Seaside Hearts

Seaside Summers #2

by Melissa Foster

SEASIDE SUMMERS is a series of stand-alone romances that may also be enjoyed as part of the larger LOVE IN BLOOM big-family romance collection. The Seaside Summers series features a group of fun, sexy, and emotional friends who gather each summer at their Cape Cod cottages. They’re funny, flawed, and will have you begging to enter their circle of friends. Follow these friends on their search for forever love on the sandy shores of Cape Cod Bay.

Jenna Ward is vivacious, spontaneous, and confident—except when she’s around the man who stole her heart years earlier, strikingly handsome, quiet, and reliable Pete Lacroux. After years of trying to get his attention and overwhelmed from dealing with her mother’s new cougar lifestyle, Jenna’s giving up on Peter—and is ready to explore other men.

As the eldest of five siblings, with an alcoholic father to care for, boat craftsman Pete Lacroux always does the right thing and has no time for a real relationship. He’s looking forward to seeing his friend Jenna, a welcome distraction who’s so damn sexy and so painfully shy that she equally entertains and confuses him.

When Jenna picks up a hard-bodied construction worker, jealousy ignites Pete’s true feelings, and he’s powerless to ignore the desires for Jenna he never realized he had. But Pete’s not the quiet guy he appears to be, and his life is anything but conducive to a relationship. Can Jenna handle the real Pete Lacroux—the sexiest, most passionate alpha male she’s ever seen—or will she crack under pressure? And can Pete reclaim the life he once had without tearing apart his family?

***

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Friends To Lovers, Fiction, Chick Lit

356 pages, Paperback

First published July 16, 2014

About the author

NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

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Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com

Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.

Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.

"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge

Reviews

[Abra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm definitely in a minority regarding my reaction to this book so maybe I'm not the target audience. I thought it was pretty bland.

The heroine, Jenna, has had a crush on Pete for five years and has tried to catch his eye every summer during her vacations at the Cape. Finally, she decides to face facts and look elsewhere. For some reason her friends pressure her to continue to throw herself at a guy who isn't interested. After five summers, wouldn't it be better to help her to get some self esteem and move on? Pete likes Jenna, but "he feared his sexual appetite would scare her off" because she's shy around him. Pete dates aggressive women. He knows Jenna has been after him, but he has consciously kept her in the friend zone.

Jenna goes out with a very nice construction worker, Charlie, and Pete gets jealous. Instead of being happy she's dating a nice guy who really likes her, her friends give her a very hard time and sabotage the relationship by constantly telling her that Charlie is not as great as Pete, the guy who's been ignoring her for five years. Pete goes from zero to a hundred and now he decides that he won't lose Jenna to anyone. He starts coming on to Jenna during her dates with Charlie, which is extremely tacky and not romantic to me. Even worse, she lets him and they make out while she's on a date with Charlie. Jenna's friends cover for her when Charlie notices that she's been missing for a while. Charlie sounds awesome and treats Jenna really well so he deserves more respect while she's his date. I think Jenna asks him out more times than he asks her, which really makes her behavior crappy.

Jenna's mom is having problems relating to her divorce from Jenna's dad. The problem made sense and I've seen it happen myself, so I was glad to see a bit of reality creep in. There was a garbled resolution, but at least most of it was real. The same goes for Pete's problems with his dad and his siblings.

I was surprised about the frightening "sexual appetites" and the discussion of Pete's possible interest in anal, bondage, etc. because those don't really seem like Melissa Foster things, and they weren't. I was kind of bummed.

Pete was set up to be an intense alpha male, but he sure seemed pretty lapdog to me. I really like it when MCs enjoy their partner's quirks, particularly when one has OCD so that part was nice. It's great to see a story when the character is loved because of who they are, not in spite of who they are. I got a little sugar shock from tiara thing, though.

The bottom line is that if you are looking for this in your read, you'll like this book:
-zero to one hundred style romance with instant forever commitment
-very, very, very sweet scenes
-every loose end tied very neatly in the best case scenario

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure if I was sweating from laughing so hard or because of the, um, volcanic heat between the two main characters! Seaside Hearts is another Melissa Foster meltdown romance that is filled with love, lust and laughter, with the heat level of a Habanero pepper!

Jenna has lusted after Pete for years, to the point that the ever so gorgeous girl becomes a mental zombie when he is around. For his part, Pete has remained the quiet presence in town that causes whiplash in every female with a heartbeat. This summer, Jenna is determined to get over her feelings for Pete, encouraged by her best friends, she hooks a hot and handsome guy who should make her pant with desire, but, nooooooooo, somehow Pete keeps showing up and the world fades.
Pete, a fierce protector of his family and caregiver for his alcoholic father, has the world on his shoulders, loyal to a fault, always ready to lend a hand, has finally noticed Jenna’s full on beauty and firecracker personality, just when Jenna appears to have lost interest in him. Is he too late? Should he have made a move sooner? How could he be so blind to how he felt? What does he have to offer a woman like Jenna with all of the baggage he carries?

Once again, Melissa Foster turns romance into a sensual, silly and endearing trip through the trials of love and lack of communication! Her characters are fun, quirky and the world they live in is almost idyllic! What more could one ask for in a sexy escape from reality? Turn down the thermostat, save energy, get a great cardio workout, all from your favorite reading chair!

I received an ARC edition from the author in exchange for my honest review as part of Melissa Foster's SEASIDE HEARTS Review Tour & Giveaway stopping at Tome Tender October 21, 2014.

Series: Love in Bloom Book 22 | Seaside Summers Book 2
Publication Date: October 21, 2014
Publisher: World Literary Press
ISBN: 1941480039
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 300 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Big Joe Rossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna Ward is a strong sexy confident woman except when she is around the boy, now man, who stole her heart years ago. Pete Lacroux. Pete tries to do the right thing, the eldest of five kids, who lost their mother. He helped his sister, Sky, recover after losing herself. Now he is trying to rescue his alcoholic father. The saving grace is the woman who confuses him, Jenna. She amazing, sweet, sexy, outgoing, but shy. A contradiction that confuses him.

It isnt until Jenna attracts the attention of a hot construction worker at a bar one night does he realize if he doesnt fight for her he may well lose her...and fight he will. Trouble is he wont need to fight much as soon as she knows he is truly interested she will willing see where things go with him.

There will be a few big road bump that will threaten our duo. His dad. Her mom. Life.

Again these books are pure sweet romance, no twist, bunch of laughs, a great group of girlfriends. Nice alpha type guys.

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

"It takes very little to make a happy life ..."

Friends-to-lovers
Jenna has been crushing on Pete for years but her attraction makes her overwhelmingly nervous and too shy to be herself around him. Pete has always notices Jenna but she confuses the heck out of him. Around her friends she's open and confident but as soon as he shows up she's tongue tied and closed off. She confuses the hell out of him and even if he did want to explore where their attraction might lead, Pete knows one thing, he doesn't want to risk their friendship.

But this summer, Jenna is determined to fake it 'til she makes it and finally get over her crush on Pete. When Pete see's his shy and adorable Jenna as the sexy confident woman of his dreams he's floored. The only problem, Jenna's finally letting go but not with him. Watching Jenna pick up another man finally opens Pete's eyes to he fact that Jenna means more to him than anything else and he's not ready to let her sail off into the sunset with someone who isn't him.

While Jenna and Pete give each other a chance, Jenna has to work out issues with her mother and Pete finally confronts his father. The summer brings on changes a long time coming.

What I liked:
Jenna and Pete were great friends and once their misunderstandings are cleared up, they are adorable together. They had the best of both worlds, the smoldering chemistry and the easy friendship. This was a sweet lighthearted romance with very little drama. Except . . .

What I didn't like:
Friends-to-lovers tropes are kind of tricky for me. Usually the OM/OW stuff that goes on while they know each other but aren't officially together can bug me. Luckily there are no details or constant reminders about their past relationship and I actually liked Pete finally showing Jenna his jealous side when it came to her dating someone else. Jenna though flirts and hits on the OM, and when we get to know the OM and how he's actually a decent guy, I felt like he was played. I didn't really like how Jenna was okay with using the OM knowing full well she wasn't into him. It just didn't shine Jenna in a good light.

Favorite Line:
"The right relationship will leave you wanting for nothing. It will fill the spaces that others plug up with material things."

SAFETY
Ages: Both are in their late twenties, neither are virgin.

Cheating: None. Although Jenna does casually date OM and they do share a few kisses. She ends things with OM after a few dates when she realizes that she isn't going to get over Pete.

OM/OW drama: There is OM drama for a short period of time. Things end amicably and with zero drama.

Separation: None.

Push/Pull: Pete's family drama has kept him from pursing any long term relationship. He does initially push his feelings for Jenna away.

Main Pursuer of relationship: Pete is definitely the main pursuer.

Triggers: Alcoholism (off page and regarding H's father).

HEA/HFN: Ends with a HFN, no epilogue.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 RATING- I'm not sure why I didn't skip over this book with the storyline being what it is. One of my biggest pet peeves are heroines that get stuck on guys and can't move on. Too often they just come across as pathetic and I end up not liking them. I definitely struggled with that part of the plot for that reasons. I mean, I get being hung up on someone but you're a 30 year old woman. Pull your shit together! And the way her friends acted about the whole crush. I couldn't help but think I was reading a Sweet Valley High book instead of a contemporary romance about adult women. The author has created a certain dynamic between all the supporting female characters which sometimes comes off as fun and sometimes comes off as immature and annoying. I noticed this in the first book as well.

All the negatives aside, this is probably a series I'll stick with if I can read the books for free, borrow them, or buy on sale. I don't like them enough to purchase at $4.99 and most likely will read only as filler books in between others I'm waiting on.

[Melody May (What I'm Reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Posted on What I'm Reading

First off, let me tell you all that I absolutely loved Seaside Hearts by Melissa Foster. When I started the story I absolutely fell in love with Jenna. There are a couple reasons why: 1) She's short and curvy. Not that she's heavy, she has assets. Since she has assets she's always wondering if guys are into her or her boobs. 2) She's had a long time crush on a guy, who has no clue she likes him. However, when she's around him she's fumbles through. So, those are my reasonings. Let me tell you I can totally relate to Jenna on both accounts. At she ends up with the guy, I never did. Moving on.

As I said, I love this story. I love the fact that at the beginning of the story Jenna has decided she was done pining over Pete, and she's going to find a summer fling. Sounds like an excellent plan. So, she meets Charlie, which causes Pete to realize that if he doesn't take action he might lose the girl. Amazing what a little jealousy can do. Let me just say, I feel bad for Charlie, because he seemed like a great guy. Granted he's not a permanent resident, but I would like him to have a happy ending. I know silly. Okay, I had my say about Charlie. So, Pete gets all possessive on Jenna, not in a creepy way, but more like I'm an idiot if I let her go.

We see Pete trying to work out his feelings and see if its worth pursuing Jenna. However, he has these strong feelings for her that he never realized it until he had competition. When they finally got to get boy was it explosive. You would think it would be hunky dory, but we need a little drama. So, Jenna's mother causes a little with her tiny mid-life crisis, and Pete's dad with his drinking problem. Both of them have to decided on how to solve there problems and if they want to involve the other.

I had a lot of fun reading Seaside Hearts, because you have the antics between Jenna and Pete when they see that have mutual feelings, but not ready to say anything to one another. I like the fact that they felt right when they got together. Overall, a great light read that has some fun and melting parts.

Favorite Lines:

"Vera, you make love sound so easy," Amy said.
Vera laughed as they turned back the way they'd come. "Relationships are the most difficult thing you'll ever do in your life. Childbirth? A breeze compared to living with a man. But again. the right partner will help you blossom. The wrong one will watch you wilt."
Copy provide by Author via Tasty Book Tour

[Whispering Chapters · Rating 5 out of 5]

First published at GenGen's Book Blog

I received an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

It's a been a while since I have read an Adult Contemporary Romance that had me yearning for more. Seaside Hearts won my heart, especially Pete. Pete wormed his way into my heart and has current possession of it. He is one of the most thoughtful and caring book boyfriend I have read in an Adult story.

He lifted her chin. "No. It means I've memorized exactly what it takes to satisfy you. Sixty-seven seconds on each side, held about five inches from the fire, then twenty seconds from the tip of the marshmallow aimed directly at the flames, but a few inches away so it doesn't burn."

If that doesn't say thoughtful and romantic, I don't know what does.

Jenna and her friends conversations were ones I kept wanting to read. Those conversations had me grinning and laughing at times. They are so carefree and enjoying life that you can't help but want what all four of them have: their friendship.

I admire Jenna for never giving up on Pete after all those years. She knew what her heart wanted and she kept pursuing it, even if she would get all flustered and would barely speak a word to Pete, which is why he always was confused as to how Jenna was feeling about him because she would be all shy around him. It took making Pete jealous so he could realize he has always had a spot in his heart for Jenna, he just hadn't realized it before.

Over the years, he had watched and knew exactly what she liked and disliked, her favorite restaurant, what she liked to do, etc. Pete is a very observant man and those are very hard to come by.

The sexual tension...I was swooning and fanning my face and taking deep breaths because I was feeling the heat! It was before they kissed for the time and I was already going crazy, imagined when the real action happened. Pete Lacroux will satisfy your needs. Add to that his romantic gestures, and he will worm into your heart as well.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can never get enough of Melissa Foster! I have loved everyone of her books and was honored to be able to review Seaside Hearts. If I were to pick a favorite among the series this one would come to mind first!

Jenna has adored Pete from afar for years. Every time she gets around him though she stumbles and gets all tongue tied. I love that she is portrayed as such a fun and spirited woman. It makes me want a best friend just like her! The antics Jenna and her friends get into are just so hilarious and I find myself laughing out loud. My family just thinks I’m weird because they just don’t understand. I thought that Jenna’s relationship with her mother was almost typical given the circumstances…….but maybe some things become a little clearer at some point.

Pete………all I can say is I know I swooned a couple of times! He gives the meaning to looks can be deceiving. He makes you believe that he is so calm and quiet and just your overall average guy. Well…….then you are so wrong! But in a very good way! Don’t get me wrong. He is a good guy. Dependable, responsible, good looking…….but also loves a little dirty talk! I especially loved reading the interaction between him and the puppy he rescued…Joey. That’s enough to make anyone swoon! His whole family situation just broke my heart. Pete comes from such a good family and you can tell that he really cares about them and wants to do the right thing.

I did find myself getting so frustrated with both of them in the beginning. Can anyone take a hint? Come on! Everyone can feel the sexual tension in the air whenever the two of them are in the same room. When things finally start to happen though I found myself gasping along with Jenna! Oh my……did he really just say that?

I have really enjoyed every book by this author and look forward to any and all future releases. I just hope that I keep getting the opportunity to participate in the book tours and help promote this awesome author and series.

[J.B (Debbie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that I am completely and utterly hooked on this series of books. Through book 2 Melissa Foster has managed to pull me in hook, line and sinker into a wonderful world of interesting characters and plot lines. Jenna and Pete could be frustrating at times because it was so clear that they should be together but life was getting in the way. That and the fact that both were totally unaware that the other was totally in lust with them. Sometimes I found myself shouting at Pete and other times I could totally sympathise with him and wanted to hug him! I wanted to scream at Jenna to open her eyes! Sometimes I even did. We were first introduced to these wonderful characters in Book 1 of the Series Seaside Dreams and given a little hint of the sexual chemistry between the two but goodness me, this book takes it to a whole new level. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone novel.

Seaside Hearts has enough passion leaping off the page to have you running to a cold shower. It's HOT HOT HOT! A little raunchy in places, it will keep you satisfied! Even from the opening chapters I found myself like Jenna, drooling over construction workers! Melissa Foster knows how to pique your interest from page 1! This book has the right amount of romance to cause you to breathe satisfied sighs, and it will keep your nose stuck in the book until you get to the very end! It also covers a hard hitting topic such as alcoholism and isn't afraid to tackle it head on either. All that wrapped up in the wonderful relationship that Jenna shares with her friends just about makes it perfect. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommended.

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again and again I am trying to read books from Authors like Melissa Foster. They are so popular to the wide public - yet they do nothing to fulfill my reading needs.

They are not bad novels but they are to fluffy and to nice for my taste.

While I also crave a Happy Ending for the characters in the books I love - I want mine to suffer before reaching it and books like this simply can not satisfy that demand

But on the other hand if you love it fluffy and nice than Melissa Foster is def. your author because her writing is well developed and her plots have depths.

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[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seaside Hearts starts off slowly, however, once you became involved and the plot starts to develop it is a lovely sweet romantic story. Every year four friends Jenna, Amy, Bella and Leanna came and stay at the Seaside restore to have fun and enjoy the beach. What the reader of Seaside Hearts would enjoy the most is the way Jenna and her friends finally manage to hook the sexy Seaside restore handyman Peter Lacroux. Seaside Hearts also explores how we handle grief and divorce in a way that the reader starts to think about the issues and the effects it has on the family members. Also, another interesting thing about Seaside Hearts is the way Melissa Foster makes the main character Jenna have OCD and times you cannot help but laugh. I do recommend this book

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two-haiku review:

She's had crush for years
But he's friend zone, not lover
Till she dates someone

Well drawn characters
Both have family issues
Really abrupt end

[Ginny-23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jenna verbringt ihre Sommer immer am Cape und die letzten Jahre schwärmt sie für Pete, der jedoch kein Interesse an Jenna zu haben scheint. Deshalb soll sich dieses Jahr alles ändern und Jenna sucht sich einen anderen Mann mit dem sie glücklich werden möchte. Das ruft jedoch Petes Eifersucht auf den Plan und endlich bemerkt er auch seine Gefühle für Jenna. Aber wieso kann er sich auf keine Beziehung einlassen? Was für ein Geheimnis verbirgt er? Und wird es ein Happy End geben? 🥺

Mit Jenna konnte ich mich nicht so wirklich identifizieren, sie war mir etwas zu oberflächlich und auch kindisch. Pete hingegen war mir eher sympathisch, aber warum er nicht eher verstanden hat, dass Jenna Gefühle für ihn hat, kann ich nicht verstehen. Und mir ging alles auch ein bisschen schnell 😔

Außerdem war es mir etwas unverständlich, wie das Leben in den restlichen Jahreszeiten für alle so aussieht. Am Anfang viel es mir schwer mir die ganzen Namen und Verbindungen der ganzen Freunde zu merken 🙈

Das Setting am Cape und Strand gefiel mir ausgesprochen gut und auch die ernste Hintergrundgeschichte. Es ist ein Wohlfühlbuch, in dem ich keine hochtrabenden Probleme erwarte 👌🏻

⭐️ Von mir bekommt das Buch 3 Sterne!

[Klynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually enjoy Melissa Foster books but this was just didn't do it for me.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the end was cute. The friend group is a nice break from all the steamy romance going on. Overall cute, just sometimes cheesy.

[Sandra Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Für eine Lovelybooks-Leserunde durfte ich bereits ein Rezensionsexemplar lesen!Ein sehr schöner Liebesroman für den nächsten Urlaub!
Jenna ist Kunstlehrerin und verbringt sehr gerne die freien Tage in Cape Cod im Ferienhaus ihrer Familie.Seit einigen Jahren schwärmt sie für den attraktiven Pete, traut ihn sich aber nicht anzusprechen!Auch Pete findet Jenna arttraktiv, aber denkt, dass er durch seinen alkoholkranken Vater bei ihr überhaupt keine Chance hätte !Doch dann geht Jenna mit einem attraktiven Bauarbeiter aus und Petes Beschützerinstinkt erwacht allmählich!Absolute Leseempfehlung für Fans von HappyEnds und Wohlfühlromanen!

[funkens.buecherwelt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zitat
"Die richtige Beziehung macht einen wunschlos glücklich. Sie füllt Lücken, die andere mit materiellen Dingen zu stopfen versuchen."

Der Schreibstil der Autorin war sehr angenehm zu lesen. Es fiel mir furchtbar leicht in die Geschichte hineinzukommen, dennoch hatte ich ab und an Probleme mit den unterschiedlich Protagonisten, zugleich hatte ich keinerlei Lese-Stolperer

Das Buch war mein erster wirklicher Liebesroman, wodurch ich kaum Vergleiche Möglichkeiten habe.
Dennoch kann ich sagen, es hat mir super gefallen! Es war angenehm zu lesen, perfekt geeignet für den Urlaub oder als Abendlektüre. Die Seaside Reihe ist zwar, wie man schon lesen kann, eine Reihe, dennoch kann man alles unabhängig voneinander lesen und zumindest ich für mein Teil hatte nicht das Gefühl, dass mir wichtige Informationen fehlten.
Spannend, humorvoll und locker, das alles macht den ersten Teil des Buches aus. Aber danach hätte es für mich sogar schon enden können.
Die zweite Hälfte hatte zwar wichtige Thematiken, aber es fehlte einfach die Tiefe und dadurch wirkte es alles runter gerappelt.

Ich werde definitiv noch eines der Bücher der Autorin lesen und hoffe, dass sich dort diese lockere Urlaubsstimmung durch das ganze Buch über hält. Daher gibt es 3⭐

[Lori Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does Love Mean Holding On Or Letting Go?

In Melissa Foster’s latest installment to her contemporary romance series, Love in Bloom: Seaside Summers, friends Jenna Ward and Pete Lacroux are forced to face tough decisions about their lives, their families and each other as they both realize living life means choosing to live it, not waiting for it to start.

Jenna, is one of a set of friends who spend their summers in the beach community of Seaside, a small community outside Wellfleet, Massachusetts. As Jenna’s friends have found love, the group has grown and evolved. Jenna’s life, however, is stuck. For years she has been in love with fellow group member and friend, Pete. However, Jenna’s brain turns to mush and she becomes so shy when Pete is around that she can’t tell him how she feels. Pete on the other hand, believing Jenna to be to quiet and reserved has ignored his growing feelings for her, not willing to risk her friendship to find out if his attraction is real.

As they watch life grow and change around them, both Jenna and Pete find themselves at a crossroads. Jenna, no longer satisfied with pining quietly for the ‘not-making-a-move-Pete’ decides to move on and put her feelings behind her. She wants the love and affection she sees her best friends experiencing and decides if she can’t have that with Pete, she’ll find it with someone else. Adding to her struggle is her mother, who in an effort to move on after a mid-life divorce, has rediscovered the joys of youth. Jenna is caught in the middle of her newly-engaged father and her acting-out mother making her doubt that ‘happily ever after’ even exists. Is Jenna’s choice to let Pete go and create distance from her mother progress forward or will it only isolate her further?

Handsome business-owner Pete, who is struggling with caring for an alcoholic father, also longs for affection and companionship and decides to find it…..with a puppy. However, when Pete witnesses Jenna take her first confident steps toward her new life and, more importantly, away from him he sees her in a new light. When the shy, muted wallflower is replaced by a vibrant and sexy woman he finally admits to himself that she stole his heart years ago. It goes against Pete’s alpha instincts and protective nature to just let life happen around him. He must now make the choice between allowing his father’s illness to continue to rule his own life and fighting for the woman he knows he can’t let go.

Foster continues the hot and steamy tradition of the Love in Bloom franchise with Seaside Summers. We are drawn back in to the community of Wellfleet with festivals, book sales and lazy days at the beach. Jenna’s and Pete’s struggles with the roles they need to play in each of their parents’ lives are realistic and well developed. Foster also excels at giving us a wonderfully written glimpse at how two people choose to deal with devastating loss in their lives and how those choices affect those that they love most. As Jenna’s mom and Pete’s dad realize the sacrifices their children are making, both must decide what changes they must make not only for their children, but for their own happiness.

Series fans will be thrilled to get a little Braden action with a cameo visit from members of the Braden family. For fans of Foster, there is even better news when it is revealed that Pete has brothers and a sister. Yay! More Love in Bloom spin offs!

Seaside Hearts by Melissa Foster

Get it! Read it! Love it!

[Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I have been looking forward in reading Jenna’s story. Wondering if finally she’d have the guts to ask Pete out or she’d remain all-flustered and shy when she sees him.

Who wouldn’t love Jenna? She’s sexy, beautiful, smart and speaks her mind – that is when she’s with her friends. But with Pete, she turns into her shell. It was fun watching her actually being shy when you’re not used to her like that. Although in her own way, she tries to get his attention for years. You can’t blame her for waiting that long – Pete is a catch, he’s handsome, responsible and over-all a great guy.

But this summer, it would be different. No more ogling and swooning after a man who didn’t return her attention (or at least she thinks so). As her mother tries to outdo her lifestyle, living way so much younger than she is, it was finally time to step outside her PETE-Zone and explore other man.

I don’t share well. Not you, Jenna. I can’t share you.

Pete wanted Jenna, he’d be blind not to – but with the baggage of his alcoholic father, he didn’t think he was ready to have a real relationship. He was looking forward in seeing Jenna, but when she picks up another man, jealousy sparked in him and he realized maybe it was time to act on the attraction he has for Jenna. But quiet, reliable, mr. nice guy Pete isn’t what he appears to be – he’s more of an alpha male which Jenna didn’t really expect. Can she handle Pete? Can Pete have a relationship without sacrificing his family?

WHAT I LOVE
What I love about these series by Melissa Foster is those tearjerker, heartwarming “family scenes” more than those sizzling, panty-melting scenes (that are great too by the way). She had a way of touching your hearts like no author can – each book, with each different scene. This time, two scenes had me close to tears, it was really beautiful I couldn’t help but to torture myself and reread it one more time.

I adore Jenna’s ‘shyness’ when it comes to Pete, but I wished she had the same confidence in facing him the same way she faced other men and life. It was like seeing two sides of her, each one is as lovable as the other. She’s an amazing girlfriend too. Pete is so lucky to have her, because she’s the kind of girl who stood by her man no matter what the circumstances are.

As for Pete, HE WAS SO WORTH THE WAIT, but one day more, I could have told Jenna to let him go and find someone who was willing to run after her and not the other way around. I like the fact that he chose honesty over keeping the secret of his family. He came clean with Jenna, and he was rewarded with support.

Their relationship started with friendship, maybe that’s why it didn’t take that long for them to become comfortable with each other.

Melissa foster gives us the perfect blend of love, sex, friendship and family drama. The wait for Jenna’s story was completely worth it. I was hooked from start to finish, giggling, bordering tears, and just plain swooning. I loved every page of it.

•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•

More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review written: March 3, 2017
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼

This book was received free via the author for an honest review for My Book Addiction Reviews. Due to a mix up, another reviewer read and reviewed the book for the site. I still wanted to write a review so my personal, non-affiliated review is below.

This was my first Melissa Foster book so I knew nothing about the tight group of friends (and families, and hangers-on) that populate her books. It was pretty clear that I was missing a lot by not having read the other books. The main story works jut fine - Jenna and Pete - but it really isn't a standalone book in that sense.

Jenna has been crushing on Peter for years. I mean, years. And everyone but Pete seems to know it. I have to sympathize with Jenna's crushing. As soon as Pete pays any attention to her, she freezes up. So, to him, she's giving mixed signals. If only he'd bothered to look in her eyes instead of doing the whole "she isn't confident enough for me".

Pete has a full plate. Not only is he interested in Jenna and has been for years, but he is the caretaker of his family. He takes care of his alcoholic father, protects his sister, and somehow seems to be protecting his brothers (though not all of them appreciate him), and has a new puppy, as well as holding down two jobs. Adding a relationship to all that is daunting, and Pete uses that excuse for a while to pine after Jenna from a distance. After all, she's not going anywhere. Despite machinations, it isn't until Jenna picks up someone else that Pete realizes that's just not ok with him.

This is a fun but also deeply sad book. Jenna's group of friends are tight but they are definitely very much secondary characters. Pete's Dad and his alcoholism and Jenna's Mom and her distress over her divorce are important events and drivers in this book. Both of them introduce a melancholy to the book. Love and loss in it's many forms help to drive Jenna and Pete together. But that comes at a price and the price is seeing the pain and how it deeply affects people.

Overall, I liked the book but the fact that it was clear I was missing a lot by not having read the other books (maybe even other series) was disappointing.

This review is ©March 2017 by Monique N.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of my reviews of Melissa Foster tend to start out the same way by now. I love her! Can’t get enough and like I have told her I hope she NEVER stops writing EVER. If I need a great story or a pick me up, I know that I can pick one of her books up and be fulfilled. Seaside Hearts is yet just another epic story in this ongoing series by Melissa Foster that I have been reviewing. The story of Jenna and Pete is absolutely adorable. Jenna is completely smitten and so when she gets around Pete she certainly doesn’t act like she has herself together. I can relate to feeling this way over my beau right now. You are speechless and clumsy when you really feel for someone. I loved that Jenna’s character was one that could be related to by readers everywhere.

Jenna and her friends made me snicker because of the way that they acted together. Best friends at its finest. Mother relationships are a whole other ballgame and everything seemed a little too perfect for Jenna, so the author giving this small amount of chaos was welcomed. Pete’s character was one that will make you sing in your head a little tune that you wished he would jump right off the pages. He is a great guy and even though he was timid in his personality, his outbursts of fun made the book even more enticing. Side Note: The dirty talking didn’t hurt either by him. Just saying. And if it couldn’t get any more cute, enter a puppy named Joey. Rescue animals tug at my heart and so the fact that is what this animal was made my heart melt.

This series has been amazing and every book has been said to be the best. I think that means that the author just knows what she is doing. So, KUDOS Melissa Foster. Love you! Love your books! Can’t wait for more.

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years Jenna has been pining over Pete. And, for years, Pete hasn’t given her any real sign that he may be reciprocating those feelings. Frustrated that this summer will be the same as summers past, Jenna decides to focus her attention on other men. However, Pete does have feelings for Jenna, but his complicated situation makes it hard to be in a relationship. Dealing with an alcoholic father, and trying to keep his father’s addiction from being exposed, Pete spends much of his time running to his father’s rescue when he finds himself in a losing battle with the bottle.

It’s not until Pete spies Jenna throwing away her shy ways and seductively flirting with a construction worker that he knows he has to make a decision. Conflicted between doing right by his father and following his heart, Pete’s at a crossroads. Will he express his feelings for Jenna? Or will he risk losing her to another man?

There’s nothing like a hot summer romance to keep you warm during these cool fall months. The Seaside Summers series are the perfect books to keep your summer going all year round. With a warm setting, hot characters and even hotter love scenes, you won’t need to be out in the sun to feel the heat. So, grab a fruity drink and settle down with this book, because October just got hot!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is is going to get old? Me saying how much I love Melissa Foster for making me fall in love with her characters? I hope not... because I think any book review I do of her books is going to need to say that. It's just what I've come to expect now.

Oh Jenna and Pete. EVERYONE has known the 2 of them were meant to be. Everyone except them. I can't believe this is only book 2 of the Seaside Summers series. I feel like I've been watching Jenna and Pete dance around each other for years worth of summers. How does and author make you feel like you've known her characters for years???

I have to say that Jenna was my least favorite of the 4 girlfriends (Jenna, Bella, Amy, and Leanna). I don't really know why. I actually feel horrible writing that... like I'm going to offend her. Once she and Pete FINALLY had their first kiss though (it's not a spoiler if you KNOW it's gotta happen right?) I totally fell in love with them. I think she was just really driving me bonkers with her sudden case of shy awkwardness every time Pete was around. Thank goodness for that first kiss (I might have felt the zing as much as Jenna did!)

One more thing.... thank God that tiara on the cover is actually explained. I saw the cover and thought "what the heck is that tiara about???". And ya know what? I'm not telling you what the tiara is about. :P

[Lisa Dryden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start!!!

Another sweet romance by the brilliant Addison Cole.

Pete and Jenna are so sweet and their romance has been a long time coming.

I have been rooting for them since Read, Write Love at Seaside where it was obvious they were made for each other.

Pete cares for Jenna very deeply but has reservations due to certain family issues and doesn't want to bring Jenna into that but slowly but surely Jenna breaks down his walls and they fall in love.

Jenna helps Pete deal with his worries and although Jenna is slightly high maintenance Pete falls for her hard and is so sweet with her...... Marshmallows anyone!!!

Love this book and cannot wait for the next one :)

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another brilliant read and Jenna Ward Is the OCD busty brunette of the seaside bunch and is finally decided to take charge of her life and her 5 yr obsession with Peter Lacroux the handy man of seaside dwellings.
When Peter sees Jenna hit on a construction worker he thinks he has lost her and curses his responsibilities for his lack of take charge of all things Jenna, who he secretly has had a crush since the first time he saw her but his responsibilities to his family and the friendship he and Jenna has he didn't want to lose if it goes wrong. There is nothing else to do but try and win her love, is it that easy
Love hearing about seaside can't wait for more

[Marissa Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot how much I love Seaside! It was great being back and reading about Jenna and Pete's story. I knew they were meant to be. They each had a few problems with her mom and his dad but I loved how they were there for one another. Plus I loved that I got caught up the other girls as well! I really enjoyed it!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've now read a few of Melissa Foster's books and this one does not disappoint. It can be read stand alone or with the others in the series. Well developed characters and tons of emotion emitted in this slightly erotic romance novel.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Seaside Dreams
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Seaside Summers book 1: Seaside Dreams: Bella and Caden by Melissa Foster and this review was given freely.
I haven't laughed so hard in months! An unexpected and embarassing first meeting results in a steamy attraction at first sight romance for practical joker and high school teacher Bella with new comer single dad Officer Caden Grant who have both moved to Seaside to make big life changes. Tied in with the Remington series through author Kurt Remington, this complex and well balanced romance is set at the Seaside cottages in Wellfleet, Massachusetts and contains teenage angst, the mystery of neighborhood robberies, the wonderful grandmother Vera, and the summer antics of the close knit 20 something best friends Bella,Jenna, Amy and Leanna.

*** Seaside Hearts
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Seaside Summers book 2: Seaside Hearts by Melissa Foster and this review was given freely.
Poignant but with a happy ending this steamy novel takes place the summer after book one and contains the heavy topic of alcoholism and the continued lives of the four Seaside girls. With the interference of their friends,OCD inflicted elementary art teacher Bella and handyman/boat refurbisher Peter finally move past their parental worries, acknowledge their attraction and in the process bring healing to their families. There are also hints at a romance for Amy and Tony.

*** Seaside Sunsets
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Seaside Summers book 3: Seaside Sunsets: Jamie and Jessica by Melissa Foster and this review was given freely.
A nice balance of humor,angst and steam can be found in the latest rocky romance featuring the antics of Bell and the other Seaside Sisters. Returning to Seaside to spend his first full summer off in eight years with his grandmother Vera, Boston's millionaire OneClick developer Jamie Reed has an unexpected first meeting with burned out and technology challenged Boston Symphony Orchestra cellist Jessica.

*** Seaside Secrets
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Seaside Summers book 4: Seaside Secrets: Amy and Tony by Melissa Foster and this review was given freely.
An emotion packed second chance at love story featuring relationships after miscarriage, the continued pranks of Bella, Amy facing her past and fears, Tony's learning a mystery concerning his father's death and multiple weddings. On the eve before Jamie and Jessica's wedding and tired of waiting for Tony, 32 year old Amy contemplates selling her accounting and logistics company to move to Australia.

*** Seaside Nights
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Seaside Summers book 5: Seaside Nights: Sky and Sawyer by Melissa Foster and this review was given freely.
A poignant story of courtship,dealing with loss and finding both a new direction and fulfillment. Set the summer after all the original Seaside crowd married, this story contains an eclectic mix of topics such as post concussion brain injury, Parkinsons, sexual orientation plus an ironic attraction at first sight romance. As Tattoo artist Sky achieves her business goals, she feels the loss of a personal life until some chance meetings and stray phrases from the P-town Poet lead her to professional boxer, rugged guitarist and songwriter Sawyer Bass. The romance is complicated by Sky's dislike for violence and Sawyers worry over his career, his health, and his father's health.

***Seaside Embrace
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Seaside Summers book 6: Seaside Embrace:Jana and Hunter by Melissa Foster and this review was given freely.
A frenemies, reformation of a playboy and an in-laws to more steamy romance with errotic scenes. Metal artist Hunter and Dance instructor/boxer/waitress Jana hook up despite their siblings advice. However, despite their mutual desire to remain unattached, they find themselves continually drawn to each other causing Jana to question her feelings and Hunter's purpose. Side stories include the progressive lives of the Seaside Group including their infants, a twist to the Bella and Theresa pranks, and Hunter's coworker's rocky marriage.

***Seaside Lovers
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Seaside Summers book 7: Seaside Lovers: by Melissa Foster and this review was given freely.
A complex steamy story of loss,family and love mixed with the loving interference and acceptance of the Seaside ladies. A year of corresponding turns to love for the third Lacroux sibling, metal artist Grayson and California actress Parker.


***Seaside Whispers
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Seaside Summers book 8: Seaside Whispers: Matt and Mira by Melissa Foster and this review was given freely.
A fitting conclusion to the Lacroux family Seaside romances containing a wonderful group of friends, some humor and a lot of steamy scenes. Dissatisfied Princeton professor Matt takes a sabbatical in Seaside to write a book,celebrate the triple wedding of his siblings, help try to save his father's hardware store, and to have a closer relationship with both his family and the woman he fantasizes about, his father's employee,single mother Mira.

[Buch Versum · Rating 5 out of 5]

…berauschend, packend, intensiv & voller Herausforderungen…


Endlich wieder auf Cape Cod, wo uns eine unglaubliche Frauengemeinschaft erwartet, die voller Rückhalt und unglaublichen Methoden zur Seite zu stehen.
Nach Seanna, hat auch Bella ihr Glück gefunden, so dass hoffentlich endlich Jenna ihres in die Hände nimmt, diese ist schon immer in Pete verschossen, wird jedoch zu einem nervösen Wrack, dass kein Wort herausbringt.
Jede Begegnung wird zur Qual und es scheint das Pete auch dessen kein Interesse zollt, so dass ein neuer Schwarm bzw. Flirt her muss.

Was diese Entwicklung ausmacht und wie Pete und Jenna sich vielleicht doch noch näher kommen ?
Lest selbst, verliert euch in den köstlich amüsanten hin und her, als auch der aufgeladenen Stimmung sowie der Suche nach dem Knistern, dass doch schon bei der kleinsten Nähe entstehen soll.

Jenna ist eine schlagfertige, fürsorgliche als auch herzliche Persönlichkeit, die sich voller Sorge um ihre Mutter doch auch mal egoistisch um sich kümmern möchte, endlich auch so eine unglaubliche Liebe wie ihre Freundinnen erleben will.
Pete hat schon immer für Jenna geschwärmt, dachte jedoch dass sie nicht das gleiche empfindet, sich nicht getraut hat da diese so eine abweisende Reaktion zeigte und doch immer in ihrem Blickwinkel auftaucht, hilfsbereit, fürsorglich und beschützend.


Das Werk zieht in eine gefühlvolle und emotionsgeladene Geschichte, die vor zwei sehr erstaunlichen Persönlichkeiten, charismatisch aber auch verletzlich in ihren Bann zieht.

Ihre Unterschiede, die Lebenslage als auch Ziele, das Gefühlschaos, das miteinander kollidiert und eine intensive Liebesgeschichte erzeugt.


Ich habe das Buch in einem Rutsch gelesen, habe mich über die wundervollen Facetten, der Leidenschaft aber auch der Verletzlichkeit, dem Sinn zur Liebe und Aufopferung für die Familie entzücken als auch beflügel lassen.


Ein intensives Werk, das die Autorin dem Leser bietet. Es nimmt auf eine emotionale als auch herzzerreißende Reise mit, die einnimmt und berührt .

Was natürlich am Schreibstil der Autorin lag, Melissa schafft es einen sofort zu fesseln, ihr bildlicher und emotionaler Schreibstil ist mitreißend, locker, leicht sondern auch emotionell und einnehmend zugleich.

Die Autorin schafft eine emotionale Welt, in die man ohne das herrliche Happy End verlassen will, so dass man den emotionsgeladenen Verlauf an Jenna und Petes Geschichte teil nehmen lässt.


Herausstechend dass in diesem Buch der männliche Part die Verletzlichkeit und Ängste widerspiegelt, durch seine Taten alle Ehre macht und in Ergänzung des tierischen Begleiter, mein Herz im Sturm erobert hat.


Was natürlich herausragend ist, dass man die Persönlichkeiten in ihre Verletzlichkeit erlebt, ihre Sehnsüchte erfährt und mit ihnen teil an ihrem Leben ab und an steinigen Happy End teilnimmt.

Es war mir eine Freude die verschiedensten Persönlichkeiten, ins besonders die Mädelstruppe als auch deren männliche Schwarm kennen zu lernen, sie sind eine geniale Einheit und habe sie bewundernswert in jeder Lebenslage unterstützt.

Ich bleibe daher begeistert und gut unterhalten, mit Sehnsucht nach mehr aus der Feder von der Autorin zurück.

Vielen Dank für das Rezensionsexemplar an die Autorin.
Trotz der Bereitstellung hat dies in keiner Weise meine ehrliche Meinung zum Buch beeinträchtigt.

#HerzeninSeaside
#JennaandPete
#SeasideSummers
#MelissaFoster
#WalkingintheClouds
#Rezension

[Tina Slotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Herzen in Seaside : Jenna and Pete  ( Seaside Summer 2 )" von Melissa Foster

Zum Inhalt:
Jenna Ward ist lebenslustig, spontan und selbstsicher – nur nicht in Gegenwart von Pete Lacroux, dem attraktiven, schweigsamen Mann, der ihr vor Jahren das Herz gestohlen hat. Überfordert vom neu erwachten Liebesleben ihrer Mutter und entschlossen, der langen Zeit unerwiderter Gefühle endlich ein Ende zu machen, ist Jenna in diesem Sommer in Seaside jedoch bereit, Pete aufzugeben – und zu erkunden, was andere Männer zu bieten haben.

Als ältestes von fünf Geschwistern und mit der Pflege seines alkoholkranken Vaters betraut, tut Bootsbauer Pete Lacroux immer, was von ihm erwartet wird. Zeit für eine echte Beziehung bleibt ihm keine, doch ein Lichtblick in seinem Leben ist Jenna, die gleichzeitig unglaublich sexy und verwirrend schüchtern ist.

Als Jenna mit einem durchtrainierten Bauarbeiter anbandelt, erwacht in Pete nicht nur die Eifersucht, sondern auch seine wahren Gefühle für Jenna, gegen die er absolut machtlos ist. Doch Pete ist nicht der stille Mensch, der er von außen zu sein scheint, und sein Leben ist einer Beziehung wirklich nicht zuträglich. Kann Jenna es mit dem echten Pete Lacroux – dem heißesten, leidenschaftlichsten Mann, dem sie je begegnet ist – aufnehmen, oder ist er zu viel für sie? Und kann Pete sich sein eigenes Leben zurückholen, ohne dabei seine Familie zu zerstören?


Meine Meinung:
Zurück am Cape Cod.... Hachz.
Nicht nur das ich die Mädels und ihre Clique schon sehr ins Herz geschlossen habe, nein, auch das "Hin" träumen, in wärmere Gefielde, war einfach toll.

Die Geschichte um Jenna und Pete ist flüssig und modern erzählt. Frau Foster hat mir mit den Beschreibungen der Handlungsorte wunderschöne Bilder in meinen Kopf gezaubert.
Zu gern wäre ich tatsächlich mit den Mädels am Strand und am Pool gewesen.
Ich finde alle 4 Mädels super sympathisch und hab mich gefreut in diesem Band Jenna ein wenig besser kennenzulernen. Sie scheint sehr taff und selbstbewusst, hat die ein oder andere Macke, wie zum Beispiel, ihre Ordnungsliebe.
Aber auch Pete, ist sehr sympathisch.
Freundlich, hilfsbereit und liebevoll. Und very sexy!

Beide haben aber auch ihr Päckchen zu tragen, zeigen nicht ihre komplette Persönlichkeit in der Öffentlichkeit.

Es hat mir viel Freude bereitet, mit zu erleben, wie die beiden sich endlich ihre gegenseitige Liebe eingestehen können und gemeinsam an der Lösung ihrer Probleme arbeiten.

Mir hat auch Band 2 der Seaside Reihe gut gefallen.
Ein schöner, runder Roman, der mir das Abschalten vom Alltag erlaubt hat und mir eine Meeresbrise um die Nase hat wehen lassen.