Shipwrecked Curves

by Ember Davis

A Man of the Month Club Novella
A small town damsel in distress beach romance

BRISTOL
The moment I researched Candy Cane Key, I knew it would be the perfect location for the photoshoot my boss has been hired to do. Who doesn’t love Christmas in July…or any time of year? Like with all the places I’ve traveled with the photographer I work for, I’m looking forward to seeing it in person. When I arrive at Candy Cane Key, it feels like the perfect place for a vacation even though I have to work.

Hayden seems like the perfect guy to be my guide and help me find the right location for the shoot, even though he’s gruff and doesn’t seem to like me very much. I just need him to do his job and I’ll do mine. Hayden can’t help me find the perfect location and setting out on my own proves to be a disaster, one he saves me from while sparks fly between us.

After finding the location, nothing about the shoot goes right and when I’m asked to be in front of the camera, with my curves on display, Hayden doesn’t seem happy. I’ve been falling in love with Candy Cane Key and Hayden, but maybe he’s not the right guy for me. If only my heart got the memo.

HAYDEN
I love everything about Candy Cane Key, except for the tourists. They don’t respect our little slice of Christmas heaven the same way the locals do. They’re always wanting something to capitalize on, but I try and push my resentment down because I have a business to run.

Even though normally I charter private fishing trips, I take the job when someone reaches out about touring the island to find a spot for a photoshoot. I wasn’t prepared to meet Bristol, a curvy goddess who takes my breath away and makes me forget I have manners. I’m surly when it comes to her, and I can’t explain it; I should have known her stubbornness would get her in trouble.

The way we clash puts her in a position where she needs me to rescue her, and I have to claim her. When I finally get the opportunity to see her work, nothing goes to plan and then she comes alive when given the chance to be in front of the camera. We’re so different and even though I know she’s mine, I don’t know if I can keep her.

*18+ If you like alpha heroes and an insta-love story that is sweet and spicy but isn’t necessarily simple, then this is for you. No cheating with a guaranteed HEA. It is a standalone but is related to my Denver Family series (Banks Ink., Suburban Outcasts and Higgins Security). Bristol is mentioned in Melinda’s Manster because she is Boone’s sister.*

Jingle all the way back to Candy Cane Key and celebrate Christmas in July with the Man of the Month Club! This spin-off series features characters and places you already know and love, plus some fresh new faces. So join us for a scorching-hot jolly holiday on the beach!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Ember Davis loves alpha heroes with a range of emotions, but a strong sense of how to take care of their women. She loves her heroines from all walks of life, just like her heroes, and she wants them to be real and relatable. Her heroines tend to be sassy, opinionated and smart.

Ember is a stay at home mom of two who recently refound her love of books and all things romance and is so glad that she did. She’s always been creative, but writing and creating stories that she would love to read satisfies the dreams she had as a little girl. She loves butterflies, the color purple and enjoying time with her family.

Pssst, it’s totally a pen name, but everything above is 100% true.

Find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ember.A.Davis

Find her on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/ember.a.davis/

Reviews

[Keilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book ☺️ Bristol is working at a job she feels stuck in and wants to leave. Then she goes on assignment to find a good place for a photo shoot where she meets Hayden. She’s instantly attracted and after spending some time together she feels like she could really fall for him.

I loved how she recognizes her feelings, but that didn’t stop her from panicking a little and ending up in a bad situation.

When Hayden comes to her rescue she confesses her feelings and sparks fly.

Hayden was such a grump through most of the book but he cares so much for Bristol and isn’t scared to take a chance even if it means getting his heart broken when things end.

This was a super sweet and fast read. I love that there wasn’t any other man/woman drama and both characters were mature enough to communicate.

There is still some friction that keeps it interesting ☺️

There are 2 epilogues! I love epilogues because getting a glimpse of what their future is like makes it so nice to know they got a happily ever after.

They don’t have to be read together but Melinda’s Manster is the story of Bristol’s brother Boone and his wife Melinda.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Photographer’s assistant Bristol (h) scopes out Candy Cane Key as the locale for an upcoming photoshoot for her boss. She engages the services of charter boat captain Hayden (H) to help her find shooting locales around CCK, but the two are at odds with one another from the moment they meet, despite the attraction they feel for one another. Bristol decides to venture out to look for locales on her own and Hayden finds himself chasing after her when she gets into trouble. Sweet grumpy-sunshine instalove romance with some minor angst.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Hayden and Bristol met when she comes to Candy Cane Keys looking for someplace with a holiday theme to do a photo shot for her boss. Bristol arrives late to met Hayden she made arrangement for him to show her around and find the perfect spot for the photo shot. After they talk Hayden heads out to go fishing and Bristol heads out to wonder around. Later when Hayden heads to the bar he finds Bristol already there, so he sits on the stool beside her. He challenges her to a game of pool, they flirt with one another. The next day Hayden is waiting on Bristol to take her out and show her a few spots for the photo shot, she's running late. Hayden find out that Bristol took off earlier in the day and is out on the water alone. So Hayden heads out after her, he finds her on a sand bar and it's started to rain. Hayden hooks her boat to his so that he can tow her back, but she wants to look at the beach first. They get soaking wet and they climb aboard Hayden's boat. He tells her to head downstairs where there's a bathroom and bedrooms to dry off in. When Hayden comes to check on Bristol she has a towel wrapped around her, she tries not to let the towel slip. Hayden pulls her to him and he starts kissing her. Hayden takes her to bed and then he pleasures her then they make love. They stay out on the boat all night and make love all night. The next morning Bristol realizes she needs to get the boat back, but her boss is also arriving later and she needs everything ready. When Bristol's boss arrives he thinks it's the perfect place for a photo shot, but the model they have hired doesn't like the place. Soon the model isn't cooperating and they are having a hard time getting the photos needed before they loose light. Soon Bristol's boss tells the model to take a walk and has Bristol stepping in in the model's place. Bristol doesn't want to be the model but her boss reassures her she'll be perfect. When ever she looks to Hayden he has a scowl on his face. They finish the photo shot and everyone heads home, Hayden thinks that Bristol will soon be leaving and he doesn't want his heart broken. The next day someone is knocking Hayden's door, when he answers it it's Bristol. She asks him what's going on, he asks her the same thing, he tells her he thought she would be leaving. Bristol asks Hayden if he ever thought about asking her what she wants, she tells him she doesn't want to go back to Denver. She's not inspired in Denver, she working a job that she doesn't think is her anymore. He asks her what she wants to do, and she tells him she wants to be inspired, and take picture of places she loves, and she wants to do that with a man she's fallen in love with. Hayden asks her if she's sure, he doesn't want to get in her way of her dreams. She tells him he's not getting in her way because he is giving her her dream. So Hayden asks her to stay and move in with him, to follow her dreams. Then Hayden pleasures her and they make love. He tells her he loves her, she tells him she loves him. Hayden can see a future with Bristol, one filled with kids learning about the sea. One year later, Bristol's whole family comes to Candy Cane Keys to celebrate Christmas in July festival. Her brother asks her if she's happy, she tells him she is. Hayden comes to hug Bristol and he asks her what's wrong. She tells him she has something to tell him, then she places his hand on her stomach. Bristol tells Hayden she's pregnant. He picks her up and swings her around. Then he tells her it's the perfect time, as he gets down on one knee. Hayden asks Bristol to marry him and she tells him yes.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary romance is page-turning with exceptional characters and world-building. Their journey is enthralling with shipwrecked curves, a man of the month club, a small-town damsel in distress beach romance, opposites attract, enemies-to-lovers, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings, alpha hero, instalove, fish out of water, curvy heroine, found family, no cheating, guaranteed happily ever after, scorching-hot jolly holiday on the beach, adventure, heartfelt emotions, drama, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her reader's hearts and attention with shipwrecked curves and a small-town damsel-in-distress beach romance that will have readers begging for more.

BRISTOL

The moment I researched Candy Cane Key, I knew it would be the perfect location for the photoshoot my boss has been hired to do. Who doesn’t love Christmas in July…or any time of year? Like with all the places I’ve traveled with the photographer I work for, I’m looking forward to seeing it in person. When I arrive at Candy Cane Key, it feels like the perfect place for a vacation even though I have to work.

Hayden seems like the perfect guy to be my guide and help me find the right location for the shoot, even though he’s gruff and doesn’t seem to like me very much. I just need him to do his job and I’ll do mine. Hayden can’t help me find the perfect location and setting out on my own proves to be a disaster, one he saves me from while sparks fly between us.

After finding the location, nothing about the shoot goes right and when I’m asked to be in front of the camera, with my curves on display, Hayden doesn’t seem happy. I’ve been falling in love with Candy Cane Key and Hayden, but maybe he’s not the right guy for me. If only my heart got the memo.

HAYDEN

I love everything about Candy Cane Key, except for the tourists. They don’t respect our little slice of Christmas heaven the same way the locals do. They’re always wanting something to capitalize on, but I try and push my resentment down because I have a business to run.

Even though normally I charter private fishing trips, I take the job when someone reaches out about touring the island to find a spot for a photoshoot. I wasn’t prepared to meet Bristol, a curvy goddess who takes my breath away and makes me forget I have manners. I’m surly when it comes to her, and I can’t explain it; I should have known her stubbornness would get her in trouble.

The way we clash puts her in a position where she needs me to rescue her, and I have to claim her. When I finally get the opportunity to see her work, nothing goes to plan and then she comes alive when given the chance to be in front of the camera. We’re so different and even though I know she’s mine, I don’t know if I can keep her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are they sandbars or an underwater sand dunes......She is about to find out

Shipwrecked Curves by Ember Davis is part of the multi-author Man of the Month Club - Christmas in July series. I really enjoyed this fast-paced, engaging and entertaining story about Bristol and Hayden. She lives in Denver and works for a famous fashion photographer. She has a passion for photography and fashion, but she can't draw or design, so she thought working for Soren and him being her mentor would be a great start on her career path. Soren has a winter assignment to shoot and he wants to do something different, in a different location than would be expected. Bristol finds Candy Cane Key, Florida, with all its beaches, blue water, and beautiful scenery. She contacts Hayden Owen owns his own fishing charter boat and he agrees to show her around the island first and then to help ferry everyone during the shoot. Hayden is almost thirty, grumpy, big, burly, barely talks. Most people steer clear of Hayden because of his attitude, but he does have a couple close friends and others that he would have a beer with. The first meeting between Bristol and Hayden is prickly and unsettling, for both but for different reasons. It seems that things are about to get very interesting for this couple as they become a couple.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

'You always have a truth with me'

Ah! Hayden may be grumpy, growly and a little too truthful sometimes, but he has a huge, soft heart....that Bristol steals the first moment he sees her! I love that although he never believed in love at first sight, he fully embraces his feelings for Bristol. I am glad that by being on the fringes of the Banks Ink family and having Boone as a brother Bristol is used to grumpy, overprotective Alphas, so Hayden's surly, grumpy attitude doesn't faze her at all, she stands her ground, she sasses him back and she sees the light in his eyes as his mouth grumps, giving away his true feelings. Combining two of my favourite series, Banks Ink World and Candy Cane Key, this book doesn't disappoint....unless you count it being a novella rather than a full length treat to escape into!
Boone's reaction surprised me and when he asks her 'you found him didn't you' I couldn't hold the tears back any longer!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember Davis joins the fabulous Man of the Month Club/Candy Cane Key series with Shipwrecked Curves, a steamy instalove romance. Bristol scouts out Candy Cane Key for a shoot her famous photographer boss is planning for a December magazine issue. After all, a place in the Florida Keys that celebrates Christmas all year round is perfect! Hayden has lived on Candy Kane Key his entire life and agrees to show Bristol around the island to find the perfect place. However, the grumpy guide and the sassy, curvy dynamo don't exactly get off on the right foot. But when Bristol finds herself in trouble, Hayden is intent on rescuing the woman who's somehow wormed her way into his heart. A steamy, sultry, grumpy guy-sunshine curvy girl instalove that is an absolute must-read! (And if you're a huge fan of Ms Davis as am I, you'll absolutely love revisiting Boone and Melinda from Melinda's Manster!).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shipwrecked Curves is a short and steamy, OTT, instalove,age-gap, Christmas themed, grumpy-sunshine, curvy girl gets her grumpy hunk romance. Bristol is a young, curvy girl who is an aspiring photographer. She is tasked with finding a shooting location for her boss and comes across Candy Kane Key, which is Christmas themed all year round. Bristol is the grumpy, hunky boat captain she hires to show her around to find the shooting locations. The two meet, and she's the sunshine to his grumpy. They are both immediately drawn to each other. When she gets scared of her feelings, she runs off and finds herself stuck on a sandbar. Her grumpy captain comes to save her, and sparks fly. The chemistry was insane and I love that this is part of Ember's Denver Family Universe. Great short and steamy read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Shipwrecked Curves: A Man of the Month Club Novella. Bristol knows she needs a change in her life, going to Candy Cane Key just makes it more obvious and meeting Hayden doesn’t hurt. Unfortunately, he’s grumpy and rude. So why is she so attracted to him. Best to stay away. Hayden is so attracted to Bristol it’s painful but she will leave so it’s best to keep his distance. Will these two realize their fate before it’s too late? Super cute story set in Candy Cane Key. I love these stories. I loved these characters, she’s part of the SO family so now they will expand to Florida. He’s grumpy but he opens up for her. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a part of the Man of the Month Club - Christmas in July series and focuses on Hayden and Bristol. Bristol is an assistant to a photographer who tasked her with finding the perfect location for their photoshoot. During her research for places, she comes across a place in the Florida Keys called Candy Cane Key and immediately knows there is something special about the place. She hires Hayden as a guide for them to find a perfect spot for the shoot. They both know that they had just found someone important to them and it didn’t take long for them to know exactly what they had wanted out of life together. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Harriet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bristol is not feeling her current city or job. She is restless, uninspired and wanting a great love. On a scouting trip to candy Cane Keys she meets someone who is grumpy, handsome and makes her heart race, when she runs scared straight into danger who is there to save her but Hayden the very one who can make her dreams come true.

Bristol is curvy, sassy, cute, loving, argumentive (only around one man) and once she knows what she wants, she is commited. Hayden is handsome, built, grumpy, a bit of a loner and passionate about what is important to him.

This is a quick and fun insta romance read, with a sweet HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

While scouting the perfect location for a photo shoot for her boss' Christmas magazine shoot on Candy Cane Key, Bristol hires Hayden to show her the hidden coves. After flirting over a game of pool the night before, Bristol takes a boat out herself to find the hidden cove. However, her boat gets stuck on a hidden sandbar. Luckily, Hayden comes to rescue her and they spend an amazing night on his boat. Will their love last? What happens when the hired model for the photo shoot doesn't fit the inspiration? Have you read Ember Davis before? If not, no worries, Ember always gives us "cavemen" alpha heroes who support and worship their strong curvy heroines!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book about insta-love. Bristol and Hayden were meant to be together but that is not how their relationship started at all. Hayden was a bit grumpy with Bristol but even he knew that she was the woman for him from the moment he met her. I loved being back in Candy Cane Key and all the goodness that this town brings. Hayden and Bristol were so good together and their relationship was hot and steamy with a side of sky high chemistry. A great man of the month novella by Ms Davis. Her books always leave a smile on my face and this was no exception.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. I enjoyed this short love story. Bristol finds the perfect shoot location and possibly her future. Hayden's past, present and future are all tied to Candy Cane Keys. It's a good thing his newfound soulmate is captivated by it. I thought that Hayden and Bristol made a great couple. There is a little drama, but the story mainly focuses on them building their connection with the clock ticking until she leaves. I liked how sweet and steamy the romance is. It is another fun love story to add to the Man Of The Month Club, Xmas in July series

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bristol was starting to think that being a fashion photographer is definitely not her calling. She was tasked by her boss to find a location for a his photoshoot. She believes she has found the perfect place, Candy Cane Key. Hayden is her guide to find the right location on the island, he grumpy and is constantly complaining about her being late.

Hayden loves Candy Cane Key, tourists charter his fishing boat, but do not appreciate it like the locals do. When he meets Bristol she takes his breath away and makes his manners go out the window. She is only here for a short time or can he convince her to stay?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erin Nevelow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute novella set on the periphery of Ember’s Banks Inc., Higgins Security, Suburban Outcasts books.

Bristol is an assistant to a famous photographer looking for a new place for a photo shoot. She comes across Candy Cane Key. It’s the perfect place for a Christmas in July shoot.

Hayden is the man whose supposed to show Bristol around the island. He’s a grumpy hot head who isn’t happy to have Bristol on his island.

This book has the sexy instalove that Ember’s famous for and a glimpse of characters from her other books. Definitely worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aliama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bristol is scouting out Candy Cane Key for the next photoshoot for her boss. While there she meets the grumpy boat operator Hayden. Hayden is immediately caught up in Bristol but comes across as grouchy towards her. Bristol needs more out of life to make herself happy and she’s realizing that her current job isn’t it. She loves her photography and wants to explore it more on her own terms. A fast paced read with an instant attraction between two people. An independent woman realizing her talent and finding a man who will always love and cherish her. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bristol is sent to find a perfect spot for a photo shoot by her boss, she finds Candy Cane Keys and falls in love with the place! What she didn’t expect was to meet and fall for gorgeous grumpy Hayden the guide she hired! Hayden is upset when his appointment is running late, but one look at beautiful Bristol and he falls instantly for her! Can they find their happily ever after? Great book that I would highly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shipwrecked Curves by Ember Davis is book 6 of Man of the Month Club - Christmas in July series. I received this #ARCBook early and for my honest review. First off, I am a fan of Ember @ember.a.davis & this book was no different! Such a great book!

Bristol meets Hayden when she goes to Candy Cane Key & hires Hayden for a boat tour. Bristol is running late to meet Hayden & he is grumpy. They both felt the instalove for each other. Bristol stays with Hayden & they move in with each other. They get married & of course, live happily ever after.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is A Man of the Month Club-Christmas in July starring Bristol and Hayden. This one has one sassy curvy woman that wins over the grumpy boat captain. These two are super adorable together and I loved the back and forth these two give off it was like reading a tennis match yes I know how that sounds but read this one and you will get it too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bristol and Hayden get off on the wrong foot but their snarky banter and instant connection makes you cheer for this couple. Bristol is sassy and longs for something more while Hayden is content with his quiet life but finds he is head over heels for this curvy sunshine. With the holiday and island atmosphere, this book will make you swoon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romance read.

A sweet romance read! This was a cute story with a grumpy Hayden and a sunshine Bristol connects when she is on assignment to find a location her her boss, when she discovers Candy Cane Key she gets more than she imagine. What happens next was an instant romance with all the sweet feel and swoon worthy grumpy alpha that made for an enjoyable story with a HEA.

[Michele79 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Bristol is sweet, sassy and a ray of sunshine. Hayden is grumpy but protective and caring. They were delightful! The book has the romance and steam as you'd expect from this author. A definite 5 stars!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Hayden and Bristol’s story! I’m a huge fan of “the family” so I always know I’m going to love any book related. I was not wrong. I love both Hayden and Bristol and their instant connection. It was short and sweet and a little steamy. So good!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shipwrecked Curves is Bristol and Hayden's HEA. We are back in Candy Cane Key. Bristol meets Hayden when she considers hiring him to charter her around and scout locations for her boss. What they find together is much more.
This wasa sweet insta love. I enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bristol is a photography assistant searching for the next photo shoot location. She finds Candy Cane Key where she meets Hayden, who owns a local boat business. He’s a grump but can’t help softening his heart to her when they meet, and both cannot fight the instant attraction.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hayden is hired to assist Bristol in finding locations

Bristol heads to Candy Cane Key to set things up for a Christmas themed photo shoot. He comes off all gruff and grumpy but quickly realised that Bristol is 'the one'. When she goes missing he comes to the rescue and zing!!! Cute story of super sweet taking the bite out of the grouch.

[Debbie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember Davis has captured the fairy tale of love at first site in this story. It is well-written, a fast read, and there’s even a couple of epilogues at the end.
The characters are comical, they both bring out out the naughtiness in each other. Prepare for some serious steam and a cute insta love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bristol works for a famous photographer and scouts out a new location. Hayden has a charter business and Bristol is his newest customer. These two meet and kind of start off wrong. But their attraction and connection is huge, so they fall head over heels for each other. Instalove, sweet, fun to read, no drama, romantic, steamy and safe with a sweet HEA 😍😍😍😍😍

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bristol goes to Candy Cane Key on an assignment to find the perfect spot for a photoshoot. She means Hayden and their connection is instant. Sweet, steamy romance with amazing chemistry, a little drama, a loving of grumpy hero and a beautiful HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.