On the Rocks

Last Call #1

by Sawyer Bennett

He left to travel the world for fame and glory, but only after spurning Gabby Ward and crushing her young heart. Now Hunter Markham has come back home to the sand and salty breeze of the North Carolina Outer Banks so he can open up Last Call, a beach bar nestled among the dunes of the Atlantic.

Gabby Ward is not happy that Hunter has returned. Bitter over his rebuff years before, she’s content to stay far away from him and his dangerously charming ways.

Gabby’s well-schemed plans to ignore Hunter go up in flames when he presents an offer to her that she simply can’t refuse, throwing them together in a common quest to each reach their goals. Working together day in and day out proves to be problematic for Gabby, who soon realizes that the feelings she had for him are still very much alive. Hunter struggles to reach through to Gabby’s cold heart, all while starting a new career away from his life as a top ranked, professional surfer.

What starts out as a mutual business arrangement soon turns into a passion that neither of them can continue to deny.

Hard choices lay ahead for both of them when Hunter is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to return to the pro surfing tour.

Choices that could destroy what they have built or take them further than they ever had dared to hope.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Sports, Second Chance, Friends To Lovers

260 pages, ebook

First published January 28, 2014

About the author

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

FREE on Amazon US today (3/5/2016)

Stand-alone book 1.

BLURB:
He left to travel the world for fame and glory, but only after spurning Gabby Ward and crushing her young heart. Now Hunter Markham has come back home to the sand and salty breeze of the North Carolina Outer Banks so he can open up Last Call, a beach bar nestled among the dunes of the Atlantic.

Gabby Ward is not happy that Hunter has returned. Bitter over his rebuff years before, she’s content to stay far away from him and his dangerously charming ways.

Gabby’s well-schemed plans to ignore Hunter go up in flames when he presents an offer to her that she simply can’t refuse, throwing them together in a common quest to each reach their goals. Working together day in and day out proves to be problematic for Gabby, who soon realizes that the feelings she had for him are still very much alive. Hunter struggles to reach through to Gabby’s cold heart, all while starting a new career away from his life as a top ranked, professional surfer.

What starts out as a mutual business arrangement soon turns into a passion that neither of them can continue to deny.

Hard choices lay ahead for both of them when Hunter is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to return to the pro surfing tour.

Choices that could destroy what they have built or take them further than they ever had dared to hope.

http://www.amazon.com/Rocks-Last-Call...


FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 500 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Patrycja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: On The Rocks
Series: Last Call #1
Author: Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: February 17th , 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes




As in her previous books, Sawyer Bennett delivers exactly the same kind of toe curling, butterflies in belly romance that fans of sweet, cute and delicious will eat up. It’s one of those stories that quickly grab your attention and make you smile and giggle. Full of sexy, steamy moments, witty banters, stubborn heroine and drool worthy hero, On The Rocks is a book you want to read if you have one of those days that just needs to get better.




Gabby is best friend of Hunter’s sister. All of them knew each other from the time they were toddlers, but as the time was passing, Gabby found herself head over heels in love with Casey’s older brother.

The night she graduated from high school and got a little tipsy she finally decided to act on her attraction. When she kissed Hunter, twenty two year old, pro surfer and he kissed her back, she thought all of her dreams are coming true. Unfortunately, Hunter stopped the best kiss of her life and told her some not very pleasant things.

Five years later, Gabby is still holding a grudge and can’t get past her humiliation from that night, so when she has to take a job as a constructor in Hunter’s bar, she’s not very happy. But knowing that her father’s firm will be bankrupt if she doesn’t take this job makes her do it.
Now, Gabby and Hunter will spend some time together and the night from few years ago will come back to haunt them.



Written in dual point of view, On the Rocks was very easy to connect with. I very much enjoy reading friends to lovers romance, and when there is a great twist in the plot, that type of novel can grab my heart and squeeze it repeatedly. Hunter and Gabby’s story is exactly like that. Of course, I can’t say I connected with everything, because that would be not the truth, but mostly I was pleased with how it all played out and was positively surprised by how this story progressed. So score one for the author for that!





I found it very thrilling to read book filled with hot beach and surfing. It was nice to forget about horrible, winter weather behind the windows. Frankly, On The Rocks was like a summer read for me. And this is something I greatly appreciated in the middle of February.

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest review. This review will be also posted during review tour on Smokin' Hot Book Blog*





FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:

[✝✝ Ⓓaisy ❣ ✝✝ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hunter Markham is delicious pro surfer, this book is all about him!





And Gabby, his sister's best mate, who I enjoyed her but by the end of the way, I just wanted to slap her for so stupid and pushover, silly woman!





This all about being childhood mates, sharing a kiss then running away from 5 years, then they meet again, sparks fly, then they become couple, finally there are some challenges.

I was hoping for WOW but it was MEH! The story line was predictable.

Hence, if you want a surfer boy in your read, you might like this one.





Will I Recommend? NOPE

BUT,



Instead of being connected with Hunter and Gabby, I felt connected with Brody. I definitely will look for his story. Really hope it is good! *fingers crossed*

D xo


**ARC provided for review**

[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new series from Sawyer Bennett is always a good thing.

I enjoyed this getting to know Gabby and Hunter and how their relationship changes throughout the story from a crush to hate to love.

Gabby could be annoying at times though

Everything you except from a SB book, cool characters, hot sex and laughs.

Can't wait to get to know the rest of the gang better.

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Sugar on the Edge first before I read On the Rocks. I remember I like Sugar on the edge because it is different that other Miss Bennett's series. Its edgier. So when I pick up On the Rocks, I was expecting the same edgy story. But I was bit disappointed. On the Rocks story is nothing new to romance stories. A childhood friendship turns into romance.

But what really throws me off is Gabby. She is all over the place like she is on drug. One time she is demure then she flips into vicious bitch for no reason. And I can not believe it makes Hunter turns on. Really?? I am in awe of disbelieve. Hence, I can not connect with the characters chemistry. I feel let down with On the Rocks.

The other aspects of this book, the story flow, plot etc is OK with me. Overall I still manage to enjoy this book and finish it.

3 stars

[Jennifer Kyle]

It's hard to follow a Coho book...

DNF @ 52 %

Gabby went in for a kiss on her best friend's brother, Hunter on the night of her graduation and was completely shot down. Years later, Hunter the surfer pro is running a bar and Gabby has gotten his attention. She's bitchy but he's all into to her...

"I figured out that you and I...that we're going to happen no matter what."



This is a fast moving story but I just don't care to continue. I don't care for Gabby at ALL. It was six years ago come on already...

"You're acting like a brat."



The story so far is weak and predictable.

"Because...if I let it be any more, then I'll be crushed if this doesn't work out. It's safer this way."



I like a bit more story line and a main character I can actual stand.



If I'm wrong about this book message me and I'll go forward.

[S.M. West · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 HUNTER STARS

I really enjoy Sawyer's books especially her men and in this one, I was all in for the Markham brothers!! Hunter and Brody...


This was a fun, quick read and while the plot was predictable, I loved the best friend's brother romance between Hunter and Gabby.


Hunter was just perfect: hot, sexy, funny pro surfer. Gabby got on my nerves at times for her cowardice and bitchiness although I understood why she acted the way she did. She'd been hurt by Hunter before and was scared of getting obliterated this time. What I really liked was the usual ploy of jealousy and miscommunication, although used, didn't work in this case...that was refreshing.

I'm looking forward to Brody's book next, Hunter's silent, brooding paroled twin brother!

[Sara ➽ Ink Is My Sword · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 “Hunter->YEAH/ Gabby->AGH” Stars

”No one knows where anything is going… not for sure. Who’s to say we need to know what waits for us? Maybe all we need to know is that we don’t want to stay where we are.”

➽ FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED.


After an awful night of sleep because of douche neighbors, I got the urge to start re-reading this series, and I am so glad I didn’t procrastinate on it as I usually do. This series brought me back to my first stages as a reader, discovering a whole new world of genres and formatting. The Last Call series by Sawyer Bennett was one of my first new adult/ romance series I binged, and it opened my eyes to all the other companion series novels. This book and the next ones, hold a very special place in my heart. Said that I cannot say this was the best novel of this author.


I really enjoyed the writing, especially the sex scenes, they just work for me if you know what I mean *wiggle eyebrows*. And as someone who already read all the other books, I was so happy when I saw all the side characters, I was constantly wanting to jump right onto their books especially Brody’s and Casey’s. I really enjoyed Hunter as our hero, he was refreshing and open, he had the whole sexy vibe without being a douche. Sadly my love for our hero wasn’t enough to be completely invested in the romance, as I hated our heroine. She is not a terrible person, actual she works in a very man-dominated field of work and it comes as strong and determinate, but in an actual relationship, she was a M-E-S-S. Apart from being completely childish, her reasoning for protecting herself from hurting didn’t bring any sympathy from me. Besides the whole that kiss ruined everything for us for 5 years, was just a meh storyline for me, I did enjoy it, but I didn’t love it. I also felt that we focused so much on hunter’s carrier and decisions as a surfer but we never touch much upon the struggles Gabby had on work by the end of the novel, maybe this will be come up in future books. Also, I found the way problems were constructed or resolved somehow anticlimactic, I wanted more angst our just stuff to provoke my feelings.

This books are great summer reads, or even quick without much thought romance books. Also if you are looking for a hot surfer dude, this has it. But if you are afraid of starting with this one because you may not like it, don’t worry Sawyer Bennett is such a prolific author, like literally, this woman puts a book every other month if not faster, so you have many books to choose from.

I AM SO READY FOR BRODY’S STORY.

[Catarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 Surfing Stars.

Gabby and Hunter know each other since they were kids, and as the younger sister best-friend she has the mandatory crush on Hunter. Everything changes when she has 18 and they share a moment that Hunter immediately regrets and leave Gabby broken-hearted for the next five years, when Hunter is running the world and becoming the world’s most famous surfer.



Now, a few years later, he’s back and both of them are changed. Having to work together things quickly escalate between them but while Gabby wants things to remain physical, Hunter wants more. She is afraid of thinking about a future with him because when the time comes what will Hunter choose? His career as a worldwide famous surfer of Gabby?



Rating: 3,5 Stars.
Storyline: An entertaining and fast-paced NA book, with some nice twists in the plot that I wasn’t expecting but a little dull. Although it was a nice book and an enjoyable reading it was missing that “wow factor”. That or I’m just getting tired of NA books and they start to look all the same.
Writing Style: First person. Dual POV. Solid and engaging writing.
Character Development: The Mc’s were good. Gabby was fierce and sweet and despite some annoying moments, I liked her. Hunter was also pretty good, but as a famous surfer with a hot body… I was expecting a bigger bad-boy side from him. Instead he was sweet and loyal, what isn’t bad but… meh. You know how we love the redeeming bad-boy type. The supportive characters were kind of irrelevant but I’m curious about Brody story and what really happened to him.
Steam: Some hot moments.
HEA: Yes.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT?! Ms Bennett has a new series! Yup, I got out my happy dance!



We meet Hunter a former surfer turned bar owner.

AND we meet Gabby who is almost a college grad turned construction manager.

This book was a great read (like you had any doubts after reading any of her other books). Ms Bennett can take a great and create a fabulous read! I devoured it in almost one complete sitting (thanks hubby for the time!) - this author always can make me float into my heaven while I forget the world around me.

SO... WHO will show up in the next book of this series? I can not wait to find out.

**ARC was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review**

[[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars




Best friend's brother story. Hunter and Gabby share a kiss. Hunter broke Gabbys heart and 5 years later she is still bitter over it. These two had a few chances over the years to talk about the kiss and when they did suddenly 5 years later everything was fine and happy? I wasnt convinced!

I found Gabby irritating, gullible, a pushover. Her actions at the end was just plain stupid, got me soo mad.

It didnt work for me as I love Sawyer Bennetts other series but Gabby was just too immature for me. Buttt there is a good amount of sexy time and the drama/angst was low.

thank you for being there for my ranting Daisy


ARC provided by Author

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit, I initially embarked on this read with a lot of trepidation as I had only read one book from this author, Off Sides, and didn't hit it off well with that.

BUT..Luckily for this book...

On the Rocks, actually WON me over!! I won't go and say that it's the best book I've ever read in my life but it's different and definitely showed a lot of growth from what my last recollection of Ms. Bennett's work!! And PLUS, it had surfing in it!! I LOVE surfing!! I'm from HAWAI'I for crying out loud!! Not to love the beach and ocean is an absolute sin!! lol ;)

The story: Five years ago on her high school grad night, Gabriella "Gabby or Gabs" Ward put her heart on the line to long time crush/best friend's older brother, Hunter Marham, only to be devastatingly rebuffed and rejected.

Now years later, Hunter returns to North Carolina and Gabby has sworn to never let Hunter back into her heart. Only, what's a girl to do when he may be your last chance to keeping a family business afloat? And her entire being simply craves for it?

So now Hunter...

Hunter Markham knows what's it like to have it all: fame, glory, money, and women. After all, he's a hot shot surfer ranked #2 in the world.

But when life calls him back home to deal with some family business, Hunter finds himself admist of re-opening a beach bar and now contracting Gabby's father's business for help on refurnishing the bar's facilities.

Only... Hunter, too, has never forgotten the night that he cold heartedly broken Gabby's heart and agonizingly regrets how he handled it. After all, she was his little sister's best friend and he knew her his entire life. It would be wrong. Right?

Now seeing her again, Hunter begins seeing Gabby in a new light and no longer as a “sister.”

The two squabble with their feelings for it a bit, but later engage in a passionate and tumultuous love affair under the eyes of friends and family members. But what started as a secretive and casual relationship develops into a passionate and earth shattering love affair that might just mean more for the both of them.

Can Gabby let go of old hurts and let Hunter in once again? Moreover, when an old flame of Hunter's shows up, will she tear down the entire foundation that Gabby and Hunter had worked so hard to build?

And what decision will Hunter make when his agent arrives on his doorstep, coercing him to rejoin the world of fame and surf? Will he give up what he has with Gabby and stay? Or will he pass up the opportunity of a lifetime?

Read and you will find out!

SO, my verdict: A DEFINITE re-opening to my eyes to the world of Sawyer Bennett!! I really loved reading this book as it is very easy to read and enjoyed being in the heads of Gabby and Hunter! I'm not saying that once in a while their characters did not frustrate or annoy me at any point since they did in the beginning. But what do you expect when you got your heart trumped on and shattered and the object of your affection (well, affections!) all of a sudden comes back and only now wants to make it a go with you? I, too, would be a bit apprehensive and bitter. After all, she's still in love with the guy!

Anyway, a lovely, lovely read that finally won me over with this author!!

I now CAN'T WAIT for Hunter's twin brother's story, Brody, and one of Gabby's best friend's, Alyssa's story!! Gosh I'm so excited!! Brody, made me curious as to his back story and mysterious personna and Alyssa was just an easy character to like. I can't wait to see their story play out as in On the Rocks their limited interaction is quite shaky.

GAWD, can it be March yet?! I need my Brody fix NOW!!

[Geri Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars!!

I really enjoyed Sawyer Bennett's previous books especially her Off Series. While this book does have its good points, I just kept noticing the bad things to truly enjoy it. I liked it enough but I wasn't wowed by it.

The characters were okay. I actually enjoyed Hunter very much and Gabby was likable. It took me a while to relate to her because her reaction to Hunter's rejection was a little OTT. I thought they dated and Hunter dumped her but he didn't. She was drunk and she kissed him and Hunter didn't want to go there because she's too young and she's her sister's BFF.And she stopped speaking to him for 6 years? And she was a bitch to him when they met again. To me, that was a little OTT.I did warm up to her character and actually ended up rooting for her.

Now, the bad news is that the editing drove me crazy. The constant use of ellipsis was distracting. Even though the sentence clearly doesn't need it, she still puts it in there. And it became distracting.

Cute story though. I would have given it a higher rating if not for the editing issues.

[Auntee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story but Gabby nearly ruined it for me...

[Romance Recs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy sh** this book blew my mind. This 5 star read somehow means more because I wasn’t expecting it. From the first paragraph I was hooked!

In hindsight I can’t say was so surprised that this epic Sawyer Bennet book would be another 5 star read however, I just… I didn’t expect it to be so erotic.

The sex scene was one of the most intense I’ve ever read. It was hot in terms of steam, but what made it above ordinary for me was the deep connection between the hero and heroine.

What I thought would be a cute, romantic read turned out so be so much more. Such a deeper connection than I anticipated prior to reading.

I liked how confident and assuring Hunter was when she told him she was scared. Gabby’s young age shows in a lot of ways. The scene where Hunter was speaking about prior sexual partners.

A common discussion amongst adults had Gabby panicking in her own internal monologue. Her naivety was humorous and adorable at times. I didn’t find myself getting frustrated with her lack of awareness. You don’t know what you don’t know. We can’t fault her for being scared about conversations she’s never had before or being in situations she’s never been in before.
Hunter guides her through with his maturity and knowledge due to his being older and having more experience. With age comes growth.

I didn’t expect hunter to be so emotionally intelligent. The fact that Bennett captures that, is what really blows my mind. Her writing style transports you to Last Call, sitting on the bar stool with Gabby and Hunter, awaiting their next moves.

Never did I expect to hold my breath waiting to read words as much as I did this read! I needed to know if Hunter would finally tell her how he feels. I needed Gabby to finally put her feelings into words and step up. I was frustrated at times, laughed a lot, had my heart broken a bit, but smiled throughout reading.

The fact that I feel like I know Gabby and Hunter and quite frankly “ship” their relationship so badly is an ode to Bennett’s writing.

[Penelope ✘ that awkward girl that doesn't go here ✘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Currently free on Amazon!

THREE STARS!



I had previously read Objection and enjoyed it so I was happy to try another book from Sawyer Bennett, thinking I would definitely love this read. And I was both right and wrong. Right in the sense that there were genuinely awesome, feel good sections to the book, and wrong in the sense that when parts were bad, they made me want to beat the ever loving hell out of my kindle.

On the Rocks starts with a kiss between long time family friends, Gabriella Ward and Hunter Markham. The kiss is made awkward by the fact that Gabby has always had a huge crush on Hunter and is dreaming of a happily ever after while Hunter is crowded with guilt for kissing his sister's best friend whom he has always seen as another little sister. Hurt from his rejection, an antagonistic relationship blooms between the two for the next five years, before necessity brings the two together, forcing them to finally confront their feelings for the other.

The Good:

* Its a nice, steamy read. If nothing else, Sawyer Bennett knows how to make enjoyable love scenes that fills out that requirement in a good adult read.

* When the two characters have their shit together, it is awesome, the relationship between them very sweet. Gabby with her support and steadfast loyalty to Hunter and his family, and Hunter's overprotective instincts towards Gabby, not to mention his "girly" emotions. I like a guy that can get in touch with his "feminine" side every now and then.

* The Dual POV. I love getting the male point of view, the contrast always helps make for a great read.

The Bad:

Unfortunately for me, there was just more bad than good in this read. The main negative in this book would have to be Gabby. Bloody Gabby. In the first half of this book, I was ready to yank my hair out. She is an absolute bitch and she knows it, readily confesses this fact for readers. I wasn't a fan of her wanting to hide her relationship with Hunter either when they finally get it on. (Like honestly, what are you, twelve?) Its not until everything is finally out in the open that I actually started to like her, started to enjoy the relationship between her and Hunter. They're talking with each other, they're acting like an awesome power couple, their relationship is really working so you can't help but wonder what all that bloody drama was about in the first place.

That is, until you reach the 90% mark. My goodness, if you'd ever wondered what a stupid plan made by a stupid person for absolutely stupid reasons looks like, then look no further, you've absolutely found it. Don't believe me? Well just read it for yourself. And if you're not convinced, have a quote from Hunter himself:

"Gabs...you cannot unilaterally decide what's best for me. This whole charade was stupid and nearly destroyed both of us."

There are other parts and other characters that didn't work for me but for the sake of time and the fact that I can't be bothered to list it all, I'll just leave it at this.

Would I recommend it? Not really. If its your thing, go for it. Personally, I'm glad that I got it for free from Amazon because in the end, there weren't enough good parts to really pull this off for me.

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book – On the Rocks (Last Call #1)
Author – Sawyer Bennett
Publication Date – February 17, 2014
Type – No Cliffhanger Series
Genre – Romance, New Adult
Rating – 3 out of 5 Stars

Book provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.

Review
I did enjoy the dual POV between Hunter and Gabby but for some reason, I just couldn’t connect with Gabby. I found her giving in too easy at end and over dramatic in the beginning. I would like her and then after a few chapters, I was back to rolling my eyes. Other than that, it was a cute story about boy making a stupid mistake in the past and then trying to right his wrongs. Predictable, but then again there are few stories out there that aren’t.

Re-Cap
On the night of Gabby’s High School graduation – she finally goes for it and exposes her feelings towards Hunter who is her best friend’s older brother. Hunter rejects her – and leaves her devastated.

Fast forward 5 years and Hunter is suddenly back in his hometown after becoming a pro-surfer because his family needs help. He calls in the help of Gabby’s father to refurnish the bar and Gabby is now suddenly in his sights.

Gabby knows the sting of his rejection and doesn’t want to travel down that road again, while Hunter wants nothing more than to travel Gabby’s roads. They finally give in to one another and a deep relationship starts to develop – obstacles are thrown in to the mix like ex-girlfriends and agents….

Will they make it through this?

Wrap-Up
It was OK – I’m not disappointed in the time spent reading it.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's there not to LOVE about a smokin hot surfer...that really a good guy...

Hunter



and the beautiful young woman that's loved and hated him forever...Due to one kiss that meant everything to her and seemingly nothing to him...

Gabby



Gabby and Hunter have been a part of each others lives since they were kids... she's best friends with his sister Casey so she grew up lusting after him.. Hunter is 4 years older so always saw her as like a little sister..and both of their parents are close.

Hunter is a surfer on the pro circuit and he's rarely home.. he comes home for Casey and Gab's graduation and helps shuttle them around to the after parties.. in a moment she couldn't deny herself.. Gabby take the plunge and kisses Hunter will all the passion her 18 year old self has had built inside of her that has been building over the years... It's the kiss she always dreamed of...then Hunter pulls away and acts like it never should have happened. This leaves Gabby devastated and beyond angry..

Five years later, Hunter is back home for good and buys the local bar.. he's given up surfing after accomplishing all he ever wanted to..now he just wants to be back home for his twin brother that just got out of prison . Gabby has taken over her fathers construction company after he passed away.. Hunter needs a contractor and who better than Gabby...

What follows is lots of sexual tension and feistiness! These two are like kids in school that like each other so much that all they do is insult each other.. for a while anyway until the tension gets the best of them..and then WOW! There is no denying these two belong together.. they are HOT HOT HOT... sizzling HOT.

I enjoyed every minute of the one.. it was interesting, it was a page turner, the characters were all likeable, the angst was very minimal.. A quick and easy read! Sawyer Bennett never fails to deliver!

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC review. 4.5 stars.

What an OUTSTANDING start to a new series from Sawyer Bennett. I can tell this one is going to rival my beloved "Off" series. There are many reasons to love this book, but here are my top:


1. It's Sawyer Bennett and her amazing ability to write poignant and passionate stories.
2. She creates believable worlds with hunky heroes and relatable heroines.
3. Her characters could be your best friends. You like them that much. They are funny, loyal, compassionate, and straight forward (they don't play games).
4. Hunter Markham - a hero in my book with the ability to make difficult choices, and stick with what he knows is right for him.
5. Gabby Ward is adventurous and courageous. Never taking the easy way, she chooses to take a career path that puts her under greater scrutiny and subject to sexist judgments. You go, girl!
6. Hunter is a world class surfer! Yowzah!
7. She mentions Huntington Beach twice. (And yes, as you can imagine, there are plenty examples of what you could imagine Hunter might look like.)
8. She introduces us to a character whose story is surely going to break our hearts in the next book, Brody Markham. Ahh, Brody.


IN A NUTSHELL:
If you are a fan of contemporary romance, make sure you include Sawyer Bennett and specifically this book in your collection.

[Yiota Misiou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 αστέρια

[Vasiliki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd liked this book.

The story was there, the characters were there and the passion was there.

Unfortunately the way of writing was not the best in my opinion. Half of the book was about the decision of Hunter and the actual romance was quickly resolved before 40% of the book!

Let's just say the book was not developed as I would like to!

Bur I was excited to see how it will end, although it was kind of expected, that I finished it in one day!

If you would like some light reading, with some passion and romance, you should read this book!

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-read on May 4, 2018.
Read on February 18, 2014.
------------
The heroine is very annoying and lost a star.

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 3 out of 5]

03/12/2015 --

Another really good read from Sawyer Bennett. I really like her consistency. I may not get 5 Star reads from her, but I get really good, 3 to 4 Star reads every single time. I can live with that. Why? Because I know I'll like the characters and the story won't be bad. Not crazy detailed, though I think this author could knock that OUT of the park, if she were so inclined. But decent. Know?

I picked this one up because I requested #3 from Netgalley [Wyatt's story] and wanted to get caught up on the series. I think it can easily be read as a stand-alone.

This one was just okay. I liked the surfer angle, but we got very little of that. I liked that our heroine was a subcontractor - taking over her fathers business when he died. I don't think Gabby was really happy in this career, so I was a bit bumfuzzled about that. So Gabby was always a huge Hunter fan and he her, so some degree, but why wouldn't we have wanted Gabby to want to pursue a career to make her happy? Not my story to tell, but I'm not a fan of someone doing something for a career that isn't their real choice.

Hunter supposedly could never get his kiss with Gabby years earlier out of his mind, but yet he fell in love with someone else. The love wasn't enough to sustain him, or to make him choose his career over her, but love none the less. What? Well, this guy seems pretty fickle. We are supposed to buy that he loves his career as much now as he did then [even though is is on a self-imposed hiatus], and that he chooses Gabby over the said "loved" career? I don't buy it, but she did, so power to them.

Just okay -- this one. I'll read others in the series. I really like this author. I seem to always have the same comment when I read her -- why does she short-change her stories. She writes these with enough detail and enough character development to get buy with readers, but she has the potential [my opinion only] to be epic. I sincerely believe that. Her stories are longer than those serial stories, but they read like a serial.

Note: I started Brody's story, but had to put it down for a bit. Not sure I'm crazy about this thinking where Alyssa's concerned.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Overall Rating = 3 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 3 / 4 = 3.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 3.5 / 3 = 3 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 3.5 / 3.5 = 3.5 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 4 Stars
Ending = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 3 Stars -- [$3.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild
260 pages

First sentence: Oh my God! He's kissing me and its the best feeling ever.

[Joëlle]

FREE on Amazon US at the moment (March 1 2016)

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sawyer Bennett, I have also read all her books and happen to be one of the lucky people on this earth that gets to read her books for reviews before they come out and I am loved this one just as much as the Off series!! I can already tell that this series is going to be another one of my favorites with her. In this story we meet Gabby and Hunter who have once upon five years ago shared a steamy hot kiss with an outcome that crushed Gabby's young heart. Fast forward five years and 22 year old Gabby runs her father's construction company and is currently trying to get a bid with Hunter and his bar Last Call. Needless to say Gabby still carries some anger towards Hunter for that night, so trying to play nice with him isn't going to be easy. For Hunter, being back home and opening Last Call, was something he really enjoyed. Did he miss being a pro surfer? Yes of course he did, but coming back to help his twin brother, Brody, acclimate back to life out of prison was more important. Hurting Gabby was something he wished he could take back, but try as he might, he couldn't melt the ice around her heart so picking at each other and fighting every time was the only way he knew to be with her. When Hunter accepts Gabby's bid to do the construction on the bar, Hunter and Gabby must find a way to deal with each other without killing one another. Will Hunter be able to heal the damaged he did to Gabby's heart all those years ago? Will Gabby forgive him and open her heart to him again? I guess you'll have to read it to find out!!

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (5/3/2018)!💝

Blurb:
He left to travel the world for fame and glory, but only after spurning Gabby Ward and crushing her young heart. Now Hunter Markham has come back home to the sand and salty breeze of the North Carolina Outer Banks so he can open up Last Call, a beach bar nestled among the dunes of the Atlantic.

Gabby Ward is not happy that Hunter has returned. Bitter over his rebuff years before, she’s content to stay far away from him and his dangerously charming ways.

Gabby’s well-schemed plans to ignore Hunter go up in flames when he presents an offer to her that she simply can’t refuse, throwing them together in a common quest to each reach their goals. Working together day in and day out proves to be problematic for Gabby, who soon realizes that the feelings she had for him are still very much alive. Hunter struggles to reach through to Gabby’s cold heart, all while starting a new career away from his life as a top ranked, professional surfer.

What starts out as a mutual business arrangement soon turns into a passion that neither of them can continue to deny.

Hard choices lay ahead for both of them when Hunter is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to return to the pro surfing tour.

Choices that could destroy what they have built or take them further than they ever had dared to hope.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok, second chance, love/hate romance. It was going fairly well (thinking 3.5, maybe 4) up until the last 10%ish when Gabby just really sealed her fate in my dumbass heroine shelf.

This book had a lot of potential, it was very hot, and I loved this author's other series. I don't think I am going to continue one with this one because the MC's and side characters (who will eventually be MC's) were just very immature, almost to the point where I felt like I was reading young adult vs. the skanky, naughty shiz I come to expect from this author. Oh well....

[J]

DNF at 90%. I just could not take the female lead any more. I know, at 90% I was so close but I finally said to myself I really don't care how this ends. I have so many other books to read I'll go to something else. I still love Sawyer Bennett just not this book.

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, sweet, tender, hard - On the Rocks was just what I needed right now!

This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews

[Emmi · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't a bad book just a bit too slow and uneventful I suppose. Felt a little like I was just finishing reading to get it over and done with...