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Beach Lane #1
Making Waves
A self-made woman with a sweet, successful life discovers that even the best-laid plans are no match for unexpected passion in the beginning of a brand-new series for fans of Julie James and Tracy Brogan.
As the responsible daughter of an irresponsible socialite, Dakota Hale has plenty of practice catering to the whims of the rich and spoiled—and she's turned that experience into a thriving concierge business serving the needs of the Hamptons' wealthy elite. But living and working among the upper crust has never tempted Dakota to follow in her mother's jet-setting footsteps. Anytime the drama on land gets too outrageous, Dakota finds calm surfing the Atlantic waves. But when sexy mogul Max Carr hires her, it rocks her balance in a big way.
Max works hard, but he's never had to put any effort into winning over a woman—until now. With her stunning beauty and keen intelligence, Dakota is worth the effort. But it's plain she has no interest in a casual...
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2017
116 people are currently reading
828 people want to read
About the author
Laura Moore
32 books268 followersI was born in New York City and grew up there and in Western Massachusetts. I began writing while pursuing my master's degree. My first novel, Ride a Dark Horse, filled most of a spiral bound notebook. I soon realized I far preferred writing love stories to term papers!
I now live in Rhode Island with my husband, two children, and our black lab. Our cat Zevon keeps us all in line.
I now live in Rhode Island with my husband, two children, and our black lab. Our cat Zevon keeps us all in line.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
April 9, 2017
Dakota Hale was born and raised in the Hamptons in New York. Though she's part of an upper crust family, she's nothing like her family, making it on her own sans a trust fund. When her concierge service company is hired by Max Carr to service his new home, Dakota's life takes a turn down a path she never predicted.
This story grabbed me after the first few pages and refused to let go until the end. Dakota is one of the more interesting characters I've read in some time. She's a contradiction, skilled and adept in her professional life and anything but when in the midst of her highly toxic and self absorbed family. On the surface (and to some degree, in reality), Max is rather bloodless and singularly focused on his career as a partner in a private equity firm. Her genuine and warm manner disarms him as the normal world he exists in is shark filled and cutthroat. However, they somehow evoke the best out of each other.
I loved this story which focused primarily on both Dakota and Max's developing relationship and their individual transformations. It also provides insight into this tony community from the perspective of both ends of the socioeconomic spectrum. There's a richness to the storytelling and the character development is outstanding, including the secondary ones.
I learned that this is a spinoff of the Miller/Sheppard series but I don't seem to have missed anything by not having read it first other than knowing some of the secondary characters stories. It's so very interesting and I was lured solely by the premise of the book. It certainly paid off and I'm definitely continuing the series.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
This story grabbed me after the first few pages and refused to let go until the end. Dakota is one of the more interesting characters I've read in some time. She's a contradiction, skilled and adept in her professional life and anything but when in the midst of her highly toxic and self absorbed family. On the surface (and to some degree, in reality), Max is rather bloodless and singularly focused on his career as a partner in a private equity firm. Her genuine and warm manner disarms him as the normal world he exists in is shark filled and cutthroat. However, they somehow evoke the best out of each other.
I loved this story which focused primarily on both Dakota and Max's developing relationship and their individual transformations. It also provides insight into this tony community from the perspective of both ends of the socioeconomic spectrum. There's a richness to the storytelling and the character development is outstanding, including the secondary ones.
I learned that this is a spinoff of the Miller/Sheppard series but I don't seem to have missed anything by not having read it first other than knowing some of the secondary characters stories. It's so very interesting and I was lured solely by the premise of the book. It certainly paid off and I'm definitely continuing the series.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
April 5, 2017
4.5
This is a heartwarming, toe curling, maddening, heart wrenching, happy story about two wonderful characters that you can't help but love. Complex family drama, and independent self made woman, a successful wounded man, wonderful side characters, just enough rotten apples and a lovely setting. It's got all the right stuff. I ma so happy this is the beginning of a series, there will be more.
Dakota the female main character is a self made business woman with a lot of hard work and hard times under her belt. Her family is dysfunctional in the worst way, they are easy to dislike. She runs a concierge service for the rich and fabulous. When she starts working for the new owner of her family's estate causing an uproar. Oh what a family she's got !
Max, ex football god, and current money making machine is a hunk in suit. He's a playboy, who likes to have a different blond on his arm regularly. He avoids attachments at all costs. His scars run deep and that's where he keeps them. Business and money are his two attachments. He bought the big mansion estate to impress clients and his father. He also hired the previous owners family member to redo the estate for him and she is a person that interests him. Too bad she doesn't play with her meal tickets.
If you want to know what happens read the book.
Time and the right people in your life can change everything. That is what I always get from this authors work. I love reading books that make you feel good. This author is on my list of guaranteed feel good writers.
This is a heartwarming, toe curling, maddening, heart wrenching, happy story about two wonderful characters that you can't help but love. Complex family drama, and independent self made woman, a successful wounded man, wonderful side characters, just enough rotten apples and a lovely setting. It's got all the right stuff. I ma so happy this is the beginning of a series, there will be more.
Dakota the female main character is a self made business woman with a lot of hard work and hard times under her belt. Her family is dysfunctional in the worst way, they are easy to dislike. She runs a concierge service for the rich and fabulous. When she starts working for the new owner of her family's estate causing an uproar. Oh what a family she's got !
Max, ex football god, and current money making machine is a hunk in suit. He's a playboy, who likes to have a different blond on his arm regularly. He avoids attachments at all costs. His scars run deep and that's where he keeps them. Business and money are his two attachments. He bought the big mansion estate to impress clients and his father. He also hired the previous owners family member to redo the estate for him and she is a person that interests him. Too bad she doesn't play with her meal tickets.
If you want to know what happens read the book.
Time and the right people in your life can change everything. That is what I always get from this authors work. I love reading books that make you feel good. This author is on my list of guaranteed feel good writers.
May 17, 2017
4 ★'s
"I want you to remain my favorite mistake."
The book takes place in the Hamptons and all that implies but I liked the spin on Dakota's life even though it was depressing. She was born out of wedlock and her rich family feel she is below their standards and treat her horribly.
But Dakota has been able to rally herself and come to terms with things for the most part. She's a successful businesswoman and doesn't have to rely on her family, in fact, it's the other way around.
All hell breaks loose when Max buys the family home from Dakota's uncle who's made some bad business dealings. But that's not the worst thing, Max actually hires Dakota and her company to redecorate/remodel the house...and that's traitor territory to her family and they let her know it!
The more Max gets to know Dakota, the more intrigued he is. She's definitely not his type and we all know that means...she's the one! But Max has had some trauma in his life and doesn't do relationships. Dakota thinks she's fine with that but she doesn't really know what she's dealing with.
And then there's the twist and as unoriginal as it is, I still enjoyed it. It was great seeing Max's walls come crumbling down and even more so, to see Dakota letting other people help her. I loved how they brought out the best in each other.
Max has some more drama in his personal...and business life but he was able to take a better direction because of Dakota being in his life. And I just loved that! (He reminded me of Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman.)
I really enjoyed how everything wrapped up and really didn't want it to end. I was happy to find out that some of the characters already have books out in the Miller/Sheppard series and I will definitely be checking those out!
"I want you to remain my favorite mistake."
The book takes place in the Hamptons and all that implies but I liked the spin on Dakota's life even though it was depressing. She was born out of wedlock and her rich family feel she is below their standards and treat her horribly.
But Dakota has been able to rally herself and come to terms with things for the most part. She's a successful businesswoman and doesn't have to rely on her family, in fact, it's the other way around.
All hell breaks loose when Max buys the family home from Dakota's uncle who's made some bad business dealings. But that's not the worst thing, Max actually hires Dakota and her company to redecorate/remodel the house...and that's traitor territory to her family and they let her know it!
The more Max gets to know Dakota, the more intrigued he is. She's definitely not his type and we all know that means...she's the one! But Max has had some trauma in his life and doesn't do relationships. Dakota thinks she's fine with that but she doesn't really know what she's dealing with.
And then there's the twist and as unoriginal as it is, I still enjoyed it. It was great seeing Max's walls come crumbling down and even more so, to see Dakota letting other people help her. I loved how they brought out the best in each other.
Max has some more drama in his personal...and business life but he was able to take a better direction because of Dakota being in his life. And I just loved that! (He reminded me of Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman.)
I really enjoyed how everything wrapped up and really didn't want it to end. I was happy to find out that some of the characters already have books out in the Miller/Sheppard series and I will definitely be checking those out!
April 19, 2017
ARC from NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review.
3.5 Rating
I found this to be a steady read and okay to interesting characters. Plot was good and story line kept me interested but not really captivated.
Dakota has made a successful business in the personal concierge business serving the residents of the Hamptons. She is the illegitimate daughter of heiress, who's focus in life is being a socialite (who doesn't have a nurturing bone in her body). Her "family" never included her or accepted her, she's learned to live with being the outsider. This has created in Dakota the love of people and reaching out and helping others.
Max Carr is extremely good with money, he works for Wall Street, a partner in a private equity firm. Max works hard for his money, in fact that's pretty much Max's life, accumulating wealth.
Dakota's Uncle is forced to put the family home up sale and Max purchases the home. Max then hires Dakota to redo the entire home and no one from her family is happy when they learn is accepts the job.
These two and there character development is what kept me reading. We have two people who have experienced rejection and heartache but they take different paths in dealing with it. When the two characters meet and their chemistry is undeniable they have an affair. The relationship has it's ups and downs, break up and back together,compromise and enlightenment of who and what they are together.
The beginning of the story is slow and a little confusing but clarification evolves as well as pacing becomes more tolerable about a third into the story. Did not care for Dakota's family, at all! Dakota was very good for Max.
3.5 Rating
I found this to be a steady read and okay to interesting characters. Plot was good and story line kept me interested but not really captivated.
Dakota has made a successful business in the personal concierge business serving the residents of the Hamptons. She is the illegitimate daughter of heiress, who's focus in life is being a socialite (who doesn't have a nurturing bone in her body). Her "family" never included her or accepted her, she's learned to live with being the outsider. This has created in Dakota the love of people and reaching out and helping others.
Max Carr is extremely good with money, he works for Wall Street, a partner in a private equity firm. Max works hard for his money, in fact that's pretty much Max's life, accumulating wealth.
Dakota's Uncle is forced to put the family home up sale and Max purchases the home. Max then hires Dakota to redo the entire home and no one from her family is happy when they learn is accepts the job.
These two and there character development is what kept me reading. We have two people who have experienced rejection and heartache but they take different paths in dealing with it. When the two characters meet and their chemistry is undeniable they have an affair. The relationship has it's ups and downs, break up and back together,compromise and enlightenment of who and what they are together.
The beginning of the story is slow and a little confusing but clarification evolves as well as pacing becomes more tolerable about a third into the story. Did not care for Dakota's family, at all! Dakota was very good for Max.
April 25, 2017
FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED -- 4/24/17
COWABUNGA! My heart was stolen from the get-go. Laura Moore introduces her new Beach Lane Series with the roll-out of the first book. The cover is stunning welcoming the arrival of Dakota Hale and Max Carr in a fitting way. The entire package is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!! Yes, I really, really loved it from the first word to the very last! With a captivating storyline, set in a backdrop among the affluent and posh Hamptons’ crowd, along with its diverse cast of characters lead by two dynamic protagonists, Making Waves is irresistibly romantic in a gripping plot that carries with it a strong emotional impact. Kudos and extra bonus points to an author who applies both heart and brain, as well as genuineness and accountability, in the characterization of her characters. With each new release, I'm even more impressed by this amazing writer's attention to details and knowing exactly how to weave all the feel-good elements into her story with the maximum effect. Those are just a couple of the reasons why she's one of my all-time favorite authors, and on my auto-buy list where she has remained since I first discovered her books in 2007.
After several investments go awry and money becomes an issue, Uncle Elliott is forced to sell Windhaven, the Hale family's ancestral home, and it is Max Carr, a powerful Wall Street mogul, who swoops in to make the purchase. The mere mention that the family's fortune is taking a hit sets off panic for Dakota's mother, Piper, and Aunt Mimi who are concerned only with their social status in the community and the gossip that is sure to follow. And the situation can only get worse when they learn that Dakota may be working for the enemy. Thus begins one tidal wave after another creating a riptide of emotions in this complex family drama.
After Premier Services is highly recommended to him by a friend, Max follows through by making an appointment with Dakota Hale for assistance in renovating his recent purchase. When he opens the door to Windhaven, both he and Dakota feel their worlds shift and collide sending them off balance. Max is impressed by the beautiful Amazon's business acumen and hires her. With each meeting, neither can ignore the sparks igniting between them, and even the best-laid plans are no match for unexpected passion. It's not long before Dakota is kissing her "Don't mix business with pleasure" rule good-bye, and she and Max become involved in an affair that leads to an unexpected and shocking revelation. Roars of jealousy and scandal ensue with the aftereffects challenging both their private and professional lives.
Dakota earned my admiration and respect right out of the starting gate. Even though she was raised by a single mother in wealthy surroundings, her childhood was no picnic. An independent woman who is both resourceful and strong with a good head on her shoulders (no trust fund for this girl). She didn't let her upbringing keep her from succeeding in her own right and, in some ways, it most likely served her well as a stepping stone for owning a thriving business. Her customers appreciate and love her -- which is more than her family ever has.
Max Carr hails from a more traditional background with two parents and a sister he adored, and status as a former football star. Now he's a very prominent and wealthy investment guru, with a reputation as a ladies man who avoids attachment at all costs. Business and making money have become the focal points in his life. But underneath that hard shell exterior, he's hurting from the pain of personal tragedies that run soul deep -- ones he holds close to his chest.
These two are on a fairly even playing field in their determination, work ethic, and family dramas. Dakota maintains control and professionalism in her job; while, on the other hand, she thrashes around trying to please and keep the peace when it involves her highly toxic family. Max appears to be singularly focused on his career as a partner in a private equity firm. Family isn't something he outwardly dwells on. Her warmth and genuineness captivates him and helps keep the cutthroat world he lives in at bay. The story focuses heavily on the development of Max and Dakota as individuals and as a couple. Together they balance and evoke the best in each other.
You'll find a wide variety of secondary characters you'll either love, or love to hate. Their roles play an integral part in the overall storyline, but certainly don't cast a shadow over the main event taking place between Dakota and Max.
The Hale family is the epitome of dysfunctional. They are the very picture of privileged, lazy and self-absorbed. They make it so easy to detest them. How Dakota escaped their scourge is the million-dollar question! From the moment she was old enough to understand the family dynamics, Dakota realized her illegitimate birth cast her as an outsider. Her grandparents barely tolerated her and never accepted her as a grandchild. Of course, as a single mother Piper (yes, that's what Dakota called her) preferred her role as a rich socialite and party girl to that of being a nurturing mother. If she knows the name of the one night stand who is Dakota's father, she's not telling. Aunt Mimi, the nasty jealous and vindictive type, runs a very close second place. Both are disgusting and all-around-not-so-nice people. Why Dakota puts up with them is a mystery unto itself. These two I truly loved to hate!
Hendrick, a gay psychiatrist, gave middle school student Dakota her first job. She earned her pay, along with his trust, respect and friendship by doing her job well, and was rewarded with an extra touch of kindness when he bought her the first surf board she could call her own. Years later, he remains a father figure and one of Dakota’s closest friends. I loved this man and he gets a gold star!
The appearances by Alex Miller and his wife, Gen Monaghan, along with their kiddos, characters from an earlier book, In Your Eyes, made this one all the more special for me – especially since it was the first book I read by this terrific author and has always remained my favorite. However, it's facing some very strong competition with this release.
Some books you read - some books you enjoy - but once in a while there'll be one book that steals your heart and soul. Finding love when you least expect it is one of my favorite plot devices. And this one is charming to the "Max." It's sexy as sin. It's romantic and swoon worthy. It's the full ride!
I highly recommend that you Hang Ten with Dakota and Max while they ride the waves to what we hope will be a happily-ever-after!
COWABUNGA! My heart was stolen from the get-go. Laura Moore introduces her new Beach Lane Series with the roll-out of the first book. The cover is stunning welcoming the arrival of Dakota Hale and Max Carr in a fitting way. The entire package is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!! Yes, I really, really loved it from the first word to the very last! With a captivating storyline, set in a backdrop among the affluent and posh Hamptons’ crowd, along with its diverse cast of characters lead by two dynamic protagonists, Making Waves is irresistibly romantic in a gripping plot that carries with it a strong emotional impact. Kudos and extra bonus points to an author who applies both heart and brain, as well as genuineness and accountability, in the characterization of her characters. With each new release, I'm even more impressed by this amazing writer's attention to details and knowing exactly how to weave all the feel-good elements into her story with the maximum effect. Those are just a couple of the reasons why she's one of my all-time favorite authors, and on my auto-buy list where she has remained since I first discovered her books in 2007.
After several investments go awry and money becomes an issue, Uncle Elliott is forced to sell Windhaven, the Hale family's ancestral home, and it is Max Carr, a powerful Wall Street mogul, who swoops in to make the purchase. The mere mention that the family's fortune is taking a hit sets off panic for Dakota's mother, Piper, and Aunt Mimi who are concerned only with their social status in the community and the gossip that is sure to follow. And the situation can only get worse when they learn that Dakota may be working for the enemy. Thus begins one tidal wave after another creating a riptide of emotions in this complex family drama.
After Premier Services is highly recommended to him by a friend, Max follows through by making an appointment with Dakota Hale for assistance in renovating his recent purchase. When he opens the door to Windhaven, both he and Dakota feel their worlds shift and collide sending them off balance. Max is impressed by the beautiful Amazon's business acumen and hires her. With each meeting, neither can ignore the sparks igniting between them, and even the best-laid plans are no match for unexpected passion. It's not long before Dakota is kissing her "Don't mix business with pleasure" rule good-bye, and she and Max become involved in an affair that leads to an unexpected and shocking revelation. Roars of jealousy and scandal ensue with the aftereffects challenging both their private and professional lives.
Dakota earned my admiration and respect right out of the starting gate. Even though she was raised by a single mother in wealthy surroundings, her childhood was no picnic. An independent woman who is both resourceful and strong with a good head on her shoulders (no trust fund for this girl). She didn't let her upbringing keep her from succeeding in her own right and, in some ways, it most likely served her well as a stepping stone for owning a thriving business. Her customers appreciate and love her -- which is more than her family ever has.
Max Carr hails from a more traditional background with two parents and a sister he adored, and status as a former football star. Now he's a very prominent and wealthy investment guru, with a reputation as a ladies man who avoids attachment at all costs. Business and making money have become the focal points in his life. But underneath that hard shell exterior, he's hurting from the pain of personal tragedies that run soul deep -- ones he holds close to his chest.
These two are on a fairly even playing field in their determination, work ethic, and family dramas. Dakota maintains control and professionalism in her job; while, on the other hand, she thrashes around trying to please and keep the peace when it involves her highly toxic family. Max appears to be singularly focused on his career as a partner in a private equity firm. Family isn't something he outwardly dwells on. Her warmth and genuineness captivates him and helps keep the cutthroat world he lives in at bay. The story focuses heavily on the development of Max and Dakota as individuals and as a couple. Together they balance and evoke the best in each other.
You'll find a wide variety of secondary characters you'll either love, or love to hate. Their roles play an integral part in the overall storyline, but certainly don't cast a shadow over the main event taking place between Dakota and Max.
The Hale family is the epitome of dysfunctional. They are the very picture of privileged, lazy and self-absorbed. They make it so easy to detest them. How Dakota escaped their scourge is the million-dollar question! From the moment she was old enough to understand the family dynamics, Dakota realized her illegitimate birth cast her as an outsider. Her grandparents barely tolerated her and never accepted her as a grandchild. Of course, as a single mother Piper (yes, that's what Dakota called her) preferred her role as a rich socialite and party girl to that of being a nurturing mother. If she knows the name of the one night stand who is Dakota's father, she's not telling. Aunt Mimi, the nasty jealous and vindictive type, runs a very close second place. Both are disgusting and all-around-not-so-nice people. Why Dakota puts up with them is a mystery unto itself. These two I truly loved to hate!
Hendrick, a gay psychiatrist, gave middle school student Dakota her first job. She earned her pay, along with his trust, respect and friendship by doing her job well, and was rewarded with an extra touch of kindness when he bought her the first surf board she could call her own. Years later, he remains a father figure and one of Dakota’s closest friends. I loved this man and he gets a gold star!
The appearances by Alex Miller and his wife, Gen Monaghan, along with their kiddos, characters from an earlier book, In Your Eyes, made this one all the more special for me – especially since it was the first book I read by this terrific author and has always remained my favorite. However, it's facing some very strong competition with this release.
Some books you read - some books you enjoy - but once in a while there'll be one book that steals your heart and soul. Finding love when you least expect it is one of my favorite plot devices. And this one is charming to the "Max." It's sexy as sin. It's romantic and swoon worthy. It's the full ride!
I highly recommend that you Hang Ten with Dakota and Max while they ride the waves to what we hope will be a happily-ever-after!
May 1, 2017
ARC from Netgalley
I knew as soon as I saw there was a new Laura Moore book coming out that I’d be reading it. I read and enjoyed her Silver Creek series, so I’ve been on lookout for anything from her since the trilogy concluded. I’m happy to report that I found her newest offering, Making Waves, to be a compelling read with two mature leads, which is always a win for me. Dakota was born into an atrocious family. Every last one of them was so mean-spirited and delighted in making Dakota the butt of their jokes. And I will admit that while I loathed them, their dysfunctional interactions were very entertaining. And I feel like Dakota’s family gave this story a night-time soap opera feel, similar to J.R. Ward’s The Bourbon Kings, but not quite as dramatic. Dakota was a wonderful heroine. Like the blurb says, she was a self made woman with a very successful career and shouldered the responsibility of several employees who depended on her for their livelihood. Max took a while for me to warm up to, and after his initial moment of acting like the biggest jerk ever (if you read this book, you’ll know exactly which moment I’m referring to,) I respected every decision he made and why he made them. Max’s single-mindedness in business carried over to his relationships, and he became a protector of Dakota. He wasn’t overbearing; he knew she could fight her own battles and he stood back while she did, but Dakota didn’t have anyone in her immediate family who stood up for her, so I love that she had that in Max. And I love that he was so persistent in his pursuit of her. They were very similar in that they were both driven and athletic. And I love that one of the things they really bonded over was Dakota sharing her love of surfing with Max.
I’m not going to go into detail about this story; I think you can figure out what the secret is from the blurb, but just in case, I don’t want to be the one who lets the cat out of the bag. And there are a few surprises along the way that I also don’t want to ruin. There was an old-fashioned bent to this modern love story that I really enjoyed, and just as Max let Dakota fight her own battles, I really like that Dakota, while she tried to get things out in the open between them, never goes behind Max’s back to try and patch things up the way it often goes in these stories. She was patient with him, doing her best to comfort him when she crossed lines she maybe shouldn’t have, and I love that she did that for him. His past was devastating, and just like Max was the only person who was there for her, she was the same for him, being his voice of reason. They both also had some really great friends who gave them sound advice, and I think the sort of people the characters surround themselves with tell you as much about them as anything that comes out of their mouths. I did feel like I should know Alex and Gen, as they were prominent characters in Making Waves. A bit of sleuthing reveals they do, in fact, have their own story, so I will be going back to check that out; I really liked their characters. I also really liked Lauren, and think we are being set up for a love story between her and one of her best friends turned Hollywood heartthrob. (Fingers crossed!)
Making Waves was a story I really enjoyed; I love this small community the author has created. I can’t wait for the next in the series!
This review was originally posted on Books & Beauty Are My Bag.
I knew as soon as I saw there was a new Laura Moore book coming out that I’d be reading it. I read and enjoyed her Silver Creek series, so I’ve been on lookout for anything from her since the trilogy concluded. I’m happy to report that I found her newest offering, Making Waves, to be a compelling read with two mature leads, which is always a win for me. Dakota was born into an atrocious family. Every last one of them was so mean-spirited and delighted in making Dakota the butt of their jokes. And I will admit that while I loathed them, their dysfunctional interactions were very entertaining. And I feel like Dakota’s family gave this story a night-time soap opera feel, similar to J.R. Ward’s The Bourbon Kings, but not quite as dramatic. Dakota was a wonderful heroine. Like the blurb says, she was a self made woman with a very successful career and shouldered the responsibility of several employees who depended on her for their livelihood. Max took a while for me to warm up to, and after his initial moment of acting like the biggest jerk ever (if you read this book, you’ll know exactly which moment I’m referring to,) I respected every decision he made and why he made them. Max’s single-mindedness in business carried over to his relationships, and he became a protector of Dakota. He wasn’t overbearing; he knew she could fight her own battles and he stood back while she did, but Dakota didn’t have anyone in her immediate family who stood up for her, so I love that she had that in Max. And I love that he was so persistent in his pursuit of her. They were very similar in that they were both driven and athletic. And I love that one of the things they really bonded over was Dakota sharing her love of surfing with Max.
I’m not going to go into detail about this story; I think you can figure out what the secret is from the blurb, but just in case, I don’t want to be the one who lets the cat out of the bag. And there are a few surprises along the way that I also don’t want to ruin. There was an old-fashioned bent to this modern love story that I really enjoyed, and just as Max let Dakota fight her own battles, I really like that Dakota, while she tried to get things out in the open between them, never goes behind Max’s back to try and patch things up the way it often goes in these stories. She was patient with him, doing her best to comfort him when she crossed lines she maybe shouldn’t have, and I love that she did that for him. His past was devastating, and just like Max was the only person who was there for her, she was the same for him, being his voice of reason. They both also had some really great friends who gave them sound advice, and I think the sort of people the characters surround themselves with tell you as much about them as anything that comes out of their mouths. I did feel like I should know Alex and Gen, as they were prominent characters in Making Waves. A bit of sleuthing reveals they do, in fact, have their own story, so I will be going back to check that out; I really liked their characters. I also really liked Lauren, and think we are being set up for a love story between her and one of her best friends turned Hollywood heartthrob. (Fingers crossed!)
Making Waves was a story I really enjoyed; I love this small community the author has created. I can’t wait for the next in the series!
This review was originally posted on Books & Beauty Are My Bag.
April 26, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! MAKING WAVES is a very beautiful story; sweet, heartwarming and emotional; flows smoothly and is richly descriptive, and completely drew me in. Everything from the evolution of the characters to the setting was a really enjoyable experience and a window into the inner workings of the moneyed set.
Dakota Hale had the misfortune of being born into a family obsessed with appearances, was treated worse than the ugly stepchild and pretty much raised herself. Her choice of career as a businesswoman with a concierge service catering to her family's peers has been interpreted by them as one more thing she does to disgrace the family name. In an ironic twist of fate, Dakota finds herself working for the guy who purchased her family's ancestral home, much to their consternation.
Max Carr is a golden boy in the world of private equity, rumored to be in line to success his mentor and senior partner at his investment firm. Max always is on the lookout for a good deal and the Hale estate in the Hamptons is just the right addition to his holdings, a place to host clients and business acquaintances. Driven by old demons, Max is always in overdrive, trying to outrun them but meeting Dakota sparks a change in him.
Used to putting in little effort to get any woman he wants, Max meets his match in Dakota. She has a life plan, to be as different from her family as can be, grow and expand her business, prefers riding a wave to riding a man and is not fling material. Max has to work hard for her, even as he acknowledges that she threatens to bring down the walls he's built to keep people out.
One night changes everything and they both have to navigate a minefield with society gossip, destructive secrets as well their own emotions and issues to forge a lasting relationship for themselves. Dakota and Max are really great characters, both independent and strong-willed but also starved of the affections of their families. For Max, the loss of his sister and everything after drove him to become the success he is and the new changes in his life with Dakota are driving different but no less impactful changes in his life and even his work. For Dakota, the changes in her life have made her evaluate her relationship with her mother and her family and make difficult but necessary choices, not a hard thing to with her own family determined to destroy her business and her happiness.
One thing I enjoyed was the friends Max and Dakota surrounded themselves with, a reminder that some people are not amoral and consumed with status, in spite of their wealth. And I might have also enjoyed a heavy dose of schadenfreude at the expense of Dakota's family and their reversal of fortune, but can you blame me?
All in all, this was a really great start to Ms. Moore's new series and I'm excited to see where she takes us next.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
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Dakota Hale had the misfortune of being born into a family obsessed with appearances, was treated worse than the ugly stepchild and pretty much raised herself. Her choice of career as a businesswoman with a concierge service catering to her family's peers has been interpreted by them as one more thing she does to disgrace the family name. In an ironic twist of fate, Dakota finds herself working for the guy who purchased her family's ancestral home, much to their consternation.
Max Carr is a golden boy in the world of private equity, rumored to be in line to success his mentor and senior partner at his investment firm. Max always is on the lookout for a good deal and the Hale estate in the Hamptons is just the right addition to his holdings, a place to host clients and business acquaintances. Driven by old demons, Max is always in overdrive, trying to outrun them but meeting Dakota sparks a change in him.
Used to putting in little effort to get any woman he wants, Max meets his match in Dakota. She has a life plan, to be as different from her family as can be, grow and expand her business, prefers riding a wave to riding a man and is not fling material. Max has to work hard for her, even as he acknowledges that she threatens to bring down the walls he's built to keep people out.
One night changes everything and they both have to navigate a minefield with society gossip, destructive secrets as well their own emotions and issues to forge a lasting relationship for themselves. Dakota and Max are really great characters, both independent and strong-willed but also starved of the affections of their families. For Max, the loss of his sister and everything after drove him to become the success he is and the new changes in his life with Dakota are driving different but no less impactful changes in his life and even his work. For Dakota, the changes in her life have made her evaluate her relationship with her mother and her family and make difficult but necessary choices, not a hard thing to with her own family determined to destroy her business and her happiness.
One thing I enjoyed was the friends Max and Dakota surrounded themselves with, a reminder that some people are not amoral and consumed with status, in spite of their wealth. And I might have also enjoyed a heavy dose of schadenfreude at the expense of Dakota's family and their reversal of fortune, but can you blame me?
All in all, this was a really great start to Ms. Moore's new series and I'm excited to see where she takes us next.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
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April 19, 2017
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
I'm very glad that I discovered Laura Moore's books. I find that I really like them. She's a wonderful writer that writes stories that make you sigh.
Making Waves is the first book in the Beach Lane series. The series is starting off a little choppy. You at first don't get where the author is going. It becomes clearer by chapter two and then you start getting the drift about what the story is going and who Dakota is.
I really liked Dakota. We all have family issues and she dealt with hers pretty well. She comes from a crazy family, which in real life would have been tough, but in our book lives it makes for a very good reading.
I also like how she made something of herself, that she worked hard and did it all alone. Of course we are never really alone, she did have people working with her. But she was the back bone.
Someone who's worked so hard her entire life and has been treated as badly as she has deserves a wonderful romance, and she found that in Max. Of course they run into a few issues but for the most part they are really good for each other.
I will tell you that I thought at times the story was a little slow going, but not to bad. I might not have read it as fast as I usually read but it is a constantly good story. I'm looking forward to the next story in the series.
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ARC received for a honest review
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I'm very glad that I discovered Laura Moore's books. I find that I really like them. She's a wonderful writer that writes stories that make you sigh.
Making Waves is the first book in the Beach Lane series. The series is starting off a little choppy. You at first don't get where the author is going. It becomes clearer by chapter two and then you start getting the drift about what the story is going and who Dakota is.
I really liked Dakota. We all have family issues and she dealt with hers pretty well. She comes from a crazy family, which in real life would have been tough, but in our book lives it makes for a very good reading.
I also like how she made something of herself, that she worked hard and did it all alone. Of course we are never really alone, she did have people working with her. But she was the back bone.
Someone who's worked so hard her entire life and has been treated as badly as she has deserves a wonderful romance, and she found that in Max. Of course they run into a few issues but for the most part they are really good for each other.
I will tell you that I thought at times the story was a little slow going, but not to bad. I might not have read it as fast as I usually read but it is a constantly good story. I'm looking forward to the next story in the series.
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ARC received for a honest review
February 11, 2017
A self-made woman with a sweet, successful life discovers that even the best-laid plans are no match for unexpected passion in this brand-new series from award-winning author Laura Moore.
As the responsible daughter of an irresponsible socialite, Dakota Hale has plenty of practice catering to the whims of the rich and spoiled—and she’s turned that experience into a thriving concierge business serving the needs of the Hamptons’ wealthy elite. But living and working among the upper crust has never tempted Dakota to follow in her mother’s jet-setting footsteps. Anytime the drama on land gets too outrageous, Dakota finds calm surfing the Atlantic waves. But when sexy mogul Max Carr hires her, it rocks her balance in a big way.
Max works hard, but he’s never had to put any effort into winning over a woman—until now. With her stunning beauty and keen intelligence, Dakota is worth the effort. But it’s plain she has no interest in a casual fling, and that’s all Max with his grief-stricken heart can offer. But one fraught night changes everything, with consequences neither Dakota nor Max anticipated. Now they must navigate the rough waters of society gossip and devastating secrets that threaten their fragile relationship. If they can trust in the strength of their growing feelings, they’ll find that the dreams they’ve been chasing are close enough to embrace . . . together.
I must say this was a good book. I loved Dakota except she lets people walk all over her. Piper - what can I say about this woman, other than she's crazy, self-centered and the mother (if you can call her that, I just call her the breeder of Dakota) she was that loathsome!!! And yes it gets worse as it goes on! She has a sister, Dakota's aunt who is an evil, conniving, blood-sucking parasite. Is that a little harsh? Does that sound like I'm a little bitter and wanted to at times slam my kindle into the wall or run it over with my Corolla? Why yes, yes it does. The whole family hated Dakota because she was illegitimate and she kept going back...Why? I would have been like...Peace - out and given the finger but not Dakota. They never let her forget her illegitimacy and threw it up in her face every chance they got and I have to say if it had been me - I would have not taken the high road and sticks and stones route.
Her breeder mom was a lush and a slut who slept with anything with 2 legs or is it 3 legs? :P She would constantly describe the details of her exploits to Dakota, like that girl wanted to hear that trash!! I say "Girl, run and stay away lest you get fleas and rabies!!" All her life she wanted a dad and she finds out that her blood-sucking stench of a mother has been lying to her (big shock...NOT.) She knew who the man was that got her pregnant. So, Dakota finds out his name and goes to look for him.
They live in a super rich neighborhood where Dakota runs a concierge business called Premier Service and if her clients wanted something - she provided it. From cleaning houses to buying food, booze, ice cream for kids - you name it and she got it. All her families she provided for loved her.
Her uncle goes and sells her grandparents mansion to a man named Max Carr and he hires Dakota to stock, remodel and furnish it for him. He looks at her and she looks at him and BAM...it's on!! Max though is a hard guy and no nonsense. He's all about work and money, money and work. Throw some sexy, sexy, sexy in there and that's Max!! Max...Oh Max!! Max blamed himself for his twin sisters death since he was 18 years old and his mom's death a year later because his Dad told him he was the reason they were both dead...What is it with these horrible parents?? Max, of course leaves home brokenhearted and becomes a cold-hearted man - not feeling anything until meeting Dakota. She teaches him to surf and they form a kind of friendship - then the sex happens lol!!
The cast of people you come to love in this book that I thought were standout - Hendrick!! The gay Psychiatrist was just a sweetie - I wish there was more about him. He was a father figure to Dakota that she met when she was in middle school. He gave her her first job watering his plants, raking his leaves and a friendship was born. He also bought her the first surfboard she ever had! I love Hendrick and I think we all need a little bit of a Hendrick in our lives. Her friends, Alex, Gen and their kids - Which as a side note can be found in the story "In Your Eyes."
I'm not big on sex scenes and I think the Lords name could have been avoided and not been in there but the majority of books today throw that in there constantly so comparing it to other books - it wasn't OTT. I could have knocked stars off for that but I don't believe in doing that just because a book has that. If so, every book would have 1 star!!
*****Spoiler Alert*****
I had a really hard time believing at one point the ending. If you are in labor, HARD LABOR - You don't go for a stroll along the beach while you're water is breaking and you just keep strolling!!!! Honey child, you are screaming "Where are the drugs and drive to the hospital NOW!!!!"
Overall, I thought this was a worthwhile read and would read it again but skip over the mom parts cause she sucks life out of people!
I was given a copy of this ARC from the publisher on Netgalley for a honest review. All of the above comments are my express opinions and no one else's.
As the responsible daughter of an irresponsible socialite, Dakota Hale has plenty of practice catering to the whims of the rich and spoiled—and she’s turned that experience into a thriving concierge business serving the needs of the Hamptons’ wealthy elite. But living and working among the upper crust has never tempted Dakota to follow in her mother’s jet-setting footsteps. Anytime the drama on land gets too outrageous, Dakota finds calm surfing the Atlantic waves. But when sexy mogul Max Carr hires her, it rocks her balance in a big way.
Max works hard, but he’s never had to put any effort into winning over a woman—until now. With her stunning beauty and keen intelligence, Dakota is worth the effort. But it’s plain she has no interest in a casual fling, and that’s all Max with his grief-stricken heart can offer. But one fraught night changes everything, with consequences neither Dakota nor Max anticipated. Now they must navigate the rough waters of society gossip and devastating secrets that threaten their fragile relationship. If they can trust in the strength of their growing feelings, they’ll find that the dreams they’ve been chasing are close enough to embrace . . . together.
I must say this was a good book. I loved Dakota except she lets people walk all over her. Piper - what can I say about this woman, other than she's crazy, self-centered and the mother (if you can call her that, I just call her the breeder of Dakota) she was that loathsome!!! And yes it gets worse as it goes on! She has a sister, Dakota's aunt who is an evil, conniving, blood-sucking parasite. Is that a little harsh? Does that sound like I'm a little bitter and wanted to at times slam my kindle into the wall or run it over with my Corolla? Why yes, yes it does. The whole family hated Dakota because she was illegitimate and she kept going back...Why? I would have been like...Peace - out and given the finger but not Dakota. They never let her forget her illegitimacy and threw it up in her face every chance they got and I have to say if it had been me - I would have not taken the high road and sticks and stones route.
Her breeder mom was a lush and a slut who slept with anything with 2 legs or is it 3 legs? :P She would constantly describe the details of her exploits to Dakota, like that girl wanted to hear that trash!! I say "Girl, run and stay away lest you get fleas and rabies!!" All her life she wanted a dad and she finds out that her blood-sucking stench of a mother has been lying to her (big shock...NOT.) She knew who the man was that got her pregnant. So, Dakota finds out his name and goes to look for him.
They live in a super rich neighborhood where Dakota runs a concierge business called Premier Service and if her clients wanted something - she provided it. From cleaning houses to buying food, booze, ice cream for kids - you name it and she got it. All her families she provided for loved her.
Her uncle goes and sells her grandparents mansion to a man named Max Carr and he hires Dakota to stock, remodel and furnish it for him. He looks at her and she looks at him and BAM...it's on!! Max though is a hard guy and no nonsense. He's all about work and money, money and work. Throw some sexy, sexy, sexy in there and that's Max!! Max...Oh Max!! Max blamed himself for his twin sisters death since he was 18 years old and his mom's death a year later because his Dad told him he was the reason they were both dead...What is it with these horrible parents?? Max, of course leaves home brokenhearted and becomes a cold-hearted man - not feeling anything until meeting Dakota. She teaches him to surf and they form a kind of friendship - then the sex happens lol!!
The cast of people you come to love in this book that I thought were standout - Hendrick!! The gay Psychiatrist was just a sweetie - I wish there was more about him. He was a father figure to Dakota that she met when she was in middle school. He gave her her first job watering his plants, raking his leaves and a friendship was born. He also bought her the first surfboard she ever had! I love Hendrick and I think we all need a little bit of a Hendrick in our lives. Her friends, Alex, Gen and their kids - Which as a side note can be found in the story "In Your Eyes."
