A Coastal Crush

Sunkissed Summer

by Katie Nelson

Summer love has never been on my radar, but then again, I’ve never been kissed on the coast…until now.

After three years at Denver’s Mountain View Press, I’ve worked my way up to Senior Editorial Assistant. But, that’s where I’m assisting. What I really want to do is publish my own book.

When my adventurous aunt sends me an alluring postcard from her new home in Sunshine Shores, Florida, I jump at the chance for a fresh start. All I have to do is submit my two weeks' notice, dodge any and all sightings of my literary agent crush, Bronson Campbell, and not freak out that I’m making a giant, irresponsible mistake. Easy peasy, right?

As if this humongous life change isn’t overwhelming enough, upon arriving in Sunshine Shores, I’m immediately faced with terrifying Florida wildlife…and an enchanting surfer named Leo Cruz.

Just when I think I’m settling in, my crushes collide. Sooner than I’d like, I have to make a choice…

A Coastal Crush is a sweet small town beach romcom with swoony kisses, but no spice! It's a part of the Sunkissed Summer Novellas, a multi-author series about six former college roommates who are about to find love in the same summer. Make sure to read them all!

Love is a Roller Coaster by Marie Soleil
A Coastal Crush by Katie Nelson
Love on the Sidelines by Britney Mills
Her Runaway Vacay by Jen Atkinson
Camp Help Falling by Ashley Funk
Off Trail Love by Taylor Epperson

Genres: Romance, Summer, Fiction, Sports, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Summer Reads

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2024

About the author

Katie Nelson writes feel-good stories with humor and heart. When she isn't chasing after her energetic family, you can find her reading a book, watching adorable dog videos, or drinking a chai latte.

Reviews

[ੈ✩‧₊˚ faithreads *ೃ༄ (inactive) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ehhh this was boring😔 The pacing was way off, too fast and weird. The love interest was weird and idk what it was about Bronson, it felt almost like the author was trying to make a love triangle but then didn’t? The fmc was so cringe lol and the relationships between characters weren’t developed so it was just off. Anyway prob wouldn’t recommend

Pages: 131
Language: 🫢
TW⚠️:
Genre: Romance
Format I read: Kindle Unlimited
Would I recommend to others: No

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, feel good story and a perfect beach read!

Chloe has a steady job working as an editorial assistant, but has aspirations to become an author. After a discouraging encounter with her boss, she decides she needs a fresh start. Her free-spirited aunt has invited her to join her at a quaint beach town, so off she goes to Sunshine Shores, Florida.

After arriving in Florida, she meets handsome Leo Cruz. He’s a single dad, construction worker, and a surfer.

They immediately crush on each other, but as Chloe’s working on writing her fantasy story, she needs to decide what she wants her own story to be.

Leo and Chloe were really cute together! I loved Chloe and how she grows as she moves out of her comfort zone. I really enjoyed the surfing/life lessons.

This is an adorable novella and great for a quick summer read.

I received a copy from the author, but a positive review was not required.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Beach Read

I enjoyed this sweet and fun coming into her own romance. My mouth watered at the description of donuts and cupcakes. I loved that Chloe was willing to try for her dream.

[Samantha Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous vacation read!

I loved this book! If you want a quick read - with a story that doesn't feel rushed - and that has everything you expect in a longer novel as well as great characters, then you'll love this book! I can't wait to read more of these summer novellas.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super cute novella that made me want to take a trip to the beach!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Emily Lang · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[LESLIE J (mrsj_readsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Katie Nelson for my complimentary copy of A Coastal Crush. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Coastal Crush is a sweet romance with just the right amount of romantic kissing. The novella is a perfect mini vacation to Florida. I enjoyed all the beach scenes. The positive message about balance whether in surfing or life was spot on.
Hoping to find a salted caramel donut and or cupcake soon.

I had to laugh every time she went to the beach in her “casual” clothes and shoes.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Coastal Crush is the second book in the Sunkissed Summer Novella series. This is a multi-author series with connected characters (former college roommates) but can be enjoyed as standalones as well.

This was such fun summer read... definitely the perfect one to read while lounging by the pool! Early in the story, it felt like we were heading for a bit of a love triangle... which admittedly isn't my favorite, but it very quickly became clear that that was not happening. The chemistry was immediate when Chloe and Leo meet for the first time... and what a fun meet cute that was! I absolutely loved these two together. It was definitely a very quick insta-love type romance, and it worked well for them. They were opposites in many ways, but they balanced each other out well... which is perfect because balance was such a big theme in this story. Along with the romance and the humor, there were some great lessons to be learned in surfing and in life and I enjoyed every minute of it. I also find myself very much looking forward to getting Bronson's story too!

This is a super quick read, easily read in one sitting but the perfect dose of summer romance!

A Coastal Crush is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Rinny Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you looking for some fun summer reads?? We’ll look no further than the Sun-kissed Summer Novellas Series.

A Coastal Crush by @authorkatienelson is book two and so much fun to read.

I have finished wanting to quit my job, sell my house and move to a tiny beach community and run a B and B with fun book themed rooms and books every where! I digress because well that’s not what the book is about, not totally.

I loved Chloe and Leo! They’re down to earth, relatable, lovable characters. There is great humor sprinkled throughout.

One of my favorite lines from Chloe regarding Leo:

“It’s gonna take all my maturity to not make it my home screen. At this point, he’s the One Direction to my thirteen-year-old heart. Just a poster on the wall to be admired though, not someone who I have any chance of dating”.— I mean I am too old to fan girl one direction but I did have wham on my walls.. oh George Michael!

But I digressed again, but I totally could relate to Chloe.

[Cassie Lynch · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wouldve DNFed this if I wasn’t working so hard to get my reading goal. The only thing I liked was that there were three POVs which is fun bc you don’t automatically know who the FMC is going with.

Otherwise, the one MMC seems really shallow with an I-only-want-you-bc-I-can’t-have-you-anymore vibe and the other one goes from no dating in 8 years to insta-love and we don’t see the date?? Tell me why I saw her texting about the date, him getting ready, him picking her up in the car, and then we don’t see the date itself?

I’m also incredibly confused about why she couldn’t edit remotely. And why she chose this man she barely knows over her literal dream job. She didn’t have to choose the other MMC (I certainly wouldn’t) but really? We’re refusing the job that could jump-start the career that she “wants so bad” that when she was originally told she couldn’t have it she quit and moved across America?? I’m sorry but the math ain’t mathing.

[Rebecca Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think what I loved most about this book was the authenticity of the characters and that the path they take is unexpected.
—
Chloe has reached a point in her career that it is no longer fulfilling to be someone’s editor…she wants to be her own author. But when rejection of one person has her questioning her writing and abilities, she decides it’s time for a change and leaves it all behind to join her aunt in Florida for a respite. Will she find herself as she planned? Or more?

I have not had a book make a trip to Florida sound so appealing in a long time, but after reading this fabulous novella I was ready to pack my bags and fly towards some white beaches and teal waters.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Coastal Crush was a cute summer novella. I enjoyed this entertaining fast paced story. This story will make you want donuts and cupcakes! Chloe is looking for a fresh start and decides to move in with her aunt to a small costal town. There she meets Leo. Chloe and Leo were adorable together. I loved the banter and how Leo helps Chloe step out of her comfort zone. He was super encouraging to her. The romance was sweet with nothing more than kissing. This novella was adorable and perfect for the summer days!

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Contains: kisses and mentions of prayer.

Here’s the thing, I have been conditioned as a reader that when there is a dual perspective, the two voices are going to be the love interests. I was taken aback when a third perspective was added. It made me not ship Leo and Chloe because I’d already paired Bronson and Chloe. It feels like Bronson was just in there as a plug for his own book. In a novella there isn’t room to add a third voice! There could have been more character development or backstory. There could have been more relationship building. Instead we get instalove between someone who’s never dated and someone who has an 8-year-old. Being a step parent is a big deal and it felt like Ben was just thrown in the mix for reasons.

Also, why can’t Chloe do the edits remotely? Is it really called moving when you just bring a suitcase? Does she not have furniture or crockery or anything? Does she get out of her lease that easily? How does her aunt manage to live in a fancy house? I assumed she was the live in person for air bnb since they have to have an owner onsite but no guests were at the house.

[Dawson + Brin · Rating 4 out of 5]

short, sweet and clean

This book was good a little predictable but sometimes that’s a nice change of pace. The thing I like the most about this book is how clean it is. There are no cuss words, no raunchy sex scenes, and no flirting or provocative sexualization of the characters. They even mentioned prayer/ God a couple times but it was duffle enough that it felt natural. I wish it was a little longer so that there was more time to develop the characters relationship with a little more suspense and creativity.

[Megan Crofton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one started off so great! I giggled so much in just the first few chapters. Even though this is a novella and sometimes they can feel like they are over before they get started, Nelson does such a wonderful job. And I connected with the characters so much! I couldn't wait to see how the story unfolded.

The multi point of view was fun and a surprise as well! I like to go in to books with only a little knowledge and this twist definitely added to the fun! And this book left me craving a beach vacation so bad! I loved the small town feel of the beach town too. The couple (don't want to give too much away) were so cute and were the cutest insta-love pair!

I just devoured this book! I do love a well-written novella and Nelson does a wonderful job!

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is a short and sweet read, the author didn’t leave anything missing. I loved how she set up Chloe in the beginning, so we could really know about her life and who she was before her sudden move. Then we got a front row seat to Chloe coming out of her shell a little. The extra POV chapters left me wondering, so that was a fun twist. I loved Leo’s son and some of his comments will make you chuckle! I would totally read a sequel about Chloe and Leo’s dating life!

[Jennifer Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this one without reading the blurb and I was surprised to find that there was a bit of a love triangle. I honestly can't remember ever reading this trope. I enjoyed the POVs for all three MCs. I very quickly became Team Leo (because what girl can resist a man bun?). I didn't love Chloe, but she did have some sweet moments with Ben and I did feel like she was way more down-to-earth by the end. I enjoyed the surfing and beach vibes. They absolutely made this a fun summer read!

[Jennifer H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute love story about a girl needing a clean slate. Her aunt invites her to come stay with her in Florida after living in Colorado and being a book editor. She dreams of being an author though. Can this move be her great start? Will her dream of becoming an author come to fruition? Check this book out!!! I read it in one sitting!!!

[Berly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, kisses only novella. It can easily be read in one brief sitting, even for a slow reader like myself.

It contains some deeper advice that Chloe learns that helps her make decisions about where her life will go.

I was gifted an advanced copy of this ebook by the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Eric Simonsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun clean too short

I know I was reading a novella but I didn’t want Chloe and Leo’s story to end. The characters are lovable and relatable and I just want to move to a small beach town and open a small bookstore… don’t worry not a spoiler she doesn’t do that. Totally recommend you pick up this summer series. This is book two but totally could be read as a stand alone.

[Shara Bowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This summer novella was short and sweet, with a cute romance, and ALL the beach vibes! I was a little worried about a love triangle at first, but I didn't need to worry! I really enjoyed the characters, the setting, the sweet romance, and the life lesson of needing to find the right balance! All in all a good summer read!

[Natscleanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I found a new favorite author. The book was well-written with no apparent plot holes. A novella that felt complete even though it moved quickly for timing. It contains no swears, kissing only, and no alcohol.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet novella

If you’re looking for a sweet, short novella this one will do nicely. Serious editor meets laid back surfer is the perfect summer beach read. It is certainly sweet with no spice. I am loving this Sunkissed Summer Novells series.

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying Story

Chloe and Leo are so cute together. I love how she made a major life change and how it all works out. I silently cheered for her as she made another major decision in the end. Happy endings are my favorite.

[Mallory Bolick · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet and short! a fun summer read if your looking for a nice coastal getaway (with a hot surfer guy as a bonus ;) ) another fun novella following the story of one of the Sunny Girls. i’m really enjoying this series! definitely perfect for summer!

[Kalynn Yeater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute! I love how Chloe and Leo were just so natural with each other! All of it was very relatable; the meet up, the cupcake date, the surf lesson, the dinner. All of it was super cute! Loved it!

[whimsical reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was way quicker than I anticipated even though it was a novella. Very clean just kisses. There was a random part about praying but still good.

Kinda spoiler: The way she described both guys made me think they were twins or something. Also, I don’t know why she couldn’t just work remotely.

[Lindsay Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story!

This was a short and cute story, and I enjoyed reading it. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series!

[Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story, but felt a little chaotic for such a short book. The two male POVs added confusion as well.

[Sheree Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

not a surfer

But maybe I should be! This was a cute quick read and I’m very impressed with the series so far!