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Pelican Bay #1
You’re Still the One
It’s lights, camera, action when reality TV comes to the Jersey shore.
Ten years have passed since a hurricane ravaged the small beach town of Pelican Bay. On that fateful night, Emma Erickson was part of a tragedy that changed her life. While her friends moved away after the storm, Emma gave up her dream of art school and remained on the island. When her grandmother passed away, Emma became successor to head the committee to restore the family amusement pier. Now, Emma will need to convince her friends to return, including the boy who once held a special place in her heart.
Jason Maguire hasn’t looked back since leaving the broken beach town ten years ago. After abandoning his dream of architecture school, he moved to Florida, where he and his brother started a business flipping houses. Their talent caught the eye of producers from a reality TV show, where they rose in popularity and now live the life they’ve always dreamed. When Jason returns home for a funeral, he’s forced to remember details from that night, including facing the girl he left behind.
Now, tempted by a proposal to use his home improvement skills to restore the pier and attract new visitors to the dying beach town, he’ll need to overcome the past that’s haunted him. With the town and their hearts on the line, when the final episode is filmed, will it be enough to reunite them or prove they were never meant to be together?
Ten years have passed since a hurricane ravaged the small beach town of Pelican Bay. On that fateful night, Emma Erickson was part of a tragedy that changed her life. While her friends moved away after the storm, Emma gave up her dream of art school and remained on the island. When her grandmother passed away, Emma became successor to head the committee to restore the family amusement pier. Now, Emma will need to convince her friends to return, including the boy who once held a special place in her heart.
Jason Maguire hasn’t looked back since leaving the broken beach town ten years ago. After abandoning his dream of architecture school, he moved to Florida, where he and his brother started a business flipping houses. Their talent caught the eye of producers from a reality TV show, where they rose in popularity and now live the life they’ve always dreamed. When Jason returns home for a funeral, he’s forced to remember details from that night, including facing the girl he left behind.
Now, tempted by a proposal to use his home improvement skills to restore the pier and attract new visitors to the dying beach town, he’ll need to overcome the past that’s haunted him. With the town and their hearts on the line, when the final episode is filmed, will it be enough to reunite them or prove they were never meant to be together?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2024
19 people are currently reading
2285 people want to read
About the author
Maria K. Alexander
7 books114 followersA romantic at heart, Maria K. Alexander spent hours as a young girl getting lost in and wishing to be one of the heroines in the stories she read. Books gave her the ability to go to another world where she loved meeting new characters, learning about their problems, and watching them fall in love.
Maria is an award-winning author of Contemporary Romance. When not writing, Maria loves to read, bake, downhill ski, visit the beach, and watch romantic comedies. Maria lives in New Jersey with her husband and children, and writes in her “spare” time between juggling a full-time job and her kids’ busy schedules.
You can keep in touch with her at: http://mariakalexander.com.
Maria is an award-winning author of Contemporary Romance. When not writing, Maria loves to read, bake, downhill ski, visit the beach, and watch romantic comedies. Maria lives in New Jersey with her husband and children, and writes in her “spare” time between juggling a full-time job and her kids’ busy schedules.
You can keep in touch with her at: http://mariakalexander.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 20, 2024
This had me bawling like a baby in the prologue! Wow what a well written story that pulled the heart strings!
I was hanging onto every word and loving this story of broke hearts and grief. Watching Pelican Bay and its inhabitants work through some horrible tragedies and come out the other side was beautiful.
I NEED TO READ BOOK 2!!
I was hanging onto every word and loving this story of broke hearts and grief. Watching Pelican Bay and its inhabitants work through some horrible tragedies and come out the other side was beautiful.
I NEED TO READ BOOK 2!!
January 17, 2024
I hadn read any of Maria's books before, but I'm glad I read this. This is the first in a series and spans over a ten year period. Emma and Jason was a couple but the the storm hit and after so much devastation and tragic loss Jason leaves and gives up on his architecture. Emma gives up on her art and when her Aunt dies she take on the need to revamp the amusement pier. When Jason returns he's drawn in and hopes to rekindle what they had before. This is a brilliantly written book which builds and helps pave the way for future books. Which I'll definitely like to read. I received this as an ARC copy and this is my own opinion and review of the book
January 17, 2024
Absolutely loved this book! I felt so much nostalgia reading through this book as someone who grew up going to the Jersey Shore and remembers the long lasting effects.
This was my first MKA book and it did not disappoint. The descriptive terminology and progression of plot was extremely well done. I loved the character development and how the two main characters were able to work together towards a common goal for the better of the town.
Overall a fantastic read and I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series and seeing the town come together!
This was my first MKA book and it did not disappoint. The descriptive terminology and progression of plot was extremely well done. I loved the character development and how the two main characters were able to work together towards a common goal for the better of the town.
Overall a fantastic read and I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series and seeing the town come together!
May 11, 2024
i feel so bad giving this such a low rating but it just wasn’t it for me…
May 24, 2024
I loved this book! It's an excellent example of how a "beach read" romance can also tackle very real emotions and true-life issues. The characters were likeable and had guts. Maria K. Alexander made the romance plot more than interesting; there were some unexpected twists and turns. Her writing is smooth and I enjoyed every minute!
January 31, 2024
Release date for this book is Jan 28th and you do not want to miss it.
Second Chance Romance
He falls first(never really stopped)
Overcoming tragedy
10 years after a tragic event, Emma is facing her ex Jason who she pushed away and told to never come back. Jason reluctant at first but soon realizes there is no where else he needs to be.
My favorite part about this book is how well Maria interwove the connections for her next books in the series without taking away from the story of Emma and Jason. I also really enjoyed the description of Emma's painting, it was a great way to show exactly how that moment in time felt for her.
This is a voluntary review for an advance copy I received.
Second Chance Romance
He falls first(never really stopped)
Overcoming tragedy
10 years after a tragic event, Emma is facing her ex Jason who she pushed away and told to never come back. Jason reluctant at first but soon realizes there is no where else he needs to be.
My favorite part about this book is how well Maria interwove the connections for her next books in the series without taking away from the story of Emma and Jason. I also really enjoyed the description of Emma's painting, it was a great way to show exactly how that moment in time felt for her.
This is a voluntary review for an advance copy I received.
February 9, 2024
I won this book and then starting reading and could NOT put it down. Read it in one day. I loved it! The passion, the past, the possibility of the future... Loved it. So well written! Just a heads up (fyi), its a bit spicy, which I was not aware of ahead of time (I prefer closed door) but, the storyline had so much going for it... it was balanced pretty well. The author opened the door to a lot of possibilities in the future for Pelican Bay. I see a few more possible relationships that may come forward! Can't wait for book 2!
March 7, 2024
This was such a fun read. This is a first for me by this author but I will for sure be coming back to read the rest.
The character development was *chefs kiss* the deceptive words the author uses really helps to paint the picture of who the characters are.
There is some spice in the book, but ya girl gets down with that.
Over all I truly enjoyed this and I can not wait to come back to Pelican Bay
The character development was *chefs kiss* the deceptive words the author uses really helps to paint the picture of who the characters are.
There is some spice in the book, but ya girl gets down with that.
Over all I truly enjoyed this and I can not wait to come back to Pelican Bay
April 7, 2024
This is a really cute, feel-good story about 2nd chances. While there wasn't really anything overly exciting or too shocking, I still really enjoyed reading this book and seeing how the tragic hurricane affected each person in their own way and how they dealt with trying to recover from it.
February 19, 2024
#goodreadsgiveaway
Thank you Goodreads and Maria K. Alexander, this one will definitely be among my favorite wins from Goodreads. Now I have to read the rest of the series! I love the cast of characters, the setting, and the story of their lives.
Thank you Goodreads and Maria K. Alexander, this one will definitely be among my favorite wins from Goodreads. Now I have to read the rest of the series! I love the cast of characters, the setting, and the story of their lives.
February 23, 2024
Fun rom-com that is quick and easy read..not a lot of drama or explicit sex scenes
February 8, 2025
Book Review: You’re Still the One by Maria K Alexander
Pelican Bay #1
* * * *
Jason and Emma
You’re Still the One is a story that is set in a fictional Jersey Shore town called Pelican Bay. Pelican Bay was once the hub of all things tourism and summer fun until an unrelenting summer storm rolled through and destroyed almost everything in her path. The novel starts by having us join a group of friends who are closing up shop and heading to shelter during the start of the big storm. Emma and Jason (high school sweethearts) are among this group who stumbles upon someone who needs saving on the pier. They make a decision that changes the trajectory of their lives (and those around them) in a tragic way.
The majority of the story is set in the present, which takes place ten years after the storm. Emma’s grandmother has just passed away, and she and the town have their hearts set on finally restoring the town to what it used to be. As Emma’s friends return to Pelican Bay to pay their respects to her grandmother, she approaches them to see if they’d be willing to help her bring tourism back to the town to finally help the people of the town back on their feet. Jason and his brother are not sure if they want to uproot their lives and their careers to help, but their beach-house flipping tv show might just be the thing Pelican Bay needs to get moving- publicity, more manpower, and more connections and resources…
To complicate things further, she and Jason haven’t seen each other since the storm. His mother, brother and him moved right after the devastation as his father headed to jail. Out of anger and grief, Emma told him she never wanted to see him again. The story focuses on healing and unraveling years of pain and longing between the two. This is a sweet story that weaves a tale of forgiveness and love, along with the pride and admiration an entire town has for their roots.
Meant-to-be
Small-town
Shore-town
Jersey Shore
High-School Sweethearts
Lovers-to-Enemies-to-Lovers
Second Chance
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you, Maria for letting me be part of your ARC team!!
Pelican Bay #1
* * * *
Jason and Emma
You’re Still the One is a story that is set in a fictional Jersey Shore town called Pelican Bay. Pelican Bay was once the hub of all things tourism and summer fun until an unrelenting summer storm rolled through and destroyed almost everything in her path. The novel starts by having us join a group of friends who are closing up shop and heading to shelter during the start of the big storm. Emma and Jason (high school sweethearts) are among this group who stumbles upon someone who needs saving on the pier. They make a decision that changes the trajectory of their lives (and those around them) in a tragic way.
The majority of the story is set in the present, which takes place ten years after the storm. Emma’s grandmother has just passed away, and she and the town have their hearts set on finally restoring the town to what it used to be. As Emma’s friends return to Pelican Bay to pay their respects to her grandmother, she approaches them to see if they’d be willing to help her bring tourism back to the town to finally help the people of the town back on their feet. Jason and his brother are not sure if they want to uproot their lives and their careers to help, but their beach-house flipping tv show might just be the thing Pelican Bay needs to get moving- publicity, more manpower, and more connections and resources…
To complicate things further, she and Jason haven’t seen each other since the storm. His mother, brother and him moved right after the devastation as his father headed to jail. Out of anger and grief, Emma told him she never wanted to see him again. The story focuses on healing and unraveling years of pain and longing between the two. This is a sweet story that weaves a tale of forgiveness and love, along with the pride and admiration an entire town has for their roots.
Meant-to-be
Small-town
Shore-town
Jersey Shore
High-School Sweethearts
Lovers-to-Enemies-to-Lovers
Second Chance
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you, Maria for letting me be part of your ARC team!!
April 10, 2024
I thought the blurb on this one sounded cute, and I've been reading more rom-coms lately so I was interested in it.
Parts of Pelican Bay were destroyed in Samantha, a major tropical storm that also took the life of Emma's father. When that happened, she pushed everyone away, sending her high school sweetheart out of her life. A decade later, she brings him back to Pelican Bay, along with their two best friends, to try to convince them to begin the restoration of Pelican Bay.
One issue I had with this book is that I didn't really care about Emma and Jason's relationship. Because they were high school sweethearts, the reader is expected to just accept that they will still be in love 10 years later, with no relationship development at all. I like stories that devote more time to making me love the characters and believe in the relationship instead of just accepting the relationship.
I also felt like lots of the internal reflections and the dialogue was repetitive. Jason told his story of growing up rough over and over, and Emma kept reassuring him that he came out of it okay. Over and over again. The dialogue just really didn't do much to move the plot along, and by the time I got to the 60% mark, I didn't really care about the story anymore.
