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Destination Brides #1
Summer Escape With The Tycoon
From whirlwind fling…
To wedding ring?
A Canadian adventure holiday is the trip of a lifetime for Molly Quinn. Paired up with gorgeous tycoon Eric Chambault, they’re pushed out of their comfort zones and closer together…But as their holiday comes to an end, will their summer romance work in the real world?
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2019
11 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Donna Alward
287 books695 followersSince 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. She’s worked as an administrative assistant, teaching assistant, in retail and as a stay-at-home-mom, but always knew her degree in English Literature would pay off, as she is now happy to be a full-time writer. Her new historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire.
Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.
Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com
Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.
Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 15, 2019
3 - "You’re my first fling." Stars.
I’m a fan of Donna Alward, although this was my first foray into her M&B/Hqn offerings. It’s no secret that you know what you are going to get with this publishers releases, the heat and sexiness varies from different imprints obviously, but Summer Escape with the Tycoon was of the closed door variety.
A change of scenery and a challenge might be exactly what she needed…
There is nothing wrong with this book, I just wasn’t wowed. I loved the places that Molly and Eric visited whilst on their Wilderness break in Canada and the way they were described, but I just felt their actual relationship fell short. Maybe in part because I am used to reading longer more in depth books from the author, I don’t know, I didn’t struggle to read it, I just don’t think it’s one I’ll remember in a few weeks.
There was something going on between them, and it wasn't friendship and comfort...
If you are looking for a few hours of escapism, with low drama and angst levels then this is definitely one I’d recommend. I’d happily read more of the author’s offerings via this publisher if I was looking for something light and stress free to read, it’s well written, I just found it a bit lacking in depth and development when it came to the actual H/h.
ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I’m a fan of Donna Alward, although this was my first foray into her M&B/Hqn offerings. It’s no secret that you know what you are going to get with this publishers releases, the heat and sexiness varies from different imprints obviously, but Summer Escape with the Tycoon was of the closed door variety.
A change of scenery and a challenge might be exactly what she needed…
There is nothing wrong with this book, I just wasn’t wowed. I loved the places that Molly and Eric visited whilst on their Wilderness break in Canada and the way they were described, but I just felt their actual relationship fell short. Maybe in part because I am used to reading longer more in depth books from the author, I don’t know, I didn’t struggle to read it, I just don’t think it’s one I’ll remember in a few weeks.
There was something going on between them, and it wasn't friendship and comfort...
If you are looking for a few hours of escapism, with low drama and angst levels then this is definitely one I’d recommend. I’d happily read more of the author’s offerings via this publisher if I was looking for something light and stress free to read, it’s well written, I just found it a bit lacking in depth and development when it came to the actual H/h.
ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
June 5, 2019
Donna Alward has written an enjoyable vacation read for two individuals who overcome their past and move into new territory with love for the first time. Eric and Molly both needed a career reboot because neither of them was happy in their current situation. Eric was bitter over his recent divorce and she’s tired of the dealing with the breakup of a marriage being a divorce lawyer. He’s financially set and has built a multi-million-dollar company but he’s alone and estranged from his family. Molly is stuck in a rut and finds herself spending way too much time at work and work functions. When she bids and wins an outdoor adventure trip from a silent auction, she takes her first step at winning back her life.
I have to say that the Canadian adventure tour that these two took made me envious and I wanted to join them. They tried ziplining and kayaking, that pushed the boundaries of their fears and made them vulnerable. As the only two singles on the trip they spent a good amount of time together and checking each other out. They each opened up about their fears and got help from the other and got the reassurance that the needed to persevere. I liked that they were willing to do that instead of putting on the brave front or just plain chickening out. Spending so much time together on vacation, away from the rat race, Molly and Eric each showed a more relaxed version of themselves and they each fell a little hard for the other. The attraction was there but would it be enough when they returned to the real world?
Donna Alward writes wonderful stories about real people working out real situations. Eric and Molly had to make certain changes and take a chance at happiness if they were willing to hang on to what they found on their trip with each other. It was a sweet romance with good flow and a happy ending. Summer Escape with the Tycoon is the first story of the Destination Brides series and I would say it is a great beginning.
August 13, 2019
Special thanks to author Donna Alward, Harlequin Romance and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Summer Escape with the Tycoon. Here are my unbiased thoughts.
SUMMER ESCAPE WITH THE TYCOON by Donna Alward is the first story in The Destination Brides series by Harlequin Romance. I enjoyed tagging along with Molly and Eric on their adventure of a lifetime in beautiful British Columbia. When they went hiking, zip lining and kayaking, their fears were exposed making them venerable.
I highly recommend this book to all romance readers who enjoy great character development, a little humour, ups and downs and misunderstandings. 4.5 stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
SUMMER ESCAPE WITH THE TYCOON by Donna Alward is the first story in The Destination Brides series by Harlequin Romance. I enjoyed tagging along with Molly and Eric on their adventure of a lifetime in beautiful British Columbia. When they went hiking, zip lining and kayaking, their fears were exposed making them venerable.
I highly recommend this book to all romance readers who enjoy great character development, a little humour, ups and downs and misunderstandings. 4.5 stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
July 13, 2019
As I read Donna Alward’s Summer Escape With the Tycoon, I realized that I enjoy romance where the main characters are at a crossroads, out of their element/comfort zone, or about to embark on a fresh start. This context can make them more open to love, but also more vulnerable and uncertain. Alward is particularly adept at this theme. In Summer Escape, for example, heroine Molly Quinn has bid on and won her first alone-time vacation in years. At 29, she practises family law in her father’s law firm, thus far, her life dedicated to a career that pleases her parents. Eric Chambault, who carried the burden of his family’s welfare when their father abandoned them, has made financial good, so good his now ex-wife has taken 30 meagre millions in their divorce. He doesn’t care about the money, but the failure of his marriage and his ex-wife’s reasons for it (his absence and workaholism) have left him questioning his choices. Like Molly, he bid on the same silent auction holiday at the same charity event. Months later, when he mistakenly ends up in Molly’s hotel room and glimpses her in the tub, well, it’s a priceless meet-cute. The room issue is cleared up, but their vacation-journey through British Columbia’s natural beauty throws them together time and again, especially as they’re the only singles on the luxury trip.
Without her busy schedule and obligation to family, Molly questions her dedication to a dissatisfying career. Molly is a good “girl”: she fulfilled her parents’ wishes by doing well in school, joining the family firm, and working non-stop to make a success of herself and add to the firm’s already significant renown. Her BC-vacation sees her admit truths she hadn’t dared before: ” That was it, she realized. Following the rules, following the path that had been laid out before her, hadn’t made her a good person. The truth was, she didn’t really know who she was, other than a good lawyer.” What I loved about Molly is her desire to do good, not just to be good. Molly’s journey to find a new way to practise lawy, working for the vulnerable, underprivileged, and under-represented is one of the many pleasures of Alward’s lovely romance.
The other, of course, is the growing friendship, affection, and romance she shares with Eric. They bond over vacation activities (like the hair-raising, yet exhilerating zip-lining), the surrounding natural beauty, but especially their work: ” ‘We both deal with The End.’ She plucked another olive and chewed it thoughtfully. ‘You buy up businesses in trouble. I dissolve relationships in trouble.’ ” Eric, like Molly, is high-powered and successful, an expert at disbanding flagging businesses. Either way, Molly is right: their work, no matter how successful they are, is about failure. Molly’s thoughtfulness (I loved how she likened Eric to Pretty Woman‘s Edward Lewis) and reconsideration of her career, and the changes she makes, inspire some changes in Eric as well. But the novel mainly focusses on their budding closeness, the pleasures of relaxing in natural splendor, and using their bodies in outdoor activities rather than sitting in meetings and before screens. They share joy, beauty, adventure, delicious food, and intimate conversation. Eventually, they become lovers and begin to think about how much they mean to each other and whether their relationship can go beyond its “vacation fling” status.
Among the many things Eric and Molly talk about, the vulnerabilities they carry from their childhoods feature significantly. That they can share them points to their growing trust: “He nodded. ‘Yeah. Why is it stuff that happened when we were kids seems to leave such an indelible mark?’ ‘I don’t know. Maybe because when we’re kids, we don’t have the experience or maturity to deal with it, and we just carry it with us to deal with later.’ ‘Well, it sucks.’ ” Those very vulnerabilities bring about the romance’s dark moment. The betrayal is organic to what we know of the characters, but it is abrupt and rings harsh in such a gentle book. The reconciliation, on the other hand, is wunderbar! With Miss Austen, we find in Alward’s Summer Escape “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.
Donna Alward’s Summer Escape With the Tycoon is published by Harlequin Books. It was released on June 4th and may be found at your preferred vendor. I received an e-ARC from Harlequin Books, via Netgalley.
Without her busy schedule and obligation to family, Molly questions her dedication to a dissatisfying career. Molly is a good “girl”: she fulfilled her parents’ wishes by doing well in school, joining the family firm, and working non-stop to make a success of herself and add to the firm’s already significant renown. Her BC-vacation sees her admit truths she hadn’t dared before: ” That was it, she realized. Following the rules, following the path that had been laid out before her, hadn’t made her a good person. The truth was, she didn’t really know who she was, other than a good lawyer.” What I loved about Molly is her desire to do good, not just to be good. Molly’s journey to find a new way to practise lawy, working for the vulnerable, underprivileged, and under-represented is one of the many pleasures of Alward’s lovely romance.
The other, of course, is the growing friendship, affection, and romance she shares with Eric. They bond over vacation activities (like the hair-raising, yet exhilerating zip-lining), the surrounding natural beauty, but especially their work: ” ‘We both deal with The End.’ She plucked another olive and chewed it thoughtfully. ‘You buy up businesses in trouble. I dissolve relationships in trouble.’ ” Eric, like Molly, is high-powered and successful, an expert at disbanding flagging businesses. Either way, Molly is right: their work, no matter how successful they are, is about failure. Molly’s thoughtfulness (I loved how she likened Eric to Pretty Woman‘s Edward Lewis) and reconsideration of her career, and the changes she makes, inspire some changes in Eric as well. But the novel mainly focusses on their budding closeness, the pleasures of relaxing in natural splendor, and using their bodies in outdoor activities rather than sitting in meetings and before screens. They share joy, beauty, adventure, delicious food, and intimate conversation. Eventually, they become lovers and begin to think about how much they mean to each other and whether their relationship can go beyond its “vacation fling” status.
Among the many things Eric and Molly talk about, the vulnerabilities they carry from their childhoods feature significantly. That they can share them points to their growing trust: “He nodded. ‘Yeah. Why is it stuff that happened when we were kids seems to leave such an indelible mark?’ ‘I don’t know. Maybe because when we’re kids, we don’t have the experience or maturity to deal with it, and we just carry it with us to deal with later.’ ‘Well, it sucks.’ ” Those very vulnerabilities bring about the romance’s dark moment. The betrayal is organic to what we know of the characters, but it is abrupt and rings harsh in such a gentle book. The reconciliation, on the other hand, is wunderbar! With Miss Austen, we find in Alward’s Summer Escape “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.
Donna Alward’s Summer Escape With the Tycoon is published by Harlequin Books. It was released on June 4th and may be found at your preferred vendor. I received an e-ARC from Harlequin Books, via Netgalley.
May 31, 2019
Alward takes readers on an adventure. Molly and Eric are the perfect tour guides. Beautiful sights, heartstopping romance and a hint of risk, spell the perfect vacation. The beauty is there is no airfare required. All that's needed is an open heart, a sense of humor and a wicked imagination. The perfect way to travel.
May 19, 2019
The Canadian adventure setting of this book is definitely what made this sweet romance. Watching Eric and Molly go on an adventure together in the Canadian wilderness made me want to go on an adventure of my own. Their relationship was so heartfelt but also fraught with insecurities. Love the Romance line, and loved this book. Read this book for the perfect summer romance but a setting that’s utterly magical.
November 4, 2024
This book was exactly what I needed after finishing a dumpster fire read with lurid plot conflict and over-the-top drama. Two characters, with relatable personal baggage (complicated family relationships, dissatisfaction with life choices etc.) meet on a outdoor adventure-style vacation and fall for each other. A nice, breezy read I inhaled in one sitting.
March 14, 2025
I always enjoy Donna Alward's books. I thought Molly and Eric were very well created characters. I liked the fact the silent auction at the luxury hotel on Nantucket was in aid of an opiate research center, since medical research is always necesary.
The travel experiences sounded great.
Ryan has a sad backstory and he's an ex-client of Molly's. This was a powerful start to the story.
The way she was around Eric at the auction was well integrated into the story. The hotel scenes were unexpected, suprising realistic and fun.
He's getting over a divorce, and she wants a different experience in life after everything she's been through with her family's expectations to excel in the family law business. She's a divorce lawyer.
I'm glad Summer Escape with the Tycoon is first in a series, as it has left me ready for more.
I enjoyed Molly and Eric's trip around Vancouver Island. The places they stay at are varied and very visually created. I find forcced proximity romances can either be done well or not, and Donna Alward does them, and any other kind of romance, very well.
I thoroughly enjoyed Summer Escape with the Tycoon, and am looking forward to the rest of the Happy Ever Afters series. It's a short story, but very enjoyable.
Thanks to Donna Alward
5 stars
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The travel experiences sounded great.
Ryan has a sad backstory and he's an ex-client of Molly's. This was a powerful start to the story.
The way she was around Eric at the auction was well integrated into the story. The hotel scenes were unexpected, suprising realistic and fun.
He's getting over a divorce, and she wants a different experience in life after everything she's been through with her family's expectations to excel in the family law business. She's a divorce lawyer.
I'm glad Summer Escape with the Tycoon is first in a series, as it has left me ready for more.
I enjoyed Molly and Eric's trip around Vancouver Island. The places they stay at are varied and very visually created. I find forcced proximity romances can either be done well or not, and Donna Alward does them, and any other kind of romance, very well.
I thoroughly enjoyed Summer Escape with the Tycoon, and am looking forward to the rest of the Happy Ever Afters series. It's a short story, but very enjoyable.
Thanks to Donna Alward
5 stars
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2019
It’s been a while since I’ve read a ‘True Love’ romance, these concentrate on the emotional connection between the couple and the internal and external conflicts they have to overcome to find their ‘happily-ever-after’, whilst there is sensuality in these stories, it is of the ‘closed door’ variety.
This story is a good example of the genre, Molly is a likeable heroine, who has never really experienced love, and Eric is a troubled hero, who keeps his emotions well-hidden. Both successful professionals, they are career driven to the exclusion of everything else.
The Canadian adventure holiday setting is full of vivid imagery that adds additional interest to the story and allows the couple’s past and present fears to be explored. It also is the perfect backdrop for romantic encounters.
The characters are easy to empathise and the plot is simple but effective. If you enjoy romantic stories, with engaging settings this is a lovely read.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This story is a good example of the genre, Molly is a likeable heroine, who has never really experienced love, and Eric is a troubled hero, who keeps his emotions well-hidden. Both successful professionals, they are career driven to the exclusion of everything else.
The Canadian adventure holiday setting is full of vivid imagery that adds additional interest to the story and allows the couple’s past and present fears to be explored. It also is the perfect backdrop for romantic encounters.
The characters are easy to empathise and the plot is simple but effective. If you enjoy romantic stories, with engaging settings this is a lovely read.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 17, 2019
Molly Quinn is attending a fundraising dinner and silent auction, during which she impulsively decides she wants to ‘win’ a Vancouver Island adventure trip. Molly is tired of fulfilling her family’s expectations, and following their path for her life, but knows she’s the only one who can change things. At Vancouver Island, she meets Eric Chambault, the man she beat in the bidding war. After a rocky start due to her profession, a summer romance begins to develop between them.
I enjoyed the growing relationship between Eric and Molly. They’re both workaholics; they both overthink things; and both carry the weight of unrealistic expectations. I also enjoyed watching them learn how to be spontaneous, and to just be themselves and enjoy life. The emotional conflict is believable, as is the way each of them face and overcome certain fears on the adventure trip. However, although Molly and Eric have changed from the people they were at the beginning, fear and overthinking things very nearly destroy any chance they have of a happy ending.
This is the first book I have read by Donna Alward, and I will definitely read more by her.
I enjoyed the growing relationship between Eric and Molly. They’re both workaholics; they both overthink things; and both carry the weight of unrealistic expectations. I also enjoyed watching them learn how to be spontaneous, and to just be themselves and enjoy life. The emotional conflict is believable, as is the way each of them face and overcome certain fears on the adventure trip. However, although Molly and Eric have changed from the people they were at the beginning, fear and overthinking things very nearly destroy any chance they have of a happy ending.
This is the first book I have read by Donna Alward, and I will definitely read more by her.
July 13, 2019
The fabulous Donna Alward kicks off Harlequin Romance’s Destination Brides quartet with a poignant tale of taking chances, healing from the past and new beginnings, Summer Escape with the Tycoon. An outstanding tale from a phenomenally talented writer, Donna Alward’s Summer Escape with the Tycoon is contemporary romance at its best.
Divorce lawyer Molly Quinn has always been a good girl. She works hard, tries her hardest never to disappoint her parents and has always done what was expected of her. While her career is thriving, her personal life leaves a lot to be desired. Single and with spontaneity a complete anathema to her, Molly’s life revolves around her job and around keeping her parents happy by letting them call the shots. However, Molly has had enough of her life being all work and no play and when she attends a charity auction and ends up bidding on a Canadian adventure vacation, little does she realise that this trip of a lifetime is about to turn her entire life upside down – and propel her straight into the arms of gorgeous billionaire tycoon, Eric Chambault…
After his marriage had come to an acrimonious end, Eric had struck relationships off the agenda and vowed to put all of his time and energy into his professional life. Eric’s obsession with his work had cost him his marriage and although he is still smarting from having to pay a settlement of thirty million dollars to his ex wife, deep down, he knows that he was a lousy husband who was never there for her. Sure, he could easily provide her with all that money could buy, but Eric was a distant partner who never gave his relationship the attention it deserved. Eric is looking forward to spending some time away from his business and his problems by signing up to an adventure trip to Canada, however, the last thing he had expected was to find himself bowled over by beautiful divorce lawyer Molly Quinn! Eric was meant to be giving relationships a very wide berth, yet resisting Molly soon proves to be easier said than done!
Giving into temptation soon proves inevitable and Molly and Eric quickly find themselves falling head over heels in love with one another. For the first time in a long while, Eric thinks that he has finally found a woman interested in him and not his wallet and Molly has never felt more alive than she feels when she is with Eric. But with the end of their holiday fast approaching, will their summer fling give way to the real thing? Or is their romance doomed to fail?
Summer Escape with the Tycoon is a heartwarming, emotional, uplifting and captivating story that will touch readers’ hearts and have them reaching for the tissues. Donna Alward is a writer at the top of her game and she has penned a mesmerizing romantic tale with a terrific heroine women everywhere will relate to and cheer for. Molly is a wonderful heroine. She’s smart, sassy and successful and she is so relatable that reading her story is almost like catching up with a best friend. Eric is a charismatic and handsome hero whom readers cannot help but fall in love with.
A feel-good contemporary romance that is simply irresistible, Summer Escape with The Tycoon is absolutely perfect for curling up with on a hot summer’s afternoon. Donna Alward never lets her readers down and with her latest novel she has penned a surefire winner that is an absolute keeper!
