Changing Tides: Sandcastle Cove, Book 1

Sandcastle Cove #1

by Amber Kelly, Charlotte North (Narrator), Tim Paige (Narrator)

Life is full of surprises.

The best of which is the precocious curly-haired little girl that calls me mommy.

As my marriage falls apart, a new opportunity on the serene shores of Sandcastle Cove offers us a safe haven, and our lives take an unforeseen turn when a man from a long-buried Hawaiian escapade resurfaces. I had all but forgotten about the man with a sexy grin until his soulful eyes found mine across the crowd.

As I navigate this new life, the complexities of single parenthood, and rekindle old flames, the island becomes the perfect backdrop for a journey of rediscovery, love, and the delicate dance of second chances.

The past whispers its secrets, and I have to decide whether to run back to the familiar or chart a new course on the sands of Sandcastle Cove.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance Romance, Audiobook, Forced Proximity

Audible Audio

Published April 15, 2025

About the author

Amber Kelly is a romance author that calls North Carolina home. She has been an avid reader from a young age and you could always find her with her nose in a book completely enthralled in an adventure. With the support of her husband and family, in 2018, she decided to finally give a voice to the stories in her head and her debut novel, Both of Me was born. You can connect with Amber on Facebook at facebook.com/AuthorAmberKelly, on IG @authoramberkelly or on twitter @AuthorAmberKel1.
http://authoramberkelly.com/

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I love Amber Kelly’s writing and the setting of this book. There were parts of this book I liked, but the storyline didn’t work for me, sadly.

Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrators: Charlotte North & Tim Paige
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 5h 36m

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book was short and easy to read, I was frustrated by how the secret baby situation was handled. The resolution didn’t sit right with me and left me more irritated than satisfied.

Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Charlotte North & Tim Paige
Length: 5h 36m

[Lover of Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Review:

Changing Tides is a book from a series I have been curious about as I have been seeing it around Instagram quite a bit. And so I decided to grab up the first book. I am honestly confused by this book lol I am not sure if others felt the same way after reading it, but it honestly was the strangest secret baby romance I have ever read. I am not sure what the author was aiming to do or how she wanted to write this one, but it felt so disjointed at times. We hardly see mention of it being a secret baby until 85% lol Very rarely does the reveal of it actually take this long. And even though as a reader you know its a secret baby but there is no inner monologue of it or any build up of why the heroine kept it a secret. In fact I am still baffled why she didn't tell him. And another issue of this is she blamed him even though he had no clue. She just wasn't willing to take accountability for her actions or even be patient with the hero when he was upset about it. Apparently he was just supposed to get over it and be fine with her deceiving him. And while some aspects I enjoyed like seeing them reconnect with these cute little dates or seeing him bond with his daughter, I just struggled with this one because it didn't make sense the important things. And I wanted to see more emotional intimacy being built between them. There was a bit too much spice in this book and not enough relationship building being implemented within the story.

I am not sure if this is a fluke from the author, I will give another book of hers a try because I don't like to give up too quickly with an author, but I wasn't too impressed with this one here as it needed some editing and polish on it overall.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A estreia da autora em small town romance é também a minha estreia com a autora 🥰 adorei o seu estilo de escrita e o modo como constrói a narrativa é extremamente natural - tudo flui com uma beleza incrível e é impossível não ficar preso à história descrita.

O romance é maravilhoso, não achei totalmente surpreendente mas é muito bonito e vê-lo crescer é muito gratificante. A Avie e o Sebastian têm imensa química e vê-lo criar ligação com a filha dela é lindo, torna a química e ligação deles ainda mais especial e bela ❤️

Senti que estava nesta ilha ao largo da Carolina do Norte...o setting faz a história, transporta o leitor para lá, é uma paz serena 😌

Gostei mesmo muito e fiquei curiosa para ver o que a autora irá fazer para o resto da saga.

[wardah ୨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

─ ARC review

★ ★ ★ ★ 4/5

I don’t know where to start fist of all thank you so much Amber kelly for giving me chance to read this book as an ARC and this was my first time reading her book i absolutely loved her book/writing style

Changing tides follows Avie and Sebastian whom she met on a vacation where she was supposed to go with her boyfriend who broke up with her right before the trip so she takes her best friend instead where she met him and had one night stand with him (but that don’t ends here.)

3 stars for the whole book and 1 star for Sebastian because how he treats Leia and I love men who are are good with kids. AND I LOVE HIM FOR THAT… OMG. He wears fairy wings for her!! (even they can’t fit him… *i can imagine him wearing purple little wings*) AAAAA THIS MAN!! *chef's kiss*

Overall this book was somehow cute? Adorable?? Yes! Yes it was I liked the characters and the way Sebastian treats Leia, (Avie’s daugher) it’s sooo adorable and heart warming… i adored this book and I love Leia this book was absolutely beautifully written.
(I love the single parent trope) I love Avie she’s doing her best to give her daughter the best childhood… this book was AMAZING! And I loved Sebastian and Leia’s bond

*add this to your summer books tbr*

𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
small town romance
one night stand
vacation fling
single mom
second chance

[Alisscya Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMBER KELLY DID IT AGAIN!!!
This isn't my first book I've read by Amber Kelly, but this is my first ARC review "EVER" !!

Changing Tides is by far the cutest book I've read in forever.
Avie (FMC) : Single mother, recently divorced, trying to start a new life with her 4 year old daughter Leia. She takes on a new job working for a Turtle Hospital but what she wasn't expecting was running into the man she had an exciting night with back 5 years ago.
Sebastian (MMC) : Captain on a Yacht, Loving grandson, and the best "fairy" in the garden? Didn't think he was going to see is "Hawaiian Barbie" again until that is the tenant currently leasing his grandparents beach house!
Avie and Sebastian hit it off right off the bat when they first met. Then 5 years later, it was like they were never apart. They both fit perfectly into each others lives. Never questioning how things would look when Avie and Leia would have to go back to New York in 6 months. The love Sebastian showed Avie and her little girl was out of this world! He would do anything to keep a smile on there faces. But life is full of surprises! Can Avie and Sebastian work through it? Or will he let her leave the life they are created the last 6 months?

Perfect book to read with a drink in your hand, next to the pool!!
Read if you like:
small town romance
one night stand
vacation fling
single mom
second chance

1-CLICK Your Copy Today!
Read with Kindle Unlimited
https://geni.us/ChangingTides

#changingtides #amberkelly #nowavailable #romancereads #singlemom #smalltownromance #sandcastlecove #secondchanceromance #wordsmithpublicity

[María · Rating 2 out of 5]

Es un libro muy entretenido pero carece de todo. No hay romance, no hay trama, no hay construcción de personajes. Simplemente es LEÍBLE. Además, que usaran lo de que el protagonista sea el papá de la niña como “plot twist” en las últimas 30 páginas fue una total FALTA DE RESPETO. No había necesidad.

[Alisha Otoole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story so much! After a one night stand in Hawaii, Avie becomes pregnant. 4 years later, Avie and her daughter move to a Sandcastle Cove for a job and bumps into none other than the guy she had the one night stand with many years ago, Sebastian.

This book was so fast paced and I was hooked from the beginning. Leia was freaking hilarious and her little remarks had me giggling all throughout this book. Avie is such a caring mother and you could see that love shine through. Sebastian was SOOO good with Leia and I loved how his family took Avie and Leia in with open arms, it melted my heart💖

This book was near perfect, but I do wish there was a little more on Avie and Sabastian’s relationship because I just felt something was missing. This book had me wishing it was summer and I surprisingly learned a lot about turtles which I loved!! The friend dynamic was sooo fun to read and I can’t wait to continue this series!!

Single mom, small town, second chance, one night stand

[Heidi Marvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changing Tides is a sweet story about second chances and finding the love you didn't know you missed out on. I am a sucker for second chance romances and Amber Kelly's latest book drew me in immediately. I read it cover to cover without stopping, I'm not sure if I even took a deep breath to be honest. Avie moved to North Carolina with her four year old daughter, Leia, for a temp job with a turtle rescue/rehab. Still recovering from a bitter divorce, she needed a stepping stone to a new life and this seemed to be the way to go. Who knew she would run into the handsome stranger from her college vacation several years earlier. Sebastian couldn't believe the hot girl from Hawaii was living in his grandparents cottage with her daughter for the summer. Soon he finds himself enthralled with the little girl, going so far as to wear fairy wings and attend a tea party, all while falling for her mother. Grab a cup of tea and settle in for this sweet story that will have you swooning within the first couple of chapters.

[Stephanie Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to hear Amber Kelly was coming out with a new series; Changing Tides was a great way to start it off, Avie was a breath of fresh air.
A second chance at love in a small town romance, with well-written characters is always a go too for me. Avie and Sebastian’s story will pull at your heartstrings, and the way he is with Leia, every little girl could be so lucky. With some misunderstandings and roadblocks in their way puts their relationship to the test, a great way to start your spring reading!

[Halle Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars ✨️

I love how easy this authors books are to read, they are my go to comfort reads and I did thoroughly enjoy this story but I just didn't like how it took until almost the end of the book until the 'secret/twist' was revealed even though it was obvious from the very beginning. It also felt rushed and wrapped up to quick for my liking, had the pacing been better this for sure could've been a fav book.

I will still read anything and everything amber writes ✨️

[Lisa ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5 stars

The summer vibes, found family and the FMC dealing with single parenthood were all interesting and made this book enjoyable to read. The romance however fell very flat and was underdeveloped in my opinion.

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Tide Stars
RTC

[Haley Ara H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The vibes of this were immaculate! I just love Amber Kelly’s writing! This was such a cute book and I’m looking forward to devouring the rest of the series!

[Ktsues_booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
In this new series we follow Sebastian and Avie. They had one special night years ago never to see each other again until fate intervened. Avie and her daughter Leia end up renting a house from Sebastian’s grandparents and just like that they are throw back into each others orbit. The sparks fly and chemistry between the two is still so strong. Avie is a recent divorcee and Sebastian is not the setting down type. Together they were perfect for each other and you can’t help but love the ease of their feelings growing. You turn every page enchanted and transported to the beach watching this beautiful story unfold. I adored the balance of seriousness, sweetness and spice that makes you never want to stop reading. I loved the fun side characters and the way this was set up to be a fantastic series. I can’t wait tot be back again!

[bookspaced · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changing Tides by Amber Kelly was AMAZING!!! Seriously I am obsessed with this couple! How cute are they together!

Sebastian and Avie are just the perfect characters for this story and I absolutely adore them and Leia!
I literally cant stop thinking about how cute Sebastian was with Leia! So cuuute!

Amber really wrote an amazing second chance story that made me swoon, shed some tears and overall feel good!

5 Stars

[JL · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. I gotta be honest the only reason I liked this book was because of Leia & Sebastian. She was the cutest kid & he just adored her. Their relationship was totally worth the read.

But the rest just felt very superficial. Not very deep or interesting. I just felt like I read a long book about a friends vacation with a summer fling mixed in. Avie & Sebastian’s romance felt more lust than love to me. I would have liked more talking between them than hooking up all the time.

Also the big reveal at the end that we can all see coming a mile off that Sebastian is Leila’s father and not her ex-husband Conrad. Conrad just appears out of nowhere to spill the beans. He’s nothing but a plot twist.
And once the truth does come out… I kinda stopped liking Avie. She’s been fucking Sebastian all summer but doesn’t tell him about his kid?? Seriously??? He’s good enough for her to sleep with & have feelings for but not good enough to be the father of her child? Her excuses for not telling him were just that lame excuses. It was obvious he adored Leia. He deserved to know.
And then because he’s pissed off she’s just gonna skip town with his kid. That drove me mad. I felt like Sebastian became the bad guy in the end… everyone turning his anger back on him. He had a right to be furious. Fair enough not being able to find him the first 4 years of her life since they only had a one night stand and only knew each other’s first names… but she’s seeing him for 4 months without saying a word? The ending was way rushed and just left a bad taste in my mouth. It should have been Avie apologising to him for her behaviour & lies. Not Sebastian grovelling convincing her to stay. I would have liked to have read the conversation with Leia about Sebastian being her Daddy than having it just be explained away.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The End Ruined The Book

I was really enjoying the book until near the end. Avie’s actions ruined the book. Not to give away any spoilers but I was confused on how/why she wanted to play the victim. She was mad at Seb when she for months withheld information from him. While Connor’s actions weren’t excusable he wasn’t a mush of a villain he was painted out to be. And then for Avie to decide to leave without talking to Sen truly showed how selfish she was. She claimed that everything she did was for her daughter but it was for herself and to protect herself. I felt as if everyone forgive her too quickly and with a weak explanation. Everyone expected Seb to love on quickly as if he wasn’t the injured party and entitled to taking the time he needed!

[JanFromNJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avie Carrington had my attention when she dumped her glass of red wine in her boyfriend’s lap. You go girl!

Moving on . . . Sebastian is Avie’s one night stand on her girls’ trip with best friend Amiya to Hawaii. She sneaks out before he wakes. She knows she’ll never see him again. Except. Five years later, he turns up living in the same seaside town in North Carolina where Avie relocates - Sandcastle Cove.

Avie and her 4 year old daughter, Leia, arrive in Sandcastle Cove for a six month project working with sea turtles. Since graduating college, Avie has been working in New York doing marine science research but now, newly divorced, she’s starting anew and has the chance to enjoy hands-on work with marine life for at least six months. Then what? She’s not sure.

Avie’s determination to give her daughter the best experiences she couldn’t really have in New York reads very authentic and is absolutely heartwarming. Avie and Sebastian’s chemistry flies off the pages. Whew! Sebastian and little Leia immediately bond and him joining her in a tea party, with fairy wings and all, is only one of the truly touching scenes between them.

There’s a wonderful group of characters in this book. Amiya is the best friend everyone wishes they had and she’s an amazing support to Avie and little Leia. Sebastian’s best friends, Anson and Parker, are trouble of the best kind and loyal friends. Add in Sebastian’s Nana and Gramps and Avie and Leia have a new found family. But there’s an end to Avie’s contract job in six months and every day Avie and Sebastian get closer is another day they get closer to the end. But what if it doesn’t have to end? Can Avie trust her heart and her daughter’s heart to Sebastian after her Ex husband’s horrible treatment of them both?

You’ll find everything to love about the town of Sandcastle Cove. Changing Tides is a beautifully told emotional story of a small town romance, a single mom, a second chance at love, found family and a well earned HEA.

I’m looking forward to more adventures with the Sandcastle Cove residents in future books in this series.

[Lisa Stinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Sandcastle Cove....and I am so excited to be here. I love Amber Kelly's stories and this new series is off to a great start. I am in love with this small beach town set in North Carolina, and I wish I could move there myself.

A few years ago, Avie let loose and had some fun while on a vacation with her best friend. But her life was taking her in a different direction when she went back home after the trip. She met a guy and had a wonderful night with him and all they exchanged was first names. Then after the life she thought she wanted imploded; she goes to Sandcastle Cove to work with the marine life that she has loved for so long. Imagine her surprise when the guy from her magical night in Hawaii is in the backyard of her rental helping her landlord with a project. Too bad he doesn't remember her.

Sebastian enjoyed sailing the seas when he was younger but now life has settled him in Sandcastle Cove with taking over his family's charter business. While at first, he doesn't recognize Avie, soon he can't forget her. He is so shocked to learn that she is staying on the island for a few months, let alone that she is a single mother. He is immediately smitten with Leia, Avie's daughter. In fact everyone falls in love with Leia. She's too precious not to love.

Soon Sebastian and Avie start spending as much time together as possible and deep feelings take root. But when things come to light that Sebastian wasn't prepared for and Avie hadn't had the chance to explain, will they be able to find their HEA that they both want so badly?

I am so excited for the stories that are to come from Sandcastle Cove. I just know they are all going to be amazing.

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

Okay, so this is my first by the author. I am a sucker for small town romances so I picked it up but I am so disappointed with this book. Although it had the potential to be a good book, it just isn't.

The thing is both the characters Sebastian and Avie are written like something half baked. The plot could have been better if there had been some intense emotions boiling and some intermittence.

The story felt rushed as if everything was happening at a very fast pace. One moment they were in Hawaii meeting as strangers and another moment they had a passionate night then cut-to they met again after 4 years by the divine intervention, cut-to they made out again, they have hots for each other again, cut-to they fall in love just by sleeping with each other again and in a single night again. I applaud the audacity of Avie, man she had guts where she's making out with Sebastian and playing home and still not telling him that he has a daughter.

Then Sebastian had a whole family alive but only his Gramps and Nana were highlighted as if his mother and father didn't even matter. His brother Lennon is also heard of in the background not even in the single he was mentioned talking to, not even when Sebastian reconciled with Avie and his daughter. Also the part that Leia is Sebastian's daughter was clear from the start, it wasn't as much of a secret as it was portrayed.

Also the background stories and the monologues could have been written to show the essence of emotions they felt on page if nothing else then just to make sense of it.

I'm highly disappointed with this book and the story was like hoping from one angle to another, there was no depth to it.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah! We have a brand new series from Amber Kelly and I couldn’t be more excited! Changing Tides is the first book in Amber’s Sandcastle Cove series. I mean, how freaking cute is the series name! I love a small town romance and even more so when it’s a coastal town. Reminds me of home!

Amber is an author I trust and love. I just go into her books blind and know I am just going to devour them. And that was absolutely the case with Changing Tides. I read this in basically one sitting and was left with all the ooey gooey feelings that when I turned the last page.

Changing Tides follows Avie and Sebastian who had a one night stand on vacation five years ago. Avie was supposed to go Hawaii with her long term boyfriend who broke up with her right before their trip. She takes her best friend instead, ready for fun in the sun and meets the hot-as-sin Sebastian and they have one hot night together.

Now it’s five years later, Avie is recently divorced and takes a research job in the coastal town of Sandcastle Cove for six months. The last person she expects to run into is Sebastian.

Guys! This was such a cute romance! I ate it up. Avie is an amazing single mom, doing her best to give her daughter a great and adventurous childhood. Sebastian is a hero that is so easy to fall for. He’s charming, kind, sexy, and has a bit of dominant side that had me swooning. These two had such great chemistry. And the way Sebastian was with Avie’s daughter was the most adorable thing.

𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞
•small town romance
•single mom
•one night stand/vacation fling
•second chance

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changing Tides is such a great story to start a new series and Amber Kelly outdid herself. I love small town romance and that second chance vibes with a found family on the side is a pure chef's kiss. Avie and Sebastian had a chance encounter while on a vacation and lost connection. Five years later Avie is rebuilding her life as a single mom and she starts again at a new place and with a new job. And let me tell you Sandcastle cove is a place where everything is possible. Yes , Avie meets Sebastian here and they still had that connection between them and their chemistry is crazy . And Sebastian falls for her all over again but this time he falls also for her daughter Leia . For someone intent to leave the bachelor life he quickly reconnected with Avie and made a relationship with her daughter. Leia is the sweetest four year old girl written ever . I loved those crazy conversations between Leia and Sebastian and that tea parties were insane. Slowly Sebastian falls in a routine with Avie and Leia and I loved the date he took them to. Still there is something holding Avie back . When she decided to speak with Sebastian, her ex comes and messes the situation. And that's another test for them. But nothing fixes problems like some tea and a talk . And that epilogue was perfect. Changing Tides is a small town romance at its best with well written characters, great story line , a lot of emotions , laughter and fairy lights. A perfect summer fairy tale to chase away the winter blues.

Thanks to WordSmith Publicity for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
- Small Town
- Single Mom
- One Night Stand/Vacation Fling
- Second Chance

Avie and Sebastian meet one night in Hawaii and sparks ignite. Many years later a newly divorced Avie comes to Sandcastle Cove for a job contract at a sea turtle rescue. She never thought she would see Sebastian again, yet there he was in her backyard with her landlord....his grandparents. With their chemistry, and being in forced proximity there is no avoiding the collision of their hearts...and bodies. Secrets are at play though, will they ruin this second chance?

Fate clearly has a hand in Avie and Sebastian's relationship and it could not be more perfect. They are so good for each other and bring each other such light and laughter. Sebastian's bond with Leia, Avie's daughter, forms so seamlessly like they have known each other their entire life. She is such a sweet girl that you want to give the biggest hug to. Sebastian having a tea party with her has to be my favorite. Who doesn't love a man wrapped around a little girl's finger sitting for a tea party in fairy wings???

This book is everything you expect from an Amber Kelly small town. A all consuming love story in a cute coastal town with charming friends and family that steal your heart. I can't wait to see what is in store for us in the rest of the series.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

With only the first romance in this brand new series, I’m already in love with Sandcastle Cove, NC, and would move there in a minute if it were real. But our story with doesn’t begin there. It starts across the country and the Pacific Ocean with a tropical one-night-stand.

Five years later, Avie Sullivan is moving with her daughter, Leia, to the Carolina coast to work with sea turtle rehabilitation for the season. She rents a cottage from a wonderful older couple who are so supportive of her and fall in love immediately with cute little Leia. And then she meets their grandson, Sebastian.

It's not until Avie's friend comes to town and the girls reunite with Sebastian and his two friends that he realizes she's the girl from Hawaii. What are the odds? It maybe a second chance for them, or secrets, when brought to light, may destroy any chance they had.

There is so much I love about this one, and I can’t wait to return to this world. This group of friends is fun and entertaining, and I wish I had Sebastian's grandparents for my own. And “Bastian" with little Leila is so amazingly sweet and adorable you'll be swooning all over yourself. A poignant, heartfelt romance, you absolutely won’t want to miss this phenomenal, enchanting second chance!

[Dani | thebookishcajun · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the beginning of a new Amber Kelly series, and I’m so excited to be reading it from the start! I’m equally excited that it’s set on the beautiful North Carolina coast. I grew up in NC, and Sandcastle Cove is a nice throw back to some of my childhood summer vacations.

Avie meets Sebastian during a trip to Hawai’i, and their instant connection leads to one very hot night. Five years later, their paths cross when Avie takes a six month contact to work with sea turtles in the coastal town of Sandcastle Cove, where Sebastian is from. Except this time, she has a four-year-old daughter in tow.

Even years later, the attraction never faded. Their sexual tension is off the charts, and Sebastian is so utterly swoonworthy. Not only is he charming and attentive to Avie, but he totally falls for her daughter, Leia, as well. That little girl has him so instantly wrapped around her finger, and it is just the sweetest! This is a fun and flirty second chance, single mom romance.

Amber creates such wonderful characters and friendships, and I absolutely adore this new group in Sandcastle Cove. I cannot wait to see what’s in store for them next!

𝚝 𝚛 𝚘 𝚙 𝚎 𝚜:
💜 small town romance
🐚 single mom
💜 second chance
🐚 one night stand / vacation fling

[Palistha · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment I cracked open this book, I couldn't put it down! Avie and Sebastian's story is a whirlwind of romance, humor, and heartwarming moments that kept me hooked from beginning to end.

The chemistry between Avie and Sebastian is undeniable, sparked by a chance encounter in Hawaii that leads to unexpected consequences years later. As they navigate the complexities of their past and present, their connection only deepens, drawing readers into their captivating love story.

What truly stole my heart, though, was the relationship between Sebastian and Avie's daughter, Leia. His bond with her is heartwarming and adds layers of depth to the story, showcasing his capacity for love and devotion.

Amber Kelly's writing shines in this charming coastal setting, bringing Sandcastle Cove to life with vivid descriptions and endearing characters. The friend dynamic adds an extra layer of fun to the story, leaving me eager to dive into the rest of the series.

Overall, the Sandcastle Cove series is everything you expect from an Amber Kelly small town romance: an all-consuming love story, charming friends and family, and a picturesque setting that will transport you to the beautiful North Carolina coast. I highly recommend it!

[Jenny Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sebastian and Avie

FMC: Avie Sullivan, Leia (4)
MMC: Sebastian Harroway
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pages: 312
Tropes: Small Town Romance, Second Chance Romance, Single Mom Romance, One Night Stand
Setting: Sandcastle Cove, NC

Thoughts: This was a lighthearted, low angst read. It was perfect for a vacation or beach read. It moved quickly and didn’t have a lot of drama. I liked the characters and the plot. I liked the setting and the introduction to Sandcastle Cove.

Avie and Sebastian were a fun couple. From their first meeting in Hawaii to their fated reintroduction in Sandcastle Cove, they had an undeniable connection. That connection only strengthened with Sebastian’s budding relationship with Avie’s daughter, Leia. He was all in with Avie and Leia before he even realized what he was doing.

The one thing that brought my rating down was the twist and the way it was handled. I figured out pretty quickly what the twist and conflict would be. But I didn’t like the way Avie handled it. I also thought her ex-husband showing up was unnecessary and didn’t add anything to the book.

Overall, I really liked this book. It was light and easy to follow. It had some humor and just the right amount of spice.

[Alex Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like there is so much to unpack with this one!!

This may be one of my favorite second chance romance books. Divine intervention continues to be something Avie can’t avoid from page one! A split from her long time boyfriend Conrad sends her off on an unforgettable Hawaiian vacay with her bestie Amiya! That unforgettable vacay includes a one night stand with a man named Sebastian that continues to invade her thoughts years down the road until fate brings them back together in Sandcastle Cove. A newly divorced, single Mom comes to Sandcastle Cove for a fresh start or at least a temporary break from reality. Avie quickly realizes that she wasn’t going to be able to escape reality so easily and must come to terms with her past. Sebastian is just as swoon worthy all these years later as the night Avie met him! He continues to show up for Avie and her daughter in so many ways! He wants nothing more than to make these two happy and it is the sweetest relationship to watch develop throughout the book! This book is for anyone that loves a small town romance of a single mother getting her second chance with a very very happy ever after!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for goodreads.
2/5 spice

I am one of the lovers of secret child/pregnancy trope so I always get excited when I see books like that and grab them.

I will say I absolutely loved Sebastian and his connection with Avia's daughter Leia. The moment these two interact you can just tell they have a special bond. Sebastian and his tea party's with her is adorable and will make you melt for the man right then and there!

I loved Sebastian and Avia's chemistry from the moment they meet the first time in Hawaii and then again 5 years later in Sandcastle Cove. They start with a more physical relationship that slowly grows in more than just physical. The way Sebastian is always there for Leia and Avia is everything.

I took a star away because I truly don't love when the 3rd act is someone else blurting the information or withholding important stuff. I also felt their reconcile was way to fast and it made Sebastian look like the bad guy when in reality he wasn't in the wrong and his feelings should have been expected.

I did adore the chapter we see at the end with Leias pov it was adorable!