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Love by the Bay #1
Unmatched
Lexi Wells has been searching for her perfect match online. Not that he needs to be perfect. Just someone who she can hold a conversation with, who will give her mind-blowing orgasms, maintain a steady job, and fall in love with her six-year-old daughter. Why is that so damn impossible?
Grant Parker isn’t looking for forever, at least not yet. He’s moving in a few months for his final four years with the Coast Guard, and then he’ll think about settling down. Now is not the right time for happily ever after, much to his family’s frustration.
Then he rescues Lexi from a horrible date. Over chocolate lava cake they decide to have some fun before he leaves. Where’s the harm in two consenting adults enjoying dessert and each other for the next few months?
They’re just scratching an itch until he leaves, so why does it feel like so much more?
This is an 80,000 novel with a HEA and NO cliffhanger!
Readers 18+
Grant Parker isn’t looking for forever, at least not yet. He’s moving in a few months for his final four years with the Coast Guard, and then he’ll think about settling down. Now is not the right time for happily ever after, much to his family’s frustration.
Then he rescues Lexi from a horrible date. Over chocolate lava cake they decide to have some fun before he leaves. Where’s the harm in two consenting adults enjoying dessert and each other for the next few months?
They’re just scratching an itch until he leaves, so why does it feel like so much more?
This is an 80,000 novel with a HEA and NO cliffhanger!
Readers 18+
277 pages, ebook
First published July 2, 2016
345 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Kay
23 books490 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author, Stephanie Kay has always loved a good romance, and she got hooked on the dirty ones at the tender age of 14, when she told her mother that if the cover wasn’t a bodice ripper, then there was no sex in the book. As an avid mystery reader, her mother never checked to see if Stephanie was lying. Twenty plus years later, Stephanie’s most prized possession is her Kindle, and she may have a Hallmark movie obsession.
She has called California, Maryland, and Rhode Island her home, but now lives in New Hampshire with her husband where she asks him incessant questions until he escapes to go hiking in the mountains. That’s the only time she can get him out of the house so she can get her writing in. Married couples shouldn’t both work from home!
Sports were never her thing, but after beta reading for another hockey author and buying NHL Game Center within one month of watching her first hockey game a few years ago, she dove into learning everything she could about the sport and the hot men that play it. Now she spends her spare time visiting hockey arenas in the name of research and loving every second of it.
You can find her online at www.stephkaybooks.com, and on Facebook and Twitter. Please join her reader group for updates and excerpts. https://www.facebook.com/groups/19224...
You can also email her at stephanie@stephkaybooks.com
She has called California, Maryland, and Rhode Island her home, but now lives in New Hampshire with her husband where she asks him incessant questions until he escapes to go hiking in the mountains. That’s the only time she can get him out of the house so she can get her writing in. Married couples shouldn’t both work from home!
Sports were never her thing, but after beta reading for another hockey author and buying NHL Game Center within one month of watching her first hockey game a few years ago, she dove into learning everything she could about the sport and the hot men that play it. Now she spends her spare time visiting hockey arenas in the name of research and loving every second of it.
You can find her online at www.stephkaybooks.com, and on Facebook and Twitter. Please join her reader group for updates and excerpts. https://www.facebook.com/groups/19224...
You can also email her at stephanie@stephkaybooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 26, 2020
3 UNDERWHELMED STARS
Grant and Lexie are meant to be just having some fun since Grant needs to leave in a few months due to his job and Lexie just wants to enjoy herself after the shit luck she has had with online dating and her attraction to Grant is undeniable, but what they feel for each other is anything but light and unserious.
I didn't find myself sinking into this as I wanted to, some skim reading did occur especially when it came to the love/sex scenes as they got very samey-same.
When I saw this was a romance involving a single mother and her kid I was really excited but Lexis's daughter wasn't weaved into the story enough.
Acquired vi KU.
Grant and Lexie are meant to be just having some fun since Grant needs to leave in a few months due to his job and Lexie just wants to enjoy herself after the shit luck she has had with online dating and her attraction to Grant is undeniable, but what they feel for each other is anything but light and unserious.
I didn't find myself sinking into this as I wanted to, some skim reading did occur especially when it came to the love/sex scenes as they got very samey-same.
When I saw this was a romance involving a single mother and her kid I was really excited but Lexis's daughter wasn't weaved into the story enough.
Acquired vi KU.
February 28, 2017
This was my first exposure to this author, but I found this to be a very funny book! The situation wasn't anything special, but the way it was handled was quite brilliant! I loved how Grant kept coming back for more with Lexi, and how the rescues wound up turning into something much deeper. I especially loved seeing the slow blossom on their relationship! The secondary characters were great, especially Grant's family, and I found myself really engrossed into the story overall, to the point where I laughed out loud several times! I can't wait to read the next book!
February 14, 2017
Unmatched by Stephanie Kay is a heart warming love story between two people who are admit about wanting different things but can't help but be pulled towards each other. Grant Parker is on a count down - 4 months till he's stationed for work in the land of sun and sand in Florida. So the last thing Grant is looking for is a relationship but he can't help rescuing a beautiful lady in need even if that's just from a bad date. Lexi Wells is jumping back into the the dating scene hasn't been as smooth as she thought it would be. It must be her luck that the sexy rescuer is on a count down to leave town but she can't help wondering what if... He's great with her daughter, knows his way around his deserts and rocks her world in bed - Grant is just about perfect but attachment is a four letter word when their is a end date on a fling because who can do long distance for 4 years right?
Unmatched had a little bit of everything all rolled up in a beautiful story. You'll laugh, you'll swoon, you'll wanna smack a few characters around - some for very different reasons and dare I say you might even shed a tear or two. I adored Grant's character and was like sign me up for my own personal rescuer - he was so swoony. With Lexi I ran a wide range of emotions from wanting to shake some scene into her at times and other times thinking damn she needs to stand up for herself and reach for what she wants too. 5 Stars for Unmatched by Stephanie Kay
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
Unmatched had a little bit of everything all rolled up in a beautiful story. You'll laugh, you'll swoon, you'll wanna smack a few characters around - some for very different reasons and dare I say you might even shed a tear or two. I adored Grant's character and was like sign me up for my own personal rescuer - he was so swoony. With Lexi I ran a wide range of emotions from wanting to shake some scene into her at times and other times thinking damn she needs to stand up for herself and reach for what she wants too. 5 Stars for Unmatched by Stephanie Kay
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
November 9, 2018
Grant and Lexi meet under less than ideal circumstances, realize they have great chemistry, and decide to have a fling. After all, she's having a hard time finding a Mr. Right to scratch her itch, and he's only looking for some fun before he transfers to his next assignment in four months.
No problem, right?
Of course they fall in love. And it's a hell of a fun time while they do--their banter is generally sharp and witty. I have no complaints there; despite the complaints I'm about to share, I did genuinely enjoy this book.
The sex scenes were many and somewhat repetitive. I get that these two are fire in the sheets, but certain obvious phrases popped up over and over, which detracted from them.
What bothers me most, though, is after sitting down to read this in one sitting, I can't tell you what Lexi's job is. Grant's is brought up constantly--as a rescue swimmer for the Coast Guard, that's key to both the constant "rescuing" he does of Lexi from her bad online-dating-site dates, and to their breakup, because he has to leave for his next posting. But Lexi? I finished the book ten minutes ago, and I could not tell you what she does for a living, which undermines the major conflict. She's adamant that she won't move to follow Grant because a) she moved a lot as a kid and hated it; b) she doesn't want to do the same thing to her daughter; and finally c) she doesn't want to give up her job and be separated from her friends and family, only to be entirely dependent on Grant without a job of her own or any support system.
I completely get A and B, and I'd even be mostly on board with C--the dependency part--but why doesn't she think she'll be able to find a job if she moves? Do they not need [whatever she does] in Florida? Why does that seem insurmountable to her?
Now, I'm not saying the information isn't there--if I reread, I could probably find someone, somewhere, mentioning what Lexi's actual employment is; I think she's even at work in one of the very earliest scenes, but all I remember is that she had to shut down her computer before she left to get her daughter. However, Lexi's career is nowhere near as present in or important to the narrative as Grant's, which isn't a good look for a romance novel, especially when it's his job that's the flashpoint for their breakup.
No problem, right?
Of course they fall in love. And it's a hell of a fun time while they do--their banter is generally sharp and witty. I have no complaints there; despite the complaints I'm about to share, I did genuinely enjoy this book.
The sex scenes were many and somewhat repetitive. I get that these two are fire in the sheets, but certain obvious phrases popped up over and over, which detracted from them.
What bothers me most, though, is after sitting down to read this in one sitting, I can't tell you what Lexi's job is. Grant's is brought up constantly--as a rescue swimmer for the Coast Guard, that's key to both the constant "rescuing" he does of Lexi from her bad online-dating-site dates, and to their breakup, because he has to leave for his next posting. But Lexi? I finished the book ten minutes ago, and I could not tell you what she does for a living, which undermines the major conflict. She's adamant that she won't move to follow Grant because a) she moved a lot as a kid and hated it; b) she doesn't want to do the same thing to her daughter; and finally c) she doesn't want to give up her job and be separated from her friends and family, only to be entirely dependent on Grant without a job of her own or any support system.
I completely get A and B, and I'd even be mostly on board with C--the dependency part--but why doesn't she think she'll be able to find a job if she moves? Do they not need [whatever she does] in Florida? Why does that seem insurmountable to her?
Now, I'm not saying the information isn't there--if I reread, I could probably find someone, somewhere, mentioning what Lexi's actual employment is; I think she's even at work in one of the very earliest scenes, but all I remember is that she had to shut down her computer before she left to get her daughter. However, Lexi's career is nowhere near as present in or important to the narrative as Grant's, which isn't a good look for a romance novel, especially when it's his job that's the flashpoint for their breakup.
January 26, 2017
Super cute and sexy story of a single mom who is trying to get back into the dating scene. She meets Grant when she's at a mixer and she's being bored to death by a potential date. And thus begins a fun and interesting relationship between these two. Grant's hot and a rescue swimmer for the coast guard, but he's leaving in a few months to be stationed across the country. So they agree on a friends with benefits arrangement. Yeah right.
May 29, 2018
Just 3
Because every few pages was a e pages sex descriptions , which was like copy and paste from the previous sex scene.. is a turn off, yes a little sex is ok, but who wants to read 3 pages of the SAME thing every 3 -4 pages.. not me..
Because every few pages was a e pages sex descriptions , which was like copy and paste from the previous sex scene.. is a turn off, yes a little sex is ok, but who wants to read 3 pages of the SAME thing every 3 -4 pages.. not me..
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July 28, 2020
3.5 Stars
This was a good story, a bit repetitive, but a good story.
I first met these characters in the first book in the spinoff series, Breakout. I knew there had to be more to Lexie and Grant’s story. I’m glad I backtracked to read it.
Grant and Lexie have a very unique “relationship”. A sort of friends with benefits plus dessert.
Lexie is trying to finally move forward after her divorce. Using a dating website, she goes on one bad date after another. On the first date, she is rescued by Grant, who is at the same event with a buddy. After a few drinks and conversation, they head out to a restaurant and share their first dessert. That leads to a completely different kind of “dessert”.
They both know what they are getting into. He only has a few months left in San Francisco before he moves to Florida for his next assignment. Just sex. Just friends. No expectations of anything more. That works for awhile. Until feelings get involved and someone’s heart is going to be broken.
Grant can’t change his orders. Lexie refuses to move her young daughter to follow a man. Any man. Where does that leave these two, when both their hearts are on the line?
I liked both Grant and Lexie.
Lexie was a good mom, always putting her daughter first. She had serious trust issues after her failed marriage. She wanted to trust Grant, but just couldn’t make that leap.
Grant was the ultimate bachelor. Not looking for anything series. But he does enjoy his rescues of Lexie. And the steady diet of their “desserts”. He’s happy with the arrangement, knowing he’ll enjoy it until he ships out.
I would have liked to see more of Grant interacting with Abby, Lexie’s daughter. There was no real connection with them. The few scenes they were together, he was sweet with her. I would have liked more.
And then there was the repetitiveness. Sex scenes were repeated over and over again. And conversations/internal dialogue of “I want you but your leaving”, and “why can’t you just go with him?” It got old, I skipped a lot of it.
Overall, a good story. I’ll read the next one.
Dual points of view. No cheating. No cliffhanger. HEA.
This was a good story, a bit repetitive, but a good story.
I first met these characters in the first book in the spinoff series, Breakout. I knew there had to be more to Lexie and Grant’s story. I’m glad I backtracked to read it.
Grant and Lexie have a very unique “relationship”. A sort of friends with benefits plus dessert.
Lexie is trying to finally move forward after her divorce. Using a dating website, she goes on one bad date after another. On the first date, she is rescued by Grant, who is at the same event with a buddy. After a few drinks and conversation, they head out to a restaurant and share their first dessert. That leads to a completely different kind of “dessert”.
They both know what they are getting into. He only has a few months left in San Francisco before he moves to Florida for his next assignment. Just sex. Just friends. No expectations of anything more. That works for awhile. Until feelings get involved and someone’s heart is going to be broken.
Grant can’t change his orders. Lexie refuses to move her young daughter to follow a man. Any man. Where does that leave these two, when both their hearts are on the line?
I liked both Grant and Lexie.
Lexie was a good mom, always putting her daughter first. She had serious trust issues after her failed marriage. She wanted to trust Grant, but just couldn’t make that leap.
Grant was the ultimate bachelor. Not looking for anything series. But he does enjoy his rescues of Lexie. And the steady diet of their “desserts”. He’s happy with the arrangement, knowing he’ll enjoy it until he ships out.
I would have liked to see more of Grant interacting with Abby, Lexie’s daughter. There was no real connection with them. The few scenes they were together, he was sweet with her. I would have liked more.
And then there was the repetitiveness. Sex scenes were repeated over and over again. And conversations/internal dialogue of “I want you but your leaving”, and “why can’t you just go with him?” It got old, I skipped a lot of it.
Overall, a good story. I’ll read the next one.
Dual points of view. No cheating. No cliffhanger. HEA.
January 12, 2018
Lexi Wells is a single mom looking for love online. While at a singles mixer she gets rescued by Grant Parker. Grant is in the Coast Guard and will be moving to his next duty station in a few months - he's in no position to get into a relationship and plans to wait until he leaves the military in another four years before settling down. Grant and Lexi run into each other several other times, and Grant becomes Lexi's rescuer from bad dates. The share a love for desert, which turns into a desert-with-benefits arrangement. This was a fun and entertaining book and I really enjoyed it. I was a little frustrated at Lexi's attitude towards change and compromise towards the end, but overall it was a great read and I look forward to reading other books in the series.
December 13, 2018
Grant and Lexie
All men should be mad about having a character like Grant, he has ruined it for any man out there. He is a rescue swimmer who rescues people in the windy, high current waters of Alaska, San Francisco, etc. He is handsome, built, funny romantic good with kids and will rescue Lexi from bad dates and rock her world with desert and other things. Oh, and he plays hockey on the side and has a loving and healthy relationships with his mom and sisters. He is just the coolest guy ever! But he is living for Florida in 4 months....
All men should be mad about having a character like Grant, he has ruined it for any man out there. He is a rescue swimmer who rescues people in the windy, high current waters of Alaska, San Francisco, etc. He is handsome, built, funny romantic good with kids and will rescue Lexi from bad dates and rock her world with desert and other things. Oh, and he plays hockey on the side and has a loving and healthy relationships with his mom and sisters. He is just the coolest guy ever! But he is living for Florida in 4 months....
August 29, 2018
The book had some very funny parts to it. I would have liked to see more develop between Abby (daughter) and Grant. Part of what bothered me as with other books by Miss Kay is the editing. When Lexi dates a guy from the office his name is Scott referred to as guys she dates with the letter S. In the next chapter the author refers to him but calls him Jeff. Did I miss something or was the editing that bad. Several other mistakes make that part of it hard to concentrate on the story.
October 30, 2022
“Was it possible for her virginity to grow back?” That question led her to the world of online dating with Desperate Seeking Desperate. Was it too much to ask for Lexi to find the perfect man? Or, at least, near perfect?
Grant didn’t know what brought him to eMatch since he wasn’t looking for relationships. But he couldn’t help but notice the lovely woman.
Kinda long and slow, but a nice read overall. Okay, but not great.
A typical mismatch romance.
Grant didn’t know what brought him to eMatch since he wasn’t looking for relationships. But he couldn’t help but notice the lovely woman.
Kinda long and slow, but a nice read overall. Okay, but not great.
A typical mismatch romance.
May 11, 2020
Yes, read this book!
I pretty sure this is one of my favorite Stephanie Kay books. Her characters always seem to have a lot of chemistry. I love the banter, not only between Lexi and Grant, but the dynamics with their friends and relatives makes me want to crawl into the book to meet and hang out with everyone.
I pretty sure this is one of my favorite Stephanie Kay books. Her characters always seem to have a lot of chemistry. I love the banter, not only between Lexi and Grant, but the dynamics with their friends and relatives makes me want to crawl into the book to meet and hang out with everyone.
December 16, 2023
This is the first book in the Love by the Bay series. It is the story of coastguard rescue swimmer Grant Parker and single mom Lexi Wells. They meet when Grant rescues Lexi from a bad internet date, which becomes their habit. They insist they are just friends (with benefits) but their love won’t be denied.
January 5, 2025
Honestly both main characters were annoying throughout the whole plot and the FMC was really just coming off as whiny and childish. Wanted to dnf but wanted the background for her other series 🙃
And honestly why was there the same sex part every freaking chapter?? Dessert and sex every freaking time
And honestly why was there the same sex part every freaking chapter?? Dessert and sex every freaking time
March 24, 2017
Really Really
Sorry to say i really didnt enjoy this one and really got frustrated with the storys progression cause the author was constantly repeating in several areas...character description , the premise of the story, even in the timeline I have to say in my opinion, maybe it just needed an editor or someone to point these things out to the author for it did have potential to be a great story.
Sorry to say i really didnt enjoy this one and really got frustrated with the storys progression cause the author was constantly repeating in several areas...character description , the premise of the story, even in the timeline I have to say in my opinion, maybe it just needed an editor or someone to point these things out to the author for it did have potential to be a great story.
February 9, 2021
Really enjoyed this.
I liked everything about this story, how they meet,their chemistry.How a couple of months could turn into way more, now I really want to find out about her friends.
I liked everything about this story, how they meet,their chemistry.How a couple of months could turn into way more, now I really want to find out about her friends.
January 24, 2022
Sweet and sexy
I really enjoyed this sweet and sexy romance. Grant is book boyfriend perfection. His chemistry with Lexi is off the charts! I loved the slow build to their relationship. I felt their heartbreak but am glad it was short lived and ended in an HEA. 💓
I really enjoyed this sweet and sexy romance. Grant is book boyfriend perfection. His chemistry with Lexi is off the charts! I loved the slow build to their relationship. I felt their heartbreak but am glad it was short lived and ended in an HEA. 💓
June 16, 2017
Really liked the story between Lexi and Grant. Great insta love with a lot of humorous content. Well worth a read!! Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
October 23, 2017
Very romantic
It's the story of these two who known on a bar and theirs were the story begins. It's really entertaining
It's the story of these two who known on a bar and theirs were the story begins. It's really entertaining
November 6, 2017
Enjoyable
This is an enjoyable run of the mill romance. It was entertaining without excitement, intrigue or action. The characters were believable and drew me in.
This is an enjoyable run of the mill romance. It was entertaining without excitement, intrigue or action. The characters were believable and drew me in.
July 8, 2019
Good story.
Lexi and Grant made for a great read. And Grant has lots of things that make him a perfect catch.
Lexi and Grant made for a great read. And Grant has lots of things that make him a perfect catch.
February 2, 2020
Feel happy book. I love Stephanie’s writing style.
March 6, 2021
More than five stars!
Lexi and Brand's first meet was pretty funny! The following ones getting funnier as they went. Great love story from first page to the last page!
Lexi and Brand's first meet was pretty funny! The following ones getting funnier as they went. Great love story from first page to the last page!
September 28, 2021
Great book. So funny, kept me wanting to read. Well written.
June 2, 2022
Best meet cute
Cute story about finding love when and where you least expect it. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Cute story about finding love when and where you least expect it. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
February 22, 2024
⛔️(in notes)
July 15, 2024
fun read
I really like this book and I look forward to reading more from the author
Lexi did start getting up my nerves towards the end 😂
I really like this book and I look forward to reading more from the author
Lexi did start getting up my nerves towards the end 😂
March 18, 2017
Light and semi-sweet romance. I liked the characters but lost patience with the H/h because of the "obstacle" they kept stumbling over.
February 12, 2017
Good read
The storyline and characters were well developed. The story was very realistic, the characters very relatable. There were a few editing errors and the story got a little repetitive, but overall a good read.
The storyline and characters were well developed. The story was very realistic, the characters very relatable. There were a few editing errors and the story got a little repetitive, but overall a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews