Moonlight Feels Right

Ocean Shores #3

by Barbara Freethy

"Barbara Freethy is a master storyteller!" Romance Reviews Today

Emmalyn McGuire has finally found her rhythm as a kindergarten teacher, but she's still searching for that special someone and the kind of love she has only read about in books.

Enter Hunter Kane, a brooding military pilot recovering from a life-altering accident. Struggling with grief and his new reality, Hunter hides away at Ocean Shores, only to have his world upended when his late buddy’s ex leaves her spirited daughter in his care.

Overwhelmed and out of his depth, the usually guarded and cynical Hunter turns to the sweet and generous Emmalyn for help. Despite her initial nerves around the sexy, injured pilot, Emmalyn's heart goes out to the little girl who needs them both.
As they stumble through the chaos of makeshift parenthood—pancake explosions, petting zoo pandemonium, and hide-and-seek mishaps—their bond deepens. Hunter's darkness is brightened by Emmalyn's happy glow, and she finds a man with whom she can lighten the heavy load of secrets she has carried too long.

Amidst laughter and tender moments, they discover that love isn’t just about romance—it’s about finding someone who stands by you through the mess of life. Don't miss this charming and irresistibly heartwarming romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Barbara Freethy!

MOONLIGHT FEELS RIGHT is part of the OCEAN SHORES series by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Barbara Freethy. In the sun-soaked paradise of Oceanside, California where the ocean pounds the shore, surfers ride the early morning waves, and the local military base sends roaring jets into the sky, sits a large apartment building filled with interesting and quirky tenants, possible love connections, and more than a few secrets! Once you come to visit, you'll never want to leave!

Popular tropes in this book grumpy sunshine, wounded hero, makeshift parenthood, forced proximity, opposites attract, redemption, humor and heartwarming romance.

PRAISE FOR THE OCEAN SHORES SERIES…

"Great start to a new series. Ocean Shores is the kind of apartment complex we’d all want to live in, where the neighbors are all friendly and look out for each other. The cautious financial planner and laidback Australian surfer wouldn’t seem to have much in common at first glance, other than physical attraction. But leave it to the talented Barbara Freethy to bring these two together in a way that is believable, entertaining and hopelessly romantic." Mary – Goodreads on Hopelessly Romantic

"The story grabbed me immediately and made me fall in love with it. The characters were well-developed and multi-faceted, not only the two main characters but all the minor ones as well. The location is a place I would want to visit, and the Ocean Shores community is where I would like to live. I am excited to read the next one as soon as it’s ready." Bonnie – Goodreads on Hopelessly Romantic

"This story was so much fun to read. The characters are quirky yet strong willed. The setting is idyllic. And the plot line was laugh-out-loud fun. I’m looking forward to following along as each tenant gets his/her own happy ending, especially the wounded warrior who’s keeping to himself while he heals." Robin – Goodreads on Hopelessly Romantic

Genres: Romance, Emotional

258 pages, Hardcover

Published April 14, 2025

About the author

Barbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.

Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.

Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.

When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!

For a complete list of her books, visit her website!

Reviews

[Randi (randi_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story in this Ocean Shores series. I’ve been wanting to read Hunter’s story since he was first mentioned in I instantly liked this debut author’s writing. Her snark, sarcasm and inner voice make Julie Chan a very interesting main character.

This book takes on social media and how fickle it is. You’re only good as your last post. LOL

Julie has a social media influencer twin, Chloe. They did not grow up together or have the same upbringing. Chloe was adopted by a wealthy family while Julie was raised by her aunt. (Who eventually stole from her)

When Julie finds Chloe unalive in her apartment, she impulsively decides to trade her boring life for Chloe’s. But soon Julie will find out that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. earlier books. He’s a Marine pilot recovering from an accident that he also lost his best friend in. He’s kept to himself at the apartment complex, but when his best friend’s widow drops off her six year old daughter with him, all that changes. His lovely neighbor, Emmalyn offers to help him.

Emmalyn has her own secrets regarding her mother that she shares with him as Hunter opens up to her. She wants to remain friends as his goal is to get back to the military. She doesn’t want to get hurt.

This is a sweet, feel good, fade to black romance. I love seeing all the neighbors and their found family relationship.

I’m looking forward to more in this series.

Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful return to Ocean Shores and the found family created there! This book attests to the power of friendship, of reaching outside yourself for healing, and the strength of family, whether biological or created by the wonderful friends surrounding a person. We follow Emmalynn and Hunter as they both find healing, the strength to move forward, and the courage to be open to love, all because of one little girl. I loved this return to Ocean Shores and reconnecting with friends from previous books in the series (although a reader could jump in here and not feel lost). Emotional and entertaining, it was hard to put down!

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Barbara Freethy has done it again! I absolutely loved Moonlight Feels Right, the third book in her Ocean Shores series! I can truly say that Moonlight Feels Right is an incredible love story, which filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions, and was impossible to put down. I was hooked from the first few pages and loved every moment on every page. Barbara Freethy continues to deliver incredibly written love stories that I LOVE to read and continues to be one of my favorite authors to read. Moonlight Feels Right was one of the most enjoyable books that I have read recently. Barbara Freethy definitely does not disappoint her readers with all the feels in Moonlight Feels Right and has once again delivered an amazing story filled with everything that I have come to love about and expect from her books. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, big loving families, and caring friends, who always support each other? Moonlight Feels Right is an incredible love story between Emmalyn McGuire, kindergarten teacher at Ravenswood and Captain Hunter Kane, helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps. Emmalyn and Hunter both live in Ocean Shores, but Hunter has basically lived a solitary life while recovering from injuries suffered on his last humanitarian mission which caused the death of his best friend, Gary, his co-pilot. Gary’s widow’s, Becca drops off their six-year-old daughter, Olivia with Hunter, while she tries to get help for herself. Emmalyn hears Olivia crying and offers Hunter help with Olivia. I love everything that Emmalyn does to help Hunter with Olivia and get Olivia ready to start school. I love all the stories that Hunter shares with Olivia about her father, and that by sharing those stories it helps Hunter heal. I love everything that Hunter does with Olivia, especially the surfing lessons and that he helps Emmalyn overcome her fear of water. As Emmalyn and Hunter spend time together and socializing with the neighbors it brings them closer together. As Emmalyn and Hunter continue to spend time together, things change between them starting with stolen kisses. Conversation between Hunter and Emmalyn flows so easily, I love their playful banter. I love the chemistry between them. I love the ways that Hunter and Emmalyn spend time together. I love that they open up to one another where Emmalyn shares her past life at the Haven, a cult where she had limited contact with the outside world and Hunter shares what happened to him during his last mission. Hunter completes his final physical therapy session and must complete a series of tests to regain his position as a pilot. I love that Hunter help Emmalyn, and her aunt Linda rescue her mother, Sara, from Haven. An unexpected plot twist puts their relationship in jeopardy, but Emmalyn puts her trust in Hunter. I love the heart-to-heart conversation that Emmalyn has with her mother and Hunter. I love the changes the Emmalyn and Hunter are willing to make to have a relationship with each other, and the changes that Hunter makes in his life with Emmalyn’s help. I love the changes that Emmalyn made in her life. I love that Hunter realizes that both he and Emmalyn are survivors. I love that Bree finally returns for Olivia and that Hunter helps them get an apartment at Ocean Shores, so that Olivia could keep her friends and stay at the same school. I love the ending of their love story and how Hunter realizes how important Emmalyn is to him. I love how Barbara develops her characters in such a way that you fall in love with them and care about them much like a good friend. I love how Barbara Freethy always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. Barbara Freethy continues to deliver all that and so much more. I am not sure how she does it, but Barbara Freethy has once again given her readers another remarkable book. Moonlight Feels Right is filled with all the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments, plot twists and surprises that I have come to love and expect in a Barbara Freethy love story, I especially loved the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Barbara Freethy continues to prove that she is an incredible storyteller. I love that she writes her stories from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. Moonlight Feels Right was an amazing love story; I am so glad that Emmalyn and Hunter got the happily ever after. I loved all the surprises that filled the pages of this love story. I loved meeting all the residents in the Ocean Shores apartment complex and cannot wait to read their stories. I am curious what Grayson Holt will do regarding the ownership of Ocean Shores. I enjoy all the interactions among the residents, it feels like real family love. I loved catching up with Ava and Liam, and Madison and Gabe. I love the descriptions of the Oceanside, California setting in Moonlight Feels Right. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I loved every moment. I cannot wait to read the other books in the series. Highly recommend this beautifully written story. Received an advanced copy from the author.

[Alicia Luechtefeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moonlight Feels Right by Barbara Freethy is the third book in the Ocean Shore Series. Emmalyn McGuire has found her place at Ocean Shores. She is loving life as a kindergarten teacher, but she is missing something or should I say someone in her life. Then one day she overseas her grouchy neighbor, Hunter Kane, have a child dropped off at his home. The child, Olivia, is the daughter of his best friend that has died in a tragic military accident that he was part of. Hunter does not want to interact with anyone but now with trying to take care of Olivia he must do that. Emmalyn offers to help get Olivia ready for school and his life changes.

Emmalyn and Hunter work as a team to provide stability for Olivia and this stability brings Hunter out of his shell. He is a new man one that Emmalyn is interested in more than just friendship, but when things turn romantic, she pulls the breaks because she knows Hunter is leaving again soon. Can these two work out their differences in this sweet romance?

I really enjoyed this book by Barbara Freethy. I had not read the previous two books in the series but was able to follow along easily. Ocean Shores is the perfect place to live and has a family feel. I liked how Hunter and Emmalyn’s relationship grew. They had a sweet friendship, but you could feel the chemistry between the two. Overall, this was a sweet, closed door romance (some kissing on page).

[Carolee Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

another cute closed door romance at ocean shores.

[Debbie Oliphant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying the Ocean Shores series. It reminds me of a time when we were so connected with our neighbors and the friendships that blossomed.

I have been looking forward to Hunter's story as his character was mentioned in the prior books. He is a Pilot in the Marines and recovering at Ocean Shores from a tragic accident that took the life of his best friend. The physical and mental therapy has taken a toll on him and he is in a dark place. He receives an abrupt visit from his best friend's wife and their 6-year-old daughter. She, too, has been impacted by the loss and needs a break. She leaves her daughter Olivia in Hunter's care and tells him she will return. His neighbor Emmalyn witnesses this exchange and consoles an upset Olivia. She is a teacher and has a knack for connecting with young kids. This is also the first time she has exchanged words with Hunter as he has avoided the neighbors and their fun events. She recognizes he needs help and she springs into action to figure out what Olivia needs. Hunter is confused and grateful for her help. He accepts her help and in time the icy walls that he has kept up begins to thaw. Olivia needs him as she misses her father and the connection that Hunter had with his best friend has proven to be a lifeline for the two of them. Hunter is met with support by his neighbors to help with Olivia and he is overwhelmed and motivated to get better. Em is having feelings for Hunter and trying her hardest to lean into them as she knows the minutes he is cleared by his officers; he will report back for duty which can take him away from his home. She also has a secret that instinctively puts him in protective mode which leads to strong feelings of his own.

While I enjoy the mystery novels that this author puts out, this series has the same story rhythm as the mysteries, i.e., you are engaging quickly with the storyline and unable to put the book down.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the 3rd book in the Ocean Shores series, and it has become my new favorite! I have always loved Barbara Freethy's writing style. She draws you right into the story and you become completely immersed into it. Emmalyn is a kindergarten teacher at a local elementary school and is well liked by everyone in the apartment complex, Ocean Shores. She's friendly and outgoing but she's got a past that she's kept secret. Hunter is a Marine helicopter pilot who moved into Ocean Shores to heal. He was injured on a humanitarian mission where their helicopter was ambushed, and Hunter lost his best friend, Gary. Hunter has come across as grumpy to those around him, but that all changes one day when he's awoken by a knock on his door only to find Gary's widow and their 6-year-old daughter, Olivia, standing outside his door. Gary's widow has been struggling with her husband's loss and needs some time to straighten her life out; however, Hunter is having his own struggles and has no idea what to do with a child. When Emmalyn hears Olivia crying, she can't help but come to Hunter's aid and offer to help them navigate this temporary guardianship. With the help of Emmalyn and Olivia, Hunter is realizing that while he's been working on repairing his body physically, he's been mentally and emotionally struggling. But they're helping him find himself again and bringing him out of the dark hole he's had himself in. In return, Hunter is helping Emmalyn through her struggles.

This was such an inspirational story full of heartache and healing. I loved catching up with everyone and I can't wait to see what will happen next in Ocean Shores!

[Gwen Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Barbara Freethy puts a stop to all of my personal responsibilities by introducing me to Hunter and Emmalyn in MOONLIGHT FEELS RIGHT. My life stops while I’m wrapped up in their story, which transports me back to the Ocean Shores apartment complex on the beach in California.
Hunter is new to the close community and has made it a point not to be drawn in by the potluck dinners at the pool and welcoming smiles and hellos of his neighbors. After all, he’s only here so he can finish rehab for his injuries and return to his post as a helicopter pilot for the U.S. Marine Corps.
When the widow of his best friend (who died in the crash that injured Hunter) shows up with 6-year-old Olivia, Hunter is forced out of seclusion.
Emmalyn, meanwhile, swoops in and becomes Olivia’s guardian angel who understands feelings of abandonment as well as the stress and magic of starting at a new school.
Along the way, Hunter and Emmalyn open their lives to each other, then have to decide if they want their friendship to turn into a full-blown relationship or be allowed to end when Hunter leaves.
Knowing that author Freethy always provides a HEA, you take a guess at the type of ending you’ll find. Even if it’s a foregone conclusion, the journey to the resolution is a joy to travel.

[R J Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Freethy has once again created a story so emotionally charged, so full of love and hope, that it will capture the readers heart.

The apartment complex at Ocean Shores has once again woven its magic. A wounded hero, suffering the loss of his best friend when the helicopter they were flying in crashes after taking enemy fire. Emmalyn was abandoned by her mother as a young child. Two broken individuals who have suffered their share of tragedy find themselves joining forces to help a 6-year-old little girl. Olivia is thrust into the care of her godfather, Hunter. Caring for a little girl in nowhere in his job description. But Emmalyn, takes one look at Hunter and jumps in to help. True, Hunter has been known around the complex and stand offish and grumpy, but Emmalyn can’t stand to see the little girl in distress, not when she is the perfect person to bring a sense of calm to the emotional situation.
This emotionally charged story will tug at your heart strings. It is a story about learning to trust. But it is also about being willing to open up your heart to possibilities.
I enjoy seeing characters from previous stories rally around their neighbors, giving support and love. Ocean Shores is a special place, where friendships abound and love blossoms.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my favorite in the series! Ms. Freethy’s books always grab me from the beginning where I don’t want to put the book down. Her characters have so much depth that I can feel the characters feelings and their ups and downs. The apartments the characters lived in was such a wonderful and giving family even though the people who lived there were not related. My heart went out to Hunter as he was living there trying to get physically and emotionally ready to go back to flying helicopters for the military after is crash. The part that broke my heart was his best friend died in the crash Hunter was trying to heal from. As you can imagine, he was grouchy and stayed to himself no matter how many people who lived there tried to form a friendship. I think the best thing that happened was when his best friend’s widow dropped her six year old daughter Olivia with him to take care of while she tried to heal herself. Olivia was a sweetheart and quickly had a rapport with Emmalyn who was a kindergarten teacher where she was going to go to school and lived one floor up from Hunter. It was so heartwarming watching Emmalyn help Hunter out of his shell and build a relationship with Olivia. I was glad that Emmalyn’s unorthodox way she grew up didn’t affect her outlook on life. There were a couple times I was afraid for Emmalyn. I loved the end of the book and strongly encourage you to read it.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Injured in a military helicopter crash that killed his best friend, Hunter deals with not only his physical pain, but his mental pain. It takes the six-year-old daughter of his best friend and neighbor Emmalyn, to snap him out of the life of isolation he created for himself.

Emmalyn has her own painful secrets that she’s hiding from the residents of Ocean Shores, so she can relate to Hunter that way. But as Hunter opens up to her, she finds herself revealing things she hasn’t told anyone, even her closest friends. The pair are both strong, but also need someone to lean on, and they are able to find that in each other.

Hunter has been a mystery since he moved into Ocean Shores, and his and Emmalyn’s story doesn’t disappoint. This has become my favorite book of the series so far, and I can’t wait to see what happens next for the residents of Ocean Shores. For those new to the series, this can be read as a standalone, but it’s better to read them in order, as characters from the previous books make appearances, and Hunter and Emmalyn were introduced in the previous books as well.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy provided by the author**

[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Freethy has a gift for drawing me in from the very first page, and Moonlight Feels Right is another wonderful example of her storytelling magic. Warm, romantic, and beautifully written, this story had me hooked right from the start. I loved watching Emmalyn come to Hunter’s rescue when Bree drops Olivia off at his apartment without warning—and how Hunter, in turn, steps up to help Emmalyn when her mother needs assistance. Their connection feels genuine, and their shared compassion adds an extra layer of heart to the story.

I also appreciated how this book brings back familiar faces from earlier in the Ocean Shores series while still standing strong on its own. Whether you’re a longtime fan or visiting Ocean Shores for the first time, you’ll feel right at home. Barbara does such a wonderful job describing the relationships of the residents and the get-togethers, you’ll feel like part of the group yourself.

If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming, romantic read with depth and charm, Moonlight Feels Right is the perfect choice for a relaxing summer day—uplifting, romantic, and full of heart.

[Marcie Pomper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all the residents at the Ocean Shores apartment complex, so I always look forward to the next book in the series to continue to read about characters that I’ve grown to think of as old friends! While Hunter is a resident at Ocean Shores, he is recovering from a horrendous helicopter accident that killed his best friend, and he just wants to be left alone to recover and to get back to being assigned back to duty with the marines. When his best friend’s wife drops off her daughter for him to take care he is in panic mode. Luckily for him, Emmalyn is in the area when this happens and steps in to help him. She is a neighbor that he has blown off in the past, but he is eternally grateful that this neighbor is a kindergarten teacher that is great with children, and helps him with taking care of Olivia. Both Hunter and Em are suffering through their own traumas, and they discover themselves falling for each other the more time that goes by - all with the help of the great neighbors at Ocean Shores. Loved reading their stories and enjoyed how things unraveled along the way. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

[Ann C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read several of Barbara Freethy's books and liked all of them. However, they were books in her FBI series. I could not get into this book. After about 50% of the way through the book dragged. It seemed that everyone were friends and were friendly toward each other. I was sick and tired of the word 'friend' by the time I finished the book. It was used 112 times.

Emmalyn just happened to be a kindergarten teacher and showed up when Hunter needed help. It was all too good to be true. The book was just too goody goody for me. Everyone pitched in when Bree returned. Here was a new friend for everyone. Hunter paid a lot of her expenses, including 6 months rent. Where was all of the money coming from?

The apartment complex was unreal. Everyone who lived there were friends. The apartment complexes I have lived in were never like that. Other than my roommate I did not know anyone else in the complex.

There were too many names to keep track of. I finally gave up trying to figure out who was who. I did not read the first two books in the series and have no plans to read them or the books that come after this one. There will only be more friends.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great book in the Ocean Shores series. In this story we got Hunter and Emmalyn’s story. Hunter is a grumpy injured marine corps pilot who is working on healing and getting through dealing with losing his best friend. Emmalyn is a sweet Kindergarten teacher. Neither one of them really interacts much with the other, that is until Hunter’s god daughter is left in his care. Hunter is scared and stunned when his best friend’s widow leaves her daughter with Hunter and takes off not answering any of his messages. As Hunter grapples with what to do, Emmalyn steps in to help. As the two of them work to help comfort and care for Olivia, sparks start to fly between them. But Emmalyn has no interest in someone who might just leave her, and Hunter doesn’t know if he can go back to his job if he has someone he cares about at home worrying for him. This was a sweet romance, with beautiful scenery, and a chance to revisit favorite characters from earlier in the series. Another great book by Barbara Freethy!

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels great to be back to Ocean Shores. This book is about Hunter, a Marine helicopter pilot and Emmalyn, a resident of Ocean Shores. Hunter moves into Ocean Shores after a helicopter accident, wherein his best friend was killed. He is very unfriendly and keeps to himself. One day Bree, Hunters best friends wife drops by to see him with Olivia, her 6 year old. To hunters dismay she tells him she needs him to take care of Olivia until she can find a job. She leaves and Hunter doesn’t know what to do with a 6 year old girl, who is crying for her mom. In comes Emmalyn, who is a kindergarten teacher, to the rescue. With a little (well a lot) of help she gets Olivia settled and she brings out the best in Hunter. After him being upset and mad at Bree, it was the best thing for him. Great to revisit with all the residents again of Ocean Shores. Great back story into Emmalyn life and Hunters life. Another great book in this series. Can be a standalone, but if you have not read the series, highly recommend! A++++.

[ROBIN RUIZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Ocean Shores!
When we get to meet new friends and catch up with our old ones.
Ocean Shores is an apartment complex where everyone is family,
Unfortunately, for Hunter.
Hunter is a Marine recovering from a serious accident and the loss of his best friend and all he wants to do is work his PT, lay in his dark depressed apartment with no friends and get back into the air as soon as possible, ocean Shores is not permanent for him just a temporary layover.

Emmalyn has had a different upbringing and befriends Hunter when he has been left with his best friend six-year-old daughter to take care of.

Emmalyn doesn’t want to get involved with Hunter, who has one foot out the door, she doesn’t wanna get involved with somebody who is leaving.

I cannot wait for more of this series, I want everybody’s backstory and everybody’s happy ever after.

And if there’s an empty apartment at Ocean Shores, it’s mine!!

[Mary Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ocean Shores apartment complex is the setting of this wonderful series, where friends and neighbors become family. Injured Marine Pilot Hunter was a lonely, bitter, broken man when he moved into the complex as a temporary home, just trying to recuperate after his helicopter crash so he could get back to his job & his unit. He had no interest in becoming friends with his neighbors, even though they tried. But when his best friend’s widow drops Olivia, his 6 year old goddaughter at his doorstep & then disappears, he turns to his neighbor, kindergarten teacher Emmalyn for help. Can a vulnerable 6-year old & a beautiful neighbor bring Hunter back from the darkness? I think we all know the answer is yes, and in this beautifully written story you’ll fall in love with all 3 of them. Fun to revisit with characters from previous books in the series as well, but you can start here if you haven’t read any of the previous stories & still be enchanted with this place.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Hunter and Emmy's story. It was all about healing, moving on, and accepting loss.

Hunter unexpectedly gets a six year old dropped at his door. Olivia is the best thing to happen to him. He had been very depressed and kept himself separated from everyone around him. Olivia brought him out of his funk and helped him really move on from the passing of his best friend and Olivia's father.

Emmalyn escaped a cult at the age of twelve but her mother never came with her. Emma has a troubled past and has healed from most of it, except where her mother is concerned.

Hunter and Emmalyn have an instant attraction and fall hard for each other. But things get in the way. Emmalyn's past comes back and Hunter is working hard to get back to serving his country as a Marine.

Will outside factors be too much for this couple or will it only bring then closer together?


I want to be part of this amazing group of friends and own made family at Ocean Shores!

[Lynda Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ocean Shores was certainly an appealing setting where everyone in the apartment complex seems to like and help one another…but pretty unrealistic if you ask me. There is always some kind of drama and conflict in small communities. And Hunter’s inability to fit in because of the helicopter crash that killed his best friend is a conflict, but it is somehow quickly resolved when his best friend’s widow brings her six year old, Olivia, and drops her on Hunter’s doorstep while she tries to figure her life out. Suddenly, thanks to his upstairs neighbor Emmylen, he finds that he has a whole neighborhood who is willing to help him out. And on top of that, within two short weeks, he has a positive relationship with Olivia and finds himself in love with Em. What a whirlwind change. Anyway, the writing style was rather simplistic, the spice factor minimal, so if you like a cute romance with everything pretty much tied up in a bow, this one is for you.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back at Oceans Shores for another mind blowing, sun filled, heart filled romance. This author has a way of drawing you in with a wonderful read combined with an emotional storyline and extraordinary characters that have you invested in them and hoping they get their hea. Emmalyn is a kindergarten teacher and happy with her life but maybe just missing a little something. Hunter is pilot in the marines and has suffered great loss and is recovering from a tragic accident. Their story is one of anguish, loss, friendship, support and love as everyone comes together to help and heal and I absolutely love visiting this little seaside town. It’s emotional, it’s entertaining and it’s a wonderful slow burn romance and yes I cried and yes I swooned and yes I finished this with a smile and a happy heart.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! This is one of those books you open up, then read read completely through without stopping!

Hunter who has been Mr. Grumpypants at Ocean Shores is healing from a tragedy. When his co-pilot's widow stops by and drops off her 6 year old daughter Olivia, for Hunter to take care of for a while...he is in the hot seat.

Emmalynn, who has issues of her own, is a kindergarten teacher who is also a resident of Ocean Shores, arrives just after Olivia is dropped off. Queue all the feels as these two begin to work with each other to make sure Olivia feels safe and welcomed.

All of the people of Ocean Shores are 'family'. I love that Ms. Freethy has written about people that are not biological family members, but are family in the best sense of the word.

Five stars for me. I can't wait to read more about this place and this group of people.

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmalyn and Hunter story was beautifully written. This had so much healing to be done with the situation from the past. Emmalyn is still learning to heal from a traumatic past. And with the help of others she is doing so. When she enters Hunter life is to help a neighbor in need. When he takes in his Goddaughter (Olivia) he is completely out of his element. But with the help from Emmalyn and eventually the building you see how much he transformes. Olivia brings out the best in him and see a lot of her dad (his best friend). In a way she helps himself heal from what happened in the field. Emmalyn and Hunter friendship is absolutely beautiful. I really enjoyed this amazing story. It had a lot of love, healing, and some laughs. This group of friendship with the neighbors which has become family is a fresh of breath air.

Arc provided for honest review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight Feels Right takes Barbara Freethy’s fans back to Ocean Shores in a story about a loner whose forced entry into this community changes several lives. The main focus is on recuperating Marine Hunter Kane’s desire to return to active duty at the same time the widow of his best friend asks him to look after her six year old daughter. Hunter suddenly finds himself in need of all the help the Ocean Shores community can provide. There also are several subplots going on, one of which is cause for concern by Hunter’s new friend, kindergarten teacher, Emmalyn. This reader loves that each book in the series illustrates how caring and helpful the residents of Ocean Shores are to the community. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. Most highly recommend.

[Emma (thecaffeinatedbookaholic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been so intrigued by Hunter since he moved into Ocean Shores, and I loved getting to know the military pilot who’s kept everyone as far from him as possible. I loved him & Emmalyn together, and loved watching them bond over Olivia, his best friend’s little girl. I absolutely loved the way they both showed up for each other and the way they let their walls come down. Between Hunter’s grief and Emmalyn’s past, they’ve got plenty of reasons for things not to work, but these two are inevitable. Absolutely loved getting to see the rest of the Ocean Shores residents again throughout this one! I hate choosing favorites, but I think this one might be my favorite of the series so far!

[ARC review]

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am moving to Ocean Shores! I love the people who live at Ocean Shores. This is a group of people that find friendship, love, and really care about each other. This book tells the story about how they help heal residents that have gone through incredible losses and trauma. Hunter is a military helicopter pilot that survived a horrific crash that took the life of his best friend. It takes his best friend’s six year old daughter to help him recover. Emmalyn is a kindergarten teacher that helps Hunter and Olivia. In helping him with Olivia, Emmalyn becomes close to both of them. When Olivia’s mom comes back for Olivia, the community embraces them and helps them start a new chapter. Barbara Freethy is a master storyteller and this whole series is a must read.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This definitely lives up to a feel good romance. Hunter is a loner recovering from a military crash that killed his best friend. When the widow drops her 6 year old off and takes off he is forced to come out of his shell to take care of her and luckily has Emmalyn’s help.

Emmalyn has had a rough childhood, living part of it in a cult. Her mom stayed behind but now Emmalyn helps her aunt convince her mom to leave and get medical care. That provides some intrigue to the story as the cult is not willing to just let her go.

Great romance and story and love the aspects of the community of Ocean Shores being a family. Looking forward to the next story as we were introduced to out hero in this one.

Thanks to the author for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the third book in the Ocean Shores Series Moonlight Feels Right. I love how all the neighbors in the building care about each and are willing to help each other. Hunter and Emmalyn are both strong people dealing with their difficult challenges. Hunter is a Marine helicopter pilot recovering from injuries from a crash which killed the copilot who was his best friend. Emmalyn had a difficult childhood living in the Haven Commune with her mother. Emmalyn was rescued from the commune by an aunt but her mother stayed at Haven Place. There was an attraction for each other but Hunter wanted to return to service and Emmalyn needed the family connection she felt with her neighbors. I recommend this story to visit Ocean Shores again and see what happens to Hunter and Emmalyn.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Ocean Shores series and I enjoyed reading it. The story was a little slow and there were so many friends to keep up with but the storyline between Hunter and Emmalyn was very romantic and made a great summer read. We heard about Hunter in the last book but he was a recluse, hiding trying to get well from injuries he suffered in a helicopter crash while serving in the Marines that had also killed his best friend. When his late friend’s wife dropped their six year old daughter at his doorstep, Hunter had to step up and help because she was lost and hurting too. He had been told that Ocean Shores was a community of friends but did not understand until he needed help with this little scared six year old. Easy read

[Jill Eshenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ocean Shores is the place where everyone wants to live. Its a community of people who all care for each other and help in any way they can. Hunter recovering from a devastating accident and the loss of a best friend resists all of the resident's efforts to make him part of their group, until Olivia, a spry 6 year old, literally invades his life. Everything changes and all of a sudden life looks better. This is a sweet story and one of my favorite series from this author. The characters are the people you'd meet in your every day life and the situations they find themselves in are real. Start at the beginning and read every book in the series with the promise of more to come.