Fairway to Heaven

by Lily Malone

It’s going to take more than summer loving to heal old wounds, but a remote beach, old friendships and a bit of sunshine might just spark a second chance at love.

When Jennifer Gates drives to Sea Breeze Golf Club to kick off date-night with her boyfriend, the last thing she expects is to find Golf Pro Jack giving one of his lady students a private—and very personal—lesson in bunker-play.

Lucky for Jenn, her best friend gives her the keys to the Culhane family’s beach shack on the white-pepper shores of Western Australia’s Geographe Bay. Jenn hopes a weekend on the coast with her young son will give her the space she needs to rebuild her confidence after Jack’s betrayal.

But she’s not the only person seeking sanctuary by the sea. Brayden Culhane is there too, and Jenn can’t look at Brayden without remembering the tequila-flavoured kiss they shared on the shack steps years ago.

As long-buried feelings are rekindled, and a friendship is renewed, Jenn knows it is more than lazy summer days bringing her mojo back. Romantic sunsets, ice-cold beers and the odd round of golf can only go so far, because this time trusting Brayden with her heart won’t be enough. Jenn has to learn to trust her body, too.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2014

About the author

Lily Malone is a journalist and freelance writer who discovered after years of writing facts for a living, writing romance was much more fun.

Lily juggles writing with the needs of a young family, and when she isn’t writing, she likes gardening, walking, wine, and walking in gardens (sometimes with wine).

She loves to hear from readers and you can visit Lily at www.lilymalone.wordpress.com; email her at lilymalone@mail.com or connect with her here on Goodreads or find and like her page on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/lily.lilymalone

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Gates decides to give her boyfriend Jack Bannerman a surprise visit at work. Once she arrives at the Sea Breeze Golf Club she finds the Pro Shop closed. Thinking that is a bit odd she remembers that when it's quiet, Jack will take bucket and balls and head out to the driving range. So she heads for the green, but at first she can't seem to find him. Then she spots her golf bag which she sold and not far away she soon finds Jack down in a bunker with the owner of bag, Marine James. It looks like the surprise is on Jenn when she spots a pair of lacy knickers which at first she'd mistaken for a pair golf gloves. There certainly wasn't any golf being played in this bunker. Jenn can't believe what she is seeing or hearing and takes off back to her car.

Upset and beside herself, Jenn packs a few things for her and young son Seb then takes off for friends house. Leaving Jack a note which is more than he deserves. After hearing what Jack has done to her friend Emmy feels for Jenn although she has never really liked Jack. After a few wines and something to eat Jenn is feeling a little calmer and pleased that she'd been able to share this with her friend. Emmy hands Jenn the keys to her parents beach shack and tells her to go up there where she can clear her head and make some decisions.

Seb is very good on the long drive to the beach shack which is in Busselton. He sleeps for most of the way which is good for Jenn as she can concentrate on the drive. Once she spots the Geograph Bay sign she knows she is only around the corner. Pulling into the driveway she finds that the shack may not be empty like her friend told her it would be. Emmy's brother Brayden's car is in the driveway and this is the last person she'd expected to bump into.

Jenn feels like she is intruding on Brayden's time at the shack, but Brayden's insists she stay as he could do with the company. They chat about what they've both been up to and it's pretty obvious that Brayden is hiding something and Jenn hopes that he'll be able to confide in her. Years ago they had feelings for each other and now after spending a few days together could these feelings be resurfacing or is there still a chance that Jenn will forgive Jack?

I absolutely loved this story from start to finish. A wonderfully well written story by a very talented Aussie author. HIGHLY recommended.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairway to Heaven is a story about Brayden Culhane and Jennifer Gates and how they rekindle their love. When Jennifer found her partner in a compromising situation in a banker at the local golf course started events that will change Jennifer's life. Jennifer runs away with her son to her best friends family beach house to find peace. However, this did not happen because Jennifer found Brayden staying at the cottage. The readers of Fairway to Heaven will continue to follow Jennifer and Brayden to find out what happens.

I was impressed with Lily Malone portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. At times readers of Fairway to Heaven would be unable to stop laughing. I did enjoy that Lily Malone portrayed her characters with problems. Fairway to Heaven is well written and researched by Lily Malone.

The readers of Fairway to Heaven will learn about Lichen Sclerosis and how it affects you. Also, readers of Fairway to Heaven will learn about another way for using your journalist skills by copywriting for Real Estate Agents. Fairway to Heaven highlights the importance of ensuring your side mirrors are correctly position to stop blindspots.

I recommend this book.

[Jenn J McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer I read with a fairly critical eye (and not on purpose. It just happens.) But something happened when I read Fairway to Heaven.

I just read. I fell into the story and was swept along by thoughtfully conceived characters that set this story apart. I have read Lily Malone’s previous work and with this book she has really hit so many perfect shots (excuse the golf analogy). The writing in first person, present tense is not a favourite of mine, but for some reason (must be the characters) I didn’t notice after the first few pages. Her characters are very relatable and authentic. Brayden is a bloke I loved for his emotional contribution to the story (and I was grateful there was very little mention of manly body parts! In fact, he could have been less hunky and I would have related to him even more).

As for the main character – Jenn! Seasoned authors will tell you: “Avoid putting babies in books.” This is largely because the little characters must be accounted for to avoid readers asking, “Where’s the baby right now?”

Lily is obviously a mother and an author unafraid to go with her own. Her writing is fresh, her beautiful turn of phrase sometimes making me think, “Why didn’t I think of that!” This is most evident as she showed me the devoted mother/son relationship in a way that gave me goose bumps. When Jenn and Seb (the baby) are together the writing made me miss not being a mother. Truly lovely in every way.

The theme is about finding the courage to move forward, the plot containing certain women’s issues (again, something that surprised me for a split second and then I thought … You know what? This is so real.) This is a contemporary story about a very real woman facing real life challenges – moments in her life that are both heartwarming and hilarious. I look forward to more.

[Greg Barron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been meaning to read this ever since I first heard the title and it cracked me up. I read it from start to finish in two days, and I'm a slow reader these days, never missing a word.
Fairway to Heaven is a delight. Enough happens to keep the plot rolling along, but it's the precise, sensory writing and appealing characters that made me want to keep picking it up.

I don't, it's fair to say, read much romance, and I did learn a lot more about the workings of the female body than I needed to, but Lily Malone had me in the palm of her hand until I turned the last page.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having organised for best friend Emma to look after her eighteen-month-old son Sebastian, Jennifer Gates cooked Jack’s favourite dinner while cleaning the house from top to bottom. Then she made her way to the Sea Breeze Golf Club where Jack taught his young students the rudimentary facts about playing golf, preparing to surprise him with the entire package – starting with herself. But the surprise back-fired when she discovered Jack getting sandy at the bottom of a bunker – and he wasn’t alone.

Distraught, she raced home and packed bags for her and Seb, taking the wine she had chilling plus the beef ragout she had cooked for their dinner - leaving Jack a note on the table – then Jenn headed to Em’s and refuge. With Jenn cuddling her young son and struggling not to cry, Em was horrified and sympathetic. Her solution, after several glasses of wine and dinner, was a sound one – she gave Jenn the keys to her parents’ beach shack down the WA coast at Geographe Bay. Jenn had spent a lot of summers there with the whole Culhane family when she was younger, and she had idolised Em’s big brother, Brayden as long as she had known him. But eight years ago he had made the decision to work in the mines – Jenn was devastated and her decisions went downhill after Brayden left, until she met Jack.

The long drive the following day was peaceful in part – Seb slept most of the way while Jenn was deep in thought, wondering what their next step would be, wondering what went wrong with Jack and her relationship – but nearing their destination, teething pain began to cause him to cry, then scream; Jenn was frazzled when she pulled up at the shack – and horrified to see Brayden’s car sitting in the driveway after Em had told her the place was currently empty.

As the hours passed and Jenn struggled with her dilemma, she discovered Brayden had problems of his own as well – but their easy friendship of the past was soon rekindled. Seb fell instantly in love with his Uncle Brayden; he was wonderful with kids as he’d been surrounded with them most of his life. Spending some hours at the beach with Seb was soothing… What would happen to her and Jack now? He wanted his girlfriend and son to return home, but was that an option? Jenn was confused, her confidence was shot to pieces… And who was that strange man?

What a wonderfully entertaining read! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Aussie author Lily Malone – this is my second by her, and I’ll definitely be reading more. Lily is an extremely talented writer – her characters are real, with emotions which made me react accordingly, even laughing out loud in a few places! An author who is right up there at the top of her genre, and I have no hesitation in recommending this one highly.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily Malone hits a hole in one with this engaging, and somewhat unusual, romance novel featuring friendship, intimacy and love.

When Jennifer Gates catches her pro golfer boyfriend, Jack, in the bunker with the boss's daughter, she finally has to admit that their relationship has run its course and, taking their toddler son Seb, she seeks sanctuary at the beach shack owned by her best friend's parents. But Jennifer is surprised to find Brayden Culhane already in residence, taking time out after a shocking incident his family knows nothing about.
Once Jennifer had imagined her future might lay with her best friend's brother, after a night of tequila slammers and a mind blowing kiss, but the timing had been all wrong, and then she had met Jack. Though wary of sharing the cottage with Brayden, with no where else to go, she accepts his invitation to stay until she can decide on her next move and as she begins to piece together a new life for herself and her son, Jennifer wonders if perhaps this time she and Brayden may get the timing just right.

I enjoyed this appealing contemporary romance. It doesn't hurt that the author sets much of Fairway To Heaven very near to where I regularly holidayed as a child in southern Western Australia. In fact my grandparents owned a beach shack not unlike the one in which Jennifer and her son stay, reviving some wonderful memories for me.

And though golf bores me to tears, after a childhood spent caddying for those same grandparents, there is actually little mention of the game, alleviating the concerns I first had about the story when asked to read it.

There are some surprises in this novel that wouldn't usually be encountered in a traditional romance novel. The first involves Jennifer's physical intimacy issues, which are quite explicitly detailed by the author. The second is the serious incident that prompted Brayden's stay at the beach cottage. I think both plot points are a brave choice and add interest to the story and characters however I was a little disappointed by the lack of resolution to Brayden's woes as it left me unable to imagine his and Jennifer's happy future together. I'm wondering if perhaps Malone intends to follow this up in a future book.

I've previously read His Brand of Beautiful by Lily Malone which was published by Harlequin's digital imprint, Escape. Fairway To Heaven is a self published title but shows the hallmarks of a professional edit. It is a likeable, if not quite traditional, romance and one I'd be happy to recommend.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Lily Malone's novel, ‘Fairway to Heaven‘. It would be years, decades even, since I read a romance novel and I don’t know why I chose to delve into this genre at this particular time, but I’m glad I did—it was pure escapism, and exactly what I needed on a Saturday afternoon.

The novel starts with the Jennifer Gates, mother of year-old Seb, wanting to surprise Jack, her long-term partner and father of her son. Unfortunately, she is the one who gets the surprise, finding Jack in a bunker with one of his private golf students, without his underwear, if you get my drift. Jen packs up her son and leaves for her friend’s beach shack by Geographe Bay, in the southwest of Western Australia. When she arrives, a rejected love from her past also happens to be staying there, and the question becomes will they or won’t they rekindle their romance …

From the outset I loved this novel. The writing’s good, the plot is solid, and the characters are realistic. There’s humour and wit, and it’s been thoroughly edited so there’s not a word out of place. The story clips along at a good pace and is never boring, and the sensual scenes are, ahem, quite titillating.

For example, I can hear this voice:
‘Jack has a beautiful voice—it’s like gravel tumbled through silk.’

I can see this:
‘Geographe Bay is leaden, flat. Like liquid solder, waiting for a spark.’

And I can smell this:
‘In the soft light, he’s a glorious mountain of man, all smooth muscle and supple skin. He smells of soap, toothpaste and crisp summer sheets.’

Another reason I particularly liked this book was because it’s not your usual, run-of-the-mill romance—it’s very contemporary. Jen, the protagonist, is a single mother and she also has an ‘issue’, one that makes having sex difficult. Lily handles this honestly and well, and, for me anyway, it didn’t take away from the romance of the story.

The other thing I really loved was the humour and there are some laugh out loud moments:
‘He’s got a full head of greying hair that always looks like he’s spent a lifetime walking into a prevailing wind.’

And this:
‘Twice in my life I’ve tried to read the Bible. Both times, I haven’t got past the story of Moses. He’s such a great her, Moses, and that bit where he parts the Red Sea? Awesome. He’s a hard act to follow. Maybe that’s why I’ve read no further. Everything after Moses is an anti-climax.’

This novel is pure escapism and I thoroughly enjoyed being able to sink into a book meant for enjoyment and nothing else. I may well find myself ‘escaping’ more often.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fresh, realistic and enjoyable romance currently only available as an e-book - though I was happy to see it had been picked up by Harlequin's Escape Publishing imprint since I'd read it, though with a more conventional cover. This is a romance but not a tired one - there's something earthy and real about Jenn and her story, and not just because she's essentially a single mother of a toddler. Her boyfriend and the father of her child, Jack Bannerman, is easy to dislike and even though I can't say I've ever known someone like him, he felt familiar. He was also a source of tension in the novel, he and his awful mother, which helps propels the story forward without reducing it to melodrama.

One of the pleasures of the story was the realism, and the break from a more common formula. This felt like a real woman's journey to self-discovery and not a happily-ever-after trip to find a better man, which plays out in the ending. For those who are looking for something with solid character development, good pacing, humour and an authentic touch of realism in their romance, I highly recommend this - yes, even if, like me, you don't care for golf. Meanwhile, I really must hunt down some of Malone's other titles....

[Georgina Penney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read any of Lily Malone's other books before I picked this one up and I'm so happy I've found her. A new favorite author is always an awesome thing to find:) This was a don't-put-down one for me. I absolutely love the friends to lovers plot trope and the lead characters were so wonderfully convincing and realistic, right down the the small things. This is also possibly one of the first books I've read since Susan Elizabeth Phillips's "Dream a Little Dream" with a kid character that worked for me as well.

All in all, a brilliant read. I went out and brought all the other ones and I can't wait for the next

[Carol - Reading Writing and Riesling · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars
My View: “Jack always said that bunker was ours. When we’d tee off the twelfth, he’d wink and say,’ Ready for the fairway to heaven, babe?’ Now it feels more like the highway to hell.”

I should start by stating that Romance in not a genre I usually favour but Lily Malone’s writing style is a bit like a good Australian Sauvignon Blanc – full bodied, fresh, crisp with hints of spice and a satisfying end note 

To start with – I love the cover of this book – it is so reminiscent of many of the coastal holidays we have had with wooden stairways leading to spectacular beaches in the south west of Western Australia. The settings in the book are beautiful and show case the coastal towns of the Geographe region superbly.

Lily Malone’s characters are warm, generous and supportive and soon feel like friends you have known for a long time. We quickly have a vested interested in the outcome of the protagonists’ journeys.

The dialogue is contemporary and youthful and flows easily – Lily makes writing look easy. And Lily shares a wonderful and realistic understanding of what it is to be a woman, to be a mother and be the parent of a toddler. “It’s taken the bottle of milk and a back patting marathon, but Seb is officially in bed for the night. The peace is so beautiful someone should paint it.”
I think most parents can relate to this!

This is a warm and enjoyable novel yet manages to touch on many contemporary issues; the Fly In Fly Out Lifestyle, motherhood, parenting, and sexual health to name but a few. A very enjoyable read Ms Malone.

[Kylie Kaden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third release from my fabulous friend and critical partner, Lily Malone. And they just keep getting better. Those fresh, neat similes, unique descriptive ways and likeable, authentic characters... I don't read a lot in the romance genre, but love every word of this one.

Yes, there is a golf theme, but don't worry non-golfers. Golf may be in the first scene (err…and a final one) but the middle is a melding of vividly drawn characters, fresh succinct descriptions, and a heart-warming story of love and friendship – not to mention getting your mojo back after finding yourself down-and-out-in-the-rough with an unplayable -ball. Best of all, Fairway to Heaven is set (no, not on a golf course), but in a charming beach cottage you’ll want to take home, just as much as the man who inhabits it.

It’s Golf. But not as you know it.

Want to win it? Full details at my website www.kyliekaden.com.au - here: http://wp.me/p3Tseq-4N

[Sarah Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book- the characters were instantly relatable and had me turning the pages in order to see if everything turned out alright for them! They felt like friends I'd like to have rather than fictional characters.

Fairway has a large chunk of the every day in it, which gives it a realistic sort of charm. The story flows and isn't contrived in any way. I especially loved the way Lily Malone dealt with the changes in a woman that come with motherhood - changes in our body, in the way we see ourselves and expectations of others.

The humour was authentic and I got plenty of giggles from reading this book. I can't wait to read more from Lily Malone!

[Bree T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Gates is looking forward to… rekindling the magic with her boyfriend, golf-pro Jack. Ever since they had their son, things in the intimacy department have been few and far between and the attempt to get together has been plagued with many difficulties. So Jennifer has made an effort, dropped their son off with her friend Emmy and is on the way to surprise Jack.

But it’s Jenn that gets the surprise when Jack isn’t in the pro shop and she finds him and someone he’s supposed to be giving “lessons” to getting hot and heavy in a bunker on the twelfth. Jenn’s best friend Emmy can immediately tell that Jenn needs some time to get away and so she gives her the keys to her family’s beach house where they all spent a lot of time as teens and college students.

What Emmy didn’t know was that her brother Brayden was also getting away from it all at the beach house. Eight years ago Brayden and Jenn shared a kiss that rocked her world. She had been crazy about Brayden for as long as she could remember but they’ve never been able to get the timing quite right. Brayden left for a FIFO job and then down the road Jenn met Jack. However being at the shack again, remembering the time they almost managed to get it together and realising that both of them still have feelings for each other that have never quite gone away helps Jenn work out what she wants. As she sets about putting her life back together again, starting a new business and attempting to negotiate issues with Jack, Jenn and Brayden take tentative steps towards love. But Jenn still has things that she needs to work out, both in her head and with her body before she can be with him the way she truly wants.

I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of golf. My brother used to play throughout his teen years and occasionally still has a hit around when he can find the time if he’s not working and my grandfather loved the game and played for probably 20 or 25 years before his health became too fragile. But I’m not exactly what you would call….sporty. However if you’re anything like me, don’t let a lack of interest in golf put you off this book. Because it’s fabulous!

Jenn Gates unexpectedly finds herself facing being a single mother after she catches boyfriend Jack in the act putting on someone else’s green. As the mother of two young boys I could find myself relating to Jenn a lot. I’m not a single mother but I have taken my boys away (my eldest alone and then together after my youngest was born) and I have done it alone and it is hard. Sebby is adorable and quite a good baby, much like my own two, who all slept and ate and were generally pretty hard to put out of sorts but there’s no denying that facing down going it alone is daunting. Jenn is remarkably selfless about making sure that Jack will still be able to be a huge part of Seb’s life and she does everything she can to make sure that it doesn’t need to go to court but she also doesn’t allow him or his wealthy mother to walk all over her either. She discovers what she wants during her beach getaway and she also sticks to her guns and doesn’t let anyone intimidate her out of moving away from Perth down to Busselton.

I think many people have that ‘the one that got away’ in their past, someone that they wanted to be with but things were never quite right and that’s what Brayden is for Jennifer. She had a crush on him as a teenager that only deepened the older they got but apart from a drunken kiss on the steps of the beach shack some eight years ago, not much has happened between them. When Brayden is in residence at the beach shack as well, it gives both of them an opportunity to think about ones they’ve missed in the past. They’re now both single, although Jenn is obviously very fresh out of a relationship that has ended badly. What balances this out in a way is that Brayden is having his own big troubles, although not of the romantic kind. I’m not going to say too much about this because it would spoil it but I found it a very brave and interesting story to give to the obvious love interest. What I liked about Jennifer and Brayden was their support of each other – Brayden is supportive both about the end of her relationship with Jack and also of her starting up her own business. Jennifer is incredibly supportive of Brayden during his difficult time and she wants to make sure that he has good assistance and that he is doing what he needs to do to get through it and that he’s okay. Even though they haven’t seen each other much in the past few years, it seems clear that they know each other quite well and understand each other. Brayden is also exactly what a man should be about Jennifer’s “issues” and a stark contrast to Jack who seems to view her vagina as his personal property. Brayden is also awesome with Seb but I have to say, Seb’s at a pretty easy age to introduce such a thing into his life.

For authors who want to self-publish, I’d hold this one up as recommended reading. It’s done very well – the writing is good and the editing is excellent. Despite the fact that it has an epilogue, not everything from this story is tied up at the end. I’m hoping that Lily Malone decides to write the story of Pope and Emmy and that book might include things that were not covered in this one!

[Love Reading Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jenn catches her partner Jack screwing one of his golf students, she flees to her friend's beach house with her small son. There she hopes to find some beach-side peace, but she also finds Brayden Culhane, whose company does more for her than mere sea breeze ever could. She has a lot to work out, though, before she can let herself fall in love.

I was very hesitant about reading this novel because: sports. I just don't like it. When people talk about sports, all I hear is white noise, so sports romance is frankly not my thing. I was assured, however, that despite the title there is not too much sportsball impeding on the plot of Fairway to Heaven, and I am pleased to report that this is true. Hurray! There's a little golf towards the end, but hardly enough to detract from what is a seriously worthwhile read. In fact, I have to admit I particularly enjoyed one scene when Jenn tries out a new club set and revels in the feel of the shaft beneath her hands. Who knew a stick and balls could be so much fun....

Unfortunately, Jenn hasn't had much action either on the golf course or in the bedroom in recent times, thanks to the douchebag father-of-her-child, Jack, as well as her pesky "dodgy vagina". After finding Jack cheating, though, she's more worried about how to pull her life together so she can look after her son Seb. She isn't sure whether it's best for Seb for her to return to Jack, a question which is made all the more difficult with the appearance of Brayden.

Brayden is the boy who got away, or ran away, so far as Jenn sees it. But now he's back in her life he's a charming and sexy distraction from her problems. Brayden has his own issues to deal with, but he doesn't let that stop him from trying to help and encourage Jenn to resolve her own.

It takes a while for Jenn and Brayden to meet (or re-meet, since this is a second chance romance). We don't get our meet-cute until Chapter Four, and I have some mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, that's just too long to wait for the hero and heroine of a romance to meet (for me, anyway). When I read a romance, the story really starts with the romantic trigger and it's at that point that I become committed to the novel. However, Jenn's story is much more than her romance with Brayden. Her separation from Jack and her plunge into single motherhood is as much what this novel is about as the romance. The separation, Jenn's emotions, and her stress about how to move forward with her child are dealt with so well by the author that I was absorbed and compelled to read on right from the start, romance or not.

It is a romance, though, and in the context of the above it has the potential to seem a bit rebound-y. But it's not. Jenn and Brayden have loved each other for years, and as soon as they see each other sparks are once again flying. It's not all fiery lust (though there's plenty of that), but also a rekindling of friendship that creates a sexy, sweet longing between these two.

The best thing for me about this romance was the way parenting was treated. There are, of course, many romances about single mothers, but a lot of the time in those I feel like the parenting, and even the child, seem to get forgotten as the romance takes over. In Fairway to Heaven, the parenting of Seb is not simply part of Jenn's story, but an integral aspect of her developing romance with Brayden.

There's a realness to Lily Malone's writing that I really enjoyed. I don't mean that in a gritty-emo-real way (this novel is much more humorous than gritty), and it's not just the parenting aspect. It's just... life, with all the shitty ex, baby eczema, beans on toast sorta stuff that comes along with it. Plus the benefit of a romantic fantasy with an HEA fairytale ending, which somehow fits into that sense of reality, making this novel a really lovely ride.

I recommend Fairway to Heaven to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances about single mothers, but who might like a little more reality slipped into the usual mix.

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More reviews at: http://www.readingromance.com

[Fiona Marsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll say up front, this isn't the usual type of book I'd choose to read. The heroine is in a relationship with Jack, a golf pro, with whom she has a baby. I think I wrote a blog a while ago about how I hate stories about single mums who have babies with losers and then end up with the man of their dreams. Now and then I don't mind, but there seems to be a whole industry out there offering hope and succour to all the struggling single mums seeking a bit of romance.

Anyway, before the end of chapter one, our heroine, Jenn is a single mum. In an endeavour to put spark back into a very wobbly relationship, she fixes up a romantic evening with just her and Jack. Only Jack has fixed up the very attractive Marnie in the same bunker that Jenn had thought was their own little spot.

She runs, ending up at the beach shack belonging to her best friend Emmie's family. And who should be there but Brayden, brooding over his own piece of hell. Brayden is the one that got away. Emmie's brother had been Jenn's teenage crush and just when she thought they were coming together, he shoots off to become a FIFO worker in the mines and she hardly sees him for eight years.

Jack was the end of a long line of consolation prizes and he seemed to be a winner. Only as the story goes on we find that somehow Jenn has been subsumed into mother and junior partner almost losing herself without realising it. Other issues that effect their relationship give Jack the excuse he needs to be the ultimate in Loserville residents.

So we have Jenn, trying to reorient herself, Brayden with his own issues but obviously carrying a torch for Jenn, Jack backed by his rich Mum Amber jockeying for position worried about settlements and custody issues.

This is not one of those angst filled dramas. It's really more a slice of everyday life where people have made choices both good and bad and have to work out what do do when everything goes belly up. Brayden and Jenn have been friends for years so they are very comfortable together and he is easy with children and is helpful with Seb. More so than Jack ever was though Jenn feels guilty comparing. Brayden is lovely. Even with his own problems, he is so understanding and supportive of Jenn and she returns the favour, her company helping him through his own issues.

Overall this is a beautifully written and enjoyable story with characters you can care about.

[Kirsty Wenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want this book to ever end. It was a real 'slice of life' book, and I suppose that's the problem with such a story; we only get a slice when we want the whole damn cake. This is meant as a huge compliment to the author, who has created such a real life for these characters. I could have kept reading about their lives for years to come.

This book has real emotions, real problems, real women's medical issues and a very real discomforting embarrassment about said medical issues that had me squirming along with Jenn. But I am so glad that the author 'went there.' Like I've said a billion times already, it was real. Sometimes the realness in this book is a surprise when you come across it, but then you really appreciate it because you know the author hasn't shied away from telling it how it is.

I also loved the author's depiction of motherhood. It was beautiful and tiring and funny and sometimes gross, just like real motherhood. Sebby is absolutely adorable and made me nostalgic for when my own kids were that age (and given the tiring and gross parts of motherhood, that's saying something). I also loved the relationship between Jenn and Brayden. He is such a great guy, and he is great with Sebby, and he really 'gets' Jenn. That he was such a hunk didn't hurt either!

The writing is both simple and beautiful. The author has described places and plants and beaches in such a way that you can imagine being there and can almost feel the salt breeze in your own hair.

I will be reading more books by Lily Malone!

[Lauriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book by Lily Malone that I've read and it's quite different from the other 3 (Chalk Hill series and Vineyard in the Hills). It's a bit raunchier, compared to the other more recent ones. That was obvious from chapter one, which I found at the end of the paperback copy of Vineyard in the Hills and I enjoyed reading that chapter so much that I just had to buy Fairway to Heaven (it's only on ebook).
Jenn finds her boyfriend of three years (and father of her toddler) having sex with someone else on the golf course so she dumps his sorry arse right then and there (well, she goes home, packs and leaves him a note) and drives a few hours to her best friend's beach shack. There she finds her best friend's brother, whom she hadn't seen for eight years. The two shared a past, missed opportunities and a LOT of chemistry. Some of what Jenn was going though, agonising about making sure she does what's best for her son with regards to his father, resonated with me as a divorced mum of two myself.
I really love the way Lily Malone builds her characters and their world, these people are real and flawed but they keep trying.

[Ali Hickling · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! The third release by Lily Malone and I have never been let down. Lily has a way of writing that takes you right into the heart of it. You travel along with the character, experiencing things as she does. I love the ability Lily has to get INTO the characters head. I swear, I could see myself thinking or doing things exactly the same. The writing was pure. I loved the development of the characters, there is so much more to this than the blurb.

The story is about love, friendship, motherhood, strength, dragging oneself out from the depths of a bunker they're not sure how they fell in! Don't let the golf element spoil your ideas, it is woven skilfully through and actually made me interested in the sport for the first time in my life, however it doesn't fill every page - it's delicately intwined.

I'm always blown away by how much I enjoy Lily's style - and I feel like as a relatively new author she is coming into her own with unique flair that I can't wait to follow!

Well done, this is a win!

[Melody Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Jennifer Gates decides to drive to the Sea Breeze Golf Club to get an early start for her and her boyfriend, Jack's, date-night. The last thing she ever expected was to find Jack giving one of his golf students a private sexcapade lesson in a bunker. Jennifer is devastated. Luckily her best friend let her have use of the Culhane Beach Shack that their family owned. She and her young son escape to the serenity of the sea.

There she finds Brayden Culhane taking sanctuary by the sea with his own problems. They renew their years-old friendship. Can she trust Brayden with her heart? With her son?

I highly recommend this book. The angst is held to a minimum and I consider it to be a somewhat light read!

[Cyndi Hackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. It touched on some issues that many women may be dealing with post pregnancy. I guess that’s what intrigues the most how the author added such a personal and hush-hush issue to the Jennifer character background. Jack was a jerk and it was nice to see Jennifer made a quick decision after she discovered Jack’s “issue”. I liked Brayden a lot and it was nice to see how he quickly bonded with Sebby. But I was the author spent more time allowing us to see the special bond between Jennifer and Brayden. It didn’t capture my heart at all

[Talking Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many words come to mind reading this story - funny, heart breaking, beautiful, sweet. None of these words come close to fairly describing this story. Quite simply, it's a stunning read full of down to earth honest humour that pulls you in from the first page. Words that are at times laugh out loud and at others serious. Characters that are so connected, full of strong friendships and challenging moments that at many times stun readers. A read that will leave you feeling warm and content and wishing the story didn't end. :)
5 fabulous stars
*Review copy received from the author/publisher

[Talking Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many words come to mind reading this story – funny, heart breaking, beautiful, sweet. None of these words come close to fairly describing this story. Quite simply, it’s a stunning read full of down to earth honest humour that pulls you in from the first page. Words that are at times laugh out loud and at others serious. Characters that are so connected, full of strong friendships and challenging moments that at many times stun readers. A read that will leave you feeling warm and content and wishing the story didn’t end.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first novel I’ve read from Lily Malone and I really enjoyed it. What a beautiful setting for a novel and I loved the fact that I could picture so much in the story. It was easy, enjoyable read tackling a few serious issues. I really liked the way Lily made Seb an important part of the story and Brayden was a wonderful character. I totally recommend this novel, a great beach read! And I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book, so much so that its 11.49pm in Perth Australia and I just had a finish it.

What a lovely book and set in Perth where I live.

Beautiful story, so well written and a wonderful ending. Great to read a book that covers real issues and has characters you can relate to.

Do yourself a favour and read this book, it's just lovely.

[Amanda White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet romance and finding yourself again

I liked this book. I’m from the same city and found it so great reading about places I’ve been to. The romance was sweet, but I really loved reading about Jenn finding herself again - that was just such a great part of the book. Definitely worth a read.

[Debi Mozingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Wins

This is a very real story, with real life issues. Jenny is someone that many women can relate to, and has her issues like the rest of us. Braden is the man we all dream about, while Jack is the man we've all had at least one of! I loved this story. Definitely a ho!e in one hit by Lily Malone.

[Roz ~ My Written Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5

Loved this. So much fun to read.

I'll do a proper review later, but Lily, there are moments of parenting in there I totally recognise (21% in, Seb's end-of-day meltdown).

Get out and read it, people!!!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light breezy read with a stunning 'down south' setting and believable characters. Life does not always go to plan and Lily Malone has captured the ups and downs, alongside a lovely friends-to-lovers romance that rings true.

[Lately25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!!!

I loved reading this book! The strong and imperfect heroine and hero, who both have some serious issues to deal with. I even felt a heart string tug for the cheating ex.

[Jacquie Underdown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, heartwarming story.