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Lavender Island #1
Kiss on Castle Road, The
Natalie has always been the fun Grant sister: the one with the constantly packed suitcase and the zest for life. But this carefree existence is wearing on her. When her oldest sister, Olivia, invites her to Lavender Island for three months, Natalie jumps at the chance to look after her niece, prove she’s not irresponsible, and take a much-needed vacation from men.
Her “mancation” takes an unexpected turn when she spots a group of sick sea lions and calls on microbiologist Elliott Sherman for help. Elliott is everything Natalie is not—quiet, studious, and geeky. Yet there’s a simmering sexiness under those glasses that she’s quick to notice. And Elliott finds himself taken with her gorgeous free spirit. Despite their chemistry, outside forces threaten to keep them apart—including a secret Natalie has never shared. Can the allure of Lavender Island and its quirky residents open her heart and lead her to lasting love?
Her “mancation” takes an unexpected turn when she spots a group of sick sea lions and calls on microbiologist Elliott Sherman for help. Elliott is everything Natalie is not—quiet, studious, and geeky. Yet there’s a simmering sexiness under those glasses that she’s quick to notice. And Elliott finds himself taken with her gorgeous free spirit. Despite their chemistry, outside forces threaten to keep them apart—including a secret Natalie has never shared. Can the allure of Lavender Island and its quirky residents open her heart and lead her to lasting love?
MP3 CD
First published January 1, 2016
252 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Christopher
9 books95 followersLauren Christopher is the author of the new Lavender Island romance series, which includes THE KISS ON CASTLE ROAD and LOVE ON LAVENDER ISLAND, as well as the Sandy Cove romance series, which includes THE RED BIKINI and TEN GOOD REASONS.
She has been a 2015 Holt Medallion Award of Merit finalist and a 2012 Golden Heart finalist.
A professional writer for more than two decades, Lauren has worked on a wild range of writing projects, from magazine fashion articles to ghost-writing for professional athletes.
A graduate of UCLA with a degree in English, she resides in Southern California with her husband and three children.
She loves to chat with readers! Visit her at her website to say hello and learn more about upcoming books at www.LaurenChristopherAuthor.com.
She has been a 2015 Holt Medallion Award of Merit finalist and a 2012 Golden Heart finalist.
A professional writer for more than two decades, Lauren has worked on a wild range of writing projects, from magazine fashion articles to ghost-writing for professional athletes.
A graduate of UCLA with a degree in English, she resides in Southern California with her husband and three children.
She loves to chat with readers! Visit her at her website to say hello and learn more about upcoming books at www.LaurenChristopherAuthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 3, 2022
Full review posted...
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” —Anaïs Nin
This quote... this pearl of great wisdom... is never more true than it is in The Kiss on Castle Road. Both our hero and heroine are amazing people who, in one way or another, are holding themselves back from all that life has to offer. They're both so good, so compassionate, so caring and yet... so insecure in themselves - in who they want to be, who they can be, and who they already are.
The bottom line: There's just so much to love about The Kiss on Castle Road! Lauren Christopher writes small town romance beautifully, and I am thrilled to have another contemporary romance author to gush over!
An ARC was provided by Montlake Romance and Netgalley. In appreciation, I'm giving them an honest review.
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” —Anaïs Nin
This quote... this pearl of great wisdom... is never more true than it is in The Kiss on Castle Road. Both our hero and heroine are amazing people who, in one way or another, are holding themselves back from all that life has to offer. They're both so good, so compassionate, so caring and yet... so insecure in themselves - in who they want to be, who they can be, and who they already are.
Blurb...I really enjoyed this sweet and somewhat steamy romance. Elliott and Natalie are wonderful! Their relationship grew slowly, but in a believable and healthy way, and even though there was an instant attraction they didn't jump into bed right away, which is something I found quite refreshing. The Lavender Island is a thoroughly entertaining place and setting for the fun supporting cast of quirky senior citizens to wreak havoc and make magic happen. They had me laughing out loud.
Natalie has always been the fun Grant sister: the one with the constantly packed suitcase and the zest for life. But this carefree existence is wearing on her. When her oldest sister, Olivia, invites her to Lavender Island for three months, Natalie jumps at the chance to look after her niece, prove she’s not irresponsible, and take a much-needed vacation from men.
Her “mancation” takes an unexpected turn when she spots a group of sick sea lions and calls on microbiologist Elliott Sherman for help. Elliott is everything Natalie is not—quiet, studious, and geeky. Yet there’s a simmering sexiness under those glasses that she’s quick to notice. And Elliott finds himself taken with her gorgeous free spirit. Despite their chemistry, outside forces threaten to keep them apart—including a secret Natalie has never shared. Can the allure of Lavender Island and its quirky residents open her heart and lead her to lasting love?
The bottom line: There's just so much to love about The Kiss on Castle Road! Lauren Christopher writes small town romance beautifully, and I am thrilled to have another contemporary romance author to gush over!
An ARC was provided by Montlake Romance and Netgalley. In appreciation, I'm giving them an honest review.
May 30, 2016
1.5 stars rounded to 2.
I wanted to like this book so much. A romance where the H is a kind, smart, regular good guy? Swoon. Unfortunately, I couldn't really stand the h. She was so annoying. I understand that she had her issues, but her story just wasn't compelling to me. I really enjoyed the writing style of this author, so I will definitely read another story written by her. I just hope that the story is much less grating.
What I liked:
1) The dual povs.
2) The writing style.
3) No insta-love. I really did enjoy the friendship that was carefully pursued. Unfortunately, the premise for said relationship, especially in the beginning of this story, was so annoying. And then when the premise was extended? Er...cue frustrated moans, and not the good kind.
4) The H. He was simply lovely. A joy to read. A rare gem in the NA romance genre. Needless to say, I adored his character.
What I didn't like:
1) All the annoying and meddlesome sisters.
2) How long the angst dragged on. There really wasn't enough of a story after the angst was over to overcome how annoyed I was for the majority of this story.
3) How magically the issues the h had disappeared. It didn't seem likely. I mean, why would she suddenly stop it with her annoying hang ups if she suffered through them for over 90% of the story? 90%, everyone. 90%. I chalk it up to the OCD reader in me that made me finish this book. That, and the enjoyable writing. It definitely wasn't this story.
I wanted to like this book so much. A romance where the H is a kind, smart, regular good guy? Swoon. Unfortunately, I couldn't really stand the h. She was so annoying. I understand that she had her issues, but her story just wasn't compelling to me. I really enjoyed the writing style of this author, so I will definitely read another story written by her. I just hope that the story is much less grating.
What I liked:
1) The dual povs.
2) The writing style.
3) No insta-love. I really did enjoy the friendship that was carefully pursued. Unfortunately, the premise for said relationship, especially in the beginning of this story, was so annoying. And then when the premise was extended? Er...cue frustrated moans, and not the good kind.
4) The H. He was simply lovely. A joy to read. A rare gem in the NA romance genre. Needless to say, I adored his character.
What I didn't like:
1) All the annoying and meddlesome sisters.
2) How long the angst dragged on. There really wasn't enough of a story after the angst was over to overcome how annoyed I was for the majority of this story.
3) How magically the issues the h had disappeared. It didn't seem likely. I mean, why would she suddenly stop it with her annoying hang ups if she suffered through them for over 90% of the story? 90%, everyone. 90%. I chalk it up to the OCD reader in me that made me finish this book. That, and the enjoyable writing. It definitely wasn't this story.
August 23, 2021
Number of times "mancation" is used: 67. O_o
I'm being generous with 3 stars, but there were a few things I liked about this, and then a few things that seriously annoyed me. A major one being the number of times the author hits you over the head with Natalie's mancation. And the reasons for it felt all over the place.
I'm being generous with 3 stars, but there were a few things I liked about this, and then a few things that seriously annoyed me. A major one being the number of times the author hits you over the head with Natalie's mancation. And the reasons for it felt all over the place.
July 11, 2016
Very cute but very predictible.
July 3, 2017
I just loved this book. Elliott was a sweet, caring, smart, just plain wonderful hero. The personal growth of the heroine was predictable but managed not to be annoying.
The kid in the story also managed not to be annoying and the old people were fun and funny.
Well paced and sweet. This book just made me smile. It was a breath of fresh air that I really needed.
The audio version had a nice reader. The Colonel's voice is a bit distracting, but after a while I came to really enjoy it.
The kid in the story also managed not to be annoying and the old people were fun and funny.
Well paced and sweet. This book just made me smile. It was a breath of fresh air that I really needed.
The audio version had a nice reader. The Colonel's voice is a bit distracting, but after a while I came to really enjoy it.
February 5, 2023
2.5 Cute and Elliott is definitely my type 🥰
September 15, 2015
The Kiss on Castle Road by Lauren Christopher is fun, sweet, and has a cast of quirky characters who made me laugh. Free spirited Natalie meets a quiet, super handsome, nerdy scientist named Elliot and boy do sparks fly!
Natalie has sworn off of men, and wants to show her family she can be responsible when she puts her mind to it. But when she and her niece need help to save stranded baby sea lions, they meet the sexy new biologist, Elliott. Natalie soon regrets her vow to avoid all men, but she’s still determined to stick to her plan.
Elliott’s sister arranges a series of disastrous blind dates for him, but none of the women are interesting enough to keep his mind off of his ongoing experiments at the rescue center. Then he meets Natalie, a woman who makes him forget all about lab work, and things start looking up. She’s beautiful and way out of his league. However her body language, quicken breaths, and dilated pupils indicate she’s attracted to him too. But when she proposes they just be friends, he’s convinced he’d formed an incorrect hypothesis about her. Would his first attempt to have a woman friend be another failed experiment, or the one that finally finds just the cure his heart is looking for?
I read an ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review.
Natalie has sworn off of men, and wants to show her family she can be responsible when she puts her mind to it. But when she and her niece need help to save stranded baby sea lions, they meet the sexy new biologist, Elliott. Natalie soon regrets her vow to avoid all men, but she’s still determined to stick to her plan.
Elliott’s sister arranges a series of disastrous blind dates for him, but none of the women are interesting enough to keep his mind off of his ongoing experiments at the rescue center. Then he meets Natalie, a woman who makes him forget all about lab work, and things start looking up. She’s beautiful and way out of his league. However her body language, quicken breaths, and dilated pupils indicate she’s attracted to him too. But when she proposes they just be friends, he’s convinced he’d formed an incorrect hypothesis about her. Would his first attempt to have a woman friend be another failed experiment, or the one that finally finds just the cure his heart is looking for?
I read an ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review.
February 5, 2016
I continue to enjoy this author. This one wasn't quite as good as the other two and I think it has to do with how the story was structured. There was a section in the middle where we are just told. They decided to be friends and had some great times. This kind of drops the intensity and interest level. I wish the book had been just a little bit longer to allow for more development of their friendship. I did really enjoy the hero. I like me a nerdy beta hero. The interactions with the heroine and hero were good. I liked how she kept catching him failing at blind dates. I felt like her character wasn't quite as solid as it could have been. I will still be waiting anxiously for more from this author though.
August 10, 2017
Author Lauren Christopher is a 2015 Holt Medallion finalist and a 2012 Golden Heart finalist, and she has authored some incredibly heart-touching stories. With characters readers will struggle to erase from their memory, her Sandy Cove series novels have explored sexual tension and the abiding chemistry that have forged relationships, and they have been warmly received by readers, catapulting The Red Bikini and Ten Good Reasons to reasonable success.
The Kiss on Castle Road by Lauren Christopher is the first book in the Lavender Island series. Set in a mysterious island just off the southern California coast, the novel follows Natalie Grant who was asked by her sister Olivia to help her out until the end of her pregnancy. Natalie’s task was to keep an eye on her niece and take care of other necessities as her brother-in-law Jon was serving his last tour of duty. He would be home just before the baby was due.
In the splendor of Lavender Island, as Natalie’s days passed by, she came in contact with microbiologist Elliott Sherman after she saw sick sea lions. The two could have been more different. Natalie was carefree while Elliott was reserved. Yet, underneath the two were drawn to each other. But like all good things, it comes with a heavy price. Natalie has secrets of her own, and she was reluctant to share with anyone else. But as the gentle wind of the island caresses them, Elliott and Natalie discovered that the path to true love sometimes must be taken through a secret road. A delightful story written as only Lauren Christopher can, I strongly recommend this contemporary romance.
The Kiss on Castle Road by Lauren Christopher is the first book in the Lavender Island series. Set in a mysterious island just off the southern California coast, the novel follows Natalie Grant who was asked by her sister Olivia to help her out until the end of her pregnancy. Natalie’s task was to keep an eye on her niece and take care of other necessities as her brother-in-law Jon was serving his last tour of duty. He would be home just before the baby was due.
In the splendor of Lavender Island, as Natalie’s days passed by, she came in contact with microbiologist Elliott Sherman after she saw sick sea lions. The two could have been more different. Natalie was carefree while Elliott was reserved. Yet, underneath the two were drawn to each other. But like all good things, it comes with a heavy price. Natalie has secrets of her own, and she was reluctant to share with anyone else. But as the gentle wind of the island caresses them, Elliott and Natalie discovered that the path to true love sometimes must be taken through a secret road. A delightful story written as only Lauren Christopher can, I strongly recommend this contemporary romance.
September 6, 2023
Slow, Repetitive, Angsty
Elliott was sweet. Natalie annoyed the crap out of me but did have a few endearing moments. Paige was straight obnoxious and so was Nell to a lesser extent. I adored the seniors, especially the colonel. The beginning of the book was fun and kept my attention until about 20% where the pace slowed dramatically. By 60%, I didn't wake to finish but kept reading anyway. By 80%, I was so over it I read all the reviews to see if it got better and considered skipping ahead to the end. Ultimately, I plugged along and genuinely enjoyed the resolution. Bottom line, this book needed about a hundred pages cut, if not more. As far as I recall, this was my first book by this author. I'll withhold further judgment for now and read the sequel. Hopefully, the pace is a little quicker and it's properly edited.
The third star is generous and mostly goes to the side characters.
Elliott was sweet. Natalie annoyed the crap out of me but did have a few endearing moments. Paige was straight obnoxious and so was Nell to a lesser extent. I adored the seniors, especially the colonel. The beginning of the book was fun and kept my attention until about 20% where the pace slowed dramatically. By 60%, I didn't wake to finish but kept reading anyway. By 80%, I was so over it I read all the reviews to see if it got better and considered skipping ahead to the end. Ultimately, I plugged along and genuinely enjoyed the resolution. Bottom line, this book needed about a hundred pages cut, if not more. As far as I recall, this was my first book by this author. I'll withhold further judgment for now and read the sequel. Hopefully, the pace is a little quicker and it's properly edited.
The third star is generous and mostly goes to the side characters.
July 2, 2017
She's here for a break from men, life and all the things that have ended. Her perfect job helping her sister and niece is what she needs.
She can do it, she can commit.
Elliott is always focused on work. His love life is being managed by his sister playing matchmaker and the fact that women tend to look at his nerdy self and nothing more.
But Natalie sees the real Elliott and enjoys what she sees, Elliott sees her inner beauty first and foremost rather then just her outward beauty that all other men see.
This couple is beautiful, the fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Completely perfect. Glad they could make it happen. I want to see more of this couple and I cannot wait to read Paige's story-especially since she doesn't talk much about herself, and shied away from the mason talk.
Romance, overcoming insecurities, some learning and a little erotica too.
She can do it, she can commit.
Elliott is always focused on work. His love life is being managed by his sister playing matchmaker and the fact that women tend to look at his nerdy self and nothing more.
But Natalie sees the real Elliott and enjoys what she sees, Elliott sees her inner beauty first and foremost rather then just her outward beauty that all other men see.
This couple is beautiful, the fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Completely perfect. Glad they could make it happen. I want to see more of this couple and I cannot wait to read Paige's story-especially since she doesn't talk much about herself, and shied away from the mason talk.
Romance, overcoming insecurities, some learning and a little erotica too.
May 4, 2017
I have to admit I have a special place in my heart for those sweet, nerdy men like Elliot. When the reader first meets Natalie, a lot is made of her beauty and I was just hoping she was going to be good enough for him; I wanted them to be a good book couple so that I would enjoy reading their story. Well, Elliot turned out to be true to character and I loved him, but Natalie was one hot mess - she's flaky and immature for being in her late 20's...one of those people that can't commit to anything, let alone a relationship. I was beginning to side with Elliot's over-bearing sister that she wasn't suitable for him, but of course this is romance and she does a 180 and all turns out well.
November 25, 2020
So, if you want to read some of the nice stories simple yet piercing right thru the heart pick this up.
The author has done a great job at describing the moments and penning down the feelings and emotions.
Reading this it feels she touched the feelings of the reader and struck the cord for real.
We get into the Lavender island reading this and become one among them observing their lives closely.
This was a heartwarming read...I surely liked it. Felt so apt. It is like a bar of simple chocolate which is there for you to enjoy.
Many of the lines were noteworthy from this book.
"Fear is part of a thinking man's life, son.
Courage is what you exhibit in the face of that fear".
The author has done a great job at describing the moments and penning down the feelings and emotions.
Reading this it feels she touched the feelings of the reader and struck the cord for real.
We get into the Lavender island reading this and become one among them observing their lives closely.
This was a heartwarming read...I surely liked it. Felt so apt. It is like a bar of simple chocolate which is there for you to enjoy.
Many of the lines were noteworthy from this book.
"Fear is part of a thinking man's life, son.
Courage is what you exhibit in the face of that fear".
July 19, 2019
Natalie comes to Lavandar Island to take care of her niece while her sister Olivia is on bed rest and that's when Natalie meets nerdy Elliott, who is trying to save some sea lions Natalie and her niece reported. Elliott's sister is setting him up on dates, but really, Elliott has eyes for only one girl...
I found Elliott to be too nerdy. It doesn't make for a great book. The whole "he's ripped but doesn't know how to date a woman" thing. I found that to be too weird... There were some really sweet moments in the book, though.
I found Elliott to be too nerdy. It doesn't make for a great book. The whole "he's ripped but doesn't know how to date a woman" thing. I found that to be too weird... There were some really sweet moments in the book, though.
January 16, 2022
I really dont know why i forced myself to read this book…I never learn
If there’s one thing i hate in a book is repetition. Don’t get me wrong, it works when its done well but in this case, i wanted to pull my hair out. Natalie is just a lot. This whole book is her being selfish (that may be an exaggeration on my part but idec). I was waiting for her growth and maturity but there was nothing. I wish i DNF’d earlier but i was on the edge of my seat for the two characters to finally have their moment but ugh.
Everything about this book hurt me fr lmao
If there’s one thing i hate in a book is repetition. Don’t get me wrong, it works when its done well but in this case, i wanted to pull my hair out. Natalie is just a lot. This whole book is her being selfish (that may be an exaggeration on my part but idec). I was waiting for her growth and maturity but there was nothing. I wish i DNF’d earlier but i was on the edge of my seat for the two characters to finally have their moment but ugh.
Everything about this book hurt me fr lmao
February 17, 2021
I did like the story and enjoyed much of the character interaction. I listened to the audio book and most of the voices were great... except for the Colonel! The voice was grating and I periodically had to skip forward.
Why 3 Stars instead of 4 or 5? The constant use of mancation and repetitive reasons why she was on it. My guess is that the word was used well over 100 times. My hope is that the H will grow up a bit.
Why 3 Stars instead of 4 or 5? The constant use of mancation and repetitive reasons why she was on it. My guess is that the word was used well over 100 times. My hope is that the H will grow up a bit.
August 16, 2021
Shout out to the old people in the book being the ultimate wing(wo)men
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2017
My Musings
I struggled with this one. I could not like the main characters very much. The conflict felt contrived to me. I don't plan to read the next one in this series. Happy ☺reading 📚!
I struggled with this one. I could not like the main characters very much. The conflict felt contrived to me. I don't plan to read the next one in this series. Happy ☺reading 📚!
September 7, 2017
Great First Book in the Series!
The island setting is great and the author takes full advantage of it by adding p!ants into descriptions of the scenes and having the beach be a common scene, sand was a common element underfoot, and snorkeling was an activity.
The island setting is great and the author takes full advantage of it by adding p!ants into descriptions of the scenes and having the beach be a common scene, sand was a common element underfoot, and snorkeling was an activity.
July 24, 2019
Seaside, sea lions, seniors, and romance
This was a fun read that captures living in a small seaside town. The cast of characters are enjoyable. The man vacation can be useful and then... I am reading the second book in the series to further the happenings of the sisters.
This was a fun read that captures living in a small seaside town. The cast of characters are enjoyable. The man vacation can be useful and then... I am reading the second book in the series to further the happenings of the sisters.
October 19, 2019
I finished this book in one day because I just couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved the characters and the way they fell in love. Without giving too much away, I thought the mancation was a unique twist.
October 8, 2020
Not for me
Not for me. I found Natalie annoying I'm afraid. And how could the Colonel tell Natalie wasn't the commitment type by looking at her? She had it written all over her. There was just so much in this book that I couldn't believe in, sorry
Not for me. I found Natalie annoying I'm afraid. And how could the Colonel tell Natalie wasn't the commitment type by looking at her? She had it written all over her. There was just so much in this book that I couldn't believe in, sorry
Currently reading
July 17, 2025Audio book, No rating…DNF at Chapter 1. The solo female narrator changed from h pov to H pov mid chapter with no transition or change in voice and I couldn’t tell who was talking or thinking..this would drive me crazy for the nearly 11 hour read. Maybe the print version is better.
May 16, 2017
A really sweet story, very easy reading without being too predictable.
August 1, 2017
Dragged a bit but we got there in the end.
July 25, 2018
Enjoyable
Extremely well written! Plot was enchanting and engrossing. I found this romance novel to be better than many written by well known author's.
Extremely well written! Plot was enchanting and engrossing. I found this romance novel to be better than many written by well known author's.
April 1, 2021
Enjoyed!!!!
Really enjoyed the depth of the characters and the audiobook was very well done. Smiled a lot and teared up multiple times!
Really enjoyed the depth of the characters and the audiobook was very well done. Smiled a lot and teared up multiple times!
July 8, 2021
Honest review
Love these characters and the growth from their backstories. Finding themselves, wild animals, seniors, and kids all keep you on your toes.
Love these characters and the growth from their backstories. Finding themselves, wild animals, seniors, and kids all keep you on your toes.
November 12, 2021
This was lovely. It's hard to say why. I liked the male lead and the pacing was just peaceful and idyllic. I recommend.
January 5, 2024
⛔️(in notes)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews