Sunset Thunder

The Caliendo Resort #1

by Shannyn Leah

Violet Caliendo escorts couples into the illusion of “happily ever after” as wedding coordinator at Willow Valley’s five-star Caliendo Resort. But Violet doesn’t believe in love or “happily ever after” anymore. She’s guarded herself from love so deeply since her divorce that some even call her the “Ice Queen.” When she has to plan her ex-husband’s wedding, even her Ice Queen persona takes a hit.

With her emotions in high gear, she takes out her frustrations by having sex with her ex’s best man, Ryder Carlex. Ryder is a playboy type and Violet figures it’s a simple one-time fling. But Ryder actually is attracted to Violet in a way he’s never known before. Neither of them ever imagines that the sparks between them will ignite a fire hotter than anything they’ve ever encountered – slowly breaking down both their walls.

Will Violet be able to let go of her past and embrace a possible future with Ryder? Will Ryder let Violet into his own deep, dark secrets? Or will their trust issues forever doom them both from achieving their own “happily ever after”?

This book can be read as a stand alone, but for more enjoyment read them in the order of the series, as all the characters appear in future books.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Ebooks, Fiction, Chick Lit

350 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2016

About the author

Choose Your Own Romance & 3 FREE books

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

USA TODAY Bestselling romance author Shannyn Leah loves olives, lip gloss and reading (and writing) romance novels.

Currently you'll find her lost in her writing cave as she's co-writing an 8-book YA Fantasy series with her nine-year-old nephew, C.S. Cowell. They are launching a Kickstarter May 3rd, 2022 where you can purchase their eBooks, paperbacks, RARE hardcovers, and Imperium-themed swag!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

Her love of words started at an early age and soon grew until, during her teenage years, she’d started writing her own novels. When her mom pushed to finally publish some of the stories, she quickly amassed a collection of romance series.

In 2018, she joined romance author Kelly Moore and together, they co-wrote the first season of The CRD series.

Alongside Connie Dave, Brea Viragh, and Nikki Lynn Barrett, Shannyn is one of the four founder's of a Cinnamon Bay Romance. Readers can immerse themselves in love stories based in a small-town book world centered around a Matchmaker Trio and mythical love spice. You never know what the Trio of Trouble will do next.

Shannyn is a Sponsorship Event Co-Ordinator with Ignite Your Soul Book Signing in London Ontario where not only local authors, but authors from all around the world gather for a fantastic greet and meet, pictures, and building friendships.

When she's not writing books into the early hours of the morning, Shannyn can be found antiquing with her two favorite people, her momma and sister, in their picturesque London, Ontario hometown.

Shannyn would love to get to know her readers as you get to know her (just don’t send her any carrots!)

To be notified when new books, exclusive excerpts and contests are released, join her mailing list here: http://www.shannynleah.com/contact.php

For extras, check out Shannyn’s webpage here: www.shannynleah.com 

If you enjoy Shannyn’s books, please join her Facebook page here to share the love: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shanny... 

And if you would like to contact Shannyn directly, email her at Shannynleah@gmail.com

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you are a member of the first family of Willow Valley, you have a rep to uphold. You are bred to never show more than socially acceptable emotions. You are also bred to obey your parents when they attempt to cover up your youthful rebellion gone awry. Violet is a Caliendo and in her position as wedding coordinator at the opulent Caliendo Resort, it is her job to create the fantasy weddings that lead to the fantasy happily ever after. Violet learned the hard way, there is no HEA, and just for an added treat, she is currently spearheading the happy nuptials of her slime maggot ex and his bouncy new child bride. Yes, really, talk about a Woman of Steel, or as she has been painfully called, the Ice Queen.

Enter her ex’s best friend, Ryder and in a moment that could melt glaciers and raise water temps around the world about 5 degrees, she “attacks" him in a hotel men’s room. What was it, insanity or something more, something that began long ago, long before they became adversaries? Chemistry 101, caution, never mix combustibles and add excessive heat, without thinking twice. The results could be heartrendingly fatal or the miracle cure for a two lonely and loveless lives. Both have secrets they hide, both are hiding behind facades, but only one is in danger of losing all they have worked for should one closely guarded secret be revealed. Is love worth the risk? How many skeletons are hiding just waiting to come out and why now?

Shannyn Leah and Sunset Thunder brought my romantic little heart to its knees, once again, as she brings out the big guns and creates romance with soul-deep emotions. Ms. Leah’s ability to create romantic scenes that are like wispy clouds, not clearly defined, not graphically detailed, but hinted at and fleeting after she has set the warm up scenes to intense passion. I always trust my imagination, and with Shannyn Leah’s guidance, it was sparking and sighing and once again, melting down. That is romance. That is sensual heat. Give us a tease and cut our minds and hearts loose to make the best scenes ever! Kind of brings out our own personal melting point, as if she wrote each scene specifically for each reader. The hidden gem pile has just grown by one more Shannyn Leah read. Get your contemporary romance fix with Sunset Thunder and stand back as the lightning strikes!

I received an ARC edition from Shannyn Leah in exchange for my honest review.

Series: The Caliendo Resort - Book 1 / By the Lake - Book 6
Publication Date: December 15, 2015
Publisher: Shannyn Leah
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 281 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this book I didn't know at all what to expect - I've been a little wary of romance novels because I felt like they would lack the stories that I love in other books. ...But let me tell you, this one might have proved me wrong once and for all and I couldn't be more excited to dive into more.

When Violet is forced to plan her ex husbands new wedding, any number of emotions run through her head, but none of them are jealous. However, when her ex's best friend Ryder comes into the picture Violet begins to wonder if she can trust how she feels at all. Happily ever after or not, Violet's ex is never fully out of the picture and with her own life to figure out and his wedding quickly approaching, she must figure out how to do what's best even when what's best certainly isn't what's easiest.

All in all, how good this book is far outshines any of those preconceived notions and I am happy to overlook them for a book that makes me want to read even when I know I should be doing work. Reading>work, any day. And for a steamy read that's made even better by a story that's fit for the big screens, I was in no way disappointed by this one.


WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

[Jonetta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Violet Caliendo is the head wedding planner at her family’s resort in Willow Lake. She’s a divorced mother of two and currently facing one of her biggest challenges...planning her ex-husband’s wedding to the woman he was involved with before they separated. As if that wasn’t dramatic enough, she has a sudden and unexpected encounter with the best man in the bathroom before the first meeting.

I didn’t realize this series was connected to the McAdams Sisters series until I began reading and realized there were a lot of backstories I was missing. Though the author did a good job of summarizing them, I felt like it was too much missing for me to really appreciate the dynamics of the family and their histories. While the story was entertaining, it was hard to connect or be fully invested in any of the characters. And, the ending was a letdown until I read the alternate one on the author’s website. That one made more sense.

I highly recommend that you consider this the 5th book in one continuing series with subsets to get the optimum reading experience if you’re someone like me who doesn’t read out of order.

(I received a copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review)

[Carvanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the event coordinator at her family’s resort, Violet is overseeing the details of her ex-husband’s wedding. When the stress of it as well as the interference from her family become too much, she stalks Ryder in order to have a quickie. He’s a playboy through and through and she knows it will be a one and done deal.

Ryder is seeing an entirely different side of the Ice Queen than her ex-husband has described. While one minute she’s ice cold, the next she’s teeming with passion. Who is the real Violet Caliendo?

This was an enjoyable read with lots of fun, and sometimes deep, secondary characters. The steam level is nice with a fade to black and the dynamics between the hero and heroine keep you on your toes. I loved watching this couple fall in love in spite of all the negativity they had been fed about each other. The ending was wrapped up very nicely following the acknowledgment of a few secrets that had set everyone up to take their own individual journeys.

Dual POV
Lots of Push and Pull
Safe h sleeps with H on her wedding night to H’s best friend but the H was drunk and doesn’t remember it; h was blackmailed into marrying ex; om drama with the ex trying to separate the H/h
Triggers no apparent triggers

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars.

I found this book by turns irritating and charming, hence the mixed rating.

Violet Caliendo is a wedding planner at her family's five star resort. However, today's couple are trying her patience because it's none other than her ex-husband Joel Benson and his fiancee Missy, who just happened to have been a maid at the Caliendo resort. Just to add to the general joy of the day, Joel's best man and best friend Ryder Caldex, renowned playboy, is joining the select gathering and Violet's large family are all hovering, desperate to see if she is okay.

When tension and frustration lead to hot sex in the hotel restroom with Ryder Violet is horrified and yet strangely attracted to the no-good, womanising, braggart. Soon afterwards Violet's two children are supposed to be spending a day sailing with Ryder and Joel, but Joel bails at the last minute. Violet and her children end up spending the day with Ryder who turns out to be a lot sweeter than Violet believed.

But as the romance grows the pressures from family, friends and ex-husbands causes Violet and Ryder to rethink their romance.

This is supposed to be the first in a series, I don't know whether there was a preceding series because there seemed to be a lot of references to other romances and dark deeds by Violet's late father which appear to have happened previously.

I liked Ryder and Violet and her children together, that was a charming romance. Violet's mother and siblings were frankly confusing and I have no idea why they behaved the way they did or why Izzy seemed to have an inability to behave like an adult. The entire family appeared to be totally dysfunctional with children going missing, the mother not curbing the father's excesses, etc.

However, I was surprised at the number of typos in a book which was released two or three years ago. Also, the way in which both Ryder and Violet behaved like teenagers (angst, angst, angst, leaping to conclusions, holding onto absurd beliefs etc) was tiresome. And then the ridiculous plot to explain all that happened between Violet and Joel just raised more questions than it answered for me.

Also, and this is a personal gripe, when an author offers me an ARC of their book I don't expect it to have been published in 2015 AND free on Amazon. An ARC is an Advanced Reader Copy not a two years after the event copy.

[J. Kahele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes...

Being in a loveless marriage for years to Joel has made Violet a very cold person. As fate would have it, she is again planning a wedding with Joel but this time it to his new fiancé, Missy. Why? Because it's her job. Wrong? Hell yeah.

But Don't think she is taking all in stride when it begins to get to her, she takes it out by having sex with his best friend Ryder in the bathroom of the resort, while her ex and his fiancé wait to meet with her. Dramatic? Not really, just a very deep story that can only be explained if you read the book.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet was unhappily married to Joel and is now a single mother. She's a wedding coordinator at the Caliendo Resort, a five-star business run by her family. She's been asked to plan Joel's wedding with the woman he was seeing behind Violet's back when they were still married. Violet wears her Ice Queen mask and pretends everything is fine. She's hurt though and to make herself feel happier she has sex with Ryder in one of the hotel bathrooms. Ryder is Joel's best friend and he has a reputation, so Violet tells herself it's a one time thing and nothing more, but is that really true?

Violet and Ryder can't fight their mutual attraction.Whenever they run into each other sparks fly between them. However, they both have a past and they are keeping secrets from each other and from the people who love them. Will those secrets come out eventually? Violet has a family to protect and her kids will always come first. Will Ryder and Violet have a chance together despite their difficult start and Joel's irritating interference?

Sunset Thunder is a sexy romantic story. Ryder is handsome, kind and generous. He's also emotionally closed off and is more or less on his own. He doesn't have anyone he can lean on and my heart ached for him because of his lonely life. Violet is good for Ryder, but it's hard for him to let her into his world. They've been fed misassumptions about one another and giving someone their trust isn't something that is easy for both of them. Violet doesn't show her feelings, she makes sure her face is a cold mask, but underneath the cool façade there's so much spirit and passion. She's kind and caring as well and I loved the way she treats her kids. Both Violet and Ryder need unconditional love and support and I kept hoping they'd find that with each other. There's plenty of chemistry between them, but there could be so much more and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, because I was so curious about what would happen to them.

Shannyn Leah's writing has an easy flow. She makes her main characters and settings come to life incredibly well. I loved the Caliendo Resort, it's a luxurious setting with plenty of interesting spaces. The Caliendos are pretty dysfunctional and there are many family secrets they struggle with. Shannyn Leah writes about them with compassion and honesty and I liked that a lot. It's such a sharp contrast with the subject of her story, family secrets and lies, and the way she brings it is both intriguing and compelling. She combines this with a wonderful love story and that works very well. I definitely enjoyed reading Sunset Thunder, it's a promising start of the Caliendo Resort series and I can't wait to read more.

[Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I generally love a former manwhore story. It's my book crack. But this one just didn't do it for me like I wanted. The story itself has a great concept - ex husband is getting remarried and Violet has to plan their wedding. In walks Ryder, the best friend and best man, who she despises. Did I also mention that I love an enemy to lovers book?

I really think it's the writing that threw me off on this one. There's a lot of repetition: A LOT of repeating Violet and Ryder's last names, a lot of repeated internal monologue, and while I understand that was the writing style of the author, I just didn't connect with it. Frankly, it drove me nuts. The back and forth relationship drama also had me pretty annoyed. I get that there was an attempt at creating angst, but then the two of them just kept recycling reasons why they couldn't be together. It felt too manufactured and not organic. And then when you add in the Big Secret that caused a meltdown I was done. The Big Secret has Violet getting drunk. At a time that she shouldn't have been drinking. That's all I'm going to say. Is that a spoiler? Not really. But it really fucking bothered me.

Plot-wise, there were high points. Like when they were out on Ryder's boat and any and all interactions between Ryder and the kids. My heart swelled a little bit every time. Ryder is a complicated (and private) man but I loved his fortitude and his determination to make Violet his. When he and Violet were together, they fit perfectly and sweetly. I definitely loved those parts :)

So - overall, it was a bit of a grab bag for me. Between the highs and lows, I have to give it a 2.75. The writing and plot whiplash just didn't pull me in like I wanted. Perhaps you'll feel differently!

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]

[Keep Calm Novel On · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Goodreads group Shut Up & Read (Read It & Reap) provided a copy of the eBook in exchange for an honest review.

Sunset Thunder is a touching contemporary romance where the female protagonist is a strong and driven woman. Violet Caliendo is a successful wedding coordinator and works at her families five-star resort. She is a single mother balancing career and motherhood. Violet is reluctantly planning her ex’s upcoming nuptials. During this time, she connects with her ex’s best man—Ryder Carlex. Violet and Ryder’s paths have crossed in the past. Violet is determined to move forward but her life is filled with secrets that hamper her happiness.

The novel introduces the reader to Violet’s world. It is clear that she is focused, ambitious and confident. She is likeable and real. The short chapters move the story along quickly and the author draws the reader into her world. Ryder has his own secrets as well. Their attraction is undeniable but personal obstacles may impede their happiness.

Sunset Thunder is a truly enjoyable read. The characters are well developed with identifiable personalities. Their complicated personal lives drive the novel. This well-written page turner is character driven.

Will Violet and Ryder have a happily ever after? Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, these Caliendo's take messed up to a whole new level and I can't wait to see what else they have in store. Book one of this spin off series is amazing. These characters bring out such strong emotions, some you love and some you hate but they are never dull. The storyline is intriguing and unique while the writing and pace of the story are perfect.

Violet was forced into a loveless marriage when her father discovered she was pregnant. Now after nine years of marriage she's divorced and crazy of all crazy planning her ex's wedding for the resort (see never a dull moment). Trying to get her out of control emotions in check she stumbles into a washroom and finds herself face to face with the one man she loathes as much as her ex. Ryder Carlex is a womanizing dog. Then why oh why does he excite her like no one else? And is she crazy or does him seem as attracted to her as she is to him?

You definitely want to go on this wild journey with these two as they struggle their way to a HEA. I highly recommend this one.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by author Shannyn Leah and I have to say it will not be my last. While this book is a great enemies to lovers romance, there were so many plot twists that just kept surprising me. Violet is planning her ex-husband's wedding at the family resort when she has an interesting encounter with the Best Man, Ryder. Not only has she never liked Ryder, her ex-husband has always bragged about what playboy he is. Or is he?
The Caliendo family certainly has more than their fair share of secrets! Every member of the family has such unique personalities and their own secrets that I am excited to continue this series just to find out those secrets. Talk about family drama!

[Lori Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunset Thunder is the first book of Willow Valley’s five-star Caliendo Resort. Wow is all I can say about Violet and Ryder getting past the lies and crazy shenanigans going on to hopefully find happily ever after.

[Mila Rossi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book in the evening and read until 3:00am until my laptop battery died. So many things to say about this that I don't know where to start. And to avoid rambling on forever, I'll try to keep it short. The pros: total unexpected twists and turns that I never, ever saw coming; including children in the story is a nice change from what I usually read; the descriptions of the setting painted a clear picture of where everything took place; and props to the author for keeping all the characters straight since there were so many. The cons: too much drama for me (I agreed with the heroine when she declared her family and her life crazy); the back and forth relationship between the hero/heroine; the unexpected letdown at finding the hero/heroine not at all how they're portrayed in the synopsis of the book (from the beginning, the hero isn't a playboy and the heroine isn't an ice queen); too much thinking and not enough talking; editing mistakes.
It's rare that a book has me this conflicted, so I guess that's a good thing. You feel for the heroine throughout the book only to get hit with a major revelation toward the end that makes her not so endearing. As far as the hero was concerned, I was ready for a smooth-talking, sexy playboy. Instead I got an emotional, scared, insecure family man. So disappointed. Turning the villain into a victim at the end of the book also deducted a star. There were just too many major twists at the end for me. It was pretty crazy, but for readers who like that, I'd recommend this story.

[Smashlybookalicousreviewingchicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book can be read as a standalone; however, the other characters will crossover throughout the other books. This is my first read in the Caliendo series; however, I have read one book from the other series (Lakeshore about the McAdams Sisters) in Willow Valley and we see this clan make an appearance and they were oh so appealing. You will definitely want to read both series even if out of order. That makes it so much better as you can read in order or out of order and still enjoy the story.
First let me say, I would never and I mean never be able to do what Violet does for a living let alone for my scumbag of an ex-husband and who he is marrying. Oh, don’t you worry it keeps getting better and better with the way Joel (her ex) tries to still run her life. She is strong and may be known as an “Ice Queen”, but she is anything but this. Don’t believe me, ask Ryder!
Oh, Ryder is Joel’s friend and his best man. You will be cheering on Violet when you see what she does with Ryder, but it isn’t that easy. Not only is there Joel making this hard even though he is getting married, but there is a mighty twist that is revealed and Ryder isn’t the only one with his mouth hanging open. Trust me, it’s a good one especially since the rents were aware of this and said NADA. Ryder has his fair of secret too, so you will be left wondering if they can both let go of the past and make a go at what they could have in the now and future.
You fall in love with Violet, Ryder, her kids and her family while you loath her ex-Joel and his mousy fiancé. If you enjoy contemporary reads this one’s for you. I cannot wait to read more on the Caliendo’s especially when it comes to Miss Izzy as I call her.

[Deb Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunset Thunder is my first read by author Shannyn Leah. I enjoyed Sunset Thunder. Shannyn Leah has delivered a book with drama, sizzle and a bit of humor. I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Violet and Ryder's story is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited time for reading. Sunset Thunder is book 1 of The Caliendo Resort Series and book 6 of the By The Lake Series, it can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. I look forward to reading more from Shannyn Leah in the future.

I received a copy of this book for review purposes.

[Pamela Lunder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was amazing. The story line keeps you hanging on. Violet has been through so much unhappiness and ugliness. Ryder has such a strong heart and his love keeps Violet attached to him. The Way he fights for her is so beautiful. They deserve their happily ever after even if there was a couple of times I wondered if they would get it. I love the beginning of this new series. Can not wait for the next. Thank you Shannyn for another beautiful story.

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Caliendo is a wedding planner at the luxurious Caliendo Resort. She once was married to Joel, who's also the father of her two children, but Violet is now a single mother. After everything she's been through she now wears an Ice Queen mask and she lets no one come close to her inner world anymore. She works hard to make other peoples' wedding to a day they'll remember forever. Joel asks Violet to plan the wedding between him and the woman he cheated her with during their marriage. How long will Violet be able to keep her emotions down?

Violet is on her way to meet her ex-husband to discuss the wedding, when she spots his best man Ryder. Ryder is Joel's best friend and has a reputation of being a player. Violet is completely stressed out and she takes Ryder to an empty room where they have sex. Violet tells herself this is a one-time thing, however she can't deny she has feelings which say otherwise. Violet and Ryder both have heard stories about one another and it's now up to them to find out which ones are true and which are false. Can they step out of their comfort zone and can they learn how to trust again?

Everybody calls her an Ice Queen but Violet in reality is a kind and caring mother. I loved the strong bond she has with her children. Violet has to endure a lot with Joel and I don't think that I would've had the patience she did show him. Ryder is a loyal family man who has a secret he fiercely wants to keep hidden from the outside world. He's so comfortable with Violet's children and whatever is needed he's there to help everyone out. Violet and Ryder have such great chemistry together and I was very eager to find out if they would find a way to be with each other.

The Caliendo's are a family full of secrets that darken their lives tremendously. Their father kept files on everyone inside and outside the family. These secrets made Sunset Thunder intriguing and thrilling at the same time. The Caliendo Resort is a very successful business and the rooms where the weddings are being held sound like straight from a fairytale. Sunset Thunder is a story with interesting main characters in a beautiful setting. Shannyn Leah's writing is amazing and I fell in love with this story straight away.

[Marissa Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet and Ryder story is everything and more! I love them since the very beginning. I couldn't put it down. It was amazing! 💛💛💛

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The only thing Violet and Ryder have in common is Joel- her ex-husband and his "best friend". And since neither of them truly likes Joel, it's pretty shaky common ground. Violet is the working single mom that's been hurt by her Dad and ex. She's the typical closed off, Type A personality that spends a lot of time trying to keep appearances. She'd never admit it but she longs for a Prince Charming and happily ever after. Ryder has quite the reputation as the carefree, town playboy. But he's actually carrying the weight of a company and his family on his shoulders and doing it without deep connections because he's been hurt too and he has secrets to keep. Turns out Violet and Ryder have more in common that it appears. It just takes then a while to figure it out.

There were a lot of things I liked about this book. The character development was done very well. Their inner layers were revealed over time and their development was interesting to watch as it played out. Both main characters really faced their issues, learned a lot about themselves and took risks that took them out of their comfort zone. The emotional and physical attraction and connection was well done and very convincing. There was also quite a bit of suspense and with a few exceptions that was well played. I really enjoyed most of the story line.

There were a few things that detracted from the story and/ or bothered me. First and mostly the author has this style of repeating short sentences to drive a point home. So many paragraphs were ended this way that is became very distracting. Example: 'Ryder's back. He came back? He came back!'

Regarding the story line there were a few times when new details were brought it that just didn't fit with the story up to that point or were just so abruptly introduced it was hard to buy into. One example was 'the files'. We never really got a full explanation on that. Another was the wedding night lost memory. It just didn't jive with the reactions and interactions that took place for the whole first 2/3 of the book. And then the resolution that takes place at the end- Joel's turning point was such a quick 360 and it just didn't feel plausible to me.

Overall I did enjoy the book. It was refreshing to have a story with pre-teens. The family drama was crazy and interesting. I especially liked Ryder and the youngest sister. They both had fun and playful personalities that made me smile.

[POL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!

This was a good book! Lots of characters in it ...Not sure if there are other books in the series’s that would have helped to explain the background surrounding each character. Either way, it’s an enjoyable read.

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had a lot going on. Violet is a woman who no longer believes in happily ever after since the ending of her unhappy marriage a couple years prior. But her job as a wedding planner has her dealing with people in love daily. And her newest client just so happens to be her ex-husband Joel, and his best man Ryder, is the same playboy who stood by his side at their wedding. Violet and Ryder have never gotten along, but one moment of heightened emotions and a locked washroom completely change things between them. They've both got secrets they're keeping and those secrets could tear the two apart.

Violet and Ryder were very passionate characters. They both showed their big hearts and loyalties whether it be toward children, parents, or each other. The secrets exposed throughout this story were unexpected. But for the most part the exposing of the secrets and the fall out was very well written. There were times when I wasn't sure who to hate, who to love, who to scream at or who to cheer for. There were was just so many different facets to the characters and I really enjoyed that.

There was really only one thing that was a put off for me with this story. The author had a tendency to repeat a word or phrase to give it more emphasis or show what a big deal it was to the character. But this happened pretty often in the story so after a while it kind of lost its meaning for me and became a distraction from the story. However as soon as I got past those moments of distraction I would find myself slipping back into the story with ease.

This was an enjoyable romance that was not super heavy on the steam. It was the first in the series and it setup perfectly for the next while wrapping up Violet and Ryder's story perfectly.

[Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

(This book was reviewed by Cathy Stansell from Rochelle's Reviews)

Sunset Thunder is the first book by Shannyn Leah that I've read, and it certainly won't be the last. This book was exciting from the beginning. Violet Caliendo is a wedding coordinator at Willow Valley’s Caliendo Resort. It is her job to make the weddings seem like a dream. The story opens up with Violet planning her ex- husband's wedding. Joel (her ex. and the groom) is an egotistical pig. He is not a good father and he enjoys making it difficult for Violet. Even worse now since he is marrying the younger woman that he cheated on Violet with. Violet is extremely professional handling this because she knows that she has to live up to her family's reputation. It is an annoyance for her to coordinate this wedding, yet she still insists on completing the task.

Joel has continuously told his best friend Ryder Carlex what an Ice Queen Violet is. He's also said some things about Ryder to Violet as well. Because Violet and Ryder know things about each other, you begin to wonder if these two are going to make it through all of the past skeletons that stand in their way.

You will fall in love with this couple from the beginning. It is an explosive love story that you will not want to put down. This is a standalone book you will not be disappointed. I love HEA books and this is definitely one.

This author writes in such a way that you feel like you are the character. I felt like I wanted at times to smack Joel right across the face. At times I had to remind myself that this was a book and to calm down!

I finished Sunset Thunder with a smile on my face and plan on reading many more books by Shannyn Leah.

[Fizza · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
I liked it. Although, the first few chapters weren't so engaging but after that story picks up and it's really good. last 50% of the book is especially quite amazing. I liked the characters and how they interact with each other. It's an entertaining read which I enjoyed thoroughly.
Violet was married to a man she didn't love and he didn't love her either. From such a marriage she has learned not to trust anyone. She is quite happy with her life now. She loves her job and her kids, but she plans to never fall in love or look for a happy ending because they don't exist. Once again she finds herself in a difficult position. She is planning her ex's marriage and can't help but being annoyed with the whole situation. To make things worse his best friend will be there as well. She hates both men, for totally different reasons though...
Ryder has heard a lot of things about his friend's ex. Apparently she is an ice queen, a woman without any emotions. She is definitely not someone he can ever like. But soon he realises that everything he thinks he knows about him is wrong. She wears her disguise well but underneath it she is a warm and loving woman. And every moment he spends with her makes him fall more and more in love with her. However, getting a happy ending may not be that easy for them. There is too much past between them, all they can do is try to make it work...
It's a good contemporary novel with lots of laugh-out-loud moments and some very romantic ones too. All in all it's a good read, something that can be enjoyed by every romance addict.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[BookAddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet Caliendo loves her job as wedding coordinator at her family's resort, but having to plan her ex-husband's wedding to his new bride takes the cake. If it’s not bad enough that her various family members are skulking around spying on her meeting with the wedding party, she has to put up with Ryder Carlex, her ex's womanizing best friend and best man. Violet really can’t stand Ryder, but you know what they say about love and hate being two sides of the same coin.

If your satellite or cable go out or your TV quits working, have no fear and just start reading Sunset Thunder. Between the members of the outrageous Caliendo family, the horrible ex, and the enemies to lovers theme, this one has all the elements of a soap opera or telanovela, and is far more entertaining than any reality TV! Although the book was a bit wordy at times, the characters are strong, larger than life and endearing, and the story, with its twists and turns, will keep you gripped in its clutches as you follow Violet and Ryder through pitfalls and over potholes on their journey to ever after. I loved their story, can’t wait to read more of this series, and definitely recommend this book.

[Medavis66 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I loved Ryder and was impressed with how he wasn't what they originally pegged him to be. Violet was nuts to agree to plan that idiot ex's new marriage. Even in light of everything in the end, he was still an idiot. I didn't like him at all. His new wife seemed like the perfect bimbo for him, as well. One thing that did drive me nuts was the inner monologue and constantly using the entire name of the individual in it. Drove me bonkers for the longest time. Finally, I got to where I ignored it, but I was ready to scream at some points before settling for ignoring it.

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.

[Kelly Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely original and creative. All the characters in this book were strong and well developed. I love the lesson behind the story - There are two sides to every story - Perception is one thing, truth is another. Ryder and Violet fall for each other hard despite their misconceptions about one another. They fight back and forth to get through them to have their "happily ever after." At first, I didn't like Ryder, but as the story unfolds, I fell in love with his heart. He's gone to great lengths to protect his family at his own expense. Violet, "the ice queen," finally softens and finds her heart with Ryder.
This book is a must read for all romance lovers.

[Whitley Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet summer romance set on the beach. I liked this book. The characters were real, and at times I felt myself shaking my head going "get it together guys", but flaws are welcomed, especially when the characters recognize those flaws and aim to grow. It was also great that the heroine had kids, Shannyn Leah really managed to captivate and truly grasp a mother's love and devotion to her children (at no matter what cost). Definitely sweeter then what I normally read, but the change was nice, and the overall family mystery story arc definitely has me wanting to pick up the next book and find out more of the Caliendo family secrets.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

[Metalkarin · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF (29%)

Story isn’t bad, but the writing got to me. It was both repetitive and illogical.

It pains me to leave bad reviews, because I know authors love their characters and pored their heart and soul onto the pages. It pains me even more because Shannon Leah created an interesting storyline and characters.
The only thing I can do is to leave a very careful critical review and hope it will help readers to pick up or avoid books to their likings.

Repetitive, very repetitive- did I mention it was repetitive. So repetitive!
If this sentence grates your nerves, you won’t enjoy this book, because it’s full of examples like this.

I caught myself wondering if things were right or even possible every page (11yo Great Danes, talking lipstick, moving dead fish) and it took me from enjoying the story. That made me decide to quit the book.

If you can look past those things, maybe the story can hold your attention, because I did like the characters and their interaction.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunset Thunder is the story of Violet Caliendo and Ryker Carlex's romance. Violet is Ryker's best friend, Joel's ex-wife. She is the mother of Joel's two children. Joel is bitter about his marriage and calls Violet the 'Ice Queen' and never has a good word about her.

After a private encounter with Violet, Ryker figures all of what Joel says is bull. A second day spent with Violet and her children when Joel didn't show up for the planned fishing trip with his kids shows Ryker another side of Violet, a fun loving, caring and passionate side that he can't resist. Violet had many misconceptions about Ryker, thanks to more of Joel's blabbering about his playboy ways.

Ryker and Violet have trouble learning to trust one another and see the real person under the filters they present to the world. They both have secrets and have pasts with bad experiences that make trust extremely difficult for them to trust each other, their own feelings and the feelings of each other.

I enjoyed the emotional ups and downs of both main characters. I enjoyed the influence and antics of Violet's children. The interference of the family was sometimes funny, sometimes sweet and helpful and sometimes added to the stress in the budding relationship between Violet and Ryker. The difficulties caused by Joel made Sunset Thunder a great romance with a antagonist that added another difficulty to overcome to find Ryker and Violet's 'Happy ever after' life they are searching for.