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Love Along Hwy 30A #1

Seaside Sweets

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She's done with guys who keep secrets. He's got a big one.

After her ex runs up her credit card, clears her bank account, and gets her fired, Seanna Perry makes her escape to the quaint beach town of Seaside, Florida. The houses are pastel, the ocean air heaven, and the men hot as the Gulf Coast sun…one in particular. But while paying the price, literally, for the last man she trusted with her heart, she’s not interested in any sort of beach romance, or so she keeps reminding herself.

Living in the idyllic coastal paradise of the 30A area hasn’t eased Blake Evans’ guilt over what went down three years ago. He can’t stop blaming himself, and certainly none of his wonderful friends can ever find out what happened. Blake’s done a good job of keeping romantic feelings toward any women at bay, and he needs to keep it that way. But when Seanna begins to show him how to live again, he finds himself struggling to keep his guard up.

Seaside Sweets is book one in the Love Along Highway 30A series, which features beautiful beach communities, a circle of unique and amazing friends, and romances that will have you cheering on the couples and fanning yourself from the heat. All books are standalone and can be enjoyed in or out of order.

307 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2018

501 people are currently reading
767 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Chambers

26 books637 followers
Find a FREE book from Melissa here: https://books2read.com/SeasideSweets

Melissa Chambers writes contemporary novels for young, new, and actual adults. A Nashville native, she spends her days working in the music industry and her nights getting lost in her characters. While she’s slightly obsessed with alt rock, she leaves the guitar playing to her husband and kid. She never misses a chance to play a tennis match, listen to an audiobook, or eat a bowl of ice cream. (Rocky road, please!) She’s a member of several online and local writers groups, all of which she treasures and is unendingly grateful for, and has served as president for the Music City Romance Writers. She is the author of the Love Along Hwy 30A series, the Destiny Dunes series, the Broussard Brothers (of New Orleans) series, the Before Forever series (YA), Courting Carlyn (YA), and Two Boy Summer (YA).

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5 stars
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148 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book169 followers
June 19, 2018
Melissa Chambers returns with a brand new book series. Mmm... yes please sign me up! I'm a book addict and Melissa always delivers great fixes. Seaside Sweets is a great story which takes dating disasters to a whole new level.

Seanna has to get away from her ex-boyfriend he is literally draining her life. She is low on cash and has just lost her job. She decides to visit her Aunt in Florida. Seaside is picturesque and the perfect getaway break she needs. Seanna easily fits into the town's lifestyle and soon is seeing a future she had never imagined possible.

Blake has already run away from his life. 3 years ago he gave up everything and moved to the town of Seaside. He's now working as a handyman and taking the easy option. He doesn't date. His last relationship left him with too much damage. When he meets Seanna he can admit she's beautiful, but he wants to leave it at that. The problem is that she's more than beautiful. She has her own bad dating story and even though he's not ready to share he wants to help her.

Fate had brought these two together. Sparks fly and it becomes hard to resist. They both need to get their life back on track and open their eyes to what is right in front of them.

This book sets up a whole town of the lovable character. I really enjoyed this book. 5 stars out of 5.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Katherine Paschal.
2,307 reviews63 followers
June 21, 2018
Seanna escapes her current painful living situation to go visit her favorite Aunt Cassidy in Seaside Florida. She was looking for just a few days to avoid her deadbeat ex-fiance but what she finds is love from her aunt as well as new friends that she completely belongs with. Blake moved to Seaside to get a fresh start, a place where nobody knows the horrors of his past, and he can be a simple handyman. He never planned on Seanna, the first person to make him want to share his past and hope for his future. But can their relationship potential withstand the disasters of their pasts?



This was my second read by Melissa, my first being the super cute Falling For Forever, the second in her YA series Beyond Forever (and if you heart A contemporary reads I HIGHLY recommend you pick this up to read- you can read my review of it HERE ). So anyway, going into this book I had pretty high expectations that I was going to get an enjoyable romance and that I would be entertained. Well, Melissa did not let me down- she delivered on my hopes and I received a fun romance about two people weighted down by the baggage of life.

I found this read to be lighthearted and fun, a perfect lazy-beachy-sunny-day book- which I was a little surprised by since both main characters have a lot of bad things happen to them, and we are not talking about a spilled cup of coffee kind of bad thing, but theft, addiction, suicide, and accusations kind of bad things. I blew through the book in just a day, enjoying the characters and the world. Hands down my favorite part of the story was the dynamic and camaraderie between all the friends. I loved all the quirky people that made up family to Blake and so easily adopted Seanna in to their fold. Sebastian was a sweetie, Chase awesome and even Marigold had her charms. I can't wait to read more in this series and see the others get their HEA too.



A side effect from reading this book is the craving for some delicious baked goods and the desire to go find some sand to stick my feet in asap. I found this to be a cute read and I would love some more of Melissa's romances, be it adult or YA. Pick this up for a book full of easy to love character. Ans ps, Melissa's playlist is the perfect mix for the story, I can easily imagine each song fitting somewhere in the book.

I am reviewing a complementary copy of this book. Review posted on https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for books are love.
3,174 reviews23 followers
June 28, 2018
Seanna and Blake are going through so much in this book. For Seanna she is coming out of a really horrible relationship-her trust is shattered and she is angry. Angry at herself and at all men. For Blake he is beating himself up about something in his past and it is keeping him closed off and eating him alive. So when they meet and there is attraction, Blake fights like heck to ignore it and Seanna doesn’t really know what to think. She knows she feels safe with Blake. That she wants to open up to him and does. He doesn’t judge just listens and understands. He is also afraid. For as they grow close and he can’t deny his feelings any longer, he knows that he is keeping something from her that can really harm where they are in their relationship.

For Seanna, Blake helps her heal and find her way out of a tough situation. She begins to feel and trust herself and others again. She sees his friendships and things he has endured and gathers strength from it. She sees the man on the inside and even though she knows hes hurting doesn’t push. For Blake, Seanna helps him move forward but also has him stagnant. It is the push he needs to confront his past and see how those around him will react when they find out. And they always find out. Only for them it was an unlikely source and one that snarls out the hurling accusation and rumors. Before this it was a attraction that heated the kindle and had you smile at the give and take these two went through. You could see they loved one another but were scared. When Blake’s past comes out Seanna definitely didn’t react how he would hope. And he is definitely shattered once again. ONly his friends are there for him. They comfort him and show him that they know who he is and know his heart.

I love how Blake does fight but also knows that love requires you sometimes to let go and let time heal wounds first. His friend Bo I loved. And chase was great as well. The whole cast and crew were wonderful. Blake kind and caring a good all around guy. Seanna a sweet determined girl and their attraction wow. Told in both views it is Blake’s I love because we truly see all of him and he doesn’t hold back his thoughts.

The story is steamy at times but filled with love and friendship. We see how friends rally together for each other and become one’s family but also how love makes you heal and stronger.
Profile Image for Kiki.
1,217 reviews687 followers
dnf
December 5, 2018
Hero leaves heroine for job.
Didn’t chase her.
Heroine’s boss offered him a lucrative job offer to get him back in her life.
Nah, pass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Greg Howard.
Author 10 books285 followers
May 23, 2018
Great start to a beautiful breezy romance series set along one of the most charming stretches of beach towns in Florida. You'll feel like you're right there, sitting on the white sandy beaches watching the world (and all the hot men) go by! Recommended!
Profile Image for Sara.
850 reviews61 followers
June 24, 2018
Did you know that Melissa Chambers is one of my favorite authors? I loved both The Summer Before Forever and Falling For Forever, so I don’t know if I could’ve possibly been any more excited when she reached out to ask if I’d like to review an ARC of her latest adult title. This book actually helped pull me out of a several-week-long slump and I am forever grateful for that. Slumps are the worst.

As expected, I really enjoyed this book! I felt like I could’ve driven down to Seaside, Florida to hang out with this whole cast of characters. Seanna was really well-developed and I related a lot to her struggle with what she wants to do with her life. Blake’s big secret ended up being a little different than I’d expected and helped explain why he was so hesitant to start a new relationship. I loved the side characters too (particularly Sebastian!) and I think it’s so great that the books for Bo and Chase are already out.

I’d definitely recommend this as a fun beach or poolside read. If you’re looking for a light romance with just enough conflict to keep things interesting, definitely give this one a shot!

Head over to my blog for an exclusive playlist and an excerpt from the blog tour!
Profile Image for Jessica Calla.
Author 18 books390 followers
May 21, 2018
Besides offering up a wonderful love story, this book made me want to hop in my car and drive down to the Florida panhandle! Heck, if Blake were real, maybe I would :) I loved the story of Blake and Seanna, and how they overcame their pasts to find love with each other. In the enchanting setting of this beautiful Florida beach town, Blake and Seanna's love is anything but perfect. They both have things they're running from that they are afraid to face. Still, the attraction between the broody, mysterious, gorgeous Blake, and the straightforward, smart, curvy-hot Seanna is undeniable from the start. The additional side characters, Cassidy, Sebastian, and the 30A group of tight-knit, quirky friends were written perfectly, and they, too, were rooting (and scheming!) for Blake and Seanna to get together. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance, beach reads, and books where the setting takes on a character of its own, SEASIDE SWEETS is the start of a wonderful new reading adventure by Melissa Chambers. I'm already itching to get my hands on Bo and Chase's stories.
Profile Image for Megan | A Page to Turn.
664 reviews23 followers
July 5, 2018
I adored this little love story - Seanna is coming out of a relationship that was so unhealthy that she has told herself she doesn't deserve love, or another man. Blake is dead set on ignoring the chemistry - but when these two finally set aside the past and open themselves up for the future, it's just so sweet. I really enjoyed these two broken characters coming together and falling so hard. It was such a cute story, with an amazing southern setting. I loved it.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews135 followers
Want to read
October 27, 2024
💝FREE on Amazon today (8/13/2018)!💝
Profile Image for Suze.
1,884 reviews1,298 followers
August 16, 2018
Seanna is in Seaside Florida to escape her ex. He’s emptied her bank account, maxed her credit card, cost her her job and he’s living in the apartment she has to pay for until the end of the year. Because of him Seanna is completely broke. Spending time with her favorite aunt will heal her and in the meantime she can look for a job. Seanna is done with men, but then she meets Blake. He’s everything she’s ever wanted. However, after all the drama and low times she went through, love is the last thing she’s looking for. Seanna’s friends have different ideas though, will they successfully push her in the right direction?

Blake experienced something traumatic that he can’t seem to process. He lost everything in one single moment. He went to Seaside to start over and while he has plenty of friends nobody knows his history. When he meets Seanna Blake finally starts looking at the future again. He’s no longer just a scared and broken man because of his past, but he’s also not ready for something long lasting and deep. While his friends encourage him to take a step in the right direction Blake constantly fights the urge to run away. Do he and Seanna have a chance together or are they both too damaged to embrace true love when it’s presenting itself?

Seaside Sweets is a wonderful romantic story. Seanna is a strong woman. Her ex stole from her and even though she doesn’t have much money she’s determined to find a solution to her problems by herself. She works hard, so she can earn the last amount of money she owes because of her ex. She’s finally finding herself in Seaside and is slowly discovering what it’s like to feel happy again. I loved the beautiful friendships she has. The same goes for the gentle and caring, but wounded Blake. Seanna and Blake are lucky with their fabulous kindhearted, caring and constantly interfering friends, it’s something special that made the story truly stand out for me.

Melissa Chambers has a warm and welcoming writing style that easily drew me into her story. Seaside Sweets is fast-paced and often entertaining, combined with the exact right amount of depth. I couldn’t put it down and effortlessly read the story in one sitting. I love it when a book manages to grab me like that. The setting is amazing, the main characters are fantastic and the summery feelgood vibe is delightful. I highly recommend Seaside Sweets, it’s a gorgeous sexy story filled with real love, unconditional friendship and unbreakable bonds.
151 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2018
New series

Another great romantic series by Melissa Chambers. She does not disappoint with Seaside Sweets. Blake and Sienna's romance does not happen without some drama and little hot sex. The seaside town is ideal for rebuilding Sienna soul and life. There she meets such a collective group that accepts her into their fold as a new friend. Blake carries secrets that hold him back but he also unbeknownst to him has found a family in this unusual group. Friendship and love for each other no matter how different we may be is well written into this book. Somewhat disappointed the aunt did not play more into the book.
Profile Image for Shalini (readingwithmuffy).
151 reviews83 followers
January 22, 2019
It's a beautiful heartwarming tale of love. It is all about second chances and new beginnings. Her writing is simple and eloquent at the same time. It was a breeze reading this book.
Profile Image for Jincey Lumpkin.
Author 21 books86 followers
March 21, 2021
Starting this review as I'm reading, and I'll update as I go. I love the descriptions of Seaside, FL. I went there for a vacation in college, and it really is so cute and picturesque. It's interesting, because I don't love Seanna yet. I think that may change, though. I'm frustrated that she won't tell the truth about what she's going through, but I can see that this will play a role in the tension of the book as the plot unfolds. I really like Blake, though. He seems kind and authentic from the start, so it's really his character who is hooking me into the storyline. Well... more to come as I continue to read!

OK, I’m about 25% in, and it’s getting juicer! Blake is opening Seanna up as they get to know each other, and I am loving that. The side characters are colorful and well-sketched. I love Blake’s friend, Bo, because he adds a lot of comic relief. The descriptions of the sea are so tantalizing! I miss the powdery white sand of Seaside!

Update: I’m almost halfway through, and I gotta say, Blake is definitely the hook for me in this story. His backstory is painful, and you understand why it’s made him change his life so dramatically.

Also, I hate Seanna’s ex-boyfriend. Obviously I know I’m supposed to, but every time he calls, I want to scream, “Stop answering the phone!!!”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heather.
758 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2021
This was a sweet story about two people with tough pasts, trust issues and a fear to love again. This story was good, Blake and Seanna were likable with a cast of secondary characters that helped move the story along. It was a little slow for me at times and the inability to just let go and trust each other was frustrating. Overall I give this ⭐️⭐️⭐️ as the ending left me wanting more, not a set up for Bo’s story.
Profile Image for Bette Stanek.
2,173 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2022
Oh, my goodness! This is a great start to a new series set along highway 30A in sunny Florida. PCB fans will connect with this one! If you love the easy-breezy lifestyle you think of when you think of FL and its beaches this is a series you’ll want to read. You’ll feel like you’re right there enjoying the ocean breezes and sandy beaches. Plus, Seaside Sweets introduces you to one of the most eclectic groups of friends you’ll ever find. And they are so much fun!

Seanna and Blake are both strong characters but have some deep self-doubts. Blake is fighting through an experience that left him completely devastated in Atlanta three years ago. He is remaking himself in Seaside, FL. Seanna is escaping a no-win situation with her ex-fiancee (which no one knows is an ex yet) by visiting her favorite aunt, Cassidy, who owns a bakery in Seaside. Each of their stories unravels slowly throughout the book. There’s fluff, but there is also some serious stuff in here, too.

If you’re looking for an escape this just may be the series for you.
Profile Image for Cristina.
328 reviews37 followers
September 7, 2018
A heartwarming love story about second chances, new beginnings and the power of secrets.

I loved the story and lived every page of it. The writing style is simple, the characters are well developed and with a bit of crazy side attached to them, but also strongwilled. It will make you laugh, cry and live it with intensity.

Seanna's life is a long way from bei g the one she dreamed of at the beginning. In order to find the strenght she needs to start her life over, she moves for a while in Seaside, to stay with her aunt.

Here, she meets every woman's dream guy. Sensitive, hot and good at everything. Sounds like a total dream, but he exists... even if just for our main heroine.
Slowly but surely, their fling becomes more by the day, and they find themselves in a love game which has an uncertain ending for them.
Everyone has something they don't want to tell people. But when the secret you hold is coming back, what are you willing to do to win back the love of your life ?
15 reviews
September 14, 2020
Fantastic!

This was my first book by this author but definitely not my last!

Seanna and Blake are easily one of my favorite couples! Seanna is broken woman looking for a temporary escape from a life she didn’t see herself getting into and Blake is a handsome man running from a past he doesn’t want anyone to know about. When they end up in the same town to escape their previous lives they are immediately drawn to one another. From their first meeting you are cheering them on then the next page you are wanting to physically shake one of them. After lots of will they or wont they moments and several helpful friends, they finally get their happy ending that you are hoping for from the first chapter.

This book is a delicious slow burn that just keeps you hanging on and urging you to get to the next page! Definitely ready for the next book in the series! I already know I won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Jane.
1,215 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2021
This is my first book by this author but certainly not my last. This is Seanna and Blake's love story. Seanna has come to Seaside, Florida to her aunt Cassidy's place. She is there to regroup and figure out where she goes from here. Her bad choice back at home has left her penniless and jobless.

Blake has been in Seaside for three years. He has been working as a handy man and jack of all trades. Bo has become his best friend, almost like the brother he never had. Bo knows that Blake is hiding something. He is patient and waits for him to tell him when he is ready.

When Blake and Seanna meet there is a real attraction. Neither wants to acknowledge it. They each have a past that they need to forgive themselves for. Until that time there will be no happy ever after. But it doesn't end there. There is so much that goes on and I can't tell you without spoiling it for you. I can tell you that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough until I reached the end. But then I didn't want it to end. I loved every minute of it and look forward to what Melissa Chambers has next.
29 reviews
Read
April 17, 2022
A Melissa fan MUST read!!!

You give 100% in your relationship and your partner takes 100% including maxing out your personal credit cards, your company credit cards and you lose your dream job and serve a year in jail, just to get out and continue to pay rent and electricity on a condo that you no longer reside in.
Will Seanna ever be able to trust a man again?
Can Blake ever find it in himself to see someone else's mental issue is not always a Dr's failure if they commit suicide?
Seaside Sweets is on my best reads list to stay.
It has a little of everything, love, laughs, crying, want to jump in the book and beat someone's booty...lol.
Now on to the next!!!! Thanks Melissa 😘
1,347 reviews5 followers
April 21, 2021
This is Seanna and Blake's love story she comes to visit her Aunt and lick her wounds she's tired of her free loading exfinancee that she realized nine months ago that besides having a gambling problem he maxed out her credit cards, and stole money from her employer that got her fired she thinks she's got problems because she hasn't leveled with her family, but Blake he has a whole other life he left three years ago

I would recommend this book for mature readers (sexual content) that enjoy stories that are at times laugh out loud funny, steamy, and romantic with many strong characters both male and female to build further books.
Profile Image for Jessica Barhight.
104 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2023
She’s (Seanna Perry) sworn off men who keep secrets, and he’s (Blake Evans) been keeping a BIG one from everyone I’m Seaside. Will love conquer this conundrum? You’ll have to read Seaside Sweets to find out!

This was the perfect beach read while I was vacationing in Seaside. It features small town romance, second chance at romance, found family, and even self-discovery. The spice is nice too.

You’ll fall in love with the setting, the cast of characters, and Seanna and Blake’s story. I ordered the next two books before I even finished this one because I want to know what happens with the rest of the gang.
Profile Image for Olivia Isabelle.
31 reviews
March 6, 2026
Melissa Chambers creates a warm and inviting world in Seaside Sweets, a novel that captures the charm of coastal life while exploring themes of friendship, community, and personal renewal. Chambers’s descriptive writing brings the seaside setting vividly to life, allowing readers to almost feel the ocean breeze and hear the waves in the background. The characters are thoughtfully developed, each contributing to the story’s sense of warmth and authenticity. Chambers clearly understands the appeal of comforting, character-driven fiction, and she delivers it beautifully. This is a book that feels like a gentle escape, showcasing the author’s ability to craft heartfelt storytelling.
Profile Image for Karen.
617 reviews
March 24, 2021
Seanna and Blake are one great couple that have a few things to overcome, but do manage to do so. Along the way you meet some other amazing characters with some great personalities. I want to be part of this fun, loving, unique friend group!

Seanna and Blake have an instant attraction to each other, but takes a bit to get it moving. But once it does, boom! Fireworks!

There is real life situations being discussed with real problems and solutions. I love this quirky little group and I can't wait to read more about these characters on Highway 30A.
85 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2021
Seaside Sweets book 1

I can't wait for the follow-up! This is a great story about friendships and newfound love, set in a beachtown. Lots of secrets and turmoil amidst friends and ex relationships. I think everyone can recognize a bit of their past in these characters. There are some steamy scenes included. Read on as the story continues I didn't stop till it was finished!.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,691 reviews9 followers
November 27, 2018
Wish washy romance with tragic baggage

This is a slow wishy washy romance where one of the couple has baggage and the other one has tragic baggage. The story is made up of constant denial, avoidance, lies, martyrdom & lots of self doubt. The plot was ok but the story reeked of a first attempt at writting. Not bad enough to be a 1 but not good enough to be more than a 2.
Profile Image for Shanay.
118 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2021
I loved this book and was hooked straight away. I picked this book up while biking along 30a for the first time. After I read this I had to keep reading the series. All of the books in the series are fun, romantic and make you feel like you are friends with the characters. I look forward to reading her newest book!
459 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2023
Good book

What makes a good story? This one was a real page turner. What a twisted fate a person has no control over. What a sad story of wrong time right place. I thought the end was great but I did not see how it could work out for the couple. Just goes to show love conquers all.
Profile Image for Diane Glover.
266 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2025
I thought this was a great little beach read. The spice is nice but not in your face. There were some "writing" errors, but for what I expected of a beach read it was fine. PG for the language and "scenes" but overall Easy to read while sitting under an umbrella with my feet in the sand which is exactly were I was when I read this. Quick read. I had it done in less than 2 days.
1 review2 followers
October 28, 2018
Better than I initially thought. Good for times you want an easy fun read.

A great book when you want a light hearted romance that is not riddled with details or full of descriptive sex.
28 reviews
November 8, 2018
Another Winner From Melissa Chambers

A lover of Chambers's YA work, I was delighted to find she had published three adult romance novels at once. Seaside Sweets is artfully crafted, leaving the reader wanting more. Thankfully, I can pick up books 2 and 3 and binge away!
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