Can't Stop The Feeling

Whispering Bay Romance #6

by Maria Geraci

He's a hot shot attorney who's never lost a case. Or failed to get the girl.
It's her job to make sure he doesn't win. Or sneak his way into her heart again...

Jenna Pantini has just become Whispering Bay's first female city manager and she's determined to succeed where less qualified men before her have failed. Her mission? Balance the city budget and keep the quaint little Florida beach town out of the hands of greedy developers.

When founding father Earl Handy bequeaths the town miles of pristine beach front property to be used solely for public access it almost seems too good to be true. Earl's daughter isn't about to be robbed of her inheritance, especially when everyone knew old Earl was crazy as a loon, so she hires cocky attorney Ben Harrison to break her daddy's will.

Ben is legendary in legal circles for never losing a case. He also has another kind of reputation--one with the ladies, something that Jenna knows all about first hand. Back in college Ben was Jenna's first love, a relationship that ended with Jenna heartbroken.
Ben would love nothing more than to pick right back up where he and Jenna left off, but the feisty redhead isn't interested in anything but seeing him leave town. Too bad she isn't going to get her way because Ben has more at stake than just a legal case. He made a long ago promise to family that he needs to fulfill. Plus, there's all those old feelings that he and Jenna can't quite seem to shake...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2018

About the author

Maria Geraci writes feel-good small-town contemporary romance. She’s a two-time RITA® Finalist and a finalist in the National Readers’ Choice Awards and Romantic Times’ American Title Contest. Her stories feature strong women, dreamy heroes, lots of laughs, and a little bit of heat. Born in Cuba, she was raised on Florida’s Space Coast. She and her husband of thirty-plus years (along with their four dogs) are thrilled to call central Florida home again. She loves hearing from readers. You can write to her at maria@mariageraci.com

Maria also writes cozy mysteries as her alter ego Maggie March.

Reviews

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the author for review
Originally posted at Romancing the Book

It was great to be back in the beach community of Whispering Bay for the sixth book in the series, Can’t Stop the Feeling. It was playful but also had a seriousness about it given some of the topics in the story. Jenna and Ben have a history from thirteen years ago when they were college freshman in a math class and became not only study partners but so much more. When they lose contact over the years and each went on with their lives they didn’t figure their paths would ever cross again. Lo and behold it does and they need to clear the air plus discuss what happened so many years ago.

Jenna and Ben still have chemistry no matter how much they fight it. Unfortunately he plans to remain in Whispering Bay for at least a month due to a legal case he’s handling. She’s not getting any younger, just ask her mother, but Jenna feels that ship has sailed or has it? There are quite a few story lines going on that get woven together nicely and the story flows smoothly. The characters have a depth to them that I didn’t expect and it just added another layer to the story. There are family and friends, Ben’s adorable niece, fights to be won, family issues, problems and secrets, meetings, work, arguments, anger, tempers, sadness, shady characters, hope, happiness, loving and so much love. There is a happily-ever-after that was tied up nicely in the epilogue. I for one hope that we’ll be back in Whispering Bay over and over again.

Geraci is an author whose books I enjoy. I look forward to reading more of her books not only in this series. Her books are reminiscent to me of those by Susan Mallery, Jill Shalvis and Neve Cottrell, among others.

[Terri Eaches · Rating 5 out of 5]

The One That Got Away Is Back and Better 🔥💕🔥💕

I've read other books by Maria Geraci that have been wonderful and I'm sad to say this is the first book from this series that I've read, which I will immediately be catching up on. With that being said, I did not feel confused or lost with the other characters. The story gives you a feeling of closeness in the community where the people are like family, even the grumpy ones. In this book Jenna Pantini moved to Whispering Bay and became the city manager with the previous manager now in jail for theft. The city is in the process of a law suit over beach front property that was willed to them. When the Mimi and Pilar inform Jenna who the opposing attorney is one thought runs through her mind...not my Ben Harrison!! Ben Harrison is a successful attorney who never loses and he is also Jenna's first love that crushed her heart after giving him her innocence then avoiding her. Now thirteen years later the chemistry is still there and waking up long ago feelings but Jenna is bound and determined to guard her heart and keep things professional. While Ben considers Jenna the one that got away he won't let her get away again. One taste is not enough and Ben and Jenna find themselves in an impossible situation. Ben is only in town for one month to take care of personal business then back to Miami unless he can convince Jenna for a second chance. The plot of this story will keep you turning pages to see what can possibly happen next. You have nosy and quirky family and friends, an adorable orphaned niece, a mystery of missing city money, a nasty nanny and a whole bunch more!!! I'm definitely going to catch up on this series because i just have to find out about the ghost. I loved it and have to say this is a one click must read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Thank you Maria Geraci, I'm ready for a trip to Whispering Bay

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting and waiting for the next book in the Whispering Bay serie by Maria Geraci. Hurray! It is here. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite among the six books in the series. I can say that Can’t Stop The Feeling is my favorite right now. While Jenna visited her aunt in Whispering Bay when she was younger, she is a newcomer when it comes to living permanently there. Ben Harrison is a visitor coming for professional and personal reasons to the area for a few weeks. Boy, do these two set off the alarms when they come together after over a decade later.

For those who haven’t discovered this treasure of a series, Ben and Jenna’s story reads well as a stand-alone. There are small town politics, family inquisitiveness, drama, and sorrow, along with second chance love and one darling little girl. The romance is realistic and genuine but then so is the community with its division on growth issues. Of course, there are villains but more importantly everyday heroes too.

For those of us who love our visits to the coastal Florida small town, that Mimi and Jake are supporting characters as well as a few others. One of my favorite parts is seeing how well Jenna, Mimi and Pilar work together, especially near the end of the book. Can’t Stop The Feeling as well as all of the Whispering Bay books is small-town life up-close and personal told in a remarkable series. I would give it 10 stars if I could.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher/author which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many good feels in this Whispering Bay story I definitely recommend this one! Jenna is the newly minted city manager of Whispering Bay after the former was sent to jail for stealing funds. The first up on the agenda is a will that is being contested and the attorney who is representing the family suing the city is a blast from the past. Ben Harrison is the man who literally loved her and left her 13 years previously. Well, they were study partners at college and at the end of the semester a night of passion leaves Jenna with just a note in the morning and Ben missing and no contact. In other words, he ghosted her. We are treated with flash backs and get the story and then we get the explanation in present time. Ben is now a big-time attorney from Miami and he has never lost a case and doesn't plan to lose this one and on his first stop in town for a sandwich he runs into Jenna and the chemistry is still flashing between them but she shoots him down when he asks her out. It doesn't take long for him to wear her down and she agrees to a drink which leads to dinner and a lot of talking and a kiss in the parking lot. Oh, add in a cutie of a niece and all the heartstrings are pulled tight. I'm not telling you anything more except this one is definitely a great read for a good time and it can be read as a standalone.

**Received this ARC for review**

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna, Whispering Bay's first female City Manager, feels like she's finally found where she's meant to be. She has big plans for the beach town, especially after the sizable donation of beach front property willed to the city. But there's a snag in her plans. The will is being contested by Earl's daughter. Between the new rec center that's over budget, missing city funds, and the attorney fees to fight Earl's daughter, there's not much left in the city budget.

Ben, a big city attorney who's never lost a case, never thought he'd ever see "the one that got away". Stopping by a local diner on the way to meet up with his new clients, Ben is at a loss for words when Jenna walks into the diner. She's just as he remembers, only she looks as though she could kill him.

Best second chance romance EVER!!! I loved the witty banter, Rachel and her adorable brown eyes, the commeraderie between the Mayor, City Manager, and City Attorney, the elderly yoga group, the suspense, EVERYTHING about this novel. Jenna was strong, not needy or wihiney. While Ben made mistakes in college, he truly had everyone's best interest at heart. I wasn't expecting the mystery or suspense, but it only added to the greatness of this novel. Truly well written, engaging! I received a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just in time for summer!

Whispering Pines is heating up for the summer! Actually, it takes place in the fall, but there is plenty of heat. Jenna, the newly selected town manager is preparing for her first town budget meeting. Some of the figures just don't add up, and the previous town manager us in jail, on an unrelated charge. A law suit is brought against the town, disputing acres of pristine coastal property left to the town in a will. The lawyer representing the couple bringing the law suit is a big shot Miami attorney, Ben Harrison. He is also Jenna's first love, and first heartbreak. She is determined to keep that in the past as they deal with the professional issues at hand. But trying to stop their love from rekindling is like trying to stop a Florida hurricane in early fall. This is terrific love story mixed with just the right amount of mystery, suspense,and sexy romance. Maria Geraci brings it all together by skillfully weaving through a love of family and friends that has become the trademark of her Whispering Pines series. This book is the perfect read for summer vacation. So put on your sunscreen and enjoy the sizzle !.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! It’s always great to visit Whispering Bay with its great stories and quirky, loveable people. Jenna takes great pride in her job as city manager and trying to help fix the mess her precesessor created. Ben is a cut-throat, never lose lawyer who’s determined to do right by his clients in their suit against the town. That already be would be enough to make then adversaries.
But layered in that quagmire is the fact that Jenna and Ben knew each other in college, and haven’t seen each other in thirteen years. Jenna’s determined to avoid Ben at all costs, or at least be polite but aloof. Ben knows he’s only in town for a short time, and it wouldn’t be a good idea to get involved again. If only she wasn’t constantly on his mind!
With a little mystery and intrigue thrown in, as well as a few of those favorite townspeople popping up, this second chance romance is a satisfying and enjoyable read. You don’t need to have read any of the other books in the series (I think I’m even missing one or two). So after enjoying this one, pop back into town and read the rest...you won’t be disappointed!

[Deb Fernow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is such an enjoyable one. Lots of different characters and yet the author is able to tie them together in such a way that you feel like you are there with them. I don’t think it hurts that I grew up in a very similar community as Whispering Bay!

The new city manager, Jenna Pantini, gets thrown into circumstances created by her predecessor who embezzled and ended up in jail. She thinks she has that under control but the finances are still more than they should be. So when a resident dies and wills property to the city, it’s her job to determine how best to use that resource. The heirs sue and the attorney they hire is none other than the man who loved her and left her in college, Ben Harrison.

The sparks never went out between them but Jenna knows that her job depends on her making the right decision. So when they end up in bed, more than once, and then on camera, she knows that she has to stop seeing Ben. His life is in Miami and when the case is over, he will leave – again.

Delightful read about making choices and choosing love.

I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for the review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Series EVER!

Such a fun addictive read where Maria turns characters into family.

Gah! I can’t describe how excited I was to be back in Whispering Bay with my favorite people ever.

Maria Geraci’s books make me feel SO HAPPY! As soon as I start reading, my heart soars because I know I’m visiting with all my favorites. I love the people of Whispering Bay oh so much. They are like family and I am so emotionally invested. Maria Geraci’s flawless writing does that, she turns her characters into beloved family members. This is a book you can’t put down. You have to devour it. Can’t Stop the Feeling has all the feels. It’s laugh out loud fun.

I have so much love for Jenna and Ben. Their love story is one of my absolute favorites. Second chance love. Jenna fell in love once and had her heart completely broken, by Ben. Ben has always remembered Jenna as the one who got away. When these two accidentally run into each other years later, sparks still fly. Even hotter. But can Ben convince Jenna he’s the real deal? Their up and downs have you turning pages as fast as you can!!!

MUST READ!!!

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Ms Geraci takes us Whispering Bay, FL. Where the townspeople are opinionated, nosy, and passionate about their town.
Jenna is the new City Manager in town. Because her aunt has lived there for years , Jenna was easily accepted. But she has a hard road ahead, since her predecessor is in jail for robbery. Now a beach property that was due to inherit, is being contested. The lawyer of the opposition is none other than the guy that crushed her heart thirteen years before while at the university.
This is a story about second chances. About how our experiences as children do in fact affect us as adults. That love a second time around might be even better and that family , even when they drive us crazy, is to be cherished.
Throw in some mystery, humor and strong women whose significant other are strong yet tender and devoted and you have another wonderful and engaging story by this talented author.
I voluntarily read this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you Maria I loved it! Jenna Panini is the city manager of Whispering Bay, a lovely unspoiled beach comunity in Florida and Ben Harrison is the big shot lawyer who is trying to destroy it by representing the people who are trying to break the will that left the breachfront property to the city. Ben & jenna have a history, she fell in love with him in college but after the night she surendered her innocense to him he never called her or saw her again. Now she has to prevent him from destroying her city and also her heart again. Ben had reasons for his actions but can he convince Jenna. This is so interestly woven that I couldn't wait to get to the end ---and then was sorry it was over. A sure sign of a great book. Alice Boni

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful book about the residents of fictitious Florida town, Whispering Bay, the safest city in America. Jenna Pantini is the new city manager, the previous one, now in jail. Only a month on the job, she is challenged, when a will leaving miles of pristine beach front to the city is contested by the daughter and represented by lawyer Ben Harrison, Jenna's first love in college. Thirteen years ago, he ghosted her and now he is back. He thinks of her as the one who got away, and just as he never loses a case, he is not going to lose Jenna a second time. Will Jenna keep from getting her heart broken again or will she allow the only man she ever loved a second chance? Lots of quirky characters inhabit Whispering Bay and the authors writes in a very entertaining, humorous voice.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s one thing I know about reading Ms Geraci’s stories, I loose myself to the story and the characters themselves. The imagery she creates through her words projects everything in my mind’s eye as it unfolds... it’s almost as if I’m living the story.

Coming back to Whispering Bay is always a comfort, the characters are like family, and the town feels like home. The author has a unique gift of keeping the series fresh and engaging, the characters interesting and with such strong personalities, this making them nearly lifelike.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Pamela Devereux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Whispering Bay! I couldn't wait to see what Ms. Geraci had in store for us. Jenna is sweet and wonderful even if she blurts out facts and is honest as the day is long. She is in for a shock when an old boyfriend is coming to town. She has tried to downplay it but you know what happens in Whispering Bay. Everyone finds out. Now Ben Harrison knows Jenna is the one who got away. Now he needs to figure out how to win her back. Only they are on opposite sides. You will laugh, smile and get angry. And you will absolutely love the ending.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so much fun to read. I have not read them all but I do love everyone that I have read. There is a good mystery mixed with the love story. You can read these all as a stand alone but this series is so great I would read them all. Jenna and Ben have to work out what happened in the past to get to a future. Along with a will being contested, Jenna knows the old city manager is was up to no good and has to prove it. Picture perfect place to live and a second chance romance, you can't go wrong with this book.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance A With A Lot of Bumps In The Road

While a little slow in some parts, the overall story kept me engaged as I rooted for Ben and Jenna to find a way to get past all the baggage they carried. There are a lot of characters in the story and the author managed to make them all more than just names.

There are multiple love stories in this book-some romantic, some for parents or children, and some platonic. There are a few bad players, but mostly this was about good relationships and people dedicated to doing the right things.

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and very heartwarming. Also has a twist of events.
Jenna will not let Ben Harrison win this time. He might be a
be a great lawyer, but she’s Whispering Bay’s city manager. She takes
her duties serious.

Ben and Jenna have a history could this be a conflict of interest?
Ben knows two things he never loses, and two he can not stop the feelings
he has for Jenna.
When he hears what she’s done he doesn’t know what to do. He must make it right.

See what happens.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 6th book in this standalone series ( each book is a standalone about the same small town in Florida) was a cute second chance romance. Add an adorable little girl and a decent plot revolving around the town’s finances and you get another great story by Maria Geraci. I love this little seaside town of hers and all the wonderful quirky characters. If you are looking for a small town contemporary romance, this one is for you.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Romance!! I love this series and with each book the stories keep getting better. Ben and Jenna first met in college and things didn't work out. Now Ben is in Whispering Bay, Jenna's hometown. At first it looks like these two are on opposite sides of the same issue but, when everything comes to a head truths are revealed and nothing was as it seemed. This story is fun, sweet, sexy and a beautiful story of second chances.

[Sherry Bohrmueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a smile on my face the whole time I read this book. This story is one of those books that once you start it you can't put it down. The banter in these books is wonderful. Nicely written like the others in this series. I definitely recommend this series. These books will give you that hometown warm feeling. Awesome!!

[Jennifer Artiles]

Ben and Jenna

This was a twist on the second chance romance trope that provided humor, a mystery and love, producing a fun conclusion to the women in Whispering Bay series. I enjoyed how they worked through their issues with the help of returning characters from earlier stories. A fun read all around.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading "Can't Stop The Feeling (Whispering Bay Romance Book 6)" by Maria Geraci. It was a quick, contemporary romance. Even though it was book 6 in the series it was easy to follow along and can be a read alone.

[Lisa Brouillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun story

What can I say???? Whispering Bay always has the best characters!!! Ben and Jenna are perfect together!!! The whole town is great and the stories are so creative. I happily get lost in Whispering Bay!!

[Anne Peugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of Whispering Bay stories

I've read these all out of order but enjoyed them. I had a little trouble warming up to Ben. He's described as being a super shark but then author pictures him as a family man. Couldn't quite put the rwo pictures together easily.

[Maureen Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Whispering Bay! Maria Geraci grabs you and keeps you turning the page! Love and intrigue, laughter. The whole series gets better and better. You can't go wrong.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book in this series is so good and heart felt. I love all the characters, the emotion and the action. I'm looking forward to what Maria Geraci writes next!

[sandy dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feeling of love

Great characters and wonderful story, I enjoyed plot and I look forward to the next book. Love in the small town

[Roy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Crude language

Disgusting foul language. I'm disappointed that other reviews neglected to specifically point this out. I have no interest in reading such trash.

[Jennifer Goins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this ARC for my honest review. The book was well written and had wonderful characters in the storyline. To learn more about this author please check out their Newsletters

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my review on Romancing-the-Book.com by clicking on the link below:

http://romancing-the-book.com/2018/08...