The Cottage on Pelican Bay: Catalina Cove, Book 7

Catalina Cove #7

by Brenda Jackson

The brand new small-town romance from New York Times bestselling author, Brenda Jackson.

‘Brenda Jackson writes romance that sizzles and characters you fall in love with.’ Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author

Will they be able to keep their past a secret?

Two years ago, Zara Miller found herself heartbroken and stranded in a New Orleans hotel bar with an attractive stranger called ‘Saint.’ They shared a no strings one night stand, and contact info wasn’t exchanged – but Zara hasn’t been able to stop thinking about him since.

Though Saint and Zara both grew up in Catalina Cove, they'd never crossed paths. Now all of a sudden they can’t seem to avoid each other. Despite an enduring attraction, Zara and Saint decide to keep their spicy secret in the past. They don’t need everybody knowing – especially since they’ve both been burned before.

But what will happen when their intense desire becomes impossible to ignore?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, African American, Contemporary, Friendship, Contemporary Romance

Audible Audio

Published September 26, 2024

About the author

In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

Reviews

[Vonetta Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading two of her earlier works from the Westmoreland series and enjoying them, when I saw Brenda Jackson has something new, I knew I wanted to read it. Unfortunately, this book didn't do it for me the way I hoped it would. The book started off with a bang, pun intended; but after that it moved kind of slow. There was a lot of details about other characters and the different towns which I felt took away from the story of Saint and Zara and it didn't flow at times because it kept switching scenes from Saint and Zara to another couple in the book that to me didn't add anything to the story.

When it came to Saint and Zara, it seemed like their situationship dragged on too long. Knowing how each of them felt, it seemed like they could have had a conversation sooner than they did to put it all out there, especially with the close bond they appeared to form where they could talk about any and everything. I understood why they didn't say anything at first based on their previous relationships and agreement but after awhile it became repetitive and a little annoying. Overall I was happy that the book came together at the end but it could have flowed better and been much shorter without the unnecessary details.

Thank you to the publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[WellReadRuby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️!
Brenda Jackson will always give a good lovey-dovey romance. Zara and Saint were cute thinking they could last a fake affair without catching feelings lol. I can say that they did end up catching feelings but the journey for this couple was long and fun. Even the exes tried to make an appearance but in the end, love prevailed! In this book, we also received a side love story between Levi and Margy and that was really sweet. (I love when older people find love 🥹❤️) The continuous back story of Catalina Cove and the history is always so good to read and Brenda added some characters to the story that have me thinking this series is far from over! I can’t wait to read what’s next!

[KarynReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

True romance 🥰

[Taylor Copenhaver · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t think this author’s writing style is for me. The romance felt like a lot of spice but nothing else. Then there was the random side characters that had their own love story, but the stories didn’t connect until the very end, and even then, they barely crossed. The concept was cute, but this book was hard for me to finish.

[Sheronda H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a good series. I enjoy Zara and Saint’s story. And seeing what the other couples have been up to was a plus.

[A Rush Of Emotions · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this ARC from NetGalley a while ago and kept putting it off. And now that I’ve finally finished this book, I’m so mad I waited! This was the first book I ever read by this author, and I loved it. Zara and Saint were so damn fun to read about. They hook up one random night, and can’t seem to stop meeting up. He’s still hurting from a past relationship, and she’s simply not interested in anything serious either.

They don’t take their hook ups too seriously and know where each other stands. But small town rumors force them to turn their trysts into something more, and their feelings bloom from lust to the most sensual, tender love. Their fake relationship-with-benefits (yes ma’am!) shows how compatible they are between the sheets, but can will they match well when faced with the pressures of all eyes on them?

There’s a side relationship that I didn’t quite understand why it was part of the story. Maybe because this is book 7 in an ongoing series? Either way, it was a cute little love story between two widows that was told alongside Zara and Saint’s romance.

Highly recommend to anyone who wants something sweet yet sexy.

[Rise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ because I truly love Brenda Jackson’s writing and her ability to craft heartfelt romance stories. The Cottage on Pelican Bay is engaging, emotional, and full of characters you can connect with. The chemistry between the leads feels real, and Jackson balances romance with relatable life challenges, making their journey authentic and satisfying.

[Nicki Morales · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook: Wish they would have chosen younger voices. Huge turnoff.
Secondly, the characters are unrealistically nice and understanding. Picture Little house on the prairie. Rolling eyes. Cheesy.
Meh, it was okay. May have enjoyed it more had it not been audio and the chosen narrators.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

A friend told me I had to read this book. I have read many of the author's books. They have become so hit or miss for me, and mostly miss.

I truly enjoyed the early Westmoreland, Forged of Steele, Madaris, and even some of the later Men of Action, Perfect, etc. I really, really wanted to like this book. I cannot say I did.

I listened to the audiobook. I don't know if it was the book or the narrator that was the struggle. Normally when I see this narrator, I read the book if at all possible. He sounds old fashion and somewhat stilted in his delivery. Although, that may also be the dialogue. At least it seems that way to me.

Seeing how this was supposed to be a contemporary romance, I thought that meant close to the year 2024 if not somewhere in the 21st century. The dialogue sounded like it came from another era. I lost count of the number of times I heard "intense sexual chemistry", "intense need", " strong sexual chemistry", "his/her mouth mating with her/his mouth", " his tongue took possession of hers", etc. Mating was a word that was absolutely overused to me. It was all OTT language, and who talks like that anyway?

The substance of the book seemed to not be any different than the last several books I have read or listened to recently. "I have baggage, I can't commit, I'm too angry to commit, to distrustful, (BAGGAGE basically). But, let's spend lots of time together, either deliberately or inadvertently. Then, Let's fall in love BUT, let's not tell each other how we truly feel for whatever goofy reason we come up with this time. Next, something dramatic happens that is painful, yet it allows us to lift our barriers, tell one another about our love and live HEA".

This book moved so slowly. It dragged on and on. I don't think this book needed to be so long. I felt like the characters kept repeating themselves. I can't even describe the narration, especially when it comes to the female dialogue. I would not have minded a switch up in narrators and let Jaime Lincoln Smith narrate some of these Catalina Cove books. I am not sure if a different narrator would have helped.

I also don't think it could easily be read as a stand-alone. There was the discussion of too many characters, their pasts, and relationships to one another. I have read the books, but didn't commit all of that to memory.

I don't know the purpose of having Levi and Margie(hard g) as part of the story. It didn't help. I felt absolutely no chemistry between Saint and Zara, or Levi and Margie. I felt no romance, no sexual tension, no nothing. I was exhausted when this book finally ended.

I kept reading these books hoping that I would find that old excitement, anticipation, enjoyment, or investment in the couples. I was disappointed and sad because I realized it was truly time for me to let this go. It's gone for me. I no longer get that sense of romance, enjoyment, love, or sensuality.

Tbh, I would recommend that you read or listen to the book and judge for yourself. I truly hope you can find what I have lost.

[Natashia Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for this advanced copy. Thoughts are my own.

Rating - 3.25/5⭐️ (I Liked it)

I am a Brenda Jackson fan. I have loved her writing for years. I enjoyed how she writes romance. This story was ok and I liked it. There wasn’t anything surprising about it and the one night stand turned romance is nothing new. I enjoyed the development and the background, as always, of Catalina Cove. Is this my favorite in the series.no but I think it’s a nice addition.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set against the vibrant backdrop of South Louisiana, this cozy small-town romance has all the makings of a swoon-worthy love story with the charm and mystique of the bayou. The story centers around Zara Miller and Saint, two people with past heartbreaks who unexpectedly cross paths years after their initial encounter in New Orleans. What was supposed to be a fleeting night of passion and escape turns into a tangled, irresistible romance they both can't ignore.

The initial meeting between Zara (who introduces herself as Angel) and Saint is electric. The two strangers, both nursing wounds from failed relationships, find solace in each other for a night of passion. The anonymity and raw connection make this moment special, setting the foundation for their future.

