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Hope Island #2
Summer at Buttercup Beach
This summer everything is about to change on Hope Island. The sand is warm, the sea is sparkling and a second chance for romance is in the air...
For two years Freya Greene has hidden the fact that she’s totally and utterly in love with her best friend Rome Lancaster. It’s not been easy – they work together in his glasswork business, she lives above his workshop and, he’s completely gorgeous. But Rome has never shown any sign of returning those feelings. Until now...
Lately they’ve shared affectionate moments and words heavy with meaning. Yet Freya knows Rome has a damaged heart. After losing his fiancée in a tragic accident, he’s not allowed himself to fall in love.
Freya has already had her heart broken by a man who couldn’t let go of a past love. Can she risk it happening again? Rome and Freya have a friendship that could blossom into something more. Are they both brave enough to take that chance?
Fall in love on Hope Island with the perfect romantic story to escape into this summer. For fans of Miranda Dickinson, Sue Moorcroft and Jenny Oliver.
For two years Freya Greene has hidden the fact that she’s totally and utterly in love with her best friend Rome Lancaster. It’s not been easy – they work together in his glasswork business, she lives above his workshop and, he’s completely gorgeous. But Rome has never shown any sign of returning those feelings. Until now...
Lately they’ve shared affectionate moments and words heavy with meaning. Yet Freya knows Rome has a damaged heart. After losing his fiancée in a tragic accident, he’s not allowed himself to fall in love.
Freya has already had her heart broken by a man who couldn’t let go of a past love. Can she risk it happening again? Rome and Freya have a friendship that could blossom into something more. Are they both brave enough to take that chance?
Fall in love on Hope Island with the perfect romantic story to escape into this summer. For fans of Miranda Dickinson, Sue Moorcroft and Jenny Oliver.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2017
645 people are currently reading
1447 people want to read
About the author
Holly Martin
57 books1,536 followersHolly lives in a little white cottage by the sea. She studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of her colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years’ service was the moment when she knew she had to escape. She quit her job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, she emerged wide eyed and terrified that she now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. She taught for four years and then escaped the classroom to teach history workshops, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. But the long journeys around the UK and many hours sat on the M25 gave her a lot of time to plan out her stories and she now writes full time, doing what she loves.
Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.
Follow her on Twitter @HollyMAuthor
Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.
Follow her on Twitter @HollyMAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
June 16, 2017
Holly Martin whisks us back to Hope Island for Summer at Buttercup Beach and, if you read
Spring at Blueberry Bay
, you'll have already met Rome and Freya: best-friends, co-workers and a couple whose feelings for one another are running slightly deeper than either realises.
I love a man who's an unexpected romantic and Rome is most certainly that. This is a man who lost his first love in tragic circumstances and refuses to let himself fall in love again, but when he catches a certain look from Freya, who herself has been badly hurt and has done her best to hide the fact that she has fallen in love again, the game changes.
"...you saved me when I was at my lowest, every day was a struggle but you, you made me smile again."
You can't beat a good dose of wooing in my book and Rome woos with the best of them, yet at the same time he holds back a little down to his fear of history repeating itself. And whilst I liked Freya for her honesty and willingness to put her heart on the line, at the same she frustrated with her assumptions. But you simply can't not root for this couple because they do have a wonderful relationship, and as they venture across the friendship line, the temperature starts to rapidly rise.
"You make it sound like there would be more than one cuddle?"
"I’m hoping there would be multiple cuddles."
Without saying too much, I felt certain aspects were drawn out a little, however that didn't prevent me from devouring this in one sitting. But have to say though as much I adored Rome and Freya, and all the characters on Hope Island, the one who absolutely stole the show for me was Rome's dad, Finn. The man was nothing short of hilarious, quite innocently bringing the laughter with him wherever he went.
"...we had sex in the sea once and the condom just floated off."
Full of heart and heat, Holly Martin once again delivers on the happy-ever-after, and whilst Rome and Freya's journey finding love may have concluded, Eden and Dougie are waiting in the wings. I'm already rather taken by Dougie so can't wait to discover what Christmas at Mistletoe Cove will bring.
Copy received courtesy of Bookouture for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I love a man who's an unexpected romantic and Rome is most certainly that. This is a man who lost his first love in tragic circumstances and refuses to let himself fall in love again, but when he catches a certain look from Freya, who herself has been badly hurt and has done her best to hide the fact that she has fallen in love again, the game changes.
"...you saved me when I was at my lowest, every day was a struggle but you, you made me smile again."
You can't beat a good dose of wooing in my book and Rome woos with the best of them, yet at the same time he holds back a little down to his fear of history repeating itself. And whilst I liked Freya for her honesty and willingness to put her heart on the line, at the same she frustrated with her assumptions. But you simply can't not root for this couple because they do have a wonderful relationship, and as they venture across the friendship line, the temperature starts to rapidly rise.
"You make it sound like there would be more than one cuddle?"
"I’m hoping there would be multiple cuddles."
Without saying too much, I felt certain aspects were drawn out a little, however that didn't prevent me from devouring this in one sitting. But have to say though as much I adored Rome and Freya, and all the characters on Hope Island, the one who absolutely stole the show for me was Rome's dad, Finn. The man was nothing short of hilarious, quite innocently bringing the laughter with him wherever he went.
"...we had sex in the sea once and the condom just floated off."
Full of heart and heat, Holly Martin once again delivers on the happy-ever-after, and whilst Rome and Freya's journey finding love may have concluded, Eden and Dougie are waiting in the wings. I'm already rather taken by Dougie so can't wait to discover what Christmas at Mistletoe Cove will bring.
Copy received courtesy of Bookouture for an honest and unbiased opinion.
June 21, 2017
3.5 - "Seize the day!" Stars!
We return to Hope Island for the second book in Holly Martin’s series of the same name.
Rome Lancaster and Freya Greene figured quite a bit in the first book being best friends, as well as co-workers, it took about two paragraphs of them together in Spring at Blueberry Bay to work out as a reader that they both unwittingly see the other as more than those terms. Although one a little more willingly than the other it has to be said.
He was with his best friend and it couldn’t get more perfect than that.
Rome is your usual man about town, having been burnt by love in the past he tends to keep his interactions with women quick and commitment free. Freya came to the island for similar reasons and literally stumbled into her home and job with him. Both are shy of taking their relationship to the next level, but neither can deny that their feelings are not just of a friendly nature anymore.
"Sex wouldn’t ruin us, it would complete us."
Although another easy read from the author, I didn’t fall in love with Rome and Freya’s story as much as I did Bella and Isaac's in the previous book. The drama is a little heavier in their story, but more due to lack of communication and drawing the wrong conclusions, and although understandable in parts a lot of it just felt over the top and a little immature, for two supposed adults.
That-said I didn’t struggle with the story at all, I just wish the author had pulled the angst back a bit as some of it just felt a little unnecessary. On the plus, the sexy times were emotive and diverse, and there are parts of the story with Rome's father where I was literally crying from laughing so hard.
"Some things can’t be fixed."
If you are looking for an easy summer read, both books in this series are definitely worth a few hours of your time, and cannot wait for Eden and Dougie’s book; Christmas at Mistletoe Cove is definitely eagerly anticipated by this reader.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
We return to Hope Island for the second book in Holly Martin’s series of the same name.
Rome Lancaster and Freya Greene figured quite a bit in the first book being best friends, as well as co-workers, it took about two paragraphs of them together in Spring at Blueberry Bay to work out as a reader that they both unwittingly see the other as more than those terms. Although one a little more willingly than the other it has to be said.
He was with his best friend and it couldn’t get more perfect than that.
Rome is your usual man about town, having been burnt by love in the past he tends to keep his interactions with women quick and commitment free. Freya came to the island for similar reasons and literally stumbled into her home and job with him. Both are shy of taking their relationship to the next level, but neither can deny that their feelings are not just of a friendly nature anymore.
"Sex wouldn’t ruin us, it would complete us."
Although another easy read from the author, I didn’t fall in love with Rome and Freya’s story as much as I did Bella and Isaac's in the previous book. The drama is a little heavier in their story, but more due to lack of communication and drawing the wrong conclusions, and although understandable in parts a lot of it just felt over the top and a little immature, for two supposed adults.
That-said I didn’t struggle with the story at all, I just wish the author had pulled the angst back a bit as some of it just felt a little unnecessary. On the plus, the sexy times were emotive and diverse, and there are parts of the story with Rome's father where I was literally crying from laughing so hard.
"Some things can’t be fixed."
If you are looking for an easy summer read, both books in this series are definitely worth a few hours of your time, and cannot wait for Eden and Dougie’s book; Christmas at Mistletoe Cove is definitely eagerly anticipated by this reader.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
June 12, 2017
Release Date: June 30, 2017
Genre: Chick Lit
Summer at Buttercup Beach is the latest novel from one of my favorite chick lit authors, Holly Martin. Readers will be swept away by this friends to lovers romp and fall head over heels with Buttercup Beach. This is the type of place where we readers can imagine ourselves vacationing in, and possibly even wanting to live. If you have read Spring at Blueberry Bay (one of my favorites of the year) then you may remember Freya and Rome who were secondary characters. Those two are actually the couple that I wanted to see played out in their own book and this is for them! So to say I was excited to read this one would be an understatement. And alas, I wasn't disappointed!
Summer at Buttercup Beach has the perfect amount of romance to make readers swoon. So even if your not a chick lit reader then I would strongly suggest giving this one a try. It has everything that fans of both chick lit and romance would want! Now I am even more excited to see where the author takes us next. I have high hopes for a certain couple... I won't name any names quite yet.
Genre: Chick Lit
Summer at Buttercup Beach is the latest novel from one of my favorite chick lit authors, Holly Martin. Readers will be swept away by this friends to lovers romp and fall head over heels with Buttercup Beach. This is the type of place where we readers can imagine ourselves vacationing in, and possibly even wanting to live. If you have read Spring at Blueberry Bay (one of my favorites of the year) then you may remember Freya and Rome who were secondary characters. Those two are actually the couple that I wanted to see played out in their own book and this is for them! So to say I was excited to read this one would be an understatement. And alas, I wasn't disappointed!
Summer at Buttercup Beach has the perfect amount of romance to make readers swoon. So even if your not a chick lit reader then I would strongly suggest giving this one a try. It has everything that fans of both chick lit and romance would want! Now I am even more excited to see where the author takes us next. I have high hopes for a certain couple... I won't name any names quite yet.
September 19, 2017
It’s the second book in the Hope Island series and it focuses on Rome and Freya. Rome owns a stained glass business and Freya works alongside him. Freya came to the island after a bad break up and has stayed ever since. She has a great circle of friends, a good job, but unfortunately she has a crush on her boss Rome. Years after the accident with his fiancee he is still not ready to love again or at least that’s what he thought until he met Freya. Can they find a way to love together?
It’s a great summery book, perfect to read at the beach. I very much enjoyed the setting and the small town closeness as well the characters of course. I like how each book can be read as a standalone, but there’s enough background to the other characters lives and happenings, so it’s a great to get to know the new main couple as well as to hear about the other characters who were in the first book and will be in the next. As this was the perfect summer read, the next book in the series will be the perfect winter/Christmas story.
It’s a great summery book, perfect to read at the beach. I very much enjoyed the setting and the small town closeness as well the characters of course. I like how each book can be read as a standalone, but there’s enough background to the other characters lives and happenings, so it’s a great to get to know the new main couple as well as to hear about the other characters who were in the first book and will be in the next. As this was the perfect summer read, the next book in the series will be the perfect winter/Christmas story.
July 5, 2017
I am a huge fan of Holly Martin's writing, her heart-warming and romantic love stories as well as the beautiful scenrey she creates in every book.
Unfortunately "Summer at Buttercup Beach" leaves me a bit disappointed. From the beginning I have been struggling with the characters. It's not that I didn't like them, Freya and Rome were sweet and loveable characters but throughout the book I got so annoyed with them. The love story was turning in circles, they were questioning each others feelings constantly and hardly believed what they were telling each other and making up stories. I do understand where both of them are coming from and they might have difficulties with their feelings as well as trust, but they were simply getting on my nerves.
Again I did enjoy the setting on Hope Island and the crafting Freya and Rome were doing. There were also several sweet moments and dates in their relationship but I wasn't as entertained as I was in the previous book.
Unfortunately "Summer at Buttercup Beach" leaves me a bit disappointed. From the beginning I have been struggling with the characters. It's not that I didn't like them, Freya and Rome were sweet and loveable characters but throughout the book I got so annoyed with them. The love story was turning in circles, they were questioning each others feelings constantly and hardly believed what they were telling each other and making up stories. I do understand where both of them are coming from and they might have difficulties with their feelings as well as trust, but they were simply getting on my nerves.
Again I did enjoy the setting on Hope Island and the crafting Freya and Rome were doing. There were also several sweet moments and dates in their relationship but I wasn't as entertained as I was in the previous book.
June 30, 2017
When I consider what I want from a great read, this story certainly ticks all the boxes!
☑ Great setting - Hope Island and Buttercup Beach
☑ Brilliant, easy to relate to characters
☑ Enthralling plot with plenty of twists and turns
☑ Highly talented author - well this is by Holly Martin, so that goes without saying - she’s superb!
☑ Loved reading it!
Anyone who has already read the first book set on this island, ‘Spring at Blueberry Bay’ will be familiar with many of the characters in this book, and it was great to catch up on what is happening in their lives. Having said that, I don’t think you need to have read that one to appreciate this - though it is also another brilliant read so I also recommend that one!
This one focusses on Rome Lancaster, a talented glassworker, who set up his business after the tragic death of his fiancée six years ago. He’d been in a bad place emotionally until the heartbroken Freya Greene came to the island after catching her now ex-fiancé being unfaithful; that was two years ago. She ended up staying on the island and working with Rome, becoming a skilled glassworker and helping expand the business by promoting its web based presence, including posting images of Rome working without his shirt on! The two are now best friends but she dreams of being more, acknowledging she’s in love with him. He, however, is unsure of his feelings and reticent to spoil their friendship by taking a chance on becoming more than friends. This is a “will they”/“won’t they” friends to lovers romance that keeps you guessing right to the end, with angst, turmoil and humour along the way!
I thoroughly enjoyed journeying via this story to Hope Island and visiting the people who live and love there. It is a heart warming tale of a small community where everyone knows everyone else and really cares about each other - though sometimes they’re rather nosey! I loved escaping into this page-turner and have absolutely no hesitation whatsoever in highly recommending this book (and all the others I’ve read by this amazing author)!
☑ Great setting - Hope Island and Buttercup Beach
☑ Brilliant, easy to relate to characters
☑ Enthralling plot with plenty of twists and turns
☑ Highly talented author - well this is by Holly Martin, so that goes without saying - she’s superb!
☑ Loved reading it!
Anyone who has already read the first book set on this island, ‘Spring at Blueberry Bay’ will be familiar with many of the characters in this book, and it was great to catch up on what is happening in their lives. Having said that, I don’t think you need to have read that one to appreciate this - though it is also another brilliant read so I also recommend that one!
This one focusses on Rome Lancaster, a talented glassworker, who set up his business after the tragic death of his fiancée six years ago. He’d been in a bad place emotionally until the heartbroken Freya Greene came to the island after catching her now ex-fiancé being unfaithful; that was two years ago. She ended up staying on the island and working with Rome, becoming a skilled glassworker and helping expand the business by promoting its web based presence, including posting images of Rome working without his shirt on! The two are now best friends but she dreams of being more, acknowledging she’s in love with him. He, however, is unsure of his feelings and reticent to spoil their friendship by taking a chance on becoming more than friends. This is a “will they”/“won’t they” friends to lovers romance that keeps you guessing right to the end, with angst, turmoil and humour along the way!
I thoroughly enjoyed journeying via this story to Hope Island and visiting the people who live and love there. It is a heart warming tale of a small community where everyone knows everyone else and really cares about each other - though sometimes they’re rather nosey! I loved escaping into this page-turner and have absolutely no hesitation whatsoever in highly recommending this book (and all the others I’ve read by this amazing author)!
March 11, 2019
The 2nd of 3 books set on Hope Island, I am loving this series! I'm a huge fan of seeing the same characters come out in various books and so it was lovely to also get a chance to check in on Isaac and Bella from the first novel (Spring at Blueberry Bay - also a 5* read).
The setting and characters are just so endearing, always aware of the outcome before you've finished the first chapter I still love these books and the stories are thoroughly entertaining. Onto the 3rd instalment!
The setting and characters are just so endearing, always aware of the outcome before you've finished the first chapter I still love these books and the stories are thoroughly entertaining. Onto the 3rd instalment!
December 29, 2020
This was not as good as its prequel, although I still enjoyed it. During the course of the book, it occurred to me that every single issue that Rome and Freya encountered was based off of Freya’s misunderstandings. It was almost comical how she couldn’t get out of her way, discuss issues with Rome like an adult, and and fly off the handle, threatening to leave several times. The character was childish and made me feel sad for Rome, who was trying to determine whether his love for her overrode his need to hold her as a dear friend. By the end of the book, I was so thoroughly annoyed with Freya (after an attempt to run away from her problems AGAIN) that the finale was lacking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2022
DMF
I have read books by Holly before, and have thoroughly enjoyed them; however, as soon as I started to read this book, I already knew what was coming and what to be expected.
I enjoyed spring at blueberry bay but I’m just not feeling this one. Maybe I’m just in a bad mood and can’t be bothered but I probably won’t finish this.
This is also not the authors fault. Just my opinion
I have read books by Holly before, and have thoroughly enjoyed them; however, as soon as I started to read this book, I already knew what was coming and what to be expected.
I enjoyed spring at blueberry bay but I’m just not feeling this one. Maybe I’m just in a bad mood and can’t be bothered but I probably won’t finish this.
This is also not the authors fault. Just my opinion
June 9, 2021
Lovely little will - they - won't - they, misunderstanding, unrequited love - or is it, romantic jaunt by the sea side.
Freya and Rome are best friends. They each secretly love each other, but are scared to reveal their true feelings for fear of scaring one another off and ruining their friendship.
There are a lot of cliche moments, there are a lot of eye rolling moments, but underneath all of that, there is a sweet love story. You'll want to bash both of their heads together for much of this book, but stick with it and you'll b be satisfied by the end.
Recommended as a quick, easy going read. Got me out of a slump. Well done HM, we can always count on you for a lovely lighthearted read.
Www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
Freya and Rome are best friends. They each secretly love each other, but are scared to reveal their true feelings for fear of scaring one another off and ruining their friendship.
There are a lot of cliche moments, there are a lot of eye rolling moments, but underneath all of that, there is a sweet love story. You'll want to bash both of their heads together for much of this book, but stick with it and you'll b be satisfied by the end.
Recommended as a quick, easy going read. Got me out of a slump. Well done HM, we can always count on you for a lovely lighthearted read.
Www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
October 2, 2024
Dit is inmiddels al het 8e boek dat ik lees van Holly Martin en nee, het verveelt nog absoluut niet. Holly weet altijd unieke setting te creëren in haar boek. De beeldende schrijfstijl is zo fijn dat ieder boek weer leest als een heerlijk sprookje. De boeken zijn perfect om lekker bij weg te zwijmelen en smaken steeds maar weer naar meer. Eind deze maand verschijnt deel 3 in deze serie, waar ik ook ontzettend benieuwd naar ben!
July 3, 2023
A cute little summer read which takes us back to Hope island for the second book in the series but this time it’s Freya as the main character who I loved in the first instalment but sadly I felt fell a little flat in this one. She was angry, rude and downright unlikeable in this one which I was so disappointed with. Even when she made headway with the love interest Roman she still moaned about pretty much everything he did or said 😒. As for Roman, he had the best intentions throughout the book but everything circled around his fiancé who sadly passed away 6 years ago and was only ever a long distance relationship over 18 months. Personally I found it unrealistic that a man would be unable to have a normal relationship 6 years on from this.
August 12, 2017
Return to Hope Island for the second story in this series. The first book saw Bella, the adopted sibling in the Lancaster family, find love in Isaac and now we read about Rome's story. Rome is the oldest sibling and came into a lot of money when his fiancee was killed in a roller coaster accident. He opened his own stained glass business and Freya Greene works with him. Freya showed up on Hope Island two years earlier after a disastrous breakup and has never left. She has found a home on the island, best friends with the Lancasters, a job with Rome and unfortunately for her, she has fallen in love with her boss. Rome is still afraid of love after the loss of Paige four years earlier, but sees Freya as his best friend. Can these two wounded souls realize that their love can heal them? Both Freya and Rome have feelings for one another but their fear of being hurt, their issues with communication about those feelings and the misunderstanding of each other's words and actions almost tears them apart and destroys their "best friend" status.
This was another easy read from Holly Martin and one that fit perfectly into a sunny summer day. Freya and Rome are extremely frustrating at times and the drama in their story is very high school like at times. The interference of the siblings, friends and townsfolk is to be expected in a small town and adds some humour to the story. There is one part of the story when Rome's father happens to stumble upon them on the beach that had tears in my eyes. When they finally get together there is a lot of sizzle. I love the characters in these books, they love each other and will do anything for each other. The small town atmosphere is nice, although the townsfolk are not in this book as much as the last. The only problem I have is having to wait for Eden's and Dougie's story when it comes out in December. I am looking forward to another visit to Hope Island. A great read for any romance lover. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
This was another easy read from Holly Martin and one that fit perfectly into a sunny summer day. Freya and Rome are extremely frustrating at times and the drama in their story is very high school like at times. The interference of the siblings, friends and townsfolk is to be expected in a small town and adds some humour to the story. There is one part of the story when Rome's father happens to stumble upon them on the beach that had tears in my eyes. When they finally get together there is a lot of sizzle. I love the characters in these books, they love each other and will do anything for each other. The small town atmosphere is nice, although the townsfolk are not in this book as much as the last. The only problem I have is having to wait for Eden's and Dougie's story when it comes out in December. I am looking forward to another visit to Hope Island. A great read for any romance lover. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
June 13, 2017
Everything you could want from a Holly Martin book, and more. It features an incredibly romantic man and a woman who knows what she wants, but isn't sure whether she will get it. There is plenty of advice from friends of the main characters, and just about everyone, other people on Hope Island, and the reader can see what Freya and Rome are meant to be together...however whether they will realise it before you run out of pages is another thing!
It really didn't take too long for my to start falling for Rome myself, he is gorgeous, unsure of what his feelings really mean but just seems to want to make Freya happy. He has had issues in the past, but is finally ready for something more meaningful than a one night stand.
What I really loved about Rome was his creativity, especially with Stained Glass, which he has taught Freya how to do too. I enjoyed reading about the various projects they were woking on, as well as Rome's inner geek!
I really enjoyed reading about Freya and Rome's friendship too, as well as catching up with Eden and Bella who we first meet in Spring at Blueberry Bay. This book can be read as a standalone as the main focal characters are different. I'm already looking forward to the third book in this series, as I am eager to find out what happens to Eden.
The writing style is like coming home to a good friend, warm and comforting..you know you are going to enjoy it, and it doesn't let you down. This is such a pleasurable story to read with plenty of will they-won't they moments, in addition to some lovely romantic gestures.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It really didn't take too long for my to start falling for Rome myself, he is gorgeous, unsure of what his feelings really mean but just seems to want to make Freya happy. He has had issues in the past, but is finally ready for something more meaningful than a one night stand.
What I really loved about Rome was his creativity, especially with Stained Glass, which he has taught Freya how to do too. I enjoyed reading about the various projects they were woking on, as well as Rome's inner geek!
I really enjoyed reading about Freya and Rome's friendship too, as well as catching up with Eden and Bella who we first meet in Spring at Blueberry Bay. This book can be read as a standalone as the main focal characters are different. I'm already looking forward to the third book in this series, as I am eager to find out what happens to Eden.
The writing style is like coming home to a good friend, warm and comforting..you know you are going to enjoy it, and it doesn't let you down. This is such a pleasurable story to read with plenty of will they-won't they moments, in addition to some lovely romantic gestures.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
August 18, 2023
The perfect feel good happily ever after beach romance book.
December 2, 2024
Minste van haar boeken tot nu toe. Was echt in 75 pagina's vertelbaar. Maar goed
September 26, 2017
I really liked reading about the relationship between the two main characters of this book, Freya and Rome (Rome.... he is the man of my dream! I want one like him!!!!), but I have to say that for the second time in a row I was a bit disappointed by a book by Holly Martin... I really like Holly Martin's stories and writing styles but I feel that the more I read books from her the more I feel like I am reading the same book over and over. Her last 3 or 4 books are very similar and that bothers me a little. Also I found that this book coud have been half shorter for what it had to say. The romance in this book is a bit "long" to set up. I really hope the 3rd part of this series will surprise me in a good way! Well anyway I will continue to read Holly Martin's books because I still love her stories...
June 9, 2017
I really wish I could give this book more than 5 stars because I really loved it. It has definatly become one of my favourite books ever!
As soon as I began reading Summer at Buttercup Beach I found it so easy to read and I was hooked, I just couldnt put it down.
Freya and Rome's story has got to be one of the best romances ive ever read, the way they are together is just so perfect. Theyve so much love and respect for each other its really amazing. They are two characters I won't ever forget.
The thing I love about Hollys books is how she creates these wonderful islands, loveable characters and fantastic stories. I love how they all link up and the characters used are ones we love from previous books in the serious.
I really cant wait for book 3 in this series.
As soon as I began reading Summer at Buttercup Beach I found it so easy to read and I was hooked, I just couldnt put it down.
Freya and Rome's story has got to be one of the best romances ive ever read, the way they are together is just so perfect. Theyve so much love and respect for each other its really amazing. They are two characters I won't ever forget.
The thing I love about Hollys books is how she creates these wonderful islands, loveable characters and fantastic stories. I love how they all link up and the characters used are ones we love from previous books in the serious.
I really cant wait for book 3 in this series.
September 1, 2017
I am a fan of all things Holly Martin and was thrilled that Summer At Buttercup Beach was available to read. Bella and Isaac from Spring at Blueberry Bay feature in this latest book but the main stars of the show are Freya and Rome. Freya gave evevrything up and has ended up staing on Hope Island working alongside her best friend Rome. The only problem is that although they have been firm friends for 2 years, she has never told him that she is head over heels in love with him.
I liked Freya and Rome and they are certainly characters which are easy to read, as is the beautiful setting of Hope Island. When Rome starts to show signs that maybe he feels something different Freya wonders if she was imagining it. We also see some characters return (albeit briefly) from the last book and it's always lovely to see where everybody is with their lives. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I felt like there was maybe a little something missing from Holly's usual offerings. Maybe because the story solely worked itself around just Rome and Freya and their feelings it wasn't quite as engaing as her other books?
Thst small niggle aside the story has everything you would want from a book like this and is a perfect beach read. What I did love was the addition of Dougie and Rome's sister Eden featuring lining up what I hope is the synopsis for the next Hope Island book. Another great read by Holly Martin and I will look forward to reading the next one for sure!
I liked Freya and Rome and they are certainly characters which are easy to read, as is the beautiful setting of Hope Island. When Rome starts to show signs that maybe he feels something different Freya wonders if she was imagining it. We also see some characters return (albeit briefly) from the last book and it's always lovely to see where everybody is with their lives. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I felt like there was maybe a little something missing from Holly's usual offerings. Maybe because the story solely worked itself around just Rome and Freya and their feelings it wasn't quite as engaing as her other books?
Thst small niggle aside the story has everything you would want from a book like this and is a perfect beach read. What I did love was the addition of Dougie and Rome's sister Eden featuring lining up what I hope is the synopsis for the next Hope Island book. Another great read by Holly Martin and I will look forward to reading the next one for sure!
August 19, 2018
I loved this romantic, feel-good read. Holly Martin never fails to entertain with locations I want to live in, characters I want to be friends with and a story that keeps my eyes glued to the page. Freya and Rome’s story warmed my heart from the first page to the last.
June 6, 2022
4.5 stars
June 30, 2017
4.5 stars
June 25, 2017
Freya and Rome have been best friends for the past six years. But while Freya has feelings for Rome, he only sees her as a sister. Or does he? Recently the two of them have been getting closer and closer. It seems like only a matter of time before the two of them are finally together. However there is still the issue of Rome and his tragic past. Rome lost the woman he loved in a brutal and tragic accident which has left him with deep scars.
This was a very interesting book and I loved reading it. I thought this book had hotter scenes that any of Holly Martin's previous books which I really enjoyed. Freya and Rome's characters are well-written and real. This book also sets up the background for the next book in the series (which I absolutely cannot wait for!).
Like all of Holly Martin's books, this features a variety of entertaining and colourful characters, a beautiful small town and a great romance. I recommend this book to all fans of contemporary romance.
This was a very interesting book and I loved reading it. I thought this book had hotter scenes that any of Holly Martin's previous books which I really enjoyed. Freya and Rome's characters are well-written and real. This book also sets up the background for the next book in the series (which I absolutely cannot wait for!).
Like all of Holly Martin's books, this features a variety of entertaining and colourful characters, a beautiful small town and a great romance. I recommend this book to all fans of contemporary romance.
November 17, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this review copy.
Freya Greene has worked with the handsome Rome Lancaster for the last two years in his glasswork business. She’s also been in love with him for two years! Until now, Rome has only shown interest in Freya as a friend, but is that beginning to change?
I knew before I started reading this book that I would love it. I don’t think there is a Holly Martin book yet that I haven’t loved. What isn’t there to like about this book – the romance, the setting and of course the characters. There is plenty of romance, and also plenty of sex (but all tastefully done!!) The setting of the Scilly Isles is just beautiful and makes me want to pack my bags and move there right now….even more so if they have more men like the handsome and gorgeous Rome Lancaster! The characters in the book are also known from Holly’s previous book Spring at Blueberry Bay so if you’ve read this one, you do have an inkling as to what the characters are all about anyway. If all the men in the Scilly Isles are like the ones that Holly has offered us already, then I’m surprised the islands aren’t full to burst with young (or even old) romance seeking women!! You couldn’t have got a more perfect couple than Freya and Rome – best friends both in and outside of the bedroom!
This is such a lovely easy to read book. It grabs you from page one and takes you through to the end on a ride of love and laughter. Just one word of warning, watch what you are doing on the beach – you never know who might be watching!!
Well recommended! Five Stars!
Freya Greene has worked with the handsome Rome Lancaster for the last two years in his glasswork business. She’s also been in love with him for two years! Until now, Rome has only shown interest in Freya as a friend, but is that beginning to change?
I knew before I started reading this book that I would love it. I don’t think there is a Holly Martin book yet that I haven’t loved. What isn’t there to like about this book – the romance, the setting and of course the characters. There is plenty of romance, and also plenty of sex (but all tastefully done!!) The setting of the Scilly Isles is just beautiful and makes me want to pack my bags and move there right now….even more so if they have more men like the handsome and gorgeous Rome Lancaster! The characters in the book are also known from Holly’s previous book Spring at Blueberry Bay so if you’ve read this one, you do have an inkling as to what the characters are all about anyway. If all the men in the Scilly Isles are like the ones that Holly has offered us already, then I’m surprised the islands aren’t full to burst with young (or even old) romance seeking women!! You couldn’t have got a more perfect couple than Freya and Rome – best friends both in and outside of the bedroom!
This is such a lovely easy to read book. It grabs you from page one and takes you through to the end on a ride of love and laughter. Just one word of warning, watch what you are doing on the beach – you never know who might be watching!!
Well recommended! Five Stars!
September 16, 2017
This book was terrible. I could genuinely have written something as imaginative as this when I was a teenager. Freya is in love with Rome and has been for 2 years. Rome likes Freya as a best friend and as well as working together they also spend more or less all their free time together. Early on in the book their friendship changes and they both start to have stronger feelings for one another. the book explores their evolving feelings and how they cope with the situation.
This was a terrible story and the writing was dire. I was bored reading it and soon got fed up of reading about the couple wanting to 'make love' to eachother. does anyone seriously say that??? I'm in my early 30s, a similar age to the two main characters, and I found them totally unbelievable. I found Freya an absolute sop. she had loved Rome for 2 years and was frustrated that they weren't together, but had never once spoken to him about her feelings.. Rome was a totally unbelievable male lead character, although I did make it more enjoyable by imagining him as Ross Poldark.
It was just a ridiculous book! There was no imagination to the storyline, the language was not in keeping with the times. Freya would have been totally stuck in her life of doing absolutely BUGGER ALL if it hadn't been, oh, wait for it, a man! A knight in shining armour who will save you, give you a flat, take you on a safari, and fulfill your lifetime ambition of getting married and popping out 4 children by the time you're 30. Get a grip and read something good. Maybe read 'The second sex' whilst your at it.
This was a terrible story and the writing was dire. I was bored reading it and soon got fed up of reading about the couple wanting to 'make love' to eachother. does anyone seriously say that??? I'm in my early 30s, a similar age to the two main characters, and I found them totally unbelievable. I found Freya an absolute sop. she had loved Rome for 2 years and was frustrated that they weren't together, but had never once spoken to him about her feelings.. Rome was a totally unbelievable male lead character, although I did make it more enjoyable by imagining him as Ross Poldark.
It was just a ridiculous book! There was no imagination to the storyline, the language was not in keeping with the times. Freya would have been totally stuck in her life of doing absolutely BUGGER ALL if it hadn't been, oh, wait for it, a man! A knight in shining armour who will save you, give you a flat, take you on a safari, and fulfill your lifetime ambition of getting married and popping out 4 children by the time you're 30. Get a grip and read something good. Maybe read 'The second sex' whilst your at it.
August 5, 2019
'Summer at Buttercup Beach' is almost the same as 'Spring at Blueberry Bay'.
It was the same endless loop of 'I love you. Does he love me?' For a certain amount of story it's at least somewhat justified. Freya and Rome don't know/ love each other for one week but two years. Two years of being best friends. So it's understanding if one or both of them hesitate to make a move if they don't want to risk their precious friendship. To some extend. Not 85 per cent of the story.
Ugh. I still liked it better than the spring one. Until the obligatory final misunderstanding towards the end.
Ugh again. What an excellent base for a relationship if you have such low trust in your partner, Freya.
Can't wait to start part three: 'Christmas at Mistletoe Cove' I'm sure it will be a very surprising story!
It was the same endless loop of 'I love you. Does he love me?' For a certain amount of story it's at least somewhat justified. Freya and Rome don't know/ love each other for one week but two years. Two years of being best friends. So it's understanding if one or both of them hesitate to make a move if they don't want to risk their precious friendship. To some extend. Not 85 per cent of the story.
Ugh. I still liked it better than the spring one. Until the obligatory final misunderstanding towards the end.
Ugh again. What an excellent base for a relationship if you have such low trust in your partner, Freya.
Can't wait to start part three: 'Christmas at Mistletoe Cove' I'm sure it will be a very surprising story!
July 5, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Just when I thought that Holly Martin had written her best book yet, she goes and releases a new one (this one). I really have no clue how Holly Martin does it. I really don’t. I mean, her previous novel, Spring at Blueberry Bay, was amazing! It was my most favourite book of hers to date….well, until she released this one of course.
Summer at Buttercup Beach is, without a doubt, my most favourite book by Holly Martin. I didn’t know it was possible. I wasn’t expecting it to be this good. Well, hang on, I knew it would be good because it’s Holly Martin and her books are ah-MAZING! I just wasn’t expecting to write IOU’s to the author as star ratings don’t go past five! Pfft.
Freya and Rome – best friends, colleagues, and more often than none; an extra in each others dreams. Think of it like this; if Freya was a hormonal teenager still in school, she would be etching, ‘FG 4 RL’ on the front of her textbooks, staring into space with her hand propping up her head incase it became to heavy with thoughts of Rome Lancaster. If you hadn’t worked it out by that, Freya has a HUGE crush on her best friend and has done for a while. She’s convinced herself that Rome doesn’t have feelings for her in return, but instead of grabbing the boy by the horn, she just assumes that he doesn’t due to his past. Has she asked him? Has she fudge….
If, like Freya, you have had feelings for your best friend, you can fully appreciate how scary that particular situation is. Not only does she work with the guy, it’s pretty clear that she is too scared to put her feelings out there in case it ruins their friendship, even though her close friends are egging her on to do so.
I have been in Freya’s position before, and I can tell you now, it is a horrible, horrible situation to be in, no wonder she didn’t know whether to tell him or not! I loved watching Freya and Rome’s friendship grow throughout the storyline, as both characters have such bold personalities. They’re both incredibly stubborn yet they both have hearts of gold, which meant that they were constantly doing right by other people, instead of doing right by themselves. As an outsider looking in, I was shouting at the book because I just wanted them both to see sense and actually talk to each other!
Once again, Holly Martin managed to create scenes which had me singing;
IT’S GETTING HOT IN HEREEEEE, SO TAKE OFF ALL YOUR CLOTHESSSS.
Hot.Under.The.Collar.
Even though I had a feeling on the conclusion of this book from an early stage, the predictability didn’t bother me in the slightest as I was too engrossed with Freya and Rome’s relationship, and ended up getting frustrated for them!
I have to make a confession. A part of this book irked me a tad. I didn’t want it to. But it did.
IT DIDN’T CONTAIN ENOUGH PAGES!!!!!!!!!
Yes. That right there is what’s wrong with this book. It’s too short. Hell, it could be 4775354564 pages long and I would still think that it was too short. Why? Because ladies and gentleman, this particular author is incredible!
Holly Martin creates realistic storylines with unforgettable characters, includes memorable laugh out loud humour, adds in a pinch of spice and drama to rival ITVbe; all in one book. To include all of that in a novel without losing momentum or vibe, takes talent, dedication, a kinky brain and a Holly Martin’s brain.
I adored everything about this novel, I’m not going to lie. For me, the thing that I love most about ‘Summer at Buttercup Beach’ is how it sends a message to anyone who has a crush; telling them to be true to themselves, not to make rash decisions, listen to your heart and just go for it.
Such a poignant and beautiful message within a humour filled, tender and cosy novel. 100% unputdownable.
Thanks Holly M & Bookouture.
Just when I thought that Holly Martin had written her best book yet, she goes and releases a new one (this one). I really have no clue how Holly Martin does it. I really don’t. I mean, her previous novel, Spring at Blueberry Bay, was amazing! It was my most favourite book of hers to date….well, until she released this one of course.
Summer at Buttercup Beach is, without a doubt, my most favourite book by Holly Martin. I didn’t know it was possible. I wasn’t expecting it to be this good. Well, hang on, I knew it would be good because it’s Holly Martin and her books are ah-MAZING! I just wasn’t expecting to write IOU’s to the author as star ratings don’t go past five! Pfft.
Freya and Rome – best friends, colleagues, and more often than none; an extra in each others dreams. Think of it like this; if Freya was a hormonal teenager still in school, she would be etching, ‘FG 4 RL’ on the front of her textbooks, staring into space with her hand propping up her head incase it became to heavy with thoughts of Rome Lancaster. If you hadn’t worked it out by that, Freya has a HUGE crush on her best friend and has done for a while. She’s convinced herself that Rome doesn’t have feelings for her in return, but instead of grabbing the boy by the horn, she just assumes that he doesn’t due to his past. Has she asked him? Has she fudge….
If, like Freya, you have had feelings for your best friend, you can fully appreciate how scary that particular situation is. Not only does she work with the guy, it’s pretty clear that she is too scared to put her feelings out there in case it ruins their friendship, even though her close friends are egging her on to do so.
I have been in Freya’s position before, and I can tell you now, it is a horrible, horrible situation to be in, no wonder she didn’t know whether to tell him or not! I loved watching Freya and Rome’s friendship grow throughout the storyline, as both characters have such bold personalities. They’re both incredibly stubborn yet they both have hearts of gold, which meant that they were constantly doing right by other people, instead of doing right by themselves. As an outsider looking in, I was shouting at the book because I just wanted them both to see sense and actually talk to each other!
Once again, Holly Martin managed to create scenes which had me singing;
IT’S GETTING HOT IN HEREEEEE, SO TAKE OFF ALL YOUR CLOTHESSSS.
Hot.Under.The.Collar.
Even though I had a feeling on the conclusion of this book from an early stage, the predictability didn’t bother me in the slightest as I was too engrossed with Freya and Rome’s relationship, and ended up getting frustrated for them!
I have to make a confession. A part of this book irked me a tad. I didn’t want it to. But it did.
IT DIDN’T CONTAIN ENOUGH PAGES!!!!!!!!!
Yes. That right there is what’s wrong with this book. It’s too short. Hell, it could be 4775354564 pages long and I would still think that it was too short. Why? Because ladies and gentleman, this particular author is incredible!
Holly Martin creates realistic storylines with unforgettable characters, includes memorable laugh out loud humour, adds in a pinch of spice and drama to rival ITVbe; all in one book. To include all of that in a novel without losing momentum or vibe, takes talent, dedication, a kinky brain and a Holly Martin’s brain.
I adored everything about this novel, I’m not going to lie. For me, the thing that I love most about ‘Summer at Buttercup Beach’ is how it sends a message to anyone who has a crush; telling them to be true to themselves, not to make rash decisions, listen to your heart and just go for it.
Such a poignant and beautiful message within a humour filled, tender and cosy novel. 100% unputdownable.
Thanks Holly M & Bookouture.
February 17, 2025
Ik weet niet of ik ooit zo hard naar personages heb geschreeuwd als naar Freya en Rome uit 'Zomer op Buttercup Beach' van Holly Martin. "Praat gewoon eens echt met elkaar en loop niet constant weg!"😂
Als je Lente in Blueberry Bay hebt gelezen, herinner je je vast nog dat Freya al twee jaar smoorverliefd is op haar beste vriend én baas, Rome. Toch heeft ze nooit echt een stap gezet. Ze is er namelijk van overtuigd dat hij haar niet anders ziet dan als een vriendin, en bovendien weet ze wat hij heeft meegemaakt. Zes jaar geleden verloor hij zijn verloofde Paige door een tragisch achtbaanongeluk. Sindsdien heeft hij met behoorlijk wat dames op het eiland het bed gedeeld, maar een serieuze relatie? Daar lijkt hij nog niet klaar voor.
Of toch wel? Wanneer Rome ontdekt dat Freya gevoelens voor hem heeft, en met wat goede aanmoediging van zijn familie en dierbare vrienden, begint er iets te verschuiven. Wat hij voor haar voelt, is anders dan wat hij ooit voor Paige voelde, maar betekent dat per se iets slechts? De grote vraag is dan ook: durft hij eindelijk in de spiegel te kijken en zich open te stellen voor een nieuwe toekomst? Of trekt hij zich toch weer terug in zichzelf?
Holly Martin doet het weer: met 'Zomer op Buttercup Beach' neemt ze haar lezers opnieuw mee naar het prachtige eiland dat ik tijdens het lezen van het eerste deel van deze serie - 'Lente in Blueberry Bay' al volledig in mijn hart had gesloten. Zodra je de eerste bladzijde omslaat, stap je weer binnen in een wereld die je kent. De schilderachtige landschappen, de knusse straatjes en vertrouwde personages zoals Isaac, Bella, Rome, Eden, Dougie en Freya zorgen ervoor dat je je direct weer thuis voelt. Alsof je – voor mij niet zo lange tijd – terugkeert naar een plek waar je ooit heel gelukkig was.
Toch zitten er wel degelijk verschillen tussen 'Zomer op Buttercup Beach' en 'Lente in Blueberry Bay'. Waar het eerste boek uit de reeks namelijk draaide om Isaac en Bella, ligt de focus in dit tweede deel op Freya en Rome: twee mensen die al jaren stiekem veel meer voor elkaar voelen dan ze willen toegeven. En juist daar zit de grote kracht, maar ook de frustratie van dit boek. In de basis is het een slowburn romance – een verhaal waarin gevoelens langzaam uitgroeien tot meer en je als lezer geduldig wacht tot de personages eindelijk hun emoties onder ogen zien. Dat kan prachtig zijn, begrijp me niet verkeerd, maar in dit geval wist het me toch niet compleet te overtuigen.
Sterker nog, er waren momenten waarop ik mijn ogen rolde en bijna hardop tegen de pagina’s wilde praten. "Kom op, zeg gewoon wat je voelt. Praat nu gewoon met elkaar!" Want ja, echt waar, dat is misschien wel het grootste probleem voor mij: Freya en Rome vullen keer op keer dingen voor elkaar in, terwijl je als lezer allang weet hoe de vork in de steel zit. Dit constante misverstandenspel voelde soms nét iets te uitgerekt, waardoor de romantiek minder krachtig overkwam dan ik had gehoopt.
Toch betekent dat niet dat 'Zomer op Buttercup Beach' een slecht boek is, want Holly Martin weet als geen ander hoe ze een heerlijke feelgood-setting moet neerzetten. De sfeer van het eiland, de levendige bijpersonages en de hartverwarmende vriendschappen maken dit absoluut een fijn boek om bij weg te dromen. Maar als ik eerlijk ben, had ik er gewoon iets meer van verwacht. Het voelde alsof er net dat ene puzzelstukje ontbrak om het verhaal écht memorabel te maken.
Of ik desondanks benieuwd ben naar het volgende deel? Absoluut. Want één ding is zeker: Hope Island blijft een plek waar ik met alle liefde naar terugkeer.
Als je Lente in Blueberry Bay hebt gelezen, herinner je je vast nog dat Freya al twee jaar smoorverliefd is op haar beste vriend én baas, Rome. Toch heeft ze nooit echt een stap gezet. Ze is er namelijk van overtuigd dat hij haar niet anders ziet dan als een vriendin, en bovendien weet ze wat hij heeft meegemaakt. Zes jaar geleden verloor hij zijn verloofde Paige door een tragisch achtbaanongeluk. Sindsdien heeft hij met behoorlijk wat dames op het eiland het bed gedeeld, maar een serieuze relatie? Daar lijkt hij nog niet klaar voor.
Of toch wel? Wanneer Rome ontdekt dat Freya gevoelens voor hem heeft, en met wat goede aanmoediging van zijn familie en dierbare vrienden, begint er iets te verschuiven. Wat hij voor haar voelt, is anders dan wat hij ooit voor Paige voelde, maar betekent dat per se iets slechts? De grote vraag is dan ook: durft hij eindelijk in de spiegel te kijken en zich open te stellen voor een nieuwe toekomst? Of trekt hij zich toch weer terug in zichzelf?
Holly Martin doet het weer: met 'Zomer op Buttercup Beach' neemt ze haar lezers opnieuw mee naar het prachtige eiland dat ik tijdens het lezen van het eerste deel van deze serie - 'Lente in Blueberry Bay' al volledig in mijn hart had gesloten. Zodra je de eerste bladzijde omslaat, stap je weer binnen in een wereld die je kent. De schilderachtige landschappen, de knusse straatjes en vertrouwde personages zoals Isaac, Bella, Rome, Eden, Dougie en Freya zorgen ervoor dat je je direct weer thuis voelt. Alsof je – voor mij niet zo lange tijd – terugkeert naar een plek waar je ooit heel gelukkig was.
Toch zitten er wel degelijk verschillen tussen 'Zomer op Buttercup Beach' en 'Lente in Blueberry Bay'. Waar het eerste boek uit de reeks namelijk draaide om Isaac en Bella, ligt de focus in dit tweede deel op Freya en Rome: twee mensen die al jaren stiekem veel meer voor elkaar voelen dan ze willen toegeven. En juist daar zit de grote kracht, maar ook de frustratie van dit boek. In de basis is het een slowburn romance – een verhaal waarin gevoelens langzaam uitgroeien tot meer en je als lezer geduldig wacht tot de personages eindelijk hun emoties onder ogen zien. Dat kan prachtig zijn, begrijp me niet verkeerd, maar in dit geval wist het me toch niet compleet te overtuigen.
Sterker nog, er waren momenten waarop ik mijn ogen rolde en bijna hardop tegen de pagina’s wilde praten. "Kom op, zeg gewoon wat je voelt. Praat nu gewoon met elkaar!" Want ja, echt waar, dat is misschien wel het grootste probleem voor mij: Freya en Rome vullen keer op keer dingen voor elkaar in, terwijl je als lezer allang weet hoe de vork in de steel zit. Dit constante misverstandenspel voelde soms nét iets te uitgerekt, waardoor de romantiek minder krachtig overkwam dan ik had gehoopt.
Toch betekent dat niet dat 'Zomer op Buttercup Beach' een slecht boek is, want Holly Martin weet als geen ander hoe ze een heerlijke feelgood-setting moet neerzetten. De sfeer van het eiland, de levendige bijpersonages en de hartverwarmende vriendschappen maken dit absoluut een fijn boek om bij weg te dromen. Maar als ik eerlijk ben, had ik er gewoon iets meer van verwacht. Het voelde alsof er net dat ene puzzelstukje ontbrak om het verhaal écht memorabel te maken.
Of ik desondanks benieuwd ben naar het volgende deel? Absoluut. Want één ding is zeker: Hope Island blijft een plek waar ik met alle liefde naar terugkeer.
August 10, 2017
Published by: Bookouture (27th June 2017
ISBN: 978-1786812018
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
For two years Freya Greene has hidden the fact that she’s totally and utterly in love with her best friend Rome Lancaster. It’s not been easy – they work together in his glasswork business, she lives above his workshop and, he’s completely gorgeous. But Rome has never shown any sign of returning those feelings. Until now…
Lately they’ve shared affectionate touches and words heavy with meaning. Yet Freya knows Rome has a damaged heart. After losing his fiancé in a tragic accident, he’s not allowed himself to fall in love.
Freya has already had her heart broken by a man who couldn’t let go of a past love. Can she risk it happening again? Rome and Freya have a friendship that could blossom into something more. Are they both brave enough to take that chance?
Review:
I needed a touch of summer sunshine to break through the miserable rainy weather and cloud that had stolen my reading mojo - and Holly Martin seems to have provided the perfect prescription in Summer at Buttercup Beach!
The two main characters create gorgeous works of art together and have been friends for a long time. The ideal couple who just haven't got together - Freya is someone who I'd want to be friends with. She's the sort of person you could talk to about anything without fear of being judged. Rome would be your ideal best friend and boyfriend combined...kinda like my hubby if I'm honest! I was just itching for them to stop pussyfooting around and get together!
The setting of Buttercup Beach is gorgeous. The descriptions are lovely, makes you fall in love with the place and the people. I want to go and live on Hope Island right now! It's so beautifully written, it really was a dream to read and I just couldn't put it down, I started reading it at midnight and read it all through the night!
I feel I've really missed out as I've not read enough of Holly's books...I will be rectifying that straight away! This is such a feel good warm read, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a comforting, uplifting read that will transport them to another place.
ISBN: 978-1786812018
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
For two years Freya Greene has hidden the fact that she’s totally and utterly in love with her best friend Rome Lancaster. It’s not been easy – they work together in his glasswork business, she lives above his workshop and, he’s completely gorgeous. But Rome has never shown any sign of returning those feelings. Until now…
Lately they’ve shared affectionate touches and words heavy with meaning. Yet Freya knows Rome has a damaged heart. After losing his fiancé in a tragic accident, he’s not allowed himself to fall in love.
Freya has already had her heart broken by a man who couldn’t let go of a past love. Can she risk it happening again? Rome and Freya have a friendship that could blossom into something more. Are they both brave enough to take that chance?
Review:
I needed a touch of summer sunshine to break through the miserable rainy weather and cloud that had stolen my reading mojo - and Holly Martin seems to have provided the perfect prescription in Summer at Buttercup Beach!
The two main characters create gorgeous works of art together and have been friends for a long time. The ideal couple who just haven't got together - Freya is someone who I'd want to be friends with. She's the sort of person you could talk to about anything without fear of being judged. Rome would be your ideal best friend and boyfriend combined...kinda like my hubby if I'm honest! I was just itching for them to stop pussyfooting around and get together!
The setting of Buttercup Beach is gorgeous. The descriptions are lovely, makes you fall in love with the place and the people. I want to go and live on Hope Island right now! It's so beautifully written, it really was a dream to read and I just couldn't put it down, I started reading it at midnight and read it all through the night!
I feel I've really missed out as I've not read enough of Holly's books...I will be rectifying that straight away! This is such a feel good warm read, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a comforting, uplifting read that will transport them to another place.
September 21, 2017
It has been two years since Freya left everything behind and started over at Buttercup Beach. She ended up in Rome's shop and he locked her in by accident. When Rome came back Freya had organized his store. He offered her a job and they became best friends. Freya is in love with Rome and lately she's started wondering if he feels the same about her. A miscommunication makes Freya doubt everything she's worked so hard for. Needing some space she pulls back from Rome and reconsiders her life. Freya has some difficult choices to make about Rome. Will the two best friends ever make it out of the friend zone?
Rome was engaged once, but his fiancée died in a tragic accident, which left him heartbroken. He never thought he would find love again. Rome feels so comfortable with Freya and spends every minute of every day with her. He needs her around and would do anything for her. Freya works at his shop and helps him create beautiful objects of glass. During a dinner at Freya's favorite restaurant he offers her the deal of a lifetime. He's flabbergasted when Freya storms out of the restaurant and refuses to talk to him. Rome has no idea what he has done wrong. Will he be able to make things right and get close to Freya again?
Freya and Rome have been best friends for a long time. They know everything about each other and being together feels natural. Both of them have been hurt before by very different circumstances. They've fought to be where they are now and are exploring the possibility of love. I'm a firm believer in fate and this is exactly what has brought Freya and Rome together. They both need healing and I liked it a lot that they were so comfortable with each other. Everybody in Buttercup Beach already knows that they belong together and they're pulling all strings to help them figure it out. I laughed out loud several times about the hilarious situations that the residents put them in because of this.
Holly Martin always pulls me in immediately with her easy flowing writing style. I love to read small island romance novels and Summer at Buttercup Beach didn't disappoint. Freya and Rome are both so creative and the vivid descriptions of their beautiful glass work creations made me wish that Rome's store was real. I really liked this sweet romantic story with its kindhearted main characters. Freya and Rome deserve to be happy and the fact that destiny has brought those two together made Summer at Buttercup Beach a perfect romantic story.
Rome was engaged once, but his fiancée died in a tragic accident, which left him heartbroken. He never thought he would find love again. Rome feels so comfortable with Freya and spends every minute of every day with her. He needs her around and would do anything for her. Freya works at his shop and helps him create beautiful objects of glass. During a dinner at Freya's favorite restaurant he offers her the deal of a lifetime. He's flabbergasted when Freya storms out of the restaurant and refuses to talk to him. Rome has no idea what he has done wrong. Will he be able to make things right and get close to Freya again?
Freya and Rome have been best friends for a long time. They know everything about each other and being together feels natural. Both of them have been hurt before by very different circumstances. They've fought to be where they are now and are exploring the possibility of love. I'm a firm believer in fate and this is exactly what has brought Freya and Rome together. They both need healing and I liked it a lot that they were so comfortable with each other. Everybody in Buttercup Beach already knows that they belong together and they're pulling all strings to help them figure it out. I laughed out loud several times about the hilarious situations that the residents put them in because of this.
Holly Martin always pulls me in immediately with her easy flowing writing style. I love to read small island romance novels and Summer at Buttercup Beach didn't disappoint. Freya and Rome are both so creative and the vivid descriptions of their beautiful glass work creations made me wish that Rome's store was real. I really liked this sweet romantic story with its kindhearted main characters. Freya and Rome deserve to be happy and the fact that destiny has brought those two together made Summer at Buttercup Beach a perfect romantic story.
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