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Diamond Cove
Kissing in the Deep End
Welcome to Diamond Cove, a beach community full of hilarious situations, meddling grandparents, and romance. From Erica Penrod, author of the Cowboy Reality Romance series, comes a sweet rom come about Nora Blackett, Olympian turned water aerobics instructor and gorgeous gardener, Paxton Greenwood, whose paths cross at Diamond Cove.
Nora is starting over, fighting her way to the surface as she navigates an uncertain future. She’s got a part time job, a fixer upper for a house and isn’t looking for love. Dating wasn’t an Olympic requirement and her attraction to Paxton Greenwood has her headed for uncharted waters. The last thing Nora wants is for a man to pull her back into the deep end.
Paxton Greenwood has his feet planted firmly on the ground and knows what he wants to do for the rest of his life. So when he meets Nora, he’s uprooted by his feelings for her but she’s as high maintenance as a orchid but perhaps she just needs a little tender loving care.
If he holds on too tight, will they sink or swim?
- GenresContemporary
Audible Audio
Published February 5, 2024
42 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 27, 2022
Absolutely loved it!!
Read
April 15, 2022Here is a fun fact about Kissing in the Deep End for you.
The story of how Polly, member of the Secret Seven, met her late husband Howard is based on my best friend and her husband. I changed a few details and added a few of my own, but the idea is the same. They were good friends, and he had a crush on her, but she did not feel the same, until one fateful night. They went to a concert, and everything changed.
Fast forward 25 years later and they're still happily married.
Polly and Howard have their own little version of this story in Kissing in the Deep End.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QY7J2ZJ
The story of how Polly, member of the Secret Seven, met her late husband Howard is based on my best friend and her husband. I changed a few details and added a few of my own, but the idea is the same. They were good friends, and he had a crush on her, but she did not feel the same, until one fateful night. They went to a concert, and everything changed.
Fast forward 25 years later and they're still happily married.
Polly and Howard have their own little version of this story in Kissing in the Deep End.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QY7J2ZJ
April 9, 2022
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the publisher.
Great characters
Paxton seems pretty together, a happy to go with the flow kind of guy. He's practical and, usually, level-headed. Nora throws him for a loop, though.
Nora is new to everything not involved with her diving career. Like when approaching the diving board she puts on an air of confidence. She really likes this guy.
The story played out well. The actions and reactions seem reasonable and in-character.
The S7 are working well together and bringing in help without breaking the secrecy of the group. That's cool to see, too.
Great characters
Paxton seems pretty together, a happy to go with the flow kind of guy. He's practical and, usually, level-headed. Nora throws him for a loop, though.
Nora is new to everything not involved with her diving career. Like when approaching the diving board she puts on an air of confidence. She really likes this guy.
The story played out well. The actions and reactions seem reasonable and in-character.
The S7 are working well together and bringing in help without breaking the secrecy of the group. That's cool to see, too.
May 10, 2022
I’m loving the books in the Diamond Cove series! The Secret Seven, or S7, as Polly likes to think of them are so great! These grandmas and grandpas are sneaky, and tricky. And they’re getting their grandkids to get married, which is the best part.
This book features Polly, her grandson Paxton and Nora, the new water aerobics instructor at Diamond Cove. This book made me laugh out loud! I loved the characters so much. And the plot was great too!
I loved how much Nora grew through this book. At the beginning she was kind of unsure of herself. She has just finished a diving career. And she kind of attacks everything like she would diving. Which I really liked. But everything from her hair to her job reminds her of diving, and diving kind of broke her heart. So her plan is to focus on her list, and try every new thing. One thing at a time.
Enter Paxton. Polly is definitely pushing these two together. And Paxton knows it from the very start. But he just can’t seem to stop himself from falling for Nora. I loved how as soon as he saw her yard, he knew he had to help with it. Even when she didn’t want him to. He’s the kind of guy who works to get what he wants. And that can be a great thing!
I loved this book! And I can’t wait to read more of the books set at Diamond Cove!
I was sent an e-copy of Kissing in the Deep End as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
This book features Polly, her grandson Paxton and Nora, the new water aerobics instructor at Diamond Cove. This book made me laugh out loud! I loved the characters so much. And the plot was great too!
I loved how much Nora grew through this book. At the beginning she was kind of unsure of herself. She has just finished a diving career. And she kind of attacks everything like she would diving. Which I really liked. But everything from her hair to her job reminds her of diving, and diving kind of broke her heart. So her plan is to focus on her list, and try every new thing. One thing at a time.
Enter Paxton. Polly is definitely pushing these two together. And Paxton knows it from the very start. But he just can’t seem to stop himself from falling for Nora. I loved how as soon as he saw her yard, he knew he had to help with it. Even when she didn’t want him to. He’s the kind of guy who works to get what he wants. And that can be a great thing!
I loved this book! And I can’t wait to read more of the books set at Diamond Cove!
I was sent an e-copy of Kissing in the Deep End as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
April 20, 2022
The Secret 7 strikes again! This time, it's Polly's grandson who is in cupid's sights and former Olympic diver, Nora, doesn't stand a chance.
The Diamond Cove setting has become a familiar setting for some darling romances. I love the quirky appearances by the resident blind alligator and her eye-seeing dog. But it's the characters that really hit it home for me.
Paxton and Nora were fun characters. I loved how laid back and hardworking Paxton is, especially as he dives right into doing what he loves. The way he drops everything for Polly is so sweet. Nora is starting a new chapter in her life and it was a little heartbreaking, but caused so many funny moments and helped her realize there's a lot life has to offer.
I loved the sparks of romance in this one and feel like an honorary member of this delightful cast. Sweet and swoony--I can't wait to see the S7 in action once more.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
The Diamond Cove setting has become a familiar setting for some darling romances. I love the quirky appearances by the resident blind alligator and her eye-seeing dog. But it's the characters that really hit it home for me.
Paxton and Nora were fun characters. I loved how laid back and hardworking Paxton is, especially as he dives right into doing what he loves. The way he drops everything for Polly is so sweet. Nora is starting a new chapter in her life and it was a little heartbreaking, but caused so many funny moments and helped her realize there's a lot life has to offer.
I loved the sparks of romance in this one and feel like an honorary member of this delightful cast. Sweet and swoony--I can't wait to see the S7 in action once more.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
April 14, 2022
One of my favorites in this series! It features the Secret Seven who are trying to match Polly's grandson, Paxton, with Nora, a retired Olympic diver who is new to the community. Nora is emotionally floundering as she tries to adjust to her new life apart from training and competing in diving whereas Paxton definitely has his feet on the ground (literally and physically) and his hands in the soil as the owner of a large, prosperous landscaping company. Paxton is happy to leave the office work to his sister and loves planting and tending gardens and making the outdoors beautiful. His nurturing qualities make him a great match for fragile Nora who benefits from his uncanny knack for helping her flourish. Lots of kisses help too! I received an ARC and his voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
January 30, 2023
I love these matchmaking grands more and more with each book in the series. They are very resourceful. Erica Penrod is a new to me author and looking at her list of publications, it appears that she enjoys cowboy and horse stories so it made a lot of sense to have horseback riding a thing in this book. I liked the main characters. The romance was sweet and pretty low angst though there was some that went along with the conflict. It was an enjoyable read.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
April 12, 2022
The Secret Seven are at it again, Polly chooses her grandson Paxton and her friend's granddaughter Nora, she is sure they would make a perfect pair. Paxton suspects his grandmother is setting him up with Nora but after meeting her he is OK with it. Nora is new in town, she has made some major changes in her life so it is almost like starting over. Meeting Paxton makes her heart go zing. I loved the secrecy of the Secret Seven, the way they help Nora is so heart warming, Paxton and Nora are wonderful together.
April 12, 2022
The Secret Seven are at it again. This time they are finding a match for Polly's grandson Paxton. Polly calls her friend Vicki whose granddaughter Nora is looking for a job. After Nora moves, Polly suggests her grandson be her landscaper. Loved Nora's introduction to Sweetie and Bear. Sweet Clean Romance with likable and believable characters. Really enjoyed this book.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 10, 2022
The Secret Seven are trying to match again. This time it's Polly's grandson and Polly's friend's granddaughter. They seem to be a good match but at first Paxton and Nora resist each other. Paxton seems to come to terms with his attraction to Nora but she's slower to admit her attraction to Paxton. She's learning to do the things she put off due to training for diving for the Olympics and now she has the time to cross items off of her list of things to do. Will Paxton be one of them? Will they both admit their attraction before it's too late? I received an early copy to read and review and I'm leaving my honest review.
April 14, 2022
This multi-author series is a delight to read with a beautiful beach setting complete with the Secret Seven (meddling grandparents), laugh-out-loud situations, realistic characters and sweet romance. Kissing in the Deep End featured former Olympic diver Nora Blackett who is starting over in Diamond Cove and meets handsome landscaper Paxton Greenwood. If you enjoy fun and wholesome romance, you can read each book as a standalone but you probably don't want to miss any of this romantic comedy series and I am looking forward to S7's next matchmaking adventure. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 15, 2022
Another great story about the Secret Seven! It’s Polly’s turn to help her unsuspecting grandson, Paxton, find love with Nora a retired Olympic diver. The story includes intrigue in the form of a misdelivered package and fake problems around the retirement community. The Secret Sevens antics will keep you laughing and the love story between Paxton and Nora will keep you smiling. This was a fun, quick, clean read that doesn’t disappointment.
April 12, 2022
An olympic diver quits
She is just not enjoying it anymore and so she quits. Now what? She goes a job at an old folks home, doing paddle board yoga . . . .and little does she know the Secret 7 have a plan for her!!! This is an amazing love story - enjoyed it immensely!!!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
She is just not enjoying it anymore and so she quits. Now what? She goes a job at an old folks home, doing paddle board yoga . . . .and little does she know the Secret 7 have a plan for her!!! This is an amazing love story - enjoyed it immensely!!!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
April 15, 2022
I want to move to The Palms. I am envious of the fun these retirees have, even aside from their meddlesome matchmaking tendencies. Paxton and Nora are the recipients of the Secret Seven's attempts this time and the group come up with some creative opportunities to get the couple together. I love the characters.
September 24, 2023
This story did not disappoint, just like all the other stories in this series I couldn't put it down. The S7s are back to the marriage board and this time Polly wants to set up her handsome grandson with a friend's granddaughter. I love the S7 group and how they secretly, strategically find the right person, and how they investigate so thoroughly and don't give up. Paxton is such a sweet, handsome, happy and patient guy in this story, his world is great, he is living his dream, and he didn't think he needed more until he met the new aerobic/paddle board instructor. I love the meddling grandparents and all the crazy things they do to make sure these two meet. Nora is an Olympic diver who needs to find her way and purpose once again and sets out to renovate a house after becoming the new Aerobic/paddleboard teacher at the Palms Retirement center and she does not have time for dating. I loved their story however I did feel I wanted it little more towards the end to make it complete. Of course, I loved Sweetie and Bear too. I especially loved reading about Nora's comeback and both Paxton and Nora's new passion. Nora and Paxton are so darn cute and perfect together.
May 29, 2022
This book is full of fun, sweet moments, and plenty of laughter. The Secret Seven matchmakers are at it again as they tackle the love life of Polly’s grandson, Paxton. They have their work cut out for them when their decided targets, Paxton and Nora, do not immediately hit it off. Polly is nothing if not persistent though, and she makes sure her sweet Paxton has an opportunity to earn the trust and adoration of Nora. But Nora us dealing with her own set of hurdles, and dating just isn’t on her to-do list. The S7 manipulates, investigates, and potentiates the relationship and seem to be on the winning end of things… until the phone call comes that changes it all.
I just love the Secret Seven and their quirkiness and unique abilities. They make it so fun!
I just love the Secret Seven and their quirkiness and unique abilities. They make it so fun!
September 6, 2025
As always this series of books Delivers a good story
I have read different books in this series and I have yet to be disappointed by any of them. The stories are relatable as being a grandmother I can really relate to making sure My grandkids find the perfect mate. Not that I've had to dupe to Not that I've had to dupe to a group of Other senior citizens to help me with it, they seem to do well on their own. But back to the story, the characters were well written They were relatable and were well rounded. The storyline Was perfect As we all go through a change of career and a little depression sometimes All in all I didn't find anything wrong with IT, it was an easy 1 night read.
I have read different books in this series and I have yet to be disappointed by any of them. The stories are relatable as being a grandmother I can really relate to making sure My grandkids find the perfect mate. Not that I've had to dupe to Not that I've had to dupe to a group of Other senior citizens to help me with it, they seem to do well on their own. But back to the story, the characters were well written They were relatable and were well rounded. The storyline Was perfect As we all go through a change of career and a little depression sometimes All in all I didn't find anything wrong with IT, it was an easy 1 night read.
October 1, 2025
So good, I am really enjoying this series. Good smut free, funny, and foul language absent romance 💝 I don’t think I’ve mentioned that there is a blind alligator with a seeing eye dog in this series 🐊 🐕!
“She couldn’t move, so she just closed her eyes, thinking she had to be trapped in some sort of warped nightmare. Things must be worse than she thought, her mind more fractured than she’d imagined, because she thought she’d just seen an alligator in a swimsuit tethered to a dog in a Speedo. But to her credit, the swimming apparel was a nice touch. If you were going to lose your mind, you might as well do it with a little creativity.”
“She couldn’t move, so she just closed her eyes, thinking she had to be trapped in some sort of warped nightmare. Things must be worse than she thought, her mind more fractured than she’d imagined, because she thought she’d just seen an alligator in a swimsuit tethered to a dog in a Speedo. But to her credit, the swimming apparel was a nice touch. If you were going to lose your mind, you might as well do it with a little creativity.”
June 3, 2022
Another addition to this Diamond Cove Series. It’s definitely a suspend reality kind of story and there is nothing wrong with that idea. It’s filled with hilarious antics of the seniors trying to set up each other’s grandchildren and they go to great lengths to accomplish the matchmaking. This one is about Paxton and Nora. Flirty and fun. Nothing really crazy happens and I liked it that way. Problems were solved through communication and now I need a landscaper that isn’t myself. First time author for me!
April 24, 2022
This cute new romance was such a fun read. The meddling secret seven seniors are at it again with their not so inconspicuous ways. They add humor to the whole story while Erica Penrod adds in some reality that could come from being on the world stage as an Olympic diver. The mix of the comedy and the seriousness of Nora's anxiety makes this story work so well. I enjoyed watching the romance happen underneath her own eyes and seeing how her personality take this story to its unique level.
April 29, 2022
This was a fun continuation of the adventures of the Secret Seven. There's another grandson that needs to be matched, and some Diamond Cove retirees that have too much time on their hands. Paxton and Nora start spending time together and can't help but fall for each other, even though being in a relationship wasn't in either of their plans. Join the fun as the matchmaking continues.
I received an ARC from the publisher, but the review is my own.
I received an ARC from the publisher, but the review is my own.
October 14, 2023
I love watching the Secret Seven at work. But it’s even more fun watching their grandchildren’s attempts to thwart their matchmaking plans. Paxton and Nora are both complete sweethearts and I thought they made a lovely couple. They were absolutely adorable to see as they got to know one another and started falling in love. However, it physically pained me to witness the times when things weren’t all sunshine and roses. Now, I can’t wait to see what mischief the S7 are up to next.
April 24, 2022
Another great installment to this series! There was so much going on in just a little bit of time. The story line works well for this story and reading this series in order works the best for maximum enjoyment of this series. My attention was captured from the beginning
May 5, 2022
The Secret Seven are at it again, this time Polly's grandson is in their sights. Paxton and Nora make a great couple. The antics of the grandparents are hilarious. The grandkids don't know what is coming their way. Fun stories.
May 8, 2022
Lovely
An absolutely wonderful story! Great characters and storyline. I loved the antics of the "S7". I was glad that Erica was able to bring the horses into the story and I hope into the series. I think that they have a lot of romantic impact. Great job!
An absolutely wonderful story! Great characters and storyline. I loved the antics of the "S7". I was glad that Erica was able to bring the horses into the story and I hope into the series. I think that they have a lot of romantic impact. Great job!
May 13, 2022
Nora is starting a new life in Diamond Cove, an old house to restore and a new goal in her life, since she left behind her dreams as an Olympic diver. Paxton is content with his life and his job as a landscaper. But can the Secret Seven bring them together when they are not looking for love? Sweet
June 10, 2022
I liked this book. It had a nice message about how life usually doesn't turn out according to plan, but that doesn't mean that what's in store isn't good. It had sweet romance and more strategic matchmaking grandparents.
October 15, 2024
Swimming
I love how Nora is finding new purpose and dreams for her life in this novel. She is at a crossroads, which might be the perfect time to add love.
Clean, contemporary romance.
I love how Nora is finding new purpose and dreams for her life in this novel. She is at a crossroads, which might be the perfect time to add love.
Clean, contemporary romance.
December 13, 2025
Secret Seven Back At It
These seniors are hysterical and a force to be reckoned with. This time, they have Nora and Paxton in their sights. It's another cute story in this series of matchmaking the grandchildren.
These seniors are hysterical and a force to be reckoned with. This time, they have Nora and Paxton in their sights. It's another cute story in this series of matchmaking the grandchildren.
April 22, 2022
A good clean fun rom-com: I would recommend this series. I'm looking forward to the next book in series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews