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Island of Love #1
One and Done
“Surfs up! Hop on my board and I’ll give you the ride of your life…”
~Balen Kroft, International Surfing Champion
“If you kiss enough frogs, eventually you’re going to get a fungus.”
~Autumn Harris
When Autumn’s best friend surprises her with a girls’ getaway in Cyprus for her 30th birthday, she makes up her mind that now is her time to shine. This is exactly the fresh start she needs to put the past and a messy divorce behind her. She might have bought into the ideology of Mr. Right once, but that myth was long busted—been there, done that—and she has the broken heart to prove it.
When a family emergency causes her bestie to bail on her minutes before their flight takes off, Autumn finds herself alone and bound for the “Island of Love.” Her friend had an itinerary chock-full of girlfriend goodies planned—massages, salsa lessons, parasailing… Okay, maybe not parasailing, but this was going to be a week of fun, and now it’s a week for one. Armed with her Best Friends Guide Book for Having Fun—and no best friend—Autumn plans to check into her beachside villa with her new BFF, Captain Morgan.
Being ranked one of the top surfers in the world does have its perks, but discovering your sex-tape was released on social media? Definitely not one of them. On the heels of a scandal that has sponsors threatening to cancel his contracts, Balen Kroft has strict instructions from his publicist to lie low for the next week while this whole fiasco blows over. Seven days of incognito before hitting the surf again at the Titans of Mavericks Invitational might not be such a bad thing—rest, relaxation, and fun in the sun… Until he comes face-to-face with his own personal riptide. If he’s not careful, Autumn Harris may just pull him under.
The fiery ginger has no idea who Balen is and he’s determined to keep it that way. After the last eight months and a series of self-destructive behaviors, he’s content to let her believe he’s a homeless, beach-bumming surfer, living a carefree life one day at a time.
Autumn’s sexy vagabond is just charming enough to convince her to let him crash in the spare room of her villa. In exchange, he offers to be her new bestie for the week, taking her on all the excursions her friend had planned. It’s a tempting offer… Her own personal tour guide and the possibility of some hot, no-strings, surfer-guy sex? What woman in her right mind would turn that down? She’s a big girl who knows the score. What can possibly go wrong?
~Balen Kroft, International Surfing Champion
“If you kiss enough frogs, eventually you’re going to get a fungus.”
~Autumn Harris
When Autumn’s best friend surprises her with a girls’ getaway in Cyprus for her 30th birthday, she makes up her mind that now is her time to shine. This is exactly the fresh start she needs to put the past and a messy divorce behind her. She might have bought into the ideology of Mr. Right once, but that myth was long busted—been there, done that—and she has the broken heart to prove it.
When a family emergency causes her bestie to bail on her minutes before their flight takes off, Autumn finds herself alone and bound for the “Island of Love.” Her friend had an itinerary chock-full of girlfriend goodies planned—massages, salsa lessons, parasailing… Okay, maybe not parasailing, but this was going to be a week of fun, and now it’s a week for one. Armed with her Best Friends Guide Book for Having Fun—and no best friend—Autumn plans to check into her beachside villa with her new BFF, Captain Morgan.
Being ranked one of the top surfers in the world does have its perks, but discovering your sex-tape was released on social media? Definitely not one of them. On the heels of a scandal that has sponsors threatening to cancel his contracts, Balen Kroft has strict instructions from his publicist to lie low for the next week while this whole fiasco blows over. Seven days of incognito before hitting the surf again at the Titans of Mavericks Invitational might not be such a bad thing—rest, relaxation, and fun in the sun… Until he comes face-to-face with his own personal riptide. If he’s not careful, Autumn Harris may just pull him under.
The fiery ginger has no idea who Balen is and he’s determined to keep it that way. After the last eight months and a series of self-destructive behaviors, he’s content to let her believe he’s a homeless, beach-bumming surfer, living a carefree life one day at a time.
Autumn’s sexy vagabond is just charming enough to convince her to let him crash in the spare room of her villa. In exchange, he offers to be her new bestie for the week, taking her on all the excursions her friend had planned. It’s a tempting offer… Her own personal tour guide and the possibility of some hot, no-strings, surfer-guy sex? What woman in her right mind would turn that down? She’s a big girl who knows the score. What can possibly go wrong?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2017
16 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Melynda Price
19 books609 followersMelynda Price is a bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary romance. Her Against the Cage series has finaled in many awards such as the RONE, USA Today BBA, Golden Quill, National Readers’ Choice, and New England Readers’ Choice, and won the 2017 Write Touch award.
What Price enjoys most about writing is the chance to make her readers fall in love, over and over again. She cites the greatest challenge of writing is making the unbelievable believable, while taking her characters to the limit with stories full of passion and unique twists and turns. Salting stories with undertones of history whenever possible, Price adds immeasurable depth to her well-crafted books. She currently lives in Northern Minnesota with her husband and two children where she has plenty of snow-filled days to curl up in front of the fireplace with her Chihuahua and a hot cup of coffee to write.
What Price enjoys most about writing is the chance to make her readers fall in love, over and over again. She cites the greatest challenge of writing is making the unbelievable believable, while taking her characters to the limit with stories full of passion and unique twists and turns. Salting stories with undertones of history whenever possible, Price adds immeasurable depth to her well-crafted books. She currently lives in Northern Minnesota with her husband and two children where she has plenty of snow-filled days to curl up in front of the fireplace with her Chihuahua and a hot cup of coffee to write.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 8, 2017
***4 ‘Touching the Rainbow’ Stars***
Balen and Autumn put me through a Cat 4 emotional hurricane...at the very least. The ups, downs, sideways and inside outs were all kinds of crazy and yet their story was absolutely addicting. You have the sweet and smexy mixed up with a heaping amount of angst, because lemme tell you Balen and Autumn gots lots of baggage, and then you’re hit with these bouts of humor and heart that just make you keep turning those pages until the very end because not knowing how everything turns out isn’t an option.
Balen and Autumn...these two. I honestly loved both of them, but they had lots of baggage to sort out. Balen is all about living in the moment and not letting life slip by him. Autumn is about playing it safe and sticking to what she knows best. They both had be wanting to reach out and smack some sense into them throughout the book, but when they forgot about what they thought they wanted and were just in the moment, they were really amazing and insightful humans who needed to learn that the past didn’t define their present and future.
So, their journey to their HEA was all kinds of angsty. The push/pull was real and dear lord did it jack up the sexual tension between them. But even with all the crazy going on, what ended up happening was that they helped each other heal and work at moving past the demons plaguing them and crazily enough finding that despite everything they have the kind of connection that goes soul deep. Of course there has to be a big ole bump in the road, you can kind of see it coming and when it does it’s a doozy, but one that rocks both Balen and Autumn and forces them to really figure out what they really want. Thankfully, things don’t get dragged out and I loved where they were at when the book ended.
Even though One and Done gave me a really good case of emotional whiplash, it was an enjoyable character driven read and I loved watching as both Balen and Autumn evolved throughout the book. The writing was engaging and the pacing good, though there were a few places it dragged for me and the dual 3rd person POV was done well. As for the secondary characters, Summer, Conner and Cullen all have my interest peaked and crossing my toes that they’ll all get their own HEA’s as the series progresses.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
Balen and Autumn put me through a Cat 4 emotional hurricane...at the very least. The ups, downs, sideways and inside outs were all kinds of crazy and yet their story was absolutely addicting. You have the sweet and smexy mixed up with a heaping amount of angst, because lemme tell you Balen and Autumn gots lots of baggage, and then you’re hit with these bouts of humor and heart that just make you keep turning those pages until the very end because not knowing how everything turns out isn’t an option.
Balen and Autumn...these two. I honestly loved both of them, but they had lots of baggage to sort out. Balen is all about living in the moment and not letting life slip by him. Autumn is about playing it safe and sticking to what she knows best. They both had be wanting to reach out and smack some sense into them throughout the book, but when they forgot about what they thought they wanted and were just in the moment, they were really amazing and insightful humans who needed to learn that the past didn’t define their present and future.
So, their journey to their HEA was all kinds of angsty. The push/pull was real and dear lord did it jack up the sexual tension between them. But even with all the crazy going on, what ended up happening was that they helped each other heal and work at moving past the demons plaguing them and crazily enough finding that despite everything they have the kind of connection that goes soul deep. Of course there has to be a big ole bump in the road, you can kind of see it coming and when it does it’s a doozy, but one that rocks both Balen and Autumn and forces them to really figure out what they really want. Thankfully, things don’t get dragged out and I loved where they were at when the book ended.
Even though One and Done gave me a really good case of emotional whiplash, it was an enjoyable character driven read and I loved watching as both Balen and Autumn evolved throughout the book. The writing was engaging and the pacing good, though there were a few places it dragged for me and the dual 3rd person POV was done well. As for the secondary characters, Summer, Conner and Cullen all have my interest peaked and crossing my toes that they’ll all get their own HEA’s as the series progresses.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
December 12, 2017
Autumn Harris is still dealing with the fallout to her self-esteem from her divorce 2 years after the fact. Her best friend since childhood books them a trip of a lifetime on the Island of Love to celebrate Autumn’s 30th birthday. At the last minute, her friend bails due to a family death, but insists Autumn continue on. Once there, she discovers the itinerary her friend had set up for them.
Balen Kroft is on the same plane as Autumn and has been labeled a douche due to a run in while getting on the plane. Once off the plan, they have another unpleasant interaction, and go their separate ways. Balen is the golden boy, bronzed by the sun, beautiful eyes and muscled, with women falling all over him. Too bad he knows just how hot he is. He is also a 25 year old International Champion surfer, home for a week between competitions to hide out after a sex tape involving him is released on social media. Contracts hang in the balance. It’s been 8 months since his break up with his fiancé after he caught her cheating with his best friend. Balen has been a manwhore since, vowing no more relationships because women aren’t trustworthy and only good for sex and a good time.
Balen finds paperwork Autumn needs to get back home, so he seeks her out. He’s amazed that she doesn’t know who he is and that she isn’t falling all over him like all other females. In fact, she thinks he’s a homeless, beach bum surfer. Somehow, he convinces her to let him stay with her and be her best friend substitute for the next week and accompany her on all the preplanned activities.
They spend a great deal of time together over the next few days getting to know each other. Balen lives each day balls out, no regrets. Autumn wants to stay in her safe zone. They both have baggage to work through. A considerable amount of jostling back and forth while trying to figure out what they want and need for themselves and each other. Each day the sexual tension mounting until they give in to it. Then the expected bump in the road happens. Autumn and Balen have to decide if they want to work it out, what they want from each other and do they have what it takes to make it work.
I liked the epilogue and where they were together. I look forward to the rest of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
Balen Kroft is on the same plane as Autumn and has been labeled a douche due to a run in while getting on the plane. Once off the plan, they have another unpleasant interaction, and go their separate ways. Balen is the golden boy, bronzed by the sun, beautiful eyes and muscled, with women falling all over him. Too bad he knows just how hot he is. He is also a 25 year old International Champion surfer, home for a week between competitions to hide out after a sex tape involving him is released on social media. Contracts hang in the balance. It’s been 8 months since his break up with his fiancé after he caught her cheating with his best friend. Balen has been a manwhore since, vowing no more relationships because women aren’t trustworthy and only good for sex and a good time.
Balen finds paperwork Autumn needs to get back home, so he seeks her out. He’s amazed that she doesn’t know who he is and that she isn’t falling all over him like all other females. In fact, she thinks he’s a homeless, beach bum surfer. Somehow, he convinces her to let him stay with her and be her best friend substitute for the next week and accompany her on all the preplanned activities.
They spend a great deal of time together over the next few days getting to know each other. Balen lives each day balls out, no regrets. Autumn wants to stay in her safe zone. They both have baggage to work through. A considerable amount of jostling back and forth while trying to figure out what they want and need for themselves and each other. Each day the sexual tension mounting until they give in to it. Then the expected bump in the road happens. Autumn and Balen have to decide if they want to work it out, what they want from each other and do they have what it takes to make it work.
I liked the epilogue and where they were together. I look forward to the rest of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
December 14, 2017
I doubt I'm going to be one and done with this series.I understood the heroine had been hurt in her previous relationship but so had the hero.Her knee jerk reactions to any situation that stressed her was a bit over the top at times,it remained me of a goldfish puffing air while a boy has his face pressed up against the aquarium glass desperate to communicate,like one character was of the air while the other breathe water.
December 13, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Author/Publisher via NetGalley***
3.5 Stars
Balen and Autumn meet on an airplane. He is headed home, and she is headed on a vacation.
I loved the connection they have with one another, and I loved that at the beginning, when you first meet Balen, he is sort of a jerk. Well, not sort of, he is and Autumn calls him on it.
Balen is a well-known professional surfer, and it seems that the only person in the world who doesn't know who he is. And, he likes this, the idea that the time she spends with him is because of him, and not because of who he is.
Autumn's friend Summer leaves her a book, a list of things she needs to do while on vacation. Some of the items on the list are maybe a little less easy to pull off than the others, but Balen and Autumn work with the book and work through the list of things in the book. It was fun to see him support her, and to see the relationship develop.
The chemistry between them is strong through the whole book, and you feel the attraction.
I did find the end a little frustrating, as I thought the over-reaction was out of character for Autumn, but at the same time, I was able to ignore it. Mostly.
I did enjoy this title overall.
3.5 Stars
Balen and Autumn meet on an airplane. He is headed home, and she is headed on a vacation.
I loved the connection they have with one another, and I loved that at the beginning, when you first meet Balen, he is sort of a jerk. Well, not sort of, he is and Autumn calls him on it.
Balen is a well-known professional surfer, and it seems that the only person in the world who doesn't know who he is. And, he likes this, the idea that the time she spends with him is because of him, and not because of who he is.
Autumn's friend Summer leaves her a book, a list of things she needs to do while on vacation. Some of the items on the list are maybe a little less easy to pull off than the others, but Balen and Autumn work with the book and work through the list of things in the book. It was fun to see him support her, and to see the relationship develop.
The chemistry between them is strong through the whole book, and you feel the attraction.
I did find the end a little frustrating, as I thought the over-reaction was out of character for Autumn, but at the same time, I was able to ignore it. Mostly.
I did enjoy this title overall.
December 27, 2017
3.5/5
I really liked this. The plot is interesting with Balen, an international surfing champion who just had his sex tape surface the internet, going under the covers for a while till the tape can go low and his sponsor would be back on board. Autumn, who has recently broken up a relationship, is on her way to a get-away vacation. And both are headed to the same place. Things definitely heat up when Autumn decides to share her residence with Balen. The overall story line is quite different and I liked it for that. There isn't an instant love track; Balen is a jerk when they both first meet and Autumn is vocal about him being a jerk, so yay!
The love-blossoming track is well drawn and it's great to read about characters who own up to their establishing feelings and work to get their relationship working. The chemistry between the two, right from the heated scenes to the emotionally draining ones, is on-point and as a reader, it's satisfying enough to agree that both are meant for each other.
Moving on, there were quite a few things I didn't like. For instance, the peaks in the plot curve were predictable twists and they made the story look ordinary, nothing too exciting. At times, there were unneeded over-reactions that were merely added for a drama sequence—it drew me out of the story almost instantly. The whole vow that Balen takes when he ditches his fiance after finding her cheating on him, is too stereotypical for my taste and I can't help but roll my eyes. I would've preferred a simply trust-issue for his non-committal nature. Anyway, as a big picture, this was a good read.
I would recommend it to those looking for a developing romance plot with characters who are meant to be together, and bits of humor and sexiness to top it off.
One and Done is the perfect heated vacation romance with feelings being dealt with in a progressive manner.
I really liked this. The plot is interesting with Balen, an international surfing champion who just had his sex tape surface the internet, going under the covers for a while till the tape can go low and his sponsor would be back on board. Autumn, who has recently broken up a relationship, is on her way to a get-away vacation. And both are headed to the same place. Things definitely heat up when Autumn decides to share her residence with Balen. The overall story line is quite different and I liked it for that. There isn't an instant love track; Balen is a jerk when they both first meet and Autumn is vocal about him being a jerk, so yay!
The love-blossoming track is well drawn and it's great to read about characters who own up to their establishing feelings and work to get their relationship working. The chemistry between the two, right from the heated scenes to the emotionally draining ones, is on-point and as a reader, it's satisfying enough to agree that both are meant for each other.
Moving on, there were quite a few things I didn't like. For instance, the peaks in the plot curve were predictable twists and they made the story look ordinary, nothing too exciting. At times, there were unneeded over-reactions that were merely added for a drama sequence—it drew me out of the story almost instantly. The whole vow that Balen takes when he ditches his fiance after finding her cheating on him, is too stereotypical for my taste and I can't help but roll my eyes. I would've preferred a simply trust-issue for his non-committal nature. Anyway, as a big picture, this was a good read.
I would recommend it to those looking for a developing romance plot with characters who are meant to be together, and bits of humor and sexiness to top it off.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley but that in no way influences my rating and/or my opinions about it. Thank you Melynda Price!
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December 4, 2017
Review Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
He misses the biggest wave of his life
I received an Advance Reader Copy for One and Done (Island of Love, Book #1) written by Melynda Price and voluntarily reviewed this book. What happens when a sexy-hot virgin with a milestone birthday to celebrate meets a Johnny Depp-kinda-lookalike/sexy beach bum meet on plane and then end up on the very same Cypress beach paradise? Things heat up quickly on the beach, especially when Autumn Harris shares her accommodations with him for the remainder of her getaway vacation, courtesy of a once-in-a-lifetime gift from her best friend Summer. After all, Balen is oh-so-hot, and maybe she can use him to really get over her last relationship.
Balen is actually Balen Kroft, International Surfing Champion, but he now has a PR nightmare on his hands ever since a sex tape of him had surfaced on the media, and it has cost him his main sponsor already. If he can just manage to lay low for a while, away from the limelight, he may just have a chance to get the sponsor back on board. What more of a well-timed opportunity can fall into his lap than when the sexy redhead from the flight over DOESN'T recognize him one bit AND offers him shelter and therefore THE perfect cover for his needs?
While they adventure on all the previously booked excursions planned by Summer, and enjoy their surroundings, they do share more of themselves, and find that they have a chemistry that might go further than just their vacation fling. But what happens when Balen’s secrets come out, will it cost him much more than just the sponsor he’s already lost?
Great story, with a lot of funny bits and sad bits, but you really get a feel that they are meant to be together, and how Balen owns up to his slowly-developing feelings and makes things right shows his emotional maturity, even though he is younger than Autumn. Looking forward to reading Summer’s story as well, as she didn’t get a much of a chance to enjoy this vacation with Autumn. Loved the scrapbook notion, too!
He misses the biggest wave of his life
I received an Advance Reader Copy for One and Done (Island of Love, Book #1) written by Melynda Price and voluntarily reviewed this book. What happens when a sexy-hot virgin with a milestone birthday to celebrate meets a Johnny Depp-kinda-lookalike/sexy beach bum meet on plane and then end up on the very same Cypress beach paradise? Things heat up quickly on the beach, especially when Autumn Harris shares her accommodations with him for the remainder of her getaway vacation, courtesy of a once-in-a-lifetime gift from her best friend Summer. After all, Balen is oh-so-hot, and maybe she can use him to really get over her last relationship.
Balen is actually Balen Kroft, International Surfing Champion, but he now has a PR nightmare on his hands ever since a sex tape of him had surfaced on the media, and it has cost him his main sponsor already. If he can just manage to lay low for a while, away from the limelight, he may just have a chance to get the sponsor back on board. What more of a well-timed opportunity can fall into his lap than when the sexy redhead from the flight over DOESN'T recognize him one bit AND offers him shelter and therefore THE perfect cover for his needs?
While they adventure on all the previously booked excursions planned by Summer, and enjoy their surroundings, they do share more of themselves, and find that they have a chemistry that might go further than just their vacation fling. But what happens when Balen’s secrets come out, will it cost him much more than just the sponsor he’s already lost?
Great story, with a lot of funny bits and sad bits, but you really get a feel that they are meant to be together, and how Balen owns up to his slowly-developing feelings and makes things right shows his emotional maturity, even though he is younger than Autumn. Looking forward to reading Summer’s story as well, as she didn’t get a much of a chance to enjoy this vacation with Autumn. Loved the scrapbook notion, too!
May 21, 2021
This review is for Hit It and Quit It which is the second book in this series. It doesn’t appear to be in good reads yet as it only releases on 3/6/2021.
I’m Not usually into fake boyfriend, fake dating, fake fiancé’s ... really because they’re well... fake! But this one was a tad different and it suckered me in.
The first couple of pages are about road-kill and after my initial WTF moment, I got on and read about the disastrous experiences of the main character Summer, and how she managed to nearly get shot by her future love interest Cullen.
These characters couldn’t have been more different, and neither were in the market for a partner. She’s been cheated on and swears off men. He’s on leave from Afghanistan, in the midst of a divorce and recovering/preparing to go on another tour.
I find books like these to be difficult to review. The intention is romance ... and yes there’s some steam. Summer convinces Cullen to pretend to be her fake fiancé at a family wedding on Maui. Neither have expectations and then things just happen. The characters to me had chemistry and an easy banter. And I loved their protectiveness of one another. So that’s the story in it’s simplest form.
Yes I found this a great story but struggled with Summer having no house, no car, seemingly no job and she was cruisy AF, no tears when her house burned down and all her stuff. Girl .... what’s up with that, and no-one other than one friend reached out.
Then Cullen who’s mid-divorce - I just didn’t know if that detail was even necessary in the story. And I’m never sure how to feel about injured servicemen as a story line. I don’t know what can do them justice.
There’s a scene where the focus is in Cullens sexual performance ... and Summer says she can fix things as she’s in the pill so go without protection. Nope, wrong move girlfriend. Although it works for Cullen miraculously.
Do I get too caught up in these fake that turn real romances, I guess so! Some stars from me for this one, and maybe don’t get caught in the details like I do!
I’m Not usually into fake boyfriend, fake dating, fake fiancé’s ... really because they’re well... fake! But this one was a tad different and it suckered me in.
The first couple of pages are about road-kill and after my initial WTF moment, I got on and read about the disastrous experiences of the main character Summer, and how she managed to nearly get shot by her future love interest Cullen.
These characters couldn’t have been more different, and neither were in the market for a partner. She’s been cheated on and swears off men. He’s on leave from Afghanistan, in the midst of a divorce and recovering/preparing to go on another tour.
I find books like these to be difficult to review. The intention is romance ... and yes there’s some steam. Summer convinces Cullen to pretend to be her fake fiancé at a family wedding on Maui. Neither have expectations and then things just happen. The characters to me had chemistry and an easy banter. And I loved their protectiveness of one another. So that’s the story in it’s simplest form.
Yes I found this a great story but struggled with Summer having no house, no car, seemingly no job and she was cruisy AF, no tears when her house burned down and all her stuff. Girl .... what’s up with that, and no-one other than one friend reached out.
Then Cullen who’s mid-divorce - I just didn’t know if that detail was even necessary in the story. And I’m never sure how to feel about injured servicemen as a story line. I don’t know what can do them justice.
There’s a scene where the focus is in Cullens sexual performance ... and Summer says she can fix things as she’s in the pill so go without protection. Nope, wrong move girlfriend. Although it works for Cullen miraculously.
Do I get too caught up in these fake that turn real romances, I guess so! Some stars from me for this one, and maybe don’t get caught in the details like I do!
November 25, 2017
4 1/2 Surfing Stars!
It's Autumn's 30th birthday and her friend Summer is taking her on a vacation to the "Island of Love" so she can get back in the saddle after her divorce 2 years ago. But when Summer can't go with her, she makes Autumn go by herself because she really needs to find herself. Balon is a surfing champion, but he is on the verge of loosing some of his endorsement contracts due to a leaked sex tape and his constant bad behavior. He needs to lay low while things cool down and what better way to do it than with the beautiful redhead he met on the plane. Autumn's first task is to find a "one and done" guy to end her sexless streak and who better than the hunky guy she met on the plane. Autumn has no clue who he is and he lets her believe that he is a homeless surf bum, so she lets him stay in her villa's spare room. But when the sparks begin to fly between them will Autumn's heart be able to stay out of her one (or two or three) and done? Will Balon be able to continue with the surfing playboy lifestyle or go back to his ex-girlfriend?
This book is a really sweet romance with lots of laughs and a few tears! And the sex scenes are HOT HOT HOT! Balon sure does seem to be a very mature 25 year old and will sweep you off your feet. While Autumn is just a sweet girl with a broken heart. I sure hope that there will be a book 2 with Summer and her neighbour. I highly recommend this read!
I received an ARC copy courtesy of the author through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
It's Autumn's 30th birthday and her friend Summer is taking her on a vacation to the "Island of Love" so she can get back in the saddle after her divorce 2 years ago. But when Summer can't go with her, she makes Autumn go by herself because she really needs to find herself. Balon is a surfing champion, but he is on the verge of loosing some of his endorsement contracts due to a leaked sex tape and his constant bad behavior. He needs to lay low while things cool down and what better way to do it than with the beautiful redhead he met on the plane. Autumn's first task is to find a "one and done" guy to end her sexless streak and who better than the hunky guy she met on the plane. Autumn has no clue who he is and he lets her believe that he is a homeless surf bum, so she lets him stay in her villa's spare room. But when the sparks begin to fly between them will Autumn's heart be able to stay out of her one (or two or three) and done? Will Balon be able to continue with the surfing playboy lifestyle or go back to his ex-girlfriend?
This book is a really sweet romance with lots of laughs and a few tears! And the sex scenes are HOT HOT HOT! Balon sure does seem to be a very mature 25 year old and will sweep you off your feet. While Autumn is just a sweet girl with a broken heart. I sure hope that there will be a book 2 with Summer and her neighbour. I highly recommend this read!
I received an ARC copy courtesy of the author through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
November 19, 2017
The woman who takes a trip to forget everything after having been dumped by her boyfriend/husband and then meets a new guy has become a standard romance novel plot. This is an enjoyable version for that rather clichéd storyline. The hero is a world champion surfer whom she encounters on the plane traveling to Crete. I wouldn’t have known that Crete is a location for surfing or that there are millions to be made by a champion surfer.
Autumn has her own problems getting over a bad marriage and when her best friend abandons her on the plane on their way to a dream vacation in Crete, the stage is set for her to have a romance with the sexy hunk ogling her on the plane. He doesn’t tell her about what he does since he doesn’t want her finding out the sex scandals he’s been involved in. She thinks he’s just some surfer dude who is poor and maybe homeless. She writes greeting card messages and is from Montana and doesn’t even know how to swim. So clearly they’re meant for each other. But it turns out that they can become good friends in just a few days and even more by the end of the week. Shocker, right? But it was still a fun read and I liked that they learned to enjoy each other’s company before acting on their insta-lust. It made the unlikely plot more believable.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Autumn has her own problems getting over a bad marriage and when her best friend abandons her on the plane on their way to a dream vacation in Crete, the stage is set for her to have a romance with the sexy hunk ogling her on the plane. He doesn’t tell her about what he does since he doesn’t want her finding out the sex scandals he’s been involved in. She thinks he’s just some surfer dude who is poor and maybe homeless. She writes greeting card messages and is from Montana and doesn’t even know how to swim. So clearly they’re meant for each other. But it turns out that they can become good friends in just a few days and even more by the end of the week. Shocker, right? But it was still a fun read and I liked that they learned to enjoy each other’s company before acting on their insta-lust. It made the unlikely plot more believable.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2018
When Autumn and best friend boarded a plane to Cyprus to celebrate Autumn's 30th birthday, she had no idea she'd meet a world class surfer, Balen, with whom she'd spend her vacation indulging in a hot vacation romp. She doesn't recognize him, doesn't throw herself at him, so Balen's intrigued. He's used to women throwing themselves at him, wanting to catch a little of his fame (money), so her disinterest intrigues him and the chase is on.
I think what I liked most about One and Done, aside from their insane chemistry and sexual tension, was watching them fall in love, yet fight it, not even recognize it. They both have tons of baggage; she thanks to her divorce 2 years ago, and he because of his breakup with his cheating fiancée months ago, so neither of them recognize or want to admit their feelings at first. And in Balen's case, he refuses to see what's in front of his face until he loses it, literally.
I'm hoping there's more to come from Melynda, because I really enjoyed One and Done.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
I think what I liked most about One and Done, aside from their insane chemistry and sexual tension, was watching them fall in love, yet fight it, not even recognize it. They both have tons of baggage; she thanks to her divorce 2 years ago, and he because of his breakup with his cheating fiancée months ago, so neither of them recognize or want to admit their feelings at first. And in Balen's case, he refuses to see what's in front of his face until he loses it, literally.
I'm hoping there's more to come from Melynda, because I really enjoyed One and Done.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
November 26, 2017
One and Done (Island of Love #1) by Melynda Price is a must read for this year! I was given an advanced copy by the publisher through Netgally. I officially want to be the book fairy and buy this for everyone who loves a good romance read and move to Cypress to find my own Pro Surfer. I have never read anything by Ms. Price but I am officially a big fan. Autumn is a beautiful woman in her 30s who has had a rough go at Love her best friend Summer books them on a trip to Cypress and Balen is the bad boy surfer who wakes up not only her body but her heart. The story is seamlessly written flows well and you can’t put it down. There connection is amazing the story is like the scavenger hunt for finding love and the only thing I didn’t like about it is the fact that it was OVER. So grab a bookmark and SURFS UP BABY! Wishing and praying for a book two. As always thank you to all parties responsible for my advanced copy.
December 9, 2017
Excellent book!! I really enjoy this author's writing style and she didn't disappoint in the least with this one. These characters came to life for me and I felt every emotion right along with them. The characters are beautifully developed and the storyline was fresh and unique.
Autumn Harris needs to get back out there and live again. After a terrible divorce she's stopped really living. When her best friend plans a trip to Cyprus for them Autumn finds herself in the middle of a big adventure when her friend has to stay home but sends Autumn off with a plan. First thing to accomplish - get laid! A one and done encounter is what it was meant to be but Balen Kroft isn't ready to let Autumn go after one night. Spending time with this woman who clearly has no idea who he is may be the best thing that ever happened to hi. What will she think when the truth comes out?
I highly recommend this one.
Autumn Harris needs to get back out there and live again. After a terrible divorce she's stopped really living. When her best friend plans a trip to Cyprus for them Autumn finds herself in the middle of a big adventure when her friend has to stay home but sends Autumn off with a plan. First thing to accomplish - get laid! A one and done encounter is what it was meant to be but Balen Kroft isn't ready to let Autumn go after one night. Spending time with this woman who clearly has no idea who he is may be the best thing that ever happened to hi. What will she think when the truth comes out?
I highly recommend this one.
November 28, 2017
Interesting enjoyable read about Autumn and Balen who met on the Autumn vacation. Autumn receives a vacation for her birthday with instruction from her best friend. But with marking her first steps in her life comes Balen a sexy surfer and suddenly they are living together and marking the others steps together. Of course, proximity and attraction are strong and they fell for each other the only problem are secrets and not talking about true feelings. Both Autumn and Balen have a lot of baggage but somehow when they are together it is easy to acknowledge and overcome them and once again start to believe in love again. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
January 12, 2018
Done. Hm. The story had some promise, and I liked selected elements of the character set up. But other than that... predictable. So cliche. Repetitive. Awful use of adjectives: throaty growl, soft moan (lots of soft moaning), breathy sigh, broken sob (too much sobbing!) - queue eye roll. And the sex... more eye rolling. To much description of physical traits and appearances of the main characters, which does not add anything to the drama or storyline but refuses the reader the pleasure to 'see' the characters for oneself. I am partial to a guilty pleasure, but this was no pleasure. Not the book for me.
December 12, 2017
Great romance!
Autumn wants to have a fresh start, after battling a broken heart. The story's other character is the actual Island of Love, which lends to the backdrop of surfing. Autumn meets Balen. Things heat up. It's a great story of romance, and rebuilding oneself after a heart break. The story is written at the perfect pace, as it doesn't just jump into a romance, it builds up. Autumn isn't looking for love, just some peace. I like Price's prior stories, and this one just adds to me being a fan of her work.
Autumn wants to have a fresh start, after battling a broken heart. The story's other character is the actual Island of Love, which lends to the backdrop of surfing. Autumn meets Balen. Things heat up. It's a great story of romance, and rebuilding oneself after a heart break. The story is written at the perfect pace, as it doesn't just jump into a romance, it builds up. Autumn isn't looking for love, just some peace. I like Price's prior stories, and this one just adds to me being a fan of her work.
December 1, 2017
Melynda Price is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I couldn’t put the book down. I laughed from the beginning who names there book characters Summer and Autumn. It worked in the story without taking away from the story. Balen was a perfect hero. A manly man but willing to let Autumn take the lead. This was a great book. The characters were all believable and you were waiting for Balen’s past to catch up with him. I like a man willing to go after what he wants. This book was given to me in exchange for my review.
December 29, 2017
A quick, cute read about a woman who is supposed to go on the trip of a lifetime with her BFF only for her BFF to get called back home at the absolute last minute due to a death in her family. The BFF made a scrapbook of things for Autumn to complete to make the trip even that much better. The first one of course is a one night stand with some random guy.
While the book is fairly predictable, it has it's humorous moments mixed in as Balen tries to help Autumn complete each item in the scrapbook.
While the book is fairly predictable, it has it's humorous moments mixed in as Balen tries to help Autumn complete each item in the scrapbook.
November 26, 2017
This book is simply amazing. It's the best I've read in a while.
Autumn and Balen are both wonderful well written characters. You can't help but root for them.
Balen is a surfer who is down on his luck and tiered of being used. Autumn divorced still getting over all the hurt. You can't help but understand Autumn and her hesitations. I rooted for them and loved every bit of their story. This is a must read!!!
Autumn and Balen are both wonderful well written characters. You can't help but root for them.
Balen is a surfer who is down on his luck and tiered of being used. Autumn divorced still getting over all the hurt. You can't help but understand Autumn and her hesitations. I rooted for them and loved every bit of their story. This is a must read!!!
December 12, 2017
This book was a really cute, mostly lighthearted read with a very charming H and a likeable h. It was a little slow for me in the beginning but I really did enjoy their banter and the steam factor. Didn't get quite as invested as with her MMA series but still a very good read.
I was given an ARC for a voluntary review.
I was given an ARC for a voluntary review.
December 13, 2017
Love love love this book! Balen and Autumn's chemistry is off the charts and Price made them both into such well-rounded and complex characters that it's impossible not to fall in love with them! I love the fun and flirty feel of this book, and the turns the story takes. Sign me up to have a sexy surfer as my BFF for the week ;) Another winner by Price!
December 16, 2017
I would love to find my own Balen, especially if he comes with an island paradise. Reading about how Autumn faced some of her fears was enough for me to want to do it myself. This was a fun book to read and would satisfying anyone looking for a romance with a little bit of adventure thrown in. Will we get a Summer or Connor book soon? I hope so.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
December 13, 2017
Who doesn't love a holiday romance? I really enjoyed this one and struggled to put it down. It made me smile, laugh out loud in places and swoon plenty. You really should add this one to your library.
February 14, 2018
This was a light and fun book. The characters were sweet and interesting, and the holiday destination made for creative outings. I found myself getting a little frustrated at times - I mean, hello, Balen? When do the secrets ever not lead to disaster? Men. 🙄
But otherwise, a unique, enjoyable read.
But otherwise, a unique, enjoyable read.
December 14, 2017
5 island of love stars
This book was fantastic - such a change from the Against the Cage series - wonderful story and characters. Can't wait for more
This book was fantastic - such a change from the Against the Cage series - wonderful story and characters. Can't wait for more
November 11, 2017
This book is a must read
WARNING
*** You’ll want to move to Cyprus and meet a handsome and charming surfer after reading this book.
Autumn is feeling lost after her divorce. She’s turning 30 and she hasn’t really lived her life to the fullest. She is hasn’t gotten over her husband’s betrayal and how he just walked out on her so she lets her friend convince her to go on a vacation and just do things she never has before.
Balen, well he has been told he has to lie low ever since a sex tape got out. He has been a little too naughty since his ex-lady troubles. Being a professional surfer, his agent wants him to clean up his image and stay out of trouble, but trouble literally smacks him in the head when he see’s Autumn. And I mean literally, he gets smacked with a suitcase.
There connection is amazing. Balen takes Autumn on island adventures. She goes bungee jumping, paddling, swimming, and hiking. And that is exactly what she needed. She needed to let lose and stop caring about what others think and man does she let loose!
** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **
WARNING
*** You’ll want to move to Cyprus and meet a handsome and charming surfer after reading this book.
Autumn is feeling lost after her divorce. She’s turning 30 and she hasn’t really lived her life to the fullest. She is hasn’t gotten over her husband’s betrayal and how he just walked out on her so she lets her friend convince her to go on a vacation and just do things she never has before.
Balen, well he has been told he has to lie low ever since a sex tape got out. He has been a little too naughty since his ex-lady troubles. Being a professional surfer, his agent wants him to clean up his image and stay out of trouble, but trouble literally smacks him in the head when he see’s Autumn. And I mean literally, he gets smacked with a suitcase.
There connection is amazing. Balen takes Autumn on island adventures. She goes bungee jumping, paddling, swimming, and hiking. And that is exactly what she needed. She needed to let lose and stop caring about what others think and man does she let loose!
** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **
December 19, 2017
So this is adorable and cute but also very steamy behind closed doors.
Autumn needs to loosen up yet then again so does everyone. Balen kind of shoves her to complete the book her best friend gave her for her birthday.
Right off the bat these two have crazy chemistry however they agree no x-rated action while on vacation. Pssh yeah that will work out. It's an easy to dive into the pages novel that will be over before you are ready.
**review by Sallie**
Autumn needs to loosen up yet then again so does everyone. Balen kind of shoves her to complete the book her best friend gave her for her birthday.
Right off the bat these two have crazy chemistry however they agree no x-rated action while on vacation. Pssh yeah that will work out. It's an easy to dive into the pages novel that will be over before you are ready.
**review by Sallie**
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