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Pleasure Island #1
Low Tide Bikini
This beach romance has plenty of sizzle and giggle. It will make you laugh and sigh, with its zany characters, ostrich farm, talented musicians, snarky down-on-her-luck heroine, and hunky British hero. Sam Carlisle is the double bass player in the all girl jazz ensemble, Bikini Quartet. When she breaks down on the drawbridge, a muscle-man she later discovers is her new landlord comes to her rescue. Brock Knight is a retired rugby player from Wales. He's eager to get away from the paparazzi that hound him day and night. When he moves into his new beach house on Pleasure Island, North Carolina before Sam has a chance to relocate, he learns the proper way to shag.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2013
115 people are currently reading
1780 people want to read
About the author
Lyla Dune
6 books70 followersLyla Dune can and has fixed musical instruments with nothing more than paper clips and rubber bands moments before showtime. She's taught music, pitched her songs on Music Row in Nashville, been the only girl in a 17 piece big band (Glen Miller style- swing band), toured with a performance group that traveled from Florida to Montreal, Canada, and then she found a poetry forum online and her world changed forever. Ever since that first poem, she's become a word junkie. Most days that means a backspace junkie, but you get the idea.
When a couple of immediate family members were seriously ill, she wanted to stay close to home and assist them as best she could. With gigging at a standstill, she spent her time reading and writing. She wrote a few poems and stories and decided to submit them to literary magazines. To her amazement, her first published story was accepted two hours after she'd submitted it. She was hooked. She increased the word count of her works from poem, to flash fiction, to short story length. Then, she decided to tackle the (dun,dun, DUN) Novel.
When she hit "the end" of her first draft, she soon discovered, that's when the real writing begins. And, if a writer is lucky, that's when the magic happens. Revision = magic. She is thrilled to finally find a way to turn back time and say those one-liners she can never come up with until long after the "moment" has passed.
She's living a writer's dream at the beach with her husband, Gary, who is her real life hero.
When a couple of immediate family members were seriously ill, she wanted to stay close to home and assist them as best she could. With gigging at a standstill, she spent her time reading and writing. She wrote a few poems and stories and decided to submit them to literary magazines. To her amazement, her first published story was accepted two hours after she'd submitted it. She was hooked. She increased the word count of her works from poem, to flash fiction, to short story length. Then, she decided to tackle the (dun,dun, DUN) Novel.
When she hit "the end" of her first draft, she soon discovered, that's when the real writing begins. And, if a writer is lucky, that's when the magic happens. Revision = magic. She is thrilled to finally find a way to turn back time and say those one-liners she can never come up with until long after the "moment" has passed.
She's living a writer's dream at the beach with her husband, Gary, who is her real life hero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 25, 2023
At work one day I took my break and then realized I’d left my book at home. So I grabbed my iPad and scrolled to the very bottom of the books in my Kindle app, and this was the book waiting there the longest.
Initially I was a little put off by the heroine, Sam, for a stupid reason I’ll admit. She meets Brock, who is English but has been living in Wales, and when he asks where the loo is she doesn’t know what he means. And I was thinking everyone knows what that means, right? And then there was this exchange:
“Who retires at thirty-eight?”
“Pro rugby players?”
“Rugby?” What the heck was rugby? If she’d never heard of it, it couldn’t be that darn popular. But then again, if it was some kind of sport, that’d explain why she wasn’t familiar with it.
Ok, maybe she’s not familiar with it, but she’s never even heard of it? But then I told myself that there might actually be Americans who don’t know what a loo is, or what rugby is, and who might not know what Brock means when he uses other English words and I needed to get over it. Fortunately that was a short-lived thread in the book and after that Sam didn’t seem to have any trouble understanding Brock.
And after that I got pretty caught up in the story and I really liked Sam and I really really liked Brock. They both have issues to overcome, though I felt Brock’s weren’t really addressed or discussed by the two of them as much as Sam’s were. She eventually opened up to Brock about hers, and in the end he went to great lengths to accommodate her issues, at the risk of losing her, but she never seemed to give any thought to his issues. And at one point his issues did nearly cause him to lose her, but he mentioned his issues and then they moved on without actually talking about why he acted the way he did.
Regardless, I was pretty invested in their romance, I laughed several times, and I might have even teared up when the wonderful resolution came. I definitely want to read the rest of the books in this series.
Initially I was a little put off by the heroine, Sam, for a stupid reason I’ll admit. She meets Brock, who is English but has been living in Wales, and when he asks where the loo is she doesn’t know what he means. And I was thinking everyone knows what that means, right? And then there was this exchange:
“Who retires at thirty-eight?”
“Pro rugby players?”
“Rugby?” What the heck was rugby? If she’d never heard of it, it couldn’t be that darn popular. But then again, if it was some kind of sport, that’d explain why she wasn’t familiar with it.
Ok, maybe she’s not familiar with it, but she’s never even heard of it? But then I told myself that there might actually be Americans who don’t know what a loo is, or what rugby is, and who might not know what Brock means when he uses other English words and I needed to get over it. Fortunately that was a short-lived thread in the book and after that Sam didn’t seem to have any trouble understanding Brock.
And after that I got pretty caught up in the story and I really liked Sam and I really really liked Brock. They both have issues to overcome, though I felt Brock’s weren’t really addressed or discussed by the two of them as much as Sam’s were. She eventually opened up to Brock about hers, and in the end he went to great lengths to accommodate her issues, at the risk of losing her, but she never seemed to give any thought to his issues. And at one point his issues did nearly cause him to lose her, but he mentioned his issues and then they moved on without actually talking about why he acted the way he did.
Regardless, I was pretty invested in their romance, I laughed several times, and I might have even teared up when the wonderful resolution came. I definitely want to read the rest of the books in this series.
February 12, 2014
Ok, this may well be unreasonable, but a huge bugbear of mine was in this book!
The male main character was British.
I have had issues before with how British Characters can be written by non British authors!
It may be unreasonable but it bugs the hell out of me!
I usually like to play "love" and "mate" bingo, if I get a full line I have a shot of tequila, throw the book and start a new one!
And yes, "love" and "mate" was used in full force here!
Also, he referred to his penis as "willy". No, no fully grown man uses the term willy. Unless for some reason to a small male child....as in "put your willy away, no one wants to see it, and stop trying to wrap it around a pencil"
Oh and he played Rugby.
He used "bloody hell" a lot
And preferred Bitter to Lager such is his Britishness!
There was even a Page Three, a Beckham and Margaret Thatcher reference in the space of one page!
And then he turned into a fake upper class British guy and was throwing around terms such as "most assuredly" and "do you perchance" and he was not being ironic, oddly, as maybe that would have been even more British!
Yet, he referred to knickers as panties, and his equally, actually still living in Britain brother used Diaper instead of nappy! I could have let that go of I had not had so many British Clichés chucked at me previously!
Did not particularly like the female lead. She was annoyed this man was daring to want to live and make changes to his own house! Ok, she had lived there 5 years, but was always aware she was a house sitter, and she seemed to have free loaded off the previous owners for most of that time. And why she would house-sit where the room that was meant to be hers was windowless, and she was claustrophobic and had to medicate herself before sleeping there was beyond me!
Skim read most of it after that tbh...the characters and storyline just did not grab me enough to overlook the stuff that annoyed me.
The male main character was British.
I have had issues before with how British Characters can be written by non British authors!
It may be unreasonable but it bugs the hell out of me!
I usually like to play "love" and "mate" bingo, if I get a full line I have a shot of tequila, throw the book and start a new one!
And yes, "love" and "mate" was used in full force here!
Also, he referred to his penis as "willy". No, no fully grown man uses the term willy. Unless for some reason to a small male child....as in "put your willy away, no one wants to see it, and stop trying to wrap it around a pencil"
Oh and he played Rugby.
He used "bloody hell" a lot
And preferred Bitter to Lager such is his Britishness!
There was even a Page Three, a Beckham and Margaret Thatcher reference in the space of one page!
And then he turned into a fake upper class British guy and was throwing around terms such as "most assuredly" and "do you perchance" and he was not being ironic, oddly, as maybe that would have been even more British!
Yet, he referred to knickers as panties, and his equally, actually still living in Britain brother used Diaper instead of nappy! I could have let that go of I had not had so many British Clichés chucked at me previously!
Did not particularly like the female lead. She was annoyed this man was daring to want to live and make changes to his own house! Ok, she had lived there 5 years, but was always aware she was a house sitter, and she seemed to have free loaded off the previous owners for most of that time. And why she would house-sit where the room that was meant to be hers was windowless, and she was claustrophobic and had to medicate herself before sleeping there was beyond me!
Skim read most of it after that tbh...the characters and storyline just did not grab me enough to overlook the stuff that annoyed me.
Read
February 5, 2014Wonderful book
I truly enjoyed reading this book. it was funny at times and other times I had a box of tissues by my side. the characters are wonderful. a really beautiful story.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. it was funny at times and other times I had a box of tissues by my side. the characters are wonderful. a really beautiful story.
April 5, 2014
DNF... I wish I could list some of the pet peeves this book didn't manage to gather together, but honestly, I don't think that's necessary. It got all of them!
Blonde heroine who is quick to jump to assumptions? Check.
Said heroine proves to also be judgemental? Check.
A girl musical band that reminds me too much of badly written fanfics? Check.
A wonderful, grumpy hero, who is everything a woman could want, and yet turns into that blonde bimbo's door mat - AND scapegoat? Damn it all, check.
Everyone around saying how beautiful and hot and kind-hearted the heroine is, without seeing she needs to go jump off a cliff so that her brain might get a bit of fresh air? Check.
A blurb that promises so much, and yet a story that gives so little? Check.
A hell of an idiot friend who doesn't have more brain than the bimbo main heroine she calls a friend? (yes, I do believe we should put Mazy in the same fire pit we shall put Sam) Double Check.
And... what am I forgetting, I wonder.... Oh, yes! The fact she thought so lowly of him, she would assume he had a threesome with her and said stupid friend when they were drunk, even though he wasn't in the same bed with them, all because her friend said so. Oooh, and how he just HAD to be a womanizer - according to her - when he smiled at the nurse who took care of him, but she had every right to flirt with other men and be ashamed when he tried to keep other guys from hitting on her... Check, check, and check!
I don't think there's anything else to say. I couldn't bear to finish it, I couldn't keep watching poor Brock getting humiliated, accused, and mocked about his vocabulary or country or accent. And I certainly DON'T want to read the next book, which I found out is Mazy's story! Mazy can go to the deepest pits of hell, and take Sam with her, for all I care!!!
***I was given a review copy from a LibraryThing Member Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Find this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
Blonde heroine who is quick to jump to assumptions? Check.
Said heroine proves to also be judgemental? Check.
A girl musical band that reminds me too much of badly written fanfics? Check.
A wonderful, grumpy hero, who is everything a woman could want, and yet turns into that blonde bimbo's door mat - AND scapegoat? Damn it all, check.
Everyone around saying how beautiful and hot and kind-hearted the heroine is, without seeing she needs to go jump off a cliff so that her brain might get a bit of fresh air? Check.
A blurb that promises so much, and yet a story that gives so little? Check.
A hell of an idiot friend who doesn't have more brain than the bimbo main heroine she calls a friend? (yes, I do believe we should put Mazy in the same fire pit we shall put Sam) Double Check.
And... what am I forgetting, I wonder.... Oh, yes! The fact she thought so lowly of him, she would assume he had a threesome with her and said stupid friend when they were drunk, even though he wasn't in the same bed with them, all because her friend said so. Oooh, and how he just HAD to be a womanizer - according to her - when he smiled at the nurse who took care of him, but she had every right to flirt with other men and be ashamed when he tried to keep other guys from hitting on her... Check, check, and check!
I don't think there's anything else to say. I couldn't bear to finish it, I couldn't keep watching poor Brock getting humiliated, accused, and mocked about his vocabulary or country or accent. And I certainly DON'T want to read the next book, which I found out is Mazy's story! Mazy can go to the deepest pits of hell, and take Sam with her, for all I care!!!
***I was given a review copy from a LibraryThing Member Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Find this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
February 12, 2014
I received this book from a GoodReads contest I entered.
What a sweet, romantic story. I absolutely loved it!
Poor Sam - gets emotionally involved with a pretty face and then swindled out of her emotions, money and assets, not once but 4 times. After her last boyfriend, of 3 years, took her money, her car and left her with a mountain of debt, she promised herself she would focus on her career and herself. Playing in a quartet with her girlfriends and house sitting for a friend for the last 5 years has helped her cure some of her pain, claw her way out of debt and become close with the girls and the community she lives in.
Enter Brock - hot, alpha male, rugby player extraordinaire. His career ending injury has his girlfriend dump him for another player. He trades his "flat" for a beach house, the beach house that Sam is currently "house sitting".
They meet under less than ideal circumstances. The attraction is instant and electric. Though the book you learn the quirks of Sam and Brock, why they tick, what they think.
It was a sweet, emotional, romantic and hot sexy read. I admit, I cried in several places. This book was well written and pulled you in. Fresh and different, you must read it. I loved it, one of my favorite books of all times.
What a sweet, romantic story. I absolutely loved it!
Poor Sam - gets emotionally involved with a pretty face and then swindled out of her emotions, money and assets, not once but 4 times. After her last boyfriend, of 3 years, took her money, her car and left her with a mountain of debt, she promised herself she would focus on her career and herself. Playing in a quartet with her girlfriends and house sitting for a friend for the last 5 years has helped her cure some of her pain, claw her way out of debt and become close with the girls and the community she lives in.
Enter Brock - hot, alpha male, rugby player extraordinaire. His career ending injury has his girlfriend dump him for another player. He trades his "flat" for a beach house, the beach house that Sam is currently "house sitting".
They meet under less than ideal circumstances. The attraction is instant and electric. Though the book you learn the quirks of Sam and Brock, why they tick, what they think.
It was a sweet, emotional, romantic and hot sexy read. I admit, I cried in several places. This book was well written and pulled you in. Fresh and different, you must read it. I loved it, one of my favorite books of all times.
January 22, 2014
For a first time author, Lyla has done an excellent job at character development and the art of subtle conflict needed in a romance novel.
The interaction between Brock and Sam is very turbulent in the beginning, and then smooths out when they finally realize they can't live without each other.
The subtle hint that fame isn't all that, wasn't lost on me either.
This is a great contemporary romance, a genre I don't usually read, but will make a point of recommending this author to others as well as picking up her other books when they come out.
The interaction between Brock and Sam is very turbulent in the beginning, and then smooths out when they finally realize they can't live without each other.
The subtle hint that fame isn't all that, wasn't lost on me either.
This is a great contemporary romance, a genre I don't usually read, but will make a point of recommending this author to others as well as picking up her other books when they come out.
October 25, 2020
I don't care what the rest of you think I love this book..
To be honest I can't wait to get the rest of this series. I truly enjoyed it this book had some laugh out loud moments and a few tear moments but overall I'm recommending this book and this author.
To be honest I can't wait to get the rest of this series. I truly enjoyed it this book had some laugh out loud moments and a few tear moments but overall I'm recommending this book and this author.
January 23, 2014
Sam Carlisle has sworn off men, after her ex broke up with her through twitter. 140 characters has never seemed so aggravating. Just that inclusion made me wonder which words held the hash tags. Anyway, to Sam hot men aren't a topic for commitment, all her exes were gorgeous and the breakups were ever creative. She's single, an instrumentalist for a band on the Island called Bikini Quartet, where it's rumoured that when she's playing, male guests love it because she has her O-face on. Her life is normal until Brock Knight walks in.
He's hot, he's charming, he's British, he's sexy. As if that isn't enough he's retired from rugby and has the body to prove it. The kind of man you ladies would swoon to. Until you find out he's planning on throwing you out of his house which is—was your house in six weeks.
She's told him she's gay. His willy, Rebel (as he calls him), has shown his intent of being with her. After all, they are under the same roof (for six weeks) and might as well take advantage of it.
But, would something more than frenemyship develop?
It's the perfect book to anticipate your summer holidays this year. The beach, Pleasure Island, is your ultimate escape, think hot couples, sorry singles sun-bathing with Seniors baring it all. And to be honest, a part of me wanted to escape for Pleasure! So I couldn't, bummer! But Lyla's beautiful description made me feel I did.—★
With super-steamy scenes that made you squirm in your seat, suggestive yet obscure language used creatively (like who knew shag was a dance?), to be frank my forehead was piling with perspiration being engulfed in all that sexual tension. And my oh my, when that tension was released, let's just say I felt like a very cold shower. —★★
This book wasn't all scenes that made you squirm in your seat with excitement, but ones that made you feel an emotional connection with the characters. Like the fact that Sam is an orphan being why she'd always thought relationships were anything but permanent, or that Brock Knight wrote poetry which he was so protective about (Lol). I did love both our leads and thought they were perfect for each other, that is, when they weren't trying to make the other red like a tomato—★★★
Speaking of characters, this book had lots that were fun to read about. Myrtle and Louise, the oldies who'd waggle their eyebrows suggestively at Brock Knight and post pictures of the couple all over their website with polls on whether they'd be fuck buddies or fall in love. Mazy, from Sam's band also held my interest with her humor and tom-boyishness.—★★★★
This book made me laugh, laugh so hard, look away when things were getting emotional (I didn't want to wet the neckline of my v-neck t-shirt). But then I wished it was a bit unique, I felt it was your every contemporary everyday romance that still had all the elements for an entertaining read.
I recommend this title for anyone celebrating summer earlier this year. Anyone in the mood for something to keep their nights warm. Anyone who wants something with two fun leads.
He's hot, he's charming, he's British, he's sexy. As if that isn't enough he's retired from rugby and has the body to prove it. The kind of man you ladies would swoon to. Until you find out he's planning on throwing you out of his house which is—was your house in six weeks.
She's told him she's gay. His willy, Rebel (as he calls him), has shown his intent of being with her. After all, they are under the same roof (for six weeks) and might as well take advantage of it.
But, would something more than frenemyship develop?
It's the perfect book to anticipate your summer holidays this year. The beach, Pleasure Island, is your ultimate escape, think hot couples, sorry singles sun-bathing with Seniors baring it all. And to be honest, a part of me wanted to escape for Pleasure! So I couldn't, bummer! But Lyla's beautiful description made me feel I did.—★
With super-steamy scenes that made you squirm in your seat, suggestive yet obscure language used creatively (like who knew shag was a dance?), to be frank my forehead was piling with perspiration being engulfed in all that sexual tension. And my oh my, when that tension was released, let's just say I felt like a very cold shower. —★★
This book wasn't all scenes that made you squirm in your seat with excitement, but ones that made you feel an emotional connection with the characters. Like the fact that Sam is an orphan being why she'd always thought relationships were anything but permanent, or that Brock Knight wrote poetry which he was so protective about (Lol). I did love both our leads and thought they were perfect for each other, that is, when they weren't trying to make the other red like a tomato—★★★
Speaking of characters, this book had lots that were fun to read about. Myrtle and Louise, the oldies who'd waggle their eyebrows suggestively at Brock Knight and post pictures of the couple all over their website with polls on whether they'd be fuck buddies or fall in love. Mazy, from Sam's band also held my interest with her humor and tom-boyishness.—★★★★
This book made me laugh, laugh so hard, look away when things were getting emotional (I didn't want to wet the neckline of my v-neck t-shirt). But then I wished it was a bit unique, I felt it was your every contemporary everyday romance that still had all the elements for an entertaining read.
I recommend this title for anyone celebrating summer earlier this year. Anyone in the mood for something to keep their nights warm. Anyone who wants something with two fun leads.
February 6, 2014
Sam’s been dumped by a man, not one time but many times. Her last guy dumped her via the Internet. Can she ever find happiness with a guy again? Her friend helps her find a beachfront house to “house sit” for a couple. Things are going well. Sam enjoys the area, is paying down her debt (Did I mention that her last beau left her about $50,000 in the hole when he left?), has integrated herself into the small Pleasure Island community, and has found an enjoyable stint as a member of a girl’s band that plays regularly on the island. Just as she learns the house she has been living in has been sold to some unknown, Sam encounters Brock Knight, on-time soccer star from Wales who is now in retirement, when her car dies on the island drawbridge. Little do either of them know that their paths will cross because Brock is the new owner of the beachfront house that Sam has been living in for the past few years. The story of their life together those first few weeks is the plot of this funny and endearing novel. I loved the way Sam and Brock interacted, stiffly at first, gradually becoming more comfortable with each other. There is real chemistry between the two, from the very start. I found myself enthralled with finding out just how and if these two would ever end up even tolerating each other, let alone liking or loving each other. The island is small and has so many interesting, quirky characters, from Sam’s best friends and fellow band members, to the gossipy older woman who sees to be everywhere you don’t want her to be because of the tales she spreads, to the plucky ostrich who belongs to a couple on the island and is usually around somewhere. This is the author’s first book and has definitely shown all of us readers just how well she can and does write and how creative and real she can be with plot and characters. I immediately felt a part of the island community, as I became engrossed in this sweet romantic tale. My only regret was that it ended too soon. I certainly will be looking for the author’s next installment. This book should appeal to every reader who enjoys a light romance infused with comedy and memorable characters and settings. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.
January 7, 2014
I’ll be honest with you from the start of this review. I came close to giving this book 4 stars but realised that with the huge smile that I had upon reading the closing lines of this book I was being mean. Is this book a full 5 stars? No. Why? There are parts in the book that just do not seem to fit in well with the rest of the book. Either they seem rushed or just out of place and for this reason count this review as 4 ½ stars.
Now the story itself!! I cannot help grinning while writing this thinking of what to say. You have an American girl, Sam, house sitting for a couple who one day gets a call on a drawbridge (stay with me here!) telling her that her home has been sold and that she has 6 weeks in which to vacate. She breaks down on the bridge where a gorgeous guy helps jump start her car. Horror of horrors she later finds out that the gorgeous British guy who helped her on the bridge is indeed the new owner of the house.
There are many humorous moments in this book. With the different meaning that Americans and British use for words it leads to interesting conversations between the pair. One that springs to mind is a conversation about Sam’s dance trophy for Shagging! As a Brit myself I was giggling away picturing in my mind exactly what Brock, the British man, was envisioning!!
There are also many heartfelt moments which I will not go into too much as to not ruin the story. Needless to say at the end when their HEA occurred I was silently cheering them on!
It is a great start to a series from a brand new author and I for one cannot wait to read her next book in the series about one of Sam’s friends, Rip Tide Bikini. If this is her debut novel you know that there can be only good things to come!!
Please note I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Now the story itself!! I cannot help grinning while writing this thinking of what to say. You have an American girl, Sam, house sitting for a couple who one day gets a call on a drawbridge (stay with me here!) telling her that her home has been sold and that she has 6 weeks in which to vacate. She breaks down on the bridge where a gorgeous guy helps jump start her car. Horror of horrors she later finds out that the gorgeous British guy who helped her on the bridge is indeed the new owner of the house.
There are many humorous moments in this book. With the different meaning that Americans and British use for words it leads to interesting conversations between the pair. One that springs to mind is a conversation about Sam’s dance trophy for Shagging! As a Brit myself I was giggling away picturing in my mind exactly what Brock, the British man, was envisioning!!
There are also many heartfelt moments which I will not go into too much as to not ruin the story. Needless to say at the end when their HEA occurred I was silently cheering them on!
It is a great start to a series from a brand new author and I for one cannot wait to read her next book in the series about one of Sam’s friends, Rip Tide Bikini. If this is her debut novel you know that there can be only good things to come!!
Please note I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2014
I received this book from a GoodReads contest I entered.
What a sweet, romantic story. I absolutely loved it!
Poor Sam - gets emotionally involved with a pretty face and then swindled out of her emotions, money and assets, not once but 4 times. After her last boyfriend, of 3 years, took her money, her car and left her with a mountain of debt, she promised herself she would focus on her career and herself. Playing in a quartet with her girlfriends and house sitting for a friend for the last 5 years has helped her cure some of her pain, claw her way out of debt and become close with the girls and the community she lives in.
Enter Brock - hot, alpha male, rugby player extraordinaire. His career ending injury has his girlfriend dump him for another player. He trades his "flat" for a beach house, the beach house that Sam is currently "house sitting".
They meet under less than ideal circumstances. The attraction is instant and electric. Though the book you learn the quirks of Sam and Brock, why they tick, what they think.
It was a sweet, emotional, romantic and hot sexy read. I admit, I cried in several places. This book was well written and pulled you in. Fresh and different, you must read it. I loved it, one of my favorite books of all times.
What a sweet, romantic story. I absolutely loved it!
Poor Sam - gets emotionally involved with a pretty face and then swindled out of her emotions, money and assets, not once but 4 times. After her last boyfriend, of 3 years, took her money, her car and left her with a mountain of debt, she promised herself she would focus on her career and herself. Playing in a quartet with her girlfriends and house sitting for a friend for the last 5 years has helped her cure some of her pain, claw her way out of debt and become close with the girls and the community she lives in.
Enter Brock - hot, alpha male, rugby player extraordinaire. His career ending injury has his girlfriend dump him for another player. He trades his "flat" for a beach house, the beach house that Sam is currently "house sitting".
They meet under less than ideal circumstances. The attraction is instant and electric. Though the book you learn the quirks of Sam and Brock, why they tick, what they think.
It was a sweet, emotional, romantic and hot sexy read. I admit, I cried in several places. This book was well written and pulled you in. Fresh and different, you must read it. I loved it, one of my favorite books of all times.
February 10, 2014
Big massive YAY to my Amazon Kindle Freebie Whoring ways, because it landed this gem onto my kindle.
I bloody loved, loved, loved this book. It is a real LOL book, that is already in my 'to read again' folder. There were times where I was literally PMSL. Underneath it all there is some sadness, but that is beautifully balanced by all the humour. And to top it all the sex was super hot as well, I would go as far to say that they are some of the best written sex scenes I have read in a very, very long time. Along with the main characters Sam and Brock, you get a whole load of excellent interesting supporting characters. Every village and town should have a Myrtle, and a 'Bare Point'.
This is one of those books that will stay with you.
It is book one in a series, and is stand alone, basically no cliff-hangers, so a big yay for that. The next book is about Mazy and I cannot wait to buy it.
I bloody loved, loved, loved this book. It is a real LOL book, that is already in my 'to read again' folder. There were times where I was literally PMSL. Underneath it all there is some sadness, but that is beautifully balanced by all the humour. And to top it all the sex was super hot as well, I would go as far to say that they are some of the best written sex scenes I have read in a very, very long time. Along with the main characters Sam and Brock, you get a whole load of excellent interesting supporting characters. Every village and town should have a Myrtle, and a 'Bare Point'.
This is one of those books that will stay with you.
It is book one in a series, and is stand alone, basically no cliff-hangers, so a big yay for that. The next book is about Mazy and I cannot wait to buy it.
February 4, 2014
Mrs. Dune. This may be your first book but I surely hope not your last.
I completely enjoyed this book. I refuse to give spoilers. I am a read it for yourself kidda girl.
This book is a little of everything. Sam is our leading lady. A little damaged (aren't we all). Brock is our Britt ( very Swoon worthy and mouth watering) the characters in this book are colorful and animated.
I love love love the fact that the characters are of all ages. I think older propel bring so much to our lives
in so many different ways. The funny is really funny. I found myself giggling through out the chapters as well as my heart swelling with each chapter. The Hot is very Hot and the Tender plucks at your heart. These characters bounce off the page and the story is Amazing. I can't wait till March for the next book. Bravo Mrs. Dune. Bravo!
I completely enjoyed this book. I refuse to give spoilers. I am a read it for yourself kidda girl.
This book is a little of everything. Sam is our leading lady. A little damaged (aren't we all). Brock is our Britt ( very Swoon worthy and mouth watering) the characters in this book are colorful and animated.
I love love love the fact that the characters are of all ages. I think older propel bring so much to our lives
in so many different ways. The funny is really funny. I found myself giggling through out the chapters as well as my heart swelling with each chapter. The Hot is very Hot and the Tender plucks at your heart. These characters bounce off the page and the story is Amazing. I can't wait till March for the next book. Bravo Mrs. Dune. Bravo!
April 23, 2014
I loved this book: Low Tide Bikini. Imagine my surprise when I found out this was Lyla Dune's first book. She did an excellent job.The plot moved quickly, with interesting & funny twists and turns. The characters were realistic, flawed, and likable. One of those books you have to keep reading until you've finished it, then you're disappointed that you're done. You need more. I'm now anxiously awaiting book two Rip Tide Bikini. Soon. I read constantly and can tell how much I enjoy a book by how long it takes me. I started this book late on a Sunday afternoon. I finished the next morning before going to work. Slept 4 1/2 hours during that time. That's a good book. Read this book - you'll love it. And add her next book to your TBR list! Keep your eye on Lyla Dune - she'll have a long career.
March 29, 2014
I got this book free on a Goodreads giveaway. It is the authors first book and it is a first of a series. Brock is a former rugby player from Wales running from the spotlight and Sam is a bassist in a jazz ensemble running towards the spotlight. This book has mature themes which were fine but I felt the book would have still been good without them. Sam was silly and a bit of a mess, Brock was was put together and not real sure what to do with Sam and the odd ball people in the town. Brock finally found his place in life and Sam is still looking for hers. Funny story, kept me laughing, great ending!
September 30, 2014
I enjoyed this book very much. I thought Sam was a great character, strong and independent. I liked how the author gave Sam other issues to overcome (not just the string of past break ups) and that she worked so hard to get past them. The straight forward way that Sam talked about and dealt with her anxiety and other mental health issues was refreshing.
Brock was a good character too. A little clichéd but what good guy romance novel character isn't? He also dealt with some real life issues too which made him more human in my eyes.
Overall a great, steamy, romantic read!
Brock was a good character too. A little clichéd but what good guy romance novel character isn't? He also dealt with some real life issues too which made him more human in my eyes.
Overall a great, steamy, romantic read!
February 5, 2014
What a great love story this was. The title kind of made me think this would be different, but in loved this tale. Sam was delightful and strong and Brock was sexy and sweet. While they struggled to find love and work through their issues I didn't have any wanting to smack them moments. It was sweet and poignant and I really fell for them. I loved all the other side characters who were quirky and fun. I can see several more good stories here, and I will surely pick up the next book when it comes out.
March 5, 2014
Low Tide Bikini. I think this, Mature/Explicit content alert - Readers should be 18 years of age or older, is what got me hooked and made me want to read this book. In the beginning of the book it seems Sam can't have any good luck. She is woke up earlier then noon, gets a phone call from her landlord letting her know she has to move in six weeks, her truck dies on the bridge, she learns that the new landlord will not be waiting six weeks to move in, and finally she is wearing a white shirt that is soaked. What a day. I loved this story.
February 21, 2014
Great story of how attraction can turn into something wonderful!! Sam thought Because of Brock's looks that he would be a butt wipe; but she found out that he was the one for her. He made her happy and he strived and did special things for her without her realizing it because he cared for her. The elevator was a really special point to add to the story...that was really sweet of him. They both love each other so much and finally told each other!!! Wonderful--a must read!
August 6, 2016
I won a ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I finished this book and read the authors note that this was her first book I was shocked. The book is well written and I really enjoyed the characters. Sam's character was so full of life and has overcome so much in her life, and Brock is every girls British fantasy. This book made me laugh and definitely made me excited for the second novel which is Mazy's story!
When I finished this book and read the authors note that this was her first book I was shocked. The book is well written and I really enjoyed the characters. Sam's character was so full of life and has overcome so much in her life, and Brock is every girls British fantasy. This book made me laugh and definitely made me excited for the second novel which is Mazy's story!
February 24, 2014
First I have to disclose I won this book here on goodreads. Now for the good stuff. This book is all the reasons I love reading. Great characters, community, emotions, description and storyline. Not to mention the sexy as hell alpha male. I have a hard time believing that this is a first book by this author. It was extremely well written and had me crying like a baby at times. I can not recommend this book enough. This is one series I look forward to following.
February 24, 2014
What a lucky person I was to receive this delightful book through a Library Thing giveaway. Lyla Dune has written the story of Sam a musician and Brock, the man who buys the house Sam is the permanent house sitter of. The characters are well developed with believable back stories and chemistry aplenty. There are hurdles to overcome in their journey to a happy ending. A truly enjoyable book and I do hope that Ms Dune’s next book will be as good as her first one!
February 25, 2014
Hilarious book with a happy ending. I wasn't head over heels with it, but it was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the contrast between Brock and Sam's backgrounds. Rugby players aren't something you read too much about in US written books, and I appreciate the fact that Sam was a jazz bassist-very atypical for a younger woman. Not positive I would continue reading the series but this was definitely worth the time spent.
December 27, 2013
Lyla Dune has created a rich new world on Pleasure Island, a setting chockfull of colorful characters. And ostriches! I enjoyed reading Sam & Brock's story, and I look forward to reading the upcoming books in the series. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes humorous contemporary romances with lots of heat.
January 19, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. This is Lyla Dune's first book and she nailed it. It was hilarious and sweet. I fell in love with the residents of the island and I'm ecstatic that Mazy's story is next. The writing was perfect and the characters were great. Definitely worth a read.
February 7, 2014
I thought this was a really cute book. At times I had to force my self to go on in some parts and in some parts I was like OMg. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to travel but cant. Myrtle was the best and at times so crazzzzy, I loved how she had Carl with her. Def. pick this book up and read it!
February 7, 2014
i knew from the synopsis that this is a book worth enjoying, there is a lot of fun in it that put Sam in every beautiful, sad happy, fun moment and Brock in every unbeleivable situation that he never beleive himself fall for Sam. But as they say love does things to us that we can't understand but enjoy.
A true love story :):):)
A true love story :):):)
August 1, 2015
Absolutely loved it
This book was excellent. It made me laugh out loud and fall in love. Brock was super special and super sweet. Sexy bits, but not over the top.
Considering this was the authors first story she has done an amazing job. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
This book was excellent. It made me laugh out loud and fall in love. Brock was super special and super sweet. Sexy bits, but not over the top.
Considering this was the authors first story she has done an amazing job. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
February 12, 2014
Picked this book up for free on my Kindle, wasn't sure what the story even was just started reading. I enjoyed the characters and story. Kind of fun characters on Paradise Island that would be fun to read more about. I will be looking for the next book hope we still learn a little more about what happens to Samantha and Brock.
February 14, 2014
Good but not great
I liked the story but I did not get any chemistry going between the h & h. I got that each had feelings for each other but when they were together was just dull. No chemistry, no heat, just individual confusion. I did find it dragged in places & the end was a bit rushed. The story line was interesting but it fell a bit flat.
I liked the story but I did not get any chemistry going between the h & h. I got that each had feelings for each other but when they were together was just dull. No chemistry, no heat, just individual confusion. I did find it dragged in places & the end was a bit rushed. The story line was interesting but it fell a bit flat.
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