Laguna Nights

Laguna Beach #1

by Kaira Rouda

Madison Alcott left her Laguna Beach childhood in the past as soon as she could, never imagining she’d be forced to return. Caring for her ill mother and holding down a high-pressure position at the best resort in town, Madison’s life is as good as it could ever be in Laguna Beach. And blissfully, nobody knows her as Holly anymore, the name she used on television. Everything changes when her high school boyfriend appears in the lobby. He was the reason she’d left Laguna in the first place when he humiliated her on national television.

Josh Welsh’s star has been dimming ever since he shot to fame as the high school heartthrob on the reality TV series Laguna Nights. Hoping to reignite his career, he agreed to host a travel show, with the first episode shooting in his old hometown of Laguna Beach. Of all the negative scenarios associated with filming in Laguna, Josh hadn’t calculated a run-in with Madison, or that the same deep connection he felt for her in high school would still be there.

Madison and Josh’s reality TV relationship exploded years ago but when the new series forces them together, they must face Laguna Nights past and present.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Amazon

250 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2015

About the author

Kaira Rouda is a USA TODAY and #1 Amazon and Amazon Charts bestselling author of contemporary fiction exploring beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her suspense novels include BEST DAY EVER, THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER, ALL THE DIFFERENCE, THE NEXT WIFE, SOMEBODY'S HOME, THE WIDOW, BENEATH THE SURFACE, UNDER THE PALMS, THE SECOND MRS STROM, WHAT THE NANNY SAW and JILL IS NOT HAPPY. Her next novel, WE WERE NEVER FRIENDS, is out February 3, 2026.

She lives in Southern California with her family and is at work on her next novel. Visit her webiste, KairaRouda.com for more. Connect with her on Instagram and Pinterest: @KairaRouda; and on Facebook at Kaira Rouda Books.

If you'd like to host Kaira at your book club, please reach out through her website KairaRouda.com

Sign up to receive a monthly email from Kaira with exclusive sales news, book excerpts, sweepstakes, and giveaways at: kairarouda.com/signup/

Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laguna Nights sets the stage for a series that will revolve around former cast members of a teenaged reality television show. And it sets it off with a BANG!

So the story goes like this ... Madison and Josh were going thru high school as two kids would do. Then Hollywood came to town and everything changed. A reality television show was created and along with it, all its predictable drama. But Madison and Josh weren't just dating on screen, they were dating in the real world as well. So things got messy. Josh wasn't a 'good guy'. He did a number on Madison. Such a huge number, that she left Laguna Beach for a new life and never looked back. Until she had to look back. She had to come home. She was needed at home. So now she's living her life back in Laguna Beach and everything is peachy ... Until it isn't, because here comes Josh! Back in Laguna Beach as well. Unresolved issues begin to surface. Events are brought to light that were in the dark for way too long. Secrets & betrayals are discovered, and we have ourselves a story :)

This is the story of Holly Madison Alcott and Josh Welsh, two people with a second chance at first love .. destiny :)

I've gotta give props to Kaira Rouda for her storytelling skills. She does an excellent job with the imagery of Laguna Beach itself and its characters. The story, altho predictable, is told with such a twist that you can't help but be glued to it. You want to know what happens next. You invest in Madison and Josh. Because the adults they are today and the life they led to get them here are the people they are supposed to be, for each other. They never had a chance as kids, Hollywood made sure of that. Can they work thru the maze of their past and reach a future? Will secrets and truths be revealed that will derail their destined love once again?

READ THIS BOOK AND LET ME KNOW :)

ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review

[Nancy Stopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading the first book in a series - it sets the stage for the tone of the series and introduces you to characters you'll fall in love with over and over again. Laguna Nights is no different. It is a great introduction to the Laguna Beach series and introduces us to a wonderful west coast town. I've read many romances set in beach towns but haven't visited Laguna Beach before. The author does a wonderful job of painting a picture of the town, with the cliffs and the caves and the beaches and the small town feel on the coast of California. She makes me want to walk down the street and have a seat on the patio of a local restaurant and watch what sounds like a spectacular sunset.

The author creates compelling characters in Josh and Madison. This story is a first love, second chance story with an interesting twist - as teenage loves, the characters experienced their love and subsequent breakup on the world stage on a reality TV show. And in true reality TV fashion, everything is blown up to larger proportions than it actually is, and NOTHING is at it seems. What I like about Josh is that while he's confident in his feelings towards Madison the minute he sees her again, what he isn't confident in is his future as an actor. Josh demonstrates a vulnerability at times, and confidence at others, which makes him a very believable character. In Madison, the author creates a strong, intelligent woman who knows what she wants in life and is working to achieve just that. And from the moment Josh reenters her life, her head and her heart are at war. Her plans don't include reviving a hurtful teenage relationship with a wannabe Hollywood star. But plans don't matter when the heart's involved, and Madison finds herself drawn to Josh, and the spotlight, once again. Madison and Josh approach their relationship this time around with a maturity they didn't have at the time, and with their eyes open to the reality of reality TV, which gives them every opportunity for happiness.

This story isn't overly sensual - the romantic scenes are descriptive but tastefully done and appropriately included as to enhance the story and not dominate it. The landscape of Laguna Beach is wonderfully created through imagery that transports the reader along with the characters to what I can only believe through the words is a beautiful beach-side town. And the characters and storyline are compelling and draw the reader in, making me want to read faster and faster in hopes of finding the happily ever after that Madison and Josh deserve. In all, a delightful read!

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Madison Alcott was in high school , she and her group of friends had the chance to become TV Stars when a reality TV show hit the shores of Laguna Beach where they lived. Back then she went by her first name Holly and she had a wonderful boyfriend Josh. All was well and their lives were going places as they hit the big time with stardom. That was until the night of their senior prom where Holly was rejected on TV when it turned out that Josh had been cheating on her with Laura - who at that stage was Holly's enemy. This broke Holly's heart and even worse was the fact that the clip was shown on TV and with the world of social media, the clip was there for everyone to replay over and over again. Holly fled Laguna Beach and changed her name to her middle name Madison and went to study at college - wanting to put the whole reality tv show behind her for good. Years later, though her mother got sick and so Madison returned home and eventually became one of the managers at Laguna Beach Resort.

Now years later, Josh has returned home and he is a big Hollywood star and Madison wants nothing to do with him as he broke her heart once and she isn't going to let him do it to her all over again. What will happen though, when she discovers the truth about what "really" happened that night with the love triangle angle of Laura and the fact that Josh has never really stopped loving her. Can Madison afford to re-open her heart to Josh and let him back in again ?

If you love Reality TV fiction and is a fan of Lauren Conrad's books "LA Candy" , then this is the series for you.

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 4 out of 5]

B-
This book is exactly the kind of drama you would expect from a story about reality tv stars! I could actually picture a few in my mind as I was reading this! Josh is the classic wanna be famous kid who is trying to turn his 15 minutes of fame on a reality show into a career. However, it hasn't been successful. Madison is the girl who was bullied and heartbroken on national TV and now hides away. So, here is what I liked:
1. About 1/2 way though the book I almost gave up on it because it was going exactly the way I expected. But then it takes a turn and I wasn't expecting that. So, good job Kaira!
2. Madison is very relatable. I was the heavy, less than popular girl in high school and it was hard enough. I can't imagine having cameras follow you and document it! Your heart goes out to Madison and you just want to be her friend.

What I didn't like:
1. Josh was a narcissistic ego monster and it was difficult to like him. He knows he did a terrible thing to Madison but for 15 years he never did a thing about it. Then suddenly he's back in town and loves her? I had trouble buying it.

Overall, if you like the train wreck of reality tv, you will like this book. I enjoyed it and found myself constantly making comparisons to characters on past reality tv shows (Real World, The Hills, etc) and I enjoyed the drama :)
My full review will be posted here: http://www.thebookdisciple.com

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions in this review are 100% my own.

This is book 1 of the Laguna Beach series.

Everyone has watched at least one episode of reality TV at some point. Are you sure things are the way they seem, or are they scripted and/or edited? This is exactly the setting for this book.

Josh and Holly/Madison met in high school and they worked together on the reality TV show Laguna Nights. Their breakup was shared on national TV for all to see.
Josh is back in town still trying to get his acting career off the ground. Holly now goes by Madison and has tried to put that part of her life behind her. She doesn’t want anything to do with Hollywood.

It’s been 15 years since they’ve seen each other. Can time repair hurt and betrayal? Are things really the way Madison thinks they are?

At first I found the character Madison annoying. She goes on and on about how Josh humiliated her and ruined her life. Really? We’ve all had some kind of hurt in the past. We need to pick up the pieces and move on.

Josh tried really hard to try and fix things with Madison. They never forgot about each other or their time together. They are forced to work together again on this new TV show. Will it work out? Is it too little too late?

Although I didn’t like the character Madison at first, I did highly enjoy this book. I can’t wait to read book 2.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wonder what happened to reality stars years later? well this book gives you one possibility. a teenage reality show (apparently on MTV) set in Laguna Beach happened 15 years ago. Kids grow up and times change, but feelings don't.

Madison (aka Holly) managed to put that time behind her and move on. That is until Josh shows up at her resort and those feelings come flooding back and what was or might have been. Josh is a washed up actor hoping to recapture one last pivotal role. What neither of them expect is their feelings for each other and who is lurking in the background.

This was an enjoyable book - I can feel the tension between Madison/Holly and Josh, but also felt empathy for what they had endured in the past and what was happening to them in the present. This book was also a great reminder about why I do not watch reality television - it can be scripted to an extent AND there is a lot of manipulation...which to mean means it is not reality television because it isn't real.

Despite everything that happens the ending wraps everything up nicely and some get their just rewards (both good and bad!)

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good contemporary romance. Two young people fell in love in high school and did a stupid show, one got hurt and the other thought he had found success. One came from a family of money and other from a single mom and had to work for everything she had. Of course it didn't quite work out that way. She found herself again after going to Europe and college and getting a career that she was happy in and came home because her mom was dying. She buys a home and works at a local resort in the home town, and finds out the old flame is coming back to restart his acting career. They had a lot of unsaid things that needed to be worked out. With all the twist and turns in the filming and pushing from other they find out they are both being used. I love how this story ends, I won't tell you but remember that sometimes there is a happy ever after for everyone.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was never a fan of reality TV shows because frankly, I can’t understand what's so entertaining about persons airing their personal lives for all the world to see. Laguna Nights was a vivid reminder of the reason why I dislike those shows. This does not mean that the story was not good. In fact, I enjoyed the story, however, it did not change the way I feel about reality TV. Laguna Nights is a second chance romance about a love that burned alive even after fifteen years of separation. Madison Alcott and Josh Welsh were a couple in high school. These two were considered an unlikely couple as Josh was from a well to do family while Madison was raised by her mom who struggled to make ends meet. This however did not prevent them from falling hopelessly in love with each other. Madison was everything to Josh and vice versa. Unfortunately, events from the reality TV series that they both starred in would rip these two apart. Madison was deeply hurt and as a result, after her graduation, she migrated to Europe to start over. However, she was forced to return to Laguna Beach to take care of her ailing mother.Josh has also moved away to fulfil his desire to become a world famous actor. However, he was not able to achieve the fame and recognition he had when he was on Laguna Beach. In a last ditch effort to save his career, he agreed to take part in another reality TV series which saw him returning to the very place that he had vowed never to return. On his return Josh found himself drawn to Maddison. He knew then without a doubt that, even after fifteen years of separation due to hurt and misunderstanding, his heart still belonged to her. He was determined to do everything humanly possible to win her back.The story is told in the third person POV, but from alternate perspectives. The story moves smoothly between past and present. This made things clearer as readers will be able to understand what really took place fifteen years ago. It also shows how Maddison is able to let go of the past and forgive Josh for what she considered was the ultimate betrayal. How ironic that the very thing that tore them apart would be what brought them back together. At first I didn’t like Josh. He came off as self-important and conceited. At times it would appear that he valued fame and fortune over his family and Maddison. Nevertheless, when the truth came out close to what went on, it was easy to see why things worked the direction they acted. Not that I agree with how it all went down, but I do understand. It was evident that Maddison still had trust issues where Josh was concerned which was understandable. Josh would have to prove that he was worthy of her love and trust once again.The story was well written and the characters were well developed. I loved the interaction between the characters. The plot was entertaining, engaging and the descriptions were vivid. The story addressed issues such as jealousy, deception, heartache, self-esteem and back stabbing. These are issues that most readers can identify with. The love scenes were tastefully written. (If you are the type of reader that needs to have steamy sex scenes in your romance, then this book may not be for you). Overall, this was a good story and I can’t wait to read the next installment in the series.I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own. 

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laguna Nights kept my curousity going wondering what would happen next between Josh and Madison. The book reminded me of the reality TV show Laguna Beach. It made me wonder how those who were on that reality show felt or had to deal with similar situations that the characters had. Although, the book Laguna Nights doesn't take place during their high school time on the reality TV show. The book takes place 15 years after the show had taken place.

Kaira Rouda did an excellent job making the characters come to life with their personalities, behaviors, and what challenges they face throughout the story, especially the main characters.

I loved that Madison wasn't a push over. She stood her ground and tried to keep the life she built after the reality TV show stable, especially since she left her hometown before to get away, but her mother's illness brought her back. I wish Madison would have fought harder against those filming Josh's new travel show. Although she did not want to do the show, she gave in far too easily, in my opinion. It was clear that Madison struggled with whether or not she should trust Josh again, since is the first time he was back in her life after the senior year disaster.

I had moments where I wanted to shake some sense into Josh or strangle him. He seemed like he cared more about fame and fortune more than he care for his own family and his so-called "first love." If he truly loved her, why did he agree to that scene knowing how badly it would hurt Madison? Beyond the fact that he was young and dumb at the time, only thinking about ratings, fame, and becoming an actor. I was glad to see some of his behavior had changed. I wish I could have seen him grow more. I wish we could have read the conversation Josh had with his father and seen how his relationship with his family grew after many years of not speaking.

There were parts in the beginning that had me confused. Mainly, it was due to wondering who some of the characters who who got mentioned. Madison's boyfriend she had before Josh showed back up didn't have the best introduction. His name got mentioned, but it didn't say much of who he was or why his name came up.

The ending surprised me. I had not seen the twist to Josh's travel show going that way. I was very pleased with how the ending turned out.

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

[One-Click · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook - Narration, Madeline Mrozak - really good
She doesn't have huge differentiation between the male and female characters, but it's enough that you can tell. Appreciated that she didn't opt to go in the over the top direction and just read well with proper inflections and great storytelling ability.

The story is about Josh and Madison (aka Holly) almost 15 years after participating in what was the start of reality tv. Josh, was a charismatic and handsome young man with dreams of making it big as an actor despite the disapproval of his parents. Holly was his best friend and girlfriend - a bit overweight, but pretty and super sweet.

The moral of the story? Someone needs to learn how to read contracts. But...at 16, Josh isn't worried about contracts and forges his mother's name so he can participate in Laguna Nights. These teens and their lives are manipulated [by way of some slick editing] to the point that poor Holly just wants to disappear and never be associated with the show or any of it's "fame" ever again. That's exactly what she does until Josh and a film crew return to find Holly, now svelte and going by her given name of Madison, and the tornado that is Hollywood, Agents and Producers starts swirling and sucking everyone up again.

This is one of those books that would make a good book club or buddy read because I think it induces the need to vent and rant about the characters, or the Hollywood machine, or even the actions of best friends and parents when the seduction of fame and money are dangled in reach. Right now, that's just what I want to do.

An enjoyable listen with really good narration an HEA and no cliffy for an ending!

I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

What a fantastic read. This is book 1 of a new series and let me tell you it is a great start. This is written as a multi pov (my favorite).

Loved Josh and Madison (Holls). I loved how from the get go, it allowed Josh to show his emotional side. He wasn't afraid to admit how much he had screwed up 15 years ago with Madison. Yea, he was kind of a jerk only thinking about himself and his making a name for himself but in the back ground we got to see his softer, more emotional side. As for Madison, I loved how she stood up for herself most of the time, how she had overcome her obstacles earlier on that she had to deal with and how she had overcome them.

For the most part the story was believable. There were a few things that seemed far fetched but they didn't detract from the story too much and was easily overlooked.

The dialogue between characters were engaging, the storyline was entertaining and the descriptions to details were done well. All in all a really good read. No heart twinge moments but did have a moment of weepy eyes but I got over that pretty fast. Yea, I'm an emotional sap when it comes to the turmoil's I read in books. A good story sucks you in and makes you a part of the story, allowing you to feel what the characters are feeling and wanting what the characters are wanting. That is sign of good writing.

This was a story about second chances. It had heartache, deception, turmoil, redemption, love and of course a HEA with some soft bow chicka wow wow. Nothing panty melting or steamy but it got the point across.

All in all, a great read.

Would I recommend this book? Yep!

Would I read more from this author? Yea, if the price is right.

Sassy Beta Reading & Review

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The new novella, Laguna Heights is a glimpse into Annie and Hank’s life who were introduced in the first book. It was fun to read and it gives fans of the series another adventure with a great group of characters.

If you’re new to this series, back when they were in high school Annie, Madison, Josh and Laura were on a reality television series about their lives. Annie wasn’t mixed up in the romantic drama of the show but she still became a household name and that popularity followed her to college – where she makes decisions that will haunt her for years.


​Laguna Heights’ point of view bounces from the present back to Annie’s past and you slowly learn her truths. The storyline and build up was spectacular. I was curious and intrigued by Annie’s secret – what could she possibly be keeping from Hank?! What happened 10 years ago that was so horrible that it could end her life as she knows it?? The secret is earth shattering for Hank and as it initially unfolds, it’s intense. You’re nervous for Annie and worried about the fallout.

It was at this point, that my review went from a five star review to four stars. I was loving Laguna Heights – the suspense and story was awesome. However, then the plot just became anti-climatic for me. Suddenly all drama and problems are just neatly tied up within a chapter – it felt unrealistic and was a bit of a let down. It didn’t make it a horrible story, I simply wanted more from the story than the author gave – I guess I just wish it was a full story not a novella.

Overall, I thought Laguna Heights was an entertaining read and I would recommend it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book to read for an honest review by an author who I’ve never read before and gosh am I glad I as given the chance. This was a great book. It started from page one and it unfortunately ended!! I didn’t want it to end and that was the only negative thing about the book. Each of the characters were well written and descriptive. With each person’s own personality you could either love or hate them and they all played an important part in the book. There were a few surprises in the book as well so it kept you wanting to read and not but it down.

I loved the main character Madison Alcott, who I felt was a strong woman who went back home to care for her sick mother and has made a very good career for herself at a very nice resort. She had initially ran off after high school due to being hurt, bullied and told she was fat on a reality television show, Laguna Nights. As she is going about her life, her once upon a time love of her life, Josh Welsh, also on the reality television show, shows up trying to bring back his one-time superstar status by staring in a new reality travel show.What I liked about this character, Josh, was he wasn't all manly and perfect, he had problems and flaws. All of this brings many memories and issues to both Madison and Josh.

Many of the characters could have their own stories and I’m happy to know the author isn’t letting life end at Laguna Beach with another book to follow.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laguna Nights is such a FUN SUMMER read!!!! I enjoyed this book SO much. Kaira Rouda is such a fun story teller! I was hooked into this story right from the start, and couldn't turn away until the end. I have to admit I was disappointed to see this book end. I definitely wanted more. To me that's the best possible thing in a book. Never wanting it to end.

I loved the main character Madison! She is so spirited and down to earth. Years ago her high school boyfriend and the love of her life, cheated on her and left her broken hearted. The whole world watched as this all unfolded on their reality television show. She has left reality TV behind her and starts on her amazing career at a prestigious hotel. Everything is going great until Josh shows up looking hot, with his manager and a tv producer in tow. Josh is ready for fame. Once these two see each other sparks fly. They have an undeniable chemistry. Josh claims to be a changed man, but Madison is not quite sure she should trust him.

I definitely recommend this book, its absolutely PERFECT for summer! It's so fun and totally addicting. I can not wait to read more by Kaira Rouda! Thanks Kaira for such a FUN read!!! I LOVED IT!!! I really hope there is more to come!

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

One person that lives for the attention of being a Hollywood Star, and one who hides from it. Once high school sweethearts are in the spotlight once again, when Josh returns to his hometown. At one point in their lives they were the sparkles in each others eyes, that is until Josh broke Holly's heart on national television. It was a reality show about high school kids and it happened to be centered around these two and their friends. They were from opposite sides of the track and if luck would have it Josh got the golden ticket to Hollywood and Holly got the embarrassment of a life time. Holly who now goes by Madison wants nothing to do with the new TV show production team who's in Laguna for the week, especially her jerk of an ex. But she may not be able to stop what her heart wants. This was very well written and held all the aspects needed for a well written book! I love how Kaira's books keep you totally immersed the whole time. She has a way with words that make you want the books she writes to last a life time. The characters were awesome. And the plot, amazing. So one-click it already, would ya.
ARC kindly provided for an honest review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaira Rouda had an interesting idea when she decided to center her new series Laguna Beach around former cast members of a teen reality show. Laguna Nights is the kick-off book to the series. It examines the past and present relationship between Josh and Madison. Josh was the breakout star, the one to watch on the show. Madison was his love interest on the show. Madison dealt with low self confidence and a heartbreaking betrayal while on the show. Josh
in recent years has lost his appeal. Madison has spent her years since the show ended trying to live down Josh's betrayal on the show. What made Laguna Nights a compelling read is the way Kaira Rouda told the story. The story was centered around former teen stars dealing with adult problems from an early age. Fame, pain, betrayal, heartache, self esteem, trust and growing up. Maturity brought on a whole new set of problems including unresolved emotions from the past. This is a different take on a coming of age story that is no less deep but twice as entertaining.

Disclosure: Received an ARC of Laguna Nights for an honest review.

[Sonya Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison and Josh had a magical love story with a horrible ending in high school, with the whole world (at least those that watch reality TV) watching. Since then, Madison has traveled the world and moved back to her hometown to take care of her sick mother. Josh has struggled in Hollywood and has become a washed up actor. So when Josh has a chance to star in a new travel TV show, he jumps at the chance, even though it takes him back to Laguna Beach.

Little did he know that he would run into Madison, and their past would be pushed front and center again, with a new reality TV show. Can Madison get over her feelings of betrayal and see Josh as the boy he was? Do these two former lovers have a chance at happiness?

I love Ms. Rouda's storytelling, and the reality TV twist is a very fun one. It definitely made me happy to never be on a reality TV show! I also loved meeting a lot of the peripheral characters, and I'm looking forward to reading those stories in the future.

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

[Michelle (Adventure in Bookland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a couple of Kaira Rouda’s books now and I have to say I am always happy with them. Kaira has a way in developing a story that engages you and keeps you on your toes while reading.

I thought that this book was a great idea, who hasn’t been a fan of one reality one time in their lives. I know in the past I have watched many of them! We also all know what really goes on and that they aren’t always as real as they seem. Kaira was able to open our eyes how reality could be.

Character wise, Madison was very relatable, she had some hard times, the only difference is, hers happened to be caught on camera. A lot of Madison’s problems with weight, loss of trust and loss of friends are things that everyone goes through. Josh on the other hand wasn’t as relatable, but I enjoyed reading about him just as much. He truly loves Madison and it showed the whole time!

[Julie Baswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifteen years ago, Madison was humiliated when her boyfriend Josh betrayed her during filming of a successful reality show they were starring on. She put all that behind her and now has a successful business career. But now Josh has returned and she is pushed into doing a small part in his new reality series. But as the filming begins, it becomes obvious that there is more to this show than they both are led to believe.

I really liked Madison, but I think she needed a reality check as much as Josh did. It was interesting seeing how things are done behind the scene on these types of shows. Not much of a surprise there, pretty much what I expected. I was glad though, when these characters decided to stop being victims and become proactive. To me, that’s when it got interesting, as well as truly real.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book by Kaira Rouda before, and I’m so glad I read this one! It’s a fantastic book! Laguna Nights is the first book in the Laguna Beach Series and it sets it off with a BANG! I was drawn in from the beginning and it didn’t take me long to fall in love with Madison “Holly” Alcott and Josh Welsh!

I have always enjoyed reading the first book in a series, and it never fails, no matter how much I do or don’t like the first book, I will buy the rest of the series.

Reality TV shows are some of my favorite shows to watch, so it’s really no surprise that I enjoyed this book so much! I loved the characters, they were very real, I thought. I can’t wait to read the next book, Laguna Heights!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read of a book by Kaira Rouda. I shall be back and look forward to the other books in the series. I was asked to do an ARC review but could never get the file to load properly so just bought the book. I am glad I did. This was entertaining and held my attention.

The book is well written and pays attention to detail with lots of descriptive language. I can picture the town, the cliffs, the beaches, the restaurants etc. Josh and Madison are believable likable characters. 15 years have gone by when they meet again and the chemistry is just as strong. Can they get past their past and have a future?

First love, forgiveness, intrigue, twists, all is not as it seems - this book has it all. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.

[Nicki Conroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not a reality TV fan, I was drawn into the reality TV world in Kaira Rouda's Laguna Nights. I not only wanted to watch the reality show that the book drew its characters from, I wanted to meet them all and spend time with them.

I understand the draw of cash for people and the fact that no one thinks there life is really interesting enough to cause people to watch a show about it but we are all drawn to the unknown, especially when it does not directly effect our lives.

Rouda does a good job of mixing the "where are they now" with "what happened then." Readers will not only want to meet the cast of Laguna Nights now they are grown ups but will love the California coastal area where it is set.

[Kerry Rubel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laguna Nights by Kaira Rouda
This was my first book by Kaira Rouda. It's a story of the reality of Reality T.V. ,being young and sometimes letting others make your choices for you . Although not as brutal and unfiltered as today's shows it had the start of " anything for money " mentality . I have to admit I didn't care for Josh in the beginning but I grew to like him . I'm glad that Madison ( Holly ) was strong enough to let him back in slowly . I'm not a fan of Reality T.V. AT ALL . I loved this book , and I look forward to reading more from Kaira .

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book. There was a lot going on with the characters. They used to be on a tv show in high school and some took the fame and ran while others were hurt by what happened. Now it seems like a few are being forced back into the spotlight. Will it have the same outcome or will things turn out differently?

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it a local library.

[B. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to abandon. Been sitting on this one for a few weeks. Cannot get over the lame story line and the teeny bopper feel of this whole thing called a book.
The characters were sloppy & fickle.
The story was very, very young adult.
Not for me

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 54%

1.5 "dud of a guy and pushover of a girl lacked the necessary chemistry to overcome the juvenile writing and execution" stars

[Stephanie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint about this series is that nobody sells them!!! I have been able to find numbers 1, 2 &3. My only option is to do the audiobooks for the last two, but I really don’t want to. I love sitting with a book at lunch everyday to escape my somewhat stressful job. Listening to it just doesn’t have the same appeal. I grew up in Huntington Beach, so I love that these books are set close by, because it feels so familiar. I don’t know if this would qualify as a complaint, but I automatically compare each character in the books to the “characters” from “Laguna Beach”. So I end up with annoying visuals in my head as I read.

Now I just need to locate the last book!!!

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for and honest review. Laguna Nights (Laguna Beach Book 1) is well written and thought out. Kaira Rouda is an outstanding writer as she brings the complex feelings and the situation of her characters to life. I felt she presented not only their young love before but also their struggle of accepting the strong pull of lust and love. In my opinion this novel is beautifully written however I did find a few mistakes, but I believe they were missed by a proof reader. It’s a story about first love between a strong, vibrant woman and a hot, sexy man and what they have experienced in their lives.
I love Madison Alcott because she is a strong and determined woman trying to put her life back together. After the horrifying experience on a television show that exposed the young lives of a group of high school kids, which ended her first love by circumstances depicted by writers of the show. She’s back home trying to move on with her life by graduating college and is now working at the luxurious hotel, Mondrian Laguna Beach, where she is the manager of group sales. She loves her job. That is before her first love, Josh, comes back to town, wanting to talk about what happened fifteen years ago on the television show, Laguna Nights. Until seeing Josh again, Madison didn’t realize how much she desired him but the nightmare of their break-up terrifies her enough not to allow him to get close again.
Josh Welsh is all grown-up. He’s sexy, hot and trying to resurrect his acting carrier and his biggest mistake of his life, losing his first love to stupidity. I admire his determination in showing the television industry that he’s dedicated and passionate about his acting. He’s come home to Laguna Beach to film the show Journeys with Josh. He has this burning desire to explain to Madison “Holly” about what happened fifteen years ago on the television show, Laguna Nights and the circumstances surrounding their horrible break-up. He realizes while being on the movie set, he has always loved Holly and always will.
Will Madison overcome her insecurities and fall for Josh again? Is his love strong enough to prove to Madison, she can trust him with her heart? Will she believe he won’t be complete without her? Can they take that final step together to love each other the way they should have all along?

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Reality TV is one of those guilty pleasures that I have (along with sneaking chocolate when my kids aren't looking, trashy romance novels and margaritas) so when I read what this book was going to be about, I expected it to be fun, a little trashy and set me in the middle of crazy. Laguna Nights is the setting of the reality show in this book and features two key characters - Holly (aka Madison) and Josh. They met in high school, had your typical 'romance' for that age and had it all blow up on national television. Embarrassing, right? The teenage years can be compared to an emotional roller coaster that screams 90 mph the entire time and this story hits that nail right on the head.

15 years after the huge blow up, Holly/Madison and Josh find themselves both back in the same position - a reality show, hurt feelings and a national audience. Can they let the past be just that - the past?? Of course not! Holly/Madison is your typical woman and holds onto the emotional pain for all those years causing it to burn into a fury. I have to say that I was thinking, 'Give it up, girl!! Time to grow up and move on!!' a few times but then a part of me knew where she was coming from. On the other hand, I wanted to get a hold of Josh and beat some sense into him. He has the chance to make things right but instead, he chooses to pick up right where he left off with Holly/Madison.

Can both of them learn to move beyond the events that lead them down the paths they chose 15 years ago? Is it possible to forgive, forget and learn to love again? I honestly expected this book to end all clean, pretty and happy - I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and can't wait for book number two in the series!