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Bayside Summers #3
Bayside Heat
Bayside Heat is a USA Today Bestseller
Fall in love at Bayside, where sandy beaches, good friends, and true love come together in the sweet small towns of Cape Cod. Bayside Summers is a series of standalone steamy romance novels featuring alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're fun, flirty, flawed, deeply emotional, always passionate, and easy to relate to.
In BAYSIDE HEAT...
Drake Savage has always done the right thing, especially where beautiful and fiercely determined Serena Mallery is concerned-even when it means keeping his feelings for her to himself. Serena has always wanted more than what their small town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts has to offer, and Drake's roots are so deeply entrenched in the Cape, it's all he can do to watch her pack up her life and move away.
Serena has always had big dreams. As a teenager she dreamed of becoming an interior designer and marrying smart, musically inclined, sexy-as-sin Drake Savage. Now she's finally landed a killer job with a top interior design firm, but though she has spent the last four years working side by side with Drake, he's never made a move. Four years is long enough for her to accept reality, and her new job in Boston is the perfect way to move on.
A weak moment leads to sizzling, sensual kisses, opening a door through which they've both been aching to walk. But Serena's determined not to give up her shot at the career she's always dreamed of, and Drake has loved her for too many years to stand in her way. With true love at their fingertips and a world of unstoppable passion igniting between them, can the two star-crossed lovers find their way to their happily ever after?
All BAYSIDE SUMMERS books can be read as standalone novels or as part of the series:
Bayside Desires
Bayside Passions
Bayside Heat
Bayside Escape
***
Bayside Summers is part of the Love in Bloom romance collection by New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. While each book may be read as a standalone, you might enjoy reading the entire Love in Bloom series. Characters from each sub-series appear in future books. Visit Melissa's website for family trees, series checklists, and more.
Fall in love at Bayside, where sandy beaches, good friends, and true love come together in the sweet small towns of Cape Cod. Bayside Summers is a series of standalone steamy romance novels featuring alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're fun, flirty, flawed, deeply emotional, always passionate, and easy to relate to.
In BAYSIDE HEAT...
Drake Savage has always done the right thing, especially where beautiful and fiercely determined Serena Mallery is concerned-even when it means keeping his feelings for her to himself. Serena has always wanted more than what their small town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts has to offer, and Drake's roots are so deeply entrenched in the Cape, it's all he can do to watch her pack up her life and move away.
Serena has always had big dreams. As a teenager she dreamed of becoming an interior designer and marrying smart, musically inclined, sexy-as-sin Drake Savage. Now she's finally landed a killer job with a top interior design firm, but though she has spent the last four years working side by side with Drake, he's never made a move. Four years is long enough for her to accept reality, and her new job in Boston is the perfect way to move on.
A weak moment leads to sizzling, sensual kisses, opening a door through which they've both been aching to walk. But Serena's determined not to give up her shot at the career she's always dreamed of, and Drake has loved her for too many years to stand in her way. With true love at their fingertips and a world of unstoppable passion igniting between them, can the two star-crossed lovers find their way to their happily ever after?
All BAYSIDE SUMMERS books can be read as standalone novels or as part of the series:
Bayside Desires
Bayside Passions
Bayside Heat
Bayside Escape
***
Bayside Summers is part of the Love in Bloom romance collection by New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. While each book may be read as a standalone, you might enjoy reading the entire Love in Bloom series. Characters from each sub-series appear in future books. Visit Melissa's website for family trees, series checklists, and more.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2018
713 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Foster
173 books11.8k followersNEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Never miss a release! Follow Melissa here on Amazon and sign up for her newsletter: https://MelissaFoster.com/Newsletter
Start FIVE of Melissa's series FREE in ebook format here: https://MelissaFoster.com/LIBFREE
FREE Love in Bloom Family Trees: https://MelissaFoster.com/RG
FREE Series Reading Order Checklist: https://MelissaFoster.com/SeriesCheck...
FREE Series Order Checklist by Publication Date (recommended): https://melissafoster.com/SeriesCheck...
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.
Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com
Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.
Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.
"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose
"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge
Never miss a release! Follow Melissa here on Amazon and sign up for her newsletter: https://MelissaFoster.com/Newsletter
Start FIVE of Melissa's series FREE in ebook format here: https://MelissaFoster.com/LIBFREE
FREE Love in Bloom Family Trees: https://MelissaFoster.com/RG
FREE Series Reading Order Checklist: https://MelissaFoster.com/SeriesCheck...
FREE Series Order Checklist by Publication Date (recommended): https://melissafoster.com/SeriesCheck...
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.
Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com
Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.
Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.
"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose
"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge
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August 8, 2018
5 - "Everything is easier under the stars…" Stars!
The third book in Melissa Foster’s Bayside Summers series sees besties Serena Mallery and Drake Savage step completely out of the friend-zone, and land with both feet totally in the relationship camp.
ITs LIVE! -
Amazon US: http://a.co/5iPQci
Amazon UK: http://amzn.eu/bcrWKvD
iBOOKS: http://apple.co/2iDjHxC
NOOK: http://bit.ly/2hW9UG8
GPLAY: http://bit.ly/2zVhWpu
Four years working alongside each other has done nothing to dim the attraction that Serena feels for Drake, being the only pair that aren’t actually a couple romantically they generally get pushed together at all group events with their friends and family, but opportunity comes calling and a move to Boston, offers Serena the chance to move upwards in her career as an interior designer with a big city company.
It was time she moved on…
Not wanting to stifle her dreams, especially after she sacrificed so much to help him get his own dreams off the ground, Drake is reluctant to act on the attraction he feels for her. But in this case the old adage 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' is completely true, and Drake goes to swoon-worthy levels in his efforts to woo Serena even though it's a long distance love story at the beginning .
"You are my best friend… My partner in crime."
I loved this book, I am still a relative newbie to the authors writing, but one thing that becomes apparent with each new title that I read is that the story being told is always focussed on the positive, the drama is always kept low-key and not dragged out and each and every character she offers up is someone you want to be friends with, in a relationship with or related too.
"I’ve waited so long to kiss you… To taste you…"
These are books you walk away from with a smile on your face, a happy heart, and itching for more time spent with the characters that you have been introduced to along the way. And I cannot wait for more.
"It doesn’t matter how far apart we are… No man could ever be you."
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
The third book in Melissa Foster’s Bayside Summers series sees besties Serena Mallery and Drake Savage step completely out of the friend-zone, and land with both feet totally in the relationship camp.
ITs LIVE! -
Amazon US: http://a.co/5iPQci
Amazon UK: http://amzn.eu/bcrWKvD
iBOOKS: http://apple.co/2iDjHxC
NOOK: http://bit.ly/2hW9UG8
GPLAY: http://bit.ly/2zVhWpu
Four years working alongside each other has done nothing to dim the attraction that Serena feels for Drake, being the only pair that aren’t actually a couple romantically they generally get pushed together at all group events with their friends and family, but opportunity comes calling and a move to Boston, offers Serena the chance to move upwards in her career as an interior designer with a big city company.
It was time she moved on…
Not wanting to stifle her dreams, especially after she sacrificed so much to help him get his own dreams off the ground, Drake is reluctant to act on the attraction he feels for her. But in this case the old adage 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' is completely true, and Drake goes to swoon-worthy levels in his efforts to woo Serena even though it's a long distance love story at the beginning .
"You are my best friend… My partner in crime."
I loved this book, I am still a relative newbie to the authors writing, but one thing that becomes apparent with each new title that I read is that the story being told is always focussed on the positive, the drama is always kept low-key and not dragged out and each and every character she offers up is someone you want to be friends with, in a relationship with or related too.
"I’ve waited so long to kiss you… To taste you…"
These are books you walk away from with a smile on your face, a happy heart, and itching for more time spent with the characters that you have been introduced to along the way. And I cannot wait for more.
"It doesn’t matter how far apart we are… No man could ever be you."
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
January 21, 2019
Bayside Heat was the third book in the Bayside Summers series by Melissa Foster. We have watched Drake and Serena for years as friends who crushed on each other but wouldn’t take it further. We now finally heard their story.
Drake Savage was one of the co-owners of Bayside Resort in the small Cape Town of Wellfleet, MA. He was strong, gorgeous, successful and protective for those he loved.
Serena Mallory was the longtime friend of the resort co-owners and she had been helping out for the past four years as they got it off the ground. Now it was her time to branch out and use her design degree. Drake had decades to act on their off the charts chemistry, but it was time to accept reality and move on. Unfortunately that meant moving to Boston for the once of a lifetime offer.
As expected from Foster, it was written with a dual POV, was well written, well developed and had loads of character and depth. Foster took us through the next phase of their relationship and the many decisions for their individual futures. I loved the bantering, loyalty, humor and fun amongst the Wellfleet clan. And Foster not only included the fan favorites from the series, but showcased other series favorites too, such as the Braden’s and the Ryder’s.
All in all, it was a fairly quick read. It was also fun and entertaining. Foster introduced several new members to the Wellfleet clan and I can’t wait to hear their stories as well. In the meantime, we still need the story for vivacious and snarky Violet. It has potential to be the best one yet!
Drake Savage was one of the co-owners of Bayside Resort in the small Cape Town of Wellfleet, MA. He was strong, gorgeous, successful and protective for those he loved.
Serena Mallory was the longtime friend of the resort co-owners and she had been helping out for the past four years as they got it off the ground. Now it was her time to branch out and use her design degree. Drake had decades to act on their off the charts chemistry, but it was time to accept reality and move on. Unfortunately that meant moving to Boston for the once of a lifetime offer.
As expected from Foster, it was written with a dual POV, was well written, well developed and had loads of character and depth. Foster took us through the next phase of their relationship and the many decisions for their individual futures. I loved the bantering, loyalty, humor and fun amongst the Wellfleet clan. And Foster not only included the fan favorites from the series, but showcased other series favorites too, such as the Braden’s and the Ryder’s.
All in all, it was a fairly quick read. It was also fun and entertaining. Foster introduced several new members to the Wellfleet clan and I can’t wait to hear their stories as well. In the meantime, we still need the story for vivacious and snarky Violet. It has potential to be the best one yet!
August 10, 2018
4.5 stars
Bayside Heat by Melissa Foster is a beautifully written friends to lovers romance.
The storyline is entertaining, well paced and watching Drake and Serena fall in love truly warmed my heart.
These two have secretly held feelings for each other for a while now but they've never given into them, then when Serena is set to move away for her dream job the attraction can no longer be denied. How can they let each other go without exploring these feelings?
I loved Drake and Serena together, they have a strong connection, they respect each others opinion and I liked how once they acknowledged their feelings they make each other a priority and work at achieving their dreams together.
Bayside Heat is a lovely addition to the Bayside Summers series. Each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them all!
➜KINDLE: http://smarturl.it/BHb2_Kindle
➜iBOOKS: http://apple.co/2iDjHxC
➜KOBO: http://smarturl.it/BHK
➜NOOK: http://bit.ly/2hW9UG8
➜GPLAY: http://bit.ly/2zVhWpu
➜PAPERBACK: http://smarturl.it/BH_pb
*An advance copy was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
Bayside Heat by Melissa Foster is a beautifully written friends to lovers romance.
The storyline is entertaining, well paced and watching Drake and Serena fall in love truly warmed my heart.
These two have secretly held feelings for each other for a while now but they've never given into them, then when Serena is set to move away for her dream job the attraction can no longer be denied. How can they let each other go without exploring these feelings?
I loved Drake and Serena together, they have a strong connection, they respect each others opinion and I liked how once they acknowledged their feelings they make each other a priority and work at achieving their dreams together.
Bayside Heat is a lovely addition to the Bayside Summers series. Each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them all!
➜KINDLE: http://smarturl.it/BHb2_Kindle
➜iBOOKS: http://apple.co/2iDjHxC
➜KOBO: http://smarturl.it/BHK
➜NOOK: http://bit.ly/2hW9UG8
➜GPLAY: http://bit.ly/2zVhWpu
➜PAPERBACK: http://smarturl.it/BH_pb
*An advance copy was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
August 21, 2018
Melissa Foster returns with the third installment in the Bayside Heat series. Usually I’m a big fan of laidback and easy-going books such as this one and previously, I have enjoyed the other books in the series, but for this one I definitely felt like something was a bit different.
I’m still unsure of what didn’t mesh well with me but I never really found myself getting into the groove with this one. Although Foster’s writing is cleancut and refreshing, the characters were what lacked for me. Both Drake and Serena didn’t light up my world and therefore, I think it was hard for me to get into the story and romance. I felt like their story was perhaps too easy and there wasn’t much going on in terms of plot. As a result, the book just kind of went on without any rises and falls.
I’m hoping that this is just a one-time thing because I do enjoy this series and feel like it’s one of the ones I look forward to reading every time there is a new one.
August 23, 2022
🎧🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧🎧
Somehow, when this series first published, I managed to read all the books except Bayside Heat. Who does that? LOL Also, I was today years old when I figured that little morsel of information out *blink* LOL
One of the many things I love about Melissa’s storytelling is that her stories are less conflict driven than anything else. She writes stories where the glass is half full, not half empty. She focuses more on the positive side of situations as opposed to the negative. It’s not that she doesn’t represent both sides of the coin, she just focuses more on the sunshine of things :) I love that about her writing. Sometimes, she makes it a little too easy, and I can’t really say if it was because I was listening to the story rather than reading it, but I felt like Serena & Drake had it a bit to easy. UGH …, I still loved that story but I just wish there was a bit more something to their growth & development. I can’t even tell you what! It’s crazy, I know, but it’s just this feeling I had while listening … *sigh* moving on LOL
I’ve been enjoying Melissa’s work for many years, and I will continue to do so because her stories are ones that I want to live! I want to be in the worlds she creates. I want to be among the people in her stories. She makes my heart happy and she’s one of my go-to authors any time I need a little lift in my spirits!
Ava Erickson & Aiden Snow did a fantastic job narrating this story and bringing Serena & Drake to life for me. Their voices played well off each other and really opened up the story for me. Well done!
Available Now in Audio Book:
➜AMAZON: http://smarturl.it/BHa_Amazon
➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/BHa_Apple
➜AUDIBLE: http://smarturl.it/BH_Audible
Somehow, when this series first published, I managed to read all the books except Bayside Heat. Who does that? LOL Also, I was today years old when I figured that little morsel of information out *blink* LOL
One of the many things I love about Melissa’s storytelling is that her stories are less conflict driven than anything else. She writes stories where the glass is half full, not half empty. She focuses more on the positive side of situations as opposed to the negative. It’s not that she doesn’t represent both sides of the coin, she just focuses more on the sunshine of things :) I love that about her writing. Sometimes, she makes it a little too easy, and I can’t really say if it was because I was listening to the story rather than reading it, but I felt like Serena & Drake had it a bit to easy. UGH …, I still loved that story but I just wish there was a bit more something to their growth & development. I can’t even tell you what! It’s crazy, I know, but it’s just this feeling I had while listening … *sigh* moving on LOL
I’ve been enjoying Melissa’s work for many years, and I will continue to do so because her stories are ones that I want to live! I want to be in the worlds she creates. I want to be among the people in her stories. She makes my heart happy and she’s one of my go-to authors any time I need a little lift in my spirits!
Ava Erickson & Aiden Snow did a fantastic job narrating this story and bringing Serena & Drake to life for me. Their voices played well off each other and really opened up the story for me. Well done!
Available Now in Audio Book:
➜AMAZON: http://smarturl.it/BHa_Amazon
➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/BHa_Apple
➜AUDIBLE: http://smarturl.it/BH_Audible
August 10, 2018
*4.5 - 5 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
Melissa Foster books are some of my favourites. I always find them enjoyable, fast reads, with little to no angst.
Drake and Serena’s story is a sweet and fun read. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but thats not an issue because Melissa writes them all as standalone. I love a good friends to lovers romance and this one was no exception.
Things start heating up between the two of them, as Serena is leaving to follow her dreams and move to Boston. Right from the start I was cheering for these two to get together, and watching them finally get there and how things play out as a result was really sweet.
Their friends are a lot of fun and make for some great banter and fun moments when they’re around. When its just Drake and Serena, their connection is palpable and intense and meant to be.
I enjoyed watching them navigate life and its changes, and how they communicate about things. The ending was absolutely perfect and I can’t wait to read more about their friends and this town in the future.
Review also on my blog - Bayside Heat - Melissa Foster
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ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
Melissa Foster books are some of my favourites. I always find them enjoyable, fast reads, with little to no angst.
Drake and Serena’s story is a sweet and fun read. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but thats not an issue because Melissa writes them all as standalone. I love a good friends to lovers romance and this one was no exception.
Things start heating up between the two of them, as Serena is leaving to follow her dreams and move to Boston. Right from the start I was cheering for these two to get together, and watching them finally get there and how things play out as a result was really sweet.
Their friends are a lot of fun and make for some great banter and fun moments when they’re around. When its just Drake and Serena, their connection is palpable and intense and meant to be.
I enjoyed watching them navigate life and its changes, and how they communicate about things. The ending was absolutely perfect and I can’t wait to read more about their friends and this town in the future.
Review also on my blog - Bayside Heat - Melissa Foster
Follow me on:
August 10, 2018
Bayside Heat is the story I have been waiting for since the Bayside Summers series started. I knew Drake and Serena would be together someday, they had to be! They had so much love and cared so deeply for one another it was easy to see that they would have a friends-to-lovers HEA and we finally have it!!!
Serena is offered a job in Boston at a prestigious interior design firm so she is leaving their small town and heading to the city, lets just say that ALMOST everyone is happy for her. Drake has always believed he was doing the right thing by Serena by keeping her in the friend zone even though he wanted more...I'm not really sure this is ever the right thing to do for anyone but; oh well whats done is done. It finally shakes them both up knowing that they wont be seeing one another every day but their best friends so they can always call right? LOL Am I making light of the situation, yes I am because they are friends and they do care deeply for one another so you know they are going to make it work. WHICH I LOVE!!!!!! Like I said earlier I have been waiting for their HEA and it was great. I really don't want to give anything away so this review is going to be short because I can just keep going on and on about it, especially the little surprises that took place which I thought were great and absolutely perfect.
You read my full Review and enter a giveaway for a chance to win an ebook copy of Seaside Whispers here Nadine's Obsessed with Books
Serena is offered a job in Boston at a prestigious interior design firm so she is leaving their small town and heading to the city, lets just say that ALMOST everyone is happy for her. Drake has always believed he was doing the right thing by Serena by keeping her in the friend zone even though he wanted more...I'm not really sure this is ever the right thing to do for anyone but; oh well whats done is done. It finally shakes them both up knowing that they wont be seeing one another every day but their best friends so they can always call right? LOL Am I making light of the situation, yes I am because they are friends and they do care deeply for one another so you know they are going to make it work. WHICH I LOVE!!!!!! Like I said earlier I have been waiting for their HEA and it was great. I really don't want to give anything away so this review is going to be short because I can just keep going on and on about it, especially the little surprises that took place which I thought were great and absolutely perfect.
You read my full Review and enter a giveaway for a chance to win an ebook copy of Seaside Whispers here Nadine's Obsessed with Books
November 7, 2018
Bayside Heat by Melissa Foster (Love in Bloom: Bayside Summers Book 3) Things are really heating up in Bayside with this new instalment from Melissa! I love how her book titles perfectly reflect the story within the pages.
Serena Mallery and Drake Savage have been friends since childhood and for Serena she has crushed on him for a long long time, but thinking that he only saw her in a brother/sister type relationship and an almost kiss that he pulled away from when she was in high school. she has put him to the back of her mind and moved on – to her friends she has anyway but the heart knows what the heart wants and her heart wants him.
Faced with a wonderful job opportunity that will see her move to Boston and leave her friends and Drake behind, pushed her to tell him how she really feels but what she wasn’t expecting was the same feeling in return – sure she has dreamed of the scenario every night for years and years but now all the cards on the table what will become of their relationship?
You will have to read Bayside Heat to find just exactly how they overcome the obstacles they are facing, but one thing I can say is that this that you are in for one steamy ride as these two are meant to be together and one thing Melissa does well is write friends to lovers story lines that are not only passionate but with lovable realistic characters to boot.
Serena Mallery and Drake Savage have been friends since childhood and for Serena she has crushed on him for a long long time, but thinking that he only saw her in a brother/sister type relationship and an almost kiss that he pulled away from when she was in high school. she has put him to the back of her mind and moved on – to her friends she has anyway but the heart knows what the heart wants and her heart wants him.
Faced with a wonderful job opportunity that will see her move to Boston and leave her friends and Drake behind, pushed her to tell him how she really feels but what she wasn’t expecting was the same feeling in return – sure she has dreamed of the scenario every night for years and years but now all the cards on the table what will become of their relationship?
You will have to read Bayside Heat to find just exactly how they overcome the obstacles they are facing, but one thing I can say is that this that you are in for one steamy ride as these two are meant to be together and one thing Melissa does well is write friends to lovers story lines that are not only passionate but with lovable realistic characters to boot.
August 6, 2018
The heat is on. Foster steps into the season with a whole lot of sunshine and a hint of heartache. Bayside Heat is a tempting walk down memory lane with two friends afraid to risk their hearts. Serena wanted forever, but Drake never made a move. Relocated to the friend zone, she's given up hope of ever having more. When a once in a lifetime opportunity comes her way, will Drake face his fears and listen to his heart? Funny, sunny and sweeter than honey.
August 9, 2018
4.25 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 8, 2018
Drake Savage has always done the right thing, especially where beautiful and fiercely determined Serena Mallery is concerned-even when it means keeping his feelings for her to himself. Serena has always wanted more than what their small town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts has to offer, and Drake's roots are so deeply entrenched in the Cape, it's all he can do to watch her pack up her life and move away.
Serena has always had big dreams. As a teenager she dreamed of becoming an interior designer and marrying smart, musically inclined, sexy-as-sin Drake Savage. Now she's finally landed a killer job with a top interior design firm, but though she has spent the last four years working side by side with Drake, he's never made a move. Four years is long enough for her to accept reality, and her new job in Boston is the perfect way to move on.
A weak moment leads to sizzling, sensual kisses, opening a door through which they've both been aching to walk. But Serena's determined not to give up her shot at the career she's always dreamed of, and Drake has loved her for too many years to stand in her way. With true love at their fingertips and a world of unstoppable passion igniting between them, can the two star-crossed lovers find their way to their happily ever after?
•••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--BAYSIDE is the third instalment in Melissa Foster’s contemporary, adult BAYSIDE SUMMERS romance series focusing on a tight knit group of friends and family in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. This is thirty-one year old, interior designer Serena Mallery, and thirty-four year old, music story owner / Bayside Resort proprietor Drake Savage’s story line. BAYSIDE HEAT, and subsequently BAYSIDE SUMMERS is another one of Melissa Foster’s spin off series from both the Love in Bloom and Seaside Summers series but can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several characters and couples cross over for cohesion and familiarity.
Told from dual third person perspective (Drake and Serena) BAYSIDE HEAT follows another friends to lovers relationship between thirty-one year old, interior designer Serena Mallery, and thirty-four year old, music story owner / Bayside Resort proprietor Drake Savage. For the past four years Serena has worked at Bayside Resort with the man that has called to her heart but a man who has kept Serena in the friend-zone for most of their life. Having grown up without the support of a loving mother, Serena found herself surrounded and protected by Dean, Rick and Drake Savage, but none more so than Drake himself. When an opportunity presents itself in Boston, in the field of interior design, Serena struggles between head and heart. Knowing she would never be anything more to Drake than a ‘sister’ and friend, Serena makes a decision that is about to change the course of both of their lives. What ensues is the friends to lovers relationship between Drake and Serena, as they embark on a long distance relationship that soon turns into something more.
Serena Mallery is a strong-willed, force of nature not afraid to do what has to be done but our heroine struggles to voice her affections for the man that has stolen her heart. Drake Savage has loved Serena Mallery for most of his life but he refuses to be the man who holds her back from the life and career she has always wanted.
The relationship between Serena and Drake is a friends to lovers romance where our couple struggle to reveal their attraction to one another although everyone else feels the palpable sexual energy and frustration. Relegated to the friend zone for far too long, Serena makes one final attempt to catch the eye of the man she loves hoping to prove there is more their attraction than best friends for life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and likable secondary and supporting characters from a couple of Melissa’s cross-over series. We are introduced to Serena’s co-worker and designer Gavin Wheeler, who makes Serena an offer she cannot refuse.
BAYSIDE HEAT is a clever, imaginative and spirited story line. The premise is spicey and riveting; the romance is provocative and stirring; the characters are flirty, sassy and energetic. Melissa Foster will leave you breathless but still wanting more.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 8, 2018
Drake Savage has always done the right thing, especially where beautiful and fiercely determined Serena Mallery is concerned-even when it means keeping his feelings for her to himself. Serena has always wanted more than what their small town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts has to offer, and Drake's roots are so deeply entrenched in the Cape, it's all he can do to watch her pack up her life and move away.
Serena has always had big dreams. As a teenager she dreamed of becoming an interior designer and marrying smart, musically inclined, sexy-as-sin Drake Savage. Now she's finally landed a killer job with a top interior design firm, but though she has spent the last four years working side by side with Drake, he's never made a move. Four years is long enough for her to accept reality, and her new job in Boston is the perfect way to move on.
A weak moment leads to sizzling, sensual kisses, opening a door through which they've both been aching to walk. But Serena's determined not to give up her shot at the career she's always dreamed of, and Drake has loved her for too many years to stand in her way. With true love at their fingertips and a world of unstoppable passion igniting between them, can the two star-crossed lovers find their way to their happily ever after?
•••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--BAYSIDE is the third instalment in Melissa Foster’s contemporary, adult BAYSIDE SUMMERS romance series focusing on a tight knit group of friends and family in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. This is thirty-one year old, interior designer Serena Mallery, and thirty-four year old, music story owner / Bayside Resort proprietor Drake Savage’s story line. BAYSIDE HEAT, and subsequently BAYSIDE SUMMERS is another one of Melissa Foster’s spin off series from both the Love in Bloom and Seaside Summers series but can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several characters and couples cross over for cohesion and familiarity.
Told from dual third person perspective (Drake and Serena) BAYSIDE HEAT follows another friends to lovers relationship between thirty-one year old, interior designer Serena Mallery, and thirty-four year old, music story owner / Bayside Resort proprietor Drake Savage. For the past four years Serena has worked at Bayside Resort with the man that has called to her heart but a man who has kept Serena in the friend-zone for most of their life. Having grown up without the support of a loving mother, Serena found herself surrounded and protected by Dean, Rick and Drake Savage, but none more so than Drake himself. When an opportunity presents itself in Boston, in the field of interior design, Serena struggles between head and heart. Knowing she would never be anything more to Drake than a ‘sister’ and friend, Serena makes a decision that is about to change the course of both of their lives. What ensues is the friends to lovers relationship between Drake and Serena, as they embark on a long distance relationship that soon turns into something more.
Serena Mallery is a strong-willed, force of nature not afraid to do what has to be done but our heroine struggles to voice her affections for the man that has stolen her heart. Drake Savage has loved Serena Mallery for most of his life but he refuses to be the man who holds her back from the life and career she has always wanted.
The relationship between Serena and Drake is a friends to lovers romance where our couple struggle to reveal their attraction to one another although everyone else feels the palpable sexual energy and frustration. Relegated to the friend zone for far too long, Serena makes one final attempt to catch the eye of the man she loves hoping to prove there is more their attraction than best friends for life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and likable secondary and supporting characters from a couple of Melissa’s cross-over series. We are introduced to Serena’s co-worker and designer Gavin Wheeler, who makes Serena an offer she cannot refuse.
BAYSIDE HEAT is a clever, imaginative and spirited story line. The premise is spicey and riveting; the romance is provocative and stirring; the characters are flirty, sassy and energetic. Melissa Foster will leave you breathless but still wanting more.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
August 27, 2018
Bayside Heat by Melissa Foster is a sweet, sizzling, angst free friends to lovers romance. It is the third book in the Bayside Summer series and it can be read as a stand-alone.
Drake and Serena were introduced in the previous books and from the moment I met them they intrigued me. Here we have two friends who did almost everything together, but we're not a couple. However, their chemistry was undeniable, and I waited with eager anticipation for their story.
Drake and Serena loved each other as teenagers and nothing has dulled their feelings. Serena would give anything for Drake to acknowledge her as more than a friend, but no matter what she did he kept her in the friend zone. That was until she decided to accept a job offer in Boston, which would allow her further advancement in her interior design profession.
Drake's profound desire is to see Serena succeed in career dreams and refused to stand in her way, even if it meant denying his feelings. When he realised pursuing her dreams meant her moving away indefinitely, he knew he had to make his feelings known.
I loved both characters, although sometimes their actions frustrated the back out of me, especially Drake. Serena is a fighter. She had it rough growing up, but she fought her way through the trials to become the woman she is today, down to earth, independent and a survivor. Drake is adorable, selfless and caring. This was evident from the way he treated his family, friends and most of all Serena.
Their relationship developed quickly, but challenges abound. The challenge of distance being the main one followed by her job. Where there's a will there's a way, and these two were the epitome
of this adage. Their determination to make their relationship succeed, amidst the frustrations was a testament to their commitment to each other.
I knew these two would have their happily ever after. There was no doubt at all, but what had me on edge was discovering the steps they would take to overcome the challenges they faced. In the end, it all worked out and I could not be more pleased with the outcome.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Bayside Heat met all my expectations and left me with a happy feeling. This is a perfect story for the summer while relaxing on the beach.
Drake and Serena were introduced in the previous books and from the moment I met them they intrigued me. Here we have two friends who did almost everything together, but we're not a couple. However, their chemistry was undeniable, and I waited with eager anticipation for their story.
Drake and Serena loved each other as teenagers and nothing has dulled their feelings. Serena would give anything for Drake to acknowledge her as more than a friend, but no matter what she did he kept her in the friend zone. That was until she decided to accept a job offer in Boston, which would allow her further advancement in her interior design profession.
Drake's profound desire is to see Serena succeed in career dreams and refused to stand in her way, even if it meant denying his feelings. When he realised pursuing her dreams meant her moving away indefinitely, he knew he had to make his feelings known.
I loved both characters, although sometimes their actions frustrated the back out of me, especially Drake. Serena is a fighter. She had it rough growing up, but she fought her way through the trials to become the woman she is today, down to earth, independent and a survivor. Drake is adorable, selfless and caring. This was evident from the way he treated his family, friends and most of all Serena.
Their relationship developed quickly, but challenges abound. The challenge of distance being the main one followed by her job. Where there's a will there's a way, and these two were the epitome
of this adage. Their determination to make their relationship succeed, amidst the frustrations was a testament to their commitment to each other.
I knew these two would have their happily ever after. There was no doubt at all, but what had me on edge was discovering the steps they would take to overcome the challenges they faced. In the end, it all worked out and I could not be more pleased with the outcome.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Bayside Heat met all my expectations and left me with a happy feeling. This is a perfect story for the summer while relaxing on the beach.
August 21, 2018
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Melissa Foster returns with the third installment in the Bayside Heat series. Usually I’m a big fan of laidback and easy-going books such as this one and previously, I have enjoyed the other books in the series, but for this one I definitely felt like something was a bit different.
I’m still unsure of what didn’t mesh well with me but I never really found myself getting into the groove with this one. Although Foster’s writing is cleancut and refreshing, the characters were what lacked for me. Both Drake and Serena didn’t light up my world and therefore, I think it was hard for me to get into the story and romance. I felt like their story was perhaps too easy and there wasn’t much going on in terms of plot. As a result, the book just kind of went on without any rises and falls.
I’m hoping that this is just a one-time thing because I do enjoy this series and feel like it’s one of the ones I look forward to reading every time there is a new one.
*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Annie❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
August 7, 2018
ARC Received for an honest review
I haven't read all of the Bayside stories, however this did not affect my enjoyment of Bayside Heat, and I will be going back to read them in the future.
Bayside Heat is a beautiful story of friendship, of family, of taking the chance on love.
I wanted to clonk Drake and Serena's heads together to make them get their act together, to get one of them to make that first move. For them to find love.
I freaking adore all of the Cape Cod "family". I love how they all saw what Drake and Serena had been denying, and how they all kinda "pushed" our lovelies together.
Bayside Heat is a lovely look down memory lane for Drake and Serena, as they move from the friend-zone they have placed each other in over the years. There is something to be said about being friends before diving in to a sexual kind of relationship, and you can feel the mutual love for each other.
I laughed at some of the antics from the other Bayside couples - it was great to catch up with them all again.
Sweet and tender with a lot of heat, Bayside Heat was a perfect weekend read for me.
I can't wait to see what Ms Foster bring us next.
I haven't read all of the Bayside stories, however this did not affect my enjoyment of Bayside Heat, and I will be going back to read them in the future.
Bayside Heat is a beautiful story of friendship, of family, of taking the chance on love.
I wanted to clonk Drake and Serena's heads together to make them get their act together, to get one of them to make that first move. For them to find love.
I freaking adore all of the Cape Cod "family". I love how they all saw what Drake and Serena had been denying, and how they all kinda "pushed" our lovelies together.
Bayside Heat is a lovely look down memory lane for Drake and Serena, as they move from the friend-zone they have placed each other in over the years. There is something to be said about being friends before diving in to a sexual kind of relationship, and you can feel the mutual love for each other.
I laughed at some of the antics from the other Bayside couples - it was great to catch up with them all again.
Sweet and tender with a lot of heat, Bayside Heat was a perfect weekend read for me.
I can't wait to see what Ms Foster bring us next.
August 8, 2018
Is there anything cuter than a friend to lovers story? You all know it's one of my favorite tropes. Bayside Heat features one of the cutest couples I have read abour in a while. Drake and Serena have been best buds for years. They have also each harbored a secret attraction for the other, but never acted on it. When Serena accepts a job in Boston, Drake finally realizes he needs to step up or lose the most important thing in his life. But how can he do that without holding her back from her dream job?
I really enjoyed this one. I loved the friendship between Drake and Serena. They know each other inside and out and it made their relationship all that much more intimate. I loved that Drake did everything he could to make sure Serena was able to leave and see if her dream job was what she wanted. He didn't want to hold her back. The other thing I loved about the book was the characters and their close friendships. Violet being my favorite. She was hilarious. I think her book may be next.
I did kind of have to laugh at the way everyone was making a big deal out of a 90 minute commute between Boston and the Cape. I work in Boston and that is my commute most days one way. So, I guess to me that didn't seem like a huge obstacle for their relationship. Especially since Drake's job was more flexible.
I definitely recommend this one. It's cute, funny, sexy and a well written book. It's out today, so check it out!
I really enjoyed this one. I loved the friendship between Drake and Serena. They know each other inside and out and it made their relationship all that much more intimate. I loved that Drake did everything he could to make sure Serena was able to leave and see if her dream job was what she wanted. He didn't want to hold her back. The other thing I loved about the book was the characters and their close friendships. Violet being my favorite. She was hilarious. I think her book may be next.
I did kind of have to laugh at the way everyone was making a big deal out of a 90 minute commute between Boston and the Cape. I work in Boston and that is my commute most days one way. So, I guess to me that didn't seem like a huge obstacle for their relationship. Especially since Drake's job was more flexible.
I definitely recommend this one. It's cute, funny, sexy and a well written book. It's out today, so check it out!
August 10, 2018
Bayside Heat is a sweet and sexy friends to lovers romance. I was completely smitten with Drake Savage.
He's a mans MAN. Hot as sin. Broody af. And, I just adored how much he loved Serena. The childhood flashbacks gave me all the feels .and was a perfect addition to their story. It added to the chemistry between Drake and Serena. Their bond & love for another. Strong. Selfless. Unconditional. I also, enjoyed the dynamic they shared with the supporting characters. I can't wait to read more by Melissa Foster!
He's a mans MAN. Hot as sin. Broody af. And, I just adored how much he loved Serena. The childhood flashbacks gave me all the feels .and was a perfect addition to their story. It added to the chemistry between Drake and Serena. Their bond & love for another. Strong. Selfless. Unconditional. I also, enjoyed the dynamic they shared with the supporting characters. I can't wait to read more by Melissa Foster!
August 12, 2018
Serena and Drake might be the MOST infuriating couple in the Bayside Summers series. Even before you read Drake's side, you just know they're meant for each other. Then knowing that Serena was on the brink of leaving for her perfect job...it broke my heart. I've never wanted to see two people end up together more. Between panty-melting sexiness and heartbreaking longing, you won't be able to put this latest installment down.
Received as a gift
Received as a gift
August 11, 2018
Originally published at Reading Reality
This is going to be a bit different – which is kind of ironic because I’m going to be talking about two books that are pretty much the same – but are different in some crucial ways.
Sweet Heat at Bayside by Addison Cole and Bayside Heat by Melissa Foster are the same book. Except when they’re not.
Let me explain…
Sweet Heat at Bayside, and the entire Sweet with Heat: Bayside Summers series, is the “sweet and clean” version of the story. Bayside Heat, and the entire Bayside Summers series, are the steamier and naughtier versions of the very same stories.
So first the story…
This is a really good take on the classic “friends to lovers” trope. Drake and Serena grew up together (along with all of their friends and siblings!) in the tiny town of Bayside on Cape Cod.
But not only was Drake Serena’s first crush, it seems like she never really got over it. Drake is about three years older than Serena, a gap that looms large in grade school and even high school, but now that they are in their late 20s/early 30s it no longer matters.
What does matter is that Serena has always dreamed of taking her interior design talents from tiny Bayside to the big city, meaning Boston. But when Drake started opening his chain of music shops four years ago, Serena came to help out. She’s not only designed the look and feel of all the stories, but helped Drake run both his whole operation as well as the inn that his family owns in Bayside.
She was clear from the very beginning that her work in Bayside was only temporary. And now its time for her to move on. Partly because the stores, the inn and even the local design firm that she’s been working at have all reached a point where the trail has been blazed and now it’s all just keeping on keeping on. But it’s also because as much as she wishes it were otherwise, her relationship with Drake has never moved out of the dreaded “friend zone”.
But Drake is so protective of her that even when she does date in order to try to get over her crush he doesn’t really let any other man get close. It’s obvious to Serena that in order to move on with her life on every front, she really needs to move away.
No matter how much she’s going to miss her friends, her sister, and especially Drake.
But the idea of Serena moving away finally hits Drake with the clue by four. Or another way of putting it is that now that she’s leaving, now that each dinner and each meeting is nearly the last, he discovers that he’s no longer able to hide his feelings for Serena.
No matter how “noble” he’s trying to be, and he thinks he is, he’s always loved her. He’s just never let himself show it.
At first it was because of their age gap. When he was a senior in high school, she was just a freshman. That gap is huge. When she was a senior in high school, he was in college – and away. Also a gap. The timing wasn’t right. When she came back to Bayside to work with him, they were both adults and both in the same place at the same time.
But her declaration that it was only temporary held him back. He didn’t want to get between her and her dreams. What he didn’t know was something important that Serena’s mother told her, that “what you wish for today may not be what you truly want tomorrow.”
So he never asks if she still wants that big city career more than anything else. And he never tells her how he feels. So when they finally begin breaking down the barriers between the friendship they have and the romance they both want, there’s more than a bit of confusion and anger on Serena’s side. It does feel like he’s messing with her.
But she’s committed to Boston and her new job. Over time both she and Drake become committed to figuring out how to make a long-distance relationship work. And then a miracle occurs, and they find a way to move forward so that they both get not just what they want, but what they need – and each other.
Escape Rating for Sweet Heat at Bayside: B-
Escape Rating for Bayside Heat: B+
Even though the story is the same, I think it does matter which version you read. And the steamier version just reads better. It’s not just about the sex. Actually, it’s not about the sex, per se, at all.
The series is about a group of 20- and 30- something who have mostly known each other forever, some of whom are siblings, who have met and/or recognized the love of their lives and have found their happy ever afters. Most of the ones who have paired off by the third book in the series are still newlyweds. They are all adults and there’s a fair amount of sexy talk and sexual teasing among the entire group. Both about who is and isn’t getting any, and how little anyone’s brother or sister wants to hear any details about their sibling’s sex life. It’s frequently funny and often a bit dirty and it all loses something in the translation when it has to all be toned down.
Also, one of the characters just has a potty mouth. Every time she means to drop an “f-bomb” and it’s changed to “frick” it drops me out of the story.
Part of Drake and Serena’s mutual seduction uses a lot of hot, steamy, dirty talk as foreplay. It’s as intelligent and as much fun as the eventual sex. At the point they are in their relationship, convincing themselves as well as each other that they are all in for whatever their relationship might become, seduction by words is every bit as hot as when they finally touch. It needs to be suggestive and naughty and dirty and the need to keep it sweet lets too much of the steam out of the room.
There is also one sexual encounter early in their relationship that is very sexy but does not include actual sex. It’s a scene where exactly what they did, and exactly what they didn’t, is a part of the emotional confusion between the two of them. Because the clean version can’t detail what happened, the entire scene is reduced to a single sentence – one that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense until you go back and read the steamy version.
As a friends into lovers story, Drake and Serena’s romance is a whole lot of fun to read. While they do have a lot of baggage that makes the arc of their relationship finally make sense, it’s not so heavy that it can’t be lifted with a little help from their friends. The gang as a whole has really great chemistry, so even though this is Drake and Serena’s story and we don’t see how everyone else got together, they are still a fun bunch to be with and we do get a good view of how our hero and heroine for this story fit into the whole.
And even though I haven’t read either version of the previous books in the series, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything – except that I wouldn’t mind hanging out with these folks myself. We’d all like to have a circle of friends this tight.
In summary (I know I can’t say “in short” at this point) it feels like Bayside Heat is the better and more authentic version of the story. But for those who feel like they have already read enough “f-bombs” for their lifetime the sweet version does a credible job of telling this “friends to lovers” tale with plenty of love but a bit less lust.
For this reader, the next time I’m faced with this particular dilemma, I know I’ll choose the “full Monty” version for my reading…pleasure.
This is going to be a bit different – which is kind of ironic because I’m going to be talking about two books that are pretty much the same – but are different in some crucial ways.
Sweet Heat at Bayside by Addison Cole and Bayside Heat by Melissa Foster are the same book. Except when they’re not.
Let me explain…
Sweet Heat at Bayside, and the entire Sweet with Heat: Bayside Summers series, is the “sweet and clean” version of the story. Bayside Heat, and the entire Bayside Summers series, are the steamier and naughtier versions of the very same stories.
So first the story…
This is a really good take on the classic “friends to lovers” trope. Drake and Serena grew up together (along with all of their friends and siblings!) in the tiny town of Bayside on Cape Cod.
But not only was Drake Serena’s first crush, it seems like she never really got over it. Drake is about three years older than Serena, a gap that looms large in grade school and even high school, but now that they are in their late 20s/early 30s it no longer matters.
What does matter is that Serena has always dreamed of taking her interior design talents from tiny Bayside to the big city, meaning Boston. But when Drake started opening his chain of music shops four years ago, Serena came to help out. She’s not only designed the look and feel of all the stories, but helped Drake run both his whole operation as well as the inn that his family owns in Bayside.
She was clear from the very beginning that her work in Bayside was only temporary. And now its time for her to move on. Partly because the stores, the inn and even the local design firm that she’s been working at have all reached a point where the trail has been blazed and now it’s all just keeping on keeping on. But it’s also because as much as she wishes it were otherwise, her relationship with Drake has never moved out of the dreaded “friend zone”.
But Drake is so protective of her that even when she does date in order to try to get over her crush he doesn’t really let any other man get close. It’s obvious to Serena that in order to move on with her life on every front, she really needs to move away.
No matter how much she’s going to miss her friends, her sister, and especially Drake.
But the idea of Serena moving away finally hits Drake with the clue by four. Or another way of putting it is that now that she’s leaving, now that each dinner and each meeting is nearly the last, he discovers that he’s no longer able to hide his feelings for Serena.
No matter how “noble” he’s trying to be, and he thinks he is, he’s always loved her. He’s just never let himself show it.
At first it was because of their age gap. When he was a senior in high school, she was just a freshman. That gap is huge. When she was a senior in high school, he was in college – and away. Also a gap. The timing wasn’t right. When she came back to Bayside to work with him, they were both adults and both in the same place at the same time.
But her declaration that it was only temporary held him back. He didn’t want to get between her and her dreams. What he didn’t know was something important that Serena’s mother told her, that “what you wish for today may not be what you truly want tomorrow.”
So he never asks if she still wants that big city career more than anything else. And he never tells her how he feels. So when they finally begin breaking down the barriers between the friendship they have and the romance they both want, there’s more than a bit of confusion and anger on Serena’s side. It does feel like he’s messing with her.
But she’s committed to Boston and her new job. Over time both she and Drake become committed to figuring out how to make a long-distance relationship work. And then a miracle occurs, and they find a way to move forward so that they both get not just what they want, but what they need – and each other.
Escape Rating for Sweet Heat at Bayside: B-
Escape Rating for Bayside Heat: B+
Even though the story is the same, I think it does matter which version you read. And the steamier version just reads better. It’s not just about the sex. Actually, it’s not about the sex, per se, at all.
The series is about a group of 20- and 30- something who have mostly known each other forever, some of whom are siblings, who have met and/or recognized the love of their lives and have found their happy ever afters. Most of the ones who have paired off by the third book in the series are still newlyweds. They are all adults and there’s a fair amount of sexy talk and sexual teasing among the entire group. Both about who is and isn’t getting any, and how little anyone’s brother or sister wants to hear any details about their sibling’s sex life. It’s frequently funny and often a bit dirty and it all loses something in the translation when it has to all be toned down.
Also, one of the characters just has a potty mouth. Every time she means to drop an “f-bomb” and it’s changed to “frick” it drops me out of the story.
Part of Drake and Serena’s mutual seduction uses a lot of hot, steamy, dirty talk as foreplay. It’s as intelligent and as much fun as the eventual sex. At the point they are in their relationship, convincing themselves as well as each other that they are all in for whatever their relationship might become, seduction by words is every bit as hot as when they finally touch. It needs to be suggestive and naughty and dirty and the need to keep it sweet lets too much of the steam out of the room.
There is also one sexual encounter early in their relationship that is very sexy but does not include actual sex. It’s a scene where exactly what they did, and exactly what they didn’t, is a part of the emotional confusion between the two of them. Because the clean version can’t detail what happened, the entire scene is reduced to a single sentence – one that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense until you go back and read the steamy version.
As a friends into lovers story, Drake and Serena’s romance is a whole lot of fun to read. While they do have a lot of baggage that makes the arc of their relationship finally make sense, it’s not so heavy that it can’t be lifted with a little help from their friends. The gang as a whole has really great chemistry, so even though this is Drake and Serena’s story and we don’t see how everyone else got together, they are still a fun bunch to be with and we do get a good view of how our hero and heroine for this story fit into the whole.
And even though I haven’t read either version of the previous books in the series, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything – except that I wouldn’t mind hanging out with these folks myself. We’d all like to have a circle of friends this tight.
In summary (I know I can’t say “in short” at this point) it feels like Bayside Heat is the better and more authentic version of the story. But for those who feel like they have already read enough “f-bombs” for their lifetime the sweet version does a credible job of telling this “friends to lovers” tale with plenty of love but a bit less lust.
For this reader, the next time I’m faced with this particular dilemma, I know I’ll choose the “full Monty” version for my reading…pleasure.
August 5, 2018
Thirty-one year old Serena Mallery has watched her friends find successful, fulfilling careers and fall in love in the past few years. Serena has been attracted to Drake Savage since she was a teenager. Drake has decided that he and Serena are friends-no more, no less. Serena realizes that she needs to move off Cape to find romantic and professional happiness and accepts a position with an interior design firm in Boston.
Serena’s decision to move to Boston is the catalyst in this passionate friends to lover’s romance. Drake is blindsided by Serena’s news. He thought she would continue to work at the resort, help him with his music stores and take interior design jobs from time to time. Serena’s moving to Boston has rocked Drake’s comfortable world. At first, I thought that Drake was a broody, self- centered guy. The honest, thoughtful back and forth banter between Drake, Rick and Dean changed my mind. I realized that Drake was a complex, caring man. Drake had to acknowledge the depth of his feelings for Serena. I never doubted that Drake loved Serena with all of his heart as he did not want Serena to choose between him and her dreams.
In Bayside Heat, Melissa Foster tackles several important relationship issues—honestly, trust and believing in yourself. Serena and Drake have a great working relationship; they understand each other, Drake relies on Serena’s organizational skills and trusts her trusts her design sense. The couple faces a few challenges when their long distance relationship heats up. Commuting, work obligations and personal promises test the couple.
I loved reconnecting with the Bayside couples and Violet. Violet’s unfiltered remarks are hysterical and spot on. Her character adds a lot of humor and honesty to the storyline. The friendships between Drake and Serena and their friends is so important in this series. The Bayside characters support, laugh and listen to each other. I adored the scene when Drake cruised to Boston with Matt, Mira, Hagen, Dean Emery, Rick and Desiree and picked Serena up at the Seaport dock.
Bayside Heat is a heartfelt, sensuous, romantic novel. Mellissa Foster creates a friends to lover’s story with a twist. Both characters grow during the story. Drake acknowledges his feelings for Serena and trusts Serena with his heart. Serena learns to stand up for herself professionally and figures out her path to balance her professional and romantic desires. Bayside Heat is one of my favorite novels of 2018.
And the epilogue? Perfect – it’s full of love, happiness and romance!
April 17, 2020
Audiobook Review… Ava Erickson and Aiden Snow have amazing voices. In Bayside Heat they took the amazing story that Melissa Foster wrote and brought it to life. The dual narrators were able to take both Drake and Serena and bring them to life. I could hear the emotions they felt, be sure of the love they had for each other, and be part of the fun they had in discovering each other.
eBook Review…I love this book. I am not new to Melissa Foster and have read all the books in this series so. With each book I find myself lost in the amazing friendships, the wonderful relationship, and the beautiful settings. The friendships are so strong and so real that I never doubt that the gals and guys will all grow old together without ever losing sight of each other. The relationships are dreamlike with the trust, the faith, and the love their share with each other.
Bayside Heat is the story of Drake and Serena. They have been friends forever, best friends during the last 4 years that they have worked together, and the attraction between them started from the first day they met. In any setting they coupled up, not romantically, but sitting together, being on the same team, just being a pair. The more they are together the more the rest of the group see the attraction, feel the heat, and recognize that they have to be together. There are a few comments but mostly they let Serena and Blake figure it out on their own. I love that there was support, a small push, but mostly it was up to the actual couple to figure out how to get together.
In true Melissa Foster style, Drake goes above and beyond winning Serena over. He is the most understanding, loving, accepting, and trusting man yet he is an alpha male with a strong opinion that he isn’t afraid to share. In other words, he is the perfect book boyfriend. Serena is self-assured, knows what her goals are and is not afraid to go after them. When she opens her heart to Drake she gives 100% of herself and never considers looking anywhere else.
Bayside Heat is a friend to lovers romance. I could not put it down. Pick up your own copy and beet these wonderful Bayside friends.
eBook Review…I love this book. I am not new to Melissa Foster and have read all the books in this series so. With each book I find myself lost in the amazing friendships, the wonderful relationship, and the beautiful settings. The friendships are so strong and so real that I never doubt that the gals and guys will all grow old together without ever losing sight of each other. The relationships are dreamlike with the trust, the faith, and the love their share with each other.
Bayside Heat is the story of Drake and Serena. They have been friends forever, best friends during the last 4 years that they have worked together, and the attraction between them started from the first day they met. In any setting they coupled up, not romantically, but sitting together, being on the same team, just being a pair. The more they are together the more the rest of the group see the attraction, feel the heat, and recognize that they have to be together. There are a few comments but mostly they let Serena and Blake figure it out on their own. I love that there was support, a small push, but mostly it was up to the actual couple to figure out how to get together.
In true Melissa Foster style, Drake goes above and beyond winning Serena over. He is the most understanding, loving, accepting, and trusting man yet he is an alpha male with a strong opinion that he isn’t afraid to share. In other words, he is the perfect book boyfriend. Serena is self-assured, knows what her goals are and is not afraid to go after them. When she opens her heart to Drake she gives 100% of herself and never considers looking anywhere else.
Bayside Heat is a friend to lovers romance. I could not put it down. Pick up your own copy and beet these wonderful Bayside friends.
November 3, 2018
Bayside Heat is book 3 in the Love in Bloom: Bayside Summers series. It was a wonderful love story from Melissa Foster earning 4.5 stars from this reviewer.
Drake Savage and Serena Mallery have known each other since they were children. Serena and her sister spent many days and nights with the Savage family, their daughter Mira and sons Drake and Rick. Serena and Mira are best friends and Serena has had a crush on Drake since she was a teenager.
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Drake has had a crush on Serena since she asked him to sing a duet with her one summer long ago. He knew he couldn’t hold her back from whatever dreams she was meant to accomplish so he had to be satisfied with having her as his best friend. Keeping her close without getting close was torture.
Serena and Drake work together at his family resort but when her dream designer job becomes available in Boston she realizes it is now or never to put her feelings on the table where Drake is concerned.
Drake realizes that he is about to lose the one person who knows him better than anyone else. He knows he can’t make her choose him over Boston but also knows he can’t live without her. He confesses his feelings and finds out she feels the same way.
Drake and Serena make their new long distance relationship work as well as they can. They travel the 2 hour drive back and forth to each other each chance they get but life gets in the way more than once. Serena finds herself questioning her decision to leave but not wanting to end up like her mother (following men around).
Serena and Drake each find that the one thing they want more than anything is to be together, but can they find a way to survive together in their new worlds?
I have read a few books by Ms Foster by now and this one keeps with the good love stories I’ve come to expect from her. I received an advance copy without expectations for review; any opinions expressed are my own. Not having read the first 2 in this series has my TBR list growing by two.
Drake Savage and Serena Mallery have known each other since they were children. Serena and her sister spent many days and nights with the Savage family, their daughter Mira and sons Drake and Rick. Serena and Mira are best friends and Serena has had a crush on Drake since she was a teenager.
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Drake has had a crush on Serena since she asked him to sing a duet with her one summer long ago. He knew he couldn’t hold her back from whatever dreams she was meant to accomplish so he had to be satisfied with having her as his best friend. Keeping her close without getting close was torture.
Serena and Drake work together at his family resort but when her dream designer job becomes available in Boston she realizes it is now or never to put her feelings on the table where Drake is concerned.
Drake realizes that he is about to lose the one person who knows him better than anyone else. He knows he can’t make her choose him over Boston but also knows he can’t live without her. He confesses his feelings and finds out she feels the same way.
Drake and Serena make their new long distance relationship work as well as they can. They travel the 2 hour drive back and forth to each other each chance they get but life gets in the way more than once. Serena finds herself questioning her decision to leave but not wanting to end up like her mother (following men around).
Serena and Drake each find that the one thing they want more than anything is to be together, but can they find a way to survive together in their new worlds?
I have read a few books by Ms Foster by now and this one keeps with the good love stories I’ve come to expect from her. I received an advance copy without expectations for review; any opinions expressed are my own. Not having read the first 2 in this series has my TBR list growing by two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2018
I love this book. I am not new to Melissa Foster and have read all the books in this series so. With each book I find myself lost in the amazing friendships, the wonderful relationship, and the beautiful settings. The friendships are so strong and so real that I never doubt that the gals and guys will all grow old together without ever losing sight of each other. The relationships are dreamlike with the trust, the faith, and the love their share with each other.
Bayside Heat is the story of Drake and Serena. They have been friends forever, best friends during the last 4 years that they have worked together, and the attraction between them started from the first day they met. In any setting they coupled up, not romantically, but sitting together, being on the same team, just being a pair. The more they are together the more the rest of the group see the attraction, feel the heat, and recognize that they have to be together. There are a few comments but mostly they let Serena and Blake figure it out on their own. I love that there was support, a small push, but mostly it was up to the actual couple to figure out how to get together.
In true Melissa Foster style, Drake goes above and beyond winning Serena over. He is the most understanding, loving, accepting, and trusting man yet he is an alpha male with a strong opinion that he isn’t afraid to share. In other words, he is the perfect book boyfriend. Serena is self-assured, knows what her goals are and is not afraid to go after them. When she opens her heart to Drake she gives 100% of herself and never considers looking anywhere else.
Bayside Heat is a friend to lovers romance. I could not put it down. Pick up your own copy and beet these wonderful Bayside friends.
May 12, 2020
loved the audio loved it and Serena and Drake
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 5 out of 5 stars
Serena has loved drake for years. He has loved her almost as long. He has spent these past four years being close to her, spending time with her in all things. They have worked side-by-side and now that is all about to come to an end. It was time that Drake makes a move on the one woman in the world that he could not see his world without, but its her chance to live her dream. He refuses to stand in the way of her get what she has dreamed of for years.
The heat of the encounters was like slicing through a very thick fog. These two were meant to be with each other and the time has come to put up or shut up about it all. Thank all the stars in the sky for good friends, family, and a small town that loved them both so much. Drake had to step up and make this happen.
Serena had everything she wanted. But something was still missing from her life. She was determined to figure it out on her own. Watching Serena and Drake find there way to each other was just so damn hot. The sizzle of there interaction began for me with an innocent mention of being tied up (not that way). Melissa Foster brings me a strong, small-town romance with great friends, a chosen family, and strong intense love. Meeting Serena and Drake gave me more doors to open and more that I want to open.
I absolutely love Aiden Snow and Ava Erickson in this romance. Ava gives the female character richness, sweetness, and a level of steel that was feminine and still strong. Aiden added that extra level of sexy, strong, stern, protective male with all the pitches, tones, and more.
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 5 out of 5 stars
Serena has loved drake for years. He has loved her almost as long. He has spent these past four years being close to her, spending time with her in all things. They have worked side-by-side and now that is all about to come to an end. It was time that Drake makes a move on the one woman in the world that he could not see his world without, but its her chance to live her dream. He refuses to stand in the way of her get what she has dreamed of for years.
The heat of the encounters was like slicing through a very thick fog. These two were meant to be with each other and the time has come to put up or shut up about it all. Thank all the stars in the sky for good friends, family, and a small town that loved them both so much. Drake had to step up and make this happen.
Serena had everything she wanted. But something was still missing from her life. She was determined to figure it out on her own. Watching Serena and Drake find there way to each other was just so damn hot. The sizzle of there interaction began for me with an innocent mention of being tied up (not that way). Melissa Foster brings me a strong, small-town romance with great friends, a chosen family, and strong intense love. Meeting Serena and Drake gave me more doors to open and more that I want to open.
I absolutely love Aiden Snow and Ava Erickson in this romance. Ava gives the female character richness, sweetness, and a level of steel that was feminine and still strong. Aiden added that extra level of sexy, strong, stern, protective male with all the pitches, tones, and more.
August 22, 2018
I love that each book in this large installment can be read as a stand alone so you are never missing anything or feel lost when you pick up the next book. (And even if you read each installment but there has been a gap between books, you aren’t lost because it’s like starting anew!)
I love that each book in this large installment can be read altogether and you get to catch up on past, present, and future characters. For example, I recall Drake and Serena from Desiree and Emery’s stories so it’s nice to read Drake and Serena’s story, but also catch up on Desiree, Rick, Emery, Dean, Violet, and Mira’s lives.
Seeing as I recall comments from previous books from Drake’s point of view (or I guess more or less Rick and Dean’s point of view); it was nice to have a second view point in this.
This was such a sweet read. I love how strong the men try to be, but it never lasts long. And Serena was just as strong with a trunk full of baggage that Drake had already seen her through. They are the best of friends and it makes their coming together that much sweeter.
The romance and heat are enough to make you blush, but not enough to make you uncomfortable (in my opinion).
I am a huge fan of this series and fall more and more in love with the author, the romance, and the characters with each new book.
I love that each book in this large installment can be read altogether and you get to catch up on past, present, and future characters. For example, I recall Drake and Serena from Desiree and Emery’s stories so it’s nice to read Drake and Serena’s story, but also catch up on Desiree, Rick, Emery, Dean, Violet, and Mira’s lives.
Seeing as I recall comments from previous books from Drake’s point of view (or I guess more or less Rick and Dean’s point of view); it was nice to have a second view point in this.
This was such a sweet read. I love how strong the men try to be, but it never lasts long. And Serena was just as strong with a trunk full of baggage that Drake had already seen her through. They are the best of friends and it makes their coming together that much sweeter.
The romance and heat are enough to make you blush, but not enough to make you uncomfortable (in my opinion).
I am a huge fan of this series and fall more and more in love with the author, the romance, and the characters with each new book.
August 9, 2018
This book mostly revolves around the heroine Serena trying to decide whether or not to give up her life on Cape Cod to take a high pressure corporate job in Boston. I've read several versions of this plot and I could pretty much figure out how it went. Or so I thought...... I don't want to give too much away, but I'll definitely say that the typical "the grass isn't always greener on the other side" plot has been turned on its head in a way that really surprised me.
The only real criticism I have is that while the story is told from the perspective of both Serena and Drake, it felt more like Serena's book than Drake's. Because a lot of the plot was devoted to Serena's job dilemma, it felt like a lot of Drake's storyline was based around dealing with Serena's absence and not much else. I still enjoyed them as a couple, but I felt like I saw more of Serena than him.
While this can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the other Bayside books first because the other characters make a lot of appearances and it might feel a little overwhelming if you're not familiar with them.
The only real criticism I have is that while the story is told from the perspective of both Serena and Drake, it felt more like Serena's book than Drake's. Because a lot of the plot was devoted to Serena's job dilemma, it felt like a lot of Drake's storyline was based around dealing with Serena's absence and not much else. I still enjoyed them as a couple, but I felt like I saw more of Serena than him.
While this can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the other Bayside books first because the other characters make a lot of appearances and it might feel a little overwhelming if you're not familiar with them.
August 9, 2018
Hidden, friendship to lover stories have a way of working their way into a special place in my heart. Drake has been in love with Serena for years but he has such a respect for her that he's never let on that he has such deep feelings. There's nothing like a deadline to losing the one you love to push you off the edge of the cliff you've been dangling over. The only downfall - Drake is content with his life and where he's at in all aspects. Serena sees the potential for more in her life. It has the potential to make them phenomenal or could completely tear them apart. Both commit to making this work (after all, they have wasted YEARS on avoiding this!) by way of a long-distance relationship. Good intentions and hard work prove to be only a small piece of the path to a successful relationship. I loved being able to see the story from both points of view. It made me feel more connected to both characters. I felt every desire and twinge of pain as these two took on what seems to be a journey that may not fair well in the end.
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
August 17, 2018
4.5 stars - Completely gratifying, Bayside Heat, is yet another example of what the talented Ms. Foster can create when she crafts a story and commits it to paper.
Drake, our hero, is the book boyfriend of book boyfriends. He's hot, kind, supportive, protective, financially secure, responsible, and a bit alpha with none of the douchbag tendencies some authors like to throw in.
Serena is cute and a bit curvy. She's a hard worker who wants to earn everything she gets. With a mother who chases and clings to men, Serena is committed to paying her own way and following the plan she's set out for herself. She's crushed on her best friend Drake since forever and once they finally give in to one another it's unicorns and rainbows and, ultimately, decision time.
I enjoyed every minute of this read. If you like contemporary romance that isn't afraid to heat things up, pull on your heart strings and showcase the benefits of friends who are more like family, this is right up your alley.
I received an ARC of this book, from the author, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Drake, our hero, is the book boyfriend of book boyfriends. He's hot, kind, supportive, protective, financially secure, responsible, and a bit alpha with none of the douchbag tendencies some authors like to throw in.
Serena is cute and a bit curvy. She's a hard worker who wants to earn everything she gets. With a mother who chases and clings to men, Serena is committed to paying her own way and following the plan she's set out for herself. She's crushed on her best friend Drake since forever and once they finally give in to one another it's unicorns and rainbows and, ultimately, decision time.
I enjoyed every minute of this read. If you like contemporary romance that isn't afraid to heat things up, pull on your heart strings and showcase the benefits of friends who are more like family, this is right up your alley.
I received an ARC of this book, from the author, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 17, 2018
I was really looking forward to this one because friends to lovers is one of my favorite troupes. I just loved Serena and Drake together. They have so much history going back to their childhood. That's what brings so much to the book for me. They know the little things about one another no one else really sees. Things get quite steamy between the two and you can see how deep their feelings for one another are. Drake that guy has so many swoon worthy moments when it comes to Serena. That was one of my favorite parts of the book. A thing I love about this series is the group of friends. I always look forward to the parts when they get together. Makes me wish I was part of the group. No everything is going to go smoothly for Serena and Drake because they finally reveal their feelings new chapters of their lives are starting. The balancing act is going to to test them, but do they have the kind connection that can weather the storm? I would recommend this one. The flow of the book is great and had me gobbling it up right to the end. Plus the characters are what truly make this book and series for me.
August 18, 2018
Serena is offered the job that will make her career as an interior designer, but she is conflicted about her move to the big city of Boston. Why? Because of those ever longing heartstrings. Drake is her best friend, her partner in crime, and the one that her heart has always longed for, but never had. Drake loves Serena, but has never acted on his feelings, because he's her protector and does not want to stand in her way of getting everything she has wanted. Sexual tension is high and everyone can see it. But why would Drake put Serena through that anguish of having to choose love or career?
Do you remember that one love that lingered on in your heart? The one that whenever your mind wandered, it wandered to them and the 'what ifs'. Serena and Drake are the perfect example of that would be, should be couple. Will they give love a chance? If they do can they make a long distance relationship work, or will someone give it all up for love?
Disclosure: At my request, I have received an advance copy of this book for review purposes. I am not being financially compensated for this post, all opinions expressed are my own honest opinion.
Do you remember that one love that lingered on in your heart? The one that whenever your mind wandered, it wandered to them and the 'what ifs'. Serena and Drake are the perfect example of that would be, should be couple. Will they give love a chance? If they do can they make a long distance relationship work, or will someone give it all up for love?
Disclosure: At my request, I have received an advance copy of this book for review purposes. I am not being financially compensated for this post, all opinions expressed are my own honest opinion.
January 23, 2019
I listened to the audio version of this book.
Bayside Heat is classic Melissa Foster. Her characters are rich in personal drive and respect for themselves and their mates. Serena and Blake are characters we've been watching for the last several books. They have each acknowledged their attraction to each other, but Blake refused to act on it. Serena is finally giving up on ever getting to be with him even though her friends keep telling her that he is very interested in her. She decides to be strong and leave for her dream job in interior design. The threat of her leaving may finally force his hand (and other body parts) to give into his desire for her.
Serena may have to give up either the job she's always waited for or the man she's always waited for. How can she possibly choose? You'll just have to read it to find out!
I was given this audio book by the author. All thoughts are my own.
Bayside Heat is classic Melissa Foster. Her characters are rich in personal drive and respect for themselves and their mates. Serena and Blake are characters we've been watching for the last several books. They have each acknowledged their attraction to each other, but Blake refused to act on it. Serena is finally giving up on ever getting to be with him even though her friends keep telling her that he is very interested in her. She decides to be strong and leave for her dream job in interior design. The threat of her leaving may finally force his hand (and other body parts) to give into his desire for her.
Serena may have to give up either the job she's always waited for or the man she's always waited for. How can she possibly choose? You'll just have to read it to find out!
I was given this audio book by the author. All thoughts are my own.
August 7, 2018
Melissa Foster always develops characters that I want to be good friends with. Bayside Heat characters are no exception.
Serena reminds me a bit of myself. I always set a plan and stick to it. It's only recently I've managed to live a bit more carefree. I sat screaming at her that she needed to put her feelings out there for Drake. She couldn't leave the Cape without him knowing what she felt.
There is nothing more frustrating than reading a book where two characters are so meant to be together yet each is holding back out of concern for the other. I sensed this frustration throughout the beginning parts of Bayside Heat.
You need to pick up a copy of Bayside Heat to find out how things work out and who follows their ultimate plan for life.
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Serena reminds me a bit of myself. I always set a plan and stick to it. It's only recently I've managed to live a bit more carefree. I sat screaming at her that she needed to put her feelings out there for Drake. She couldn't leave the Cape without him knowing what she felt.
There is nothing more frustrating than reading a book where two characters are so meant to be together yet each is holding back out of concern for the other. I sensed this frustration throughout the beginning parts of Bayside Heat.
You need to pick up a copy of Bayside Heat to find out how things work out and who follows their ultimate plan for life.
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
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