The Summer Lake contemporary romance series follows a group of friends from a small lakeside town in the California hills. They have kept in touch over the years and now, in their early thirties, their lives are drawing them back to Summer Lake and to each other.
Book 1: Love Like You've Never Been Hurt
Emma Douglas came to Summer Lake as an orphan twenty three years ago. After losing her parents so young and later suffering a disastrous marriage, she believes that love only ever leads to pain and loss.
When she meets Jack Benson, the business partner of her childhood friend Pete, she sees everything she used to long for in a man; tall, dark, and drop dead gorgeous! Despite their undeniable attraction, Emma is too scared to risk her heart, especially on a man so much like her ex - sexy, smart, funny, successful and no doubt the same kind of cheat!
When events lead them both to Summer Lake for the summer, will Jack be able to persuade her that he's nothing like her ex in all the ways that really matter? That the love she used to dream of isn't a little girl's fantasy, but a reality they can share if she can get past her fear and learn to trust?
Book 2: Work Like You Don't Need the Money
Holly Hayes is a realist, if nothing else. She's going to be Maid of Honor at her best friend, Emma's wedding in Summer Lake. Pete Hemming, self made millionaire, powerful CEO, all around good guy, is going to be the Best Man. If they're going to be able to get through their official duties, there's one thing they'll need to deal with first. Sex!
He may be out of her league socially and financially, but one thing is clear. He wants her. She wants him. What's the harm in one night of passion? It's inevitable they're going to end up naked together. So it's best to get it out of the way early, right? So they can get on with organizing the wedding.
Pete Hemming is a man with a plan. He's lived his life by the plan, built his business by it. The plan doesn't allow for a woman in his life, only in his bed. Trouble is, once he gets Holly into his bed, he can't get her out of his mind. But he can't let her into his life, can he?
Book 3: Dance Like Nobody's Watching
Missy Malone has had a great summer, watching her friends meet wonderful guys and fall in love. She even has a wonderful guy in her own life. Trouble is, he's only in her life to mentor her son, Scot. She just has to stop daydreaming that he could be as good for her as he is for Scot. What would he ever see in her anyway? She's a broke single mom who talks too much, while he's a quiet, shy, tech genius. And besides...he has a girlfriend!
On paper, Dan Benson has a great life in San Jose. His software development company, his penthouse apartment, his car, and his girlfriend are all supposed to make him feel happy and successful. None of them do. Until he started visiting Summer Lake, he'd always been more comfortable around computers than people. These days he's comfortable hanging out with his brother, Jack, and his friends. He feels successful when he's helping Scot. Most of all, he's happier than he's ever been, when he can spend time with Missy.
Will the attraction between them be enough to overcome the differences and obstacles that stand in their way?
Hi, I'm SJ. A coffee addict, lover of chocolate and drinker of good red wines. I'm a lost soul and a hopeless romantic. Reading and writing are necessary parts of who I am. Though perhaps not as necessary as coffee! I can drink coffee without writing, but I can't write without coffee.
I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.
I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.
These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I'm not reading or writing you'll find me just down the road in the park - Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)
BLURB: Book 1: LOVE LIKE YOU'VE NEVER BEEN HURT Emma Douglas came to Summer Lake as an orphan twenty three years ago. After losing her parents so young and later suffering a disastrous marriage, she believes that love only ever leads to pain and loss. When she meets Jack Benson, the business partner of her childhood friend Pete, she sees everything she used to long for in a man; tall, dark, and drop dead gorgeous! Despite their undeniable attraction, Emma is too scared to risk her heart…
Book 2: WORK LIKE YOU DON'T NEED THE MONEY Holly Hayes is a realist, if nothing else. She's going to be Maid of Honor at her best friend, Emma's wedding in Summer Lake. Pete Hemming, self made millionaire, powerful CEO, all around good guy, is going to be the Best Man. If they're going to be able to get through their official duties, there's one thing they'll need to deal with first. Sex! He may be out of her league socially and financially, but one thing is clear. He wants her...
Book 3: DANCE LIKE NOBODY'S WATCHING Missy Malone has had a great summer, watching her friends meet wonderful guys and fall in love. She even has a wonderful guy in her own life. Trouble is, he's only in her life to mentor her son, Scot. She just has to stop daydreaming that he could be as good for her as he is for Scot. What would he ever see in her anyway? She's a broke single mom who talks too much, while he's a quiet, shy, tech genius….
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 600 books) https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
A beautiful young woman (who's married once but then divorced) was always scared of getting hurt due to her nightmare marriage experience in the past. Being overly protected by her 3 childhood best friends, she always locked herself out from a new love story, became overly childish and easily jealous (*a perfect criteria of a main character that I wanna swallow alive)
Then there is this successful, good-looking, well-built, persistance, perfect guy who fell for the woman and somehow knew that she would be his one and forever. Pursued her with all his might regardless of her stubbornness and pessimism. And an only-happened-in-the-fairy-tale-of-fairy-tale love story sparkled between them.
However, this novel has a couple good says related to its characters' drunk-in-love moments.
I'm gunna kill two birds with one stone here and use the same review for two books. Without realizing that I'd already tried the author, I now find I have two half finished books - that will remain DNF - by this author... and the review will work perfectly for both of them.
The H's are ok. Probably never going to end up in anyone's top 10 book boyfriend list, but still fine.
The h's... WHINY, IMMATURE, WHINY, IRRITATING, WHINY, BRATS... who whine. Crap, I think I might have forgotten to mention whiny... and immature... and whiny... they're a bit bratty too. And god, how they whine!
The plots are the same. The whiny h has trust issues, but all the men in her world rally with the H to prove her wrong. I will probably never know if they succeed. It's such a shame, but I have a whiny/immature limit... and I even pushed well past that limit... and still... just more immature whinging.
There is a way to show that your characters have insecurities and fears. Endless immature whining is not it.
These are the 1st books I read by S.J. McCoy. I'm sorry this story was so slow & boring I fell asleep on it. I could not finish this one & didn't make to the other books.
Felt like the author ran out of steam about halfway through the second book but there was always chemistry between the two main characters which was nice and the constant connections
I loved them! I can’t even tell you which, one I liked the best! They just kept on getting better but, the 1st was about as good as they get! I loved all the couples, Emma & Jack, Holly & Pete & Missy & Dan or Danny or the hero! All of them were different and each couple had a different plot twist but, they are all HEA.
You have to love the “hunk’s who are billionaires & the sweet gals from Summer Lake or LA or SanJose or SanFrancisco. Of course, the guys are related or school friends or partners.
I would definitely recommend these books, the characters are very compelling & bring humor, sweetness & passion that you will remember!
This entire series, though maddening at times is the best thing I've read in a long time. I'm especially excited for Missy and Scot. I'm glad that Scot's dad was ok with Dan adopting Scot, knowing that he could never provide for Scot what Dan could. I hope that Olivia person gets her just reward, the snake that she is.
The Summer Lake Romance set was so much enjoyed by me . I could not put it down , often fell asleep , late at night , because I just couldn't stop reading . I am 74 years young and love good romance books and have been reading for many years . I will be reading more of your books as I like the way you portray the people on your stories , You bring the good and kindness out of Summer Lake people .I know that I will enjoy every one of your stories and will keep reading them ---I will be letting my friends and family members ,That read know about your books , and about how much that I have enjoyed them so keep them coming , Thank You so much for the beautiful stories -- Annie Heer p
😀I like how that you make it more enjoyable with the whole families included , Scott made the story more real in your story and Miss was a hard working mother taking care of her son on her own , just made it special for me as I have been the and know how that is at
The set contains the first three volumes in the Summer Lake series. I expected the usual rich-meets-poor, obstacle removing love stories, and I was very pleasantly surprised. Altough the majority of the protagonists are rich people, and oh-so-good-looking, they are "human" enough so that a reader can actually identify with them and their problems. All of them have burdens from the past which might prove an obstacle (or several) to a new relationship, most of them have trust issues, but the characters have a depth that surprised me. Add to that a humorous and very fluent narration style, and you have stories that will entertain you, will make your heart break, or rejoice,with our protagonists, and will let you crave more once you've read the last work. I will definitely see if I can get more from this author, and especially in this series.
I couldn't even make it through the first book. The lead female character was such a jealous, whiny little bitch I honestly didn't understand why one) the hero was interested and two) how she still had any friends. We all get hurt, but she's over thirty and still acts like a high school girl with her first boyfriend. One of her buddies even says "You're growing up now, Emma. Good job!" She sees her hero with his cousin and flips out because she doesn't know who the other woman is, so what does she do? She flirts and leads on another man. Hello pot, this is the kettle calling.... I didn't even bother with the other two books, because why? If I hate this heroine, how could I enjoy a series that follows her and her friends?
I love everything SJ writes and the Summer Lake series is an absolute joy to read! This boxed set would be the perfect introduction for anyone considering starting this series. You will fall in love with these characters and will be ready to pick up the next book as soon as you finish the last. The perfect blend of sweet and steamy, you get all the romance you could want and at the same time these characters set the pages on fire with super sexy scenes that will leave you breathless!
Een heerlijke serie voor wie van stomende romannetjes houdt. Vol clichés, weinig plot maar genoeg stomende scenes. Kortom, ik heb genoten en meteen maar de vervolgen gekocht.
Dit soort boekjes zijn heerlijk om bij te ontspannen. Een aanrader voor iedereen die net als ik van dit soort boekjes houdt.
This is a great collection of stories and the relationship between all the characters continues to grow and develop with each story. Emma and Jack bring the reader into the world of Summer Lake where we meet Emma's friends Pete, Missy and Ben, and also Emma's friend Holly and Jack's brother, Dan. There is a real sense of friendship within these books and they are well-written and engaging. Each story deals with different issues that can arise with new relationships and the bonds that connect friends old and new.
Each couple is wonderful in their own right. Jack is awesome and shows his love for Emma even when many men would have left due to her insecurity issues. He earns her trust and proves that she can love again. Pete lives by his plan, which does not involve a long-term romance for another four years. It takes a good talking to by all of his friends to make him realise the he making a huge mistake if he lets Holly go. Holly has her own issues to deal with and overcome. Missy has had to be independent for a very long time, bringing up her son and making ends meet. When Dan comes into her life she struggles to give up her independence, even when her health dictates that she must, and Dan finds himself overwhelmed with emotions that are all new to him. Never have two people been so opposite but worked so well together.
There is some sizzling sex within these books but what else can you expect when you have well built alpha males (some with Texas cowboy breeding!) who find the women they are destined to spend their lives with.
This is a twelve book series and although most of them are considered standalone I would advise that you read them in turn as all the characters appear in each book. Having read the first three I will definitely been reading the rest of the series soon.
Characters you can empathise with sharing real problems. Ever since reading A Chance And A Hope I've wanted to read about Chance's sister Missy and his friends back at the lake. Emma and Jack's story is first. Emma has been married, dumped on, cheated on and divorced so she doesn't want to have her heart broken again. So she makes sure it won't happen. Then along comes Jack and his intentions are all the things Emma fears. So she runs. Her friends call her Mouse for a reason. Can Jack get Emma to trust him or will she continue to hide? Holly is Emma's BF and now that she has her happy ever after (with some minor hiccups) Emma thinks Holly and Pete would make a good couple. Pete is everything Holly could ever wish for and some but they come from different worlds. So they make an agreement to pair up in all ways and just enjoy each other until Emma's big day then part ways but can they do it without either of them getting hurt? Can they stop themselves from falling for each other? Missy is a single Mom. Pregnant at seventeen she stayed behind when her three friends went to college to further their educations. Now she is older and her gifted son is needing the guidance of a good man. When Jack realises his younger brother Dan has the same traits as Missy's son Scot he asks her if she would mind him introducing Dan and Scott. Dan is few years younger than Missy and is smart, handsome and rich. Missy begins to have feelings for Dan and he for her but Dan is already taken by a controlling woman who is not about to let him out of her clutches. Can Dan rid himself of the pariah cling herself his girlfriend and can Missy afford to take a chance with Dan? What happens to Scot if they don't work out? Missy can't let him be hurt if Dan leaves them both. The only reason it's only got four stars is that it has missing words in sentences here and there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This summer lake romance box set consists of 3 novels.
1) Love like you've never been hurt-
A story with everyone of the characters being nice,sweet and amicable human beings.Mainly comprising a group of very good friends in their thirties who have known each other from Junior school,with two or three others who join the group,now we see how the story unfolds.The name I would assign this novel is "Emma-a very insecure lady" I rate this 3/5 stars.
2) Work like you don't need the money-
Same as novel number 1,but featuring,a different couple,with one of the four original friends.The name I would assign to this novel is "Pete's plan" and is by far the steamiest of the 3 novels in this box set. I rate this 2/5 stars.
3) Dance like nobody's watching-
Another of the four original friends,finds love and happiness beyond her wildest dreams.The shortest of the 3 novels and for me,the better of the 3.The name I would assign this novel is "Deserving love" I rate this 4/5 stars.
Conclusion-: If it hadn't been for my,no matter how bad it gets policy, whereby,if I start a book,I always complete it,I would have abandoned this set altogether halfway through book 2,which was filled with chapter after chapter of steamy sex.It to me became a boring here we go again scenario.Its as if the author couldn't think of anything else to write,so let's play the sex card YET AGAIN,in order to bulk out the book.So much repetition across all 3 novels,I found boredom easily creeping in. A Kindle freebie,but would not waste my money,buying any further books from this author,only to find more of the same only with different characters.Overall rating of 3/5.
Thank you S.J. McCoy for this wonderful box set. Each book flows from one story to the next. Summer Lake is a community where Emma Douglas moved to when her parents died. She moved with her grandparents. There she met her life long friends, Missy, Pete, Ben and Michael. Their friendship is strong and they hide nothing from one another. When Emma runs into Pete’s business partner she knocks him down and there is an instant attraction. Jack Benson wants to know all about Emma. The only problem is that Emma has trust issues because of her ex-husband, he treated her like crap and slept around on her. Everyone is meeting at Summer Lake, Holly, Emma’s best friend in L.A., encourages Emma to go and have a good time. Summer Lake is a magical place. He brings Emma and Jack together, and you will see how Pete and Holly meet. Then there’s Missy and Dan, Jack’s younger brother. Then you will meet Laura and Smoke the pilot who works for Pete and Jack. These friends want the best for each other. They help one another out with trust issues and encourage each other to take chance with love. I fell in love with these characters and I hope that you will too. I just started the net box set of three novels and I’m sure that they will be just as good.
I received this boxed set as a gift from a friend we met on FB and in chatting on messenger we listed our 10 favorite authors and can you believe we both had 9 out of 10 so we decided to gift each other a 3 Books I sent her 3 Books by Tracey Alvarez who I found out about when my niece got married in New Zealand. I want to tell you right now I have fallen for your writing. Emma and Jake, Holly and Pete, and Missy and Dan hence the connection Emma, Pete & Missy grew up in Summer Lake. I have already ordered and received the the EBook for Smoky & Laura there is a connection to Summer Lake for both however both have never lived there. SJ McCoy after only three books of yours I have now got you at #4 in list of authors. I am also going to order book 1 of the Remington Ranch series. Also I like the semi-colon reference I have suffered from depression around the holiday season since returning from Vietnam. On a happier note I encourage everyone you will not be disappointed if you read one of these 3 Books I am glad I did
Three fun-filled steamy novels. Each story though had a similar outcome, had totally different plots. Emma had sworn off men and even more so marriage. Took lots of convincing and tactics for her to let go of her fears and marry a guy that they were both crazy about each other. Then there was Holly, crazy over a guy that planned out his life and was determined to stick to that plan, which meant no serious relationships for the next four years. He eventually realized that he needed a new plan, one that included a woman.....Holly. Finally, there was Missy, whose relationship started out with a guy whose initial purpose was to be a mentor for her son. Her son and him, both shy guys, were heavily into writing computer programs. Missy and him ended up together. They were so different but completed each other in a way that worked.
If you're like me and would like an enjoyable summer read, then your search is over.
Book One An overall good story with persons with good intention. Gramps is the man who looks out for everyone especially his girl Emma. Speaking of Emma, I was rallying in this girl's corner, I understood her hesitating to trust and love a guy who seem so put together and reminded her of a past flame who hurt her. However, what annoyed me the most is Emma's willingness to continue giving Jack a hard time when she the wrong one who jumps to quickly to conclusions. I hated that the author created those incidences that supposedly brought healing in the end but created unnecessary drama. Book Two and Three The beginning of book two reads repetitive of previous dialogue in book one. There were many similarities with the first story. Jack gave Em a special ring; Peter gives Holly a bracelet similar to his and Dan gives Missy a ring with three diamonds to symbolize him, Missy and her son.
Probably only 2.5 stars. I have enjoyed other books by this author but the 1st summer lake book was so poor that I almost gave up. The heroine was unlikeable because she was so "poor me" and also failed to come across as believable. Most people get hurt at some point, most do not become so high maintenance. The second book was a bit better but it was unconvincing that an offer to pay off loan sharks with a fair loan would be turned down. I did like Dan the hero of the last book and Missy's concerns about how the relationship could impact her son were more convincing but the evil previous girlfriend was so 2 dimensional that there was no tension or interest. I will not be reading subsequent books in this series.
i chose the book the summer lake romance because i like to read romantic stories, i find it exciting to see how it is always going to end. i didn't really know what to expect from the book, i had first read the back of the book and there i saw that a group of friends got back together and then a love story was going to start like this. it interested me immediately. i didn't really see myself as a character in the story, i never experienced it. anyway i think it's a great book, i always wanted to read on. i didn't have a hard time reading it. i found the ending very compelling and super romantic, i thought it was a great ending. i definitely recommend this book for my friends or family, this is definitely recommended if you like romance.
I can't remember when last I had been hooked on a book/s like your summer lake series. I stay in South Africa Cape Town, currently winter...lying in bed with my kindle lost in your stories, my Bassett hound and toypom x keeping me warm on both sides, coffee and in between snacks. It's s raining outside, but warm and snuggly inside not to even mention my insides...... I have spent 22 hours reading the 1st 3 books. I couldn't put it down, I am hooked. Love your outlook on life and love, the way you kept me intrigued, wanting more, hoping for the silver lining to appear... well I want it all now. Thank you don't ever s top writing💜 , hardly rtf he o t , my
The beautiful hearts, souls and friendships of this wonderful community "Summer Lake".
Emma and Jack were so endearing. I loved the way Jack brought out Emma's self confidence. His love was the icing on the cake!
Then seeing Pete and Holly fall in love was beautiful. Unfortunately, Pete's plan was pissing me off! I was so happy to see that even the best laid plans aren't always the right plans.
Finally, Missy and Dan were amazing! The fear of the unknown didn't faze these two!
I can't wait to read about the rest of these beautiful "Summer Lake" characters.
I absolutely enjoyed all three of the books in this series! I love the fact that all the characters in the books are realistic people that we can all relate to. I almost didn't read the last book because I thought it might be a bit of a stretch. Boy was I wrong...if I had to pick a favorite, the LAST book would definitely be my favorite! I can't believe I have a crush on Dan of all people! I also love that the love scenes and hot, but not the highlight the books or the relationships. If you're looking for a nice enjoyable read, this series will not disappoint.
Lighthearted fun from a soda pop type of novel. Considered giving it three stars, however over time I became disconcerted by the hive mind the friends shared, nevermind that the male leads have no idea how to pace themselves. This is a fantasy world where serious trust issues and such are solved by just listening to friends. Borderline abusive, I give these marriages no more than 5 years in the real world. Like I said, it is soda pop: goes down easy and feels refreshing, but leaves a questionable aftertaste.
Ok, I must admit I was concerned about how different the stories would be but I am soooo in love with all the characters. Jack and Emma were my favorite until Pete and Holly, Then omg Dan and Missy. The details of each person were provided at the right times. The stories were not drawn out but I did really feel like the author provided enough background information. The way the friends were with each other is what kept them balanced out and made the story interesting. I will be reading all the books connected to this series and this author.