A Kiss in the Moonlight

Pelican Bay #3

by Maria K. Alexander

A secret crush, a moonlit kiss…
Can their fears turn friendship into forever?

Pop star Maddy Kinkaid hasn’t been back to Pelican Bay since a hurricane turned her life upside down ten years ago. Coming home to help reopen the amusement pier brings back all the feelings she’s been avoiding—especially those about Tyler, her best friend’s brother. Caught between her music career and the pull of her hometown, can Maddy overcome her fears and find a way to have it all without losing herself in the process?

Tyler Erickson was on the fast track to an Olympic swimming career when a tragedy changed everything. Now he runs a chain of successful surf and beachwear stores along the Jersey Shore, but has never faced the demons that haunt his dreams. With his paddleboard business about to open, it’s time for Tyler to confront his past—and his lingering feelings for Maddy. Together, they must tackle their fears and rediscover what matters most to see if they have a shot at a future together.

***
Trigger Natural disaster-induced PTSD, brief flashbacks of a hurricane, off-screen reference to SA & drug use, drowning, survivor guilt, hearing loss, cheating spouse

Genres: Romance

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2025

About the author

A romantic at heart, Maria K. Alexander spent hours as a young girl getting lost in and wishing to be one of the heroines in the stories she read. Books gave her the ability to go to another world where she loved meeting new characters, learning about their problems, and watching them fall in love.

Maria is an award-winning author of Contemporary Romance. When not writing, Maria loves to read, bake, downhill ski, visit the beach, and watch romantic comedies. Maria lives in New Jersey with her husband and children, and writes in her “spare” time between juggling a full-time job and her kids’ busy schedules.

You can keep in touch with her at: http://mariakalexander.com.

Reviews

[Mary Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - I have read the first two books in the series and this one didn’t disappoint. The two main characters have a lot of history to overcome. Nice to see many of the same characters who all love and support each other. Maddy and Ty finally are able to be there for each other. Loved the ending.

[Helen Lohman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria has done it again! I do have to say this is my favorite so far! Maddy and Tyler both blame themselves for things that happened during the hurricane and after ten years still haven’t over come it. Together we see them learn to face fears about water in general for Maddy and the sea for Ty. Ty and Maddy have both secretly loved the other for the last ten years, but the truth FINALLY comes out. We get to see Maddy’s struggle with life choices and trying to figure out IF she can have everything she’s always wanted in life. The character’s challenges are so relatable and this story brought me to tears many times! Excited to see what’s next for Pelican Bay!

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dylan is SUCH a sweetheart!

And Maddy and Tyler are both dealing with so much from their past… I appreciated how they supported each other, and actually helped each other work through their fears caused by their shared past…

I also appreciated how Tyler understood and support Maddy in her career, and helped her see that her career was actually not a hindrance to the future, and lifestyle, she dreamed of.

Overall, a really uplifting story! But one where the reader should check content warnings, as there are some difficult topics in this book…

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Crystal Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and found Maddy, Dylan, and Ty compelling. I hadn’t read the previous books and while I think that would have help to establish some of the large cast of characters, it was still easy to follow for the most part. I enjoyed the through line being about the town and people rebuilding after a nasty Hurricane. The teens, who had experienced the tragedy, were grown and now the ones bringing Pelican Bay back to life. Maddy and Ty’s struggle with their feelings towards one another and what pursuing it would mean was relatable and the chemistry on fire. There were some parts that just felt a little too convenient in regard to how everything was falling into place for the main characters but it didn’t hamper the enjoyment of the story. Great easy read, would be perfect for a beach read.

[Kelsey Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was good. The storyline was intriguing to see how the relationship would end up. I would have liked a bit more drama though. The chemistry between the main characters was nice. The book itself was a little long. I think some parts were a bit repetitive and could have been cut. It is the third book in the series and can be standalone, but would help to know the background of some of the side characters as they all play important roles in this book. Overall, it was a solid small town romance.

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was cute, but dragged a bit through the middle. The connection between Maddy and Ty was well thought out, and her daughter Dylan added a lot of charm. I just wish the book was a bit shorter!

[Donna Lundy · Rating 3 out of 5]

She had a crush on her best friend's brother. He had a crush on his sister's best friend. Guilt over a tragedy kept them apart. Now reunited, can they put aside their fears and find love. Quick read, fun characters, very predictable. Good summer read for fans of the Jersey Shore.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so invested in Pelican Bay! I could not wait for this book to come out.

Maddie and Ty may be my favourite yet. They have lived through an incredible ordeal and the survivors guilt they both have makes you root for them and hope they find their way to each other.

I adore how much the past players are so heavily involved in each story. There is no way we could move to the next book without having everyone together!

Maria has such a way with words. I find myself crying, laughing and melting in turns. I cannot wait for Evans story next. Something tells me it is going to be just as captivating!