Fast forward two years, Zara and Saint reunite in Catalina Cove, a small bayou community. Their paths cross at a mutual friend's event, and it's here they discover that their lives are more connected than they realized. The chemistry between them, which was undeniable in the Big Easy, resurfaces even stronger, leading to an encore of their fiery night at Zara's cottage on Pelican Bay.

The setting of Zara's cottage, nestled along the bayou, is a perfect metaphor for their romance—remote, cozy, and simmering beneath the surface. It's a place where their love continues to grow, starting from occasional meetups and transitioning into an arrangement that begins as "fake dating" to keep other women from chasing Saint. But as expected, the pretense can't contain the genuine emotions developing between them.

As they navigate their feelings, both Zara and Saint are wary of commitment. They’ve made a pact that this is nothing more than a no-strings-attached fling. Yet, love has a way of sneaking up when least expected. The story explores how two people who have sworn off relationships find themselves falling deeper, despite their best efforts to resist. Their emotional walls begin to crumble, forcing them to confront what they truly want—a future together.

The charm of this romance lies in the rich setting of South Louisiana, from the lively streets of New Orleans to the quiet, romantic shores of Pelican Bay. The bayou community feels alive with local culture, close-knit friendships, and the warmth of small-town living. These elements offer a comforting atmosphere, contrasting the intense emotions Zara and Saint feel for one another.

What makes this romance stand out is the way it portrays vulnerability and healing after heartbreak. Zara and Saint's relationship is built not only on physical attraction but on their shared understanding of pain and the need to move on. The pacing allows their love to unfold naturally, with sizzling chemistry that doesn't rush but steadily grows.

If you're a fan of second-chance romances, the "fake dating" trope, and heartwarming love stories in idyllic small towns, this book delivers. It's a cozy, spicy read with characters you’ll root for, and a love story that proves sometimes, even when you don’t want it, love finds its way into your life.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

From one night stand to forever. The story opens two years earlier than the main story. Zara is stranded in New Orleans while she waits for a storm to pass before traveling to Catalina Cove, nursing a broken heart and swearing off men. But the sparks between herself and a sexy stranger at the bar are too much to resist, and she and "Saint" spend a passionate night together.

Fast forward two years and Zara is back in Catalina Cove to visit her brother and some friends. She is stunned when she walks into a gathering of friends and sees the man she hasn't been able to forget. Saint is equally shocked to discover that Zara is his boss's younger sister. The chemistry between them is still off the charts, and they can't stay away from each other. Neither is interested in a relationship. Zara is not ready to risk her heart again, and Saint is still recovering from his own disappointing love life. They are content to hook up whenever Zara visits the Cove.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Zara and Saint develop. It starts as purely physical and casual, as they agree that emotions will play no part in their encounters. But over several months, they find themselves enjoying time spent together outside of the bedroom. When Zara comes for a more extended stay in the Cove, she and Saint begin spending much more time together. It is easy to see that they develop feelings for each other but are wary of confessing them. Their avoidance of talking about the future frequently frustrated me. Matters became more complicated when Saint's ex showed up looking to rekindle their relationship. I liked those scenes between Zara and Mia and Saint and Mia. I liked the ending, seeing them face and share their fears and look to the future with open hearts.

There was also the beginning of a secondary romance between two of the older characters. I loved Levi's patient pursuit of Margie as she became accustomed to the idea of falling in love again after her husband's death. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books, as well as some of the other new arrivals in Catalina Cove.

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading Brenda Jackson's Catalina Cove series since book one, Love in Catalina Cove. Though the books can be read as standalones, each new entry has felt like an enjoyable reunion with fictional friends where a few new people are added to the group. The sense of community is strong in this series and it's always fun to catch up with favorite characters while also taking a journey with the newest couple.

I was excited to learn the heroine of The Cottage on Pelican Bay would be Zara (sister of the hero of book 5, One Christmas Wish) and eager to discover what Jenkins had in store for her. I was not disappointed. The chemistry between Zara and Saint sizzles from the start but neither is looking for a relationship...for reasons. I appreciated the time Jenkins took with them, indulging their desires while allowing them to gradually grow emotions between them. It felt very realistic and gave me the confidence that their eventual relationship would stand the test of time. I really liked these two, individually and together, and was cheering for them the entire way while also cheering against certain family members (Saint's), a toxic ex (also Saint's), and a deluded husband hunter on the prowl. Happily, all of them are satisfactorily dealt with in the end.

This book also contains a sweet secondary romance between mature characters who are both widowed. I enjoyed it but would not have missed it if the focus had remained solely on Zara and Saint.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with Southern flavor, a strong sense of community, fully-developed characters, heartwarming romance, strong friendships, and happy endings, I recommend The Cottage on Pelican Bay...and the rest of the books in the Catalina Cove series too!

4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher via NetGalle

[Crystal Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading The Cottage on Pelican Bay, I was almost turned off because this book started completely differently from the rest of the series. Luckily, I was signed up to review it for my book challenge and because Netgalley gave me the opportunity. So, I finished the book in full.

This book started as an erotica book in a sense. While I do enjoy a few sexual scenes in a book, I'm not a HUGE fan of erotica-style books. There was a time when I couldn't get my hands on them enough, so there is no judgment from me if these are your preferred readings.

Zara and Saint start their relationship with what they think will be a one-night stand. They use nicknames and don't give out personal information. They have a very heated, passionate night together.

Lo and behold, they are both from the small town of Catalina Cove. This is when the relationship gets a bit more intriguing. Honestly, if the author had started the storyline off here and mentioned that they did have that heated night several years ago, I would have been all into this book from beginning to end. This would have followed more in line with the rest of the way the series was written.

While the beginning took me off guard, I thoroughly indulged myself in reading this book promptly once we got back to Catalina Cove with the couple. It was nice to read about their relationship unfolding and growing. Plus, we got to play catch-up with the rest of the Catalina Cove friends and read about another love story unfolding in the cove.

Brenda left this story with room to add more books to the series. If she does, I'll also be in line to read them. Overall, this series has been a lot of fun to read this summer. I'm pleased I selected it as part of my reading challenge for 2024.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cottage on Pelican Bay by Brenda Jackson
Catalina Cove #7
8h 29m narrated by Ron Butler, 303 pages

Genre:Genre: Contemporary Romance, African-American Romance

Featuring: Small-Town Louisiana near New Orleans, August, New Orleans Music Festival, Simi-Detailed Sex, One Night Stand Trope, Dual POVs, Homecoming Trope, Second Chance Trope, Spoilers For Previous Books, Hookups, Character Updates, Burned by Committed Relationships Trope, Food, Classism, Fear of Rejection, Gossip, Drama, Babies, Legacy, Pirates, Next Book Setups

Rating as a movie: N-17 for sexual content

Songs for the soundtrack: "Something He Can Feel" by Aretha Franklin

Books and Authors mentioned: The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💔💖

My thoughts: 📱8% 40:13 Chapter 4 They are starting early.
📱36% 3:04:17 Chapter 14 - So far I love it, of course, they are on my nerves but in a good way, so I'm not frustrated or anything.

This was fantastic from start to finish. I enjoyed both couples, and I'm guessing there were a few setups for the next book. The sex wasn't as graphic as the previous book, which is a bonus for me but disappointing for some. I was especially happy that the virginal woman and womanizing man trope wasn't used.

Recommend to others: Yes! This is one of the best stories of the series.

Catalina Cove
1. Love in Catalina Cove (2018)
2. Forget Me Not (2019)
3. Finding Home Again (2019)
3.5. A Catalina Cove Christmas (2019)
4. Follow Your Heart (2021)
5. One Christmas Wish (2021)
6. The House on Blueberry Lane (2022)
7. The Cottage on Pelican Bay (2024)

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love her books, and I remember especially loving the Westmoreland series, but this one just didn't do it for me. For all the sexy sexy scorching heat, the sex scenes didn't hold much emotion for me, and even when the MCs started admitting that they were falling for each other, much of it still felt like just lust. I actually got more invested in the secondary love story than the main one; that one was kinda sweet.

