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Second Chances #1
Summer with a Star
A previous cover edition for this ASIN can be found here
All Tasha Pike has wanted for the past twenty years is to rent Sand Dollar Point for a summer. The grand Victorian on the beach of Summerbury, Maine was the object of her childhood fantasy and her standard of romance—and it was finally happening. Her dream summer is ruined, however, when she arrives in Summerbury to find that Hollywood superstar Spencer Ellis has muscled his way into the house instead. His offer that they share Sand Dollar Point is not only infuriating—it’s insulting.
He’s a celebrity, and one she’s determined to hate.
Spencer’s summer in Maine was supposed to help him get his head screwed on straight. One look at Tasha, however, made that impossible. She’s beautiful. She’s angry. She doesn’t care who he is. She doesn’t care about his fame. In fact, she doesn’t even like him.
She’s irresistible.
He’s only got the summer. She’s only got her heart. They’ve only got each other.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam Level - Very Hot
All Tasha Pike has wanted for the past twenty years is to rent Sand Dollar Point for a summer. The grand Victorian on the beach of Summerbury, Maine was the object of her childhood fantasy and her standard of romance—and it was finally happening. Her dream summer is ruined, however, when she arrives in Summerbury to find that Hollywood superstar Spencer Ellis has muscled his way into the house instead. His offer that they share Sand Dollar Point is not only infuriating—it’s insulting.
He’s a celebrity, and one she’s determined to hate.
Spencer’s summer in Maine was supposed to help him get his head screwed on straight. One look at Tasha, however, made that impossible. She’s beautiful. She’s angry. She doesn’t care who he is. She doesn’t care about his fame. In fact, she doesn’t even like him.
She’s irresistible.
He’s only got the summer. She’s only got her heart. They’ve only got each other.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam Level - Very Hot
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2015
1033 people are currently reading
3538 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
291 books1,137 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
June 18, 2025
I'M FREEEEEEEEE!!!!!! WORST EXPERIENCE OF MY F*CKING LIFE
1.95 stars. RTC.
Plot before rant: Tasha Pike is a teacher who's been saving up to spend her summer vacation at a serene beach house for years. Once she arrives on her vacation, she is devastated to find out that her beach home has been given away to celebrity Spencer Ellis. Spencer feels awful that his publicist swiped a vacation home from a hard-working teacher, so he offers to let her stay in the house. Closed proximity antics and sexy times ensue...you get the picture.
Now for the rant portion of the review *cracks knuckles*
This might be one of the infuriating contemporary romances that I've ever read for the following reasons:
1) Both of the MCs were VERY annoying, but the FMC (Tasha) had to take the cake.
The problem with Tasha: While I love an imperfect heroine, Tasha jumped between being annoying and fickle to being annoying and defensive. On one hand, you understand why Tasha isn't ready to jump into a relationship with anyone, let alone a movie star: she's just broken up with her longtime boyfriend (Brad) after finding him with another woman. So yeah, her self-esteem has taken a hit and I sympathize with that BUT that's no excuse for the way she treats Spence when they first meet. She assumes that Spence is an entitled celebrity even though he has been nothing but kind to her and proceeds to treat him like crap for the first.... maybe 50+ pages of the book. She also feels like she's not good enough to even have a fling with a celebrity because she's a teacher which is just so ridiculous I don't have enough time to dive into that. The ENTIRE book is Tasha just pushing Spence away because of her low self-esteem and it was exhausting. Her HEA should've been with a therapist.
The problem with Spence: The number of times I whispered at my kindle "Spence, STAND UP" was astronomical. As I said before, Tasha is not nice to Spence in the beginning of this book, but Spence is drawn to her because she doesn't fawn over him because he's a celebrity like everyone else *eyes roll to the heavens* Seriously, there is a point where she slams a door in his face, and he's just SMITTEN. To be fair, Tasha tells him that she just wants to read all summer and be alone, but Spence straight up ignores her request and still tries to hang out with her. It's a little pathetic and not in a fun way, just in a sad way. I need my cinnamon roll heroes to have a backbone. But at least Spence is in therapy! He talks about his issues with being a people pleaser so let's celebrate that! Where was I? Oh yeah, Spence is the only one fighting for their relationship and I HATE that in my romances. It feels uneven and it drives me up the wall. My favorite romances have had both MCs fighting to be together. Because we never see Tasha fighting to be with Spence-I was expecting to see her finally make a move after her pep talk with Spence's publicist Yvonne but NOPE-I wasn't invested in their relationship and their HEA didn't feel earned.
What I liked about this book: I liked how the locals protected Tasha and Spence from the paparazzi. That's it.
Other things that I irked me:
1. Yvonne may be the pushiest celebrity publicist on the planet, but she was right when she told Spence that he couldn't grand gesture his way into a relationship with Tasha (who has some deep-seated issues) Naturally, he ignores her and grand gestures anyway
2. As someone who works in education, the idea that teachers can't also be cool and stylish is crazy to me, like let me go see when this book was published. Edit: This book was published in 2015 🙃
3. The amount of times Tasha shut down when Spence would make an innocent comment about teaching, that is not a foundation for a healthy relationship. HELLO?
Anyway, this book was not the fun summer romance that I was looking for, it just irritated me on every level.
1.95 stars. RTC.
Plot before rant: Tasha Pike is a teacher who's been saving up to spend her summer vacation at a serene beach house for years. Once she arrives on her vacation, she is devastated to find out that her beach home has been given away to celebrity Spencer Ellis. Spencer feels awful that his publicist swiped a vacation home from a hard-working teacher, so he offers to let her stay in the house. Closed proximity antics and sexy times ensue...you get the picture.
Now for the rant portion of the review *cracks knuckles*
This might be one of the infuriating contemporary romances that I've ever read for the following reasons:
1) Both of the MCs were VERY annoying, but the FMC (Tasha) had to take the cake.
The problem with Tasha: While I love an imperfect heroine, Tasha jumped between being annoying and fickle to being annoying and defensive. On one hand, you understand why Tasha isn't ready to jump into a relationship with anyone, let alone a movie star: she's just broken up with her longtime boyfriend (Brad) after finding him with another woman. So yeah, her self-esteem has taken a hit and I sympathize with that BUT that's no excuse for the way she treats Spence when they first meet. She assumes that Spence is an entitled celebrity even though he has been nothing but kind to her and proceeds to treat him like crap for the first.... maybe 50+ pages of the book. She also feels like she's not good enough to even have a fling with a celebrity because she's a teacher which is just so ridiculous I don't have enough time to dive into that. The ENTIRE book is Tasha just pushing Spence away because of her low self-esteem and it was exhausting. Her HEA should've been with a therapist.
The problem with Spence: The number of times I whispered at my kindle "Spence, STAND UP" was astronomical. As I said before, Tasha is not nice to Spence in the beginning of this book, but Spence is drawn to her because she doesn't fawn over him because he's a celebrity like everyone else *eyes roll to the heavens* Seriously, there is a point where she slams a door in his face, and he's just SMITTEN. To be fair, Tasha tells him that she just wants to read all summer and be alone, but Spence straight up ignores her request and still tries to hang out with her. It's a little pathetic and not in a fun way, just in a sad way. I need my cinnamon roll heroes to have a backbone. But at least Spence is in therapy! He talks about his issues with being a people pleaser so let's celebrate that! Where was I? Oh yeah, Spence is the only one fighting for their relationship and I HATE that in my romances. It feels uneven and it drives me up the wall. My favorite romances have had both MCs fighting to be together. Because we never see Tasha fighting to be with Spence-I was expecting to see her finally make a move after her pep talk with Spence's publicist Yvonne but NOPE-I wasn't invested in their relationship and their HEA didn't feel earned.
What I liked about this book: I liked how the locals protected Tasha and Spence from the paparazzi. That's it.
Other things that I irked me:
1. Yvonne may be the pushiest celebrity publicist on the planet, but she was right when she told Spence that he couldn't grand gesture his way into a relationship with Tasha (who has some deep-seated issues) Naturally, he ignores her and grand gestures anyway
2. As someone who works in education, the idea that teachers can't also be cool and stylish is crazy to me, like let me go see when this book was published. Edit: This book was published in 2015 🙃
3. The amount of times Tasha shut down when Spence would make an innocent comment about teaching, that is not a foundation for a healthy relationship. HELLO?
Anyway, this book was not the fun summer romance that I was looking for, it just irritated me on every level.
May 27, 2015
3 - "I was never one to go down without a fight." Stars.
Summer With A Star is a 50/50 book for me, there were parts I really liked, but there were also things I didn’t. I read it to the end, it was enjoyably cute, with a little sexy thrown in for good measure. It’s the sort of book that once you start, you can work out what is going to happen and where it’s going to go after a few chapters, but in the main it is an easy to read piece.
Spencer Ellis and Tasha Pike find themselves at a little bit of an impasse on their initial meeting. Spence is firmly ensconced in Sand Dollar Point, ready for a summer of relaxation and rediscovery away from the lights and paparazzi of his normal daily life. Tasha has spent the last twenty years saving for her dream, a summer spent solely at Sand Dollar Point, so to discover her rental has been let right under her nose, does not get her dream summer holiday off to the best of starts. An agreement is quickly reached, and they both decide to spend the summer sharing the house and the facilities, rather than either forgoing their summer plans.
This is where things went a bit awry for me. Merry Farmer has a really great writing style it engages the reader, her descriptions of Summerbury, the house and the area the story took place in were extremely easy to visualize. The storyline itself doesn’t really offer up many surprises, but I don’t mind that when the writing is good.
”You’re what I’ve always wanted.”
My main issues were with Spencer and Tasha, I liked Spence but he lacked any strength of character for me, when you are reading about an A-List Hollywood actor, you kind of expect someone with a bit of backbone and a strong personality, not afraid to speak their mind and stand up for themselves. And I didn’t really see that, he spent most of the book apologizing and trying to make amends with Tasha for things that weren’t actually his fault. Add to that he pretty much let his agent walk all over her for most of the book, and I just found I wanted him to be a little more ‘alpha’.
Tasha was a struggle from the get go for me, the words noted on my Kindle as reading include; immature, petulant, childish, bratty and ungrateful. I mean this is a woman who sees herself as a ’boring teacher’ and I really understood her self esteem and confidence issues in relation to her ex and his treatment of her, but Spence pretty much bent over backwards for her and it was never enough, every time he tried to do something nice she would throw it back in his face, or throw a tantrum, the guy spent most of the book apologizing for things her ex had done to her, and it all got a bit tiresome, the last 25% was a particular struggle and by this point I wanted Spence to kick her to the kerb and find someone more deserving.
”You have no place in his world.”
As with all good love stories, Tasha does eventually pull her head out of her arse, but it was just dragged out a little too much for my liking.
Would I read another book by Merry Farmer… Absolutely, the foundation of the book and the writing were sound, I just found that certain aspects and characterizations were overplayed on this occasion.
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
Summer With A Star is a 50/50 book for me, there were parts I really liked, but there were also things I didn’t. I read it to the end, it was enjoyably cute, with a little sexy thrown in for good measure. It’s the sort of book that once you start, you can work out what is going to happen and where it’s going to go after a few chapters, but in the main it is an easy to read piece.
Spencer Ellis and Tasha Pike find themselves at a little bit of an impasse on their initial meeting. Spence is firmly ensconced in Sand Dollar Point, ready for a summer of relaxation and rediscovery away from the lights and paparazzi of his normal daily life. Tasha has spent the last twenty years saving for her dream, a summer spent solely at Sand Dollar Point, so to discover her rental has been let right under her nose, does not get her dream summer holiday off to the best of starts. An agreement is quickly reached, and they both decide to spend the summer sharing the house and the facilities, rather than either forgoing their summer plans.
This is where things went a bit awry for me. Merry Farmer has a really great writing style it engages the reader, her descriptions of Summerbury, the house and the area the story took place in were extremely easy to visualize. The storyline itself doesn’t really offer up many surprises, but I don’t mind that when the writing is good.
”You’re what I’ve always wanted.”
My main issues were with Spencer and Tasha, I liked Spence but he lacked any strength of character for me, when you are reading about an A-List Hollywood actor, you kind of expect someone with a bit of backbone and a strong personality, not afraid to speak their mind and stand up for themselves. And I didn’t really see that, he spent most of the book apologizing and trying to make amends with Tasha for things that weren’t actually his fault. Add to that he pretty much let his agent walk all over her for most of the book, and I just found I wanted him to be a little more ‘alpha’.
Tasha was a struggle from the get go for me, the words noted on my Kindle as reading include; immature, petulant, childish, bratty and ungrateful. I mean this is a woman who sees herself as a ’boring teacher’ and I really understood her self esteem and confidence issues in relation to her ex and his treatment of her, but Spence pretty much bent over backwards for her and it was never enough, every time he tried to do something nice she would throw it back in his face, or throw a tantrum, the guy spent most of the book apologizing for things her ex had done to her, and it all got a bit tiresome, the last 25% was a particular struggle and by this point I wanted Spence to kick her to the kerb and find someone more deserving.
”You have no place in his world.”
As with all good love stories, Tasha does eventually pull her head out of her arse, but it was just dragged out a little too much for my liking.
Would I read another book by Merry Farmer… Absolutely, the foundation of the book and the writing were sound, I just found that certain aspects and characterizations were overplayed on this occasion.
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
March 8, 2015
This is Merry Farmer's first ever contemporary novel & I must say it's totally different from her other works which are historical fiction.
This is a good thing though, as I think in this book she has surpassed herself & am really pleased this will be turned into a series as it's so good!
As always, it's well written & the characters are very likeable & the story is believable.
As a reader of similar books, I have found that not to be the case sometimes in others & they are a bit far fetched, not this one!!
I cannot wait to read the next books in the series & I'm sure once you read this book you will too! It makes you feel all warm & fuzzy inside!
In this book,
Tasha Pike is a teacher. She had dreamt of staying in her dream house in Maine since she was ten-years-old & had been saving for 20 years to rent it finally, for the summer.
A break away from it all is just what she needs, as she's just broken up with her long term boyfriend & the house is, in her words, "male-free and she could bawl her eyes out and gorge on chocolate ice cream while she licks her wounds in peace.”
Spencer Ellis is a famous movie star.
He's also looking to get away from it all & find some peace & quiet from his hectic lifestyle and he needs some downtime from his busy schedule to regroup & find out what he really wants to do.
Their two paths cross unexpectedly & they end up having to spend the summer together in the same house, much to Tasha's annoyance!
Eventually though, they both find out they like it & it just might be what they both needed!
This is a good thing though, as I think in this book she has surpassed herself & am really pleased this will be turned into a series as it's so good!
As always, it's well written & the characters are very likeable & the story is believable.
As a reader of similar books, I have found that not to be the case sometimes in others & they are a bit far fetched, not this one!!
I cannot wait to read the next books in the series & I'm sure once you read this book you will too! It makes you feel all warm & fuzzy inside!
In this book,
Tasha Pike is a teacher. She had dreamt of staying in her dream house in Maine since she was ten-years-old & had been saving for 20 years to rent it finally, for the summer.
A break away from it all is just what she needs, as she's just broken up with her long term boyfriend & the house is, in her words, "male-free and she could bawl her eyes out and gorge on chocolate ice cream while she licks her wounds in peace.”
Spencer Ellis is a famous movie star.
He's also looking to get away from it all & find some peace & quiet from his hectic lifestyle and he needs some downtime from his busy schedule to regroup & find out what he really wants to do.
Their two paths cross unexpectedly & they end up having to spend the summer together in the same house, much to Tasha's annoyance!
Eventually though, they both find out they like it & it just might be what they both needed!
October 27, 2016
Well, this one of those books where there are great moments and bad moments. I really liked Spence, but I really didn't like Tosha. By the end, I really was wondering what he saw in her. Yes, I know she had been brow-beaten by her ex-boyfriend, but that in itself did not warrant her major trust issues with men. It was like she couldn't see the forest for the trees.
I also had a few problems with the narrator. She made Tosha sound so insipid at times. She did do a good job on Spence's voice, but her attempt at Simon's British accent was not good. Happy reading and listening!
I also had a few problems with the narrator. She made Tosha sound so insipid at times. She did do a good job on Spence's voice, but her attempt at Simon's British accent was not good. Happy reading and listening!
December 1, 2022
There are two things going on simultaneously in this book. One, Spencer is falling in love with Tasha, and it’s sweet, steamy, and lovely; even if a bit accelerated. He’s a movie star, and he’s finally found someone who can love him for him. In Hollywood, that’s apparently hard to find, so I buy this premise. Go for it, Spence, make her yours.
However also going on concurrently is Tasha’s crisis of self-worth. Which on its own, hey, no judgement; but when it conflicts with Spence’s desires, man can it get awkward and messy. I hate it when the author sets up the climax as a train wreck waiting to happen. As a reader, you know what’s coming and you can’t look away and that can be frustrating and cringy. You get through it to the HEA, but only because you know from the start that there is a HEA for the characters.
I always try to avoid rating any book less than 4-Stars as I don’t like to negatively impact an author’s hard work and ability to sell books, but this story was definitely a 3.0125 Stars with a generous round-up.
However also going on concurrently is Tasha’s crisis of self-worth. Which on its own, hey, no judgement; but when it conflicts with Spence’s desires, man can it get awkward and messy. I hate it when the author sets up the climax as a train wreck waiting to happen. As a reader, you know what’s coming and you can’t look away and that can be frustrating and cringy. You get through it to the HEA, but only because you know from the start that there is a HEA for the characters.
I always try to avoid rating any book less than 4-Stars as I don’t like to negatively impact an author’s hard work and ability to sell books, but this story was definitely a 3.0125 Stars with a generous round-up.
November 24, 2020
DNF at 24% 2 stars… I wanted to love this book, cause the premise sounds interesting… unfortunately it was just… not for me… I found it boring and unbelievable… Tasha just got out of a very long relationship and I was really looking forward to seeing her building herself back up slowly over the course of the summer… I didn’t mind, at the beginning, her struggles with self esteem… being in a long and toxic relationship can do that to you… Spencer on the other hand… *sighs* I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes over how quickly he fell for Tasha… from the moment he saw her… BAM! that was it… he was completely taken over by the intrigue and fascination about her, even though they barely spoke… he can’t stop thinking about her, wants to know more even though she clearly states she want’s a summer for herself… I think it would have been better as a slow burn over the course of the whole summer, instead things start to happen within the first week of their stay… *sighs* definitely not a book for me, but it doesn’t mean others won't enjoy it :)
XOXO
A
XOXO
A
August 17, 2022
This was a quick, cute, and romantic summer read.
I liked the setup of movie star Spencer and school teacher Tasha staying together in a vacation rental after Spencer’s agent try to boot Tasha out. The chemistry and connection was immediate. They spent time together, having fun dates and just enjoying spending time together. There was surprisingly a high level of romance that was sweet and beautiful.
On the flip side, everything happened very quickly. Too quickly for my taste. It was very insta lovey/lust, which I am not a big fan of. It felt a tad unrealistic that it happened that quickly. I wanted a little more build up with anticipation brewing before they slept together for the first time. It was just too soon in my opinion and just took off like a rocket after that. Don’t get me wrong it was hot and a lot spicier than I thought it was gonna be but I like more of a journey for them to get to that point then just hopping into it headfirst balls a blazing.
I did love Spencer though. He was such a sweetheart and he just fell for her hook line and sinker so hard that it was very clear that his heart was involved pretty early on. The way he treated her was beautiful and sweet. He treated her like a princess. He did very romantic things with her. He put everything into himself into their romance. And he was just a genuinely good guy that just wore his heart on his sleeve. He was so deep and real and raw and more than his Hollywood persona presented to the world. It was very clear that he was so much more in the world gave him credit for. And the way he romanced her and wooed her as well as pleasured her was just perfection.
I have to say though that even though this was a beautiful love story that has so many romantic elements that I enjoyed, I found myself more interested and intrigued by Jenny and Simon and their relationship than Spencer and Tasha‘s relationship. I was itching for more from Jenny and Simon and their upcoming book because I know it’s gonna be so emotional, so angsty, and filled with level of tension that I wanted there to be in this book. Spencer and Tasha‘s relationship was not devoid of conflict, but it felt almost too easy for them while in the case of Simon and Jenny there is going to just be loads of conflict and that angst I want in my romances. I was just more interested in them as a couple.
Overall, this was a solid, quick read filled with romance, spicy, and passion. It was sweet and romantic, though a little too insta love/lust for my liking. I wanted more angst and tension before they slept together. It just was too soon for my liking. I wanted more development. I loved Spencer though, who was an absolute sweetheart.
I liked the setup of movie star Spencer and school teacher Tasha staying together in a vacation rental after Spencer’s agent try to boot Tasha out. The chemistry and connection was immediate. They spent time together, having fun dates and just enjoying spending time together. There was surprisingly a high level of romance that was sweet and beautiful.
On the flip side, everything happened very quickly. Too quickly for my taste. It was very insta lovey/lust, which I am not a big fan of. It felt a tad unrealistic that it happened that quickly. I wanted a little more build up with anticipation brewing before they slept together for the first time. It was just too soon in my opinion and just took off like a rocket after that. Don’t get me wrong it was hot and a lot spicier than I thought it was gonna be but I like more of a journey for them to get to that point then just hopping into it headfirst balls a blazing.
I did love Spencer though. He was such a sweetheart and he just fell for her hook line and sinker so hard that it was very clear that his heart was involved pretty early on. The way he treated her was beautiful and sweet. He treated her like a princess. He did very romantic things with her. He put everything into himself into their romance. And he was just a genuinely good guy that just wore his heart on his sleeve. He was so deep and real and raw and more than his Hollywood persona presented to the world. It was very clear that he was so much more in the world gave him credit for. And the way he romanced her and wooed her as well as pleasured her was just perfection.
I have to say though that even though this was a beautiful love story that has so many romantic elements that I enjoyed, I found myself more interested and intrigued by Jenny and Simon and their relationship than Spencer and Tasha‘s relationship. I was itching for more from Jenny and Simon and their upcoming book because I know it’s gonna be so emotional, so angsty, and filled with level of tension that I wanted there to be in this book. Spencer and Tasha‘s relationship was not devoid of conflict, but it felt almost too easy for them while in the case of Simon and Jenny there is going to just be loads of conflict and that angst I want in my romances. I was just more interested in them as a couple.
Overall, this was a solid, quick read filled with romance, spicy, and passion. It was sweet and romantic, though a little too insta love/lust for my liking. I wanted more angst and tension before they slept together. It just was too soon for my liking. I wanted more development. I loved Spencer though, who was an absolute sweetheart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2015
Escaping for different reasons, Tasha Pike and Spencer Ellis wind up at the same Victorian rental home in Maine for the summer. You will fall in love with them and the quaint little village while they overcome their fears and find each other. Very heartwarming story.
March 7, 2015
I received an advanced copy of this book and read the whole book the same day. The characters are realistic, funny and heartwarming. The story line is new so be surprised. Definitely worth your time and money.
May 6, 2021
This contemporary romance begins with a teacher who has a dream, a movie star who needs time away, and an agent who will do anything to make sure her client succeeds. Oh, and yes, a jigsaw puzzle.
Tasha Pike, a teacher, has recently broken up with her longtime boyfriend, Brad, because she caught him cheating on her (which has caused her a major loss of self-esteem); however, having scrimped and saved over years to rent her dream house, she is about to spend the summer in Sand Dollar Point, a Victorian beach house she has wanted to live in since a young girl. Or is she?
Spencer Ellis, mega-movie star, needs to escape, get his head on straight, and figure out what is next for him, and his manipulating agent Yvonne will do whatever it takes to give him his time away. And she does; she rents the same house out from under Tasha. How dare she!
Tasha is justifiably livid (so, too, is her best friend Jenny who brokered the rental) when she arrives to find him there. Her dream appears shattered, and she hates him and what his celebrity entitlement has managed to do, but Spencer invites her to spend her vacation there regardless (and the house is large enough). To be honest, he finds her feisty and beautiful and wants to know her better. But, can he turn her hate into something more? Is he really the entitled person she believes him to be? Is it possible for two apparently very different people to have more in common than what it seems? Or will their time together be a summer fling?
Where does Yvonne fit in? She seems to be anti-Tasha, trying to convince her that she is not in Spence's league. She certainly is manipulative, and she does care about Spencer, but...
As for the jigsaw puzzle, no spoilers here.
This is an upbeat romance with some sensual and steamy scenes. There are also some touching scenes as well. There are a few What-the-tuck trends (a smirk or two for example). There were quite a few misused words though (her for here is one of the many found throughout) that a spellcheck program would never catch, but a careful editor should have.
Tasha Pike, a teacher, has recently broken up with her longtime boyfriend, Brad, because she caught him cheating on her (which has caused her a major loss of self-esteem); however, having scrimped and saved over years to rent her dream house, she is about to spend the summer in Sand Dollar Point, a Victorian beach house she has wanted to live in since a young girl. Or is she?
Spencer Ellis, mega-movie star, needs to escape, get his head on straight, and figure out what is next for him, and his manipulating agent Yvonne will do whatever it takes to give him his time away. And she does; she rents the same house out from under Tasha. How dare she!
Tasha is justifiably livid (so, too, is her best friend Jenny who brokered the rental) when she arrives to find him there. Her dream appears shattered, and she hates him and what his celebrity entitlement has managed to do, but Spencer invites her to spend her vacation there regardless (and the house is large enough). To be honest, he finds her feisty and beautiful and wants to know her better. But, can he turn her hate into something more? Is he really the entitled person she believes him to be? Is it possible for two apparently very different people to have more in common than what it seems? Or will their time together be a summer fling?
Where does Yvonne fit in? She seems to be anti-Tasha, trying to convince her that she is not in Spence's league. She certainly is manipulative, and she does care about Spencer, but...
As for the jigsaw puzzle, no spoilers here.
This is an upbeat romance with some sensual and steamy scenes. There are also some touching scenes as well. There are a few What-the-tuck trends (a smirk or two for example). There were quite a few misused words though (her for here is one of the many found throughout) that a spellcheck program would never catch, but a careful editor should have.
January 26, 2022
Famous movie star rents a mansion at Sand dollar Point in Maine. Tasha an elementary school teacher has saved for twenty years to be able to rent this place to have it stolen right out from under her. After being dumped by a guy she has dated for 13 years she is angry and hurt. Spence the movie star offers to share the mansion with her and in the process they fall in love. There is so much more to it but you need to read it to feel all the emotions and the sex scenes are right out of the movies! Enjoy this feel good story!
July 13, 2017
2nd grade teacher/bookworm meets hot Hollywood actor in this really sweet Maine summer romance. I read it in an entire afternoon. I loved it!
October 20, 2025
dit boek had veel korter kunnen zijn, maar uiteindelijk was het dit waard
April 20, 2020
It was just Ok. Not much angst. No OM OW complicating things between the couple. Although the heroine has self esteem issues from a bad relationship which she just got out of.
I guess its was merely an okay read for me because i wasn’t really invested in the characters. They just seemed so cookie cutter and two dimensional. Neither one had any depth or development.
So, if you have nothing else. This will do.
I guess its was merely an okay read for me because i wasn’t really invested in the characters. They just seemed so cookie cutter and two dimensional. Neither one had any depth or development.
So, if you have nothing else. This will do.
March 5, 2015
ARC received for an honest review
Merry Farmer is a new-to-me author, but the blurb for Summer With A Star drew me in right away. So the chance to read an advanced copy was a no brainer.
What would you do if the dream holiday you have scrimped and saved for for the past 20 years was ripped away from you without notice?
That is what happens to primary school teacher Tasha Pike when she turns up to her dream summer. Oh my goodness my heart broke for her when she turned up and someone was in her house!!
Spence Ellis is the man who has ruined her holiday. Oh, and he is also an uber-famous Hollywood star flashing his cash around to get what he wants.
You just know this is going to be a battle of wills and fun and games between our lovelies. They are from such different worlds, such different expectations from people, that this can only end in tears, right?
You could feel Spence's guilt roll off the pages when it comes to what has happened with this house - even though at the end of the day he is not the one who did what happened, it happened for him. You can also feel the pull he has towards Tasha.
There is that attraction between them that cannot be denied. I don't know though, I think I would have stayed mad as hell at Spence for a lot longer than Tasha did. I mean steam-coming-out-the-ears-temperature-rising mad.
But at the same time I wanted her to give in to Spence and roll with it.
Can Spence keep his anonymity for the summer? Can he make things up to Tasha? Can they find love and their HEA? Nope, for that you are going to have to read for yourself.
There are some great secondary characters, especially Jenny and Simon - Tasha and Spence's respective best friends. Jenny is a force of nature!
Then there is Yvonne, Spence's agent. I had a love/hate relationship with her. Even at the end I still had mixed feelings about her.
Oh, and don't get me started on the absent owners of said house. As much as we are supposed to love this old couple that Tasha remembers from her childhood, all I could think was "you a*&eholes!! How could you do that to Tasha?!?"
I really did enjoy this book. It is a sweet, angst-free stand alone romance, and I will be reading more in this series as they come out.
Looking forward to Jenny and Simon's story - Night with A Star - as I need to know more about them!
Merry Farmer is a new-to-me author, but the blurb for Summer With A Star drew me in right away. So the chance to read an advanced copy was a no brainer.
What would you do if the dream holiday you have scrimped and saved for for the past 20 years was ripped away from you without notice?
That is what happens to primary school teacher Tasha Pike when she turns up to her dream summer. Oh my goodness my heart broke for her when she turned up and someone was in her house!!
Spence Ellis is the man who has ruined her holiday. Oh, and he is also an uber-famous Hollywood star flashing his cash around to get what he wants.
You just know this is going to be a battle of wills and fun and games between our lovelies. They are from such different worlds, such different expectations from people, that this can only end in tears, right?
You could feel Spence's guilt roll off the pages when it comes to what has happened with this house - even though at the end of the day he is not the one who did what happened, it happened for him. You can also feel the pull he has towards Tasha.
There is that attraction between them that cannot be denied. I don't know though, I think I would have stayed mad as hell at Spence for a lot longer than Tasha did. I mean steam-coming-out-the-ears-temperature-rising mad.
But at the same time I wanted her to give in to Spence and roll with it.
Can Spence keep his anonymity for the summer? Can he make things up to Tasha? Can they find love and their HEA? Nope, for that you are going to have to read for yourself.
There are some great secondary characters, especially Jenny and Simon - Tasha and Spence's respective best friends. Jenny is a force of nature!
Then there is Yvonne, Spence's agent. I had a love/hate relationship with her. Even at the end I still had mixed feelings about her.
Oh, and don't get me started on the absent owners of said house. As much as we are supposed to love this old couple that Tasha remembers from her childhood, all I could think was "you a*&eholes!! How could you do that to Tasha?!?"
I really did enjoy this book. It is a sweet, angst-free stand alone romance, and I will be reading more in this series as they come out.
Looking forward to Jenny and Simon's story - Night with A Star - as I need to know more about them!
March 9, 2015
Shy teacher, Tasha Pike has dreamed of spending a summer in a magnificent beach house in Summerbury, Maine, for twenty years. The dream nearly vanishes when she arrives to find someone has swooped in to take her place. Not just any someone. Spencer Ellis, famous film star. She immediately bursts into tears. What chance does she have against a rich famous star?
Luckily, Spencer is not what you’d expect. He’s not the spoiled type of rich. He’s more than happy to share the house with the cute teacher from Portland. Spence needs time away from the craziness in L.A. to re-evaluate his life and his career. Something is missing in his life. The more he gets to know Tasha, the more he realizes love could be the missing puzzle piece.
Can two people from two ends of the lifestyle spectrum manage to find a happy medium?
Tasha is a character to whom we can all relate. She lives an average existence with a regular job. Having recently had her heart broken and her self-esteem shattered, she is reluctant to hope for a future with Spence. She knows Spence isn't like her ex-boyfriend, but how could plain and boring ever fit into the world of glitz and glamour?
Spence wants some normal. He’s strongly attracted to Tasha because she’s natural and genuine and has an inner beauty that shines through to match the gorgeous exterior. He gets frustrated that not only can’t she see it; she doesn't see that he’s willing to change his life to have her in it. Permanently. He needs to change his life. He needs her.
It’s hard for Tasha to believe in the fairy-tale. The skilful portrayal of Tasha's turmoil and hopelessness provokes the reader to feel the same. Spencer’s frustration is evident even though he is endlessly patient.
This is a very sweet love story with some steamy action too. This couple will tug at your heart and get you thinking about what you might do in their situation.
The pushy agent, posing as concerned mother, annoyed the heck out of me. She’s the perfect antagonist. She also serves as a little insight into the Hollywood star’s lifestyle. Paparazzi, minders and security guards. Putting on a face for the media. The unpleasant side of fame.
The author paints beautiful imagery of Summerbury. You’ll feel like you’re on holiday there too.
This is a well-written story. A very enjoyable read. Four and a half flares.
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review*
Cheers
Luckily, Spencer is not what you’d expect. He’s not the spoiled type of rich. He’s more than happy to share the house with the cute teacher from Portland. Spence needs time away from the craziness in L.A. to re-evaluate his life and his career. Something is missing in his life. The more he gets to know Tasha, the more he realizes love could be the missing puzzle piece.
Can two people from two ends of the lifestyle spectrum manage to find a happy medium?
Tasha is a character to whom we can all relate. She lives an average existence with a regular job. Having recently had her heart broken and her self-esteem shattered, she is reluctant to hope for a future with Spence. She knows Spence isn't like her ex-boyfriend, but how could plain and boring ever fit into the world of glitz and glamour?
Spence wants some normal. He’s strongly attracted to Tasha because she’s natural and genuine and has an inner beauty that shines through to match the gorgeous exterior. He gets frustrated that not only can’t she see it; she doesn't see that he’s willing to change his life to have her in it. Permanently. He needs to change his life. He needs her.
It’s hard for Tasha to believe in the fairy-tale. The skilful portrayal of Tasha's turmoil and hopelessness provokes the reader to feel the same. Spencer’s frustration is evident even though he is endlessly patient.
This is a very sweet love story with some steamy action too. This couple will tug at your heart and get you thinking about what you might do in their situation.
The pushy agent, posing as concerned mother, annoyed the heck out of me. She’s the perfect antagonist. She also serves as a little insight into the Hollywood star’s lifestyle. Paparazzi, minders and security guards. Putting on a face for the media. The unpleasant side of fame.
The author paints beautiful imagery of Summerbury. You’ll feel like you’re on holiday there too.
This is a well-written story. A very enjoyable read. Four and a half flares.
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review*
Cheers
March 9, 2015
Summer With A Star review
***I recieved this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review***
What can I say about this book? OMG for starters. I have been reading Merry's work for a while now and I was so excited to read this book. I'm not gonna lie, I was wondering how it would turn out as it is not her normal style. As soon as I started, that went out the window. Merry is extremely talented and this book is seriously wonderful!
Tasha has been saving for 20 years to have her summer vacation at Sand Dollar Point. When she gets to her dream house, she learns that someone else was booked as well. Come to find out, it's Hollywood hotshot Spencer Ellis.
Spencer is drawn to her right away, Tasha wants him to be a jerk. She thinks he'll be that typical Hollywood stereotype.
They both end up proving each other wrong and taking advantage of the feelings they can't seem to fight.
Things start to take a turn though. Spencers agent Yvonne wants Tasha gone. Paparazzi show up as well as unwanted guests. The more these things happen, the more Tasha doubts herself.
This, was my issue with this book. Tasha drove me crazy! Haha. She was so insecure and came up with so many excuses, i wanted to slap her. She lets her past drive her too much. With that said though, I love when characters have that effect! Well done!!
I don't want to go into more details as I don't want to give things away. This seriously was a wonderful book. Fabulous writing and character development. I can't wait for the other books in the series to come out. It's another that I would love see brought to life.
***I recieved this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review***
What can I say about this book? OMG for starters. I have been reading Merry's work for a while now and I was so excited to read this book. I'm not gonna lie, I was wondering how it would turn out as it is not her normal style. As soon as I started, that went out the window. Merry is extremely talented and this book is seriously wonderful!
Tasha has been saving for 20 years to have her summer vacation at Sand Dollar Point. When she gets to her dream house, she learns that someone else was booked as well. Come to find out, it's Hollywood hotshot Spencer Ellis.
Spencer is drawn to her right away, Tasha wants him to be a jerk. She thinks he'll be that typical Hollywood stereotype.
They both end up proving each other wrong and taking advantage of the feelings they can't seem to fight.
Things start to take a turn though. Spencers agent Yvonne wants Tasha gone. Paparazzi show up as well as unwanted guests. The more these things happen, the more Tasha doubts herself.
This, was my issue with this book. Tasha drove me crazy! Haha. She was so insecure and came up with so many excuses, i wanted to slap her. She lets her past drive her too much. With that said though, I love when characters have that effect! Well done!!
I don't want to go into more details as I don't want to give things away. This seriously was a wonderful book. Fabulous writing and character development. I can't wait for the other books in the series to come out. It's another that I would love see brought to life.
May 18, 2016
Summer With A Star is book one in the Second Chances series by Merry Farmer. The book is delightful read and the story line is really cute. The characters are well developed and realistic. It is set on Summerbury Beach in Maine.
Tasha Pike had spent the last twenty years of her life saving her pennies to be able to rent the big Victorian House on Summerbury Beach. The house belonged to a couple who had had it for many years. Tasha and her family had spent summers here on Summerbury Beach and she had fallen in love with the house. For twenty years, people told her she was crazy and could never afford the house. Even her ex- boyfriend Brad Jamison didn’t think she could do it. Of course, he didn’t think much of her to have cheated on her either. They had grown up here on the beach during the summers; but she didn’t plan on having that make her vacation any less restful.
However, there was something wrong. Someone had already picked up the keys and was already in the house. It turned out that actor Spencer Ellis had also rented the house. In fact, his agent had rented it out from under Tasha. She had arranged for Tasha to have the house the following summer for nothing; but that didn’t help this summer. When Spencer suggested sharing the house for the summer, Tasha agreed. How hard could it be to avoid one other person in the house? Her friend Jenny’s suggestion that she have a summer fling didn’t help things either.
Tasha was determined not to let Spencer Ellis ruin her summer. Would it work?
Tasha Pike had spent the last twenty years of her life saving her pennies to be able to rent the big Victorian House on Summerbury Beach. The house belonged to a couple who had had it for many years. Tasha and her family had spent summers here on Summerbury Beach and she had fallen in love with the house. For twenty years, people told her she was crazy and could never afford the house. Even her ex- boyfriend Brad Jamison didn’t think she could do it. Of course, he didn’t think much of her to have cheated on her either. They had grown up here on the beach during the summers; but she didn’t plan on having that make her vacation any less restful.
However, there was something wrong. Someone had already picked up the keys and was already in the house. It turned out that actor Spencer Ellis had also rented the house. In fact, his agent had rented it out from under Tasha. She had arranged for Tasha to have the house the following summer for nothing; but that didn’t help this summer. When Spencer suggested sharing the house for the summer, Tasha agreed. How hard could it be to avoid one other person in the house? Her friend Jenny’s suggestion that she have a summer fling didn’t help things either.
Tasha was determined not to let Spencer Ellis ruin her summer. Would it work?
March 7, 2015
LOVE IS WORHT FIGHTING FOR
I loved this new series of an erotica romance story of second chances and where dreams really can come true when the right people are involved. Spencer Ellis, A-list celebrity needed a break from LA and movies with the same character image. His Hollywood Agent, Veronica, booked him a summer vacation home in Summerbury, Maine. Second grade school teacher, Tasha Pike, has saved and scrimped for twenty years for her dream Victorian vacation home, Sand Dollar Point for the summer. After catching her boyfriend of thirteen years cheating on her, she needs the getaway more now than ever. What happens when she arrives to find out that the reservations she has held for nearly three years has been canceled and now a hot shot movie star is in her house.
This story will keep the reader captivated with witty dialogue, entertaining characters and heartwarming scenes. Can two people, from two different life-styles make a relationship work? Do you let hurt from the past stop true love or is love worth fighting for? Note: This is an erotica romance, where there are steamy and explicit sex scenes between two people falling in love and strong language. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
I loved this new series of an erotica romance story of second chances and where dreams really can come true when the right people are involved. Spencer Ellis, A-list celebrity needed a break from LA and movies with the same character image. His Hollywood Agent, Veronica, booked him a summer vacation home in Summerbury, Maine. Second grade school teacher, Tasha Pike, has saved and scrimped for twenty years for her dream Victorian vacation home, Sand Dollar Point for the summer. After catching her boyfriend of thirteen years cheating on her, she needs the getaway more now than ever. What happens when she arrives to find out that the reservations she has held for nearly three years has been canceled and now a hot shot movie star is in her house.
This story will keep the reader captivated with witty dialogue, entertaining characters and heartwarming scenes. Can two people, from two different life-styles make a relationship work? Do you let hurt from the past stop true love or is love worth fighting for? Note: This is an erotica romance, where there are steamy and explicit sex scenes between two people falling in love and strong language. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
May 22, 2015
LOVE IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR
I loved this new series of an erotica romance story of second chances and where dreams really can come true when the right people are involved. Spencer Ellis, A-list celebrity needed a break from LA and movies with the same character image. His Hollywood Agent, Veronica, booked him a summer vacation home in Summerbury, Maine. Second grade school teacher, Tasha Pike, has saved and scrimped for twenty years for her dream Victorian vacation home, Sand Dollar Point for the summer. After catching her boyfriend of thirteen years cheating on her, she needs the getaway more now than ever. What happens when she arrives to find out that the reservations she has held for nearly three years has been canceled and now a hot shot movie star is in her house.
This story will keep the reader captivated with witty dialogue, entertaining characters and heartwarming scenes. Can two people, from two different life-styles make a relationship work? Do you let hurt from the past stop true love or is love worth fighting for? Note: This is an erotica romance, where there are steamy and explicit sex scenes between two people falling in love and strong language. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
I loved this new series of an erotica romance story of second chances and where dreams really can come true when the right people are involved. Spencer Ellis, A-list celebrity needed a break from LA and movies with the same character image. His Hollywood Agent, Veronica, booked him a summer vacation home in Summerbury, Maine. Second grade school teacher, Tasha Pike, has saved and scrimped for twenty years for her dream Victorian vacation home, Sand Dollar Point for the summer. After catching her boyfriend of thirteen years cheating on her, she needs the getaway more now than ever. What happens when she arrives to find out that the reservations she has held for nearly three years has been canceled and now a hot shot movie star is in her house.
This story will keep the reader captivated with witty dialogue, entertaining characters and heartwarming scenes. Can two people, from two different life-styles make a relationship work? Do you let hurt from the past stop true love or is love worth fighting for? Note: This is an erotica romance, where there are steamy and explicit sex scenes between two people falling in love and strong language. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
April 20, 2015
You may think spending an entire summer with a star would be glamorous, but for Tasha Pike things could become complicated very quickly.
Tasha Pike has lived a normal life: a career as a elementary school teacher, and what she thought was a great relationship with a man turns out to be nothing but lies and embarrassment. So she finds herself spending the summer at her dream home, the one she saved up for twenty years, only to find it occupied...by none other than Spencer Ellis himself!
Spencer Ellis is known by many as a well talented celebrity. Doing what he loves but in an environment that can be very overwhelming at times, he decides to take a summer off and go away. His agent finds him a beautiful house in Summerbury, Maine called Sand Dollar Point. Everything seems perfect except for one thing: finding out he took away Tasha's dream summer. To remedy the situation he offers her to stay with him for the summer...she accepts.
Spending a summer with a star can become very overwhelming or very neutral, it all depends on how the chemistry between the two combine. Will the bond between Spencer and Tasha take and create something magical? Or will it spiral downhill and crash? Find out in Merry Farmer's fun summer read, Summer With A Star!
Tasha Pike has lived a normal life: a career as a elementary school teacher, and what she thought was a great relationship with a man turns out to be nothing but lies and embarrassment. So she finds herself spending the summer at her dream home, the one she saved up for twenty years, only to find it occupied...by none other than Spencer Ellis himself!
Spencer Ellis is known by many as a well talented celebrity. Doing what he loves but in an environment that can be very overwhelming at times, he decides to take a summer off and go away. His agent finds him a beautiful house in Summerbury, Maine called Sand Dollar Point. Everything seems perfect except for one thing: finding out he took away Tasha's dream summer. To remedy the situation he offers her to stay with him for the summer...she accepts.
Spending a summer with a star can become very overwhelming or very neutral, it all depends on how the chemistry between the two combine. Will the bond between Spencer and Tasha take and create something magical? Or will it spiral downhill and crash? Find out in Merry Farmer's fun summer read, Summer With A Star!
April 22, 2016
A HOLLYWOOD HUNK - A QUIET SCHOOLTEACHER - CLICHE OR DREAM?
Tasha's twenty years of saving for her dream vacation home looks like it's been washed down the drain when she finds someone else inhabiting the house. The fact that it's a Hollywood movie star does not impress her one bit.
Spence starts to feel bad about his agent stealing the rental out from under Tasha, and invites her to share the huge house with him for the summer. She accepts and then proceeds to either ignore him or treat him like a privileged, arrogant fool. Neither of which is Spencer Ellis. Instead, Spence tries to break through her tough shell to show who and what he is.
While doing this Spence and Tash find out who they each are as well as who the other is. Intruders, gushing fans, paparazzo and splashing contests in the ocean all lead to an interesting and eventful story. I didn't even want to stop to fix dinner. Come and join Tasha as she wakes up and realizes her full potential. Merry Farmer, thank you for introducing me to these people
Tasha's twenty years of saving for her dream vacation home looks like it's been washed down the drain when she finds someone else inhabiting the house. The fact that it's a Hollywood movie star does not impress her one bit.
Spence starts to feel bad about his agent stealing the rental out from under Tasha, and invites her to share the huge house with him for the summer. She accepts and then proceeds to either ignore him or treat him like a privileged, arrogant fool. Neither of which is Spencer Ellis. Instead, Spence tries to break through her tough shell to show who and what he is.
While doing this Spence and Tash find out who they each are as well as who the other is. Intruders, gushing fans, paparazzo and splashing contests in the ocean all lead to an interesting and eventful story. I didn't even want to stop to fix dinner. Come and join Tasha as she wakes up and realizes her full potential. Merry Farmer, thank you for introducing me to these people
March 9, 2015
Summer with a star review
Awe... I loved this sweet book so much. It was exactly what I needed.
A beautiful love story that I can curl up in and fall in love right along with them.
I have a weakness for Hollywood romance type books and this one would make an awesome movie.
Spencer is a movie star trying to escape the chaos of being chased by fans and paparazzi so he rents out a house On the beach for the summer.
Enter Tasha, she has been saving up since she was ten years old to rent this beautiful house for the summer. It has been her dream her whole life. She shows up and instead of a house to herself she finds Hollywood heart throb ...and the fun begins.
Both characters were honest and kind and really wonder people you rooted for. Their love story was fun and relatively drama free. Their Happily ever after was a breath of fresh air. Oh and the sexy... So hot! LOL
I'm excited to see Simon and Jenny will be getting a book as well. That would be a really fun read.
ARC via BAM
Awe... I loved this sweet book so much. It was exactly what I needed.
A beautiful love story that I can curl up in and fall in love right along with them.
I have a weakness for Hollywood romance type books and this one would make an awesome movie.
Spencer is a movie star trying to escape the chaos of being chased by fans and paparazzi so he rents out a house On the beach for the summer.
Enter Tasha, she has been saving up since she was ten years old to rent this beautiful house for the summer. It has been her dream her whole life. She shows up and instead of a house to herself she finds Hollywood heart throb ...and the fun begins.
Both characters were honest and kind and really wonder people you rooted for. Their love story was fun and relatively drama free. Their Happily ever after was a breath of fresh air. Oh and the sexy... So hot! LOL
I'm excited to see Simon and Jenny will be getting a book as well. That would be a really fun read.
ARC via BAM
March 8, 2015
I have received an ARC copy for my honest review.
Tasha Pike is a schoolteacher who has saved for twenty years to rent the summer house of her dreams. Recently single, she looks forward to rest and relaxation as she nurses her broken heart.
Spencer Ellis is a movie star who wants time away from the fame to find himself and reconnect with his heart's desires in life. He just wants to hide, relax, and be anonymous. His agent rents him a beautiful summer beach home that, unknown to him, was already rented by Tasha.
What follows is an enjoyable story about how two strangers decide to share the house for the summer. Throw in a couple of friends, a pushy agent, and some adoring fans and this summer tale is told. It is a contemporary romance worth reading.
Merry Farmer has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I recommend all her books for your enjoyment.
Tasha Pike is a schoolteacher who has saved for twenty years to rent the summer house of her dreams. Recently single, she looks forward to rest and relaxation as she nurses her broken heart.
Spencer Ellis is a movie star who wants time away from the fame to find himself and reconnect with his heart's desires in life. He just wants to hide, relax, and be anonymous. His agent rents him a beautiful summer beach home that, unknown to him, was already rented by Tasha.
What follows is an enjoyable story about how two strangers decide to share the house for the summer. Throw in a couple of friends, a pushy agent, and some adoring fans and this summer tale is told. It is a contemporary romance worth reading.
Merry Farmer has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I recommend all her books for your enjoyment.
March 10, 2015
From the Oregon Trail book to Contemporary this author has it all. The new book shows how much depth this author has. I enjoyed this story and could not put it down. I know what it means to work and save for something that you yourself classify as a dream. It is a wonderful feeling to finally get that dream accomplished. Tasha is the real hero in this book being a TEACHER. That is one of the most difficult jobs there is. For teachers everywhere I would recommend this book. To get a dream vacation and then spend it with someone that you would not normally be able to is just even more of a dream.
December 24, 2016
This was a nice summer romance story. I found it to be easy and enjoyable to read. Tash is a relatable school teacher and Spence is a really nice, and very good looking, guy who just happens to be a Hollywood movie star. Yes, it is an unlikely match, but I was eager to see how the characters would overcome their differences. I liked the realistic, but still, Hollywood-like ending. A good solid romance.
December 31, 2023
Re-read December 2023
3.5 stars
I am a sucker for a celebrity romance so I was happy to stumble upon this one, and I liked it fine.
Spencer was kind of strange, unrealistic for Hollywood A-list actor. He did not feel real, too accommodating and almost submissive - almost like a woman written in a man's character. Not at all like the typical Hollywood actor alpha male. And Tasha's low self esteem was close to be annoying at the end.
3.5 stars
I am a sucker for a celebrity romance so I was happy to stumble upon this one, and I liked it fine.
Spencer was kind of strange, unrealistic for Hollywood A-list actor. He did not feel real, too accommodating and almost submissive - almost like a woman written in a man's character. Not at all like the typical Hollywood actor alpha male. And Tasha's low self esteem was close to be annoying at the end.
July 30, 2016
Good summer read with predictable fairy tale ending but easy dialogue -would be a nice beach read and the sex is steamy but not overbearing. Makes me want to rent a house at the beach for the whole summer.
November 18, 2016
Second Chances
This is awesome love story. It started out in an unusual way. While staying in a great house on the sea shore they grew to love each other. It has a very hot sexy love scene. Spence and Tasha were so good for each other. I couldn't put it down.
This is awesome love story. It started out in an unusual way. While staying in a great house on the sea shore they grew to love each other. It has a very hot sexy love scene. Spence and Tasha were so good for each other. I couldn't put it down.
January 2, 2021
I am bleary-eyed, exhausted, but on a bit of a book high because I found a new author and new series ... although I had the books and hand’t read them!
Summer with a Star by Merry Farmer is the first book in the Second Chances series ... and I’m taking a break from book #2 to write a review on this one because ....
Holey Moley was Summer with a Star awesome-sauce!
What made this a 5 star read for me? It’s a HEA with terrific characters.
Tasha Pike has had a year ... she’s dumped her long time boyfriend after finding him in bed with a red-head but is looking forward to cashing in her life savings for a summer in Summerbury Maine at the Sand Dollar Point. SDP featured prominently in her summer childhood vacation when the Pike family would stay in a motel nearby. Tasha‘s fond memories of the town and of the house, are about to become reality for the next 3 months.
Spencer Ellis is a famous movie star who is at the end of his rope. His exhaustion has been building over several yrs and summer in a small beach town is just what he needs.
When Yvonne, Spencer’s agent, finagled things so he could have the beach house, things get crazy. They decide to share the house ... and become more than just housemates.
As the summer progresses and Tasha shows Spence what a summer in ME at the beach is like, their friendship deepens ... this is where Ms. Farmer’s skill as an author comes through. Spencer is starting to realized just how much Tasha fills his live while she wrestles with bouts of insecurity.
If you’re looking for a beach read ... no matter the time of year, download Summer with the Star ... you’ll be happy you did!
Summer with a Star by Merry Farmer is the first book in the Second Chances series ... and I’m taking a break from book #2 to write a review on this one because ....
Holey Moley was Summer with a Star awesome-sauce!
What made this a 5 star read for me? It’s a HEA with terrific characters.
Tasha Pike has had a year ... she’s dumped her long time boyfriend after finding him in bed with a red-head but is looking forward to cashing in her life savings for a summer in Summerbury Maine at the Sand Dollar Point. SDP featured prominently in her summer childhood vacation when the Pike family would stay in a motel nearby. Tasha‘s fond memories of the town and of the house, are about to become reality for the next 3 months.
Spencer Ellis is a famous movie star who is at the end of his rope. His exhaustion has been building over several yrs and summer in a small beach town is just what he needs.
When Yvonne, Spencer’s agent, finagled things so he could have the beach house, things get crazy. They decide to share the house ... and become more than just housemates.
As the summer progresses and Tasha shows Spence what a summer in ME at the beach is like, their friendship deepens ... this is where Ms. Farmer’s skill as an author comes through. Spencer is starting to realized just how much Tasha fills his live while she wrestles with bouts of insecurity.
If you’re looking for a beach read ... no matter the time of year, download Summer with the Star ... you’ll be happy you did!
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