Rendezvous in Point Reyes

West Coast Holiday #3

by Elisabeth Barrett

For shy, quiet Stella Flynn, love is an illusion. After a rough divorce, all she wants is to make a fresh start and get on with her life. Unfortunately, she spends all her waking hours working at her family’s Napa Valley winery alongside her ex, the assistant winemaker. Unable to bear the thought of spending another weekend surrounded by lovey-dovey couples, especially after suffering through a lonely holiday season, she escapes to Point Reyes to wallow. Little does she know that an old family friend has other plans …

Sexy, free-spirited Jason Roberts has secretly been in love with Stella for years. The problem? She’s his best friend’s younger sister, and Stella’s brother would kill him if he ever broke her heart. Besides, Jace is pretty sure that Stella thinks of him like another brother, not a lover. But then he notices the way she’s looking at him, and one perfect kiss changes everything.

Over a long, romantic weekend, Stella and Jace discover that seduction is a game that’s easy to lose … and that the path from friends to lovers is never as smooth as it seems.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2015

About the author

Elisabeth Barrett lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and spends her days teaching, editing, writing sexy contemporary romance, and enjoying time with her sometimes-bearded husband and three spirited children. She is constantly perfecting her home-work-writing juggling act, but in her free time she loves to hike open space preserves, grow orchids, bake sweet things her husband won’t eat, and sing in grand choruses.

To find out more about Elisabeth and her books, please sign up for her newsletter or vist her at her website, on Twitter, or on Facebook.

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - "You're in good hands." Stars!

I am a huge fan of Elisabeth Barrett, and her West Coast Holiday series is the perfect lazy afternoon/weekend reading.



We met Stella Flynn briefly in the previous book in the series as it focused on her brother Liam and his growing relationship. Stella having just started to get over her divorce decides to spend a long weekend in Point Reyes, to relax and re-evaluate her life. Forgetting that her brother’s best friend and her long time crush Jason Roberts’s lives and works there too.

”I don’t want to hide anymore.”

Little does Stella know, but Jason has been harbouring some not so platonic feelings for her over the years, and when he finds out she is in the area on her own for a few days, seizes the opportunity to show her that he isn’t the womaniser that she assumes him to be.

Sexy, sweet and full of feels, the author pitched this couple’s romance perfectly. Both are struggling with issues from their pasts, and although it played a part in their story, the drama didn’t overtake everything else. I read this book in one sitting, it was such an easy to get along with story.

ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 stars

Elisabeth Barrett is one of those authors whose writing always draws me in immediately into the story and makes me feel a part of it. Rendezvous in Point Reyes is the third book in her West Coast Holiday series and it is every bit as good as the first book and my favorite of so far. Friends turn into lovers in this incredibly sexy yet poignant story.

Needing to get away from the family business and her ex-husband on Valentine's Day weekend, Stella Flynn heads to Point Reyes with plans to work and well...mope, but running into Jason Roberts, her big brother's best friend and the boy, now man, that once pushed her out of her comfort zone and have fun she begins to open herself up and enjoy her life with his help.

These two had so much history together so they were immediately comfortable in each other's company and easily share what was going on in their lives, but the sexual tension flowing between them was more than either one could handle and decide to enjoy each other over the long weekend promising that when it is over nothing changes between them. I enjoyed watching them not only help each other with personal and professional issues but the relaxed way they were with each other and while they had a few moments of insanity; I appreciated that they both were grown up enough to realize their mistakes and move past them.

With interesting and charming characters Rendezvous in Point Reyes is sensual romance and an excellent addition to a very strong series.

Review copy provided for an honest review.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute fast read about Jason who has always been in love with his best friends sister Stella. He never did anything about it and kept his feelings for her under wraps.

Now it's Valentines weekend and Stella doesn't want to be around couples. Now that she is divorced from her cheating ex she goes on vacation and runs into Jason.

Since this book was on the short side I didn't really get into there relationship. One moment they are just friends the next Jason is confessing his love. Don't get me wrong there is romance but I guess I just wanted more of them.

They spend the weekend together and Jason tells her how he's been in love with her and she goes back home. They don't talk for 2 weeks then Jason shows up they are in love and planning how they will commute to work.

I thought Jason was sweet trying to help her make a new memory for Valentine's Day instead of finding her cheating ex with another woman. You can see a great deal how much he cares for her but I didn't see the love blossom from page to page.

Normally holiday books are usually about Christmas or New Years but it was great to finally see a Valentine's one. Hopefully Barrett will add more to this series and the next book will be longer and more in detailed.