The random subplot near the end about buried treasure just felt like it came out of nowhere? And didn't really add anything to the story? Unless it had something to do with the broader series, maybe? Because there's a lot of series characters and plot threads also happening in this book.

Also, random but it got grating after awhile how often the characters used each other's names in dialogue?

Page 76:
"I'm glad that our paths crossed again, Zara."
"So am I, Saint."
"Do you want to dance some more?"
"No. I'm ready to leave."
"Where to now?
"My cottage."
"And where is your cottage, Zara?"

Page 79:
"Why am I here, Zara?"
"I wanted you here with me, Saint."

Page 85:
"Hello, Saint."
"Hello, Zara."

Page 86:
"How have you been, Zara?"
"Fine and what about you, Saint?"

...and so on and so forth. I get that calling each other by name can work in some sexy/romantic vibes, and I admit when I started really looking for it, I noticed how many other times they spoke without mentioning each other's names, so maybe it's not as bad as I thought while reading. But considering how much of this book is the two of them being together, it just really felt like a lot after a while.

[Kamilah Hall Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just completed the Catalina Cove Series. I listened to the entire series over the course of a few weeks. Overall, from what I have seen, I love Brenda Jackson's work, and it's very repetitive. Love in Catalina Cove and Finding Home Again are the best books of the series. This book was like the others in the series, where a woman is reluctant to give their heart to a man again. The love storyline remains the same in each book. Love in Catalina Cove and Finding Home Again had much more to the story with the characters' history. One thing I found refreshing about The Cottage on Pelican Bay is the development of an older couple's relationship. I can also see other books coming based on those moving to the Cove.

As I previously mentioned, I found it a bit irksome to hear the same love scenes in every book. "He captured her mouth." "He was addicted to her." "His scent...or her scent." "He did not know why she was getting to him." There were several lines like these in every book. It started to feel like a copy-and-paste. I would love to see her develop the love scenes more. I do appreciate the updates on the different characters from previous books in the series and how they interact with the main characters. This particular book offers two stories in one, which differs from the other books. Overall, I love the Catalina Cove Series and would recommend it to those who like romance novels.

[Dafort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara Miller never expected when she returned hometown and encounter Saint, her one-night stand from two years ago. As Zara learns Evans Toussaint grew up in Cataline Cove as she did, left home and returned to be close to his aging parents. When these two encounter each other again at a party, the chemistry is still apparent and they can’t stop staring at each other. Try as they might the pull is too strong and they engage in a “fake affair” to stifle the gossip of the townsfolk. Little do they realize as they spend more time together, feelings develop and fake become real. Both are scarred and afraid to confess their true feelings and know their time is limited as Zara is only in town for a few weeks. Can these two overcome past fears, meddling family and nosy townsfolk to see a future together in Pelican Bay, readers will need to download to find out.

I enjoyed Zara and Saint’s story and Mrs. Jackson’s ability to develop her characters where readers can sense their emotions. She keeps with the theme of Jean Lafitte’s founding of Catalina Cove and the historic find Zara and Saint uncover at the cottage. Loved reading about the secondary characters Margie and Levi’s storyline. Overall good read and would recommend this installment of the Catalina Cove series.

Note: I received an advance copy from Netgalley

[Madoka Kamimura Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brenda Jackson brings us the story of two strangers who shared one night together on a stormy night. Unfortunately, this one night does not become just a fond memory. Life surprises them when Zara returns home to Pelican Bay and finds herself in the company of the man she met all those years ago now working for her brother. Both hurt in the past, they embark on an affair whenever she comes into town. That was the plan. But, plans are meant to be changed. Will time together help these two heal from the past so they can move forward, or does the past still a large role in their lives?

Brenda Jackson brings us back to another installment in the Catalina Cove series. We get to follow along as Zara and Saint figure things out between them. Will they be able to put their past to rest and allow their attraction to grow and flourish, or will they just get in their own way and sabotage what could be? What happens when the past shows up and threatens to destroy what they have started building together?

I have read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for this privilege.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this truly awesome love story!!!

When this book finally hit my Kindle library, it was awhile after the audiobook had hit, I won't go into why because it has nothing to do with this award-winning love story of Saint and Zara! I refused to listen to the audiobook until I had the chance to read the book! I do that with all my Brenda Jackson books that are released in both genre's! I am so glad I waited. I got to frolick through the waters surrounding the Cottage on Pelican Bay with Saint and Zara and watched as love blossomed between them! I also had a front-row seat to some other romances blooming that I hope will become their own Catalina Cove story! Mrs. Jackson is so adept at weaving secondary storylines so seamlessly into the main story that you end up expecting the next main story to come from one of them! This story is just another level of the great storytelling from Mrs. Jackson, that I have come to love and expect over the years! Divine Mrs. J, this story was very, very, very, well worth the wait for it's release! Thank you for never disappointing me with your love stories! Here is where I project that you have another Best Seller on your hands, congratulations it could not happen to a better author!!!!!

[Lizbeth Martinez Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE COTTAGE ON PELICAN BAY
BY BRENDA JACKSON
⭐⭐⭐.5 STARS

KEY NOTES: This is an adult romance novel. So I would say it is 🌶️🌶️ in spicy. So enter at your own will. Also this is a book that is within a series. Although you can read them as standalones like I did.

DESCRIPTION: Zara Miller is anything but okay. After finding out her long term boyfriend had cheated on her and was leaving her for the mistress she swore she was done with relationships. Evan Toussaint was your average gorgeous guy with a hidden broken heart from multiple rejections from his first love determined never to love again. But when Zara’s and Evan’s path crossed one day they decided to do the one mistake in break ups; one night stand hookups as strangers. But it was alright because they knew they would never see each other again. That is until they realize 2 years later that they not only grew up in the same small town but that Evan works with Zara’s brother. And with Zara visiting town more often they have to try to solve the lingering question of their sexual tension. Is this just physical attraction or a deep true love story?? Will they be able to solve this mystery before they break eachothers hearts out of fear??

We got to love the sister in law and her nudging for them 🤣

[Lashanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Catalina Cove series and look forward to a new release every year. Towards the end this one seemed like it had some finality to it, but I really hope that isn’t the case. If anything, there’s a new person moving to town that could be a great main character for the next book, if the series continues.

I rated this one a little lower (3.5) stars because there was A LOT of sec in the book. The two main characters met because of a one nights stand. They later ran into each other again and decided to keep it going. That’s probably why there was so much sex in the book, but they got annoying to me after a while. I was thinking to myself what are they going to connect over beyond this to fall in love. I still don’t think the connection ended up being solid enough, but this is just a book so I’m not taking it too seriously. I did like that we got an extra love story as well. It helped to keep the book moving forward since Zara and Saint were so busy having all the sex! 😂 Anyway, I am hoping there will be another book in the series after this. I really like Catalina Cove and have this image in my mind of what it’s like. It has become a real place to me.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th in the Catalina Cove series. i recommend reading the series from the beginning. We are transported back to the small town of Catalina Cove one hour out of New Orleans. The author has created a atmospheric setting with the culture, ,food and characters. Our main character Zara had a steamy encounter with a handsome stranger at a bar during her layover in a hurricane. Two years has gone by and she still remembers that night for what it was a one night stand. As she settles into her quiet life at Catalina Cove near her Brother and rebuilds her life she finds the stranger again in her town and they explore their attraction and get to know one another with all their doubts. This novel is a bit to steamy and needs more depth of the main character then just sexual attraction but the basis of the story is their attraction to each other for all who enjoy steamy reads. A quick beachy read for a relaxing afternoon.

Thank you to Net Galley , the publisher and to the author for the opportnity. My review opinions are my own.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zara was freshly heartbroken when she met Saint both of them spend one night of passion not expecting to ever see each other again. Now they're both in Catalina Cove and can't seem to stop running into each other and decide to fake date to keep the ladies off Saints back and keep Zara's good name. Never did they expect to fall for one another for real.

I do enjoy a good fake dating Romance and thought that this is a pretty good one. I don't feel like it was rushed at all feel like the pacing was good and I loved to see that attraction between the two. They had plenty of moments in and out of bed which made the romance of it all bit more believable I loved seeing how they communicated with each other when it came to the ups and downs of what was going and their lives in the past. Overall this is a pretty good book I really enjoyed it.

[Erica Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just wasn’t my favorite. Probably my least favorite actually. I have read almost all of Brenda Jackson’s books, so when I saw this one, I knew I had to get it. The story definitely started off interesting and caught my attention; however,
it dragged on too long, some of the language and descriptions were very repetitive and I found it a bit unbelievable. The whole time I kept thinking why they didn’t just give the relationship a try. I get it their hearts were broken before, but they clearly had good chemistry and a good friendship. The dialogue also seemed very simple and boring at times. I think because I have read so many of her books I just expected more. It wasn’t horrible. Had a good story line. Just wasn’t my favorite and took me a while to get through it. So far, her protector series is my favorite. I still enjoyed this book and got through it. Just a bit disappointed.

[Carmelita Clardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner

This is the 7th book in the series and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s about a second chance at love. The h and H had met 3 years earlier both suffering from broken hearts, her fiancé had cheated on her and his fiancee didn’t want to get married even though they had been together for 4 years. They hooked up for one night and 3 years later they see each other again. Both are from Catalina Cove and her brother is his boss. Their relationship started off as a fake relationship to keep the gossips at bay but along the way, they fell in love. Their chemistry was intense. The plot and characters were very well written., it’s always nice to have previous chapters included in the plot. They were able to overcome their trust issues and open their hearts to love again. Great epilogue.

[PurpleLadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sizzling Romance

I love returning to Catalina Cove and catching up on the lives of its residents. Both Zara and Saint grew up in Catalina Cove but didn’t know each other. Unbeknownst to them, they dodged the bullet when each of their relationships ended, and their chance meeting, on that stormy night in August, was a blessing in disguise. From day one, Zara and Saint's sexual chemistry was off the charts hot. Their physical attraction was so strong that anytime they were in the same vicinity, everyone around them could feel it too. I was overjoyed when they finally discovered their feelings were more than physical. I also enjoyed reading Levi's bonus romance story, which was interwoven into the main story. I can't wait to return back to Catalina Cove in the future.

[Gwen S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zara and Saint's Love Tryst! 4.2*****/5 Spoiler Alert!!

Once Zara and Saint's broken hearts were mended, after their stormy night hook-up, three years later they learnt to be open and honesty with each other growing their relationship. Other love struck couples, were widowed LeviC and Margie, both soon to be treasure map rich also. Jaye and Velvet, along with Vaugh, Zara's bro, and Sierra with bun in the oven, post Maldives honeymoon. All outcomes were anticipated. However there were several formatting flaws in the Kindle edition of repeating paragraphs. An OK, Summer read emphasizing the need for open honesty dialogues in relationships!

08/21/24-10/15/24 COVID-19 #InktoberTangles2024

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I liked the story of Zara and Saint, but I didn't realize this was book 7 in the Catalina Cove series. As with some small town series I've read such as Virgin River by Robin Carr, they're best read in order. The story of previous characters is continued in parts throughout this book, and since this is the first book I've read, they didn't add much to the story for me. I will probably start the series over from the beginning eventually as I'm interested in some of these characters stories and I really did enjoy most of the book.
Thanks to ..... through Netgalley for the advance copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own and given voluntarily.

[Linda Epps - Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Zara and Saint's story. It was good to see them have a happily ever after despite the heartache they each had from previous partners. I liked both characters as well as their interaction with each other. Their chemistry was hot and in the end their love for each other was loud and clear.
I love the Catalina Cove series and all the main characters in the different books. It is always nice to catch up with them and their expanding families.

Ms. Jackson is a master at writing love stories from the heart and in this series, I love how you can see many more stories for the different characters in the Cove. Hoping and looking forward to more stories from Catalina Cove.