Divorce lawyer Molly Quinn has always been a good girl. She works hard, tries her hardest never to disappoint her parents and has always done what was expected of her. While her career is thriving, her personal life leaves a lot to be desired. Single and with spontaneity a complete anathema to her, Molly’s life revolves around her job and around keeping her parents happy by letting them call the shots. However, Molly has had enough of her life being all work and no play and when she attends a charity auction and ends up bidding on a Canadian adventure vacation, little does she realise that this trip of a lifetime is about to turn her entire life upside down – and propel her straight into the arms of gorgeous billionaire tycoon, Eric Chambault…
After his marriage had come to an acrimonious end, Eric had struck relationships off the agenda and vowed to put all of his time and energy into his professional life. Eric’s obsession with his work had cost him his marriage and although he is still smarting from having to pay a settlement of thirty million dollars to his ex wife, deep down, he knows that he was a lousy husband who was never there for her. Sure, he could easily provide her with all that money could buy, but Eric was a distant partner who never gave his relationship the attention it deserved. Eric is looking forward to spending some time away from his business and his problems by signing up to an adventure trip to Canada, however, the last thing he had expected was to find himself bowled over by beautiful divorce lawyer Molly Quinn! Eric was meant to be giving relationships a very wide berth, yet resisting Molly soon proves to be easier said than done!
Giving into temptation soon proves inevitable and Molly and Eric quickly find themselves falling head over heels in love with one another. For the first time in a long while, Eric thinks that he has finally found a woman interested in him and not his wallet and Molly has never felt more alive than she feels when she is with Eric. But with the end of their holiday fast approaching, will their summer fling give way to the real thing? Or is their romance doomed to fail?
Summer Escape with the Tycoon is a heartwarming, emotional, uplifting and captivating story that will touch readers’ hearts and have them reaching for the tissues. Donna Alward is a writer at the top of her game and she has penned a mesmerizing romantic tale with a terrific heroine women everywhere will relate to and cheer for. Molly is a wonderful heroine. She’s smart, sassy and successful and she is so relatable that reading her story is almost like catching up with a best friend. Eric is a charismatic and handsome hero whom readers cannot help but fall in love with.
A feel-good contemporary romance that is simply irresistible, Summer Escape with The Tycoon is absolutely perfect for curling up with on a hot summer’s afternoon. Donna Alward never lets her readers down and with her latest novel she has penned a surefire winner that is an absolute keeper!
March 3, 2025
TO LONG OVERDUE VACATIONS
The story is a sweet second-chance romance—but it won’t happen easily. Two workaholics will be at the same charity dinner and silent auction but never talk. They each will bid back and forth on the same adventurous vacation package and in the final seconds, Molly Quinn will win, beating out Eric Chambault.
Molly Quinn is a high-profile divorce attorney who has worked her way up in the company to be a senior partner. While she is well-known in her field, that doesn’t mean she is necessarily happy. Her entire life has been focused on doing what her parents wanted and expected her to do. But now she is reevaluating her life choices and questioning if is this what she really wants. Winning the bid on the Island Outdoor Adventures on Vancouver Island, Canada is both exciting and scary. Taking the time off from work, considering she never has before, is both needed and eye-opening.
Eric Chambault is a self-made man. He had to grow up early, because when he was twelve, his dad walked out on his mother and siblings, leaving them to pick up the pieces, including his debts. Eric took on jobs to help his mother pay the bills. When he got older, he created his own company EPC Industries. He buys up companies in trouble and dismantles them. Eric needs the get away that he was bidding on while in Boston at a charity dinner and auction. He has recently gone through a divorce and decided to take the plunge and do the trip anyway.
The story’s plot will have both Molly and Eric showing up at the hotel for the ten-day Outdoor Adventure. Only Molly got there first, and what a shock to have a man come into her room while she was in the bath and demanded she leave his room. In the end, Eric is moved, but that doesn’t make him happy. It won’t be long before they both place the other person from the dinner and auction event. As the story advances, since Eric and Molly are the only singles on the trip, they seem to pair or buddy up for some of the activities. They decide to be friends, which works great—and during a harrowing experience while kayaking with whales, Eric needs to check on Molly, and finds her very upset. Understanding the panic attack, he stays with her—and the friendship strengthens.
I loved the story, loved the characters, including the angst that breaks your heart at times. Both Molly and Eric are strong people with their own weaknesses. They live in different locations, with her in Boston, and him in Montreal. The one thing that developed was feelings for one another, but after one incident, rather than discussing it rationally, he blows up and accuses her of using him. Two people go their separate ways but neither one is happy. What will it take for them to reevaluate what they feel, what happened, and what can change to reestablish themselves? The good that comes out of the time they spent together, was talking about their lives, their dreams, their failures, and what they would like to change. Now, they have to find their way back to one another and give love a chance.
“I lost the bid but—I just won the jackpot.”
The story is a sweet second-chance romance—but it won’t happen easily. Two workaholics will be at the same charity dinner and silent auction but never talk. They each will bid back and forth on the same adventurous vacation package and in the final seconds, Molly Quinn will win, beating out Eric Chambault.
Molly Quinn is a high-profile divorce attorney who has worked her way up in the company to be a senior partner. While she is well-known in her field, that doesn’t mean she is necessarily happy. Her entire life has been focused on doing what her parents wanted and expected her to do. But now she is reevaluating her life choices and questioning if is this what she really wants. Winning the bid on the Island Outdoor Adventures on Vancouver Island, Canada is both exciting and scary. Taking the time off from work, considering she never has before, is both needed and eye-opening.
Eric Chambault is a self-made man. He had to grow up early, because when he was twelve, his dad walked out on his mother and siblings, leaving them to pick up the pieces, including his debts. Eric took on jobs to help his mother pay the bills. When he got older, he created his own company EPC Industries. He buys up companies in trouble and dismantles them. Eric needs the get away that he was bidding on while in Boston at a charity dinner and auction. He has recently gone through a divorce and decided to take the plunge and do the trip anyway.
The story’s plot will have both Molly and Eric showing up at the hotel for the ten-day Outdoor Adventure. Only Molly got there first, and what a shock to have a man come into her room while she was in the bath and demanded she leave his room. In the end, Eric is moved, but that doesn’t make him happy. It won’t be long before they both place the other person from the dinner and auction event. As the story advances, since Eric and Molly are the only singles on the trip, they seem to pair or buddy up for some of the activities. They decide to be friends, which works great—and during a harrowing experience while kayaking with whales, Eric needs to check on Molly, and finds her very upset. Understanding the panic attack, he stays with her—and the friendship strengthens.
I loved the story, loved the characters, including the angst that breaks your heart at times. Both Molly and Eric are strong people with their own weaknesses. They live in different locations, with her in Boston, and him in Montreal. The one thing that developed was feelings for one another, but after one incident, rather than discussing it rationally, he blows up and accuses her of using him. Two people go their separate ways but neither one is happy. What will it take for them to reevaluate what they feel, what happened, and what can change to reestablish themselves? The good that comes out of the time they spent together, was talking about their lives, their dreams, their failures, and what they would like to change. Now, they have to find their way back to one another and give love a chance.
“I lost the bid but—I just won the jackpot.”
June 16, 2019
Molly and Eric’s story was an emotional and wonderful story of two overworked and unhappy people needing love to help them find themselves. I enjoyed Summer Escape with the Tycoon by Donna Alward, book one in the Destination Brides series. Divorce lawyer Molly Quinn needed a change in her life, so bidding on a Canadian adventure gave her a trip of a lifetime. Being paired up as the only singletons, Molly and business tycoon Eric Chambault were forced out of their comfort zones as well as to face some of their fears. Spending all that time together allowed for a trust to build, to the point where neither could resist engaging in a fling. Molly fears she has pushed too hard for a continuance of their summer romance when Eric flees after believing she is only using him. I loved the changes Eric created in his life and business after his time with Molly. I was happily surprised at the support and encouragement Molly’s family gave her to take a different path in her law career. Eric and Molly learned so much about themselves and what they truly wanted in life while together on this journey and summer escape,
Ms. Alward wrote a wonderfully emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, filled with sexual chemistry, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters giving Molly and Eric, to not only find themselves but also a chance at finding real happiness. I highly recommend Summer Escape with the Tycoon to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Alward wrote a wonderfully emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, filled with sexual chemistry, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters giving Molly and Eric, to not only find themselves but also a chance at finding real happiness. I highly recommend Summer Escape with the Tycoon to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 22, 2025
SUMMER ESCAPE WITH THE TYCOON by Donna Alward is a reissue with a second chance romance and a nicely written happily ever after. This is Molly and Eric’s story and they couldn’t be more different, but are they really deep down? When they briefly met at a fundraiser they never expected to see the other person again but that’s all about to change.
She’s a lawyer in her family’s firm dealing with family law and divorce. He buys companies and takes them apart and puts them together differently. She lives in Boston and he lives in Montreal. He’s divorced and estranged from his family and she works with her dad. They meet on an adventure tour in Canada and from the first time their paths crossed, there was an attraction. Would they embrace it since they are both single and have no attachments?
There are multiple stories being told and vivid descriptions of their adventures. We get to know each of them and not just how they face the world. The story has a good flow and kept my interest from the first page to the last. There is an abundance of romance but we also learn their fears and who and what shaped them. There are a few surprises and they miscommunicate more than once. When they get a second chance will they embrace it or keep their feelings hidden? The epilogue ties up loose ends and gives me the rooted for happily ever after but I wish it had gone on just a little longer. Ms. Alward is a favorite author of sweet romances that add a little kick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She’s a lawyer in her family’s firm dealing with family law and divorce. He buys companies and takes them apart and puts them together differently. She lives in Boston and he lives in Montreal. He’s divorced and estranged from his family and she works with her dad. They meet on an adventure tour in Canada and from the first time their paths crossed, there was an attraction. Would they embrace it since they are both single and have no attachments?
There are multiple stories being told and vivid descriptions of their adventures. We get to know each of them and not just how they face the world. The story has a good flow and kept my interest from the first page to the last. There is an abundance of romance but we also learn their fears and who and what shaped them. There are a few surprises and they miscommunicate more than once. When they get a second chance will they embrace it or keep their feelings hidden? The epilogue ties up loose ends and gives me the rooted for happily ever after but I wish it had gone on just a little longer. Ms. Alward is a favorite author of sweet romances that add a little kick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2025
Here we find two workaholics that find themselves and learn to have fun again while on an adventure vacation on Vancouver Island. They both have decided to put their cell phones away until the vacation is over. This is very unusual for them both as Molly Quinn is a very high powered Family Lawyer from Boston, MA. One thing that she specializes in is divorce. She is constantly on call, as a matter of fact her dad already called while she was on vacation.
Eric Chambault is a millionaire and he buys and sells companies. Eric is based out of Montreal, CA. But he goes all over to find new businesses to buy, break down and sale. Molly made the comment at dinner that they both break things down so they are in the same type of business. They are really enjoying being in each others company so who knows what may happen from here?
This is a new adventure for both of them as it tests their fears to see if you can over come them. Molly has a fear of drowning so snorkeling and kayaking when the boat flipped over seems to cause her some anxiety. Eric had his turn to conquer his fear when it came to the ZIP line, but by the end of the day he hated leaving. I love the way they both helped and encouraged each other in their new endeavors. So is this just a vacation fling or could it lead to something more?
Eric Chambault is a millionaire and he buys and sells companies. Eric is based out of Montreal, CA. But he goes all over to find new businesses to buy, break down and sale. Molly made the comment at dinner that they both break things down so they are in the same type of business. They are really enjoying being in each others company so who knows what may happen from here?
This is a new adventure for both of them as it tests their fears to see if you can over come them. Molly has a fear of drowning so snorkeling and kayaking when the boat flipped over seems to cause her some anxiety. Eric had his turn to conquer his fear when it came to the ZIP line, but by the end of the day he hated leaving. I love the way they both helped and encouraged each other in their new endeavors. So is this just a vacation fling or could it lead to something more?
May 30, 2019
Molly is a divorce lawyer and for the first time in her life takes an unexpected adventure break in Canada and that’s where she meets -again – Eric, a rich businessman that recently divorced. Although the characters sat at opposite ends, the chemistry between them felt real and it sparkled. Both Molly and Eric felt like real humans with real problems trying to figure out life and where to go from there. The characters grew a lot through the story and I really liked that there was no silly miscommunication trope happening and discussed like adults and it made the angst even more potent as real feelings were in the way, and old perceptions.
This book was written with maturity and I was glued until the end, needing to know how it all ended. It was easy to relate to the characters and I felt an emotional connection to both of them. The backdrop of the story was beautiful as well, transporting me to places I have never been.
I will happily read more from this author and recommend it to the Romance enthusiasts! Not one to miss!!
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE NETGALLEY COPY!
This book was written with maturity and I was glued until the end, needing to know how it all ended. It was easy to relate to the characters and I felt an emotional connection to both of them. The backdrop of the story was beautiful as well, transporting me to places I have never been.
I will happily read more from this author and recommend it to the Romance enthusiasts! Not one to miss!!
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE NETGALLEY COPY!
March 5, 2025
Molly is a highly effective family lawyer, working in her father's law firm. She's there to fulfill the family's expectations, but she's overworked and not all that happy in her profession. She goes to a charity event and she bids on an adventure vacation. She is in a bidding war with a man she doesn't know, but she feels the need to win the competition.
Eric is an executive who happened to be in town. He's very angry about his divorce and the settlement that he's been forced to pay his now ex-wife. He decides that the vacation that he'd been bidding on is just what he needs to relax and refocus.
Of course, the two of them meet on the trip and clash. Big time. But together, they start to refocus on the vacation and the joys of nature. They each decide that they need to make major changes in their lives. But their relationship is just a vacation escape, too.
I have always enjoyed every Donna Alward book I've read and this is no exception. Very well written and the characters are believable in their vulnerabilities and abilities to change and grow.
Eric is an executive who happened to be in town. He's very angry about his divorce and the settlement that he's been forced to pay his now ex-wife. He decides that the vacation that he'd been bidding on is just what he needs to relax and refocus.
Of course, the two of them meet on the trip and clash. Big time. But together, they start to refocus on the vacation and the joys of nature. They each decide that they need to make major changes in their lives. But their relationship is just a vacation escape, too.
I have always enjoyed every Donna Alward book I've read and this is no exception. Very well written and the characters are believable in their vulnerabilities and abilities to change and grow.
April 14, 2019
This book starts the Destination Bride Quartet series and the beginning of a relationship between Molly Quinn and Eric Chambault.
Molly is a divorce lawyer, feeling the burnout of her profession. A profession she chose to make her parents happy. Eric is a billionaire tycoon who feels the need to take a break from his work.
Little did either know that their escape on an adventure vacation in western Canada, would be the turning point of their lives.
The story was engaging. At times funny, and at others bittersweet. These two, though seemingly different, were very much alike. What and who they became as adults, was a direct result of what happened to them as children. Something that is very real and what makes the story more enjoyable.
Will they overcome their beliefs and find happiness and love or will they let their past dictate their future?
Another well written story by this talented author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Molly is a divorce lawyer, feeling the burnout of her profession. A profession she chose to make her parents happy. Eric is a billionaire tycoon who feels the need to take a break from his work.
Little did either know that their escape on an adventure vacation in western Canada, would be the turning point of their lives.
The story was engaging. At times funny, and at others bittersweet. These two, though seemingly different, were very much alike. What and who they became as adults, was a direct result of what happened to them as children. Something that is very real and what makes the story more enjoyable.
Will they overcome their beliefs and find happiness and love or will they let their past dictate their future?
Another well written story by this talented author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
March 17, 2025
This was so much more than a romance story. It was a book about finding oneself, facing fears, and learning to trust. I enjoyed everything that happened after Molly decided to bid on an adventure giveaway that put her outside her comfort zone and I liked how she learned about herself and how her past was affecting her today. Hiking, snorkeling, kayaking all made Molly face her fears.
I liked meeting Eric, who also had issues from his past that still affected his present and his relationships. Amazing how the ten days brought Molly and Eric together to face those fears and trust issues. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I liked meeting Eric, who also had issues from his past that still affected his present and his relationships. Amazing how the ten days brought Molly and Eric together to face those fears and trust issues. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
August 14, 2021
Molly Quinn is getting burnt out in her job as a divorce attorney. She bids on (and wins) an adventure trip in the Canadian wilds where she meets business tycoon Eric Chambault. As the only single people in the group, the two get pair up together and as they start spending more time together, find they are attracted to each other. They strike up a vacation romance, knowing it can't go anywhere since they live in different countries. I liked the description of the trip, but otherwise this story was just meh.
March 20, 2025
Summer Escape with the Tycoon: a romance story of molly and Eric..She is a High-powered family lawyer,workaholic but lately questiong herself,getting burn-out and wanted to unwind and when she won the bid for an adventure vacation in the Canadian wilderness to find herself and met a gorgeous businessman who is more workaholic than herself..a wonderful,interesting,steamy with a bit of drama ,romance and hea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2019
Summer Escape with the Tycoon by Donna Alward.
Molly Quinn is a divorce lawyer and Eric Chambault is a billionaire tycoon meet when they are both bidding on a destination vacation package. Molly wins and Eric decides that he wants to do the package so they both arrive on the vacation at the same time. Molly and Eric fall in love but fight it all the way. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone looking for a good book to read.
Molly Quinn is a divorce lawyer and Eric Chambault is a billionaire tycoon meet when they are both bidding on a destination vacation package. Molly wins and Eric decides that he wants to do the package so they both arrive on the vacation at the same time. Molly and Eric fall in love but fight it all the way. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone looking for a good book to read.
March 29, 2021
This is the story of Molly and Eric, which is told over 14 Chapters (+Epilogue). The story is intriguing from the start and it is plain to tell that these two characters do not like each other to begin with. However as this is a Mills and Boons books this situation does change as the book goes on. The readers get to watch them warm up to each other. The book is addictive and the descriptions are first rate. These descriptions will leave the reader wanting to go on this Summer Escape themselves.
March 11, 2025
This book falls under clean, barely. There are a few curse words and some scenes where it's on the line between fade to black and closed door. They find themselves on the same vacation and almost same room by chance. As the only two single members in the group they keep finding themselves paired together. What happens when they have to go home? Will this vacation change these workaholics priorities?.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2025
Holidays and vacations where you are in an area that you don't know anybody can be tempting to meet someone new and try a new adventure. The consequences though are very different when you return back to reality. Like the two characters that they have great personalities and their true colors can come out when reality hits. There might even be a few twists along the way. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2025
I really enjoyed seeing Molly and Eric let down their defences with each other and unwittingly allow each other to grow within themselves and what a laugh not only with how they ended up on the same trip but also first seeing each other there. A great mix of laughs, tender moments along with self discovery and new beginnings!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. What a wonderful love story. It was not just a romantic love story but one of self acceptance and appreciation. The MCs came to conclusions about themselves that affected how they interacted with other people. Their chemistry was off the chart. I liked the low burn allowing them to become friends first and then lovers. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2025
This is a heartwarming, heartbreaking and emotional second chance at love. The story is about Molly and Eric. Both characters are in need of a temporary escape from the demands and expectations of their lives. At a charity auction, both bid on a holiday getaway, both won. While on their trips they have a fun meet cute involving their hotel rooms. This begins their journey from acquittances, to friendship and eventually much more. I enjoyed the story, obstacles and all.
June 4, 2019
A truly enjoyable story, this is a story about two people who decided to please their parents and go into professions that they don't care for. When they meet, it is at a silent auction and Molly has had a lightbulb moment about her life. I re-read this story again because I enjoyed it so much. Great read.
April 26, 2025
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This was how both Molly and Eric learned to step outside their comfort zone and go on an adventure. Molly needed to overcome how she has felt since she lost her brother at a young age. Eric was dealing with how he felt when he was growing up. A great story to keep your interest.
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