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Wendell Beach #1
Rum Sips and Salty Lips
Orion Edwards has drifted his whole life.
He’s never needed more than the wind in his sails and a good navigation chart. But after a near-death experience, he moves to Wendell Beach, Florida, and sets up a fleet of sailboats for charter.
The town comes with rules. The biggest: keep the town darling, Carina Webb, happy. Even when a mix-up means taking her out on his personal boat instead of the company’s. And he hates strangers on his boat.
But Carina is a siren calling to him.
Carina runs a thriving athletic wear company and is always around to support a friend. She’s perfectly pleasant at all times, even if she’s spiraling on the inside, never letting anyone see more than she wants them to. She doesn’t need help, and she doesn’t need a relationship.
One night in Orion’s bed, and her world shifts on its axis.
They agree they can’t keep sleeping with each other. Especially since they are next-door neighbors, and their friends won’t mind their own business. But their boundaries fall apart when they are alone.
She trusts him with the pieces she keeps hidden. Can he be trusted to stay?
He’s never needed more than the wind in his sails and a good navigation chart. But after a near-death experience, he moves to Wendell Beach, Florida, and sets up a fleet of sailboats for charter.
The town comes with rules. The biggest: keep the town darling, Carina Webb, happy. Even when a mix-up means taking her out on his personal boat instead of the company’s. And he hates strangers on his boat.
But Carina is a siren calling to him.
Carina runs a thriving athletic wear company and is always around to support a friend. She’s perfectly pleasant at all times, even if she’s spiraling on the inside, never letting anyone see more than she wants them to. She doesn’t need help, and she doesn’t need a relationship.
One night in Orion’s bed, and her world shifts on its axis.
They agree they can’t keep sleeping with each other. Especially since they are next-door neighbors, and their friends won’t mind their own business. But their boundaries fall apart when they are alone.
She trusts him with the pieces she keeps hidden. Can he be trusted to stay?
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 202
2 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca V. Archer
2 books15 followersRebecca V. Archer writes contemporary romance about characters who are afraid of their own emotions. She lives in Florida with her soulmate, drinks copious amounts of tea, and is always looking for a new cocktail or food recipe to try.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 2, 2024
The start of Rum Sips and Salty Lips was promising. I was really expecting it to continue like that and more developments on the pairing, characters, and the writing.
Unfortunately, as the story goes, it becomes quite boring for my liking.
The romance wasn't really that captivating for me and felt stagnant, or should I say bland. It didn’t really give that kind of spark.
I could say the same towards the general writing for this novel. I feel like the first few chapters were the only interesting ones.
Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity.
—---
Released Date: September 20, 2024
Date Read: August 29- September 2, 2024
Ratings: 2⭐️
Unfortunately, as the story goes, it becomes quite boring for my liking.
The romance wasn't really that captivating for me and felt stagnant, or should I say bland. It didn’t really give that kind of spark.
I could say the same towards the general writing for this novel. I feel like the first few chapters were the only interesting ones.
Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity.
—---
Released Date: September 20, 2024
Date Read: August 29- September 2, 2024
Ratings: 2⭐️
August 25, 2024
This was such a fun and spicy romance set in a Florida beach town. It truly hooked me from the very beginning! I loved the instant attraction our two main characters had. They had a fun electric banter. Read this if you enjoy a good frenemies with benefits and forced proximity. There were a lot of fun side characters that really added to the story as well. This makes me so excited to read the companion series about this group of friends. If you're looking for a great vacation or beachside/pool read - I highly recommend picking this one up! Thank you to the author for this advanced copy. 🧡☀️🌊
August 21, 2024
This was such a good read, I read it in one day! I couldn’t put it down. It was an “easy” read while still packing some emotion into the relationship. Even though it takes place in Florida where it’s always warm, it definitely felt like a nice summertime/good beach read. I really enjoyed getting to know Orion & Carina! Banter between characters is something that can make or break a book for me and their dialogue was GOOD! I definitely hope that Rebecca has some more books in the works for some of the side characters I met while reading this book as I even became invested in their lives as well (c’mon I need all the deets!) Another thing I absolutely loved about this book was that both of our main characters were in their 30’s! Finally a book where the romance is happening with someone my age :-) After reading this book I’m officially a fan of Rebecca Archer.
