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A Rush to Remember
All Raelyn wants to do is build boards for her surf shop and catch a wave or two on the weekends. But working in a small coastal town near a military base has her surrounded by hunky, flirty men from all over the world who are eager for surfing lessons with pretty girls.
Her coworker, Selene, eagerly lures the men away to teach them out in the ocean. But when Selene takes a vacation to visit her mother in another state, Raelyn is left to fend for herself. A few of her friends stop by for their annual summer party. But before Raelyn can close up shop, she gets one last customer, Jax Coleson. He wants lessons and refuses to wait around for Selene to get back.
Jax only has one week of R & R for the Fourth of July before he's destined to leave the port, and he's tired of his buddies telling him he doesn't get out enough. They've talked about the surf shop, so he considered it a decent starting place. But he didn't expect to meet Raelyn.
He confesses he's on a mission to spend the week experiencing everything he can before he has to leave. Raelyn, to his surprise, offers to be his guide...at the pressure of her friends. Together, they set out to make him some memories before he's stuck on a ship again for another nine months. What they don't expect is the care growing between them.
Will they uncover a love that can span oceans? Or will their time together be simply a memory?
DIY Divas Military Romance
1 Surprise Valentine
2 Playing with Fire
3 Loving Lavender
4 A Rush to Remember
5 Dare Dating the Rebel
6 Home to Her
7 Life Began with You
Her coworker, Selene, eagerly lures the men away to teach them out in the ocean. But when Selene takes a vacation to visit her mother in another state, Raelyn is left to fend for herself. A few of her friends stop by for their annual summer party. But before Raelyn can close up shop, she gets one last customer, Jax Coleson. He wants lessons and refuses to wait around for Selene to get back.
Jax only has one week of R & R for the Fourth of July before he's destined to leave the port, and he's tired of his buddies telling him he doesn't get out enough. They've talked about the surf shop, so he considered it a decent starting place. But he didn't expect to meet Raelyn.
He confesses he's on a mission to spend the week experiencing everything he can before he has to leave. Raelyn, to his surprise, offers to be his guide...at the pressure of her friends. Together, they set out to make him some memories before he's stuck on a ship again for another nine months. What they don't expect is the care growing between them.
Will they uncover a love that can span oceans? Or will their time together be simply a memory?
DIY Divas Military Romance
1 Surprise Valentine
2 Playing with Fire
3 Loving Lavender
4 A Rush to Remember
5 Dare Dating the Rebel
6 Home to Her
7 Life Began with You
- GenresClean Romance
Unknown Binding
First published June 21, 2024
8 people want to read
About the author
Elysia Lumen Strife
30 books132 followersElysia Strife is a self-published author of sweet holiday romance as well as scifi novels. If you're looking for her science fiction, please visit that profile here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon bestselling author Elysia Strife is best known for her sweet (often clean) holiday romance with tough but humble male leads and feisty but kind-hearted women. If you're looking for a cozy read with lots of treats, snuggles, a touch of humor, and happily ever afters, you're in the right place. Strife designs her books to be uplifting and inspirational escapes.
Her work typically features small towns, country settings, Christmas themes, and chivalrous characters who sometimes swear and get themselves into and out of suspenseful situations. Strife often pulls from her experience in the U.S. Air Force when writing her military characters and tense situations but always prefers her stories are tied up with a bow by the end.
She enjoys reading on rainy and snowy mornings with a Christmas-scented candle burning and a fire going, even if it’s just the fake one in her RV. Her stories are inspired by the strengths and sacrifices of those around her and fueled by caramel macchiatos and Twinkies.
Strife lives with an amazing man who can build anything he puts his mind to and a rescued dog that steals socks and chases the vacuum. Together, they travel the country—from the golden plains of North Dakota to the warm ocean of the southern Texas coast and back to the green valleys and vineyards of Oregon. Anywhere is home as long as they’re together.
If you’d like to know when Strife’s next books will be out, and to ensure you have access to her free review copies and other giveaways, visit her website: http://elstrife.com/embers-on-ice and subscribe.
Amazon bestselling author Elysia Strife is best known for her sweet (often clean) holiday romance with tough but humble male leads and feisty but kind-hearted women. If you're looking for a cozy read with lots of treats, snuggles, a touch of humor, and happily ever afters, you're in the right place. Strife designs her books to be uplifting and inspirational escapes.
Her work typically features small towns, country settings, Christmas themes, and chivalrous characters who sometimes swear and get themselves into and out of suspenseful situations. Strife often pulls from her experience in the U.S. Air Force when writing her military characters and tense situations but always prefers her stories are tied up with a bow by the end.
She enjoys reading on rainy and snowy mornings with a Christmas-scented candle burning and a fire going, even if it’s just the fake one in her RV. Her stories are inspired by the strengths and sacrifices of those around her and fueled by caramel macchiatos and Twinkies.
Strife lives with an amazing man who can build anything he puts his mind to and a rescued dog that steals socks and chases the vacuum. Together, they travel the country—from the golden plains of North Dakota to the warm ocean of the southern Texas coast and back to the green valleys and vineyards of Oregon. Anywhere is home as long as they’re together.
If you’d like to know when Strife’s next books will be out, and to ensure you have access to her free review copies and other giveaways, visit her website: http://elstrife.com/embers-on-ice and subscribe.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 13, 2024
Raelyn and Jax, both from military backgrounds. Jax was currently in the Navy, and Raelyn's parents were a military family. Where as Raelyn had a stable family life, Jax, on the other hand, had a dysfunctional family life growing up and went into the Navy as soon as he was old enough. Consequently, he never went home during leave and usually did not do anything fun.
Jax and his dive team are on leave in Hawaii, and they challenge Jax to do something different, so he opts to learn how to surf. With only one week before he deploys again, he goes to Raelyn's Surf Shop just as she is closing. Her surf instructor and friend, Selene, is on vacation, so Raelyn, who does not usually teach offers to give Jax a free lesson that evening.
Jax likes Raelyn and asks her to give him a tour of the sights over the next few days while he is on leave. She agrees. I will leave it there, so I do not spoil the rest of the story.
I could not put this book down! I read it in 2 days. (I had other commitments. Otherwise, I would have read it in a day).
I received an ARC copy from the author and voluntarily leave this review.
Jax and his dive team are on leave in Hawaii, and they challenge Jax to do something different, so he opts to learn how to surf. With only one week before he deploys again, he goes to Raelyn's Surf Shop just as she is closing. Her surf instructor and friend, Selene, is on vacation, so Raelyn, who does not usually teach offers to give Jax a free lesson that evening.
Jax likes Raelyn and asks her to give him a tour of the sights over the next few days while he is on leave. She agrees. I will leave it there, so I do not spoil the rest of the story.
I could not put this book down! I read it in 2 days. (I had other commitments. Otherwise, I would have read it in a day).
I received an ARC copy from the author and voluntarily leave this review.
July 12, 2024
This was a sweet story about learning to trust your heart and be able to love deeply.
Raelyn had experienced a tragic experience in her family which shut her off to wanting to find love. Then Jax walked in to her surf shop. He seemed to be different. He also had shut himself off to any meaningful relationship so he was surprised when seeing Raelyn brought feelings that were something he had never experienced before. Jax was on a week long R&R from the Navy and he wanted to spend as much time as he could with Raelyn getting to know her and doing things he had never experienced before such as surfing, zip lining and other adrenaline inducing activities.
Would they be different after their time together? Was a relationship even possible between them? There is a happy ending to their story but I won't give away the details so you can discover for yourself. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys reading a book that makes you feel good in the end.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Raelyn had experienced a tragic experience in her family which shut her off to wanting to find love. Then Jax walked in to her surf shop. He seemed to be different. He also had shut himself off to any meaningful relationship so he was surprised when seeing Raelyn brought feelings that were something he had never experienced before. Jax was on a week long R&R from the Navy and he wanted to spend as much time as he could with Raelyn getting to know her and doing things he had never experienced before such as surfing, zip lining and other adrenaline inducing activities.
Would they be different after their time together? Was a relationship even possible between them? There is a happy ending to their story but I won't give away the details so you can discover for yourself. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys reading a book that makes you feel good in the end.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
June 22, 2024
Ultimate beachy read
Is there anyplace more iconicly beach town than the Hawaiian Islands? Rae runs her surf and custom board shop on the island of Oahu, where Jax and his Navy dive team are stationed on a shore leave.
I was not prepared for the author to have me so involved in the story that I was literally in tears by the time I turned page 10. Then the adventures they have during his leave are a total adrenaline rush, but I really enjoyed when they talked about their families.
I loved how their experiences made them such great compliments, and especially how Rae helped round out Jax's personality and give him a life outside his 'duty'. It was so sweet that Rae accepted the dedication to duty and service that was such a core tenet of Jax's life without trying to pull him from the life that made him the man she fell for.
I received a free advance copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
Is there anyplace more iconicly beach town than the Hawaiian Islands? Rae runs her surf and custom board shop on the island of Oahu, where Jax and his Navy dive team are stationed on a shore leave.
I was not prepared for the author to have me so involved in the story that I was literally in tears by the time I turned page 10. Then the adventures they have during his leave are a total adrenaline rush, but I really enjoyed when they talked about their families.
I loved how their experiences made them such great compliments, and especially how Rae helped round out Jax's personality and give him a life outside his 'duty'. It was so sweet that Rae accepted the dedication to duty and service that was such a core tenet of Jax's life without trying to pull him from the life that made him the man she fell for.
I received a free advance copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
June 21, 2024
I am not a big military kind of reader, but this book did not focus too much on that, so I was a happy reader. I really enjoyed the story and my heart tugged for for Rae and Jax and the issues involving the guilt (Rae) and the isolation dysfunctionality of Jax's family. Knowing they only have a few days together, they don't want to make promises they may not be able to keep, so they settle on being friends for now. It was fun to read how the two of them had a lot of fun together; and love can have other ideas
The story is sweet, clean, with times of shared adventures and twists of fate. I found it to be a quite enjoyable read.
I was provided with an advanced copy of the book; this review is my honest opinion. I highly recommend it if you are looking for light reading on a hot day at the beach, or just a feel good kind of story. Loved it!
The story is sweet, clean, with times of shared adventures and twists of fate. I found it to be a quite enjoyable read.
I was provided with an advanced copy of the book; this review is my honest opinion. I highly recommend it if you are looking for light reading on a hot day at the beach, or just a feel good kind of story. Loved it!
June 21, 2024
Raelyn builds surf boards, and Jax is on R & R from his ship, before he deploys again.
Since his buddies tease him about not doing anything, Jax decided to experience some new things starting with a surfing lesson. Selene isn't at the shop to give him the lesson, so Raelyn gives him a lesson after she closes her shop.
When Jax told her he wanted some new experiences, she offered to be his tour guide. They really enjoyed spending time with each other, but they both knew he would be leaving in a week. Would they pursue a relationship or just remain friends?
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
Since his buddies tease him about not doing anything, Jax decided to experience some new things starting with a surfing lesson. Selene isn't at the shop to give him the lesson, so Raelyn gives him a lesson after she closes her shop.
When Jax told her he wanted some new experiences, she offered to be his tour guide. They really enjoyed spending time with each other, but they both knew he would be leaving in a week. Would they pursue a relationship or just remain friends?
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
July 1, 2024
Raelyn Peyton has owned Catch Waves with Rae’s Boards & Lessons for the last seven years. Her friend Selena is her friend and employee who gives the surfing lessons.
Jax Coleson is a Navy diver who is on leave in California. He has one more week in town. His friend Pint challenges him to try surfing. Rae was just closing up the shop and Selena left on vacation for the next week. Rae ends up breaking one of her personal rules and gives Jax a free private lesson. They end up spending the week together having adventures.
It was sweet that they opened up to each other about their families and ended up helping each other.
I am enjoying the stories of all of these strong women.
Jax Coleson is a Navy diver who is on leave in California. He has one more week in town. His friend Pint challenges him to try surfing. Rae was just closing up the shop and Selena left on vacation for the next week. Rae ends up breaking one of her personal rules and gives Jax a free private lesson. They end up spending the week together having adventures.
It was sweet that they opened up to each other about their families and ended up helping each other.
I am enjoying the stories of all of these strong women.
July 2, 2024
Raelyn owns a shop which gives lessons and sells surfboards, which she makes. When Jax comes to get a lesson, after his team talks him into it, he meets Rae, just as she’s closing. She agrees to give him a private lesson. Jax is only there for a few days before he ships out again as a Navy diver. During his time there, Rae and him grow closer, but will they continue their growing friendship once he leaves or will this just be a memory to look back on? I won’t leave any spoilers, but I just have to say I love what Rae and her mom did to Makoa’s phone when she was on it during the lua. No phones during family time. Grab your copy and see if you don’t love this story as much as I did.
June 21, 2024
Let me start by saying I received an ARC of this book from the author. This book is a sweet clean romance book. It is based around the Fourth of July. The main characters are Jax and Raelyn. They meet while Jax is off for a week. I love the adventures they went on together. They both had problems but were there for each other. I love how her family treated him like he was family. I want to say a lot more but I don’t want to give any spoilers. I really loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one.
June 22, 2024
Powerful story, A Rush to Remember is to read. Raelyn just wants to make her surfboards and maybe catch a few waves. Living and working near a military base can be hard. There is always someone flirting with her. She tries to avoid all this, until one night Jax shows up to get a surfing lesson. From there it is one adrenaline rush after another. Problem is Jax only has one week of R and R, before he has to report back on the ship. Great story and series.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
June 22, 2024
A light, fun and sweet romance
A short, very sweet and clean romance. Raelyn and Jax spend one memorable week together having fun, adventures and some drama. They start to catch feelings and hope to see each other again but there are no guarantees in life. This is a lovely story about family, missing family, friendships, falling in love, making memories while you can and showing that love always prevails. (in books at least). After reading this I want to go to Hawaii, learn to surf and eat ice cream. I received this as an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
A short, very sweet and clean romance. Raelyn and Jax spend one memorable week together having fun, adventures and some drama. They start to catch feelings and hope to see each other again but there are no guarantees in life. This is a lovely story about family, missing family, friendships, falling in love, making memories while you can and showing that love always prevails. (in books at least). After reading this I want to go to Hawaii, learn to surf and eat ice cream. I received this as an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 12, 2025
An enjoyable, refreshing story about the power of love.
Raelyn, owner of a surf shop, and Jax, a Navy diver, embrace circumstances that pull them together, after taking opportunities to spend time with each other.
Holding onto memories while casting aside the fear of new challenges and risks, allowed Raelyn and Jax to build a positive, wholesome relationship.
The desire to thrive, fight for those we love, and focus on hope for the future, brings comfort and strength with a purpose for living.
Raelyn, owner of a surf shop, and Jax, a Navy diver, embrace circumstances that pull them together, after taking opportunities to spend time with each other.
Holding onto memories while casting aside the fear of new challenges and risks, allowed Raelyn and Jax to build a positive, wholesome relationship.
The desire to thrive, fight for those we love, and focus on hope for the future, brings comfort and strength with a purpose for living.
June 21, 2024
Very fast-paced with wonderful, realistic heroes and story.
I loved this story. Sweet, charming, innocent without naïveté, and real. I felt it read like a true story, which I enjoyed very much. As far as I know, it isn't a true tale, but the events and characters sound an awful lot like some people I know (or would like to know).
Ms. Strife, I'm loving this series. Please keep writing more!
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
I loved this story. Sweet, charming, innocent without naïveté, and real. I felt it read like a true story, which I enjoyed very much. As far as I know, it isn't a true tale, but the events and characters sound an awful lot like some people I know (or would like to know).
Ms. Strife, I'm loving this series. Please keep writing more!
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
October 11, 2024
Jax leads a life of service to the military and has been accused of being a workaholic. Rae owns a surf shop and makes surfboards. They meet while he is on shore leave and decides to learn to surf.
A nice clean romance. Likable main characters and a story filled with friends and family . I liked the story and am enjoying the DIY Divas series.
I received an arc copy of this book and this is my freely offered and honest review
A nice clean romance. Likable main characters and a story filled with friends and family . I liked the story and am enjoying the DIY Divas series.
I received an arc copy of this book and this is my freely offered and honest review
June 22, 2024
Wow, such a beautiful story. Rae and Jax only spend one week together before he ships out. Their adventures that week are awesome but they also really get to know each other. A sweet, clean romance that will draw on your emotions and definitely hold your interest.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
June 22, 2024
The sweet romance between Rae and Jax pulled me into the story. I also liked their full week of adventures while Jax was on military leave. I enjoyed reading this short, sweet story and learning more about Rae. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
June 22, 2024
A Rush to Remember is a clean, sweet, well written romance. I was immediately invested in Raelyn and Jax’ story. Ms. Strife’s characters always seem so realistic to me. I enjoyed watching them gain more than friendship as they experience these adventures. This is a wonderful story of family, making memories and falling in love.
June 24, 2024
Raelyn and Jax have a limited amount of time to spend together. Loved going on their journey together. His friends are funny and hers are endearing. Can you really fall in a love that lasts in just a week? The author wrote in a way that made me feel like I was in the ocean with them as well as on their other adventures. Great ending. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
July 1, 2024
This has been one of my favorite in this series. I loved Raelyn and Jax, how they got along with each other, and all the adventures they did together. I especially liked learning all the Hawaiian words. It brought something new and interesting into the story.
July 1, 2024
Love the surfing aspect of the book! The characters are wonderful and I enjoyed the easy relationship they had. The settings were wonderful. I was given a free book in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2024
This is such a lovely story with Jax and Raelyn. This journey of their romance is beautiful. I was hooked. It was a great story.
July 12, 2024
Elysia Strife knows how to write a sweet romance that will have you invested in the characters’ lives. Jax and Rae were unique, adventurous characters who fell for each other despite everything working against them. They were moral and upright as well as sweet with one another. I loved their love story and how he won the dolphin for her at the fair. Thank you to the author for my Arc; all opinions are mine.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews