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Main Street Merchants #1
Moonstone Beach
She’s a divorcee who’s still struggling to recover. He’s notorious for his reckless ways with women. What could possibly go wrong?
Kate Bennet owns a small bookstore in the breathtaking Central Coast town of Cambria, California. Two years out from a divorce that left her emotionally fragile, she’s starting to think that maybe she’s ready for love again—or at least for a fling with a hot man. Jackson Graham is a local chef who’s controlling when it comes to food, careless when it comes to love, and temperamental when it comes to just about everything.
When Kate’s friends set things up between Kate and Jackson, she expects some casual pleasure followed by a hasty goodbye, but Jackson’s long-term crush on Kate means that he’s in this one to win. The problem is, neither he nor Kate knows whether he can change the self-defeating habits that usually send women scurrying for the door.
MOONSTONE BEACH is the first book in the Main Street Merchants series by Linda Seed. Read the novel readers have called “funny,” “delightful,” and “captivating.”
Kate Bennet owns a small bookstore in the breathtaking Central Coast town of Cambria, California. Two years out from a divorce that left her emotionally fragile, she’s starting to think that maybe she’s ready for love again—or at least for a fling with a hot man. Jackson Graham is a local chef who’s controlling when it comes to food, careless when it comes to love, and temperamental when it comes to just about everything.
When Kate’s friends set things up between Kate and Jackson, she expects some casual pleasure followed by a hasty goodbye, but Jackson’s long-term crush on Kate means that he’s in this one to win. The problem is, neither he nor Kate knows whether he can change the self-defeating habits that usually send women scurrying for the door.
MOONSTONE BEACH is the first book in the Main Street Merchants series by Linda Seed. Read the novel readers have called “funny,” “delightful,” and “captivating.”
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First published October 16, 2015
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About the author
Linda Seed
27 books95 followersI write funny, sexy contemporary romances full of friendship and family. My books are set in Cambria, a small town on Central California’s rugged, breathtaking coastline. At a time when close personal relationships are increasingly hard to find, I aim to write a better world full of the kind of love, loyalty, and companionship that we all long for. Connect with me at https://lindaseed.com/ or sign up for my newsletter at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor... to get access to exclusive content and special deals.
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February 24, 2017
Review to come (when I've cooled down a bit)
Okay, forewarned is forearmed, rant ahead, and also spoilers galore!
This started... not exactly well, but as a GR friend was so much liking this I decided to see it through. I should have listened to the little monkey on my shoulder telling me to ditch this. Here are my various dislikes, I tried to sort them:
1. Ageism
At various places in this novel, but most pronounced with Althea the employee Kate inherited from her mother, there's a marked dislike and disgust, in places even hatred of age, aging and the aged. Whether the fact that most of the offensive/negative characters are old, or the fact that all older characters were described as "formerly attractive" or downright unattractive (including Althea) it was - pardon the pun - getting old very fast. I've no idea how old Linda Seed is, but let me assure you, we'll all get old, and the way we look at people will change along with it. I much prefer a take like that of "Harold and Maude" over this here any given day. There's simply no reason to do this. It is, quite frankly, as disgusting as all the other -isms usually are.
2. Consumerism
I loathe this with a vengeance and unfortunately it has become a feature in more and more romance books I read. Not only that every time a character changes clothes we get a run down on what she or he wears, which I really don't need unless it is something very significant (Batman's batsuit would be, or Superman's cape, the make of an MC's clothes on an average day she gets up and to work isn't), everything else is also named and famed, especially where it's a luxury or consumer or status item. I hate consumerism, I dislike advertisements already, I have adblock on all my browsers and apps, so fucking hell, why am I subjected to a continuous advertisement while reading a bloody book? Cut it already. Materialism is one of the most disgusting features of the US culture. It would be a relief not to be force-fed with it.
3. Alleged feminism or how imitation isn't a good idea, nor justified
Let me preface this with that I do not believe feminism is "getting back" at men. I also do not believe that feminism is "doing as men have always done" or "imitating male behaviour". And a strong woman is, to me, not a woman who is as aggressive, sexist and sexually rapacious as men traditionally are conceived to be. I do not think either Jenna Jameson, Stoya or for that matter Lara Croft are good female and feminist role models, but currently there seems to be a curious kind of feminism going on among predominantly very young women having grown up in the current reactionary and consumerist environment who've been led to think so.
There's a marked difference between "living out one's sexuality as a woman wants to without outside pressure", and "doing just as the guys do, and catching up on their sexist and/or exploitative behaviour as well (and getting back at them while doing so)". This book, like so many lately, feasts the latter. I would recommend anyone who thinks this is a fab idea - including the author - to read Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture. Levy nails it. The author made her main character and several secondary characters exactly that: female chauvinist pigs and then proceeded to call this "empowerment".
Honey, just because women do what men do doesn't mean the deed suddenly smells of roses. It still stinks.
4. Sex instead of Love
When I read a romance, I do not want to read about a heroine who abuses men as "practice flings" or to satisfy a severe itch in her crotch. There's an entire industry catering to male and female masturbation needs, so if you get the heevies so bad that you want to abuse unwilling men, you take your finger, lick it, and start rubbing yourself off. If you need the help of a vibrator, buy one. You absolutely don't harass men yet not sure whether or not they want to fuck you. Not if you want to be on my good side, because what's fine for the gander, is also fine for the goose. Equal rights, remember? That is feminism. If women are sheltered from male sexual harassment, then men ought to be so too.
In addition, this book is listed as a romance. In a romance I want to read about a strong developing relationship, and not about a heroine incapable of keeping her hoo-ha in her pants because she behaves like a 13 year old with a hormonal rush (I might tolerate such mindless lust in an erotica story, if reasonably explained, but not in a romance). The scene in the book shop's back room has to be one of the most unerotic, needless, stupid and boring sex scenes I have come across in the past 5 years, and that takes something, I can tell you! I henceforth found myself skipping all the other sex and make out scenes, because they entirely lost their meaning with the romance.
5. The Witches
I do not know how Americans see this behaviour, but if my alleged friends meddled as much with my love interests and life, they wouldn't stay my friends for long. The manner in which these women, and men, gossip about town, immediately dragging someone down or assuming the worst of them, made me throw up in my mouth and not just a little bit. I would severe ties with anyone doing this to or with me. However, I also wouldn't allow such arseholes to influence how I think about people I care for. For that I have to see transgressions with my own eyes or talk to them. The author may have thought that showing such mean-spirited gossip is funny, I found it just disgusting and it served to seriously turn me off the entire town. Men also tend to gossip, yes, but this book portrays them as blabbermouths about personal things, and that few men are in my experience. Thus she turns the oh so fabulous "alpha males" she wants to write about into ninnies.
6. Research and Foreshadowing
It was painful to notice how the author set up and foreshadowed several further couples and books in the series. It was also painful to notice the lack of research. If you write about various professions, then the least thing you do is to get the technical terms right.The "salad guy" she writes about most likely is the "salad chef" or "starter chef", Jose at the "fish station" might be a line cook or sous chef. Several other job details in what will be future books were wrong or off as well.
7. Stupid Kate
Rarely have I come to despise and dislike a character in a romance as much as I despised Kate. In the end I was hating her so much, I had trouble finishing the book. Not just that she is a walking carpet, allowing everyone and their doggie to walk all over her, she even goes out of her way to suck up to people just because she's too cowardly to state a single honest comment or tell the truth. Instead of actually calling the police or a motel and pluck her clearly abusive father out of her hair, she foists herself on her tenant for several weeks! That's not "endearingly timid", that is "disgustingly cowardly" and taking advantage of someone dependent on her. Her tantrum at the end, throwing out the things of her father and his GF, again came across not as liberating, it was childish.
Worse yet, someone who has an animal, and doesn't stand up for it, is someone I can't respect. Kate shrugging off that Jane Austen was taken from her, especially forbidding Jackson to stop Althea taking a cat from her usual place, that's rather low. If the reader of a romance comes to really despise the heroine that's, well, not ideal.
So, as you may have guessed by now, I didn't enjoy this book. The further I got with it, the less I liked Kate, and in the end I just really despised her. I actually felt sorry for Jackson for giving up his life's dream.
Not funny, not romantic, not recommended.
Okay, forewarned is forearmed, rant ahead, and also spoilers galore!
This started... not exactly well, but as a GR friend was so much liking this I decided to see it through. I should have listened to the little monkey on my shoulder telling me to ditch this. Here are my various dislikes, I tried to sort them:
1. Ageism
At various places in this novel, but most pronounced with Althea the employee Kate inherited from her mother, there's a marked dislike and disgust, in places even hatred of age, aging and the aged. Whether the fact that most of the offensive/negative characters are old, or the fact that all older characters were described as "formerly attractive" or downright unattractive (including Althea) it was - pardon the pun - getting old very fast. I've no idea how old Linda Seed is, but let me assure you, we'll all get old, and the way we look at people will change along with it. I much prefer a take like that of "Harold and Maude" over this here any given day. There's simply no reason to do this. It is, quite frankly, as disgusting as all the other -isms usually are.
2. Consumerism
I loathe this with a vengeance and unfortunately it has become a feature in more and more romance books I read. Not only that every time a character changes clothes we get a run down on what she or he wears, which I really don't need unless it is something very significant (Batman's batsuit would be, or Superman's cape, the make of an MC's clothes on an average day she gets up and to work isn't), everything else is also named and famed, especially where it's a luxury or consumer or status item. I hate consumerism, I dislike advertisements already, I have adblock on all my browsers and apps, so fucking hell, why am I subjected to a continuous advertisement while reading a bloody book? Cut it already. Materialism is one of the most disgusting features of the US culture. It would be a relief not to be force-fed with it.
3. Alleged feminism or how imitation isn't a good idea, nor justified
Let me preface this with that I do not believe feminism is "getting back" at men. I also do not believe that feminism is "doing as men have always done" or "imitating male behaviour". And a strong woman is, to me, not a woman who is as aggressive, sexist and sexually rapacious as men traditionally are conceived to be. I do not think either Jenna Jameson, Stoya or for that matter Lara Croft are good female and feminist role models, but currently there seems to be a curious kind of feminism going on among predominantly very young women having grown up in the current reactionary and consumerist environment who've been led to think so.
There's a marked difference between "living out one's sexuality as a woman wants to without outside pressure", and "doing just as the guys do, and catching up on their sexist and/or exploitative behaviour as well (and getting back at them while doing so)". This book, like so many lately, feasts the latter. I would recommend anyone who thinks this is a fab idea - including the author - to read Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture. Levy nails it. The author made her main character and several secondary characters exactly that: female chauvinist pigs and then proceeded to call this "empowerment".
Honey, just because women do what men do doesn't mean the deed suddenly smells of roses. It still stinks.
4. Sex instead of Love
When I read a romance, I do not want to read about a heroine who abuses men as "practice flings" or to satisfy a severe itch in her crotch. There's an entire industry catering to male and female masturbation needs, so if you get the heevies so bad that you want to abuse unwilling men, you take your finger, lick it, and start rubbing yourself off. If you need the help of a vibrator, buy one. You absolutely don't harass men yet not sure whether or not they want to fuck you. Not if you want to be on my good side, because what's fine for the gander, is also fine for the goose. Equal rights, remember? That is feminism. If women are sheltered from male sexual harassment, then men ought to be so too.
In addition, this book is listed as a romance. In a romance I want to read about a strong developing relationship, and not about a heroine incapable of keeping her hoo-ha in her pants because she behaves like a 13 year old with a hormonal rush (I might tolerate such mindless lust in an erotica story, if reasonably explained, but not in a romance). The scene in the book shop's back room has to be one of the most unerotic, needless, stupid and boring sex scenes I have come across in the past 5 years, and that takes something, I can tell you! I henceforth found myself skipping all the other sex and make out scenes, because they entirely lost their meaning with the romance.
5. The Witches
I do not know how Americans see this behaviour, but if my alleged friends meddled as much with my love interests and life, they wouldn't stay my friends for long. The manner in which these women, and men, gossip about town, immediately dragging someone down or assuming the worst of them, made me throw up in my mouth and not just a little bit. I would severe ties with anyone doing this to or with me. However, I also wouldn't allow such arseholes to influence how I think about people I care for. For that I have to see transgressions with my own eyes or talk to them. The author may have thought that showing such mean-spirited gossip is funny, I found it just disgusting and it served to seriously turn me off the entire town. Men also tend to gossip, yes, but this book portrays them as blabbermouths about personal things, and that few men are in my experience. Thus she turns the oh so fabulous "alpha males" she wants to write about into ninnies.
6. Research and Foreshadowing
It was painful to notice how the author set up and foreshadowed several further couples and books in the series. It was also painful to notice the lack of research. If you write about various professions, then the least thing you do is to get the technical terms right.The "salad guy" she writes about most likely is the "salad chef" or "starter chef", Jose at the "fish station" might be a line cook or sous chef. Several other job details in what will be future books were wrong or off as well.
7. Stupid Kate
Rarely have I come to despise and dislike a character in a romance as much as I despised Kate. In the end I was hating her so much, I had trouble finishing the book. Not just that she is a walking carpet, allowing everyone and their doggie to walk all over her, she even goes out of her way to suck up to people just because she's too cowardly to state a single honest comment or tell the truth. Instead of actually calling the police or a motel and pluck her clearly abusive father out of her hair, she foists herself on her tenant for several weeks! That's not "endearingly timid", that is "disgustingly cowardly" and taking advantage of someone dependent on her. Her tantrum at the end, throwing out the things of her father and his GF, again came across not as liberating, it was childish.
Worse yet, someone who has an animal, and doesn't stand up for it, is someone I can't respect. Kate shrugging off that Jane Austen was taken from her, especially forbidding Jackson to stop Althea taking a cat from her usual place, that's rather low. If the reader of a romance comes to really despise the heroine that's, well, not ideal.
So, as you may have guessed by now, I didn't enjoy this book. The further I got with it, the less I liked Kate, and in the end I just really despised her. I actually felt sorry for Jackson for giving up his life's dream.
Not funny, not romantic, not recommended.
December 23, 2015
Moonstone Beach (Main Street Merchants Book 1) Linda Seed
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Contemporary Romance
First book I’ve read from Linda, in fact looking around web it may be a First Book for her – in which case what a great start to a writing career.
Its a fun read, not earth shatteringly dramatic but one that flows easily, full of little side plots and action and a mix of humour with some sadness. The characters and settings felt very real to me and I’d love to read more of the Main Street characters. They’re a good mix, its the sort of street I can envision where the shops are individually owned, not huge chain conglomerates, and the owners work in the stores, and help each other.
I loved Kate and Jackson, loved the way their story developed, and that Linda has shown even outwardly confident, good looking serial daters like Jackson get nervous when they meet someone that really matters. Kate, I loved the way her friends tried to get her and Zach together, Loved all the date planning and debriefing afterwards. That's what real friends do. Her dad and his wife – wow, they made a great addition and let us see her in yet another light, not shop owner, friend, or potential date but as a daughter to a selfish man who she kept hoping would want her for herself not for what she can do for him. Sometimes though that’s not to be.
Althea who worked for her, then replacement Zach(? I think that was his name) and of course Jane Austen were great additions, and I loved the Art Week that the shop owners did. Its tough for small shops and when they get together to do things like this it can really draw people in. They got a real show at Kate’s bookstore though! Made me snigger a lot... I loved the romance development between her and Jackson, the way the dates were planned and it felt like we were there with them. That’s important to me, I need to feel things could happen, and that I’m there with them in some way.
The only issue I had was the end, its perfect but it wrapped up very quickly. I’d have liked that to be spread out more, so its wasn’t - sad bit – happy bit – end. It just felt a bit abrupt. Still, that’s small beans though and this was a fun, easy read, and I’m looking forward to Gen’s story next. .
Stars: Four, a fun read, and a great start.
A Kindle Unlimited read.
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Contemporary Romance
First book I’ve read from Linda, in fact looking around web it may be a First Book for her – in which case what a great start to a writing career.
Its a fun read, not earth shatteringly dramatic but one that flows easily, full of little side plots and action and a mix of humour with some sadness. The characters and settings felt very real to me and I’d love to read more of the Main Street characters. They’re a good mix, its the sort of street I can envision where the shops are individually owned, not huge chain conglomerates, and the owners work in the stores, and help each other.
I loved Kate and Jackson, loved the way their story developed, and that Linda has shown even outwardly confident, good looking serial daters like Jackson get nervous when they meet someone that really matters. Kate, I loved the way her friends tried to get her and Zach together, Loved all the date planning and debriefing afterwards. That's what real friends do. Her dad and his wife – wow, they made a great addition and let us see her in yet another light, not shop owner, friend, or potential date but as a daughter to a selfish man who she kept hoping would want her for herself not for what she can do for him. Sometimes though that’s not to be.
Althea who worked for her, then replacement Zach(? I think that was his name) and of course Jane Austen were great additions, and I loved the Art Week that the shop owners did. Its tough for small shops and when they get together to do things like this it can really draw people in. They got a real show at Kate’s bookstore though! Made me snigger a lot... I loved the romance development between her and Jackson, the way the dates were planned and it felt like we were there with them. That’s important to me, I need to feel things could happen, and that I’m there with them in some way.
The only issue I had was the end, its perfect but it wrapped up very quickly. I’d have liked that to be spread out more, so its wasn’t - sad bit – happy bit – end. It just felt a bit abrupt. Still, that’s small beans though and this was a fun, easy read, and I’m looking forward to Gen’s story next. .
Stars: Four, a fun read, and a great start.
A Kindle Unlimited read.
January 1, 2016
Two years after a divorce that left her more than a little disillusioned with love, men, and life in general, Kate Bennet is ready to re-enter the dating game. She's not looking for anything serious, so when local chef Jackson Graham throws his hat into the ring—it seems like the perfect set-up.
Jackson is a known "love 'em and leave 'em" sort. He has a reputation as a hothead and a manwhore, but neither of those things matter when Kate's just looking to dip her toes back into the dating pool. What Kate doesn't know is that Jackson has been harboring a crush on Kate for years and while she may be looking for a fling, he's ready to shoot for something deeper.
It took me a long time to warm up to this book. I felt like the beginning moved very slowly and was filled with a lot of information that I didn't really need, and maybe not enough information that I would have liked. I would have liked more insight as to what was going on in Jackson and Kate's heads. We get a lot of description in the set-up of certain situations, and there's a fair amount of dialogue, but then it abruptly cuts to new scenes without giving us insight that may have helped me warm to these characters much more quickly. Instead, Jackson was virtually unlikeable to me at first—all rough edges and zero manners. I wasn't sure why Kate tolerated him—or even gave him another shot.
Only, I'm glad she did. Because I DID eventually warm to these characters. By the time I was nearing the end, I realized I maybe wasn't quite ready to say goodbye. It felt like it took a long time for something to actually happen in this book, but once it did it was charming, and sweet, and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny. The setting had a quirky feel to it—calling to mind Stars Hollow (a reference you'll only get if you're a Gilmore Girls fan)—and the side characters, though sometimes hateful (by design), were all good for at least one laugh.
In the end, Jackson showed his sweet and swoony side, and Kate did me proud. I would have liked a bit more meat in the resolution—things wrapped up quickly and abruptly—but also happily, in a way that made my heart sing. If you're looking for something sweet and a little quirky, this will be right up your alley! ~ Shelly, 3 stars
Jackson is a known "love 'em and leave 'em" sort. He has a reputation as a hothead and a manwhore, but neither of those things matter when Kate's just looking to dip her toes back into the dating pool. What Kate doesn't know is that Jackson has been harboring a crush on Kate for years and while she may be looking for a fling, he's ready to shoot for something deeper.
It took me a long time to warm up to this book. I felt like the beginning moved very slowly and was filled with a lot of information that I didn't really need, and maybe not enough information that I would have liked. I would have liked more insight as to what was going on in Jackson and Kate's heads. We get a lot of description in the set-up of certain situations, and there's a fair amount of dialogue, but then it abruptly cuts to new scenes without giving us insight that may have helped me warm to these characters much more quickly. Instead, Jackson was virtually unlikeable to me at first—all rough edges and zero manners. I wasn't sure why Kate tolerated him—or even gave him another shot.
Only, I'm glad she did. Because I DID eventually warm to these characters. By the time I was nearing the end, I realized I maybe wasn't quite ready to say goodbye. It felt like it took a long time for something to actually happen in this book, but once it did it was charming, and sweet, and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny. The setting had a quirky feel to it—calling to mind Stars Hollow (a reference you'll only get if you're a Gilmore Girls fan)—and the side characters, though sometimes hateful (by design), were all good for at least one laugh.
In the end, Jackson showed his sweet and swoony side, and Kate did me proud. I would have liked a bit more meat in the resolution—things wrapped up quickly and abruptly—but also happily, in a way that made my heart sing. If you're looking for something sweet and a little quirky, this will be right up your alley! ~ Shelly, 3 stars
June 27, 2023
I read this awhile ago, and thought I had already posted my review. When I realized I had not, I decided now was the time to do so.
This is written by a local author with a local setting (Cambria, CA), so I was immediately attracted to it.
As it turns out, it was a gentle romance that made for perfect escapism.
Who could not enjoy the setting being Cambria and a local bookstore?
It provided enough to keep me interested (although at times annoyed by the main character appearing as a doormat for a majority of the book).
Still, I breezed through it in one day.
Now the question is, will I pick up Book 2 in the series to learn more about these characters? 3.5 stars.
This is written by a local author with a local setting (Cambria, CA), so I was immediately attracted to it.
As it turns out, it was a gentle romance that made for perfect escapism.
Who could not enjoy the setting being Cambria and a local bookstore?
It provided enough to keep me interested (although at times annoyed by the main character appearing as a doormat for a majority of the book).
Still, I breezed through it in one day.
Now the question is, will I pick up Book 2 in the series to learn more about these characters? 3.5 stars.
April 30, 2017
I devoured this book! I just ordered the rest of the series and can't wait to read those as well. A sexy alpha male always makes a book that much better.
March 13, 2017
Kate Bennet is the owner of a book shop in Cambria, California which she inherited, along with the crotchety old assistant Althea Morgan from her mother. Kate originally moved back intending to sell up after her divorce but fell in love with the town and the views. Now she feels like she might be ready to start dating again and her group of friends are actively looking for hot guys to set her up with.
Jackson Graham is the chef at the local up-market restaurant. Fiery tempered, he has had a thing for Late ever since she moved to Cambria three years ago, something that no-one seems to have realised until recently. But when Kate comes into the restaurant on a date, Jackson knows he must make his move.
I really enjoyed the start of this book. However, improbable it may be that a small town has so many young single people living in it, all of whom are oblivious to the general hotness of the opposite sex, I like the idea of a small town with an annual arts festival vibe and a Michelin quality restaurant filled with single hot people who gradually pair off.
What I liked less was that as the book progressed we discover that Kate is a complete doormat. After her very unsuccessful date she ends up creating a dream date for him to get back together with his ex-wife (WTF?) and then her obnoxious father and his passive-aggressive second wife descend on her and install themselves, and their yappy dog, in her apartment - for weeks. I just got irritated and wanted to shout at her to man up and tell everyone to eff-off.
I have no idea where the title came from.
Jackson Graham is the chef at the local up-market restaurant. Fiery tempered, he has had a thing for Late ever since she moved to Cambria three years ago, something that no-one seems to have realised until recently. But when Kate comes into the restaurant on a date, Jackson knows he must make his move.
I really enjoyed the start of this book. However, improbable it may be that a small town has so many young single people living in it, all of whom are oblivious to the general hotness of the opposite sex, I like the idea of a small town with an annual arts festival vibe and a Michelin quality restaurant filled with single hot people who gradually pair off.
What I liked less was that as the book progressed we discover that Kate is a complete doormat. After her very unsuccessful date she ends up creating a dream date for him to get back together with his ex-wife (WTF?) and then her obnoxious father and his passive-aggressive second wife descend on her and install themselves, and their yappy dog, in her apartment - for weeks. I just got irritated and wanted to shout at her to man up and tell everyone to eff-off.
I have no idea where the title came from.
January 31, 2018
Moonstone Beach: Merchants of Main Street Book 1 is by Linda Seed. It is a gentle romance that makes for excellent escapism. It provides enough action to keep you interested yet it is not too complicated for easy reading.
Kate Bennett is trying to keep the bookstore her Mother started going. It is difficult in this small tourist town. However, Kate keeps trying. Now she has to figure out a catch for the annual Art Walk. She also has to deal with a temperamental worker and her uncaring Dad and his second wife who have come to Cambria to get Kate to sell her Mother’s house and give Dad part of the money. Kate has a very difficult time saying no to him. What will she do?
Kate is also ready to date again after her last breakup. Is she destined to only meet men who are still in love with their ex’s?
Jackson, head chef at Neptune’s, an upscale restaurant in Cambria. He has had a crush on Kate for a long time. Is now the time to ask her out?
This is a great read.
Kate Bennett is trying to keep the bookstore her Mother started going. It is difficult in this small tourist town. However, Kate keeps trying. Now she has to figure out a catch for the annual Art Walk. She also has to deal with a temperamental worker and her uncaring Dad and his second wife who have come to Cambria to get Kate to sell her Mother’s house and give Dad part of the money. Kate has a very difficult time saying no to him. What will she do?
Kate is also ready to date again after her last breakup. Is she destined to only meet men who are still in love with their ex’s?
Jackson, head chef at Neptune’s, an upscale restaurant in Cambria. He has had a crush on Kate for a long time. Is now the time to ask her out?
This is a great read.
January 28, 2019
When I read the blurb on this book, and often I don't, I loved a few things right away: it's set in Cambria, California, there is a quaint little bookstore, Jackson Graham (love that name), I can empathize with one who's been through divorce, and the coastline there is gorgeous! Being able to visualize a lot because I've been there makes it even that much better.
Jackson has a reputation for being a womanizer - a wham, bam, thank you m'am - kind of a guy. Kate is ready for dating, or at least a hook-up...maybe. One thing that made this read fun for me is that HE is the one who'd been crushing on her for a very long time. Like a role reversal. It's unlikely most people who read this will have insta-love for Jackson, if they do at all. I ended up really liking him for reasons I won't say.
One thing I didn't like is that I felt the ending was a bit too rushed, or maybe I just wasn't ready for it to end. I will be reading the next book in the series.
Jackson has a reputation for being a womanizer - a wham, bam, thank you m'am - kind of a guy. Kate is ready for dating, or at least a hook-up...maybe. One thing that made this read fun for me is that HE is the one who'd been crushing on her for a very long time. Like a role reversal. It's unlikely most people who read this will have insta-love for Jackson, if they do at all. I ended up really liking him for reasons I won't say.
One thing I didn't like is that I felt the ending was a bit too rushed, or maybe I just wasn't ready for it to end. I will be reading the next book in the series.
August 30, 2024
quick easy romance read which is always fun! just kinda cheesy writing but a local cambria author which we support so we’ll take the cheese. ending was also eh jackson is definitely going to resent kate no offense.. anyways love a good bookstore owner boss female lead!
March 20, 2017
2.5 stars
June 9, 2017
This was a fun read, and I got through it pretty fast. There were sections where I felt the tension was weak and fell flat, mainly because it was driven by lack of communication on behalf of the characters, but I will try more books by this author.
February 8, 2016
*** 3.5 Cranky Stars ***
Moonstone Beach is the author’s debut novel and she has the potential to be a great.
The story centers around Kate, who has taken over the bookstore her recently deceased mother owned, in Cambria, CA.
It’s a small community. Everybody knows everybody and everything. It’s also a very popular tourist town.
Kate is a divorcee and is in the dating scene, but without much luck. She has no interest. She has issues, insecurities, and lets people walk all over her.
Her three closest friends convince her that now is the time to move on and take dating seriously. Spying a hot cover model type guy, they decide he will be perfect for Kate.
Jackson has only lived in town for several years. He is the head chef at the local top restaurant. He has anger issues and expects things to be perfect in his kitchen (and any other kitchen).
I pictured him as Gordon Ramsey.
Jackson has liked Kate from afar since she first moved to the town, but since she is recently divorced, he didn’t want to get involved. He also has commitment issues and a reputation as a womanizer.
As Kate and Jackson edge closer to one another, things get complicated.
I enjoyed this story. There are lots of laughs and disasters along the way.
There are parts where you can tell this is the author’s debut novel. Parts of the book were overly descriptive. Some events had me scratching my head and wishing that the detailed descriptions had been culled to give more of an explanation as to the characters rationales.
I will be looking forward to reading future books in this series. This author has a lot of talent and I hope to see her develop it further as her career progresses.
Moonstone Beach is the author’s debut novel and she has the potential to be a great.
The story centers around Kate, who has taken over the bookstore her recently deceased mother owned, in Cambria, CA.
It’s a small community. Everybody knows everybody and everything. It’s also a very popular tourist town.
Kate is a divorcee and is in the dating scene, but without much luck. She has no interest. She has issues, insecurities, and lets people walk all over her.
Her three closest friends convince her that now is the time to move on and take dating seriously. Spying a hot cover model type guy, they decide he will be perfect for Kate.
Jackson has only lived in town for several years. He is the head chef at the local top restaurant. He has anger issues and expects things to be perfect in his kitchen (and any other kitchen).
I pictured him as Gordon Ramsey.
Jackson has liked Kate from afar since she first moved to the town, but since she is recently divorced, he didn’t want to get involved. He also has commitment issues and a reputation as a womanizer.
As Kate and Jackson edge closer to one another, things get complicated.
I enjoyed this story. There are lots of laughs and disasters along the way.
There are parts where you can tell this is the author’s debut novel. Parts of the book were overly descriptive. Some events had me scratching my head and wishing that the detailed descriptions had been culled to give more of an explanation as to the characters rationales.
I will be looking forward to reading future books in this series. This author has a lot of talent and I hope to see her develop it further as her career progresses.
March 1, 2017
Doormat
This was about a woman who was a doormat. She only stood up to one person but let everyone else walk all over her. I started skipping pages about half way threw because she was so pathetic. By the end you felt sorry for the hero, for wanting to be with her. Meh read.
This was about a woman who was a doormat. She only stood up to one person but let everyone else walk all over her. I started skipping pages about half way threw because she was so pathetic. By the end you felt sorry for the hero, for wanting to be with her. Meh read.
February 19, 2017
It was okay...
I enjoyed the characters. The story was very predictable. At times the writing was a little awkward. A couple of times the author would star the sentence as if the girl was talking and end that very sentence with the boy talking...confusing. It would be worth reading for free but I wouldn't pay for it.
I enjoyed the characters. The story was very predictable. At times the writing was a little awkward. A couple of times the author would star the sentence as if the girl was talking and end that very sentence with the boy talking...confusing. It would be worth reading for free but I wouldn't pay for it.
November 6, 2020
I originally reviewed this book very negatively because a villain has a Jewish name, many book use Jewish names for villains, and for me this is a huge problem. Linda Seed contacted me immediately and said she had no idea the name was Jewish. I believe her, and I reread the book from a more objective viewpoint.
It is wonderful. I laughed aloud a number of times. The male lead's personality is a trip, but very reasonable especially when he explains his past. Both he and the female lead grow believably. Some of the secondary characters are caricatures who add both pathos and humor to the story. I have become a real fan of Linda Seed and her wonderful books.
It is wonderful. I laughed aloud a number of times. The male lead's personality is a trip, but very reasonable especially when he explains his past. Both he and the female lead grow believably. Some of the secondary characters are caricatures who add both pathos and humor to the story. I have become a real fan of Linda Seed and her wonderful books.
May 26, 2025
A charming modern romance, Moonstone Beach by Linda Seed is a relatively quick read that keeps you interested the whole time. This is the first in a series set in Cambria, a fictional tourist trap city in California. Kate Bennet is a bookstore owner who is two years out of a divorce and she’s finally feeling like it’s time to get back into the dating game. Her friends agree and they all get together to help Kate find a quick fling. It doesn’t go well for her, much to the delight of Jackson Graham, a prickly local chef who has had a long-term crush on Kate since before she was divorced. Jackson sees his opportunity and gets set up with Kate through mutual friends but he refuses to move quickly with her, which was unexpected considering his past with women. Will his career come in the way of their budding love? Will her past trauma cause problems between them? Luckily, all is answered by the end of the novel with a promised HEA and no cliffhangers.
This novel is quite sweet. The MCs don’t start out as enemies, but they’re not exactly friends, either. There’s a bit of tension between them at the start of the novel but that’s quickly wiped away once Jackson decides he wants to actually pursue Kate. There’s some spice towards the end of the story, just two sex scenes, so mostly it’s about their dates and the time they spend growing closer to each other. Though there are the typical issues with communication between the MCs, they do end up working through everything once they have a conversation about it. I personally appreciated seeing that; it’s nice to see healthy communication being promoted in literature. It's also great to see the supportive friendships between the women, everyone is a girl's girl.
The narrator, Avie Paige, did a great job bringing the characters to life. Her performance is fairly straightforward with easy to distinguish character voices and a good flow and tone to her narration. I didn’t detect any issues with production for this audiobook.
This is the first time I’ve read anything by the author, Linda Seed, and I’m now excited to listen to the rest of the novels in this series. Though her characters are fairly standard for a romance novel set in modern times, her descriptions are intricate enough to bring every scene to life and the humor she’s put in the novel is quite apparent.
I received this audiobook at no-cost from AdoptAnAudiobook.com. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
This novel is quite sweet. The MCs don’t start out as enemies, but they’re not exactly friends, either. There’s a bit of tension between them at the start of the novel but that’s quickly wiped away once Jackson decides he wants to actually pursue Kate. There’s some spice towards the end of the story, just two sex scenes, so mostly it’s about their dates and the time they spend growing closer to each other. Though there are the typical issues with communication between the MCs, they do end up working through everything once they have a conversation about it. I personally appreciated seeing that; it’s nice to see healthy communication being promoted in literature. It's also great to see the supportive friendships between the women, everyone is a girl's girl.
The narrator, Avie Paige, did a great job bringing the characters to life. Her performance is fairly straightforward with easy to distinguish character voices and a good flow and tone to her narration. I didn’t detect any issues with production for this audiobook.
This is the first time I’ve read anything by the author, Linda Seed, and I’m now excited to listen to the rest of the novels in this series. Though her characters are fairly standard for a romance novel set in modern times, her descriptions are intricate enough to bring every scene to life and the humor she’s put in the novel is quite apparent.
I received this audiobook at no-cost from AdoptAnAudiobook.com. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
March 12, 2025
Moonstone Beach was an absolutely captivating read! Linda Seed has a talent for crafting vivid settings, and the way she describes Cambria made me feel like I was right there—the salty air, the charming small-town atmosphere, the crashing waves—it all came to life so beautifully. The setting alone was enough to make me fall in love with this book, but the romance and character dynamics added even more depth.
Kate and Jackson’s relationship was intense, but one thing that stood out to me was how love and lust seemed to be a bit misled here. Their chemistry was undeniable, but at times, I wasn’t sure if their connection was built on something deeper or if they were just caught up in the heat of the moment. It made for an interesting dynamic, but I found myself wishing for more emotional development rather than just physical attraction pulling them together.
I ultimately knocked off a star because the ending felt way too abrupt. I turned the last page expecting more, only to realize that was it! So many questions were left unanswered—why did Jane Austen come back? What actually happened with Kate and Jackson? And what about her father? I understood that Kate didn’t want to revisit that trauma, but I was hoping for at least some closure. Instead, I was left feeling like I was missing a final chapter.
Despite that, this book was a strong, immersive read. The atmosphere, the writing, and the emotional highs and lows kept me hooked from start to finish.
Kate and Jackson’s relationship was intense, but one thing that stood out to me was how love and lust seemed to be a bit misled here. Their chemistry was undeniable, but at times, I wasn’t sure if their connection was built on something deeper or if they were just caught up in the heat of the moment. It made for an interesting dynamic, but I found myself wishing for more emotional development rather than just physical attraction pulling them together.
I ultimately knocked off a star because the ending felt way too abrupt. I turned the last page expecting more, only to realize that was it! So many questions were left unanswered—why did Jane Austen come back? What actually happened with Kate and Jackson? And what about her father? I understood that Kate didn’t want to revisit that trauma, but I was hoping for at least some closure. Instead, I was left feeling like I was missing a final chapter.
Despite that, this book was a strong, immersive read. The atmosphere, the writing, and the emotional highs and lows kept me hooked from start to finish.
September 14, 2017
My Disclaimer:
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book. I am voluntarily providing an honest review in which all opinions are fully my own. I am not being compensated in any way.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review: ✰✰✰✰
This was not a fun book. Now let me clarify that statement. It was not fun as in funny because it was too intense to be fun. It was a really good read, totally compelling. I sat down and didn’t move until I was finished with it.
Kate and Jackson could have a really great relationship, if only…
Kate has a tiny apartment filled up with her father, stepmother and yippy dog. SURPRISE! She has an inherited employee who has no respect for her and won’t get out of her face. She’s got a business to run and it takes long hours.
Her three BFFs aren’t helping, but they are trying! Zach and his ex-wife certainly aren’t helping.
Jackson wants this to be different. He wants Kate to have a different attitude. He works long hours and they aren’t the same ones Kate works. He has just been offered his dream job, but it isn’t in Cambria. His three friends aren’t much help either! It’s amazing they ever get together, but that’s telling!
Fast paced. Good Tension. Great characters and story line. If it has one fault, it’s that it has so many helpers, they got confused. But what a read. I’m looking for time for the next three books! I strongly recommend this one!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book. I am voluntarily providing an honest review in which all opinions are fully my own. I am not being compensated in any way.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review: ✰✰✰✰
This was not a fun book. Now let me clarify that statement. It was not fun as in funny because it was too intense to be fun. It was a really good read, totally compelling. I sat down and didn’t move until I was finished with it.
Kate and Jackson could have a really great relationship, if only…
Kate has a tiny apartment filled up with her father, stepmother and yippy dog. SURPRISE! She has an inherited employee who has no respect for her and won’t get out of her face. She’s got a business to run and it takes long hours.
Her three BFFs aren’t helping, but they are trying! Zach and his ex-wife certainly aren’t helping.
Jackson wants this to be different. He wants Kate to have a different attitude. He works long hours and they aren’t the same ones Kate works. He has just been offered his dream job, but it isn’t in Cambria. His three friends aren’t much help either! It’s amazing they ever get together, but that’s telling!
Fast paced. Good Tension. Great characters and story line. If it has one fault, it’s that it has so many helpers, they got confused. But what a read. I’m looking for time for the next three books! I strongly recommend this one!
April 18, 2018
got this free on kindle-she runs a bookstore in cambria that she got when her mom died. she decided to start dating again and starts with a handsome real estate agent from SLO. the chef in cambria likes her but never asked her out
she decides to set up a date with the guy in SLO and his x at her house. the chef was supposed to teach her how to make their dinner but kissed her and ran out.
she went on a date with him for dinner, he was in the kitchen arguing with the chef so she left. he met up with her on the beach and they decided to try again
her dad and step mom moved into her small house after she told them not to come. then she finds out they are homeless and have no intention of leaving. she doesnt know how to get them out of her house.
the chef was offered a dream job in sf but he turned it down to stay in cambria with her
it was fun to read about the local places here!
during a event at her bookstore, the stepmothers dog went after the lemur, the man she was trying to help get his x wife back accused her of sleeping with him (she didnt) and the chef showed up and she had sex with him in her shop. she had it out with her dad and threw all his stuff out the window and told him she was done with him. the whole town was talking about it the next day
her father wants her to sell the house and give him some of the money.
the chef decided 5 dates before they could sleep together tho he has slept with the whole rest of the town.
she decides to set up a date with the guy in SLO and his x at her house. the chef was supposed to teach her how to make their dinner but kissed her and ran out.
she went on a date with him for dinner, he was in the kitchen arguing with the chef so she left. he met up with her on the beach and they decided to try again
her dad and step mom moved into her small house after she told them not to come. then she finds out they are homeless and have no intention of leaving. she doesnt know how to get them out of her house.
the chef was offered a dream job in sf but he turned it down to stay in cambria with her
it was fun to read about the local places here!
during a event at her bookstore, the stepmothers dog went after the lemur, the man she was trying to help get his x wife back accused her of sleeping with him (she didnt) and the chef showed up and she had sex with him in her shop. she had it out with her dad and threw all his stuff out the window and told him she was done with him. the whole town was talking about it the next day
her father wants her to sell the house and give him some of the money.
the chef decided 5 dates before they could sleep together tho he has slept with the whole rest of the town.
March 22, 2017
Super cute. Kate's mother moved to Cambia, CA, after her cheating husband left her for a younger woman. There she found herself, started a new life, bought a house and opened a successful book store. When she died five years ago, she left everything to Kate, who left her job as a college teacher to move into her mother's Cambria house and take over the book store.
Jackson moved to town a little more than three years ago. He's a hot-headed, super-hot chef who's had a "thing" for Kate ever since he met her. But, back then, she was married to a cheating, emotionally abusive husband. Divorced now for two years, Kate is ready to "ease" into dating. Her first date is a disaster, when it turns out that the guy is still hung up on his ex-wife. She finds him boring, but likes and feels sorry for him, so she recruits Jackson to help her cook a romantic dinner to help the guy woo back his ex.
Sparks fly as Jackson and Kate work together, but he's a serial dater, with a history of sleeping with a woman and dumping her no more than two weeks later. He wants a relationship with Kate, but is afraid he doesn't have what it takes to "stick." Kate's optimistic about their relationship and is eager for sex.
There are some quirky friends (both his and hers), some annoying characters (one of her employees), her obnoxious, user father and his even more obnoxious wife and her dog. And, of course, a HEA.
Jackson moved to town a little more than three years ago. He's a hot-headed, super-hot chef who's had a "thing" for Kate ever since he met her. But, back then, she was married to a cheating, emotionally abusive husband. Divorced now for two years, Kate is ready to "ease" into dating. Her first date is a disaster, when it turns out that the guy is still hung up on his ex-wife. She finds him boring, but likes and feels sorry for him, so she recruits Jackson to help her cook a romantic dinner to help the guy woo back his ex.
Sparks fly as Jackson and Kate work together, but he's a serial dater, with a history of sleeping with a woman and dumping her no more than two weeks later. He wants a relationship with Kate, but is afraid he doesn't have what it takes to "stick." Kate's optimistic about their relationship and is eager for sex.
There are some quirky friends (both his and hers), some annoying characters (one of her employees), her obnoxious, user father and his even more obnoxious wife and her dog. And, of course, a HEA.
February 2, 2018
Kate is relatively new to Cambria. Moving there after her mother died of ovarian cancer. Taking over her home and her beloved bookstore. She was also newly single. Nevertheless, Kate now had a close group of friends, who were also busy working the small shops and galleries coveted by tourists. Kate finally felt she had come to her own; independence and tranquility is all she wanted.
Zach was staying at the same B&B he and his ex-wife stayed at for their honeymoon. Nevertheless, he felt he was ready to move on and admitted he was attracted to Kate. She, however, didn’t care for the fact that he didn’t read books and ordered White Zinfandel. All he had going for him were his looks. GQ-model-magazine-cover good looks.
Jackson is a genius with seafood. The local chef just doors from the bookstore. Although he won’t admit that he’s been pining over Kate for years, he has. That and the fact he has quite the ill-temper, has made long term relationships difficult. At least with “the ones whose daddies treated them right and taught them to expect better.” types. And there was that new guy staying at the B&B. Jackson needed to shape up or forget about her. Quick.
Kate’s friends decided it was time for her to dip her toe back in the dating pool. Would she sink or swim?
Zach was staying at the same B&B he and his ex-wife stayed at for their honeymoon. Nevertheless, he felt he was ready to move on and admitted he was attracted to Kate. She, however, didn’t care for the fact that he didn’t read books and ordered White Zinfandel. All he had going for him were his looks. GQ-model-magazine-cover good looks.
Jackson is a genius with seafood. The local chef just doors from the bookstore. Although he won’t admit that he’s been pining over Kate for years, he has. That and the fact he has quite the ill-temper, has made long term relationships difficult. At least with “the ones whose daddies treated them right and taught them to expect better.” types. And there was that new guy staying at the B&B. Jackson needed to shape up or forget about her. Quick.
Kate’s friends decided it was time for her to dip her toe back in the dating pool. Would she sink or swim?
February 28, 2018
So here we have a small town American novel WITH a bookstore thrown in - an ideal book for Chapter and Cake! Moonstone Beach is the first in the Main Street Merchants series by Linda Seed, and the blurb really sold me the story.
Kate has been put off dating following her divorce from a man who sought to destroy her self esteem. In order to rebuild her life she moves to Cambria in California, living in the home left to her by her mother and running her mothers bookstore.
Jackson is a talented but temperamental chef who works in a nearby restaurant. He has had a crush on Kate ever since she moved to the small town but when it comes to women he doesn't usually manage anything other than short term.
This is a typical small town American romance novel: just the kind that I love. There are no surprises in the story, it is more about the journey and the obstacles two people have to overcome before they can be together. I enjoyed learning more about both Kate and Jackson, they were relatable characters who have both had to deal with relatable issues.
All in all this was a successful read - the next time I need a small town American romance fix I will make sure that the Main Street Merchants series is at the top of my list of novels to consider!
Kate has been put off dating following her divorce from a man who sought to destroy her self esteem. In order to rebuild her life she moves to Cambria in California, living in the home left to her by her mother and running her mothers bookstore.
Jackson is a talented but temperamental chef who works in a nearby restaurant. He has had a crush on Kate ever since she moved to the small town but when it comes to women he doesn't usually manage anything other than short term.
This is a typical small town American romance novel: just the kind that I love. There are no surprises in the story, it is more about the journey and the obstacles two people have to overcome before they can be together. I enjoyed learning more about both Kate and Jackson, they were relatable characters who have both had to deal with relatable issues.
All in all this was a successful read - the next time I need a small town American romance fix I will make sure that the Main Street Merchants series is at the top of my list of novels to consider!
June 5, 2017
Moonstone Beach is the first book in the Main Street Merchants series as well as the debut novel for author Linda Seed. This was well constructed book and really shows the vast potential that Linda has to offer. The dual point of view type of writing was a good choice as it let you get into the mind of both the main characters. I personally found Kate's character annoying because she was able to only stand up to Jackson and no one else, she always let her father walk all over her which had me screaming at her many times. Jackson's character was very plain, other than the fact that he was a chef there was nothing different about him which made him in turn very boring. The chemistry between Kate and Jackson was simple most of the time and there were not much explosive or wow moments. I also felt that the book ended very weirdly because after the last chapter it just felt incomplete. This is an average book from an author who has tremendous potential and I hope the series becomes more interesting as it proceeds.
February 18, 2017
Kate Bennett divorced two years ago and hasn’t been part of the dating scene since. She became a timid person throughout her marriage and divorce and she still lets most people walk all over her. Jackson Graham is her polar opposite. He’s gone through so many women that it seems you meet one of his exes on every street corner. He brash, bold, bad tempered, and isn’t afraid to let people know exactly what he’s thinking. He’s also had a thing for Kate since she moved to Cambria and took over her mother’s bookstore. Now he’s got a chance to act on it but will he follow through?
The characters are fun, the one-liners are hilarious, and watching the transformation of Kate and Jackson is entertaining. For the most part, the book engaging; the ending felt super rushed. In fact, I had to go back and read the last couple of pages again because I couldn’t believe that was truly the ending. It’s a good book for a quick filler or an afternoon of escape.
The characters are fun, the one-liners are hilarious, and watching the transformation of Kate and Jackson is entertaining. For the most part, the book engaging; the ending felt super rushed. In fact, I had to go back and read the last couple of pages again because I couldn’t believe that was truly the ending. It’s a good book for a quick filler or an afternoon of escape.
November 27, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Kate and Jackson's story. It took me to a place where I longed to vacation and shop and walk the Main Street and meet the amazing characters in the book. I wanted to visit Swept Away and breath in the smell of the books, give Jane Austin (the bookshop cat) a scratch, drink coffee at Jitters (I could literally smell the coffee each time!), eat a delectable dinner prepared by Jackson, attend the annual Cambria Art Walk, attend a wine tasting and view the artwork. Mostly, I wanted to shake Kate and yell at her to throw her terrible emotionally abusive father and step mother out on the street so that she could reclaim her life and move on with the steamy dates with Jackson. I loved the book and am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the Main Street Merchants series.
November 26, 2022
Rarely do I give one or five stars but this one is an exception. I'm disgusted that this "author" and her book made it to print. She blatantly disrespected her readers by providing no ending, seemingly laughing at those of us who read the free book. Her attitude at the end was, oh wait, there was no end, aside from her insistence we rush right out and buy Book Two. I wouldn't read another book by this time-waster if I was paid to do so. I suggest to other readers that, unless you enjoy being duped into more of her rubbish, you pass on anything this woman writes.
I do hope that those who determine which reviews are printed don't pull mine for fear of hurting this woman's feelings. She wasted my time and will continue to do so to others unless she's called on it. Goodreads owes their readers the facts which have not been misstated or exaggerated.
I do hope that those who determine which reviews are printed don't pull mine for fear of hurting this woman's feelings. She wasted my time and will continue to do so to others unless she's called on it. Goodreads owes their readers the facts which have not been misstated or exaggerated.
March 31, 2018
Appealing Characters Finding Love in a Small CA Town
Appealing characters in a small town. The problems aren’t insurmountable, but it takes some time for the heroine to develop her spine against her father & his obnoxious wife (and yappy, peeing little Pomeranian). It’s a neat little small town story.
What I’d call cons: it would be nice to see a wrap-up (maybe in a future book) with the former employee. And also how is the heroine going to continue to deal with all his former flings? Although I wonder that whenever I read a book with a man who slept around a lot before he meets his heroine.
This is the second book I read in this series, and I plan on reading the rest, including the rancher series in the same area. :-)
Appealing characters in a small town. The problems aren’t insurmountable, but it takes some time for the heroine to develop her spine against her father & his obnoxious wife (and yappy, peeing little Pomeranian). It’s a neat little small town story.
What I’d call cons: it would be nice to see a wrap-up (maybe in a future book) with the former employee. And also how is the heroine going to continue to deal with all his former flings? Although I wonder that whenever I read a book with a man who slept around a lot before he meets his heroine.
This is the second book I read in this series, and I plan on reading the rest, including the rancher series in the same area. :-)
August 30, 2018
I read this booked and liked it a lot. However there were a number of GDs where just a simple Damn could have been used instead of the full blown G__ D___. Otherwise it was very good. Although it did not have a satisfactory conclusion. Although at the end of the book the author provides a link to another short story that is call, "Jacks Are Wild" that makes it better but still has an abrupt end to it. It seems to me to be an unfinished book. But the book was very entertaining to read. I loved all of the characters in the book from Jackson and Kate to their friends, family, employees, and others. The book was good enough for me to get the next installment in the series. I am looking forward to reading it.
October 26, 2018
Cute story, abrupt ending
This first book in a series is a cute story introducing several characters who are obviously going to be the basis for future books. The MCs in this book, Jackson and Kate are likable, damaged characters. Kate however is an irritating read as no one is as much of a doormat as she is for most of the book. Jackson’s issues are of the “no relationships” variety though he wants this time to be different so we deal with his angst. There’s a lot of high school like dissecting everything with friends, which is mostly amusing.
It was an easy read and I might read the other books though none of them really grabbed me and held on so that I feel like I have to read future books.
This first book in a series is a cute story introducing several characters who are obviously going to be the basis for future books. The MCs in this book, Jackson and Kate are likable, damaged characters. Kate however is an irritating read as no one is as much of a doormat as she is for most of the book. Jackson’s issues are of the “no relationships” variety though he wants this time to be different so we deal with his angst. There’s a lot of high school like dissecting everything with friends, which is mostly amusing.
It was an easy read and I might read the other books though none of them really grabbed me and held on so that I feel like I have to read future books.
July 21, 2025
This is book 1 in Seed's new series Main Street Merchants. A fun, sweet and a bit steamy romance read with our main characters being Kate and Jackson. Kate is the local bookshop owner, and Jackson is a local chef. Attraction has simmered between the two for a while, more so on Jackson's end as Kate was dealing with so much when she first moved to this quaint lil beach town. That was then and this is now, and Kate's friends are out to set her up. I enjoyed the humor and both our character's growth. Overall, a well written romance with a smooth flowing storyline that's easy to follow. I'm definitely looking forward to more in this series!
I received this audiobook at no-cost from AdoptAnAudiobook.com. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
I received this audiobook at no-cost from AdoptAnAudiobook.com. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
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