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Harbor Springs #1
The Perfect Distraction
A heartbroken woman. A single dad. A precocious nine-year-old. The Perfect Distraction.
A heartbroken woman.
After her fiancé calls off their wedding, Beth Summers is left heartbroken and reeling. When her aunt offers up her cottage in the charming town of Harbor Springs, Michigan, Beth jumps at the chance. A quiet bayside town promises to be the perfect respite for the summer and a place to mend her broken heart.
A single dad.
Colton Woodward experienced his own share of heartache after a difficult divorce. Now he spends his days working at his family’s carpentry shop and taking care of his young son. He’s not looking for love, and certainly not with his next-door neighbor, who’s only in Harbor Springs for the summer.
A precocious nine-year-old.
Joey Woodward loves playing soccer and hanging out with his dad at the carpentry shop. His least favorite thing to do is read. When he finds out that their new neighbor is a teacher and his dad has hired her to be his reading tutor, he’s less than thrilled. What kid wants to have summer school?
The Perfect Distraction.
Beth throws herself into her tutoring job, happy for the distraction. She never intended to get so attached to her student or his hot dad. But as the summer progresses, what started out as the perfect distraction becomes a whole lot more…
A heartbroken woman.
After her fiancé calls off their wedding, Beth Summers is left heartbroken and reeling. When her aunt offers up her cottage in the charming town of Harbor Springs, Michigan, Beth jumps at the chance. A quiet bayside town promises to be the perfect respite for the summer and a place to mend her broken heart.
A single dad.
Colton Woodward experienced his own share of heartache after a difficult divorce. Now he spends his days working at his family’s carpentry shop and taking care of his young son. He’s not looking for love, and certainly not with his next-door neighbor, who’s only in Harbor Springs for the summer.
A precocious nine-year-old.
Joey Woodward loves playing soccer and hanging out with his dad at the carpentry shop. His least favorite thing to do is read. When he finds out that their new neighbor is a teacher and his dad has hired her to be his reading tutor, he’s less than thrilled. What kid wants to have summer school?
The Perfect Distraction.
Beth throws herself into her tutoring job, happy for the distraction. She never intended to get so attached to her student or his hot dad. But as the summer progresses, what started out as the perfect distraction becomes a whole lot more…
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2018
About the author
Susan Coventry
40 books459 followersSusan Coventry writes fun and flirty contemporary romance novels. When she's not writing, she's reading, puzzling, or enjoying nature. Susan lives in Southeast Michigan where many of her romance novels are set.
To learn more, visit her website: http://www.susancoventry.org.
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To learn more, visit her website: http://www.susancoventry.org.
You can also follow her on BookBub, Goodreads, Facebook, and Instagram.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 29, 2018
The Perfect Distraction by Susan Coventry is the first book of the contemporary romance Harbor Springs series. Each book of the series will feature a different couple so they could be read as a standalone if choosing to do so.
When summer break at school began Beth Summers packed up and headed to Harbor Springs, Michigan to stay in her aunt and uncle's cottage. After Beth's fiance had called off their wedding on the day it was supposed to take place she had gone through the motions of her life and thought a summer away was just what she needed.
After moving into the cottage Beth had visited her whole life she noticed there were new neighbors living next door. Colton Woodward now lived next door to Beth's cottage and was doing his best raising his nine year old son Joey on his own since his divorce. Beth notices Joey could use a little help with his reading and thinks tutoring would be the perfect distraction for her but the more time she spends with Joey and his dad the less she wants the summer to end.
The Perfect Distraction was a cute little contemporary romance with both characters struggling with dating again after the loss of their past relationships. While I liked both Beth and Colton I was an even bigger sucker when it came to little Joey matchmaking, can we say aaww? With a whole summer to fall in love this one didn't feel rushed at all either which is a plus and while there were a few steamy moments in the read it wasn't overly done and more the perfect amount for the situation making a nice story overall.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
When summer break at school began Beth Summers packed up and headed to Harbor Springs, Michigan to stay in her aunt and uncle's cottage. After Beth's fiance had called off their wedding on the day it was supposed to take place she had gone through the motions of her life and thought a summer away was just what she needed.
After moving into the cottage Beth had visited her whole life she noticed there were new neighbors living next door. Colton Woodward now lived next door to Beth's cottage and was doing his best raising his nine year old son Joey on his own since his divorce. Beth notices Joey could use a little help with his reading and thinks tutoring would be the perfect distraction for her but the more time she spends with Joey and his dad the less she wants the summer to end.
The Perfect Distraction was a cute little contemporary romance with both characters struggling with dating again after the loss of their past relationships. While I liked both Beth and Colton I was an even bigger sucker when it came to little Joey matchmaking, can we say aaww? With a whole summer to fall in love this one didn't feel rushed at all either which is a plus and while there were a few steamy moments in the read it wasn't overly done and more the perfect amount for the situation making a nice story overall.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
May 16, 2026
My first book by this author and I found it a pleasant, although nondescript, experience.
Beth, a third grade teacher, is escaping to her aunt’s and uncle’s vacation home in Harbor Springs, Michigan, for two months during summer break. She’s there to avoid pitying eyes while licking her wounds after being dumped by her fiancé the night before their wedding ten months prior. As badly as that would hurt, I couldn’t figure out why she was still bemoaning Christopher after almost a year. No wonder there were so many pitying eyes. Have some pride, girl. Get angry.
After settling in, she says hi and introduces herself to the little boy next door who chases his soccer ball into her yard, discovering his most hated subject in school is reading. At the first opportunity, the little boy drags his hot dad over to introduce to her. Colton, aka Dadalicious, is divorced and distrustful, but takes Beth up on her offer to help his son improve his reading skills over summer break.
The relationship between Beth and Colton develops slowly and believably until their feelings deepen and combust, and the delight they feel with each other is a joyful thing to behold. The central relationship is the strongest aspect of this book, and almost-but-not-quite distracts the reader from noticing the less successful elements, which include:
For the first third of the book, the characters thought and acted too immaturely for their ages. During a conversation with one of her sisters, Beth thinks:
No matter how interesting or attractive Colton was, she’d never be able to trust her heart again, with him or any other man.
Really, Beth? So no more men for you ever?
Beth has two sisters, the requisite bold sister who only wants to talk about sex and have lovers instead of relationships, and the ever-present sweet sister who wants to own a bakery and pines for a guy who keeps her on standby. I assume we’re looking at books 2 and 3 of the series here.
So many little details feel false. Devising lesson plans for helping a kid read better on summer break feels like overkill, especially when her big insights are to tell him to keep his place with a bookmark and sound out big words. Do you really need a lesson plan for that? Beth’s delay over deciding whether to take Christopher back caused me secondhand embarrassment for her. Colton’s mother’s rudeness was unmotivated. Nothing really big, but a lot of little things feel phony or forced.
The writing is basic. The characters are likable once Beth stops whining over Christopher, but superficial. Beth loves teaching, has been jilted, and is an over thinker. Colton has been betrayed, likes working in the family business, and loves his kid. They end up loving each other. That’s the extent of the characterization.
I’d read another book by this author, but only one more if the best I can say is that it is pleasant but nondescript.
Beth, a third grade teacher, is escaping to her aunt’s and uncle’s vacation home in Harbor Springs, Michigan, for two months during summer break. She’s there to avoid pitying eyes while licking her wounds after being dumped by her fiancé the night before their wedding ten months prior. As badly as that would hurt, I couldn’t figure out why she was still bemoaning Christopher after almost a year. No wonder there were so many pitying eyes. Have some pride, girl. Get angry.
After settling in, she says hi and introduces herself to the little boy next door who chases his soccer ball into her yard, discovering his most hated subject in school is reading. At the first opportunity, the little boy drags his hot dad over to introduce to her. Colton, aka Dadalicious, is divorced and distrustful, but takes Beth up on her offer to help his son improve his reading skills over summer break.
The relationship between Beth and Colton develops slowly and believably until their feelings deepen and combust, and the delight they feel with each other is a joyful thing to behold. The central relationship is the strongest aspect of this book, and almost-but-not-quite distracts the reader from noticing the less successful elements, which include:
For the first third of the book, the characters thought and acted too immaturely for their ages. During a conversation with one of her sisters, Beth thinks:
No matter how interesting or attractive Colton was, she’d never be able to trust her heart again, with him or any other man.
Really, Beth? So no more men for you ever?
Beth has two sisters, the requisite bold sister who only wants to talk about sex and have lovers instead of relationships, and the ever-present sweet sister who wants to own a bakery and pines for a guy who keeps her on standby. I assume we’re looking at books 2 and 3 of the series here.
So many little details feel false. Devising lesson plans for helping a kid read better on summer break feels like overkill, especially when her big insights are to tell him to keep his place with a bookmark and sound out big words. Do you really need a lesson plan for that? Beth’s delay over deciding whether to take Christopher back caused me secondhand embarrassment for her. Colton’s mother’s rudeness was unmotivated. Nothing really big, but a lot of little things feel phony or forced.
The writing is basic. The characters are likable once Beth stops whining over Christopher, but superficial. Beth loves teaching, has been jilted, and is an over thinker. Colton has been betrayed, likes working in the family business, and loves his kid. They end up loving each other. That’s the extent of the characterization.
I’d read another book by this author, but only one more if the best I can say is that it is pleasant but nondescript.
December 24, 2019
Nice sweet somewhat simple read. Liked it.
Want to Read
May 9, 2026🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/9/2019)! 🎁
November 21, 2018
Harbor Springs is where Beth Summers goes to try and heal her broken heart. Shortly before they were to be married her fiance called it all off after they had been together for five years. Her aunt had a house in Harbor Springs where Beth can heal and stay for the summer.
Colton Woodward and his young son,Joey, live next door. Colton is divorced and still healing his broken heart. Joey introduces himself to Beth shortly after she moved in . She enjoyed his company and when Colton came looking for him there was an instant attraction. But, and that is a big but, Beth was not there to get involved with anyone and Colton was in no shape to get involved. As time went on they became good friends .
You feel all the hesitations and angst Beth and Colton have. They think they can be just friends. Each of their hearts is telling them otherwise. Then Beth receives an email that could change everything. Following these two as they find their happy ever after is a journey you don't want to miss. Right from the first page I was drawn in and couldn't put this book down until I had read the last page. Looking forward to the next book in this series which is Becca and Simon's story. Don't hesitate because this is a series as this can be read as a standalone. Deserves all five stars and then some.
Colton Woodward and his young son,Joey, live next door. Colton is divorced and still healing his broken heart. Joey introduces himself to Beth shortly after she moved in . She enjoyed his company and when Colton came looking for him there was an instant attraction. But, and that is a big but, Beth was not there to get involved with anyone and Colton was in no shape to get involved. As time went on they became good friends .
You feel all the hesitations and angst Beth and Colton have. They think they can be just friends. Each of their hearts is telling them otherwise. Then Beth receives an email that could change everything. Following these two as they find their happy ever after is a journey you don't want to miss. Right from the first page I was drawn in and couldn't put this book down until I had read the last page. Looking forward to the next book in this series which is Becca and Simon's story. Don't hesitate because this is a series as this can be read as a standalone. Deserves all five stars and then some.
January 7, 2019
What a sweet love story!!! I absolutely loved this book. Beth came to Harbor Springs to get away and recover from a broken relationship and found that "Perfect Distraction" while there. I absolutely loved Colton and Joey - especially Joey. I love how Joey & Beth were able to have a wonderful connection through reading and their sweet relationship. Colton was definitely stand-offish at first with having been hurt before (and who wouldn't be with what he went through). I loved though that they decided to go for it. I can't wait to read the next one in this series and continue to see and hear more about Beth, Colton & Joey, as well as hearing about Becca and Simon. Also, all of Susan's books have made me want to visit Michigan and all of these areas. Definitely wanting to see these lovely sounding places.
October 28, 2018
5 Stars for "The Perfect Distraction"
I absolutely loved this first book of the Harbor Springs series. This sweet with heat romance was so wonderful I couldn't put it down and stayed up until 3AM to finish it. Beth and Colton are both dealing with difficult pasts in the love department. Can they overcome these difficulties to find love again?
I can't wait for Book 2!
I absolutely loved this first book of the Harbor Springs series. This sweet with heat romance was so wonderful I couldn't put it down and stayed up until 3AM to finish it. Beth and Colton are both dealing with difficult pasts in the love department. Can they overcome these difficulties to find love again?
I can't wait for Book 2!
November 28, 2018
This book was such a delicious read, I was so glad to see the Harbor Springs #1 cause I am not ready to leave.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway and it really is a good read, a perfect distraction in its self. I enjoyed every page, the writing is so good the characters Beth and Colton and Little Joey are just so likeable and so is the town, you just don’t want to leave there.
Real easy to give this one five stars, it just stole my heart.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway and it really is a good read, a perfect distraction in its self. I enjoyed every page, the writing is so good the characters Beth and Colton and Little Joey are just so likeable and so is the town, you just don’t want to leave there.
Real easy to give this one five stars, it just stole my heart.
January 9, 2019
WOW. What can I say? The Perfect Distraction is such a wonderfully sweet romance. It is heartwarming, enchanting from beginning to end. Joey is precious and his dad is one HOT sexy daddy. Beth and Colton heated up the pages. Loved Beth's sisters Brooke and Becca, they brought lots of fun when they came to visit. Can't wait for their stories. This is the first book I've read of Susan Coventry's but I hope to be able to read more. Highly recommend.
January 12, 2019
Oh my what a book.
This book was a wonderful read, where I couldn't put it down. Characters in this book was funny and amazing to read about. I will most definitely be reading the next book in this series.
This book was a wonderful read, where I couldn't put it down. Characters in this book was funny and amazing to read about. I will most definitely be reading the next book in this series.
July 22, 2019
Summer love
I’ve never read an author who has the ability to write “awkward” so well. I could honestly feel the characters’ emotions as they tried to figure out how to fit in each other’s lives. Will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
I’ve never read an author who has the ability to write “awkward” so well. I could honestly feel the characters’ emotions as they tried to figure out how to fit in each other’s lives. Will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
September 11, 2019
Wonderful & Fun to read
This book was wonderful & heartwarming to read.Beth & Colton captured your interest from the 1st page.It was a great love without all the sex & swearing.Very enjoyable to read.
This book was wonderful & heartwarming to read.Beth & Colton captured your interest from the 1st page.It was a great love without all the sex & swearing.Very enjoyable to read.
January 21, 2019
I absolutely loved this book, I did not want to put it down. I cannot wait to read book 2!
March 2, 2021
A great read. Simply a sweet book from Susan and loved the setting!
February 18, 2019
Fantastic series. A must read. I love the stories of these 3 sisters. Set in gorgeous Harbor Springs, Michigan.
April 22, 2026
What a cute story! My first book by Susan Coventry, and I think I am in love with romance-small town-comedy stories now (instead of strictly historical romance).
I caught myself smiling many, many times during the story, which is a nice break from the rolling of my eyes from most of my recently read books.
I loved that we are able to watch them slowly fall in love. I loved the roll that the little boy took part in with the matchmaking. I loved that both the hero and heroine were both vulnerable. I really enjoyed the storyline describing the small little town and definitely made me want to live in such a place. I often caught myself saying or thinking how I could totally imagine this or that situation actually happening in real life, or I could imagine someone really reacting that way, etc.
As for what would have made it a 5-star rating...
The hero had a great likeable personality, did not display insta-lust or insta-love.... but the only thing that bothered me was how he was a little ...too nice at moments. In how he was constantly asking the heroine if she wanted to talk about her feelings/problems. Most guys are just not so immediate to pick up on his girlfriend needing to talk herself thru indecisions. I mean it is great that he was so aware of her body language, I just felt like it was too often and was somewhat unrealistic.
The heroine was a straight forward, friendly gal, easy to root for her HEA... except I could not relate to her not wanting to relocate to live close by to the man that she loves, and who also loves her. She opted to live 3 hours away until a new job was squared away, etc. For me, I would relocate in a heartbeat, jobs are fairly easy to come by, true love is not.
There are sexy scenes... I wouldn't say too descriptive, but not closed door either. Somewhere in the middle. But the story is definitely more focused on the falling in love relationship than sex.
Other than those two minor things, I really loved the story.
I caught myself smiling many, many times during the story, which is a nice break from the rolling of my eyes from most of my recently read books.
I loved that we are able to watch them slowly fall in love. I loved the roll that the little boy took part in with the matchmaking. I loved that both the hero and heroine were both vulnerable. I really enjoyed the storyline describing the small little town and definitely made me want to live in such a place. I often caught myself saying or thinking how I could totally imagine this or that situation actually happening in real life, or I could imagine someone really reacting that way, etc.
As for what would have made it a 5-star rating...
The hero had a great likeable personality, did not display insta-lust or insta-love.... but the only thing that bothered me was how he was a little ...too nice at moments. In how he was constantly asking the heroine if she wanted to talk about her feelings/problems. Most guys are just not so immediate to pick up on his girlfriend needing to talk herself thru indecisions. I mean it is great that he was so aware of her body language, I just felt like it was too often and was somewhat unrealistic.
The heroine was a straight forward, friendly gal, easy to root for her HEA... except I could not relate to her not wanting to relocate to live close by to the man that she loves, and who also loves her. She opted to live 3 hours away until a new job was squared away, etc. For me, I would relocate in a heartbeat, jobs are fairly easy to come by, true love is not.
There are sexy scenes... I wouldn't say too descriptive, but not closed door either. Somewhere in the middle. But the story is definitely more focused on the falling in love relationship than sex.
Other than those two minor things, I really loved the story.
February 5, 2019
I received The Perfect Distraction as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Fresh off another school year following her broken engagement the previous summer, teacher Beth arrives at her aunt's home in Harbor Springs, MI, ready to relax and recharge. Soon she meets Joey, her nine year old neighbor, and his handsome single dad, Colton. Beth volunteers to help Joey with his reading over the summer, and in doing so developed a rapport with both father and son. Despite their respective heartbreaks, she and Colton develop a steamy summer fling that soon materialized into more than either of them expected. Their budding romance, however, is hampered by the knowledge that Beth has a life and job several hours away.
I liked the setting, the characters, and the romance, which was both hot and sweet at the same time. I'm generally kind of meh on kids in stories, and I could kind of take or leave Joey, but he was fine. Beth's sisters are clearly the next to be hooked up, and their future beaux are painfully obvious. Not that I mind that--at the end of the day, all I want from my romance is some escapist fare, and I think The Perfect Distraction delivers that in spades.
Fresh off another school year following her broken engagement the previous summer, teacher Beth arrives at her aunt's home in Harbor Springs, MI, ready to relax and recharge. Soon she meets Joey, her nine year old neighbor, and his handsome single dad, Colton. Beth volunteers to help Joey with his reading over the summer, and in doing so developed a rapport with both father and son. Despite their respective heartbreaks, she and Colton develop a steamy summer fling that soon materialized into more than either of them expected. Their budding romance, however, is hampered by the knowledge that Beth has a life and job several hours away.
I liked the setting, the characters, and the romance, which was both hot and sweet at the same time. I'm generally kind of meh on kids in stories, and I could kind of take or leave Joey, but he was fine. Beth's sisters are clearly the next to be hooked up, and their future beaux are painfully obvious. Not that I mind that--at the end of the day, all I want from my romance is some escapist fare, and I think The Perfect Distraction delivers that in spades.
November 22, 2018
Loved It
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads giveaways, I was not required to give a favorable review. This was a great story about taking the time to find love again. Beth had been with her ex for 5 years and the night before the wedding he called it of. Now she was taking the summer at her aunts house. Colton was divorced and had main custody of his son Joey, they live next door to Beth's aunt house. She offers to help Joey with his reading, but some connects Colton & Beth.
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads giveaways, I was not required to give a favorable review. This was a great story about taking the time to find love again. Beth had been with her ex for 5 years and the night before the wedding he called it of. Now she was taking the summer at her aunts house. Colton was divorced and had main custody of his son Joey, they live next door to Beth's aunt house. She offers to help Joey with his reading, but some connects Colton & Beth.
February 26, 2020
Good romance
I enjoyed this book. Both of the characters had flaws but they weren't blown out of proportion to where you disliked either of them. There was minimal drama and actual romance and building of a relationship between 2 people. I was all set to give this book 4 stars until the end. It just ends abruptly and unnaturally ans doesn't really tell us how things end up between them. Very disappointed in that. Will probably check out other books in the series.
I enjoyed this book. Both of the characters had flaws but they weren't blown out of proportion to where you disliked either of them. There was minimal drama and actual romance and building of a relationship between 2 people. I was all set to give this book 4 stars until the end. It just ends abruptly and unnaturally ans doesn't really tell us how things end up between them. Very disappointed in that. Will probably check out other books in the series.
December 4, 2018
I won this ebook in a Goodreads Giveaway. It was a fun romance with a few hot scenes. Part of the fun were the excellent descriptions of the awkwardness of falling in love. In addition there were nice scenes with the 10 year old and the family of a divorced man. Slowed down a little at the end, but a good read.
February 13, 2020
Love In Sizes
Determined to heal an obliterated heart, Beth retreats to her aunt and uncle's summer home. With no real course of action, she figures she will hole up and hide away. That is until a precocious nine year old introduces himself. Somewhere she meets his father and Dadalicious now has her attention~
Determined to heal an obliterated heart, Beth retreats to her aunt and uncle's summer home. With no real course of action, she figures she will hole up and hide away. That is until a precocious nine year old introduces himself. Somewhere she meets his father and Dadalicious now has her attention~
August 4, 2020
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway.
I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read. Loved the main characters (Beth and Colton) and the little boy. Also the small charm of Harbor Springs. I love that you meet a ton of characters which I assume we would get to know more about in the other books in the series.
I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read. Loved the main characters (Beth and Colton) and the little boy. Also the small charm of Harbor Springs. I love that you meet a ton of characters which I assume we would get to know more about in the other books in the series.
November 25, 2018
I won this as a Goodreads Giveaway. I had never read anything by this author but really enjoyed this one. Short and sweet and decent chemistry. I liked the town and the characters. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
February 27, 2019
Loved this story
This was a lovely story. I loved the back stories for the two main characters. I also enjoyed the other characters that were introduced and will be in future stories. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, The Perfect Gentleman.
This was a lovely story. I loved the back stories for the two main characters. I also enjoyed the other characters that were introduced and will be in future stories. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, The Perfect Gentleman.
January 14, 2019
Loved it!
I couldn't put this one down. Had to find out if Beth would realize Colton was more than a distraction.
I couldn't put this one down. Had to find out if Beth would realize Colton was more than a distraction.
January 14, 2019
Enjoyed this family book. Such a great read
January 15, 2019
Cute story. Not new. Teacher recovering from broken relationship, falls for neighbor and his son. Not sure how things end because the couple have obstacles to overcome.
January 16, 2019
Very interesting
Couldn't resist from reading it. Picked it up anytime I had the chances. Recommended it for even two of my closest friends .
Couldn't resist from reading it. Picked it up anytime I had the chances. Recommended it for even two of my closest friends .
January 19, 2019
i loved this book. i couldn't put it down. it was such a great read. i can't wait to read book 2 i want to know what happens next.
January 21, 2019
Great story but the ending left much to be desired. Wish book two continued on Colton and beth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews