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Summer Lake #5
Laugh Like You've Never Cried
Megan Reid doesn't like to be noticed, she just wants to be left alone. She's never felt comfortable around people--her past has taught her that it's safer to avoid them. Her job at the library lets her spend time with the books and children she loves. Between her work and her dog, she has everything she needs. Summer Lake seems to be the perfect place for her to live out the quiet little life she's been hoping for.Until she meets Michael.He is everything she's not, he's fun, funny, charming and outgoing--and oh, so sexy! He's about to turn her world upside down. If she sticks around long enough to let him.Michael Morgan is back in Summer Lake after fifteen years in Australia. It's time for him and his son to settle down to a life that includes his family, his friends, and the work he loves as a small town doctor. Life is good, but he has to wonder if it wouldn't be even better with the timid little librarian by his side.These two embark on a journey laced with apprehension, insecurity, the shared love for a small boy, and a whole lot of laughter. But is it a journey that will eventually lead them to each other, or will past hurts always get in the way?The Summer Lake contemporary romance series follows a group of friends from a small lakeside town in the California hills. They have kept in touch over the years and now, in their early thirties, their lives are drawing them back to Summer Lake and to each other.This book is intended for adult readers 18+*************************Each Summer Lake Romance can be read as a stand alone book – no cliff hangers here! Each book contains one couple's story. However, they are best read in order to get full enjoyment of the underlying story and friendships.Book 1: Love Like You've Never Been Hurt - Emma and JackBook 2: Work Like You Don't Need the Money - Pete and HollyBook 3: Dance Like Nobody's Watching - Missy and DanBook 4: Fly Like You've Never Been Grounded - Smoke and LauraBook 5: Laugh Like You've Never Cried - Michael and MeganBook 6: Sing Like Nobody's Listening - Kenzie and ChaseBook 7: Smile Like You Mean It - Gabe and RenéeBook 8: The Wedding Dance - Missy and Dan's WeddingBook 9: Chasing Tomorrow - Ben's backstory with CharlotteBook 10: Dream Like Nothing's Impossible - April and EddieBook 11: Ride Like You've Never Fallen - Nate and LilyBook 12: Live Like There's No Tomorrow - Ben's storyBook 13: The Wedding Flight – Smoke and Laura’s WeddingBook 14: Fight Like You've Never Lost - Leanne and RyanRemington Ranch seriesMeet the sexy brothers of Remington Ranch! Just like in SJ's Summer Lake Romance series you can expect a story that is both sweet and steamy!MasonShaneCarterBeauFour Weddings and a VendettaA Chance and a Hope trilogyChance EncounterFinding HopeGive Hope a ChanceThe Hamiltons SeriesThis series follows the Hamilton family in California wine country. If you recognize the name Hamilton it’s because this is Smoke’s family who own one of the largest wine growing and distribution businesses in the country.Red Wine and RosesChampagne and daisiesMarsala and MagnoliasProsecco and PeoniesMilkshakes and MistletoeCognac and CornflowersBourbon and BluebellsWhiskey and WillowThe Davenports SeriesThis series featuring Hope’s cousins, the sexy brothers,
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2014
205 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
S.J. McCoy
77 books1,056 followersHi, I'm SJ. A coffee addict, lover of chocolate and drinker of good red wines. I'm a lost soul and a hopeless romantic. Reading and writing are necessary parts of who I am. Though perhaps not as necessary as coffee! I can drink coffee without writing, but I can't write without coffee.
I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.
I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.
These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I'm not reading or writing you'll find me just down the road in the park - Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)
I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.
I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.
These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I'm not reading or writing you'll find me just down the road in the park - Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)
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July 22, 2014Meet Michael :0)
I hope you're going to love him as much as I do!
I hope you're going to love him as much as I do!
September 28, 2014
Once again SJ has hit it out of the park with this latest book in the Summer Lake series. “Laugh Like You've Never Cried” has all the elements that I loved in the other books; Romance, humor, emotion and steamy sex!
Megan is hiding, hiding from her past, hiding from the future. Preferring to stay invisible, moving to the small town of Summer Lake seems like the perfect place to disappear. Things were going according to plan until she caught the eye of the sexy and charming Michael!
Michael is back in Summer Lake after living in Australia for the past 15 years. He is ready to settle down with his 10 year old son, Ethan to a quiet life at the Lake. When the shy and frumpy local librarian walks into his life Michael is intrigued.
Megan can’t imagine what the good looking doctor would ever see in her but despite her misgivings Michael is persistent and determined to break down her walls! These two develop strong feeling fast but will their individual responsibilities prevent them from moving forward together?
These two have amazing chemistry and have a hard time keeping their hands off each other! Michael, who we had met in a couple other books, has always come across as a fun and playful guy but we really get to see a softer and sweeter Michael in this book as well. Megan has definitely had a not so easy life up to this point and it was really awesome to see her open up and gain her confidence with Michael's help.
This book was an absolute joy to read and as always, I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Megan is hiding, hiding from her past, hiding from the future. Preferring to stay invisible, moving to the small town of Summer Lake seems like the perfect place to disappear. Things were going according to plan until she caught the eye of the sexy and charming Michael!
Michael is back in Summer Lake after living in Australia for the past 15 years. He is ready to settle down with his 10 year old son, Ethan to a quiet life at the Lake. When the shy and frumpy local librarian walks into his life Michael is intrigued.
Megan can’t imagine what the good looking doctor would ever see in her but despite her misgivings Michael is persistent and determined to break down her walls! These two develop strong feeling fast but will their individual responsibilities prevent them from moving forward together?
These two have amazing chemistry and have a hard time keeping their hands off each other! Michael, who we had met in a couple other books, has always come across as a fun and playful guy but we really get to see a softer and sweeter Michael in this book as well. Megan has definitely had a not so easy life up to this point and it was really awesome to see her open up and gain her confidence with Michael's help.
This book was an absolute joy to read and as always, I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
October 18, 2015
Favorite Quotes:
“He had revised his opinion of her this evening. She wasn’t the cold and calculating creature he’d thought her to be at all. She was just too smart in some respects – and too clueless in others.”
“If she were easy, he wouldn’t be so intrigued by her. Although he’d let the joke slip by, he couldn’t become someone else completely for her. He was dialing it back, but he couldn’t help winking as he asked, ‘Do you like sausage?’”
“The way Michael had kissed her goodnight, had made her wish she was someone else. Someone who would have invited him to come in with her and continue the conversation their bodies had started.”
My Review:
I adore S.J. McCoy’s writing, she has what she calls a “sweet and steamy” style, and I for one believe she has perfected it. This is the fifth book in the Summer Lake series, which is a series that I hope continues on into infinity. Summer Lake and it’s inhabitants are so appealing, I want to live there and be friends with this supportive group of attractive, intelligent, and witty people. Ms. McCoy’s characters are likable, realistic, and smartly written. They continue on through the series yet each book can stand-alone; although if you have read one, you will undoubtedly want to read them all. The writing is humorous, insightful, observant, and heart-felt without constant angst and conflict. The main characters in this story were good for and to each other throughout the story. Megan was painfully shy, socially awkward, lacking in self-esteem, physically clumsy, and prone to stammering. I reveled in how she blossomed through her association with the group of friends as well as in her romance. I am already eager to start the next book.
“He had revised his opinion of her this evening. She wasn’t the cold and calculating creature he’d thought her to be at all. She was just too smart in some respects – and too clueless in others.”
“If she were easy, he wouldn’t be so intrigued by her. Although he’d let the joke slip by, he couldn’t become someone else completely for her. He was dialing it back, but he couldn’t help winking as he asked, ‘Do you like sausage?’”
“The way Michael had kissed her goodnight, had made her wish she was someone else. Someone who would have invited him to come in with her and continue the conversation their bodies had started.”
My Review:
I adore S.J. McCoy’s writing, she has what she calls a “sweet and steamy” style, and I for one believe she has perfected it. This is the fifth book in the Summer Lake series, which is a series that I hope continues on into infinity. Summer Lake and it’s inhabitants are so appealing, I want to live there and be friends with this supportive group of attractive, intelligent, and witty people. Ms. McCoy’s characters are likable, realistic, and smartly written. They continue on through the series yet each book can stand-alone; although if you have read one, you will undoubtedly want to read them all. The writing is humorous, insightful, observant, and heart-felt without constant angst and conflict. The main characters in this story were good for and to each other throughout the story. Megan was painfully shy, socially awkward, lacking in self-esteem, physically clumsy, and prone to stammering. I reveled in how she blossomed through her association with the group of friends as well as in her romance. I am already eager to start the next book.
October 4, 2014
O Wow, SJ has done it again!! Another amazing book which makes you fall in love with the whole Summer Lake gang all over again. You get to catch up with everyone which reminds you of the previous books all over.
Michael is back from Australia with his son Ethan, he is not looking for love but it seems it wants to look for him in the form of Megan Reid. Megan is trying to hide from everyone around her, doesn’t have or want friends and definitely doesn’t want a man in her life. She’s more than happy with Ollie her four legged friend. When she meets Michael however there is a definite attraction which draws them to each other and as much as they say it’s not a good idea, or it’s not going to work the fates have obviously decided it will.
They have a rough ride as neither really knows what the other is thinking and feeling and neither is brave enough to open themselves fully to the other person for fear of being hurt. Both of them have a lot of baggage from their previous relationships and need to learn to trust again.
Michael, always the rebel, he’s the fun flirty friend of the group, he always has someone to make laugh, he sets out to make Megan happy and ‘Laugh Like You’ve Never Cried’. Does he succeed?? Read it and find out. I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed. You will however be left waiting to see what is going to come next… Will it be Ben?? Will it be Chase?? Will we see Megan’s sister Kensie return?? Who knows, but I hope we do get them all at some point.
If you haven’t read any of the previous books by SJ Mccoy I really do recommend them.
Michael is back from Australia with his son Ethan, he is not looking for love but it seems it wants to look for him in the form of Megan Reid. Megan is trying to hide from everyone around her, doesn’t have or want friends and definitely doesn’t want a man in her life. She’s more than happy with Ollie her four legged friend. When she meets Michael however there is a definite attraction which draws them to each other and as much as they say it’s not a good idea, or it’s not going to work the fates have obviously decided it will.
They have a rough ride as neither really knows what the other is thinking and feeling and neither is brave enough to open themselves fully to the other person for fear of being hurt. Both of them have a lot of baggage from their previous relationships and need to learn to trust again.
Michael, always the rebel, he’s the fun flirty friend of the group, he always has someone to make laugh, he sets out to make Megan happy and ‘Laugh Like You’ve Never Cried’. Does he succeed?? Read it and find out. I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed. You will however be left waiting to see what is going to come next… Will it be Ben?? Will it be Chase?? Will we see Megan’s sister Kensie return?? Who knows, but I hope we do get them all at some point.
If you haven’t read any of the previous books by SJ Mccoy I really do recommend them.
October 2, 2014
Megan is quiet and shy and does not like to be seen. Michael is very outgoing, handsome, and flirty. When he sees Megan for the first time he knows he just has to get to know her better, but she isn't going to make it easy for him. Michael's son Ethan knows Megan from the library and gets her to become more easy going around him and his dad. But can Megan come out of her shell and find happiness.
October 4, 2014
I have loved this whole series. Michael and Megan's story is another amazing book.
Michael is a single dad just back from Australia and is sure on finding love.
Megan as a loner who is to shy and unsure that she hides. This is a very lovely story of a confident guy bring a shy girl
out of her shell and falling in love a must read.
Michael is a single dad just back from Australia and is sure on finding love.
Megan as a loner who is to shy and unsure that she hides. This is a very lovely story of a confident guy bring a shy girl
out of her shell and falling in love a must read.
October 6, 2014
Love this series!
October 3, 2014
loved this book, loved all of them xx
June 27, 2017
I think this book has just became my second favourite, book one is always the best cos it is the one that got me into the series.
I love Megan, Michael and Ethan story so much, I had to add Ethan there cos he is as much apart of this story as Megan and Michael are.
I was pulled into this story right from the start, how two people can get things so mixed up I will never know, but we know it can happen in real life so why not in a book.
Twist and turns and surprises and thankfully ever thing is correct at the other end.
Highly recommend this book and as much as they are all stories in there own rights what I will say is if you are gonna read them read them from book one, then you will know who everyone is cos although they have there own stories, they are all mentioned in each book that I have read so far and they are as much a part of the story as the main characters.
SJ McCoy sure knows how to write a brilliant story.
I love Megan, Michael and Ethan story so much, I had to add Ethan there cos he is as much apart of this story as Megan and Michael are.
I was pulled into this story right from the start, how two people can get things so mixed up I will never know, but we know it can happen in real life so why not in a book.
Twist and turns and surprises and thankfully ever thing is correct at the other end.
Highly recommend this book and as much as they are all stories in there own rights what I will say is if you are gonna read them read them from book one, then you will know who everyone is cos although they have there own stories, they are all mentioned in each book that I have read so far and they are as much a part of the story as the main characters.
SJ McCoy sure knows how to write a brilliant story.
June 18, 2018
SUPERB STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved this story!!! It was so beautiful. So heartwarming! So sweet! So so sexy! I feel so lucky that I came across this author!!! What an absolute great treat this book was. Loved the friendships, loyalty and family support! The best thing that puts quite a smile 😃 on this reader's face is the fact that this is just the first book I have read by SJ McCoy and There are many more books to read by her!!!!! Can't wait to get reading another one in this series!!!!!
I loved this story!!! It was so beautiful. So heartwarming! So sweet! So so sexy! I feel so lucky that I came across this author!!! What an absolute great treat this book was. Loved the friendships, loyalty and family support! The best thing that puts quite a smile 😃 on this reader's face is the fact that this is just the first book I have read by SJ McCoy and There are many more books to read by her!!!!! Can't wait to get reading another one in this series!!!!!
September 27, 2019
What another amazing book in this series. I was curious to see who would catch Michaels eye and I have to say Megan was perfect. And what an amazing plot twist with her back story. I loved how the other girls were so welcoming to her and helped her come out of her shell. We’ve all been that shy socially awkward person longing for one person to really see you. Michael was that person for Megan. I loved how she bonded with Ethan and they formed a solid friendship. I can’t express how much I am loving this series.
March 31, 2020
Books you cannot put down.
This story is beautiful , poor Megan has had a rough childhood, followed by being forced to live with a man who just wanted to use her and manipulated her to his Will. When she moves to Summer Lake she finally feels free to be herself and live how she wants. Then she meets Michael and is surprised about how he makes her feel, and Michael who has been trying to forget the way his marriage ended, can't get over the way he feels about her after one conversation.
You will have to read the rest yourself. But it is well worth doing so. Happy Reading.
This story is beautiful , poor Megan has had a rough childhood, followed by being forced to live with a man who just wanted to use her and manipulated her to his Will. When she moves to Summer Lake she finally feels free to be herself and live how she wants. Then she meets Michael and is surprised about how he makes her feel, and Michael who has been trying to forget the way his marriage ended, can't get over the way he feels about her after one conversation.
You will have to read the rest yourself. But it is well worth doing so. Happy Reading.
November 8, 2017
As always, I loved this, the next book in the series. I found Megan relatable and Michael, who annoyed me as a minor character in the previous books, really shone as the hero.
I did think there was a huge opening for action.. What if Megan's ex showed up in Summer Lake? Whoa. The possibilities. It would have made Michael a hero. It would have given Megan more closure, maybe?
Regardless, I immediately started on the next in the series. I can't stop!
I did think there was a huge opening for action.. What if Megan's ex showed up in Summer Lake? Whoa. The possibilities. It would have made Michael a hero. It would have given Megan more closure, maybe?
Regardless, I immediately started on the next in the series. I can't stop!
December 9, 2017
Michael Morgan returns to Summer Lake with his son, his dad the town Doctor is ready to retire, so it seems his life has turned around. Another new face came to town, Megan is the librarian, she had lots of downs in her life. Micheal”s persistence gets her on a date and as people say the rest is history. They are learning and becoming a family.
Michael Morgan returns to Summer Lake with his son, his dad the town Doctor is ready to retire, so it seems his life has turned around. Another new face came to town, Megan is the librarian, she had lots of downs in her life. Micheal”s persistence gets her on a date and as people say the rest is history. They are learning and becoming a family.
April 14, 2020
I think I liked this one the best so far in the series. I do still love Summer Lake and the friend group. Megan and Michael were less frustratingly stupid because they were only stupid for a few chapters instead of the entire book. There’s just some words like hon and darl that I never want to read again.
September 7, 2019
Review of Laugh You've Never Cried
I absolutely love this series and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance books. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
I absolutely love this series and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance books. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
May 31, 2023
I guess I’m just tired of having to keep connecting with the friends. You can’t do anything without bumping into friends or having to go out with them.
His nicknames for her were overdone. Also do they have to constantly think of having sex each time they see each other.
His nicknames for her were overdone. Also do they have to constantly think of having sex each time they see each other.
June 3, 2017
Ebook
Another person returns to their hometown and their friends. The new librarian catches the eye of Dr. Morgan and his son Eathan. They move to become a family
Another person returns to their hometown and their friends. The new librarian catches the eye of Dr. Morgan and his son Eathan. They move to become a family
July 22, 2017
Another enjoyable romance in the Summer Lake series with a great cast of characters.
October 22, 2018
A beautiful love story
I loved the story. It is a great read. If you love romance don't pass it up. It was good from the very first page.
I loved the story. It is a great read. If you love romance don't pass it up. It was good from the very first page.
November 22, 2018
I absolutely loved these two characters and their romance. I particularly loved Ethan and his over the top ten year old self.
March 11, 2019
Sweet !!!
Another winner.
I like this whole series.
So happy I found this Author and really like how each of her series the together ❤
Teri B.
Another winner.
I like this whole series.
So happy I found this Author and really like how each of her series the together ❤
Teri B.
September 16, 2021
So sweet. So captivating. So romantic. Loved every bit.
October 25, 2021
Loved this book. Megan & Michael are great. Nice he brought her out of her shell.
January 1, 2015
Complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review.
First of all if you just have learned about this series I recommend you begin with reading her first book "Love Like You've Never Been Hurt" it's still free on Amazon, then you can follow the relationships between these friends.
As you can see by now I'm addicted to the Summer Lake series and again from the beginning you get suck into the story of Michael and Megan, lots of romance, laughter, emotions and hot steamy sex.
Megan's a girl with a bad past has landed in Summer Lake and is working as a librarian there but now she hides behind her baggy clothes and glasses, after being bullied by beautiful girls and admired by guys when she was younger. The only one she’s allowed to enter her life is her dog Ollie who she found at a rest stop.
Michael has a story of his own after divorcing his wife he's left behind with his son Ethan who means more than the world to him, he returns back to his hometown to take over his father’s doctor’s practice. But he feels that his life is not complete, after joking and seducing woman his whole life with his great looks and devastating smile his eyes land on Megan.
She doesn’t believe that a man like Michael could fall for her and tries to stay away from him, but Michael is not planning to let her go so easily.
But will he succeed or will their miscommunication keep them apart? Find out in a new and wonderful story of SJ.
First of all if you just have learned about this series I recommend you begin with reading her first book "Love Like You've Never Been Hurt" it's still free on Amazon, then you can follow the relationships between these friends.
As you can see by now I'm addicted to the Summer Lake series and again from the beginning you get suck into the story of Michael and Megan, lots of romance, laughter, emotions and hot steamy sex.
Megan's a girl with a bad past has landed in Summer Lake and is working as a librarian there but now she hides behind her baggy clothes and glasses, after being bullied by beautiful girls and admired by guys when she was younger. The only one she’s allowed to enter her life is her dog Ollie who she found at a rest stop.
Michael has a story of his own after divorcing his wife he's left behind with his son Ethan who means more than the world to him, he returns back to his hometown to take over his father’s doctor’s practice. But he feels that his life is not complete, after joking and seducing woman his whole life with his great looks and devastating smile his eyes land on Megan.
She doesn’t believe that a man like Michael could fall for her and tries to stay away from him, but Michael is not planning to let her go so easily.
But will he succeed or will their miscommunication keep them apart? Find out in a new and wonderful story of SJ.
February 12, 2017
Loved Megan well Meggie and Michael's story. I can't believe some of the stuff that they had to deal with but then again I know that it that kind of stuff happens all the time. One thing that I really love about this series is that you get to hear from characters that were in previous books. I love the way they all joke around but help each other. On to Kenzie's story. Still patiently waiting for Ben's story. Really would like to know what went down with him.
August 12, 2015
Once again SJ has hit it out of the park with this book in the Summer Lake series! Laugh Like You've Never Cried had all the elements that I loved in the other books; Romance, humor, emotion and steamy sex! I loved the development of Michael and Megan's relationship, they were so different but the author brought out the best in each of them. The story line is amazing, the characters are very well developed, and I have fallen completely in love with the small town, as well as all of it's people who live there. Everyone is back together and they will make another unforgettable story! This book was a pure delight to read! I truly loved the flow of the story, and the crew of Summer Lake....Enjoy!
November 23, 2014
~~~Katheryn's Review~~~
I loved this book, Michael and Megan are two great characters and his son, is so adorable. I also love the dog Ollie, he is quite a character, lol. Watching this relationship between Michael and Megan was so heartwarming, two really awesome people that deserve so very much. With everything that Megan had gone through in her past, the way she handles it is great and touches the heart as you read it. This book really speaks to your heart. It had me laughing and crying really enjoyed it. I give this one 5 stars as well. Check this series out you will really enjoy it. SJ McCoy has done it once again, great job.
*ARC Received for an honest review.
I loved this book, Michael and Megan are two great characters and his son, is so adorable. I also love the dog Ollie, he is quite a character, lol. Watching this relationship between Michael and Megan was so heartwarming, two really awesome people that deserve so very much. With everything that Megan had gone through in her past, the way she handles it is great and touches the heart as you read it. This book really speaks to your heart. It had me laughing and crying really enjoyed it. I give this one 5 stars as well. Check this series out you will really enjoy it. SJ McCoy has done it once again, great job.
*ARC Received for an honest review.
February 19, 2015
It is hard not to love a story about a woman coming into her own as a force to be reckoned with, both in the community and in the bedroom. As a former wallflower I was really rooting for Megan - and I loved Michael's dedication to her awakening. Great love story, great love scenes, and tender dealings in their relationship, keeping the emotional welfare of the child foremost in their minds. So nice and refreshing from the "me me me" stories that are out there. Another Summer Lake winner!
October 25, 2014
This is book 5 in the Summer Lake contemporary romance series. The series follows a group of friends from a small lakeside town in the California hills. They have kept in touch over the years and now, in their early thirties, their lives are drawing them back to Summer Lake and to each other. I enjoyed Michael's story as a single dad who falls in love with the small-town, quiet librarian. IT seems an unlikely match but they fit and make it work. I hated to see the series end!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews