The Beachside Rental

by Jennifer Faye

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2026

About the author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards. Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband and two spoiled cats. When she's not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book. Jennifer loves to hear from readers—you can contact her via her website.

And be sure to follow Jennifer for the latest on sales via Bookbub.

Reviews

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Island Market on Bluestar Island belongs to The Adams family. Jenna Adams is the front-end supervisor and wants to change it for the better, but her brother is in charge and doesn’t want to know what she has in mind. Their father passed away suddenly and Neil, her brother is trying to keep it the way his father ran it but sometimes change is good. Simon Bennett is a bestselling author, but when his ex-girlfriend gave up his real name and address after he killed off the main character in the final book, those angry with the ending have damaged his property and some made death threats. For this reason, he rented a duplex for six months to both start a new series after he is suffering from writer's block and to also relax a little. It didn’t take long for he to start falling for Jenna who is also renting the other part of the duplex. The beginning wasn’t the greatest as he had a pile of boxes on her side of the porch which made her a very unhappy camper. As they get to know each other a little better, she finds he isn’t so bad. Also having Gus, his golden retriever, is a plus. When things seem to be going in the right direction for them, a couple things happen at the same time. Will they be able to explain to each other and learn that everything isn’t always as it looks.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

For everyone who has read this author before, they will not be surprised that my favorite character was…Gus, the dog! Sometimes I could actually picture him looking at the humans in his life and thinking, “Really???” Such a fun pooch!

I’m so happy Jenna Adams gets her own story. To me, it seems she sometimes gets lost in her family structure. It’s wonderful when others finally notice her “shining”. Simon Bennett is a bestselling author with a…let’s call it a visibility problem. I wouldn’t know first hand what he’s dealing with but his decisions about his (book) characters are his own – and I respect that. I mean, I’m always surprised when an author writes a character in a certain way that is totally opposite what I thought! Simon’s hiding out in a community of, let’s call them ‘interested citizens’ rather than busybodies even though busybodies might be a better description. But everyone means well!

Gus has his work cut out for himself, getting these two humans together, but The Beachside Rental is full of love. And hijinks. Little bit of trauma (for a pet owner). A wee bit of drama, too. The book also has a turn I never saw coming! But Jenna and Simon – and Gus! – get their HEA. Loved it!

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Bluestar Island with another sweet, clean, touching romance. This time it belongs to another Adam’s sibling.
Jenna Adam’s manages the family market. Lately, she’s been frustrated with her boss, the eldest Adam’s sibling. While her brother wants to keep everything as their deceased father kept the market, she sees a need for improvement.
Meanwhile, Simon Bennett, a bestselling author, needed to get away from the media after his last book. A friend suggested Bluestar Island so he has just rented the duplex next to Jenna .
While at first they bud heads, it’s his dog Gus who has a hand in bringing them together.
But will misunderstanding on both their sides get in the way of getting their HEA?
This is another fun and entertaining book in the series. This reader is looking forward to the next book.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout . The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and engaging romance set on Bluestar Island. Jenna Adams, a local and supervisor of her family-owned market, meets her new neighbor, a famous author trying to hide his identity. When they first meet, there’s annoyance, but they soon evolve into friends and later into romantic partners. Blue Star Island is enchanting, from golf cart transportation, beachfront views, lunch at The Lighthouse Café, and trivia night at the High Tide Pub. Jenna welcomes Nathan into her world. With a few suspenseful moments (an incoming storm and a lost dog) and some obstacles thrown in (a trip and fall, a manuscript leak, and a misguided agent), Jenna and Nathan weather it all and find their happy ending at the beach. This quick, fun, romantic novel, written with easy-flowing dialogue and highly likeable characters, including an adorable dog, will have readers enjoying their latest trip to Bluestar Island.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet addition to the Bluestar Island series. Simon is an author struggling with writer’s block after the controversial ending to his last book left his fans frustrated. Needing peace and quiet to start his new series, he and his dog, Gus, escape to Bluestar Island.

Next door lives Jenna, a lifelong island resident who wants nothing to do with her handsome new neighbour, especially since he doesn’t seem to understand the meaning of boundaries.

But as Simon and Jenna slowly get to know each other—with a little help from the lovable Gus—their friendship begins to blossom into something more.

This was an easy, heartwarming read that’s perfect for a day at the beach…which is exactly where I enjoyed it!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed every trip Jennifer Faye has taken me on to Bluestar Island. This small beach town is filled with all my favorite small town characters and a few animals that often make the stories have some laugh-out-loud moments. This is the love story of Jenna Adams, a member of a prominent island family who runs the grocery, and Simon Bennett, a best-selling author with a motion picture deal, who is hiding out on the island. The blurb covers all that well.
The author has the ability to make the characters come to life as they each face challenges of their own that are all too real. Get ready to be swept away.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of The Adams Family of Bluestar Island

'Jenna’s new neighbor has a habit of stepping on her last nerve. However, when push comes to shove, they’ve got each other’s backs. Will these neighbors find they have more in common than they ever imagined?'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and quirky and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nightmares of having neighbors, loud noises, annoying repeated sounds, terrible music choices, and taking up too much space.
It's interesting to see how much the protagonists make each other's lives uncomfortable.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, with them connecting while having smaller, bigger, painful bumps in the road.
There's a most of the time adorable dog (because he was worrying his human and liking one sister, but one day easily changing her for the other sister) with a secret stash.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna is in one half of a duplex and Simon moves into the other half but annoys her when he's moving in. He's not used to being able to leave his belongings on the other side of the island while he's moving some over to his duplex and not having it stolen (he's a city boy). Things did get better as they get to know each other, especially with Gus' help.
This is a sweet, funny romance in a wonderful island community that I really enjoyed! Another great book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon was looking to escape the public that hated the ending to his last book and find his muse for the next one when he rented the duplex next to Jenna. They don’t get off on the best footing and I had a feeling early on who was behind their disappearing things. He’s very secretive and suspicious but the more time they spend together with the help of his adventurous dog the closer they become until hurts from their past get in the way. I felt for Jenna working for the family business and not feeling heard. This was a kisses only romance.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, romantic story full of chemistry and sparks as Simon leases the other half of the beach duplex that Jenna lives in. I liked how they started off as "enemies" when Simon's boxes were on her half of the porch. Eventually they got past that, thanks to Simon's cute dog, Gus.
I enjoyed how there were secrets and surprises in the story, including what Simon did for a living. It was such fun to return to Bluestar Island with its unique characters, stores, and restaurants. I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Barb Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Bluestar Island where Jenna really wants to make changes at the family market. She gets a new neighbor at the duplex she lives in but to start she is annoyed that he is invading the porch space.
Simon has moved to Bluestar Island to restart his writing career after his ex-girlfriend his real identity and he receives death threats. Jenna and Simon become friends especially with Gus the dog being a contributing factor. This is a sweet romance with ties to the other Adams siblings. I received an advanced reader copy of this book via BookFunnel, and this is my honest review.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabs you from the first chapter and holds you until the last one. Jenna and Simon are made for each other. They just need to get over some trauma from their pasts. Enter Gus the golden retriever who loves to steal stuff and bury it. This is a clean lovely romance. I recommend this book to all romance readers.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding peace on Bluestar Island.

A beautiful, romantic story as Simon, a blocked writer, is looking for a new start.  Meanwhile, his new neighbour, Jenna, is doing her best to be friendly and welcome him to the island.  An absolutely delightful story and one that I can easily recommend to others.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna has sworn off relationships since her last bf cheated on her. Simon’s who is a writer has had to move a few times bc of his ex gf. Simon, Gus(his dog) and Jenna are neighbors. They get off to a bad start but Gus helps smooth things over.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun and entertaining visit to Bluestar Island! This delightful read had it all, drama, mystery, humor, shenanigans and romance. It all drew me right into the story turning pages to the end. Loved the writing and the great characters. Such a sweet and heartwarming story and Gus will completely capture your heart! Don't miss this one!.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna and Simon were not looking for a relationship but Gus, the golden retriever had other ideas.
They each rent a side of the duplex on the beach and often find themselves walking with Gus and enjoying the evening. This sweet romance has a little mystery, career pressures and a lot of family and friends.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is another winner by the amazingly talented Jennifer Faye. Simon and Jenna are wonderful characters, and I loved Simon's dog Gus. I was glued to this book from beginning to end, and I couldn't stop reading it. This is a feel good story and I highly recommend it!

[Aud · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Beachside Rental” (The Adams Family of Bluestar Island, book 2) by Jennifer Faye
A Sweet Romance +
This was a fun easy read. It does have a bit of a cozy(?) mystery. Will you have the true villain on your suspect list? Happy Reading ! !

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I really enjoyed this addition to the series. Simon and Jenna may have gotten off to a rocky start but they quickly find their groove and are just so good to and for each other. Loved watching both of their characters grow.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet fun romance that was a joy to read. Jenna and Simon's story is a
sweet fun romance, but it's Gus the dog who steals the show. I fell in love with him. This is a great read and I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Faye has become one of my favorite authors. I love everything about the Blue Star series. The characters and families are so much fun and the writing makes me feel like I am there. This one was so enjoyable I want to live in Bluestar Island. What a master storyteller.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️the cover, ❤️ Bluestar Island ❤️ Simon, Jenna & Gus!

I was so glad to read THE BEACHSIDE RENTAL while on our beach vacation. It felt like being on Bluestar Island while experiencing a slow lazy day of reading. And yes I finished it in one day. Very hard to put down.
This book has an Author, Simon, looking for solitude to write, Jenna frustrated with her brother and Gus stole my heart with all his cute stunts.
Highly recommend for your Summer reading!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it
I just loved Gus the matchmaking Golden Retriever, what an extraordinary perspective to keep in the back of my mind while reading about the development of Jenna and Simon´s relationship.