If you are looking for a fast read about falling for your best friends little sister then this is the book for you.

[GraceMyBookSnack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also posted on My Book Snack

4.5 Stars

Cheese + Wine make a wonderful pairing!

Rendezvous in Point Reyes is the third West Coast Holiday novella and one of my favorites in the series. Elisabeth Barrett creates a wonderful, romantic weekend getaway type of read with a friends-to-lovers theme.

Stella Flynn is the sister of Liam (from New Year’s in Napa) and helps run the family winery in Napa Valley. It has also been a few months after her divorce, and she just needs to get away for a few days, especially since it’s Valentine’s weekend. She ends up in Point Reyes Station, a small coastal town in Northern California, where she runs into her brother’s best friend, Jason Roberts.

Here’s why I adored Rendezvous in Point Reyes:

Stella and Jason make a great pairing! I love the friends-to-lovers theme, and I think it worked well in this novella. Jason has held back his feelings for Stella for so long, and now that she’s divorced, well, game on! He knows he has to tread carefully as things could get awkward quick, you know. I liked Stella, because she’s trying to move on with her life. Her visit to Point Reyes seems to come at a pivotal point in both their lives, and I loved seeing things play out.

I’ve read quite a few stories from Elisabeth Barrett by now, and I’ve come to know that she can write beautiful settings well. I know that I’ll be whisked away when I read something from her, and that is exactly the feeling I got from this novella. I’ve been to this part of the world before, and reading Rendezvous in Point Reyes actually took me back to remember the food, people, and sights. Makes me want to go back there again!

If you’re looking for a quickie read that centers around cheese, wine, friendship, and romance all wrapped up in a lovely setting, then don’t hesitate to give this one a try!

[Onnica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for a very short, sweet read that's high in passion and low in drama. I did worry this was going to be a 'we can't be together because your brother's my best friend' book, but fortunately the plot didn't hinge on that point.
The characters were both well drawn and sympathetic and clearly meant for each other. It was set in an original setting with plenty of research into the world of wine and artisan cheese.
All in all - a sweet tale, ideal for when you want a quick read in between books.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging friends to lovers story, with lots of good wine and amazing cheeses. Full review to follow!

[LJT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valentine's Day is sometimes hard to get through, especially when your love life is not what you want it to be. In Elisabeth Barrett's Rendezvous in Point Reyes, winemaker Stella Flynn decides to spend the holiday weekend away from her family's Napa winery, visiting with customers and then sobbing the remaining hours away. Stella is recently divorced and is having a hard time moving forward. Her ex-husband still works at the winery and seeing his unfaithful face everyday is no easy task. While in Point Reyes, Stella runs into Jason Roberts, her brother's best friend. Jason is a very successful organic cheese manufacturer, and he invites Stella to stay with him while she is in town. Jason has always been in love with Stella and now is his chance to evolve their solid friendship into something more. Stella is thinking fling, while Jason is thinking forever.

Wine and cheese have always been an award-winning combination. Consequently, so are Stella and Jason. Stella is a tad shy and Jason knows what buttons to push in order to bring her out of her shell, both in and out of the bedroom. They spend lots of time together and their friendship evolves into a sultry love affair. In addition, Stella's honesty gives Jason the push he needs to mend fences with his family. Their closeness during childhood, is what sets the foundation for a future of love and happiness.

Rendezvous in Point Reyes is both a charming and passionate novella. The author's descriptions of the California scenery is tangible and romantic. This story is the third book from Ms. Barrett's West Coast Holiday series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone. If you are in the mood for a romance with a loving couple, an interesting plot and some truly yummy cheese delights for the foodie in you, check this one out.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Leone (She Reads too Much Romance) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I would not consider this book to be a favorite of mine I did still enjoy the foundation of a getaway novel as well as the actual romance exchanged between the characters.

Prior to the story I hadn't read any novels of the West Coast Holidays. I find this to be slightly disappointing because this novel did have many of the traits that I love about a romance novel including a handsome hero and a heroine that needs to be brought of her shell. Continuing with the romance I think it was the perfect holiday retreat. It was nice to breakaway from my previous reading of historical fiction and into an upbeat, contemporary romance that I think readers will find likable.

However I think what stood out to me the most was the author's writing. I was highly impressed with my first introduction to Barrett as an author. I found the backdrop of the plot to reflect the carefree moments of getting lost in love in a beautiful location without the scenic views being too heavily developed and so I will be keeping a sharp eye on Barrett in the near future.

As for the faults of the novel I think I would have much preferred that both Stella and Jason meant under different circumstances. There was nothing actually wrong with reuniting with your best friend's sister but I feel like that this trait is well worn out in the modern world of writing romance. As a reader I crave a more divergent plot or even romance and perhaps that is something that Barrett will include in future novels.

I think as a whole I would recommend this book to anyone who is genuinely looking for a fun romance that can transport themselves into a seashore nature resort because this book will certainly do just that.

-This review was submitted to all respectable parties PRIOR to posting the review to GoodReads.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars.

A fun and short read.

This is the third book in the series, and this time we have Stella and Jason’s story.

Stella needed to escape her hometown for a few days, trying to deal with her divorce from a while back and pretty much everyone looking at her with pity. Because of this, she usually hides herself in work, work, work. It’s only when she gets to Point Reyes and bumps into Jason, an old friend of the family, that she realizes that she needs more than work in life.

I liked Stella, she was dealt a crappy hand in life, but she tried to make the best of it. The thing is, she was always pretending to be Ok with it, but more and more that pretending was eating at her. I really wanted her to move on and do great things in life.

Then came Jason, a family friend who’s always been in love with her. He just never told her. Jason also had a lot of issues, particularly with his family, which made him want to work extra hard to have the life he really wanted.

I also liked Jason, with everything he had, he really was just trying to follow his own path and make it on his own. He was actually successful, just not in the way his parents wanted.

Loved them together and how they pushed each other not only to fulfill their dreams, but also to be better. They both needed people who believed in them.

This was a short story, but very nice and didn’t feel rushed at all. Not sure there will be more books in the series, but if there are, I’ll be sure to read them.

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*

[Eva • All Books Considered · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted at All Books Considered: 3.5 STARS

Oh my, the first half of this book was SO, SO good! And the second half -- not bad, but just not as stellar as the first half. There is something SO good about anticipation and I love a "my brother's best friend" romance!! This is a good one! I liked that it was Jason who was pining for Stella for all those years since usually it's the other way around in books that fall into the trope of my brother's best friend. He is SUCH a good book boyfriend! Major swoon -- in a band, makes cheese, has a gorgeous house and is completely devoted to Stella -- rescuing her for Valentine's Day weekend and cooking for her. This is by far my favorite in this series!!

I would recommend this to fans of contemporary romance. I have been to and love Point Reyes and cheese so the setting was perfect!

He tried to memorize every minute of this. The tiny beauty mark under her chin. The way she breathed out, just a little, each time he bottomed out inside her body, the depth of passion in her dark eyes.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rendezvous in Point Reyes is the first in this series that I have read by Elisabeth Barrett. I have enjoyed two of her other series so I thought I would give this a try even though it I third in the West Coast Holiday Series. I was not disappointed since it reads very well on its own.

The plot is a straight forward friends to lovers story which I like. There is quite a bit of angst throw in as Stella works through her feelings. I could tell from the beginning that until she is able to love herself it would be hard for her to accept Jason’s love. Jason for his part is more confused concerning his parents then he is about his love for Stella. Still he has issues standing in his way too. The part I do not understand is why brothers are so against their best friends and little sisters falling in love. I guess it is a male thing I will never understand.

Very enjoyable and a pretty quick read too. Now I will definitely go back to read the first two books.

Copy provided by the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.

[Jin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley and Elisabeth Barrett for my arc.

I enjoyed reading Elisabeth Barrett's books and this was good as other one. This was short but sweet.

Stella was a workaholic who needed a break. After her uneventful divorce, her life revolved around Flynn winery. Her ex-husband really crushed her in so many ways.
During valentines weekend she decided to take a break and head to point Reyes. She wanted wallow her loneliness in a small cottage in point Reyes but she runs into her brothers best friend Jason Roberts.
Jason was was more like family. They have known each other since she was little girl. She always loved him like a brother. He had his baggage of his own with his parents.
Both needed each other and they were willing to risk whatever it was for them.
Will they just enjoy the weekend and move on or will they finally find each other?

It was sweet story. It was fun and short and I do like reading her books.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those quick sexy afternoon reads. I inhaled it in one evening. Stella Flynn is struggling with grief over he failed marriage and looking to get away from her overprotective father and brother she takes a weekend vacation to Point Reyes. She rented a cottage and booked some meeting for work and then plans to wallow alone for once. Jason Roberts is her brother's best friend. He's been in love with her for a long time but kept it to himself. He's drawn to her but still tried to hold himself back but it doesn't last long. Love this book. Stella is awesome and once she finds out Jace wants her she debates changing their relationship but promises herself it will be ok is she treats it as a vacation fling. That doesn't work either. Love to see these two figure things out. Jason's past history with women is almost his downfall so he has to work hard to make Stella see he's the right man for her.

[Rhonda Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yesterday was a cold rainy day in Southwestern Ontario, bad for doing work outside but perfect for settling under a cozy blanket with a cup of tea and a new Elisabeth Barrett novel! Stella Flynn needs a break from life. Her marriage has ended, she has no friends outside of work and nothing to look forward to. Life these days are about existing and not living. She decides to have a pity party for one and heads to Point Reyes in which to do it. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned as Stella runs into the one person that won't let her get down on yourself, her brother's best friend. Jason Roberts has been a part of Stella's life for a very long time, the problem though is that he has discovered that he doesn't want to be another big brother to her but a lover. Hence the basis for this fast paced novel that will have you rooting for love to conquer all! 4 Stars *

[Dísir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hurt and down after her recent divorce, Stella Flynn's short weekend break turns into something unexpected when she runs into Jason Roberts, the somewhat-player/good friend that she'd grown up with, until a tumble into bed turns their friendship on its head.

Another take on the brother's best friend/best friend's sister trope, 'Rendezvous in Point Reyes' fills the well-trodden cliché at least with exotic locales, wines and cheeses that helps cushions the rather predictable romance. I found this a short, cute read - not long enough for any believable connection or emotional investment - with an optimistic ending, but in some ways, regrettably forgettable.


*ARC by netgalley
(still grateful, mind)

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this fun sexy read! The story is filled with emotion, desire, humor, and family. It's very well written and the characters are exceptional.

Jason has been in love with Stella Flynn for years, but, since she's the little sister of his best friends she was definitely hands off! Stella is shy, quiet, and lonely. Working at the family winery, where her ex also works, isn't the best of situations. So she plans a getaway. Running into Jason Roberts was the last thing she expected. Maybe though, he's the one thing she needs!

I highly recommend this one. It will give you an afternoon of great entertainment!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rendezvous in Point Reyes is full of descriptive scenic beauty. Rich with emotion and centered around a story of yearning. Stella is a person who is naturally introverted. Recent experiences have caused her self esteem to plummet, trust to become non-existent and made her more of a loner than before. For Jace it has always been Stella.
She owns his heart and doesn't even know it. If given the chance he wants to make all her dreams come true. I was given an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. The beautiful backdrop of the Napa Valley winery and the sweet love story of Jace and Stella made this book a fascinating sight to behold.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Elisabeth Barrett and it didn't disappoint. Jason and Stella's story starts from a very young age of being great friends. Stella finds herself at a tough point in her life and leaves home for a short Valentines vacation. Her goal is to forget about her ex and in turns runs into Jason. Jason has been running from his family problems but has always been in love with his best friends Sister Stella. The story developed their relationship but they both work to overcome their pasts. This book is the 3rd book in the series but I read it out of sequence and had no problems following. However now I can't wait to go back and read the previous books.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rendezvous in Point Reyes by Elisabeth Barrett is a beautifully written sweet story. I absolutely loved the story between Stella and Jason. This book has family issues, divorces, love, hot romance everything you look for in a romance book.

I absolutely love Elisabeth writing style, so sweet and very descriptive. I would highly recommend this book you will definitely want to read it.

I was given an ARC, for my honest review.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

***ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

This was a sweet story but a little short on character depth. While we were given historical background between the two MCs it would have been helpful to see more of the relationship once they go from friends to lovers. I felt the transition was too quick and resolved way too easily. It felt like there was a chapter or two missing describing the development and evolution of their relationship.

[Missouri Shopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters that are alive

Elisabeth Barrett's characters are so real, flawed like we all are. The conversations she writes are alive. There is nothing better than when you laugh out loud at written dialogue! You know her characters and would love to meet them for coffee. When you see her name as the author, sit down to enjoy meeting new friends.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella goes to Point Reyes planning to cry her eyes out over her recent divorce and instead ends up staying at the house of her brother's best friend. She doesn't realize that he has been in love with her for years. So, things start to heat up. This was a fun book to read in an afternoon. I would recommend it.

[Playground of Randomness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book but found the ending a bit flat. Nonetheless it was a sweet romance which real relatable characters. There's humor and romance in this book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance

[Katie Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella and Jason!

Loved this third book in the series!! I loved the characters, their love story and the absolutely divine descriptions of the cheese! I could almost taste it. Wonderful, wonderful book!

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good romantic read - I liked the main characters and hoped for their happy ending as they worked through their life issues. This was a very short read, but complete.