Love Me Like You Do

by Barbara Freethy

"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!! " Robin – Goodreads

He came to Ocean Shores to disappear. She has a gift for finding exactly what someone is trying to hide. Some collisions you never see coming.

Jax Ridley moved into the Ocean Shores apartment building with a guitar he barely plays and a name he'd rather people didn't recognize. He wasn't planning on a neighbor who notices everything.

Kaia Mercer is a paramedic who shows up for every crisis. She's fierce, sharp-edged, and loyal to a fault. She's also better at fixing other people's lives than her own. She likes to ask questions, not answer them.

A midnight encounter puts them in each other's orbit. It's unexpected, unplanned, and impossible to shake. And Ocean Shores, with its warm courtyards, nosy neighbors, and found family gathered around a beachside pool, has a way of pulling people together, whether they're ready or not.

Jax isn't looking to be rescued. Kaia isn't looking to rescue him. But between the secrets he's keeping and the walls she's built, something is shifting, and it's a little terrifying for both of them.

Love Me Like You Do is a heartwarming, slow-burn romance about loyalty, second chances, and what happens when two people who swore they didn't need anyone find each other anyway.

This small-town, beach community romance features some of your favorite tropes, neighbors-to-lovers. guarded heroine, hero with secrets, and found family. Each book in the Ocean Shores series stands alone, but once you visit, you'll want to come back!

PRAISE FOR THE OCEAN SHORES

"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!! " Robin - Goodreads

"Sweet and salty leaves a delicious aftertaste on the heart. Summer Loving is a feast of the senses that has addiction written all over it. Freethy gives a glimpse into her lighter side with irresistible characters, unpredictable emotions and unforgettable romance." Isha on Summer Loving - Goodreads

"This book was filled with romance, beautiful scenery and delicious food. I loved revisiting all the characters and atmosphere of Ocean Shores again, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series! 5 Stars!" Kate on Summer Loving – Goodreads

"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

Genres: Romance

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

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

[Ann C. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am through with this series. I have read 3 of the books. I rated one book, 2 stars, and the other 2 books got 1 star. The books are boring.

I found Kaia to be a busy body. She wanted to know everyone's business and stuck her nose where it did not belong. I did not like her. I did not care for Jax, either.

All of the books are cookie cutter. You have a female lead who wants to help everyone and a male lead who is grumpy and just wants to be left along.

I like the author's FBI series. I will continue to read the books in the FBI series, but I will not be reading anymore books in the Ocean Shores series.

[Geri Grinstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always feel like I am back with friends when I open a new Ocean Shores book. Love Me Like You Do is no different. Kaia is one of the last few who is unattached. A new person has moved in that she has dubbed the mystery man. They have a chance meeting involving a recent patient of Kaia’s that sends them on a mission.

I love that these books always have a bit of suspense and mystery. Kaia and Jax’s mission in helping Walter find the answer to his questions allows them to spend time together. Kaia is a very direct person, while Jax is a mystery. This combination makes for interesting conversations as truths are revealed.

Barbara Freethy has again shared her talents with her readers in bringing a top notch book that could not be put down. I absolutely love this series and can’t wait for the next Ocean Shores book.

[Debbie Oliphant · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ocean Shores Series is a lot of fun and while the common thread in each story is that the complex is near the beach with a close-knit community vibe, the author takes great care with elevating the characters with depth and personality.

This story features Kaia. She is a devoted paramedic who has a soft heart. She takes her job seriously and that includes the care for a stubborn patient, Walter, who she has seen in a professional capacity several times in a week. She has an encounter with this patient on her off-time and this time, her new neighbor, Jax, is with him. Jax has been elusive, and non-social with the tenants at Ocean Shores and to add to the mystery, Josie, has asked the tenants to give him his space. Kaia sees an opening with Jax during this encounter and tries to get him to open up. Jax is tight lipped, but he is curious about Walter, who does not appear well.

Kaia convinces Jax to join her on her quest to figure out why Walter is wandering the area and saying things that don't make sense. The two begin to uncover clues and discover a history that Walter has recalled after 50 years and he is determined to get the answers he is seeking. It turns out that Jax also has secrets and as Kaia spends more time with him, she wants to know what he is hiding, too. The story leads to an ending fit for this series, and it did not disappoint.

I read this story in one sitting as it kept you engaged not only with the mystery of the two storylines, but the past characters of the series appear and there are a continuation of their stories and the friendships and love that binds them.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Barbara Freethy’s Ocean Shores series feels like catching up with old friends. I’ve read every book and I have loved them all! Kaia and Jax are two people who couldn’t seem more opposite, but somehow, they just work!

Kaia is a hard worker who loves her job as a paramedic. Maybe a little too much! She has a habit of getting a little too involved with the patients she treats. But when Walter, one of her patients, almost gets hit by a car, she feels like she’s got to do something.

Jax needs to get out of the public eye and Ocean Shores will give him his privacy. Well, mostly. Kaia has nicknamed him the mystery man. And if there’s one thing Kaia is not good at, it’s keeping her nose out of other people’s business. One day while Jax was out, he was driving around a corner and found Walter in the middle of the road. Luckily he stopped in time! Jax tried talking with Walter but he seemed very confused. He just kept talking about finding the red door. Jax tried to help him look but didn’t see what Walter was looking for. Kaia happened to be close by and saw their interaction. They decide to work together to help Walter with his search.

As it turns out, they make a pretty great team. They support each other and work together to help Walter and learn a lot about each other as they go. I absolutely loved catching up with all the characters of Ocean Shores and learning more and Kaia and her mystery man! While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This entry in the Ocean Shores series has two mysteries, one involving one of Kaia’s patients, Walter, and his search to find something an old love left him long ago, and who Kaia’s new reclusive neighbor, Jax, really is. I enjoyed how both mysteries are given equal time, and neither overshadows the other.

I did find Kaia to be overly nosey at first. For example, everyone had been told by the property manager to respect Jax’s privacy and not to try digging into his past, but she couldn’t leave it alone and tried to find information about him. That being said, she mellows out some as the book progresses, and it’s clear she has a good heart and truly wants to help people. Jax himself is a bit gruff at first, but as he helps Kaia and Walter, he slowly begins to thaw and finally let his true personality shine through.

It was nice to see the other residents of Ocean Shores again, and to catch up with them and what is going on in their lives. If you haven’t read the other books in the series, don’t worry, this book works as a standalone. While it wasn’t my favorite book in the series, it was a good addition to it, and I can’t wait to see what Ocean Shores has in store next.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Me Like You Do is another installment in Barbara Freethy’s Ocean Shores series. This story centers on paramedic Kaia Mercer and the very private antisocial tenant, Jax Ridley. Kaia is someone who has dedicated her life to saving lives and often becomes emotionally invested in those who seem to need extra support. One of those people is Walter Cobb, an old man who though living with a relative, seems to need more assistance. An incident with Walter brings Kaia and Jax together in an unexpected way as they both try to help Walter find what he keeps looking for. Ms. Freethy has given her readers two mysteries in this story that will definitely keep them turning pages. Will Walter be successful in his quest and why is Jax the way he is? It’s a lovely sweet story about love, loyalty, commitment and friendship. My review of this book from the author is completely voluntary. Most highly recommend.

[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need a feel-good book, and Love Me Like You Do delivers exactly that. Barbara Freethy’s writing makes you feel like you’re part of the Ocean Shores community, catching up with old friends every time you return. This story follows Kaia and Jax as they navigate a relationship that starts off a bit rocky. Jax is trying to avoid socializing with anyone at the apartment complex, and Kaia likes to include everyone. It was fun to see how they helped one of Kaia’s frequent elderly paramedic clients who also needed some additional assistance outside of her medical visit. Watching them work through the ups and downs and eventually find smoother sailing made for an enjoyable and heartwarming read. Their journey felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. If you’re looking for a sweet, uplifting romance that leaves you smiling, this is a perfect summer read!

[Marcie Pomper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving reading every book in this series. Ocean Shores is more than living in an apartment complex - it becomes home to everyone who moves in there. It becomes a place that brings answers to everyone, even if they don’t think they need it. Jax moves in to recover from a huge betrayal and to hide from the public eye. He is told not a problem, and Kaia and the other residents are asked to give Jax his privacy. Kind of hard to do when all the residents like to have bbqs and parties most nights of the week at the pool. Kaia is a dedicated paramedic, to the point it extends after work hours. When Jax is involved with a near miss with hitting a patient that Kaia saw that afternoon, they are soon drawn into helping him do research on a former love of his life from many years ago. Loved how they worked together, how they are drawn to each other, and how Jax is soon pulled into the Ocean Shores family. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!

[Jill Eshenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Ocean Shores is like coming home to old friends who like to gather around the pool and have BBQs and are guaranteed to be in everyone's business, unless of course there is a new person who needs protecting. Jax is that new kid on the block who's obviously hiding from something and only Josie knows the truth. Kaia decides he needs to be brought into the community fold but he resists until Walter happens.

Love this group and all their stories. The characters could have been the neighbors you had in college and if you grew up in SoCal you'll love revisiting places that are just like ones you used to frequent. Its another happily ever after that you want to continue to read over and over again. Looking forward to Ben's story but worrying if it will be the last in the series. Hopefully some new residents will move into the building and keep this amazing series going.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite stories in this series. Kaia was a paramedic who went above and beyond when she helped people-patients, friends, family. Jax had an apartment at their apartment building, but kept to himself. Josie, who was the manager knew his back story and why he stayed to himself. I loved the side story of Walter who Kaia had been called to his apartment three times in the last week. It was crazy how Jax met Walter with Kaia nearby. This was the beginning of the three’s relationship with a story from the past that was heartwarming. I was glad to see how Kaia was slowly able to get Jax to come out of his self exposed secrecy. His story when it came out broke my heart. He was such a caring and helping man that didn’t go with what the public was saying about him. I loved the story and strongly encourage you to read the book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We return to Ocean Shores and its healing powers which affects any resident who arrives and thinks he/she doesn’t need any help. Jax is one of those residents having recently moved into the complex to try and “find himself”. Kaia, a paramedic whose heart just wants to help others, ends up working with Jax to help Walter, a confused elderly gentleman with health issues and an obsession to find a nightclub with a red door. Meanwhile, Jax has his own secrets and avoids contact with the other Ocean Shores residents as best he can. Throughout the book, we have community, found family, and emotions to keep the reader involved. This is Book 5 in Barbara Freethy’s Ocean Shores series. It is fun to read all of the books to become friends with everyone. However, this can certainly be read as a standalone. Either way, it is worth the read.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these returns to Ocean Shores! In this one we meet Jax, become better acquainted with Kaia, and get a chance to catch up with the other characters we’ve come to know and love. If you haven’t read any of the books in this series, you can certainly jump in here, but I highly recommend going back and reading them all. Jax has plenty of secrets and really just wants to hide out. Kaia, in her pushy fashion, wants to fix whatever she perceives needs fixing. They are brought together by an older gentleman dealing with health issues, who has a mystery in which they get caught up to help him solve. The story is entertaining, touching, romantic, mysterious, emotional, and kept me glued to my seat!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love returning to Ocean Shores. Jax comes to hide away from his current situation but Kaia has a way of figuring things out, by being stubborn. However Jax is not 100% forthcoming with his past until it comes banging on his door one morning after Kaia and Jax become close and possibly become more than just friends, where there is a possibility of a true relationship happening.

Can Kaia understand why Jax hid a part of himself and kept it under wraps, will she be patient and let him explain the reasoning behind the secrets? Or will it be too much for her to handle when she knows everything? Will she be able to handle what comes with the truth once she knows it?

Such a great addition to the Ocean Shores series! Plus with an extra little love connection between two past loves that reconnect. Such a sweet story, a great beach read!

If you are looking for a great summer read, pick this book up and you won't be disappointed!

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, I wish everyone could live somewhere like Ocean Shores! Such a wonderful group of people who care about each other and will do anything to help.

This story is about Kaia, a paramedic who opens her heart to her friends and sometimes to her patients, and Jax the 'mystery man' of the building, hiding out from his past, with the permission and knowledge of the building manager.

No matter what Jax does to try to keep Kaia at arms length, she just knocks down his defenses. When a patient of Kaia's seems to be getting worse and Jax becomes involved, they work together to help him. As Jax's past begins to creep in, Kaia stands strong in her belief of Jax.

A fabulous story, with two happily ever afters.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that whenever I read one of Freethy’s Ocean Shores books, I will love it. This book, featuring Jax Ridley and Kaia Mercer, is no exception. What I love about these characters is that they are so real – they are certainly not perfect and have flaws that make it difficult to get along. There’s also a back story – one of Kaia’s patients that she has come to know through emergency calls, Walter, has issues with the memories of his past. Jax and Kaia connect with him through a series of events that lead to a relationship between the three of them.
As usual, Barbara Freethy is a master storyteller, which makes her one of my favorite authors. It’s my goal someday to read every one of her many books.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Me Like You Do is the latest book in Barbara Freethy’s Ocean Shores series. Kaia Mercer sees all her friends finding love and getting married, but she has not found somebody yet. She’s a paramedic with an exciting career. Jax Ridley moves into the building, but wants nothing to do with any of the other residents.Kaia becomes involved one of her patients Walter Cobb. An incident with Walter brings Kaia and Jax together and they both try to help Walter. As they are thrown together, an attraction builds up between the two. It’s an interesting story about love, loyalty, and friendship.Most highly recommend. It’s great to revisit all of the residents of Ocean Shores since they’re almost like friends that you have met in previous books.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Ocean Shores series, this one featuring Kaia the paramedic. Kaia is an outspoken gorgeous redhead, who is not afraid to go after what she wants. When she gets a third call about a patient who is diabetic and not taking care of himself, she struggles not to get to get more involved in his life. And when she watches him get almost run over by a mysterious new guy in her apartment complex, she can’t help but get further involved. Jax Ridley is obviously hiding many things about his past, which makes Kaia very intrigued about trying to unravel the mystery of who he is. As Jax and Kaia get mixed up in trying to help her patient Walter figure out a mystery from his past, they start connecting, against Jax’s will. Jax has to decide if he wants to stay stuck in the past, or learn how to live in the present with Kaia. A fun easy read with a very sweet mystery thrown in. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

[kelly selph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in a series, just when I thought they couldn't get any better, the author delivers this one! From the beginning you really like Jax and Kaia. Adding in a little mystery with Jax's and Walter's story, romance growing between Kaia and Jax, and the intrigue grows and builds to will you will just have to keep reading to the end. The story will have you cheering for them all but have a few tissues ready because you will need them! I love all the books in this series but if you do not want to read them all I recommend this one, it really is that good. Thank you, Ms. Freethy, for a wonderful, enjoyable story.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is set at Ocean Shores apartment building. With every book I read I just fall in love with it even more. Not only do you get to live at the beach and have a pool, the neighbors are the best! This book features Kaia and Jax. Jax, being the newest tenant, wants his privacy but the curious Kaia starts breaking through some of those walls of his after an incident with an elderly man that Kaia (a paramedic) had already treated a few times caused an incident when they happened to all be in the same place. They join forces to help him find someone from his past. If you are in the mood for a feel good romance then give this one a read.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not my favorite of the series by any stretch. The main characters were annoying to me. Kaia is a busybody that inserts herself where she’s not wanted. Poor Jax wants to be left alone, but she won’t and somehow he ends up entangled in a mystery with her. However, he is hiding out and his reasons are valid, but that part of the storyline was both too forgiving and kind of glossed over as to the severity of what led him to Ocean Shores.

I did enjoy the mystery storyline of Walter and Reyna, but overall I had a hard time believing the chemistry of Jax and Kaia and the romance in general.

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

[Mary Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ready to put my name on a waiting list for a vacancy at Ocean Shores apartments! This is the 5th book in a series about the tenants in these buildings, and I’ve loved them all. Love Me Like You Do features paramedic Kaia and mystery man Jax. Jax is like a lot of newcomers to the complex, keeping himself apart from the neighbors. But as usual, that only works for so long. Secrets are revealed and this slow burn romance eventually heats up. Barbara Freethy writes great stories with great characters you want to call friends!

[ROBIN RUIZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Ocean Shores our favorite place to live and visit!
Jax i had just moved in,” he was supposed to be figuring out his life, his next chapter, his future, and that didn’t include chasing down an old mystery with a woman who couldn’t take no for an answer”

Kaia is the woman who just can’t take no for an answer.
The two of them get involved in a decade old mystery.

Friends, family, community , mystery, this book had it all and it is one of the many many reasons I love to keep going back to Ocean Shores

[R J Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ocean Shores apartment complex might not be the most glamorous place to live, but it is the most friendly. It possesses the magic to bring people together. It’s residents truly care for each other. It is the place to mend a broken heart and to help bring light and love into a life filled with doubt and despair.
Barbara Freethy brings so much light into the world with this series. She introduces hope where there was despair. Love where there was loss. And close bonds of friendship where there was only loneliness. This series will open your heart to possibilities.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good book and such an exciting way for the ice to be broken between two strangers. Walter whether intentionally or not is the reason for their love story. How could you not fall in love when you are searching for a long lost love for a vet. So sweet! I really enjoyed getting to know Jax and learning more about Kaia. It was fun to follow along on their journey and adventures. I loved their chemistry from the very start, I loved the friendships, love and support at Ocean Shores! If there isn't a community like this one, their should be!

[J Stryker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. “Love Me Like You Do” is Barbara Freethy’s latest romance book. It is part of her Ocean Shores series. This series brings together a fun group of people in an apartment complex. Jax moves into one of the empty apartments with a lot of personal baggage, including that his name is not Jax but Jason. From the start of the story, I couldn’t stop reading. It has a couple of mysteries to be solved as well as two love stories coming together. Really enjoyed the book and definitely recommend it

[Karen Whooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Freethy does it again! Love Me Like You Do is a cozy, slow-burn return to Ocean Shores, and I loved every page.

Kaia is a paramedic who can't stop helping people, and Jax is the guarded new neighbor with a guitar he won't play and a past he won't talk about. When a late-night accident and a decades-old mystery throw them together, the sparks fly slow and sweet. Both leads are so well drawn, and watching two people who are equally afraid of needing someone finally let their guard down is incredibly satisfying.
Add in a charming little mystery and the warm, nosy, found-family vibe of the Ocean Shores crew, and you've got a romance you'll want to sink right into. It reads great as a standalone, but be warned: you'll want the whole series.

Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Me Like You Do is book 5 in the Ocean Shores series by Barbara Freethy, glad to be back in Ocean Shores

Up next is Kaia and Jax, he’s hiding out and she’s a question and answer person. Between secrets, wall that have been built, found family, second chances and a slow burn romance you will enjoy this book and series.

I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jax is secretive and a loner. He doesn’t socialize with the other tenants at Ocean Shores. Kaia is a paramedic and very social. A near accident introduces these neighbors and things click. Jax’s past and true identity drive the story, and it’s a good one. Music, history and second chances are key. I really enjoyed Walter and Reina’s storyline, too, and how Jax and Kaia facilitated their reunion. A beautiful picture from another time.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story. I love the characters in this series. In this book, Kaia meets the mystery man who moved in a few months ago but has avoided the other residents. Jax is hiding and doesn’t want anyone to know who he really is. The story has some great lines and had me laughing and waiting for the love to blossom. There was a little mystery that Kaia solves and it is heartwarming. Looking forward to the next story. I really enjoyed this one!

[Elsie Weihrauch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never know quite what to write after reading a Barbara Freethy book. I absolutely love her books and I believe I have every one of them and have read many of them more than once. This series will be another that I will repeat when I have them all. I usually go back and binge read the entire series when I can go from one to the next. I loved this story of Jax and Kaia. The romance and the mystery...Barbara never fails to deliver!