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Pink Hotel #1

Always Be an Us

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The stranger in my grandpa’s bar with a list of demands is the most infuriating customer I’ve ever served.

Plus, his striking good looks are so distracting I dump a food tray on him.

No worries. He’d leave town soon.

Only...

Declan Tudor is staying.

He’s bought the old Pink Hotel and is changing it up. To our detriment. Even worse, he scoffs at our lore and traditions.

But I can’t stay mad.

Not after discovering a heart underneath that aura of steel and a steel length that sends me into outer space.

He’s also a single dad with a mischievous daughter that’s my new bestie.

I’m getting wrapped up in the enemy. He’s getting wrapped around my curvy hips.

We shouldn’t.

I’m not his only curveball. Someone dangerous holds a grudge. Mysteries surround the Pink Hotel and they want to keep them hidden.

No matter what or whom it costs...

484 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2024

117 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Summer Hunter

18 books55 followers

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5 stars
40 (58%)
4 stars
17 (25%)
3 stars
6 (8%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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4 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Kristina .
1,052 reviews940 followers
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December 4, 2024
I try *not* to be ANUS, but that’s just me.

🤣


Awe I’m sad, they updated the cover. 😭 It will always be anus to me.
1,006 reviews61 followers
February 24, 2025
Declan and Emma's story was so freaking good. I definitely didn't see it going the way it did but I absolutely loved it and couldn't put it down. The chemistry was great and it was well written.
2,004 reviews22 followers
November 25, 2024
Loved reading the engaging and engrossing romance story. When Declan continues to find something wrong with his burger, Emma refuses to send for a fifth burger and accidentally bumps the tray, the burger ends up in Declan's lap, Emma apologizes, and is glad she won't have to see the wealthy, handsome arrogant man again except Declan is in charge of making the Pearl Hotel like new again. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting love story by the fabulous author, Summer Hunter.
Profile Image for Sandra.
684 reviews
December 2, 2024
"Just so you know, I think we're going to be together forever."~Emma😍

"Every shred of me is hungry for every shred of her."~Declan🥰

Holy pink cow!! This. Was. Crazy. Good. Can I give more than 5 pink stars, or pearls?! Ms Hunter really brought the feistiness, emotional drama, action, a little suspense, a backstory of romance, and sassy banter with this one.😂😂 I was emotionally invested. I wanted to know all the intricacies of this story. The world building ran smoothly. I was pulled into the mystery. The backstory of the Pink Hotel reminded me of a charming place where Golden Hollywood's elite would escape to. Madam T was definitely like Rose from the movie Titanic. I want to go and see the renovated Pink Hotel.😁🩷🏨🩷

We have an older man, divorced, Dad to Amelia; he's also a workaholic, extremely wealthy who's visiting the small town of Laketown for a work project. Everyone knows everybody in this place. Declan Tudor is a straightforward man who's so darn grumpy and very standoffish that he seems to enjoy getting on everyone's last nerve. He put in a reorder 5 times for his hamburger. It wasn't done to his specifications. Yes. He's that rude customer.🫢 5 times!🖐🏻 We've all been there in some form or another.hehe But stick with him. Don't write him off yet. Declan is about to have a huge shift in his life by renovating an abandoned hotel his Father just bought and meeting the waitress who put up with his fussy disastrous food order.😝😝 Also, as his ex-wife Rachel said, he's 'emotionally constipated'. And... well... he is.😭

Emma is younger, lives with her wonderful 80yr old Grandpa {{I loved her Grandpa!🧓🏼🫶🏻}}, and this girl isn't putting up with Declan's rudeness or remarks. She sets him straight and calls him out on everything. Emma doesn't hold back. That's my kind of girl.🥳 She's sassy and realistic.🙌🏻 She meets 13yr old Amelia, not knowing she's Declan's daughter, and hits it off with her. Especially when they talk about the mysterious history of the Pink Hotel. More so with the diary that Emma shares with her. Amelia is a sweet kid. Very smart. And when Emma realizes who her Dad is, well, sparks are going to fly higher. She likes grumpy pants who refuses to believe in magic, ghosts, disappearances, or even the legendary pearls that are found on the land. Leave it to Emma to help him see and crack open his heart to new possibilities.😲❤️‍🩹🤣🤣

There's a ton of things happening here as it develops and goes on. Someone doesn't want the hotel renovated. And is the legendary pink pearl real or a myth? What about a man who says he doesn't believe in love? He can't love. Ever. I won't spoil it. There's hotness and steam included.🥵🔥🥵 The past comes to town too. Including Declan's ex-wife. I liked how Rachel and Emma got along instead of being disrespectful towards each other. That was refreshing to read. I want to know more about Micah too. That flirt cracked me up.🤭🤭 I hope you tell his story too, Ms Hunter. Nice job with this one.👏🏻 I like the new book cover. Glad you changed it.😉 Looking forward to the next one, hopefully. I recommend. Happy reading!!!💖💖💖💖💖

💌💋📓Thank you to Ms Hunter and Booksprout for an early book. These are my honest thoughts on the story I read. Get your book ASAP.📓💋💌
2,523 reviews42 followers
December 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this first book in the series, the characters, the romance and the mystery. Emma Crane has been working as a waitress and assisting with the management of her grandfather’s Tiki Bar in Laketown. She loves and cares for her grandfather who had taken her in after the death of her parents at the Pink Hotel. The hotel has been vacant since it was badly damaged in the fire. Businessman Declan Tudor is not thrilled to be in Laketown, but his father purchased the Pink Hotel and he is to decide whether it is worth restoring or in his mind, tear it down and rebuild. He doesn’t understand the communities’ attachment to the hotel or to the rainbow pearls that are said to be found in the lake, especially the famous pink pearl. The clashes between Emma and Declan started from his first visit to the bar, but soon turn to an unexpected attraction for both of them. He believes that someone is sabotaging his efforts with the hotel, but who and why? When their safety is threatened as well, will they finally solve the mystery surrounding the hotel and the pink pearl? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Amie Kieffer.
183 reviews
December 9, 2024
Mysteries of the Pink Hotel...
In this Book 1 of the Pink Hotel series, Always Be An Us, is a wonderfully told story that tells the relationships of Declan and Emma, Declan and his daughter Amelia, Emma and her grandfather as well as the people of the town of Laketown, Michigan.
Declan is a hard man to get to know, a bit rough around the edges. Emma and Declan just have this spark of magnetism that draws each to the other. It doesn't hurt that Amelia is drawn to Emma and her grandfather who share their knowledge and stories about the Pink Hotel and the Pink Pearl. Amelia is fascinated by the love story found in the old journal that Emma shares with her.
Wherever there's a mystery there's bound to be some suspense close by. Throw in some very heated romance and you've got a great story that'll leave you wanting more and turning the pages with great fascination.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Victoria Golby.
1,733 reviews13 followers
December 25, 2024
A great slow-build romance, with chemistry between the characters, mystery, suspense, danger, light humour and some brilliant twists.

After her parent's death at the Pink Hotel Emma has lived with her grandfather and worked at his Tiki bar. But she's unimpressed by the new visitor who asks for his burger to be remade five times. Declan has been sent by his father to manage the restoration of the hotel he's just bought, but he's not sure it's worth it and would prefer to tear it down and rebuild.

After their first clash neither can forget the other and being in a small town they can't avoid each other with rivals soon become something more. When Declan suspects sabotage in the hotel he turns to Emma for help, and working together they make a great team, but is it enough to solve the mysteries surrounding the hotel?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,152 reviews76 followers
December 2, 2024
So this guy walks into a bar …in their town , with a list of demands . Good job Emma Crane is a lady and it’s her grandpa’s place ,a Tikki Bar else he’d be out that door and in the parking lot. He can certainly walk off a short pier. Vamoose disappear. Well there’s one consolation,when he leaves he’s gone and good riddance to trashing their menu as well as the venue . Ideas above his station. Who does he think he is? … He’s what ? Bought the Pink Hotel? The Pearl. He’s doing it up mighty fine …that means he’s competition ! He can’t do this! But of course he is. Declan Tudor , more like intruder! Not wanted here ! But then again …Emma makes friends with Declan’s wayward and mischievous daughter and she finds out he does have a beating heart ,this single dad , is she about to get burned with desire? Or break her heart? Fan the flames in this well described and nicely written book.
Profile Image for Lauren & Tiina.
17 reviews
December 4, 2024
Oooo this was was SUCH a fun read! Declan Tudor is this grumpy, super-rich guy who comes to town to fix up the old Pink Hotel, and Emma Crane is the bartender who’s not afraid to stand up to him. Say less, right? Their arguments are hilarious, and you can totally feel the chemistry between them even when they’re mad at each other. I was really touched by Emma's relationship to her grandpa and I Declan’s relationship with his daughter, Amelia. The whole mystery about the Pink Hotel and the pink pearl made the story even more exciting. It’s got humor, romance, and a little bit of suspense, which is al I ever want. Oh, and A++++ banter! Loved.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Michelle Blake.
521 reviews7 followers
October 23, 2025
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Sometimes a man is so good looking that you will accidentally dump a plate of food on him instead of putting it on the table. At least, that is what happens when Emma serves the 5th burger to Declan. He returned the other 4 and she is getting very frustrated. He is an out of towner, so he should be leaving soon. However, that is not the case. He purchased the run down Pink Hotel and is to renovate it even though he does not think it is a sound investment. His father is pressuring him to do this.

However, the heat between Emma and Declan is palpable. And now someone is causing problems at the job site and Declan is worried that Emma is in their crosshairs.
Profile Image for L KQ.
5,605 reviews21 followers
December 3, 2024
Pink and Rainbow Pearls

Declan and Emma clash on their initial encounters. When a set of events moment brings them together, there is a shift in their dynamic. However, he is not one who is known to fall in love and keeps women at arm's length. This story was suspenseful and dangerous as the mystery of the hotel and pearls ignite a fire within the town. There were a few things left unresolved that I hope will find a place in the next installment. It was such a fantastic read that I could not put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Trina Jones.
2,707 reviews41 followers
December 6, 2024
I enjoyed this book it was so good. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was insane and intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down.Declan and Emma chemistry was so strong and it was full with emotion and drama. And the physical attraction was spicy and steamy of romance. The suspense was chaos and dangerous and heartbreaking. The mystery was on the level of chaos and drama.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
Profile Image for Sue.
1,750 reviews140 followers
November 22, 2024
OMG, this book is a riot! Declan Tudor struts into town like he owns the place (spoiler: he kind of does), and our girl isn’t having it… until she totally is. The Pink Hotel has secrets, the bar has sass, and their chemistry is HOTTER than my flat iron on max heat. Also, Declan’s kid? Adorable chaos. I laughed, I swooned, and I yelled at the pages (in a good way). If you’re looking for a romance with steam, snark, and some seriously mysterious vibes, don’t sleep on this one! 🍸🔥🏨
Profile Image for Abigail L..
1,732 reviews124 followers
November 23, 2024
Always Be an Us is a fiery and fun romance with a twist of danger and plenty of heart. Watching sparks fly between the sassy bartender and the brooding outsider made for a story I couldn’t put down. The mix of witty banter, a little town lore, and undeniable chemistry between the characters kept me hooked. Plus, Declan’s relationship with his daughter added so much warmth—it’s impossible not to root for them. If you love romance with humor and a dash of suspense, this book delivers.
Profile Image for Chris06.
607 reviews6 followers
December 2, 2024
Romance and a mystery ..

A grumpy single dad .. yeah he is Mr
Closed off … meets his match.

I enjoyed the banter and openness between Emma and Mr Grumpies daughter Amelia. Even how his ex is with Emma..

No real angst .. no ow drama .. just spice and suspense.

Things get heated fast and these two deal with a lot of issues surrounding the reason he is in town.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Barbara .
6,541 reviews25 followers
December 3, 2024
Your next romantic suspense book is waiting right here for you to start to gobble it up. The characters plan and simple will blow you away. Declan and Emma are written beautifully just like this entire book is by Summer. I totally had a really hard time stopping to get other things done once I began to read this book but thank goodness, they deliver pizza, and my husband loves pizza like I loved this book. I thought it was a fair exchange. This is a 5/5-star book.

703 reviews8 followers
December 3, 2024
Oh my. This is such a wonderful story. It's very well written. And the characters are fantastic. Lots of suspense, mystery, town history, friendship, family and a wonderful forever romance building through all the chaos happening. Declan and Emma's story will have you on edge at times and warm your heart at others. Summer is a wonderful author. I truly enjoyed this 1st book of the Pink Hotel series and I am looking forward to the next book. Enjoy this wonderful HEA Romance everyone
Profile Image for Charmaine Nouwen.
5,468 reviews23 followers
December 6, 2024
Always Be an Us is a standalone romantic suspense story of Declan and Emma..A billionaire single dad,workaholic and an intense man with a sweet side and the woman who intrgue and got under his skin and to the heart of his daughter..An interesting,great plot,characters,with some action,angst,mystery and second chance at love..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,300 reviews16 followers
December 17, 2024
Declan and Emma. Hes new in town and has bought the Pink Hotel. When he comes into her dads bar he is the most infuriating man .... but his daughter is Emmas new best friend. Declan on the other hand is a bit rough and doesnt want to hear the stories of the town lore. Theres mystery, suspense, intrigue, and someone whos holding onto some resentment. Really a great suspensful romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bonni.
59 reviews
June 24, 2025
crude and juvenile

I know you can’t trust the review ratings on Amazon completely so my back up has always been the Goodreads ratings. However, I was totally let down this time. This book has to be aimed at a teen/20 something audience. It was very juvenile with a lot of crudity thrown in. The writeup mentioned lower and mystery, but I never found any of that. Honestly, this was just a waste of space on my Kindle so I will be deleting it.
Profile Image for Colorado.
825 reviews17 followers
November 26, 2024
Always Be An Us takes place in Lakewood, a small community that's on the "Ten Most Wondrous Towns in America" list because it's the only place to find Rainbow Pearls. Declan, a real estate developer from NYC, has come to town to rebuild the Pink Hotel, a local landmark for over a hundred years. He meets Emma when he comes into her bar for dinner. (Declan returns his order five times and Emma needs to Google calming phrases.) This is definitely a case of opposites attract. While Declan avoids emotional engagements and prizes control, he's drawn to Emma's warmth and spontaneity. She's attracted to his strength and alpha qualities.

The romance is enhanced by parallel mysteries and legends involving the pearls. As Emma, her grandfather and Declan's teenage daughter investigate a long ago mystery about the hotel and theft of a famous Pink Pearl, someone is attempting to sabotage efforts to restore the hotel in the present.

I read an advance copy. This is an honest review.
12.1k reviews75 followers
December 2, 2024
The author has given us a wonderful enemies-to-lovers story that pulls us into the lives of Emma and Declan. The suspenseful story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, secrets, danger, revelations and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bailey Laine.
259 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2024
He’s a single dad that gets under her skin. In every way, not all bad. The romance is set in a sweet, historical locale and the suspense only adds to the plot points. I’m looking forward to the next installments in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,491 reviews19 followers
November 18, 2024
perfect for me
A female not afraid to stand up for herself, a tough as nails protector with a soft side, a mystery to be solved and cute kid - I couldn´t help but falling for them slowly forming a new family where the feeling of us counts more than anything else.
169 reviews
November 30, 2024
The mystery part of the book is good but I really can’t find much empathy for Declan. Sure I can see where he’s coming from, but I still don’t get him. I like that Emma stands up to him from the start.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.8k reviews125 followers
December 8, 2024
I've read several books written by Summer Hunter; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Pink Hotel Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Emma & Declan.
1,258 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2025
He and his daughter move to town to refurbish the old hotel. They don’t get along at first but she and his daughter hit it off.Lits of mystery surrounding the hotel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barb Graham.
358 reviews5 followers
November 29, 2024
Emma's family has ties to the Pink Pearl Hotel. When Declan comes in with plans to renovate or demolish, things get tense. They have serious chemistry, but Declan doesn't "do love". Amelia, Declan's daughter becomes close to Emma, and they bond over historical diaries. As the renovations begin, delay after delay happen. Break ins, parts missing, but the worst when it gets personal. I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and I highly recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4,017 reviews
December 6, 2024


The story and characters are well written and developed. I enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Good read.
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