There was just nothing about this book that stands out for me. The characters, the plot, the relationship is all forgettable.
Parts of Pelican Bay were destroyed in Samantha, a major tropical storm that also took the life of Emma's father. When that happened, she pushed everyone away, sending her high school sweetheart out of her life. A decade later, she brings him back to Pelican Bay, along with their two best friends, to try to convince them to begin the restoration of Pelican Bay.
One issue I had with this book is that I didn't really care about Emma and Jason's relationship. Because they were high school sweethearts, the reader is expected to just accept that they will still be in love 10 years later, with no relationship development at all. I like stories that devote more time to making me love the characters and believe in the relationship instead of just accepting the relationship.
I also felt like lots of the internal reflections and the dialogue was repetitive. Jason told his story of growing up rough over and over, and Emma kept reassuring him that he came out of it okay. Over and over again. The dialogue just really didn't do much to move the plot along, and by the time I got to the 60% mark, I didn't really care about the story anymore.
There was just nothing about this book that stands out for me. The characters, the plot, the relationship is all forgettable.
November 3, 2025
Any story taking place at the beach holds a special place in my heart, but You’re Still the One has now taken root in the depths of my soul. This story starts out with such raw emotion, I imagined myself standing on the pier in Pelican Bay, watching the trauma unfold in front of me, tears streaming down my face.
“You’re Still the One” is about love, family and unbreakable bonds but maybe most importantly, it’s about learning how to let go of anger, guilt and trauma. If not being able to forgive, learning how to move past the hurt and devastation so the heart can heal and life can slowly rebuild and move forward.
Relating in similar ways to Emma, Jason and Connor’s childhoods, I was immersed in the family dynamics yet intrigued by the depth of passion for each individual's ways of seeking to improve their lives. This story is truly fiction, but the depth of words written, “holding your head up and continuing to live, you outsmarted them” as an example, is truly inspirational.
You’re still the one encompasses so many relationships and generations, friends, lovers and families. Sharing intimate details of their lives, their fears and challenges but also their successes, motivation and dreams! Author Maria K. Alexander’s style is exquisite, touching my heart and soul.
Maybe it is time for a new beginning…
Highly recommend!
“You’re Still the One” is about love, family and unbreakable bonds but maybe most importantly, it’s about learning how to let go of anger, guilt and trauma. If not being able to forgive, learning how to move past the hurt and devastation so the heart can heal and life can slowly rebuild and move forward.
Relating in similar ways to Emma, Jason and Connor’s childhoods, I was immersed in the family dynamics yet intrigued by the depth of passion for each individual's ways of seeking to improve their lives. This story is truly fiction, but the depth of words written, “holding your head up and continuing to live, you outsmarted them” as an example, is truly inspirational.
You’re still the one encompasses so many relationships and generations, friends, lovers and families. Sharing intimate details of their lives, their fears and challenges but also their successes, motivation and dreams! Author Maria K. Alexander’s style is exquisite, touching my heart and soul.
Maybe it is time for a new beginning…
Highly recommend!
January 26, 2024
The prologue is a total rollercoaster of emotions (pun intended). Could be triggering if you were in a natural disaster situation, if you're ultra sensitive about it, maybe you should skip to chapter 1 after reading the first half of it. But is well written, nothing very graphic, very respectful and... damn, that ending of it 💔 uff.
I loved the book, the whole story is character development in full splendor. The masterplan of grandma works for the revival of the town and specially to helping everyone to fight their past demons and move forward.
I think the last part was a bit to fast pased, but since they had know each other for a long time and had lost a lot of time already, I totally understand why they just go for it.
I'm definitely looking forward for more of this series.
- Small town romance
- Old sweethearts
- Second chance
- Dual POV (in third person, which I totally appreciate).
- Part of a series (each book would be the story of another character).
- HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I loved the book, the whole story is character development in full splendor. The masterplan of grandma works for the revival of the town and specially to helping everyone to fight their past demons and move forward.
I think the last part was a bit to fast pased, but since they had know each other for a long time and had lost a lot of time already, I totally understand why they just go for it.
I'm definitely looking forward for more of this series.
- Small town romance
- Old sweethearts
- Second chance
- Dual POV (in third person, which I totally appreciate).
- Part of a series (each book would be the story of another character).
- HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 16, 2024
Emotional read for how much devastating loss the main characters suffered with hurricane Samantha. Enjoyed watching Jason Maguire and Emma Erickson's relationship grow much stronger after the 10 years apart and having dealt with their losses along with working on remodeling or rebuilding the pier that held the amusement rides, game stalls, fun foods, etc that are all present at carnivals.
The writing held true throughout in describing in detail the work needed to be completed and what was accomplished for Memorial Day weekend opening of this beloved pier in Pelican Bay. The tender love that was needed for both Jace's and Emma's relationship and the 75 year old carousel ran parallel and enjoyed the ending very much. Actually felt like was standing on the pier and envisioning all of the rides, stalls of both food and games was great and exciting
I received an early copy, ARC, and giving my free and voluntary review
The writing held true throughout in describing in detail the work needed to be completed and what was accomplished for Memorial Day weekend opening of this beloved pier in Pelican Bay. The tender love that was needed for both Jace's and Emma's relationship and the 75 year old carousel ran parallel and enjoyed the ending very much. Actually felt like was standing on the pier and envisioning all of the rides, stalls of both food and games was great and exciting
I received an early copy, ARC, and giving my free and voluntary review
March 7, 2024
When I saw the title, You're Still the One, I immediately thought of the 1976 Orleans hit, Still the One. The song lyrics fit the story of twentysomethings Emma Erickson and Jason Maguire of Pelican Bay. Ten years ago, Hurricane Samantha had devastated Erickson Fun Pier, owned and operated by Emma's family. Jason and his family were forced to move to Florida. Jason went into business with his brother and now they stared on the reality show Beach House Flippers. When Emma's friends returned to Pelican Bay for her grandmother's funeral, they agreed to take on the herculean task of restoring the pier. Beach House Flippers agreed to showcase the improvements made to the pier. This is a second chance story, a feel good story, and a great starting point for a series. I enjoyed the book but would have preferred no steamy bedroom scenes. Kudos to the creators of the book cover which is eye-catching and fits the book perfectly.
January 7, 2024
🗞️🗞️🗞️🗞️/5
This was my first book by MKA and I definitely enjoyed it!
This book was your stereotypical romance novel. We have the childhood lovers who get a second chance at love ten years later. Watching that friendship and love regrow was beautiful and so sweet, but it was not without its obstacles.
Jason is swept back to Pelican Bay after Emma’s grandmother passed away and that’s the beginning of their reconnection. I wish there was more tension between them in the beginning because at first it was just anger on Jason’s side to be back, and then all of a sudden he was back in love with her again as if the last ten years didn’t happen. And I’m not really ever a fan of that insta lovey tropes. I like more pining and the banter and the room being thick with tension before they finally cave, so I wasn’t as in love with this book as I would have hoped.
I did enjoy Emma’s character. She’s very well rounded, passionate, and determined. I loved her depth and her creativity, and I just adored how Jason showcased her art in the end of the book for the residents (and tourists) of the new Pelican Bay boardwalk.
If you’re looking for a full romance story with lots of detail, heart, and relatable obstacles to overcome then this book is for you!
This was my first book by MKA and I definitely enjoyed it!
This book was your stereotypical romance novel. We have the childhood lovers who get a second chance at love ten years later. Watching that friendship and love regrow was beautiful and so sweet, but it was not without its obstacles.
Jason is swept back to Pelican Bay after Emma’s grandmother passed away and that’s the beginning of their reconnection. I wish there was more tension between them in the beginning because at first it was just anger on Jason’s side to be back, and then all of a sudden he was back in love with her again as if the last ten years didn’t happen. And I’m not really ever a fan of that insta lovey tropes. I like more pining and the banter and the room being thick with tension before they finally cave, so I wasn’t as in love with this book as I would have hoped.
I did enjoy Emma’s character. She’s very well rounded, passionate, and determined. I loved her depth and her creativity, and I just adored how Jason showcased her art in the end of the book for the residents (and tourists) of the new Pelican Bay boardwalk.
If you’re looking for a full romance story with lots of detail, heart, and relatable obstacles to overcome then this book is for you!
January 7, 2024
*Smalltown
*Second Chance
Emma and Jason were amazing.. They went through a lot of tragic stuff in their teens that changed their lives. Emma didn't know how to cope and Jason was the one who was shoved away. After 10 years they are back and trying to bring life back to their small hometown. When they are back in the same town they realize they never stopped loving each other.. I loved how they helped each other move forward and not look back. The way they came together to rebuild and bring people back. I love every second of this book and couldn't put it down!
*Second Chance
Emma and Jason were amazing.. They went through a lot of tragic stuff in their teens that changed their lives. Emma didn't know how to cope and Jason was the one who was shoved away. After 10 years they are back and trying to bring life back to their small hometown. When they are back in the same town they realize they never stopped loving each other.. I loved how they helped each other move forward and not look back. The way they came together to rebuild and bring people back. I love every second of this book and couldn't put it down!
January 28, 2024
I love a second change romance and You’re Still the One doesn’t disappoint. I was hooked from the start. The Author brings the town of Pelican Bay to life. As someone who lived through Hurricane Sandy, I loved watching Emma, Jason and their friends bring their Jersey Shore town back to its former glory. If the premise wasn’t enough to lure me in, this deliciously wounded hero with a heart of gold won me over. Sexy and with a ton of heart, you will love You’re Still the One. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series!
February 25, 2024
Cute romance. If you love a little bit of hallmark mixed with hgtv then this is your book. The members of pelican bay have to work together to forget the past and build a new future after heartbreak in hurricane samantha. They will overcome struggles and rebuild their tiny tourist town together! I received this book as an arc copy for an honest review.
February 29, 2024
Thank you to Goodreads and MKA for the giveaway read! this was the story of loss, grief, love and healing. I really enjoyed reading this. It was a second-chance romance with a closed-door spice level. Would I say it’s the best book I ever read, no, but that last chapter made my heart really happy. This was very much a HEA ending.
July 8, 2024
Second Chance meets Reality TV
Emma lives in a coastal town that was devastated by a hurricane 10 years ago. Jason is her high school boyfriend who left town after the storm. Now Emma needs Jason and his brother’s home renovation show to help rebuild the pier. This was a nice story about trauma and friendship and second chances.
Emma lives in a coastal town that was devastated by a hurricane 10 years ago. Jason is her high school boyfriend who left town after the storm. Now Emma needs Jason and his brother’s home renovation show to help rebuild the pier. This was a nice story about trauma and friendship and second chances.
October 23, 2024
I thought this book was going to be a great romcom but unfortunately It didn't live up to my expectations. A lot went on in the book that could have been cut out. I think one of the hardest things is the time between the two characters but them still being madly in love with each other just doesn't fit.
I had a hard time finishing this book. It just didn't pull me in like I hoped it would.
I had a hard time finishing this book. It just didn't pull me in like I hoped it would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
Second Chance Romance
What if both lost almost more than you could bear to lose in a natural disaster. What if you didn't handle it well. Is there a chance you can overcome the past and make a future. This is a sweet romance about how second chances might be possi.
What if both lost almost more than you could bear to lose in a natural disaster. What if you didn't handle it well. Is there a chance you can overcome the past and make a future. This is a sweet romance about how second chances might be possi.
June 26, 2025
Feel good romance !
This story is so wonderful and heart warming , with a little spice thrown in. Definitely a feel good story , with well developed arcs and personalities . Can’t wait to read more about Pelican Bay!
This story is so wonderful and heart warming , with a little spice thrown in. Definitely a feel good story , with well developed arcs and personalities . Can’t wait to read more about Pelican Bay!
April 17, 2024
Cute- too Hallmarkish
June 4, 2024
I'm feeling light after reading this one!
June 24, 2024
Sweet story even though it's the same storyline from every other romance
September 27, 2024
Kathy’s review
Loved this book. Wonderful story and characters. Very heartbreaking story with a happy ending. My kind of book! Hope to read more in the series.
Loved this book. Wonderful story and characters. Very heartbreaking story with a happy ending. My kind of book! Hope to read more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews