Seaside Kisses

The Hunters #4

by Stacy Claflin

People change, but some feelings last forever.

Rafael Hunter never thought he’d return to Kittle Falls, but life gave him no other choice. Los Angeles chewed him up, spit him out, and sent him back to square one.

Amara Fowler has lived in the small beach town her entire life. She’s overcome her shyness to grow into the woman she always knew she could be, but she never forgot her secret crush. When the alluring Rafael returns, he can’t help but stir in her a whirlwind of old feelings.

They’ve both changed so much. Has life kept them incompatible or has it molded them into a matching set?

Seaside Kisses is the fourth standalone in the Seaside Hunters collection, a series of sweet contemporary romance novels. If you like falling head over heels for characters as they fall for each other, then you'll love the latest entry in this light, romantic series with just a hint of mystery.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Mystery, Ebooks

320 pages, ebook

First published August 28, 2015

About the author

Stacy Claflin writes about complex women overcoming incredible odds. Whether it's her Gone trilogy of psychological thrillers, her ongoing Transformed paranormal saga, or her Seaside Hunters sweet romance series, Stacy's three-dimensional heroines shine through.

Decades after she wrote her first stories on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer that weighed half a ton, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time author.

When she's not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys watching TV shows like Supernatural, Pretty Little Liars, and Once Upon a Time.

Join Stacy's newsletter to get free books: http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/

Reviews

[Kathy Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up Amara was bullied because she was overweight and "nerdy". She was called names, had gum thrown in her hair, tripped while she was walking down the halls and tortured in any way the bullies could think of. In spite of all that, she grew up into an amazing woman. After high school she made several changes to her outer appearance, gained the confidence she was lacking and finally turned into the woman that she always knew she could be. When her old high school crush returns to Kittle Falls she will finally have the chance to catch his eye. But will he give the new Amara a chance or will he only see her as Four-Eyes Fowler?

Rafael never thought that he would ever return home to Kittle Falls. But when his business crumbles, through no fault of his own, he is in need of a fresh start far away from bad decision making business partners and cheating ex-girlfriends. He has definitely sworn off women for good. But when he runs into Amara for the first time in years, he has a hard time staying away. He can't believe that he had overlooked such an amazing person in high school. But with someone trying to sabotage his new business, will he have a chance to see where things can lead with Amara? Or will outside forces tear them apart for good?

I loved the relationship between Amara and Rafael! They both had their insecurities but they were the perfect fit for each other. And I enjoyed all the side characters. I can't wait to get to know them better.

I really enjoyed Seaside Kisses! It was a cute, fun, quick read. My only complaint is the ending. I wanted just a little bit MORE! I was bummed when it ended! This is my first book by Stacy Claflin and I can say without a doubt that I will be picking up more books by her! Starting with book 1 in this series... ;) I am not sure why I started with book 4 but it just kept calling my name until I gave in and read it. And I was glad I did! :)

And this casting... *dreamy sigh* I love them!

[Mailis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. So Rafael, our manly hero who designs clothes. I might have been skimming a bit on some pages, but I still don't remember that it was explained somewhere why this is something he does, where that idea came from or if he even knows what that entails really. He also seems otherwise this butch guy who turns periodically girlish even when romancing his love interest Amara. Like giving her a clothes for his shop so she could look gorgeous or throwing together picnics with a portable big ass candleholder for ambiance, or sending mushy texts with hearts and kisses and holding a texting competition who can say I miss you more with the most syrupy words...Can't forget him sashaying on the catwalk for his own designer show.
Also the logic of romance timeframe seemed ridiculous to me. It took only couple of days for Rafael who has just lost his love to a villain partner who cost him every penny from previous design business to get a bright epiphany that he must marry Amara. Love of his life. Boom!
Also when things turn nasty with previously mentioned villain who stole his girlfriend I just was ready to throw up my hands. Honest to god, if you are such a bad character judge as this Rafael guy must have been to have found this cartoon enemy for a partner, who also hates him for no reason other than just because and ex bimbo girlfriend with an IQ lower than a dead possums then you need help. And the plot where they bother him, try to kill him and are these idiots who just are evil for no reason, is baffling.

[B. D. Mann · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the positive side, I was pleased that this was clean romance offering – and that is about it. I cannot state that it was a page turning, captivating reading experience because it took me two weeks to finally reach the final page. Granted, I had conflicting priorities these past few weeks, but this story never left me looking forward with anticipation. Quite the opposite, the author completely failed in creating realistic suspense. It was always easy to find something more entertaining to do. In fact, realism was consistently lacking. Believability was missing at almost every turn. Editing errors abound, mostly composed of omitted words which is a problem a spell checker doesn’t correct. What was missing at every turn was that a there was never any mystery or tension connected to the way the protagonists felt about each other. In short this was a bland, unexciting story. I fail to understand why so many four and five star reviews were given. If there is a mystery connected to this offering, that is it.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. You have romance and some mystery to the plot. I enjoyed all the main characters in the book. If you actually read my reviews then you will know that's a rarity. I will definitely have to check out the others in this series. Hopefully the others will be as good as this one.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

Seaside Kisses was not for me. The story was too simple and all tell no show and moved way too quickly. That and it seemed like all feelings were based on the physical aspects and it wasn't very good. *Some spoilers ahead*

Amara has always had a crush on Rafael, but she was the nerdy fat kid in school. Everyone always picked on her so she doesn't think much of herself. Even if she has changed, she got contacts, lost weight, she still thinks of herself as that fat kid. When she sees Rafael is back in town she thinks nothing will ever happen with him. I mean look at her and look at him! He wouldn't go for someone like her.

Rafael is back in town after his business partner left him with a failing business and started shacking up with his girlfriend. He is a bit heartbroken, but when Amara is there to help him when he needs it he starts talking to her a few times. He can't get over how much she has changed and wishes he would have talked to her back in school since she is such a nice person.

When someone starts messing with Rafael, breaking his property and such, he tries to get to the bottom of it. Only they are too smart for him and things get a bit carried away. Now as for who was giving him a hard time? That didn't make much sense to me. I have no idea why the people who did it would do stuff like this. It was never really satisfactorily explained and left me scratching my head. That and when things get out of hand Amara goes to the cops and they were hilarious in how terrible they were. The whole thing was kind of a mess for me.

So Rafael, after only talking to Amara a few times, gets into a bad situation and then realizes that Amara is not repulsed by him even though his face is messed up at the moment. Like she didn't go running screaming and this is the second time she has seen him not at his best. So he should marry her. Because she didn't run screaming. And she is so nice. It was...I didn't understand. There was no I love her so much I need to be with her I should marry her. It came off more she likes the way I look, I like the way she looks, we should get married. I mean he did tell her he loved her before he proposed, but still. It never felt like the two even knew each other let alone were in love. It wasn't good.

The whole story was tell not show. I was told a lot of things, how some people were or what they felt, but I never saw it. That and Amara's self confidence issues due to high school kept me from enjoying this story. It was a bit too much for me.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 Stars) I love the fact that people can change and aren't the same as they were in high school or while growing up and that's just what we see in Seaside Kisses. I've enjoyed reading about each Hunter brother and this one is all about Rafael, the fashion designer. I loved that it took place in this beloved seaside town, but that it's autumn now--what a fun take!

Rafael is down on his luck and ready to make a new start back home in Kittle Falls. Trying to open a new fashion store proves harder than he thinks when he seems to be threatened for doing so. That element adds a bit of mystery to the story, which made it a lot of fun. I thought that Rafael would be a jerk, with his recent success, but he's very down-to-earth. I really liked him and loved learning more about his story.

Just down the street from his store is a candy store run by twins Amara and Alex. Amara is a lot different than she was in high school and now she has the attention of Rafael, unlike in the past. They've both changed so much and the old feelings and new feelings can be hard to mesh. I really liked the woman that Amara grew up to be. Sometimes, being around people from the past brings up those old feelings and insecurities in me, but she didn't exhibit any of those tendencies.

I loved the romance, although it developed a little quickly for my taste. It did feel natural, since they shared a past. As I said before, the mystery really played well into the story and this one is a lot of fun!

Content: mild language; mild romance; mild violence. Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Paula Bothwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

PG
Seaside Hunters Book 4
Violence: some implied
Language: no swears
Sex: no sex, a couple of kisses
This is a perfect "intro to romance" book. It's kind of slow, lots of repetitive dialog. It was fine. I didn't read any of the previous books, so I didn't care about the H's brothers

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seaside kisses was a great suspenseful romantic read! I couldn't put it down. I needed to know who was causing issues and if Rafael and Amara would have their HEA! I received a ARC for an honest review.

[Caroline Cairn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like books to offer me a fresh storyline, not an accumulation of clichés that only a fourteen year old would find cute. So if you're a teen, this might appeal to you. If you're an adult, beware at the oozing saccharine and stereotype characters.

[Pamela]

A few chapters in and I couldn't go on. Absolute garbage.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hunters Boxed Set - All the stories of the Hunters Series are good. I've read several more of the eight besides the boxed set.

Seaside Surprises #1 - Pleasant surprise! Since this was my first book by Ms. Claflin, I was surprised. The author did great job with her writing, characters, and plot, which immerses the reader into the story. It's refreshing to read a decent book without explicit sex and profanity and stupidity. I'll be reading more of Ms. Claflin's book. She ranks with Maeve Binchy.

Seaside Heartbeats #2 - Intriguing. Another well written, funny romance with heartwarming characters that are real and a twisting plot giving suspense to the story. The Hunters are a good family and each story is fresh, no repeats.

Seaside Dances #3 - Little sad. A well written, intriguing romance with a couple of not so happy characters and all the rest of characters in this series. The plot twists from a sad, slow beginning into fast moving happiness. Not my favorite book of the Hunters series, but still an interesting read.

Seaside Kisses #4 - Heartwarming. A well written, interesting romance with well developed characters with realistic dialog and a good plot. The Hunters' stories may end the same way, HEA, but getting there is different for each Hunter and soulmate. Ms. Claflin does not disappoint the reader with these eight books.

Seaside Kisses - Unpleasant surprise. The author did a great job writing this book until the main characters went stupid. Why do many authors have their main characters stop believing the people they love and trust the word of people they don't know personally and know those people are usually scum/trouble? It was an unpleasant surprise, when one of my favorite authors did this near the end. A smart, successful woman goes stupid and insecure, instead of doing the right thing. But Ms. Claflin did take the heads out of the nether regions and put them back on the shoulders of the woman and the love interest. This was still a good book and the author is still one of my favorites.

Bayside Promises #8 - A heavy but with humor story. A well written, intense romance with interesting, believable characters. The heaviness of the father's destructive behavior towards his family damages his daughters, but they still have a sense of humor, although love is difficult. I didn't like the father, because of his destruction, but not everything is sunshine and roses. This book is kinda like watching Die Hard when it first hit the screen, it involved your emotions too hard when the causes were exposed to the girls' thought processes. It is a good story and worth reading.

Bayside Destinies #9 - A heavy but heartwarming story. A well written, intense romance with an intriguing dilemma for the main characters. The characters, all known to us from the rest of the series, are still interesting and appealing. The dialog is realistic and the plot immerses the reader fully. The book is full of humor, even with the dark subject material. Another hard to put down book by an author who can write an interesting story without vulgar language and sex.

Bayside Opposites #10 - Heartwarming romance. A well written, lighthearted romance with two wonderful characters, actually three including the great state of Texas. The well thought out plot and developed characters keep the reader in suspense until the book ends, which is way to soon since the story is so good. Ms. Claflin never fails to deliver a good story and I look forward to reading more of her books.

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I believe that Stacy Claflin is a very talented author. I have enjoyed other books she has written as well as Seaside Christmas which is also one of the books in this particular series. I look forward to reading the others as well.

I can relate somewhat to this story. I guess my high school experience may have been a lot more like Amara's experience.

This book is a perfect example of very well written book that doesn't need all of the extra explicit sex. It has a very good storyline.

It is about Amara Fowler who during high school was a bit over weight and may have not been the prettiest girl. But now years later as an adult she has somewhat of a makeover. Loosing weight and dressing better etc. However she still has the insecurities that she felt in high school. She didn't go on to college because she feared running into more people like she had to deal with in high school. However she has enjoyed success anyway. She now runs the family candy store with the help of her twin brother. She is very good with children and the preteens and teens from the school groups that come to tour the candy shop.

Rafael Hunter returns to Kittle Falls after trying his luck at business in Los Angeles. However his business in Los Angeles failed. Not necessarily because of his own doing. He has a very close family. He was popular in high school. Although he wasn't aware of Amara's interest in him it seems that they have know each other since they were quite young.

Rafael is trying to start up a new business similar to the one he had in Los Angeles. During this effort he renews his connects with Amara and love between the two begins to slowly blossom. However he faces many obstacles to getting his business started. There is a local merchant with a couple of troublemaking sons as well as an ex-girlfriend and ex-business partner to deal with

I do not want to spoil this read for anyone else who might be interested in reading the book; but I will say the author does a very good job of making you think the culprits interfering with his life is one group but turns out to be another.

It just really is a very good book.

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amara Fowler was an ugly duckling being overweight and wearing glasses in high school and she had crush on Rafael Hunter the hottest boy in school, but he never noticed her. Rafael becomes a fashion designer and returns back home to Kittle Falls after he is betrayed by his ex-business partner Tony and his ex-girlfriend Kristine leaves him in Los Angeles. After losing weight and wearing contacts Amara grew up to be a beautiful woman. Amara works in her family’s candy shop when Rafael walks into the shop and there is an instant attraction. Rafael never thought he could find love again until he met Amara. Rafael tries to open a fashion store in Kittle Falls but runs into problems before his store can open. I really enjoyed this amazing holiday romance novel.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances throughout!
Amara has blossomed into a unique and charming woman since her high school years in a little beach town. Her teenage crush, Rafael, returns after personally and professionally treacherous events in Los Angeles. He seeks to start over again and she seeks just to have a start with him. Unfortunately, sabotage is afoot with a variety of mishaps, some more dangerous than others. Along the way in solving the mysteries, Amara and Rafael become closer and closer…will they have a chance for a safe life and true romance?

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book focusing on Rafael Hunter who returns home and falls in love with Amara Fowler-known to him in high school as Four Eyes Fowler. Amara was overweight in high school and everyone made fun of her. I could relate to that story as I was overweight in high school. It is a great story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read, it's romantic, it's a mystery, it's family.
I loved this story, the characters make you feel everything that's happening
The plot is really great. A very good afternoon story, once you start its hard to stop
and take care of your own family, but of course we do. It's that good.

[Lynn Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combination romance and mystery.

The story of a woman who as a teen was an outcast and was embarrassed by her classmates. Now, she is the owner of a candy shop. He was a classmate, part of the leadership of his class. Now he is opening a clothing store filled with his designs. But there are problems ... who is causing them?

[Suzanne Normandeau Legault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story the minute I started reading the book, made me want to read more, therefore, I ended up reading it in one day; I couldn’t put it down. Funny how first loves or first crushes never leave your mind or your heart. It definitely got me interested in The Hunters Series. Thank you Stacy; keep writing and I’ll keep reading 😉💕.

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel good read , Rafael and Amara are both shop owners and went to school together , Amara and Rafael were worlds apart growing up , as adults they form a friendship that quickly turns into romance , along with someone/s trying to make sure Rafael has a hard time opening up his shop , its a page turner for sure ..

[Kathleen Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a wonderful read

I couldn't put this book down, and the farther I got into it, the harder it got! I could relate with Amara in so many ways, but not in every way. I was fascinated with the story!
Great story, I think they are easier to follow as the series, but you could read it as a stand alone book.

[Mary Sanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very pleased with the story line with Armara deciding that her true love from high school had come back home and it turned out he fell in love with her. Also, the way they solved who did all of the bad things and how the business was set up for him to propose to her. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short short review. 3.5 Sweet clean light romance with a little mystery thrown in. Likeable characters and enjoyable family dynamic that might just have you wanting to purchase the other books in the series to read more of loving family dynamic.

[Emily F - Seriously Sweet Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and fun

Sweet romance with a bit of intrigue and mystery. The characters are well-developed. It's fun to see the Hunter family in action again and I look forward to more adventures from Stacy Claflin.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little romance. These two characters grow together well and each character is well developed. The story and plot were well thought out and written to keep you in the book. I love how these two develop this relationship.

[Jacquelyn MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books is amazing, a series about the Hunter family. Their trials and tribulations.
The series is must read. As are all of Stacy Caflin's books.
You will be sorry if you don't read them

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly a lighter romance, some hints at suspense. 3 star solid

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Wanted it to be a bit longer but was good content. Loved how Kittle Falls was the focous and not a big town. How family helps one another despite their ownissues.

[The Endless Unread · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely awful. The male character really winds me up. He only notices the heroine after she loses weight then we're meant to just follow a stereotypical chauvinistic storyline. Uuuhh no thank you!

[Pam Kaufer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story

Book 4 of the Seaside series, this story has romance and mystery all rolled in one. It is fun getting to know each of the Hunter brothers. A must read.