I'm not big on sex scenes and I think the Lords name could have been avoided and not been in there but the majority of books today throw that in there constantly so comparing it to other books - it wasn't OTT. I could have knocked stars off for that but I don't believe in doing that just because a book has that. If so, every book would have 1 star!!
*****Spoiler Alert*****
I had a really hard time believing at one point the ending. If you are in labor, HARD LABOR - You don't go for a stroll along the beach while you're water is breaking and you just keep strolling!!!! Honey child, you are screaming "Where are the drugs and drive to the hospital NOW!!!!"
Overall, I thought this was a worthwhile read and would read it again but skip over the mom parts cause she sucks life out of people!
I was given a copy of this ARC from the publisher on Netgalley for a honest review. All of the above comments are my express opinions and no one else's.
October 7, 2018
4/5; 4 stars; A-
I really enjoyed this contemporary romance with two main character who, although damaged by their family baggage, manage to work through it like adults and find a HEA.
I really enjoyed this contemporary romance with two main character who, although damaged by their family baggage, manage to work through it like adults and find a HEA.
March 28, 2017
Absolutely amazing!!!! Dakota is one heck of a woman! So strong and level headed . She is determined to ignore her families less than stellar opinions and attitudes. She has made her own way and strives to continue to grow not only in business but in life as well.
Max well he is just dreamy. While he does have wealth on his side and he does strive to make more money , he is very down to earth.
I loved seeing parts of their separate lives as well as theor journey together. This was such a sweet story. While I did find it sweet it is also steamy , has a dash of scandal, and a whole lot of greatness.
Max well he is just dreamy. While he does have wealth on his side and he does strive to make more money , he is very down to earth.
I loved seeing parts of their separate lives as well as theor journey together. This was such a sweet story. While I did find it sweet it is also steamy , has a dash of scandal, and a whole lot of greatness.
March 8, 2017
Just couldn't put down good!!! You'll be drawn in by the richness of the characters of whom you'll love or love to hate. Life in the Hamptons is business for Dakota. She has made a job pleasing people and she's great at it. Max buys her "family" estate because uncle Elliot needed the money. Far from being upset, Dakota has no good memories of the place and agrees to help renovate the place. Quickly Max and Dakota hit it off. Neither seem to be anxious for more. She teaches him to surf.
As a reader this book has a good pace and lots of emotion. Character development is strong as you are sure Dakota is a saint to put with her family. Friends are blessed for Dakota and give her escape from her family with fierce loyalty. Max, however has a big secret with his family and it affects their relationship throughout.
Many thanks to NetGalley for ARC in exchange for honest review. This is a book of the year for me thus far!!!
As a reader this book has a good pace and lots of emotion. Character development is strong as you are sure Dakota is a saint to put with her family. Friends are blessed for Dakota and give her escape from her family with fierce loyalty. Max, however has a big secret with his family and it affects their relationship throughout.
Many thanks to NetGalley for ARC in exchange for honest review. This is a book of the year for me thus far!!!
March 29, 2017
I had the pleasure of reading this book early, and have been excited for readers to get their hands on it ever since. Laura Moore already has a string of wonderful romance novels to her credit, but this pivot towards something with strong women's fiction undertones really showcases her talent for writing compelling characters and a wonderful story.
Initially, you'll be drawn in by the fantastic setting (the Hamptons), which the author describes in such vivid detail, you'll need flip-flops and sunscreen. Then we get to know Dakota Hale, her dysfunctional upper-crust family, and her unhealthy relationship with her mother, Piper. This sets the stage for Dakota's relatable and significant internal and external obstacles to letting herself fall for and trust in the hero, Max.
I don't like to give spoilers, so I don't want to say too much about the twists and turns that bring Max and Dakota together, separate them, bring them back, and then separate them again! What I can promise is that these two are well-matched in their grit, work ethic, and scars. Both are strong, competent adults, which makes you root for them to overcome all the barriers that threaten to destroy their relationship and rejoice in the ultimate resolution.
In addition to the romance, you will be treated to a host of memorable, multi-dimensional, quirky, dynamic characters (family and friends). By the end of the story, you will wish you could spend more time with this couple and their friends at the beach.
Initially, you'll be drawn in by the fantastic setting (the Hamptons), which the author describes in such vivid detail, you'll need flip-flops and sunscreen. Then we get to know Dakota Hale, her dysfunctional upper-crust family, and her unhealthy relationship with her mother, Piper. This sets the stage for Dakota's relatable and significant internal and external obstacles to letting herself fall for and trust in the hero, Max.
I don't like to give spoilers, so I don't want to say too much about the twists and turns that bring Max and Dakota together, separate them, bring them back, and then separate them again! What I can promise is that these two are well-matched in their grit, work ethic, and scars. Both are strong, competent adults, which makes you root for them to overcome all the barriers that threaten to destroy their relationship and rejoice in the ultimate resolution.
In addition to the romance, you will be treated to a host of memorable, multi-dimensional, quirky, dynamic characters (family and friends). By the end of the story, you will wish you could spend more time with this couple and their friends at the beach.
October 14, 2019
Chouette romance contemporaine dans la lignée de Kristan Higgins ou Sarah Morgan. L'histoire est sympathique et j'ai beaucoup aimé les personnages. J'ai apprécié qu'ils soient capables de communiquer, de reconnaître leurs erreurs, de résoudre rapidement les quelques malentendus car ils se font confiance. Je lirai bien volontiers la suite s'il y en a une (avec Lauren et l'ami d'enfance devenu acteur ?).
January 21, 2017
Received a digital ARC from Edelweiss. Loved the fact that characters from some of her first books are part of this one.
April 17, 2017
Adored this one! I love this authors writing style and the way she weaves a wonderful romance that feels real and genuine. No insta-love, low angst. Just a nice easy slow build where you really get to know the characters. Dakota is hard working and determined and while Max seems to get everything easily he's just as determined and what he wants right now is Dakota. Convincing her to give him a chance is something he will most definitely have to work hard at!
A great story and one that should be on the must read list. I highly recommend it.
A great story and one that should be on the must read list. I highly recommend it.
July 24, 2017
Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 4.5/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 5/5
Characterisation: 4.5/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 5/5
March 10, 2017
I love novels about women that are able to finally stand up to their imprudent relatives, after years of being walked all over and treated like they do not matter. Making Waves by Laura Moore is all about Dakota Hale, a strong young woman that goes after what she wants with an honest resourcefulness. This sweet and hot love story takes place in one of the wealthiest areas of America, the Hamptons.
Dakota owns a successful concierge service. She takes care of many households and most of her very wealthy clients appreciate her honesty, good taste, and quick response time. She has a few very good friends and when she needs some time to unwind, she surfs. Her mother is a rich socialite, that never learned how to mother or nurture. Dakota's newest client is Max Carr, an investment strategist. Max is worth millions, due to his unfailing business acumen. Dakota and Max's sexual chemistry is instantaneous, and due to circumstances beyond their control, their casual affair becomes a full blown relationship.
This is a well-written love story with an engaging plot and well-defined characters. I found Dakota and Max to be intelligent and real, and I loved the way Ms. Moore developed them both as individuals and as a couple. Their time together was replete with warmth and lustful attraction. A few of the secondary characters were quite manipulative, which brought an additional intensity to the story-line. Overall, this is an exciting and slightly emotional read that twists and turns in all the right places.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Dakota owns a successful concierge service. She takes care of many households and most of her very wealthy clients appreciate her honesty, good taste, and quick response time. She has a few very good friends and when she needs some time to unwind, she surfs. Her mother is a rich socialite, that never learned how to mother or nurture. Dakota's newest client is Max Carr, an investment strategist. Max is worth millions, due to his unfailing business acumen. Dakota and Max's sexual chemistry is instantaneous, and due to circumstances beyond their control, their casual affair becomes a full blown relationship.
This is a well-written love story with an engaging plot and well-defined characters. I found Dakota and Max to be intelligent and real, and I loved the way Ms. Moore developed them both as individuals and as a couple. Their time together was replete with warmth and lustful attraction. A few of the secondary characters were quite manipulative, which brought an additional intensity to the story-line. Overall, this is an exciting and slightly emotional read that twists and turns in all the right places.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
February 27, 2017
OHMAHGAWD...
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. I absolutely LOVED this book.
I say this for every book by this author but hot diggity...she gets better every single book.
Laura Moore has a way...her books grab you by the heart and don't let go. AND this one...
She hit it out of the park. The characters, the love story....oh the love story. Dakota & Max are going to stay with me for a long time. I can't wait for more.
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. I absolutely LOVED this book.
I say this for every book by this author but hot diggity...she gets better every single book.
Laura Moore has a way...her books grab you by the heart and don't let go. AND this one...
She hit it out of the park. The characters, the love story....oh the love story. Dakota & Max are going to stay with me for a long time. I can't wait for more.
March 28, 2017
*** ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review ***
Making Waves by Laura Moore is a wonderful contemporary romance full of love and desire. My first time reading a Laura Moore novel and if another book comes around for her, it won’t be my last.
Dakota Hale owns Premier Service in the East Hamptons. She caters to the rich from cleaning homes to stocking their fridges. Brought up in a family where she is an outcast due to her mother’s “having a baby out of wedlock” she still assumes the role of dutiful daughter and takes care of Piper. When Piper, her mother’s family home, WindHaven, is sold by her uncle, Dakota’s service is asked to take part in helping the new owner re establish the estate. By taking the job with Max Carr, new owner of WindHaven, her family’s feathers are ruffled… not in a good way.
Max Carr just bought the old WindHaven estate thinking he will just spruce it up and it would be home to deal business on the weekend. Max has some deep sores that he has tried to bury; losing his twin sister in a car accident and then a year later his mother passing causing a riff with his father. He feels like he is the black hole of the abyss. He strives to be the best Wall Street businessman making those millions and keeping his emotions in check. However, meeting Dakota Hale has changed his plans. Dakota challenges him, doesn’t fawn over him like other women… she is breath of fresh air.
When a lustful encounter between the two spark a relationship, causing said encounter to Dakota to become pregnant, Max decides the best practical solution is to wed. The two become closer than ever and slowly learn more about one another. Dakota opens Max up emotionally, which he hates to admit. Her family is causing drama in the small town of East Hampton for her and her business and back in the city, business associates are challenging Max on accounts making him question his work ethics. Love remains for both and soon enough love it what holds them together in the end.
Absolutely loved Making Waves. Dakota is a strong independent woman with a good head on her shoulders even though she was raised by a woman who is very selfish. To see a character fall in love to a wealthy man who can fall to a woman in return is so heartwarming and sincere. Definitely liked how Max took the reins when he found out about the pregnancy. Of course there was angst, but in the end love shown through. Ms. Moore’s writing was eloquent and smooth. Flowed nicely into each Dakota & Max’s POV.
Making Waves by Laura Moore is a wonderful contemporary romance full of love and desire. My first time reading a Laura Moore novel and if another book comes around for her, it won’t be my last.
Dakota Hale owns Premier Service in the East Hamptons. She caters to the rich from cleaning homes to stocking their fridges. Brought up in a family where she is an outcast due to her mother’s “having a baby out of wedlock” she still assumes the role of dutiful daughter and takes care of Piper. When Piper, her mother’s family home, WindHaven, is sold by her uncle, Dakota’s service is asked to take part in helping the new owner re establish the estate. By taking the job with Max Carr, new owner of WindHaven, her family’s feathers are ruffled… not in a good way.
Max Carr just bought the old WindHaven estate thinking he will just spruce it up and it would be home to deal business on the weekend. Max has some deep sores that he has tried to bury; losing his twin sister in a car accident and then a year later his mother passing causing a riff with his father. He feels like he is the black hole of the abyss. He strives to be the best Wall Street businessman making those millions and keeping his emotions in check. However, meeting Dakota Hale has changed his plans. Dakota challenges him, doesn’t fawn over him like other women… she is breath of fresh air.
When a lustful encounter between the two spark a relationship, causing said encounter to Dakota to become pregnant, Max decides the best practical solution is to wed. The two become closer than ever and slowly learn more about one another. Dakota opens Max up emotionally, which he hates to admit. Her family is causing drama in the small town of East Hampton for her and her business and back in the city, business associates are challenging Max on accounts making him question his work ethics. Love remains for both and soon enough love it what holds them together in the end.
Absolutely loved Making Waves. Dakota is a strong independent woman with a good head on her shoulders even though she was raised by a woman who is very selfish. To see a character fall in love to a wealthy man who can fall to a woman in return is so heartwarming and sincere. Definitely liked how Max took the reins when he found out about the pregnancy. Of course there was angst, but in the end love shown through. Ms. Moore’s writing was eloquent and smooth. Flowed nicely into each Dakota & Max’s POV.
April 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this book by Laura Moore. Although to be honest, I wasn’t sure when I started reading it. The beginning is confusing and disconcerting because it just starts. It only takes a little bit for things to be explained and for the story to come together. After that, it moves quickly and with coherence. So don’t be put off by the beginning.
Dakota Hale runs her own concierge service in the Hamptons. She has made her own living despite having wealthy relatives. Dakota’s family is shocked when the ancestral home is sold and then Dakota goes to work for the man who bought it. She is shocked by her immediate attraction to the new owner.
Max Carr has worked hard for his money. He works for a private equity firm in New York City and is quite successful. Buying an estate in the Hamptons seems like not only a good investment, but also a great place to entertain clients. Finding the right person to help him decorate his new home is a task on his to-do list. Keeping his attraction to the woman he hires under wraps is challenging.
Dakota and Max find themselves in an interesting position. Max may be Dakota’s client, but she has never been as attracted to someone before. Dakota intrigues Max who has run his whole romantic life on the principle of not getting involved. He makes a practice of not giving his heart or making any commitments. Both of these people have issues with their family and trust. In order for a relationship to work, they must learn to trust each other.
I like the way the relationship develops between Max and Dakota. They do not solve all their problems over night nor do things move along at an alarmingly quick rate. They both have work to do on themselves.
Ms. Moore does add in some predicable elements. There are also some things that are not so predictable and the ending wraps everything up nicely. I am being intentionally vague so as to not give anything away. I don’t want to spoil the story for future readers.
Dakota Hale runs her own concierge service in the Hamptons. She has made her own living despite having wealthy relatives. Dakota’s family is shocked when the ancestral home is sold and then Dakota goes to work for the man who bought it. She is shocked by her immediate attraction to the new owner.
Max Carr has worked hard for his money. He works for a private equity firm in New York City and is quite successful. Buying an estate in the Hamptons seems like not only a good investment, but also a great place to entertain clients. Finding the right person to help him decorate his new home is a task on his to-do list. Keeping his attraction to the woman he hires under wraps is challenging.
Dakota and Max find themselves in an interesting position. Max may be Dakota’s client, but she has never been as attracted to someone before. Dakota intrigues Max who has run his whole romantic life on the principle of not getting involved. He makes a practice of not giving his heart or making any commitments. Both of these people have issues with their family and trust. In order for a relationship to work, they must learn to trust each other.
I like the way the relationship develops between Max and Dakota. They do not solve all their problems over night nor do things move along at an alarmingly quick rate. They both have work to do on themselves.
Ms. Moore does add in some predicable elements. There are also some things that are not so predictable and the ending wraps everything up nicely. I am being intentionally vague so as to not give anything away. I don’t want to spoil the story for future readers.
March 26, 2017
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3 1/2
Dakota Hale has always known what it was like to be an outsider. From a birth she was an outcast in her family. But that didn’t stop her from becoming an wonderful person that has made her own success.
Max Carr is your Wall Street guy who only thinks about the next deal, the next dollar and the next adventure. He is pretty much a self absorbed rich guy. But buying Windhaven is about to change his life in ways he never could imagine.
Making Waves was a good read. I have enjoyed Ms. Moore’s books in the past so of course when I saw she was starting a new series I knew I needed to read. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. I would really like to see Piper and Mimi suffer more in future books.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3 1/2
Dakota Hale has always known what it was like to be an outsider. From a birth she was an outcast in her family. But that didn’t stop her from becoming an wonderful person that has made her own success.
Max Carr is your Wall Street guy who only thinks about the next deal, the next dollar and the next adventure. He is pretty much a self absorbed rich guy. But buying Windhaven is about to change his life in ways he never could imagine.
Making Waves was a good read. I have enjoyed Ms. Moore’s books in the past so of course when I saw she was starting a new series I knew I needed to read. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. I would really like to see Piper and Mimi suffer more in future books.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
April 26, 2017
4.5 stars
Making Waves by Laura Moore was a great read.
Review to follow :)
Making Waves by Laura Moore was a great read.
Review to follow :)
April 5, 2017
MAKING WAVES by Laura Moore was my first read by this author, I enjoyed this book but it didn't knock my socks off.
I found the story in the first three quarters of this book to be very slow and no parts that were fast paced enough to make me want to flip the pages faster, but then at about 75% the story really took off and found myself reading faster and faster.
The best part of this book was the character development and the relationship that develops between Max and Dakota, this is what made me keep reading the book and not giving up on it. The author is able to make you feel for Dakota with what her family does to her (her mother is the mother of all mothers and deserves an award for how awful she is), and Max how can you not want him, he is a rich and sexy man (what more could a women ask for?)
Dakota is a successful women running her own business and other than her "mother" and her other relatives she has no real issues with life, other than no love life, in walks Max (who buys her grandparents house) and spins her love life on its tail.
I would give MAKING WAVES 3/5 stars
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha
I found the story in the first three quarters of this book to be very slow and no parts that were fast paced enough to make me want to flip the pages faster, but then at about 75% the story really took off and found myself reading faster and faster.
The best part of this book was the character development and the relationship that develops between Max and Dakota, this is what made me keep reading the book and not giving up on it. The author is able to make you feel for Dakota with what her family does to her (her mother is the mother of all mothers and deserves an award for how awful she is), and Max how can you not want him, he is a rich and sexy man (what more could a women ask for?)
Dakota is a successful women running her own business and other than her "mother" and her other relatives she has no real issues with life, other than no love life, in walks Max (who buys her grandparents house) and spins her love life on its tail.
I would give MAKING WAVES 3/5 stars
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha
March 22, 2017
Two people that have bad experiences with their family and heartache. Dakota finds comfort in helping people and max was a person that didnt want to help anyone just make his money build his business till the two met then something happened that brought them together. Through friends and their own determination to try to make things work they go through a lot alone and together.
May 12, 2017
If you’re looking for something with a bit more than romance; look no further than MAKING WAVES. This book was the perfect mix of woman’s fiction and romance. Laura Moore has been a favorite author of mine for years, writing complex family drama, intriguing main characters with quirky secondary characters, and as one reviewer put it, a few rotten apples. Not only does Laura Moore write great characters, fun and compelling dialogue, but her ability to describe a setting will whisk you away to the windswept shores of the Hamptons by the end of the first chapter.
Highly recommend this book.
Highly recommend this book.
May 1, 2017
"Making Waves" another wonderful romance from Ms Moore, with engrossing primary characters and supporting characters.
Dakota Hale,,illegitimate daughter of a Hampton.'s socialite Piper Hale is a warm , beautiful, intelligent women the total antithesis of her cold, self absorbed mother. Being raised by such a women and her equally snobbish extended family , Dakota is the exact opposite , she runs fairly successful conceirge service and has many freinds and is well respected so it is to surprising that when her uncle sells the families Hampton home Windhaven to a successful private equity manager and freind of her freinds and clients the Millers that she is recommended to Max Carr as the conceirge service to use.
Max Carr has made millions with Summitt development and being groomed to take over as CEO , handsome, successful playboy bachelor m views Windhaven as another tool that is in his belt, a space to entertain for business and a quick getaway from Manhattan.
Max sets an appointment to meet with Dakota, unsure of hiring someone from the family whom previously owned Windhaven, until meeting Dakota, stunned by her beauty and was wowed by her business sense , he hires her on the spot, the only problem , he is extremely attracted to her .
Max is used to never having to chase women . Dakota is different , Max is going to have to chase Dakota even though their is obvious chemistry. Both of them carry baggage around from their childhood making this budding relationship a challenge , but one they both soon learn worth the effort and the growth required.
Such a great story and difficult to put down .
Arc copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Dakota Hale,,illegitimate daughter of a Hampton.'s socialite Piper Hale is a warm , beautiful, intelligent women the total antithesis of her cold, self absorbed mother. Being raised by such a women and her equally snobbish extended family , Dakota is the exact opposite , she runs fairly successful conceirge service and has many freinds and is well respected so it is to surprising that when her uncle sells the families Hampton home Windhaven to a successful private equity manager and freind of her freinds and clients the Millers that she is recommended to Max Carr as the conceirge service to use.
Max Carr has made millions with Summitt development and being groomed to take over as CEO , handsome, successful playboy bachelor m views Windhaven as another tool that is in his belt, a space to entertain for business and a quick getaway from Manhattan.
Max sets an appointment to meet with Dakota, unsure of hiring someone from the family whom previously owned Windhaven, until meeting Dakota, stunned by her beauty and was wowed by her business sense , he hires her on the spot, the only problem , he is extremely attracted to her .
Max is used to never having to chase women . Dakota is different , Max is going to have to chase Dakota even though their is obvious chemistry. Both of them carry baggage around from their childhood making this budding relationship a challenge , but one they both soon learn worth the effort and the growth required.
Such a great story and difficult to put down .
Arc copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 23, 2019
***A complimentary copy of this read was furnished by Ballentine Books through NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review***
Both born into and rejected simultaneously by the old guard of the Hamptons elite, Dakota Hale carved a successful business as a personal concierge. Dakota's unbelievably self involved mother is indifferent at best as she denies Dakota the one thing she craves.
Wall Street wonder Max Carr was driven, successful, handsome, single, sexy and he was a target. A giant bullseye for blackmail of the women he left behind and an unscrupulous former mentee. Outcast from his family most people don't understand what drives Max.
Both Max and Dakota become an even bigger anathema to Hampton's power center when Max buys Dakota's historical family homestead and hires Dakota as his concierge. Complication double and animosity triples when Max and Dakota decide to become a couple. The stakes are raised even higher when what they've built in the Hampton's sand threatens to go out with the tide.
This fast paced read with fairly nice, likeable leads was engagingly written and pleasant on its face. However, an unfortunately thin plot padded by far too many petty self-involved secondary characters with too much ink detracted from the soft, heartwarming romance. Foundations for a new series are tricky at best and while not truly on board with the series, I am on board with a fairly new to me author.
Rating:3.75stars
Both born into and rejected simultaneously by the old guard of the Hamptons elite, Dakota Hale carved a successful business as a personal concierge. Dakota's unbelievably self involved mother is indifferent at best as she denies Dakota the one thing she craves.
Wall Street wonder Max Carr was driven, successful, handsome, single, sexy and he was a target. A giant bullseye for blackmail of the women he left behind and an unscrupulous former mentee. Outcast from his family most people don't understand what drives Max.
Both Max and Dakota become an even bigger anathema to Hampton's power center when Max buys Dakota's historical family homestead and hires Dakota as his concierge. Complication double and animosity triples when Max and Dakota decide to become a couple. The stakes are raised even higher when what they've built in the Hampton's sand threatens to go out with the tide.
This fast paced read with fairly nice, likeable leads was engagingly written and pleasant on its face. However, an unfortunately thin plot padded by far too many petty self-involved secondary characters with too much ink detracted from the soft, heartwarming romance. Foundations for a new series are tricky at best and while not truly on board with the series, I am on board with a fairly new to me author.
Rating:3.75stars
February 12, 2017
I liked this book its the first i have read by Laura and i will be checking her others out.It was a good story with interesting characters though i did not like most of them and i found myself shouting at the book and wanting Dekota to stop being such a doormat.Overall a good read and i would recommend it.
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