October 14, 2024
I loved it so much I read it in a day!
September 16, 2024
3.75 Stars. This is such a fun contemporary romance with plenty of spice! It takes place in a small Florida town and our main characters are a sailor and girl boss.
Overall, the cast of characters were interesting and I really liked the MMC, Orion. The FMC, Carina, did irritate me with her persistent stubbornness, but thankfully that improved.
I was worried about the book being "Insta Love", but it slowed down with our characters working to build a connection while simultaneously denying their attraction. I thought they had great chemistry and I enjoyed their "secret" relationship.
I would definitely read other books by Rebecca V. Archer!
~~~
Thank you to the author, Rebecca V. Archer, for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Overall, the cast of characters were interesting and I really liked the MMC, Orion. The FMC, Carina, did irritate me with her persistent stubbornness, but thankfully that improved.
I was worried about the book being "Insta Love", but it slowed down with our characters working to build a connection while simultaneously denying their attraction. I thought they had great chemistry and I enjoyed their "secret" relationship.
I would definitely read other books by Rebecca V. Archer!
~~~
Thank you to the author, Rebecca V. Archer, for the ARC. This is my honest review.
August 23, 2024
This started out so strong for me. I was enjoying the storyline, but then it just fell flat. It felt drawn out, and the couple's chemistry almost felt forced. It had good moments, but something was missing.
April 30, 2025
I really wanted to like this since it’s by a local author and set at a gulf coast town. Sadly, I really struggled to finish. It was excessively repetitive and redundant. I felt like I was on a hamster wheel for a good 80% of the book.
August 21, 2024
This was a very cute read! I loved Orion the MMC. The FMC drove be crazy at times with her back and fourth feelings and her fears. She seemed so put together on the outside but was a complete mess on the inside most of the time. The friend group dynamic was different than most romance novels where you don’t get a lot of back story on each character, but enough to keep you guessing on what’s on in their lives. The storyline was engaging but a little drawn out.
thank you to the author who let me be apart of the ARC readers!
thank you to the author who let me be apart of the ARC readers!
October 17, 2024
This might be my last (late) summery read, super cute with interesting drama on this little island.
Enjoyed reading about Carina Girl Bossing her sustainable athletic wear company, trying to stay away from these annoying investors; the frenemies with benefits arrangement with the hot sailor next door was never going to remain at just the frenemies stage, right???? The small village vibes of neighbours getting into each other’s business, and drama in the friend group (don’t worry we don’t like the person causing the drama) #nospoilers was all really fun to read.
Thank you for this eARC!
Enjoyed reading about Carina Girl Bossing her sustainable athletic wear company, trying to stay away from these annoying investors; the frenemies with benefits arrangement with the hot sailor next door was never going to remain at just the frenemies stage, right???? The small village vibes of neighbours getting into each other’s business, and drama in the friend group (don’t worry we don’t like the person causing the drama) #nospoilers was all really fun to read.
Thank you for this eARC!
October 14, 2024
Do you like books with beachy vibes and stormy conflicts? Do you like books that make your heart race? If so, you need to read this ASAP.
Carina and Orion have an undeniable chemistry from the moment they meet on Orion’s boat. Even though they spend the entire book trying to stay away from each other, they spend the entire book failing—especially when they realize they’re neighbors for the summer. And especially when they realize they each seem to break down the other’s walls. But how can Carina trust Orion with her heart when she doesn’t know whether he can be trusted to stay?
You can expect:
⚓️ a sexy sailor
👩💼 a talented businesswoman
⛵️ a sailboat (and things are HAPPENING on this sailboat)
🤝 a fun friend group
🍹 a lot of rum
Rebecca V. Archer is a master of conflict and character! I am so honored to have been an early reader of this book, and I am even luckier to call her a friend.
Carina and Orion have an undeniable chemistry from the moment they meet on Orion’s boat. Even though they spend the entire book trying to stay away from each other, they spend the entire book failing—especially when they realize they’re neighbors for the summer. And especially when they realize they each seem to break down the other’s walls. But how can Carina trust Orion with her heart when she doesn’t know whether he can be trusted to stay?
You can expect:
⚓️ a sexy sailor
👩💼 a talented businesswoman
⛵️ a sailboat (and things are HAPPENING on this sailboat)
🤝 a fun friend group
🍹 a lot of rum
Rebecca V. Archer is a master of conflict and character! I am so honored to have been an early reader of this book, and I am even luckier to call her a friend.
August 30, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this cute and spicy summer romance! I adored that both main characters were named after constellations/ stars. There was immediate attraction between both characters so the romance plot took off running from that first page and as the story continued Orion brought out a whole new side of Carina 🥹 I just wish Carina had that same effect on Orion (granted he was a great guy all throughout the book)!!
October 15, 2024
Thank you to the author for an ARC of Rum Sips and Salty Lips in exchange for an honest review.
Rebecca V. Archer’s *Rum Sips and Salty Lips* is a fun contemporary romance that will take you away to a charming small town in Florida. With its vibrant setting, engaging characters, and a dash of spice, this book is a fun escape that feels both fresh and familiar.
The book follows our main characters, Orion, a rugged sailor with a heart of gold, and Carina, a fiercely independent girl boss. The dynamics between them are electric from the start, and Orion stands out as the quintessential modern male lead—charming, complex, and irresistibly appealing. He’s the type of character that you can’t help but root for, and his journey throughout the book is one of growth that makes him even more endearing.
Carina, on the other hand, initially struck me as a bit annoying with her stubbornness. Her persistence can be frustrating, but thankfully, as the plot unfolds, her character evolves in a way that becomes more relatable and engaging. It’s fun to watch her let down her guard and open up to Orion, allowing their relationship to deepen.
Even though their relationship starts as an insta-love, Rebecca's writing organically builds on their relationship and lets them fall in love in a well paced manner, for lack of a better word. Their 'secret' relationship adds a layer of excitement, as they navigate their undeniable attraction while grappling with the realities of their very different lives. Their chemistry feels authentic, and I appreciated how the author took the time to develop their bond.
The supporting cast adds richness to the narrative, providing both humor and depth to the story. Each character feels well thought out, contributing to the warm atmosphere of the small-town setting. Archer’s knack for creating intriguing side characters enhances the overall experience, making the reader feel immersed in this vibrant community.
*Rum Sips and Salty Lips* is a super fun contemporary romance filled with enchanting characters and a captivating storyline. Despite my initial irritation with Carina’s stubborn nature, my overall experience was uplifting and enjoyable. The balance of passion and character development speaks to Archer’s talent as a writer, and I would happily dive into more of her work in the future. If you're looking for a fun, flirtatious read that will warm your heart, I highly recommend picking up this book!
This was a 4.25 Stars read for me!
Rebecca V. Archer’s *Rum Sips and Salty Lips* is a fun contemporary romance that will take you away to a charming small town in Florida. With its vibrant setting, engaging characters, and a dash of spice, this book is a fun escape that feels both fresh and familiar.
The book follows our main characters, Orion, a rugged sailor with a heart of gold, and Carina, a fiercely independent girl boss. The dynamics between them are electric from the start, and Orion stands out as the quintessential modern male lead—charming, complex, and irresistibly appealing. He’s the type of character that you can’t help but root for, and his journey throughout the book is one of growth that makes him even more endearing.
Carina, on the other hand, initially struck me as a bit annoying with her stubbornness. Her persistence can be frustrating, but thankfully, as the plot unfolds, her character evolves in a way that becomes more relatable and engaging. It’s fun to watch her let down her guard and open up to Orion, allowing their relationship to deepen.
Even though their relationship starts as an insta-love, Rebecca's writing organically builds on their relationship and lets them fall in love in a well paced manner, for lack of a better word. Their 'secret' relationship adds a layer of excitement, as they navigate their undeniable attraction while grappling with the realities of their very different lives. Their chemistry feels authentic, and I appreciated how the author took the time to develop their bond.
The supporting cast adds richness to the narrative, providing both humor and depth to the story. Each character feels well thought out, contributing to the warm atmosphere of the small-town setting. Archer’s knack for creating intriguing side characters enhances the overall experience, making the reader feel immersed in this vibrant community.
*Rum Sips and Salty Lips* is a super fun contemporary romance filled with enchanting characters and a captivating storyline. Despite my initial irritation with Carina’s stubborn nature, my overall experience was uplifting and enjoyable. The balance of passion and character development speaks to Archer’s talent as a writer, and I would happily dive into more of her work in the future. If you're looking for a fun, flirtatious read that will warm your heart, I highly recommend picking up this book!
This was a 4.25 Stars read for me!
January 25, 2025
Carina and Orion have plenty of good reasons for not getting into a relationship with one another, but unfortunately for them, love is anything but logical.
Set in the fictional Wendell Beach, FL, which I’d guess is Siesta Key based on geography, we get a locals’ story of living in a tourist community, and the descriptions of everything from the white sand beaches to miserable heat and Florida downpours are spot on. Carina owns a yoga/athleisure clothing line that is as much about its social media presence as its sustainability and comfort. Orion is trying out the settled life with his sailboat charter company.
I love how the book quickly includes a host of side characters. The local rum distiller, the beach bar owners, a personal chef, all friends of Carina, and soon friends of Orion. Romances often wind up with no interplay of relationships aside from the two love interests, so it was a welcome change.
That said, I wasn’t entirely convinced by Carina’s stated flaw, that she hides her true self from her friends by being all give and no get. I wish I could put my finger on why I wasn’t convinced, but I can’t. On top of that is Orion’s ability from the first few pages to see straight through Carina’s act. It’s a standard romance trope, the love interest who sees the true you. I dunno, not my thing. And it persists throughout the book, so Carina is pretty much off the hook from communicating her feelings. Orion knows her better than she knows herself.
I like the family dynamics, Carina with her misogynistic, controlling father and distant mother, Orion with his loving family who write him off as a nomad who won’t settle down. I do wish Carina’s father got a lighter touch to make their relationship more complicated, but it works as written.
Hamilton, Carina’s ex, and Beckett, Sienna’s fiancé, are easy to hate. It was a toss-up, which one was going to cause the major conflict at the book’s climax, never a question that one or both of them wouldn’t be involved. Since to book is a beach read, not a mystery novel, it’s fine, but I would’ve preferred a bit less foreshadowing.
The book features a few explicit sex scenes. There are moments where it feels more like contract negotiation than getting caught up in the moment, which is fine and very responsible of them, and fits Carina’s uptight personality.
Overall, the book was a fun, quick read. It rates as one of the better romances I’ve read for being everything a romance ought to be with none of the obnoxious tropes I hate.
Set in the fictional Wendell Beach, FL, which I’d guess is Siesta Key based on geography, we get a locals’ story of living in a tourist community, and the descriptions of everything from the white sand beaches to miserable heat and Florida downpours are spot on. Carina owns a yoga/athleisure clothing line that is as much about its social media presence as its sustainability and comfort. Orion is trying out the settled life with his sailboat charter company.
I love how the book quickly includes a host of side characters. The local rum distiller, the beach bar owners, a personal chef, all friends of Carina, and soon friends of Orion. Romances often wind up with no interplay of relationships aside from the two love interests, so it was a welcome change.
That said, I wasn’t entirely convinced by Carina’s stated flaw, that she hides her true self from her friends by being all give and no get. I wish I could put my finger on why I wasn’t convinced, but I can’t. On top of that is Orion’s ability from the first few pages to see straight through Carina’s act. It’s a standard romance trope, the love interest who sees the true you. I dunno, not my thing. And it persists throughout the book, so Carina is pretty much off the hook from communicating her feelings. Orion knows her better than she knows herself.
I like the family dynamics, Carina with her misogynistic, controlling father and distant mother, Orion with his loving family who write him off as a nomad who won’t settle down. I do wish Carina’s father got a lighter touch to make their relationship more complicated, but it works as written.
Hamilton, Carina’s ex, and Beckett, Sienna’s fiancé, are easy to hate. It was a toss-up, which one was going to cause the major conflict at the book’s climax, never a question that one or both of them wouldn’t be involved. Since to book is a beach read, not a mystery novel, it’s fine, but I would’ve preferred a bit less foreshadowing.
The book features a few explicit sex scenes. There are moments where it feels more like contract negotiation than getting caught up in the moment, which is fine and very responsible of them, and fits Carina’s uptight personality.
Overall, the book was a fun, quick read. It rates as one of the better romances I’ve read for being everything a romance ought to be with none of the obnoxious tropes I hate.
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May 4, 2025
──★ ˙ ₊
⤿ arc review
thank you to the author rebecca v. archer for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
rum sips and salty lips releases september 20, 2024.
synopsis.
orion has spent most of his life sailing around the world, moving every few months. after a near-death experience, he finally decides to settle in Wendell Beach, Florida. on his first day there he charters yoga studio instructor and owner of a thriving athletic wear company, carina, and they're instantly attracted to each other. one night together changes everything for both of them.
review.
this book had so much potential—the plot, the characters, the setting, everything—but i felt as if the beginning was a bit too insta-love for me and just fell flat at times. from their first meeting, carina was so affected by orion’s presence, and they’ve only had about one conversation. i understand the attraction, but this just doesn’t make sense to me. orion as a mmc was good, but he lacked a few things; we didn’t really talk about his near-death experience that much, and it felt like they brushed over the topic to move on to the next thing. i like his personality, but at times i just couldn’t stand some of the things he’d do or say. he had so much potential to grow, but we didn’t get to see that happening. as for carina, i honestly felt so annoyed most of the time; all she did was complain about how they wouldn’t last and whatnot; it all just felt very repetitive and annoying. When it came to her insecurities, the topic was talked about a lot, but we didn’t really get to see her work on those problems at all. i feel like she needed to work on herself before committing to a relationship because she usually puts others before herself. overall, this story had the possibility to be so good, but it wasn’t executed well.
⤿ arc review
thank you to the author rebecca v. archer for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
rum sips and salty lips releases september 20, 2024.
synopsis.
orion has spent most of his life sailing around the world, moving every few months. after a near-death experience, he finally decides to settle in Wendell Beach, Florida. on his first day there he charters yoga studio instructor and owner of a thriving athletic wear company, carina, and they're instantly attracted to each other. one night together changes everything for both of them.
review.
this book had so much potential—the plot, the characters, the setting, everything—but i felt as if the beginning was a bit too insta-love for me and just fell flat at times. from their first meeting, carina was so affected by orion’s presence, and they’ve only had about one conversation. i understand the attraction, but this just doesn’t make sense to me. orion as a mmc was good, but he lacked a few things; we didn’t really talk about his near-death experience that much, and it felt like they brushed over the topic to move on to the next thing. i like his personality, but at times i just couldn’t stand some of the things he’d do or say. he had so much potential to grow, but we didn’t get to see that happening. as for carina, i honestly felt so annoyed most of the time; all she did was complain about how they wouldn’t last and whatnot; it all just felt very repetitive and annoying. When it came to her insecurities, the topic was talked about a lot, but we didn’t really get to see her work on those problems at all. i feel like she needed to work on herself before committing to a relationship because she usually puts others before herself. overall, this story had the possibility to be so good, but it wasn’t executed well.
October 8, 2024
A story where the two love interests sleep together right away and then have to figure out their sh*t is my absolute favorite thing! Why concoct reasons for them to deny their attraction, when the emotional intimacy is the slow burn? The author carries off that emotional slow burn beautifully! I loved how that gradual opening up and the push-and-pull of trust played out. And a hero who truly sees the heroine - better than most of her friends - is a true gem. Orion knows "she'll do whatever it takes to keep everyone around her happy and I won't let her do that with me." In other words, he won't let her people-please him because that allows her to hide behind a mask, and he doesn't want her hiding from him. And that's why bickering is their love language: "You like fighting me. You like that I fight back. You like that I don't expect you to be the perfect ideal you'll never live up to." I love that dynamic between them and how Orion knows that he has to be patient and let her choose to believe that he will actually be there for her.
The writing is so swoony too - "the ocean is on my side." If you know, you know. And the spice - red-hot!
Watching both of these characters gradually open their hearts to each other while sparks flew was a joy! Can't wait for the next book in the series.
The writing is so swoony too - "the ocean is on my side." If you know, you know. And the spice - red-hot!
Watching both of these characters gradually open their hearts to each other while sparks flew was a joy! Can't wait for the next book in the series.
September 11, 2024
This book started out so promising and I was super into it right away, despite it being a little insta-lovey. They clicked instantly and I could feel that. There was a lot of tension between them and it kept me invested. Until I got to the meat of the book sandwich.
The entire middle of the book was super repetitive. They just kept saying how they can't be together. It seemed like every paragraph, every sentence, ended in a little quip about it. "...but he'll leave eventually" or "...but she said this is just a fling" or some other version of that. It was stated over. And over. And over.
What I liked:
Dual POV
1st person POV
Their friends, although I wish we would have gotten to see them see the real Carina since how she hides herself was discussed so much
Carina slowly opening up
Orion fighting for her
Their unique banter (in the form of fighting)
The spice 🌶🌶
The HEA and all the friends finding out about them!
ARC review 🤍 all opinions are my own.
The entire middle of the book was super repetitive. They just kept saying how they can't be together. It seemed like every paragraph, every sentence, ended in a little quip about it. "...but he'll leave eventually" or "...but she said this is just a fling" or some other version of that. It was stated over. And over. And over.
What I liked:
Dual POV
1st person POV
Their friends, although I wish we would have gotten to see them see the real Carina since how she hides herself was discussed so much
Carina slowly opening up
Orion fighting for her
Their unique banter (in the form of fighting)
The spice 🌶🌶
The HEA and all the friends finding out about them!
ARC review 🤍 all opinions are my own.
September 20, 2024
Tropes: frenemies to lovers, small beach town, forced proximity
To be fair this book was pretty nice and I did overall enjoy it. It is more on the insta love side but I did not mind it at all. Orion showed since the beginning that he was one of the mature MMCs and I loved that, especially in contrast to the FMCs personality and struggles.
I honestly got super curious about the side characters stories and would love to see them in their separate books, especially Christian, Sienna and Alex.
The only thing that took away from it becoming a five star for me was the ending. I love that we got a HEA but the road to it especially the last 10-15% gave me mixed feelings. Regardless I still enjoyed the overall feel of the book and I did love the setting of where the story took place.
Star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
January 29, 2025
I liked this book, it was written well and the characters are interesting. Enough events happen to move the book along. I liked the details about sailing and the town, to picture yourself in that place. The spicy scenes were good. I liked the characters together, but honestly most of his thoughts went over my head and I didn’t really get why he was so contrarian, pushing her buttons, and she was so stubborn. A lot of the book wouldn’t be there if they would have just actually been honest with each other. Despite the author’s attempts to explain it, I just didn’t understand their reasons and motivations. I didn’t get the huge fuzzy feelings at the end when they finally agreed to be together because I didn’t connect with the reasons on why they weren’t together already. But besides that, I enjoyed the book! Was a nice read on the beach.
August 25, 2024
I was lucky enough to be included in the Early Read process for this title! I really actually loved this story! I enjoy the fact that it was not a slow burn. I tend to get bored with them. From the jump Orion and Carina had chemistry. She fought with herself for a while about how she truly felt. Orion seems to hold steady in his feelings when in the beginning he put out the vibes of "not needing a relationship" Rebecca did a great job with his book, I am lucky to have been able to read this!! Truly enjoyed it, while I only give it a 4 start rating I believe there was a little more that could be done with this. Not too drawn out etc, but maybe a twist. I would highly recommend this as a quick and fun beach or summer time read!
September 9, 2024
I really loved this series starter from Rebecca V. Archer. The chemistry sizzles between the main couple from the start, even as both are initially fighting their attraction beyond more than a one time fling. The interiors of both characters are well drawn and I could relate to Carina's insecurities and hesitancy to believe what she had with Orion could be real. And Orion was just a big ball of love once his armour was cracked. A realistic story of two people learning how to love one another while dealing with the challenges of modern life.
The author does a great job setting up the series both by creating the world of Wendell beach (which I could really picture) and establishing a cast of characters whom I am eager to follow into the rest of the series to learn their stories.
The author does a great job setting up the series both by creating the world of Wendell beach (which I could really picture) and establishing a cast of characters whom I am eager to follow into the rest of the series to learn their stories.
September 21, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
Happy release day!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
In the beginning, this book brought to mind the show Below Deck (which I LOVE)!
If you’re in the mood for some spice, you won’t be disappointed. 🌶️ The witty banter and strong chemistry between Orion and Carina are evident from the start and persist throughout the story. I really liked how their relationship flourished (and their relationship did feel pretty real at times which I always appreciate in a book) :)
I was worried it was going too fast at first, but I loved how they really took their time getting to know each other as the book went on.
Thank you again for the advanced copy, and I can’t wait to read more from you.
Happy release day!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
In the beginning, this book brought to mind the show Below Deck (which I LOVE)!
If you’re in the mood for some spice, you won’t be disappointed. 🌶️ The witty banter and strong chemistry between Orion and Carina are evident from the start and persist throughout the story. I really liked how their relationship flourished (and their relationship did feel pretty real at times which I always appreciate in a book) :)
I was worried it was going too fast at first, but I loved how they really took their time getting to know each other as the book went on.
Thank you again for the advanced copy, and I can’t wait to read more from you.
September 17, 2024
★★★☆☆
The storyline of the book is intriguing. I did enjoy the characters for the most part. However, it did get repetitive in the middle and end of the book with the back and forth of “let’s act like a couple and be head over heels” and “we can’t be together”. It felt like every other sentence was about how they are so into each other but can’t be together, which didn’t always make sense in the context. I did enjoy their characters and believed in their connection; it was just hard to stay interested in the story with the repetition and threw off the pacing of the book. Like I said, I did enjoy the overall plot as well as the side characters and setting.
The storyline of the book is intriguing. I did enjoy the characters for the most part. However, it did get repetitive in the middle and end of the book with the back and forth of “let’s act like a couple and be head over heels” and “we can’t be together”. It felt like every other sentence was about how they are so into each other but can’t be together, which didn’t always make sense in the context. I did enjoy their characters and believed in their connection; it was just hard to stay interested in the story with the repetition and threw off the pacing of the book. Like I said, I did enjoy the overall plot as well as the side characters and setting.
September 19, 2024
📚🌶🌶
There are sensitive topics discussed in this book.
This had a great hook at the beginning of this book and I felt like it kept you interested throughout the rest of it as well.
Orion and Carina had one night together the first time they met and was only supposed to be a one time thing. Come to find out they are now neighbors within the same friend group. They now have to tolerate each other because neither wants to take that extra step especially with all the what ifs.
Rum Sips And Salty Lips is a great book that I could not put down. I can't wait for more from this author!!
There are sensitive topics discussed in this book.
This had a great hook at the beginning of this book and I felt like it kept you interested throughout the rest of it as well.
Orion and Carina had one night together the first time they met and was only supposed to be a one time thing. Come to find out they are now neighbors within the same friend group. They now have to tolerate each other because neither wants to take that extra step especially with all the what ifs.
Rum Sips And Salty Lips is a great book that I could not put down. I can't wait for more from this author!!
September 12, 2024
Rum Sips and Salty Lips by Rebecca V. Archer is a fantastic contemporary romance! Looking for a Girl Boss and a sailor that comes in like a hurricane? Look no further!
I absolutely adored Carina and Orion's relationship. Their playful fights and games made it especially enjoyable! I really connected with the FMC and thought the character growth enhanced the story. It was a nice mix of plot, spice, and everything nice!
I absolutely give this read a 5/5! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely adored Carina and Orion's relationship. Their playful fights and games made it especially enjoyable! I really connected with the FMC and thought the character growth enhanced the story. It was a nice mix of plot, spice, and everything nice!
I absolutely give this read a 5/5! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 21, 2024
What a delight! Did I feel a little too seen by Carina and her hangups about perfection at all costs? That's none of your business. But what should be your business is snagging a copy of this sexy, summery, small town romance as soon as possible. You'll cackle, you'll sigh, you'll hurt, but in the end, it will all be worth it. Orion is one of The book boyfriends of all time, and Carina is heartbreakingly relatable in ways that make you reexamine your own nonsense. Or was that just me?
September 26, 2024
This had so much potential and just fell flat for me 🫠 I was way more interested in the side characters than I was in the mmc and fmc. And their hang ups about the relationship could have been solved by properly communicating.
I was super into the setting and I loved the peeks into their small businesses! I hope to read some of the side characters’ stories in the future if this becomes a series.
I was super into the setting and I loved the peeks into their small businesses! I hope to read some of the side characters’ stories in the future if this becomes a series.
November 23, 2024
- Small town
- Frenemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
This is my first romance read with a boat captain as the MMC. A lot of action takes place on the water and I love it. The characters were written brilliantly, and I could relate to many of the insecurities the FMC experienced.
I loved the setting and characters and how this differed from other romances I've read. The spice was perfect, and the MMC had a supportive but understanding way about him. I highly recommend this book.
- Frenemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
This is my first romance read with a boat captain as the MMC. A lot of action takes place on the water and I love it. The characters were written brilliantly, and I could relate to many of the insecurities the FMC experienced.
I loved the setting and characters and how this differed from other romances I've read. The spice was perfect, and the MMC had a supportive but understanding way about him. I highly recommend this book.
January 6, 2025
I’ve got to say - this is probably the most well-written romance novel I’ve ever read. Every detail came full circle and I could truly picture the characters and their homes in Wendell Beach. The sex scenes were incredibly hot, but in a very realistic way, which I appreciate. I also like that the author did not make us wait forever for the first sexy scenes. I’m so glad that this is a part of a series - I want more of this Wendell Beach crew!
July 25, 2025
The perfect little beach read that I couldn’t get enough of! I cannot wait for the rest of the characters stories, I’m in love with Wendell beach and I wish I could go there! A simple little romance but with lots of feelings and meaning and sex and the beach of course! I got a signed copy from The New Romantics and I loved the acknowledgements that she writes up at Spellbound, right around the corner from me! 🥹 Support your local authors 🫶💕
September 26, 2024
if the cover doesn’t say it… this quote will: “What does it look like? I’m helping my hurt neighbor with her groceries. Isn’t that a normal thing for friends to do?”
wholesome, beautiful & very romantic. This book gives everything all in one place.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
wholesome, beautiful & very romantic. This book gives everything all in one place.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
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