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Cottages on Ocean Breeze #3
Christmas Cottage Getaway: A Small Town Holiday Ex-Marine Romance
Christmas, canines and courtship…
Dale Wilson’s life hasn’t been “good” since his beloved wife died—at least until Millie Monroe moves to Ocean Breeze. Dale and his dog Juice can’t help but be drawn to the pediatric nurse. A widow herself, Millie understands not wanting romance. Finding unexpected common ground has given them both a friendship they’ve craved. Plus, their respective pups have become friends, too! But Dale has a secret—he’s bestselling author WG Gunder. Not something he readily wants to admit to the woman in his heart…and his bed. Perhaps the Christmas spirit can teach him that sometimes happily-ever-after is disguised as a new beginning…
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
The Cottages on Ocean Breeze
Dale Wilson’s life hasn’t been “good” since his beloved wife died—at least until Millie Monroe moves to Ocean Breeze. Dale and his dog Juice can’t help but be drawn to the pediatric nurse. A widow herself, Millie understands not wanting romance. Finding unexpected common ground has given them both a friendship they’ve craved. Plus, their respective pups have become friends, too! But Dale has a secret—he’s bestselling author WG Gunder. Not something he readily wants to admit to the woman in his heart…and his bed. Perhaps the Christmas spirit can teach him that sometimes happily-ever-after is disguised as a new beginning…
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
The Cottages on Ocean Breeze
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 25, 2025
About the author
Tara Taylor Quinn
390 books1,459 followersTara Taylor Quinn began her love affair with Harlequin when she was fourteen years old and picked up a free promotional copy of a Harlequin Romance in a hometown grocery store. The relationship was solidified the year she was suspended from her high school typing class for hiding a Harlequin Romance behind the keys of her electric typewriter. Unaware that her instructor loomed close by, Ms. Quinn read blissfully on with one finger resting on the automatic repeating period key. She finished the book in the principal’s office. Forced to leave her romances in her locker after that, Ms. Quinn’s typing skills improved - a fact for which she is eternally grateful.
With over 140 original novels, published in more than twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestselling author with more than seven million copies sold. She is a winner of the 2008 National Reader's Choice Award, four time finalist for the RWA Rita Award, a finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award, the Bookseller’s Best Award, the Holt Medallion and appears regularly on the Waldenbooks bestsellers list. Ms. Quinn writes for Harlequin and MIRA Books. Reviewer, Cindy Penn, wordweaving.com says, “Amazing character development is the hallmark of author Tara Taylor Quinn’s work. Indeed, Taylor’s profound observations of human nature and intimate understanding of values and priorities lends extraordinary psychological depth to all her work.”
Tara Taylor Quinn was born and raised in Ohio. Though she wrote her first story at the age of seven, her professional writing career began ten years later when she was hired as a stringer with the Dayton Daily News in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Wright State University and graduated from Harding College in Arkansas with a degree in English and Journalism. She published several magazine articles before turning to writing as a full-time occupation.
Ms. Quinn is a Past President of the Romance Writers of America and served for eight years on the Board of Directors of that association. She has a wide range of experience as a public speaker and workshop presenter for writers groups around the country.
When she’s not home with her owners, Jerry Lee and Taylor Marie, and LeeLee or fulfilling speaking engagements, Tara loves to travel with her husband, stopping wherever the spirit takes them. They’ve been spotted in casinos and quaint little small town antique shops all across the country..
With over 140 original novels, published in more than twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestselling author with more than seven million copies sold. She is a winner of the 2008 National Reader's Choice Award, four time finalist for the RWA Rita Award, a finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award, the Bookseller’s Best Award, the Holt Medallion and appears regularly on the Waldenbooks bestsellers list. Ms. Quinn writes for Harlequin and MIRA Books. Reviewer, Cindy Penn, wordweaving.com says, “Amazing character development is the hallmark of author Tara Taylor Quinn’s work. Indeed, Taylor’s profound observations of human nature and intimate understanding of values and priorities lends extraordinary psychological depth to all her work.”
Tara Taylor Quinn was born and raised in Ohio. Though she wrote her first story at the age of seven, her professional writing career began ten years later when she was hired as a stringer with the Dayton Daily News in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Wright State University and graduated from Harding College in Arkansas with a degree in English and Journalism. She published several magazine articles before turning to writing as a full-time occupation.
Ms. Quinn is a Past President of the Romance Writers of America and served for eight years on the Board of Directors of that association. She has a wide range of experience as a public speaker and workshop presenter for writers groups around the country.
When she’s not home with her owners, Jerry Lee and Taylor Marie, and LeeLee or fulfilling speaking engagements, Tara loves to travel with her husband, stopping wherever the spirit takes them. They’ve been spotted in casinos and quaint little small town antique shops all across the country..
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 30, 2025
Millie Monroe is a widow needing to find her new normal, something that leads her to a six-month stay at the gated Ocean Breeze beach community. Dale Wilson is a widower who arrived at the cottages a few years prior for the same reason. Neither one is looking for anything but privacy and time spent with their canine companions, but their daily jogs slowly bring about a tentative friendship. They move from nearly silent time on the deck to brewing beer and then spending Thanksgiving together. By then, they've made the decision to take their situationship a step further, with the understanding that it can never become anything permanent since neither one wants that or feels they have it to give. Are they really capable of living by the rules their logic has set in place, or will their hearts win out in the end?
Christmas Cottage Getaway is the third installment in the Cottages on Ocean Breeze series by Tara Taylor Quinn. This is the type of series where each book is set in the same small residential place but focuses on a particular couple while other characters the reader meets along the way exist in the background. I enjoy this type of series, and I love a slow burn romance over an instant fire. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me.
Sitting at a shaky three stars for most of the book, it finally fell a notch toward the end. This was possibly the most unromantic romance I've ever read. I can understand the need for two people who have lost the loves of their lives to be standoffish and even fearful. The awkwardness in the beginning was actually a bit endearing, and I liked how to the point their conversations were, but the chemistry never truly grew into something believable. Their relationship moved from the deck to the bedroom and to a rather strange idea for the future, but I just didn't feel their epiphany moment when they finally reached it. The author did such a good job of creating an atmosphere of two people determined to never love again that I couldn't be convinced otherwise.
While I am almost tempted to return to the Ocean Breeze cottages, mostly because I like the idea of this little beach community, the author also successfully portrayed their respect for each other's privacy in a way that strips away the close-knit feeling I would be craving from it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin, and Tara Taylor Quinn for the chance to read this early copy for which I've chosen to leave my objective review.
Christmas Cottage Getaway is the third installment in the Cottages on Ocean Breeze series by Tara Taylor Quinn. This is the type of series where each book is set in the same small residential place but focuses on a particular couple while other characters the reader meets along the way exist in the background. I enjoy this type of series, and I love a slow burn romance over an instant fire. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me.
Sitting at a shaky three stars for most of the book, it finally fell a notch toward the end. This was possibly the most unromantic romance I've ever read. I can understand the need for two people who have lost the loves of their lives to be standoffish and even fearful. The awkwardness in the beginning was actually a bit endearing, and I liked how to the point their conversations were, but the chemistry never truly grew into something believable. Their relationship moved from the deck to the bedroom and to a rather strange idea for the future, but I just didn't feel their epiphany moment when they finally reached it. The author did such a good job of creating an atmosphere of two people determined to never love again that I couldn't be convinced otherwise.
While I am almost tempted to return to the Ocean Breeze cottages, mostly because I like the idea of this little beach community, the author also successfully portrayed their respect for each other's privacy in a way that strips away the close-knit feeling I would be craving from it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin, and Tara Taylor Quinn for the chance to read this early copy for which I've chosen to leave my objective review.
April 9, 2026
A slow-burning holiday romance between two hurting people who lost their spouses way too soon. Millie came to Ocean Breeze two years after unexpectedly losing her husband. She spent those two years burying her grief in her work as a pediatric nurse until she burned out. She rented the cottage from a friend who promised that the neighbors respect each other's privacy. The rental includes dog sitting for the owner's dog, Magic.
Dale lost his wife five years ago. He turned his grief into a successful writing career as author WG Gunder. He and his dog, Juice, rarely leave the cabin except for daily runs. He is friendly with the neighbors, but not a joiner.
Millie and Dale spend a couple of weeks successfully avoiding each other until they are brought together in a sea turtle rescue. Then they encounter each other while running, just exchanging nods. After another sea animal encounter, a sea lion this time, Dale invites Millie to stop by and try one of his home-brewed beers.
This begins a slow-building friendship. Dale and Millie connect over their common ground of loss without pushing for more than they are willing to share. I enjoyed their developing friendship, their honesty about losing the loves of their lives, and that they aren't looking for love again. However, the more time they spend together, the more intense the sparks of attraction grow. They decide to enter into a friends-with-benefits arrangement, with the clear understanding that it will never be more. Of course, as readers, we know how that usually turns out.
This is where it turns a little odd. I could see Dale and Millie growing closer, their feelings obvious to anyone looking, yet they continued to insist they were just friends. Then they get it into their heads that since both regret most the loss of being a parent, they should have a baby together. No intention of marrying, just coparenting. It felt a little too pragmatic. Would either of them let go of their fear of loss soon enough to admit the truth? The ending was well done, with an adorable way to reveal their feelings.
My favorite characters, however, were not Millie and Dale. The true stars of the book were the dogs - Juice, Magic, and eventually, Briel. The dogs' sensitivity to humans' moods helped ground them and helped them get past the rough moments. I especially enjoyed the scene with Dale and Briel at the end.
Dale lost his wife five years ago. He turned his grief into a successful writing career as author WG Gunder. He and his dog, Juice, rarely leave the cabin except for daily runs. He is friendly with the neighbors, but not a joiner.
Millie and Dale spend a couple of weeks successfully avoiding each other until they are brought together in a sea turtle rescue. Then they encounter each other while running, just exchanging nods. After another sea animal encounter, a sea lion this time, Dale invites Millie to stop by and try one of his home-brewed beers.
This begins a slow-building friendship. Dale and Millie connect over their common ground of loss without pushing for more than they are willing to share. I enjoyed their developing friendship, their honesty about losing the loves of their lives, and that they aren't looking for love again. However, the more time they spend together, the more intense the sparks of attraction grow. They decide to enter into a friends-with-benefits arrangement, with the clear understanding that it will never be more. Of course, as readers, we know how that usually turns out.
This is where it turns a little odd. I could see Dale and Millie growing closer, their feelings obvious to anyone looking, yet they continued to insist they were just friends. Then they get it into their heads that since both regret most the loss of being a parent, they should have a baby together. No intention of marrying, just coparenting. It felt a little too pragmatic. Would either of them let go of their fear of loss soon enough to admit the truth? The ending was well done, with an adorable way to reveal their feelings.
My favorite characters, however, were not Millie and Dale. The true stars of the book were the dogs - Juice, Magic, and eventually, Briel. The dogs' sensitivity to humans' moods helped ground them and helped them get past the rough moments. I especially enjoyed the scene with Dale and Briel at the end.
October 16, 2025
I was entertained!! That’s all I ask for in a book but oml I was laughing a lot.
This is a classic harlequin it’s short and has plot twists, not much tension, very emotional, and has a HEA.
The basics of the book:
Dale - marine , honourable discharge juice the poodle
He’s quite the animal expert
5 years since he lost wife
He brews his own beer and they do it together
Millie, nurse
2 years since she lost husband
28
They live 4 doors from eachother
My big issue is the title. It’s not really a Christmas forward book. More just Christmas adjacent since doesn’t get there till 2/3 through the book.
Pros:
- They talk about protection, she uses a diaphragm which is cool. Never read about it in a book before.
- They’re both grieving and really connect with eachother.
- How they meet running was cute especially with their dogs.
- I felt so many emotions while reading
- ocean breeze is a cute town
- their first kiss is chaste
- they healthily at the beginning discuss past partners and grief
- Their Christmas gifts to eachother were cute
Last 5 pages THANK GOD
If you like DRAMA and wild books. You’ll enjoy this. It’s a crazy but entertaining classic harlequin.
SPOILERS BELOW
YOUVE BEEN WARNED
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Are they or aren’t they dating after what happened is the big question ? Thought this was cute but then the kids discussion comes up and they decide they’re soulmates but not in love and not a couple but will have a baby together. It was an odd situation and not one I’ve ever read in books which might be why it was shocking and awkward for me to read. Especially since I felt they dismissed their dead partners but then decided to honour them?? Maybe it’s how they process grief.
The sex scenes were so weird and quick
- literally a page
Fade to black is not a problem but staring with “ Not a frenetic hello, nor a goodbye. And he started to grow inside her again.” Then fading to black was WEIRD.
Her wanting to get pregnant all of a sudden felt WILD. I wanted more discussions more lead up to their relationship. Build on more than their shared trauma.
Thank you to Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a classic harlequin it’s short and has plot twists, not much tension, very emotional, and has a HEA.
The basics of the book:
Dale - marine , honourable discharge juice the poodle
He’s quite the animal expert
5 years since he lost wife
He brews his own beer and they do it together
Millie, nurse
2 years since she lost husband
28
They live 4 doors from eachother
My big issue is the title. It’s not really a Christmas forward book. More just Christmas adjacent since doesn’t get there till 2/3 through the book.
Pros:
- They talk about protection, she uses a diaphragm which is cool. Never read about it in a book before.
- They’re both grieving and really connect with eachother.
- How they meet running was cute especially with their dogs.
- I felt so many emotions while reading
- ocean breeze is a cute town
- their first kiss is chaste
- they healthily at the beginning discuss past partners and grief
- Their Christmas gifts to eachother were cute
Last 5 pages THANK GOD
If you like DRAMA and wild books. You’ll enjoy this. It’s a crazy but entertaining classic harlequin.
SPOILERS BELOW
YOUVE BEEN WARNED
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Are they or aren’t they dating after what happened is the big question ? Thought this was cute but then the kids discussion comes up and they decide they’re soulmates but not in love and not a couple but will have a baby together. It was an odd situation and not one I’ve ever read in books which might be why it was shocking and awkward for me to read. Especially since I felt they dismissed their dead partners but then decided to honour them?? Maybe it’s how they process grief.
The sex scenes were so weird and quick
- literally a page
Fade to black is not a problem but staring with “ Not a frenetic hello, nor a goodbye. And he started to grow inside her again.” Then fading to black was WEIRD.
Her wanting to get pregnant all of a sudden felt WILD. I wanted more discussions more lead up to their relationship. Build on more than their shared trauma.
Thank you to Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2026
📚Christmas Cottage Getaway
✍🏻Tara Taylor Quinn
Blurb:
Christmas, canines and courtship…
Dale Wilson’s life hasn’t been “good” since his beloved wife died—at least until Millie Monroe moves to Ocean Breeze. Dale and his dog Juice can’t help but be drawn to the pediatric nurse. A widow herself, Millie understands not wanting romance. Finding unexpected common ground has given them both a friendship they’ve craved. Plus, their respective pups have become friends, too! But Dale has a secret—he’s bestselling author WG Gunder. Not something he readily wants to admit to the woman in his heart…and his bed. Perhaps the Christmas spirit can teach him that sometimes happily-ever-after is disguised as a new beginning…
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
The Cottages on Ocean Breeze
My Thoughts:
Long-time writer Dale Wilson is still trying to recover the death of his wife. When Millie Monroe, a nurse with burn-out, leases one of the cottages for six months.Millie Monroe is a widow needing to find her new normal after who lost her husband two years ago. this leads her to a six-month stay at the gated Ocean Breeze Dale Wilson is a widower who arrived at the cottages a few years prior for the same reason. Neither Dale or Millie neither one is looking for anything but privacy and time spent with their canine companions, but their daily jogs slowly bring about a tentative friendship.. Dale invites her to come to his cottage and have a beer. Not sure she will accept, she finally decides to do so,.Slowly, they become friends and open up to one another until their connection cannot be ignored.. Christmas Cottage Getaway is the third installment in the Cottages on Ocean Breeze series by Tara Taylor Quinn. This is the type of series where each book is set in the same small residential place but focuses on a particular couple while other characters the reader meets along the way exist in the background.
Thanks NetGalley, Tara Taylor Quinn and Harlequin Special Edition for the advanced copy of "Christmas Cottage Getaway" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#TaraTaylorQuinn
#HarlequinSpecialEdition
#ChristmasCottageGetaway
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Tara Taylor Quinn
Blurb:
Christmas, canines and courtship…
Dale Wilson’s life hasn’t been “good” since his beloved wife died—at least until Millie Monroe moves to Ocean Breeze. Dale and his dog Juice can’t help but be drawn to the pediatric nurse. A widow herself, Millie understands not wanting romance. Finding unexpected common ground has given them both a friendship they’ve craved. Plus, their respective pups have become friends, too! But Dale has a secret—he’s bestselling author WG Gunder. Not something he readily wants to admit to the woman in his heart…and his bed. Perhaps the Christmas spirit can teach him that sometimes happily-ever-after is disguised as a new beginning…
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
The Cottages on Ocean Breeze
My Thoughts:
Long-time writer Dale Wilson is still trying to recover the death of his wife. When Millie Monroe, a nurse with burn-out, leases one of the cottages for six months.Millie Monroe is a widow needing to find her new normal after who lost her husband two years ago. this leads her to a six-month stay at the gated Ocean Breeze Dale Wilson is a widower who arrived at the cottages a few years prior for the same reason. Neither Dale or Millie neither one is looking for anything but privacy and time spent with their canine companions, but their daily jogs slowly bring about a tentative friendship.. Dale invites her to come to his cottage and have a beer. Not sure she will accept, she finally decides to do so,.Slowly, they become friends and open up to one another until their connection cannot be ignored.. Christmas Cottage Getaway is the third installment in the Cottages on Ocean Breeze series by Tara Taylor Quinn. This is the type of series where each book is set in the same small residential place but focuses on a particular couple while other characters the reader meets along the way exist in the background.
Thanks NetGalley, Tara Taylor Quinn and Harlequin Special Edition for the advanced copy of "Christmas Cottage Getaway" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#TaraTaylorQuinn
#HarlequinSpecialEdition
#ChristmasCottageGetaway
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 19, 2025
Christmas Cottage Getaway by Tara Taylor Quinn
(The Cottages on Ocean Breeze Book 3)
Christmas, canines and courtship…
Dale Wilson’s life hasn’t been “good” since his beloved wife died at least until Millie Monroe moves to Ocean Breeze. Dale and his dog Juice can’t help but be drawn to the pediatric nurse. A widow herself, Millie understands not wanting romance. Finding unexpected common ground has given them both a friendship they’ve craved. Plus, their respective pups have become friends, too! But Dale has a secret—he’s bestselling author WG Gunder. Not something he readily wants to admit to the woman in his heart…and his bed. Perhaps the Christmas spirit can teach him that sometimes happily-ever-after is disguised as a new beginning…
A quote
She’d waved at the man. Millie was still fretting over the totally uncharacteristic, completely reactive lift of her hand as she reached the far end of the beach. So much so that she couldn’t bear to run back by that deck a second time—even with the acre of beach between the cottage and the shoreline where she’d been jogging.
Christmas Cottage Getaway by Tara Taylor Quinn is a 3- star book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
(The Cottages on Ocean Breeze Book 3)
Christmas, canines and courtship…
Dale Wilson’s life hasn’t been “good” since his beloved wife died at least until Millie Monroe moves to Ocean Breeze. Dale and his dog Juice can’t help but be drawn to the pediatric nurse. A widow herself, Millie understands not wanting romance. Finding unexpected common ground has given them both a friendship they’ve craved. Plus, their respective pups have become friends, too! But Dale has a secret—he’s bestselling author WG Gunder. Not something he readily wants to admit to the woman in his heart…and his bed. Perhaps the Christmas spirit can teach him that sometimes happily-ever-after is disguised as a new beginning…
A quote
She’d waved at the man. Millie was still fretting over the totally uncharacteristic, completely reactive lift of her hand as she reached the far end of the beach. So much so that she couldn’t bear to run back by that deck a second time—even with the acre of beach between the cottage and the shoreline where she’d been jogging.
Christmas Cottage Getaway by Tara Taylor Quinn is a 3- star book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
November 25, 2025
Millie is a nurse who lost her husband two years ago. She has decided to take some time off to heal and renew herself. She rents a cottage on the beach in a gated community called Ocean Breeze. She will be renting a cottage from a woman for six months who must go and care for her sister. To reduce her rent, Millie has agreed to take care of the woman’s dog Magic.
One resident is Dale Wilson who is a retired Marine and writes thriller novels under another name. He has been quite successful. He has a standard poodle called Juice. Dale is also widower and likes to brew his own beer.
The cottages are spaced widely apart to give the residents the privacy that they need but the neighbors are also friendly and helpful to one another.
Millie and Dale both like to jog and after passing one another on the beach numerous, finally stop to chat. He invites her to come to his cottage and have a beer. Not sure she will accept, she finally decides to do so.
Slowly, they become friends and open up to one another until their connection cannot be ignored.
This is a slow build book full of grief. Their decision to their “connection” seemed rather cold and not truly attraction to one another. Sorry, but I did not care for the story.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
One resident is Dale Wilson who is a retired Marine and writes thriller novels under another name. He has been quite successful. He has a standard poodle called Juice. Dale is also widower and likes to brew his own beer.
The cottages are spaced widely apart to give the residents the privacy that they need but the neighbors are also friendly and helpful to one another.
Millie and Dale both like to jog and after passing one another on the beach numerous, finally stop to chat. He invites her to come to his cottage and have a beer. Not sure she will accept, she finally decides to do so.
Slowly, they become friends and open up to one another until their connection cannot be ignored.
This is a slow build book full of grief. Their decision to their “connection” seemed rather cold and not truly attraction to one another. Sorry, but I did not care for the story.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 31, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
I’m frankly torn about Christmas Cottage Getaway, the third title in The Cottages on Ocean Breeze series. I’d wanted something, actually expected something that I didn’t find, and having read this author’s works for years, I raised my eyebrows at not seeing that “expected romance or resolution” in Millie and Dale’s story. It’s not up to me to nitpick at the story that an author gives us. For some, this will be a fantastic read; for others, well, we’ll feel a little let down. And the truth is that both opinions are correct, for no two people ever read the “same” book.
I liked Millie and Dale’s story, even though I didn’t understand their reasoning for their actions or decisions. I’m going to leave this review at that. What you’d want to know about this story can be found in the cover description; as for the rest, you’ll need to make up your own mind. I’ll continue with the series, even though this one fell a bit flat for me.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I’m frankly torn about Christmas Cottage Getaway, the third title in The Cottages on Ocean Breeze series. I’d wanted something, actually expected something that I didn’t find, and having read this author’s works for years, I raised my eyebrows at not seeing that “expected romance or resolution” in Millie and Dale’s story. It’s not up to me to nitpick at the story that an author gives us. For some, this will be a fantastic read; for others, well, we’ll feel a little let down. And the truth is that both opinions are correct, for no two people ever read the “same” book.
I liked Millie and Dale’s story, even though I didn’t understand their reasoning for their actions or decisions. I’m going to leave this review at that. What you’d want to know about this story can be found in the cover description; as for the rest, you’ll need to make up your own mind. I’ll continue with the series, even though this one fell a bit flat for me.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
November 25, 2025
Millie is still dealing with the loss of her husband and feeling lost in her life right now until she can get things settled she's living at Ocean Breeze. She never expected to make a friend out of the neighbor Dale and his dog juice but as a fellow widower they both seem to mesh well and helping heal one another.
This was a slow burn type of book, very uplifting and healing when it came to the characters. There is clearly an attraction but both are not in the space to want any type of relationship other then friendship and I loved seeing that slow place of them healing one another with each conversation.This take place during the holiday season and I recommend you seasonal readers to check this book out. The one thing I will say was that this was a bit too slow of a pace for me when it came to reading and almost felt like it was dragging but in another way I can understand why I mean this wasn't one of those instant love kinda books that I'm used to and they are working through their grief so I get it. Overall this was a pretty good book I really enjoyed it.
This was a slow burn type of book, very uplifting and healing when it came to the characters. There is clearly an attraction but both are not in the space to want any type of relationship other then friendship and I loved seeing that slow place of them healing one another with each conversation.This take place during the holiday season and I recommend you seasonal readers to check this book out. The one thing I will say was that this was a bit too slow of a pace for me when it came to reading and almost felt like it was dragging but in another way I can understand why I mean this wasn't one of those instant love kinda books that I'm used to and they are working through their grief so I get it. Overall this was a pretty good book I really enjoyed it.
August 25, 2025
I wanted to love this one so badly. I’m a total sucker for cozy holiday romance. The kind that make you want to curl up with cocoa and a blanket.
Unfortunately, this didn’t quite deliver that Hallmark sparkle for me.
Millie & Dale both lost their spouses way too soon, and fate plops them into the same seaside neighborhood. Millie rents the sweetest little cottage, makes some Ocean Breeze friends, and… surprise, surprise, one of them happens to be Dale, a fellow dog lover.
Friends to lovers, slow burn style. The problem? The burn was so slow it never really caught fire. I kept waiting for more romance, more depth, more holiday magic… but it stayed pretty lukewarm.
The shining star? The pups! The doggy lit warmed my heart more than the actual love story did. 🐶💌
Huge thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC!
Unfortunately, this didn’t quite deliver that Hallmark sparkle for me.
Millie & Dale both lost their spouses way too soon, and fate plops them into the same seaside neighborhood. Millie rents the sweetest little cottage, makes some Ocean Breeze friends, and… surprise, surprise, one of them happens to be Dale, a fellow dog lover.
Friends to lovers, slow burn style. The problem? The burn was so slow it never really caught fire. I kept waiting for more romance, more depth, more holiday magic… but it stayed pretty lukewarm.
The shining star? The pups! The doggy lit warmed my heart more than the actual love story did. 🐶💌
Huge thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC!
November 24, 2025
Heart-wrenchingly beautiful! This is the third book in Quinn's Cottages on Ocean Breeze series by Harlequin Special Edition. It's the first I've had a chance to read in the series, but I didn't find it troublesome to pick up because it was well developed in who the neighbors are along the beach and how they connect to each other. Dale and Millie are each widowed and still craving solitude as they pick up the pieces of their lives years after their losses. They connect innocently and with several canine companions to bring comfort and interaction along the way. This is definitely not a lighthearted holiday read, so don't go into it thinking that it is. Instead, it's a pathway of healing and a beacon of hope that you can find life and sometimes even love and happiness again after loss. It's beautifully written and highly emotional. Loved their happily ever after!
July 31, 2025
An emotionally charged romance that will touch your heart in a big way! Millie and Dale form a bond that is so unique and both have such a heartbreaking past full of loss. Their grief connects them and the way they help each other grieve and heal is so powerful. I loved all of the dog content too!
Thank you, Harlequin and NetGalley for the arc!
Thank you, Harlequin and NetGalley for the arc!
December 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, emotional, kept my interest and left me with a happily ever after ending. Liked the character developments and how hope and healing can change everything. I loved the dogs! .This story is a sweet, entertaining romance read. This one pulled the heartstrings with its ups and downs but love conquers all. So worth reading!
January 3, 2026
This book was good. If you like emotional Christmas meet cute books, this one is for you. It has the qualities of a fast paced novel, but it does lead up to the Christmas season. I liked the small town vibes of Ocean breeze and how this book reminded me of some of my favorite books. This book does get emotional and deals with widows.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me a copy to review.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me a copy to review.
Want to Read
November 1, 2025Military Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Animal Fiction, Holiday Romance
Miniseries
The Cottages on Ocean Breeze (Book #3)
Miniseries
The Cottages on Ocean Breeze (Book #3)
January 23, 2026
This is a gripping romantic suspense that perfectly blends danger, intrigue, and sizzling romance. Blade Sparks, a man with a troubled past—having served time for unintentionally killing an abuser—now works for the Payne Protection Agency. His latest assignment is protecting Dr. Priscilla Pell, a widow carrying on her late husband’s groundbreaking medical research while also expecting his heir through IVF. Blade expects an elderly client but is stunned when the young, determined Priscilla surprises him while he’s scouting the estate.
Priscilla is smart, driven, and resilient, facing threats to her life and work with courage and determination. Blade, protective and strong yet vulnerable beneath the surface, finds himself drawn to her instantly. As danger closes in with lethal attempts on her life, the tension between them intensifies, blending high-stakes suspense with a slow-burning, steamy romance.
Lisa Childs crafts a story full of emotional depth, family drama, and pulse-pounding intrigue. The characters are engaging, relatable, and instantly compelling, making it easy to become fully invested in their journey. Christmas Security is a thrilling, heartfelt, and page-turning holiday read that perfectly balances romance and suspense.
Priscilla is smart, driven, and resilient, facing threats to her life and work with courage and determination. Blade, protective and strong yet vulnerable beneath the surface, finds himself drawn to her instantly. As danger closes in with lethal attempts on her life, the tension between them intensifies, blending high-stakes suspense with a slow-burning, steamy romance.
Lisa Childs crafts a story full of emotional depth, family drama, and pulse-pounding intrigue. The characters are engaging, relatable, and instantly compelling, making it easy to become fully invested in their journey. Christmas Security is a thrilling, heartfelt, and page-turning holiday read that perfectly balances romance and suspense.
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