon. Ava was kind of a brat and I didn't care for her much at the beginning. She kept trying to get him to leave and never once considered it wasn't her place to do that. She also was judgmental and acted like she was in charge of everyone and everything. Liam was doing his best to make things comfortable and not get on her nerves. They were complete opposites and it was interesting to see them try to find common ground. I did like Liam but thought he needed to get more sound advice of purchasing a business and not try to do it without any input from a professional. I didn't care for Joe at all and felt like he was screwing Liam over. Overall a decent read. I did want to see Summer explain why she would set her sister up with a total stranger without a word about it prior to them leaving for Paris. That was not okay in any way, shape, or form. Her sister put her first and I felt like she didn't care that she was putting her in an extremely uncomfortable position. It seemed bratty at best, self-centered at worse.

[Debbie Oliphant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to start a new series with one of my favorite authors. Ocean Shores is an apartment complex that has a little magic with the residents. We are introduced to many residents and I look forward to their stories unfold in the future installments.

Ava agrees to stay at her sister's apartment to take care of her sick cat while she is on her honeymoon. The plan works for her as she is able to work remote for that short time. She is surprised to learn that the groom's friend, Liam, has also agreed to stay in the apartment for the same reason. Ava is irritated that she is sharing the apartment with a stranger. Liam is a professional surfer who wants to plant roots and purchase a store nearby that keeps with a surfing theme.

Ava sees herself as a planner who likes security and lives a predictable life. Liam is a free spirit who has had adventure with his career and lives in the moment. The two get to know each other and find that adventure and stability seems to have a place in each other's life.

This was a fun rom-com and I look forward to more at Ocean Shores.

[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hopelessly Romantic" by Barbara Freethy is an enjoyable reading experience that is sure to lift your spirits. In this charming tale, Ava finds herself in an unexpected situation when her sister, Serena, persuades her to cat-sit at her and her new husband, Brad's, apartment while they're on their honeymoon. Ava's surprise turns to shock when she discovers that Liam, a friend of Brad's, has also been asked to stay at the apartment during the couple’s absence. Faced with a dilemma and bound by their promises, Ava and Liam must find a way to coexist peacefully. Barbara crafts a delightful story of unexpected roommates, turning a potentially awkward situation into a heartwarming exploration of compromise, friendship, and the possibility of romance. Adding another layer of charm to the story are the other residents residing in the Ocean Shores apartments. Each character adds depth and warmth to the book. Barbara has once again created relatable and endearing characters who enhance the overall charm of the book. I definitely recommend this book, and I look forward to the next installment of the series.

[Ruthie Palmatier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopelessly Romantic is a delightful romance novel. When Ava and Liam are thrown into a situation of sharing an apartment for 10 days while her sister and his friend are away on their honeymoon, neither one is happy, and neither one is willing to leave. These two couldn't be more different. Ava has been the responsible one, always needing to be in control of her life so she knows what to expect and can live a safe and secure life. Liam, on the other hand, is an Australian surfer who has always been on the move, doing the surfing championship tours, living a free spirit lifestyle going wherever the wind blows, without a plan in place. Surviving the 10 days is all they are hoping for, but as they spend time together and with a little help from the resident cat they are tasked to take care of, these two start to rub off on each other, giving both a new look on life and perhaps love. I thoroughly enjoyed this book start to finish and can't wait to see where the next book in the series takes us! 

Thanks to the author for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[R J Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.

The title says it all. There’s a touch of cupid’s magic going on in the Ocean Shores apartment complex. Not that Ava Cambell believes in love. She’s a steady as you go like of girl. She believes that hard work will get her where she wants to go. She’s had her career all planned and she’s marching ahead, one step at a time. That is until she finds herself cat-sitting for her sister’s cat while Serena is on her honeymoon, and in walks a Liam…a surfer who takes one day at a time with no commitments beyond the next wave. How can one strait-laced workaholic share space with the laid-back Aussie? Is it possible to find common ground?

This story was so much fun to read. The characters are quirky yet strong willed. The setting is idyllic. And the plot line was laugh-out-loud fun. I’m looking forward to following along as each tenant gets his/her own happy ending [especially the wounded warrior who’s keeping to himself while he heals. I want to know more about him.

[Mala · Rating 2 out of 5]

The reason I felt this book was only worth two stars was because of how frustrated I was throughout the novel. First, there were misogynistic coworkers. Please tell me how nothing more happened to those two men?! She should have sued the company for gender bias. She put in so much work to get out with nothing. ARE YOU JOKING?Then we got secondary characters that didn't get a complete story arc Maggie really felt like she was having an emotional affair with Frank and that was so messed up. I understand that she felt like she wasn't being heard in the marriage but she basically ran off with another man and just left her husband behind. For both Maggie and John to compare their story to Ava and Liam and then Maggie say how she felt she wasn't loved was a little like a copout. It felt like she was justifying the emotional affair. , and characters we were somewhat introduced to without ever meeting what happened to the package?! Even though I was able to finish the novel, I definitely will not be completing the series.