What do you think?
Rate this book
Blue Moon Bay #1
The Second Chance Inn
An emotional homecoming that will tug at your heartstrings & inspire you to believe in happy endings.
Wendy vowed never to return to the small coastal town where her parents abandoned her. But when she inherits the family inn at the beach, she must come home and face her past. Will handsome millionaire Max help her heal old wounds and open her heart?
From a New York Times bestselling author, don’t miss the chance to unite with friendships that endure and a love that will last forever in The Second Chance Inn.
Wendy vowed never to return to the small coastal town where her parents abandoned her. But when she inherits the family inn at the beach, she must come home and face her past. Will handsome millionaire Max help her heal old wounds and open her heart?
From a New York Times bestselling author, don’t miss the chance to unite with friendships that endure and a love that will last forever in The Second Chance Inn.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2015
2823 people are currently reading
5201 people want to read
About the author
Susan Hatler
98 books968 followersSUSAN HATLER is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. Many of Susan’s books have been translated into German, Spanish, French, and Italian. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.
** To receive a FREE BOOK, sign up for
Susan’s Newsletter: http://susanhatler.com/newsletter **
You can reach Susan here:
Facebook: facebook.com/authorsusanhatler
YouTube: youtube.com/@susanhatler
Instagram: instagram.com/susanhatler
Twitter: twitter.com/susanhatler
Website: susanhatler.com
Blog: susanhatler.com/category/susans-blog
** To receive a FREE BOOK, sign up for
Susan’s Newsletter: http://susanhatler.com/newsletter **
You can reach Susan here:
Facebook: facebook.com/authorsusanhatler
YouTube: youtube.com/@susanhatler
Instagram: instagram.com/susanhatler
Twitter: twitter.com/susanhatler
Website: susanhatler.com
Blog: susanhatler.com/category/susans-blog
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 411 reviews
June 20, 2017
I'm starting to doubt my ability to select good books. This one is just so... i don't know. The word escapes me. Silly? Immature? Maybe if I had been 16 I would have loved that book. In fact I probably would have loved Wendy's backstory (abandoned by her parents and cheated on by then boyfriend) and all those heavily emotional scenes and thoughts. Yes, my then hormone-filled teenage body and immature mind would have dug this book. My teenage self wouldn't have minded the fact that the heroine admits to having feelings for Max the day after meeting him, and would have ignored the lack of knowledge (on the author's part) and little comprehension of the real world. My teenage self would have related to the ups and downs and the emotions that are all over the place in this book. My teenage self would have overlooked the bad writing and poor dialogue, while it would have loved the Kissed by the Bay legend. My 30 yo self finds this all very... boring, lacking, unexciting, silly, simplistic, over-the-top emotional...
October 25, 2015
I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again--I love a cute, first meet and this one is great! We first meet Wendy in Dash and Date, as a competitor on the reality dating show. She is a very no-nonsense, successful, high profile realtor and when her grandma dies, she goes home to fulfill the requirements of the will--to live with and help her brother run the inn for 30 days and then sell it, so that her brother can move on with his life.
Wendy can't get over the fact that her parents abandoned her (and her brother), leaving her grandma to raise them. As soon as she could, she left home and never looked back, working hard to make a home for herself. I get all of that, but I wanted Wendy to wake up and realize how much she actually had. I firmly believe if you can't find a way to be content with what you have, you'll never be content and will always be searching for more. She has some towering walls up around her heart, as well. I think Wendy could've used a good therapist. Those moments aside, I really did like Wendy and her determination to work hard. She's a great, complex character.
In a moment when her evil twin emerges, leaving her emotions on her sleeve, she meets Max. Of course, he sees her at her worst and still likes her, which is a good thing. Max is a saint--and a good-looking one to boot. I can't think of a more patient, accepting, and kind man than him. He is exactly what Wendy needs, but she may just push him too far--a person can only take so much of being pushed away.
I have two favorite parts of the story. First of all, I loved the legend that is associated with this town and the inn. What an incredible setting for this legend to be a part of! I couldn't help but get very caught up in it and the romance that ensued because of it is just perfect. So perfect. I also loved the way Wendy really dug in and did her part to fulfill her duties. By doing so, she got to know herself very well, as well as her grandma. I love the lessons learned and the way things resolved and I'm definitely looking forward to more! Yay for a new series!
Content: no language, violence, or religious elements; romance (kissing--some a little intense, but still clean). Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Wendy can't get over the fact that her parents abandoned her (and her brother), leaving her grandma to raise them. As soon as she could, she left home and never looked back, working hard to make a home for herself. I get all of that, but I wanted Wendy to wake up and realize how much she actually had. I firmly believe if you can't find a way to be content with what you have, you'll never be content and will always be searching for more. She has some towering walls up around her heart, as well. I think Wendy could've used a good therapist. Those moments aside, I really did like Wendy and her determination to work hard. She's a great, complex character.
In a moment when her evil twin emerges, leaving her emotions on her sleeve, she meets Max. Of course, he sees her at her worst and still likes her, which is a good thing. Max is a saint--and a good-looking one to boot. I can't think of a more patient, accepting, and kind man than him. He is exactly what Wendy needs, but she may just push him too far--a person can only take so much of being pushed away.
I have two favorite parts of the story. First of all, I loved the legend that is associated with this town and the inn. What an incredible setting for this legend to be a part of! I couldn't help but get very caught up in it and the romance that ensued because of it is just perfect. So perfect. I also loved the way Wendy really dug in and did her part to fulfill her duties. By doing so, she got to know herself very well, as well as her grandma. I love the lessons learned and the way things resolved and I'm definitely looking forward to more! Yay for a new series!
Content: no language, violence, or religious elements; romance (kissing--some a little intense, but still clean). Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
November 18, 2021
I gave up at 11% when the distraught woman who is apparently mourning the grandmother she virtually abandoned nine years ago, and who has been sobbing helplessly, suddenly sees a 'smoking hot' guy and goes weak at the knees.
I COULD have coped with the appalling lack of sense, but not with the fact that this book is in desperate DESPERATE need of an editor - the author uses 'hot/hottest' three times in less than 100 words to describe this guy. The writing is just plain sloppy.
I COULD have coped with the appalling lack of sense, but not with the fact that this book is in desperate DESPERATE need of an editor - the author uses 'hot/hottest' three times in less than 100 words to describe this guy. The writing is just plain sloppy.
September 27, 2016
*FULL REVIEW*
I'm between a 3-4 star rating so I'm going with a 3.5. Cute story but the heroine was wishy washy enough for me that it caused me to disconnect from the story and focus on that vacillating and make me frustrated. That being said I did enjoy the whole of the book, especially the sweet romance. The legend of being kissed by the bay was cute and will make a fun connection for the rest of the books in this series.
Now that I've had some time in between reading this and writing my full review, Wendy doesn't bother me as much as while I was reading. I think part of the reason her back and forth was driving me crazy was because Max, our male MC, was just awesome! Not once did he give her reason to truly distrust him or doubt his sincerity. But as I thought more about it, Wendy had a not so stable family life growing up. Ok saying it that way I have to clarify...her parents loved to travel and were happy to just take each day wherever the wind would blow them. Wendy and her brother Brian enjoyed moments of that life but really wished for the chance to have a steady, stable home setting. So their parents decide to come back to the inn at Blue moon Bay and stay with Wendy's grandma. Just when they thought life was fantastic and they had a stable home, their parents let the wind guide them somewhere else. Wendy grew up believing that she had to do it all on her own and that no one else would ever be there for her. She did find an amazing group of friends, her Grandma was so loving and caring. They were a great support group for her but enter her boyfriend and then exit said boyfriend when they were in college and Wendy decides to take care of herself and walk away from it all because that's what everybody is going to eventually do to her.
Looking at it that way I wasn't as frustrated with Wendy but became more sympathetic. Sure there were still moments when I wanted to tell her how good she really had it coming back to the inn but you can't get in and tell characters of a book to stop and smell the roses so I just kept reading waiting for all the clarification that would come at the end.
Max was one of those dreamy, wonderful, almost too good to be true characters that shows up and rescues the damsel MC in distress. He was solid and stable and just what Wendy needed. Yet she feared that he would leave and that really caused her to hold back and miss out for a while.
I love something between Max and Wendy, but I really don't like giving spoilers so I will just say this, kind of a pat on my back, when they were first talking about the legend of being "kissed by the bay" I had a feeling/guess about something and guess what...I was right. I know that is being super vague, sorry but not sorry. Because if I tell you then it takes away the fun of having the story revealed to you and enjoying the adventure yourself. This one is definitely a sweet, swoony romance story that also deals with some emotional issues(which I'm sure you've figured out from my earlier ramblings).
I loved the flashbacks and memories of the grandma. I wish that we could have met her as readers more than just as a flashback but alas, once again I can't go in the story and change it but just enjoy it for what the author has created it as.
The big question is, will Wendy be able to overcome all her insecurities? Will she be able to forgive her parents, say goodbye to her grandma and heal her relationship with her brother? Or will she turn her back on everything again and disappear from the heartache and keep it all inside.
It's definitely a read I would recommend to any Susan Hatler fans, or even just fans who love a good swoony, rom-com type novel with fun, real characters.
Content wise it had a few steamy kisses but nothing further than kissing. I would say overall it was a great clean read.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Happy Reading!!!
I'm between a 3-4 star rating so I'm going with a 3.5. Cute story but the heroine was wishy washy enough for me that it caused me to disconnect from the story and focus on that vacillating and make me frustrated. That being said I did enjoy the whole of the book, especially the sweet romance. The legend of being kissed by the bay was cute and will make a fun connection for the rest of the books in this series.
Now that I've had some time in between reading this and writing my full review, Wendy doesn't bother me as much as while I was reading. I think part of the reason her back and forth was driving me crazy was because Max, our male MC, was just awesome! Not once did he give her reason to truly distrust him or doubt his sincerity. But as I thought more about it, Wendy had a not so stable family life growing up. Ok saying it that way I have to clarify...her parents loved to travel and were happy to just take each day wherever the wind would blow them. Wendy and her brother Brian enjoyed moments of that life but really wished for the chance to have a steady, stable home setting. So their parents decide to come back to the inn at Blue moon Bay and stay with Wendy's grandma. Just when they thought life was fantastic and they had a stable home, their parents let the wind guide them somewhere else. Wendy grew up believing that she had to do it all on her own and that no one else would ever be there for her. She did find an amazing group of friends, her Grandma was so loving and caring. They were a great support group for her but enter her boyfriend and then exit said boyfriend when they were in college and Wendy decides to take care of herself and walk away from it all because that's what everybody is going to eventually do to her.
Looking at it that way I wasn't as frustrated with Wendy but became more sympathetic. Sure there were still moments when I wanted to tell her how good she really had it coming back to the inn but you can't get in and tell characters of a book to stop and smell the roses so I just kept reading waiting for all the clarification that would come at the end.
Max was one of those dreamy, wonderful, almost too good to be true characters that shows up and rescues the damsel MC in distress. He was solid and stable and just what Wendy needed. Yet she feared that he would leave and that really caused her to hold back and miss out for a while.
I love something between Max and Wendy, but I really don't like giving spoilers so I will just say this, kind of a pat on my back, when they were first talking about the legend of being "kissed by the bay" I had a feeling/guess about something and guess what...I was right. I know that is being super vague, sorry but not sorry. Because if I tell you then it takes away the fun of having the story revealed to you and enjoying the adventure yourself. This one is definitely a sweet, swoony romance story that also deals with some emotional issues(which I'm sure you've figured out from my earlier ramblings).
I loved the flashbacks and memories of the grandma. I wish that we could have met her as readers more than just as a flashback but alas, once again I can't go in the story and change it but just enjoy it for what the author has created it as.
The big question is, will Wendy be able to overcome all her insecurities? Will she be able to forgive her parents, say goodbye to her grandma and heal her relationship with her brother? Or will she turn her back on everything again and disappear from the heartache and keep it all inside.
It's definitely a read I would recommend to any Susan Hatler fans, or even just fans who love a good swoony, rom-com type novel with fun, real characters.
Content wise it had a few steamy kisses but nothing further than kissing. I would say overall it was a great clean read.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Happy Reading!!!
November 20, 2016
Wendy’s back in Blue Moon Bay after how many years living in Sacramento. If it were not for the will that her grandmother left to her and her brother, she wouldn’t want to go back. Her grandma wanted them to sell the Blue Moon Bay within a month, and that’s what she was gonna do. There was no reason for her to stay after all, wasn’t it?
Max was a guest at the Blue Moon Bay inn for a business trip, but he soon wanted to stay and call it home. He didn’t expect to like the place, the beach, the people. What made him fall in love was the legend of the starcrossed lovers who kissed by the bay. He thought the legend might soon come true when he found the one he wanted to kiss under the blue moon. Problem was, the woman had no intention of staying nor coming back.
I must admit, I had a hard time liking Wendy. Well, she’d been hurt when she was a child after their gallivanting parents left them to their grandma’s inn and never came back. As a kid, being abandoned was a big deal and she would never forgive them for that. No matter how many times I yelled at my Kindle to tell Wendy to move on, forgive and forget, be considerate, Wendy was stubborn and hard-headed. No wonder she grew up to be boring, brooding, annoying. I was ready to give up on her, but Max changed my mind. Somehow, this young, passionate hunk slowly entered my heart and stole my breath away. A lover of nature, a believer of legends, a man around town, a dog’s best friend, what more could a woman want?
In the end, I found myself smiling and sighing. A tale as old as time definitely made this story captivating. Every Little Kiss shared by the characters made my night. Susan Hatler made me daydream again! I was kissed by the bay and fell in love!
Max was a guest at the Blue Moon Bay inn for a business trip, but he soon wanted to stay and call it home. He didn’t expect to like the place, the beach, the people. What made him fall in love was the legend of the starcrossed lovers who kissed by the bay. He thought the legend might soon come true when he found the one he wanted to kiss under the blue moon. Problem was, the woman had no intention of staying nor coming back.
I must admit, I had a hard time liking Wendy. Well, she’d been hurt when she was a child after their gallivanting parents left them to their grandma’s inn and never came back. As a kid, being abandoned was a big deal and she would never forgive them for that. No matter how many times I yelled at my Kindle to tell Wendy to move on, forgive and forget, be considerate, Wendy was stubborn and hard-headed. No wonder she grew up to be boring, brooding, annoying. I was ready to give up on her, but Max changed my mind. Somehow, this young, passionate hunk slowly entered my heart and stole my breath away. A lover of nature, a believer of legends, a man around town, a dog’s best friend, what more could a woman want?
In the end, I found myself smiling and sighing. A tale as old as time definitely made this story captivating. Every Little Kiss shared by the characters made my night. Susan Hatler made me daydream again! I was kissed by the bay and fell in love!
October 13, 2015
We were first introduced to Wendy Watts in Book 10 of the "Better Date Than Never" series, but we actually get her story in "Every Little Kiss." This story was a great start to a new series!
Wendy Watts is a successful realtor in Sacramento, who left Blue Moon Bay 9 years ago. Now her grandmother's will has required her to come back, and she is facing the consequences of those decisions she made 9 years ago.
And there's another complication... One of the guests at the inn, Max, is way too attractive for his own good. And she kissed him by the bay under a blue moon which, according to local legend, means their love will last forever.
Then Max decides to turn his one-night stay into a one-month stay and help her fix up the inn. He doesn't keep it secret that he really likes her, but Wendy has been abandoned too many times and has major commitment issues. I love Wendy's journey to forgive and be forgiven as she discovers what is really important to her.
Content: Clean
Source: Review Copy (opinion is 100% my own)
Wendy Watts is a successful realtor in Sacramento, who left Blue Moon Bay 9 years ago. Now her grandmother's will has required her to come back, and she is facing the consequences of those decisions she made 9 years ago.
And there's another complication... One of the guests at the inn, Max, is way too attractive for his own good. And she kissed him by the bay under a blue moon which, according to local legend, means their love will last forever.
Then Max decides to turn his one-night stay into a one-month stay and help her fix up the inn. He doesn't keep it secret that he really likes her, but Wendy has been abandoned too many times and has major commitment issues. I love Wendy's journey to forgive and be forgiven as she discovers what is really important to her.
Content: Clean
Source: Review Copy (opinion is 100% my own)
September 15, 2016
Before reading this book, I was unfamiliar with Susan Hatler. But I am now certain that most of her backlist will be added to my "to read" shelf. This was a well-written, engaging story that had me running the full gamut of emotions.
Wendy was equal parts admirable and annoying sometimes. Oh my, more than once did I want to shake some sense into her and break down her walls of protection. I cried. Also more than once. I fell in love with Max, a strong and believable character that was everything Wendy needed. The secondary characters - Wendy's BFFs - were fantastic and I can't wait to see how everyone finds their own forever love in future books.
The plot, the legend of the bay, the inn, the characters, the romance... it was all so sweet and heart-warming! My only complaint is that I wish things were a teeeeensy bit steamier on the romance front. The story doesn't at all suffer from a lack of naughtiness or anything, but that's my personal preference.
Would definitely recommend and I look forward to reading more from Susan Hatler in the future!
Wendy was equal parts admirable and annoying sometimes. Oh my, more than once did I want to shake some sense into her and break down her walls of protection. I cried. Also more than once. I fell in love with Max, a strong and believable character that was everything Wendy needed. The secondary characters - Wendy's BFFs - were fantastic and I can't wait to see how everyone finds their own forever love in future books.
The plot, the legend of the bay, the inn, the characters, the romance... it was all so sweet and heart-warming! My only complaint is that I wish things were a teeeeensy bit steamier on the romance front. The story doesn't at all suffer from a lack of naughtiness or anything, but that's my personal preference.
Would definitely recommend and I look forward to reading more from Susan Hatler in the future!
March 19, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Susan Hatler and Hatco Publishing for The Second Chance Inn. This is my personal review.
Wendy came back to Blue Moon Bay after spending several years in Sacramento as a very well know realtor. Her Grandmother had left the Inn she owned to Wendy and her brother Brian in her will. The stipulation was they had 30 days to get it ready and sold or it would be donated to charity.
Wendy and Brian had lived at the Inn with their Grandmother growing up when their parents left them there and traveled all over the world.
The chemistry between Wendy and Max was just the right amount to have me cheering for them to be together.
This was an easy quick read and I enjoyed it very much. Second Chance Inn is the first book in the Kissed by the Bay series. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
Wendy came back to Blue Moon Bay after spending several years in Sacramento as a very well know realtor. Her Grandmother had left the Inn she owned to Wendy and her brother Brian in her will. The stipulation was they had 30 days to get it ready and sold or it would be donated to charity.
Wendy and Brian had lived at the Inn with their Grandmother growing up when their parents left them there and traveled all over the world.
The chemistry between Wendy and Max was just the right amount to have me cheering for them to be together.
This was an easy quick read and I enjoyed it very much. Second Chance Inn is the first book in the Kissed by the Bay series. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
September 22, 2019
Every Little Kiss (Kissed by the Bay Book 1) By: Susan HatlerHe'll Use "Every Little Kiss" To Convince Her That They Can Have An HEA!
She's Devastated by the loss of Her Gran...
To make things Sooo MUCH WORSE,
Gran's Will states the INN where She grew up MUST be Sold!
Which is kill'n Her Brother... TRUTH be TOLD!
And who's gett'n the Blame... She IS of course!
That's what sends Her OUT to the Shore IN Tears,
Where She word Vomits ALL OVER a Stranger...
Then, after reading the Inn's Mythical Legend,
They savour "Every Little Kiss" under a Blue Moon!
It's supposed to be a Once Upon A Time...
And IN the Morning He's supposed to be G.O.N.E!
Only Be decides that "Every Little Kiss" was just too good to let PASS,
And He really, REALLY wants that LASS!
But, She's got quite the HARD HEART,
And She's NOT Fall'n for "Every Little Kiss" that comes Along!
Even though I already owned Susan Hatler's "Every Little Kiss (Kissed by the Bay Book 1)," I agreed to Review it as an ARC for Her via B00|{$P®0UT. I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
March 21, 2019
This is the kind of book that reminds me of stories I used to co-write with my bestie in high school. It lacks artistic language, well-formed characters, or a clear plot other than girl should be with boy. The major problem is that these people are supposed to be adults, but everyone talks and behaves like a teenager.
Wendy is a trainwreck who has not managed to deal with her pre-teen emotions, which might explain why at whatever age she is alleged to be (30?), she still cannot act like an adult in most situations. There is a big to-do about her being a wonderful realtor, which is a respectable career, but the author has built it up in a way that if you forget for a second, you think she might be a top corporate attorney or a brain surgeon. Of course, when it is time to actually DO business and be the elite professional she is, she is too busy chasing boys and shifts her responsibilities onto her witless assistant.
Max, the heartthrob item of our protagonist's affection lacks any depth, and it is unclear why he is so obsessed with Wendy from the initial moment. His constant "beautiful" tacked on to every phrase made him sound robotic and ignorant. Maybe mix it up a little with "little lady."
Wendy's brother (Brian? He is so forgettable I can't remember) spends most of the book alternating between passive-aggressive whining and tearing up. He doesn't seem like an adult male character in anyway. Honestly, he doesn't even seem like an adult female character.
The random friends are perfect accessories, all lacking real depth of character, but quick to forgive their years of resentment over one magical coffee.
After such a seething review, one may wonder why I even finished the book.. in sum.. it was short. I had acquired it, I had started it, and I wanted to see if it got better. (It didn't, it got worse.)
Wendy is a trainwreck who has not managed to deal with her pre-teen emotions, which might explain why at whatever age she is alleged to be (30?), she still cannot act like an adult in most situations. There is a big to-do about her being a wonderful realtor, which is a respectable career, but the author has built it up in a way that if you forget for a second, you think she might be a top corporate attorney or a brain surgeon. Of course, when it is time to actually DO business and be the elite professional she is, she is too busy chasing boys and shifts her responsibilities onto her witless assistant.
Max, the heartthrob item of our protagonist's affection lacks any depth, and it is unclear why he is so obsessed with Wendy from the initial moment. His constant "beautiful" tacked on to every phrase made him sound robotic and ignorant. Maybe mix it up a little with "little lady."
Wendy's brother (Brian? He is so forgettable I can't remember) spends most of the book alternating between passive-aggressive whining and tearing up. He doesn't seem like an adult male character in anyway. Honestly, he doesn't even seem like an adult female character.
The random friends are perfect accessories, all lacking real depth of character, but quick to forgive their years of resentment over one magical coffee.
After such a seething review, one may wonder why I even finished the book.. in sum.. it was short. I had acquired it, I had started it, and I wanted to see if it got better. (It didn't, it got worse.)
September 11, 2015
Well, it's the start of something new from one of my all time fave's, Susan Hatler! The Kissed by the Bay Series has begun and it's going to be a fun ride. I already love the setting- it sings to my heart.
Wendy left her home of Blue Moon Bay and vowed never to return, she left behind a group of people she really hurt. Wendy was trying to escape and avoid dealing with the issues she faced there. She was determined to build a successful career and a new life far away from her old one. The process of Wendy's healing was a good one and I enjoyed watching her realize that in leaving her home, family and friends, she was dealing out the same hurts that had been dealt to her.
I think everyone needs a Max in their life. Seriously, he is the knight on the white horse named Patience. I liked that Max knew what he wanted. He was steady and sure and so very kind.
This was such a sweet story. It was more than just a romance (although the kissing was great!). It was about reconnecting, forgiving, and loving. I really enjoyed it! I can't wait for the next book in the series, The Perfect Kiss, set to come out in November. I'm really "over the blue moon" about Susan and this series!
Wendy left her home of Blue Moon Bay and vowed never to return, she left behind a group of people she really hurt. Wendy was trying to escape and avoid dealing with the issues she faced there. She was determined to build a successful career and a new life far away from her old one. The process of Wendy's healing was a good one and I enjoyed watching her realize that in leaving her home, family and friends, she was dealing out the same hurts that had been dealt to her.
I think everyone needs a Max in their life. Seriously, he is the knight on the white horse named Patience. I liked that Max knew what he wanted. He was steady and sure and so very kind.
This was such a sweet story. It was more than just a romance (although the kissing was great!). It was about reconnecting, forgiving, and loving. I really enjoyed it! I can't wait for the next book in the series, The Perfect Kiss, set to come out in November. I'm really "over the blue moon" about Susan and this series!
March 2, 2021
The local legend says that being kissed by the bay under a blue moon will lead to a love that lasts forever. And many say that Grandmothers are very wise and overflowing with wisdom. This is the story of Wendy a successful Realtor in the San Francisco area who inherits her grandmothers bed and breakfast along with her brother. She has no interest in that area but has to return by terms of the will to be there and personally carry out the property sale. Jaded about life and love her only interest is to complete the sale and return back to her successful real estate career in SF. A few kisses under the blue moon threaten this and the story continues with lots of drama, suspense, surprises and chemistry that's off the charts – in a clean romance kind of way. A great read that is heartwarming and page turning..
February 24, 2017
I enjoy Susan Hatler's books, they are fun and flirty. This one had a little bit of emotional baggage that Wendy was holding onto. Which let's be honest, she had every right too. I know forgiveness is important but I still haven't forgiven her parents for her. I mean, who does that to their children....ok, I know there are a lot of people that do, but still.
Anyway, Max was great and patient, even when Wendy was constantly pushing him away. Overall I enjoyed it.
Moral Note: Some descriptive passionate kisses, a little too much for my teen. Otherwise, clean language and maybe a little mild innuendo.
Anyway, Max was great and patient, even when Wendy was constantly pushing him away. Overall I enjoyed it.
Moral Note: Some descriptive passionate kisses, a little too much for my teen. Otherwise, clean language and maybe a little mild innuendo.
August 14, 2018
Wendy Watts is returning home to Blue Moon Bay after the death of her Grandmother. She didn't expect to have to stay and run the inn with her brother as part of the will though. Wendy knew she wanted to make a name for herself and she left the small town behind but now she is needed and she doesn't expect to meet Max Hunnington. When Max decides to stay longer than the night she finds herself wanting more and that more includes Max.
I had a hard time warming up to Wendy initially. Liked max, he had a mysterious quality to him. I thought this was a good beach read but was not sure about Wendy, she comes off selfish at times.
I had a hard time warming up to Wendy initially. Liked max, he had a mysterious quality to him. I thought this was a good beach read but was not sure about Wendy, she comes off selfish at times.
August 20, 2021
Wendy Watts hasn't been back to the small town of Blue Moon Bay since high school graduation. When she was 8 years old, she and her brother were brought to live with their paternal grandma so they could have a stable home life while their parents traveled the world. She always hoped they'd come back so they could be a family again, but it never happened. It was then she took her brother's words to heart, "People can't count on anyone but themselves. You should learn that now." And Wendy did. She let her high school boyfriend get close and he dumped her for another girl after he went off to college. That was when Wendy built up barriers so that no one could get close enough to hurt her again, left town after graduation and never returned. . .until now. Now she's back because their grandma died and the will says Wendy has to sell the inn "in person" after running it with her brother Brian for one last month. If she doesn't comply the inn will be donated to charity and she and her brother will receive nothing.
Being at the inn is hard for Wendy--it dredges up bad memories of when her family came to Blue Moon Bay and she thought they would grow up there as a family, but then her parents left them. there. Plus the inn needs a lot of work if they're going to get it sold and her brother keeps telling her he doesn't want to sell it, although he knows it's in grandma's will and Wendy has no choice. Then Max enters the picture and things . . .
I felt so much for Wendy, and her issues from being "abandoned" by her parents and high school boyfriend run deep. I feel she would've greatly benefitted from some counseling to help her come to terms with this deep seated issue. I liked that as she helped planned the repairs to the inn she started remembering wonderful times with her grandmother and her mood lightened.
I really liked Max--he was so supportive and helped so much with updating the inn so it could be sold. He knew what he wanted, and what he didn't want. What he wanted was Wendy. He had seen her at her worst and was still there. I had a feeling I knew who was really buying the inn and once it came out the stuff would hit the fan, so to speak, especially with Wendy letting down her barrier and letting Max in.
I liked how everything was resolved and everyone got their happy ending.
Being at the inn is hard for Wendy--it dredges up bad memories of when her family came to Blue Moon Bay and she thought they would grow up there as a family, but then her parents left them. there. Plus the inn needs a lot of work if they're going to get it sold and her brother keeps telling her he doesn't want to sell it, although he knows it's in grandma's will and Wendy has no choice. Then Max enters the picture and things . . .
I felt so much for Wendy, and her issues from being "abandoned" by her parents and high school boyfriend run deep. I feel she would've greatly benefitted from some counseling to help her come to terms with this deep seated issue. I liked that as she helped planned the repairs to the inn she started remembering wonderful times with her grandmother and her mood lightened.
I really liked Max--he was so supportive and helped so much with updating the inn so it could be sold. He knew what he wanted, and what he didn't want. What he wanted was Wendy. He had seen her at her worst and was still there. I had a feeling I knew who was really buying the inn and once it came out the stuff would hit the fan, so to speak, especially with Wendy letting down her barrier and letting Max in.
I liked how everything was resolved and everyone got their happy ending.
May 13, 2024
Dopo la morte della nonna, l'agente immobiliare Wendy è costretta a tornare nel paese dove è cresciuta. La nonna ha lasciato in eredità a lei e al fratello la locanda di famiglia, ma con il compito di venderla. Il fratello che ha sempre vissuto lì e negli ultimi anni l'ha gestita non è per niente felice e anche Wendy non è contenta di tornare in un luogo che le ricorda l'abbandono dei genitori.
La prima sera Wendy racconta tutti i suoi turbamenti ad un affascinante ospite convinta che sia in partenza. Ma Max rimane molto colpito da Wendy e decide di prolungare il soggiorno.
Wendy dovrà cercare di riallacciare i rapporti con il fratello e le amiche, capire se vuole vivere in città e se potrà nascere qualcosa con Max.
In questo libro troppe cose succedono per caso e alla protagonista va tutto bene.
Il fratello la perdona, le amiche pure, Max magicamente salva la situazione della locanda e tira fuori dagli inghippi i due fratelli dalle clausole del testamento della nonna. Il suo lavoro a Sacramento va avanti da solo attraverso telefonate con l'assistente.
Avrei voluto più azione, più problemi. E' troppo facile che una che se ne è andata senza voltarsi indietro ora torna tutta felice e le stendono il tappeto rosso.
C'era del potenziale ma è stato sviluppato male.
La prima sera Wendy racconta tutti i suoi turbamenti ad un affascinante ospite convinta che sia in partenza. Ma Max rimane molto colpito da Wendy e decide di prolungare il soggiorno.
Wendy dovrà cercare di riallacciare i rapporti con il fratello e le amiche, capire se vuole vivere in città e se potrà nascere qualcosa con Max.
In questo libro troppe cose succedono per caso e alla protagonista va tutto bene.
Il fratello la perdona, le amiche pure, Max magicamente salva la situazione della locanda e tira fuori dagli inghippi i due fratelli dalle clausole del testamento della nonna. Il suo lavoro a Sacramento va avanti da solo attraverso telefonate con l'assistente.
Avrei voluto più azione, più problemi. E' troppo facile che una che se ne è andata senza voltarsi indietro ora torna tutta felice e le stendono il tappeto rosso.
C'era del potenziale ma è stato sviluppato male.
August 1, 2021
I love how Susan Hatler writes stories about families that are based in reality. Wendy was hurt as a child as her parents left her with her grandma and did not come back. She turned to her brother for comfort and he told her that you cannot rely on anyone but yourself. She left after a heartbreak after graduation and did not return until her grandma died and forced her return with the will. Max was there to try to buy the Inn until he met Wendy. He fell for her and she kept him at arms length. Just when she was beginning to trust her parents let her down and she overheard a conversation of Max leaving. He told her the truth and she had to decide if she could forgive or lose their love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2021
Living in the Bay Area, it is an easy read and fun to imagine this Blue Moon Bay story playing out in our own Half Moon Bay. However, the storyline itself is very predictable reminiscent of the holiday movie My Christmas Inn which coincidentally I just saw during my Christmas in July movies.
Inheriting her Grandma's inn in her hometown, Wendy leaves her busy career and the life she thought she wanted in Sacramento to settle the affairs of selling the inn. But when a kiss under the Blue Moon with a stranger (or is he?) results in her reconsidering what she wants, she may find her heart is where the home is.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Inheriting her Grandma's inn in her hometown, Wendy leaves her busy career and the life she thought she wanted in Sacramento to settle the affairs of selling the inn. But when a kiss under the Blue Moon with a stranger (or is he?) results in her reconsidering what she wants, she may find her heart is where the home is.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2016
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
It’s a fair statement that I’ve never met a Susan Hatler story that I didn’t enjoy. Some authors have that ability to give me a fun story with believable, relatable characters plus that little added life lesson woven in throughout the story. Oh, nothing profound if that has you worried – simply something that I needed to be reminded of, at usually the right moment. That’s not a bad thing.
We begin the Kissed by the Bay series with Wendy and Max. Told entirely from Wendy’s point of view it’s hard to miss how much she does not want to be heading home to Blue Moon Bay. Her grandmother’s death is a devastating blow but not the only one she’ll need to face by coming home again. This is the place she had escaped from, the place that is filled with overpowering memories of being abandoned by her parents into her grandmother’s care. As the memories flow back, there is very little that gives her a warm feeling of homecoming, only a dread for the task ahead of her. Telling her brother, Brian, that they – she – would be selling the Inn was going to be difficult but she had no other choice, her grandmother and her will made that perfectly clear… but his reaction was going to break her heart all over again, she just knew it.
After the painful confrontation with Brian, she ran through the Inn to the solitude of the beach beyond. There she broke down, allowing all the anger, sorrow and pain to escape, at least temporarily. She was mortified to discover that her break down had been witnessed by the handsome man sitting on the beach a little bit away. To her surprise, the stranger offered comforting words and allowed her to unload her thoughts onto his shoulders. Max was staying at the Inn, but only for one night – one night where Wendy had let down all of her guards. For whatever reason she felt safe with him, and as they stood by the plaque that told of the Legend of Blue Moon Bay – she kissed him or he kissed her, who moved first doesn’t matter what does is that perfect feeling of coming home – even if it couldn’t be true forever.
Every Little Kiss is, at times, the bittersweet story of a young woman who thought by leaving her past behind she would find a life that was full and rewarding. And maybe it could have been if she didn’t also cling to the hurts, pain and anger of the past so deeply. Wendy may have become a vastly successful realtor, but she soon begins to realize that her success has been bought at a price. She has in fact done exactly what she is so angry at her parents for… she’s abandoned her brother, her grandmother and her circle of best friends in order to gain her escape. It is definitely a bittersweet lesson that she will take a very long time to actually learn since she will continue to deny her actions as the same as what was done to her.
What we learn of Max is only through their conversations, interactions and Wendy’s thoughts. What we do learn is Max is a powerfully successful man who is learning how to carve out a home for himself in a place he instinctively calls home with a woman who is everything he needs. It’s going to take that woman a bit of time to realize his worth and that he’s telling the truth. But when she does, life will open up with all kinds of possibilities.
This is a story where on one hand you’ll understand completely why Wendy feels as she does. You’ll also want to sit her down for a hug, a cup of that coffee she so loves and give her a loving but stern talking to. It’s almost painful to watch her come out of the woman she became into the woman she could be. It has to be painful or it wouldn’t matter so much, I believe.
I enjoyed every moment of the journey with Max and Wendy. A small town that I already love, with all the fun and quirkiness I expect. Secondary characters who come alive off of the page, and I know that their tales will soon be told. What’s not to love about the start of this new series. I can’t wait to continue… and I can since the next story is already downloaded. *wink* Indulge yourself and simply enjoy some time in Blue Moon Bay.
It’s a fair statement that I’ve never met a Susan Hatler story that I didn’t enjoy. Some authors have that ability to give me a fun story with believable, relatable characters plus that little added life lesson woven in throughout the story. Oh, nothing profound if that has you worried – simply something that I needed to be reminded of, at usually the right moment. That’s not a bad thing.
We begin the Kissed by the Bay series with Wendy and Max. Told entirely from Wendy’s point of view it’s hard to miss how much she does not want to be heading home to Blue Moon Bay. Her grandmother’s death is a devastating blow but not the only one she’ll need to face by coming home again. This is the place she had escaped from, the place that is filled with overpowering memories of being abandoned by her parents into her grandmother’s care. As the memories flow back, there is very little that gives her a warm feeling of homecoming, only a dread for the task ahead of her. Telling her brother, Brian, that they – she – would be selling the Inn was going to be difficult but she had no other choice, her grandmother and her will made that perfectly clear… but his reaction was going to break her heart all over again, she just knew it.
After the painful confrontation with Brian, she ran through the Inn to the solitude of the beach beyond. There she broke down, allowing all the anger, sorrow and pain to escape, at least temporarily. She was mortified to discover that her break down had been witnessed by the handsome man sitting on the beach a little bit away. To her surprise, the stranger offered comforting words and allowed her to unload her thoughts onto his shoulders. Max was staying at the Inn, but only for one night – one night where Wendy had let down all of her guards. For whatever reason she felt safe with him, and as they stood by the plaque that told of the Legend of Blue Moon Bay – she kissed him or he kissed her, who moved first doesn’t matter what does is that perfect feeling of coming home – even if it couldn’t be true forever.
Every Little Kiss is, at times, the bittersweet story of a young woman who thought by leaving her past behind she would find a life that was full and rewarding. And maybe it could have been if she didn’t also cling to the hurts, pain and anger of the past so deeply. Wendy may have become a vastly successful realtor, but she soon begins to realize that her success has been bought at a price. She has in fact done exactly what she is so angry at her parents for… she’s abandoned her brother, her grandmother and her circle of best friends in order to gain her escape. It is definitely a bittersweet lesson that she will take a very long time to actually learn since she will continue to deny her actions as the same as what was done to her.
What we learn of Max is only through their conversations, interactions and Wendy’s thoughts. What we do learn is Max is a powerfully successful man who is learning how to carve out a home for himself in a place he instinctively calls home with a woman who is everything he needs. It’s going to take that woman a bit of time to realize his worth and that he’s telling the truth. But when she does, life will open up with all kinds of possibilities.
This is a story where on one hand you’ll understand completely why Wendy feels as she does. You’ll also want to sit her down for a hug, a cup of that coffee she so loves and give her a loving but stern talking to. It’s almost painful to watch her come out of the woman she became into the woman she could be. It has to be painful or it wouldn’t matter so much, I believe.
I enjoyed every moment of the journey with Max and Wendy. A small town that I already love, with all the fun and quirkiness I expect. Secondary characters who come alive off of the page, and I know that their tales will soon be told. What’s not to love about the start of this new series. I can’t wait to continue… and I can since the next story is already downloaded. *wink* Indulge yourself and simply enjoy some time in Blue Moon Bay.
December 30, 2019
Wendy Watts is a successful realtor living in Sacramento. She had left Blue Moon Bay right after graduation and had not though about ever coming back. But her grandmother’s lawyer called to tell her grandmother had left her controlling interest in the Inn and she has to return to Blue Moon Bay because of an odd requirement in the Will. She and her brother have to run the Inn for a month, then sell it. When she arrived, her brother, Brian, asked her why she never came back after leaving 9 years ago. The truth was, her boyfriend, Ian McBride, went off to college and dumped her. She had felt so safe with him, but would never make that mistake with a man again. But instead she told Brian her business in Sacramento was thriving so she had no need to come back here. Her brother’s attitude ran hot and cold from moment-to-moment. He didn’t want to have to leave the Inn and he snapped at her as if it were her fault.
Brian and Wendy walked through the Inn, listing the work that would need to be done before they could sell it in a month. He finally told her that her never coming back was probably why Grandma wanted the Inn to be sold. She had come home now to sell his home out from under him, and then leave again in 30 days. She had hoped they would get close again, but it didn’t look likely at the moment. Their parents had taught them well when they dumped them with Grandma so they could travel the world – and never came back. Take care of yourself, because you can’t depend on others to do it. She turned and ran out of the house and down to the ocean’s waves where she sat on the wet sand and sobbed her heart out. When she finally got it all out, she stood on shaky legs and walked back to the steps at the bottom of the bluffs – and saw she had not been alone!
A man sat in one of the chairs near the steps. He stood and walked over to her to ask if there was anything he could do to help her. Sudden barking made her look up as a huge golden retriever ran at her and pounced on her chest, knocking her to the sand as a wave rolled over her! Her hero picked her up out of the water and carried her to a chair, apologizing because his dog usually didn’t like people and never acted this way. He told her she looked beautiful, like she had been kissed by the Bay… and it reminded her of the local legend about falling in love forever. He invited her to walk on the beach with him, and she accepted. Max introduced himself and told her he was only there for one night on business. His eyes were so caring that, for the first time, she felt she could tell him the truth about everything. When they walked back, they stopped in front of the monument with the Blue Moon Bay Legend and he asked if she would risk a kiss under the blue moon right now. Without a bit of doubt, she said yes as they held each other and kissed with all of the passion they started to feel. And he would be gone in the morning.
But Max decides to extend his one-night stay into a one-month stay instead and offers to help with the repairs on the Inn. He obviously cares about Wendy, but she holds back, disappointed with past experiences and a lack of trust that people will stay in her life. Will the legend come true for them? Can she overcome a lifetime of fears and realize that sometimes you really can depend on the one you love?
I love this author’s books. They seem to always reach down inside the reader and touch strong emotions that really matter. Grab your copy and see if there is a future for Max and Wendy. I’m sure if she rejects him, there are lots of us ladies ready to take him home!
Brian and Wendy walked through the Inn, listing the work that would need to be done before they could sell it in a month. He finally told her that her never coming back was probably why Grandma wanted the Inn to be sold. She had come home now to sell his home out from under him, and then leave again in 30 days. She had hoped they would get close again, but it didn’t look likely at the moment. Their parents had taught them well when they dumped them with Grandma so they could travel the world – and never came back. Take care of yourself, because you can’t depend on others to do it. She turned and ran out of the house and down to the ocean’s waves where she sat on the wet sand and sobbed her heart out. When she finally got it all out, she stood on shaky legs and walked back to the steps at the bottom of the bluffs – and saw she had not been alone!
A man sat in one of the chairs near the steps. He stood and walked over to her to ask if there was anything he could do to help her. Sudden barking made her look up as a huge golden retriever ran at her and pounced on her chest, knocking her to the sand as a wave rolled over her! Her hero picked her up out of the water and carried her to a chair, apologizing because his dog usually didn’t like people and never acted this way. He told her she looked beautiful, like she had been kissed by the Bay… and it reminded her of the local legend about falling in love forever. He invited her to walk on the beach with him, and she accepted. Max introduced himself and told her he was only there for one night on business. His eyes were so caring that, for the first time, she felt she could tell him the truth about everything. When they walked back, they stopped in front of the monument with the Blue Moon Bay Legend and he asked if she would risk a kiss under the blue moon right now. Without a bit of doubt, she said yes as they held each other and kissed with all of the passion they started to feel. And he would be gone in the morning.
But Max decides to extend his one-night stay into a one-month stay instead and offers to help with the repairs on the Inn. He obviously cares about Wendy, but she holds back, disappointed with past experiences and a lack of trust that people will stay in her life. Will the legend come true for them? Can she overcome a lifetime of fears and realize that sometimes you really can depend on the one you love?
I love this author’s books. They seem to always reach down inside the reader and touch strong emotions that really matter. Grab your copy and see if there is a future for Max and Wendy. I’m sure if she rejects him, there are lots of us ladies ready to take him home!
October 4, 2016
This was a a sweet little romance. I have read several of Susan Halter's other books and I enjoyed reading this one as much as her others.
Wendy Watts was now a city girl. She liked living Sacramento and being a successful realtor. She didn't want to return to Blue Moon Bay, where she had grown up and where there had been so much heartache for her. But, her grandmother had died and left her in charge of the bed and breakfast in Blue Moon Bay. She would have to return for 30 days to sell her grandmother's inn and split the proceeds with her brother, Ben. Then, she was done with Blue Moon Bay for good.
The one thing she hadn't planned on was meeting Max Huntington on her first night back in Blue Moon Bay. He was very handsome and was a great kisser. How could she possibly have let herself believe in the legend she had grown up knowing about. Could it be possible to find your one true love and have forever with that person. Everyone in her life had left her. She wasn't used to having happily ever afters. She wasn't even sure she believed in them.
This story was a beautifully told, clean romance. There was chemistry between Wendy and Max and she began to believe in things she didn't think could be possible, like lifelong friendships and forever love.
I was given a free copy of this book one exchange for an honest review.
Wendy Watts was now a city girl. She liked living Sacramento and being a successful realtor. She didn't want to return to Blue Moon Bay, where she had grown up and where there had been so much heartache for her. But, her grandmother had died and left her in charge of the bed and breakfast in Blue Moon Bay. She would have to return for 30 days to sell her grandmother's inn and split the proceeds with her brother, Ben. Then, she was done with Blue Moon Bay for good.
The one thing she hadn't planned on was meeting Max Huntington on her first night back in Blue Moon Bay. He was very handsome and was a great kisser. How could she possibly have let herself believe in the legend she had grown up knowing about. Could it be possible to find your one true love and have forever with that person. Everyone in her life had left her. She wasn't used to having happily ever afters. She wasn't even sure she believed in them.
This story was a beautifully told, clean romance. There was chemistry between Wendy and Max and she began to believe in things she didn't think could be possible, like lifelong friendships and forever love.
I was given a free copy of this book one exchange for an honest review.
Read
October 7, 2016A good book to me, is one I can't put down. Every little kiss, kept me hooked till the end. In fact I read it in a day.
As expected Wendy has issues in her life, due to the fact her parents left her and her brother with their grandmother and ran off to travel.. Its left her unable to trust anyone. As soon as Wendy can she leaves Blue Moon Bay. Only coming back when her grandmother dies,and she has to come back to live in her ancestral home the inn. For 30 days before selling it. While walking through the inn deciding what needs to be done to make it sale ready. Wendy is overwhelmed by memories. Unable to handle it, she rushes out the inn and down to the beach. Whilst having a melt down she meets Max a hot and amazing guy. Wendy ends up telling him the whole sorry story. They talk about the local legend of being kissed by the bay.After sharing lots of sweet kisses they part ways. Wendy expecting to never see him again. Except he doesn't leave he decides to stay for a while.I did find Wendy annoying how she kept pushing him away. The guy was a saint with all he put up with.
Having said that i could see why she was that way.I was so glad she finally worked through her issues and found her happy ever after. Looking forward to finding out how the rest of the characters fare in the series.
Book received from Net Galley. In exchange for a honest review.
As expected Wendy has issues in her life, due to the fact her parents left her and her brother with their grandmother and ran off to travel.. Its left her unable to trust anyone. As soon as Wendy can she leaves Blue Moon Bay. Only coming back when her grandmother dies,and she has to come back to live in her ancestral home the inn. For 30 days before selling it. While walking through the inn deciding what needs to be done to make it sale ready. Wendy is overwhelmed by memories. Unable to handle it, she rushes out the inn and down to the beach. Whilst having a melt down she meets Max a hot and amazing guy. Wendy ends up telling him the whole sorry story. They talk about the local legend of being kissed by the bay.After sharing lots of sweet kisses they part ways. Wendy expecting to never see him again. Except he doesn't leave he decides to stay for a while.I did find Wendy annoying how she kept pushing him away. The guy was a saint with all he put up with.
Having said that i could see why she was that way.I was so glad she finally worked through her issues and found her happy ever after. Looking forward to finding out how the rest of the characters fare in the series.
Book received from Net Galley. In exchange for a honest review.
February 6, 2017
This is the first book in the Kissed by the Bay series and also the first I’ve read by this author. When I read the blurb I was intrigued by the whole confiding in a stranger aspect because one of my favorite chick lit romances is Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella, and I was expecting something similar.
Unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me. It suffers from every clichéd trope imaginable and I despise the whole love at first sight trope. The main character, Wendy has a lot of issues, which while understandable lack depth and instead of feeling bad for her, I was put off by her whining and woe is me attitude. Wendy sounded more like a spoilt teenager than anything else. Max’s whole character seemed hollow and honestly his whole habit of doing nice things for her behind her back sort of came off as creepy-ish. The dialogue was over simplistic and without the thought process you’d expect from an adult. Then there’s the whole telling instead of showing aspect that this story suffered from. The one scene I did enjoy is when Wendy and her brother Brian finally make peace with each other.
Disliked this book, hoping the next one is better because I have three in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me. It suffers from every clichéd trope imaginable and I despise the whole love at first sight trope. The main character, Wendy has a lot of issues, which while understandable lack depth and instead of feeling bad for her, I was put off by her whining and woe is me attitude. Wendy sounded more like a spoilt teenager than anything else. Max’s whole character seemed hollow and honestly his whole habit of doing nice things for her behind her back sort of came off as creepy-ish. The dialogue was over simplistic and without the thought process you’d expect from an adult. Then there’s the whole telling instead of showing aspect that this story suffered from. The one scene I did enjoy is when Wendy and her brother Brian finally make peace with each other.
Disliked this book, hoping the next one is better because I have three in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 1, 2017
Every Little Kiss was positively magical! The Blue Moon Bay legend is so romantic and I couldn’t help but long to be in this small little quaint town.
Wendy is scared of love, she’s afraid to get too close to people. Her parents left her with her grandma all those years ago, Wendy has yet to get over the pain. Max just so happens to find himself staying at the inn that belonged to Wendy’s late grandmother. Max stirs something inside Wendy that she’s afraid to admit to herself. She realizes her feelings for him are more than platonic but she’s too afraid to act on them. While staying in Blue Moon Bay, Wendy realizes that no one is perfect, love isn’t perfect and that’s okay.
This is the first book in the Kissed by the Bay series but it reads as a stand alone. I adored Wendy and Max’s story. It had me laughing, crying and it made me giddy. I really fell in love with the town, the legend and all the people in the story. It makes me want to visit and stay and the inn, while I sit on the beach and watch the waves.
Wendy is scared of love, she’s afraid to get too close to people. Her parents left her with her grandma all those years ago, Wendy has yet to get over the pain. Max just so happens to find himself staying at the inn that belonged to Wendy’s late grandmother. Max stirs something inside Wendy that she’s afraid to admit to herself. She realizes her feelings for him are more than platonic but she’s too afraid to act on them. While staying in Blue Moon Bay, Wendy realizes that no one is perfect, love isn’t perfect and that’s okay.
This is the first book in the Kissed by the Bay series but it reads as a stand alone. I adored Wendy and Max’s story. It had me laughing, crying and it made me giddy. I really fell in love with the town, the legend and all the people in the story. It makes me want to visit and stay and the inn, while I sit on the beach and watch the waves.
October 13, 2015
Every Little Kiss by Susan Hatler is the first in a new series and a sweet enjoyable romance.
Wendy Watts is a woman who has has often felt abandoned while growing up, so she developed a wall around her heart moved from Blue Moon Bay and made a name for herself in Sacramento as a top realtor. She is smart and successful and alone which hasn't bothered her until she returns to Blue Moon Bay. Max Huntington is handsome, successful, sweet, caring and now determined to become a part of Wendy's life and make a home in Blue Moon Bay.
The secondary characters are well developed and I enjoyed meeting all of them in this first book of the series. Brian, Maddie and Olivia were great supports for Wendy as she returned to Blue Moon Bay. I look forward to getting to know them better as this series continues.
This book is a sweet, clean romance as well as a story about second chances at life, forgiveness, patience and love.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wendy Watts is a woman who has has often felt abandoned while growing up, so she developed a wall around her heart moved from Blue Moon Bay and made a name for herself in Sacramento as a top realtor. She is smart and successful and alone which hasn't bothered her until she returns to Blue Moon Bay. Max Huntington is handsome, successful, sweet, caring and now determined to become a part of Wendy's life and make a home in Blue Moon Bay.
The secondary characters are well developed and I enjoyed meeting all of them in this first book of the series. Brian, Maddie and Olivia were great supports for Wendy as she returned to Blue Moon Bay. I look forward to getting to know them better as this series continues.
This book is a sweet, clean romance as well as a story about second chances at life, forgiveness, patience and love.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2015
This was a love at first sight second chance romance with hints of comedy scattered throughout. At first I was disappointed that the romance dated back as far as grade school, I was beginning to feel the irks of reading a young adult romance. Then as the story progressed I started to understand why we were taken back that far and everything started to come together for a heartfelt true romantic adventure. At the beginning of the story I wanted to give 2 stars, in the middle it went up to 3 by the end of the story I was sold and decided "Every Little Kiss" was worth the struggle; you can never go wrong with a Susan Hatler series!
September 11, 2019
I didn’t have a clue what I was in for when I sat down to read this book. It sounded so simple and innocuous. And though it’s been a while, the last of this author’s books I read, I remember being almost more comedy than romantic. I was prepared for the laughs when we say Wendy’s clumsiness in action. I wasn’t at all prepared for the tears as she opened to heart to yet more pain. Max is adorable. He’s dealing with some ghosts of his own, but his seem to be quieter than Wendy’s. Together, they broke my heart before mending it right back up. I’m starting to fall for all the quirky inhabitants of Blue Moon Bay and can’t wait to read more about them.
July 27, 2017
this is my 2nd read by Susan ... such a fan ...i am picking this one as my fave, over "Love at First Date (Better Date than Never, #1)" ... i love a read that does include humor. my fave!! check it out! such a great read, so quick, couldn't put it down. i will be reading more from Susan soon enough. if you have a favorite of hers ... please pass that note on me ... i am so curious??! this was FREE on Amazon when I did find it to read, maybe it still is? go check! 5 books in the series. so fun!! ( ;
August 26, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I also purchased a copy.
This was a good read. There were occasions that I had a difficult time connecting with Wendy though. She did the very same things that she blamed her parents doing by abandoning both her brother and grandmother. I had a hard time with Max but I feel that is because the book was written from Wendy's POV and there was nothing from Max's.
I did enjoy the book though and look forward to reading more in this series. This is a book that anyone can read.
This was a good read. There were occasions that I had a difficult time connecting with Wendy though. She did the very same things that she blamed her parents doing by abandoning both her brother and grandmother. I had a hard time with Max but I feel that is because the book was written from Wendy's POV and there was nothing from Max's.
I did enjoy the book though and look forward to reading more in this series. This is a book that anyone can read.
August 7, 2019
Picturesque scenery leads the way and is perfect for anyone who is fixing for a grand escape to the sandy shores. Reminding us that love can be found wherever and whoever we are. Heart melting, lovable characters speak straight to you resonating in every page. Their voices and the images of this beautiful tale will stick with you long after you turn the last page. 5/5 stars for a new inspirational romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 411 reviews