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Sunset Bay
What if you got another chance at the life that got away?
In an emotional story brimming with wry humor, New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery pens a heartwarming tale of love, family, and a woman's journey of discovery.
L.A. accountant Megan Greene has a successful job, a handsome cardiologist fiancé, and a doting father. Surely they make up for her estranged sister and hypochondriac mother...and a niggling sense that something, somewhere, got lost along the way. But then Megan's life falls spectacularly apart. Faced with the knowledge that neither her father nor her fiancé are the men she thought they were, she is loath to trust Travis -- the high school boyfriend who never quite left her heart. But his reappearance stirs dreams she once reluctantly packed away, and forces her to confront her relationship with her sister -- a bond that has been strained to the limit but has never quite broken. And amid the turmoil lies the promise of a future Megan never expected -- one that may turn out to contain everything she really needs....
In an emotional story brimming with wry humor, New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery pens a heartwarming tale of love, family, and a woman's journey of discovery.
L.A. accountant Megan Greene has a successful job, a handsome cardiologist fiancé, and a doting father. Surely they make up for her estranged sister and hypochondriac mother...and a niggling sense that something, somewhere, got lost along the way. But then Megan's life falls spectacularly apart. Faced with the knowledge that neither her father nor her fiancé are the men she thought they were, she is loath to trust Travis -- the high school boyfriend who never quite left her heart. But his reappearance stirs dreams she once reluctantly packed away, and forces her to confront her relationship with her sister -- a bond that has been strained to the limit but has never quite broken. And amid the turmoil lies the promise of a future Megan never expected -- one that may turn out to contain everything she really needs....
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 24, 2009
414 people are currently reading
1389 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
September 16, 2021
I don’t know what to say about this one. The level of toxic parents is exponential and made me very anxious. Everyone has a bad parent and I mean horrible. Terrible. Betrayal. And that’s not it for betrayal for both Megan and her sister.
Ongoing extreme narcissistic parenting from Megan’s mother and words thrown that are unforgivable.
Megan concedes her desire to design to please her father and is an accountant instead because being a beancounter will fulfill her. Ugh…abandoned dreams.
Betrayal by her father.
Betrayal by her fiancee who just doesn’t get it.
Potential sabotage by a co-worker.
Secondary heroine, her sister, who makes some very bad choices trying to get ahead as an actress.
Hunky young love that relishes his bad boy image a little too much.
Hunky young hero is betrayed repeatedly by both his parents.
Very uncomfortable reading with all these terrible parents taking their selfishness and poor choices out on their children, but I couldn’t put it down.
It’s probably a little overdone, but there are people out there that do as much damage carelessly as those that put effort into it.
Ongoing extreme narcissistic parenting from Megan’s mother and words thrown that are unforgivable.
Megan concedes her desire to design to please her father and is an accountant instead because being a beancounter will fulfill her. Ugh…abandoned dreams.
Betrayal by her father.
Betrayal by her fiancee who just doesn’t get it.
Potential sabotage by a co-worker.
Secondary heroine, her sister, who makes some very bad choices trying to get ahead as an actress.
Hunky young love that relishes his bad boy image a little too much.
Hunky young hero is betrayed repeatedly by both his parents.
Very uncomfortable reading with all these terrible parents taking their selfishness and poor choices out on their children, but I couldn’t put it down.
It’s probably a little overdone, but there are people out there that do as much damage carelessly as those that put effort into it.
December 19, 2008
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release March 2009
What does a woman do when the emotional ‘props’ in her life disappear—one by one? Susan Mallery is one of my favorite authors and her books always linger in my mind after I’ve finished reading them. It seems there’s always something about her female heroines that I can identify with and wonder, “What would I do if I were her?”. “Sunset Bay” is Mallery’s latest novel which will be released in March 2009. It didn’t take long for this story to grab my attention and my heartstrings.
Megan’s life is pretty darn good. Not perfect, but darn good. And she’s worked her butt off to make it so. She’s a successful accountant, with a supportive father and a doctor for a fiancé. Jealous yet? Well, don’t be because her happy life is about to fall apart right before her eyes. Her father…isn’t; when he finds out, he doesn’t take it well. Her fiancé? A cheater and she finds out right before the wedding. Her job? A new barracuda of an intern is sabotaging hers. To top it all off, her old boyfriend Travis is back in town. You know, the one who’s all wrong for her? The one her father drove away? The one she can’t seem to stay away from?
When I re-read what I just wrote I realized that my description made this book sound ‘heavy’. And I guess maybe it was, a bit. But somehow Mallery kept me reading without having to burst into tears (okay, a few sniffles, but that’s all I’ll admit to) when Megan’s life went down the toilet. Even though I normally write a quick synopsis of the hero’s side, this time I didn’t because this story is much more all about Megan and how she reacts and thinks and feels about everything going on in her life. It’s still definitely a romance, don’t worry, and a darn sexy one to boot; but there’s more depth and soul-searching on Megan’s part or maybe I just identified so much more with her, but Travis came across as almost a secondary character for me. And that didn’t bug me at all.
I mean what woman hasn’t had a boyfriend that cheated? Or faced a time when she might lose, or at least have her name blackened in, her job? Or suffered through a horrible ‘family’ issue? I’m guessing not many. We all have difficult times in our lives and I remember a couple of times as I read this book I was thinking, “Well, my life doesn’t seem so bad in comparison.” I mean, really. Imagine all the above things happening within a space of two weeks or so? How would you deal with it? Hello therapy! But Megan coped almost like one of those pop-up bozos that were popular at one time. You punch ‘em and they go down but then they bounce back up…over and over and over again. Her life changed in almost every way and she managed to find some good (eventually) in each of the changes. How uplifting is that?
Did I like this story? Yes, I surely did. Will I read it again? Yes, but it will be a while. “Sunset Bay” is Susan Mallery’s depiction of a woman who reinvents herself and ‘finds’ herself at the same time. It’s also a story about determination and overcoming adversity…and in the uncertain and troublesome times we’re living in now, I can’t think of a better message for an author to send her readers.
What does a woman do when the emotional ‘props’ in her life disappear—one by one? Susan Mallery is one of my favorite authors and her books always linger in my mind after I’ve finished reading them. It seems there’s always something about her female heroines that I can identify with and wonder, “What would I do if I were her?”. “Sunset Bay” is Mallery’s latest novel which will be released in March 2009. It didn’t take long for this story to grab my attention and my heartstrings.
Megan’s life is pretty darn good. Not perfect, but darn good. And she’s worked her butt off to make it so. She’s a successful accountant, with a supportive father and a doctor for a fiancé. Jealous yet? Well, don’t be because her happy life is about to fall apart right before her eyes. Her father…isn’t; when he finds out, he doesn’t take it well. Her fiancé? A cheater and she finds out right before the wedding. Her job? A new barracuda of an intern is sabotaging hers. To top it all off, her old boyfriend Travis is back in town. You know, the one who’s all wrong for her? The one her father drove away? The one she can’t seem to stay away from?
When I re-read what I just wrote I realized that my description made this book sound ‘heavy’. And I guess maybe it was, a bit. But somehow Mallery kept me reading without having to burst into tears (okay, a few sniffles, but that’s all I’ll admit to) when Megan’s life went down the toilet. Even though I normally write a quick synopsis of the hero’s side, this time I didn’t because this story is much more all about Megan and how she reacts and thinks and feels about everything going on in her life. It’s still definitely a romance, don’t worry, and a darn sexy one to boot; but there’s more depth and soul-searching on Megan’s part or maybe I just identified so much more with her, but Travis came across as almost a secondary character for me. And that didn’t bug me at all.
I mean what woman hasn’t had a boyfriend that cheated? Or faced a time when she might lose, or at least have her name blackened in, her job? Or suffered through a horrible ‘family’ issue? I’m guessing not many. We all have difficult times in our lives and I remember a couple of times as I read this book I was thinking, “Well, my life doesn’t seem so bad in comparison.” I mean, really. Imagine all the above things happening within a space of two weeks or so? How would you deal with it? Hello therapy! But Megan coped almost like one of those pop-up bozos that were popular at one time. You punch ‘em and they go down but then they bounce back up…over and over and over again. Her life changed in almost every way and she managed to find some good (eventually) in each of the changes. How uplifting is that?
Did I like this story? Yes, I surely did. Will I read it again? Yes, but it will be a while. “Sunset Bay” is Susan Mallery’s depiction of a woman who reinvents herself and ‘finds’ herself at the same time. It’s also a story about determination and overcoming adversity…and in the uncertain and troublesome times we’re living in now, I can’t think of a better message for an author to send her readers.
July 28, 2009
Rating: 4.5 / 5
I waffled on reading this book so many times. I picked it up and put it down in the store at least 4 times before finally deciding to buy it. Then even after I did buy it I kept putting off reading it. I'm not even really sure why; I just wasn't sure that I would like the book. But I finally made myself start reading. And ended up loving the book.
In Sunset Bay, Megan Greene grew up in a dysfunctional family...with an extraordinarily beautiful, drama queen mother who treated Megan, her plain, unremarkable daughter like a pariah...a beautiful younger sister, Leanne, who was her mother's little pet and Megan's worst enemy...and a father who she was close to but who let her mother act horribly. Megan was told by her mother than she'd never succeed in the world, being so plain and boring, and that she'd never marry. It battered Megan's ego, but also made her determined to make something of herself. For a while it was to be a fashion designer, but after an ill-fated teenage romance with bad boy Travis Hunter, she went to college and became an accountant.
At 28, Megan's life is going great, proving her mother's predictions spectacularly wrong. She's got a great job and hope's to make partner soon. She's engaged to a handsome, successful doctor and she's just all around satisfied with life. Then everything falls a part. She finds out a secret that destroys her relationship with her father, then, a week before the wedding, finds out her fiance had cheated on her. And that perfect life she'd dreamed of was gone. In the middle of all that, Travis Hunter reappears in her life. Megan doesn't know what to do, what to think. She's realizing that maybe her life wasn't a perfect as she thought and has to reevaluate what it is she wants...and whether that includes Travis.
The first thing that I can think to say about this book is, Wow, Mallery really packed a lot of emotion and angst into this story! There were some parts of this book, especially near the middle, that were just painful to read. So heartrending that I got a bit teary-eyed more than once. I thought the author did a really fantastic job conveying emotions in this story. It's a rare book that can so fully engage me emotionally. So kudos for that.
I liked how even though the heroine is tortured and tragic, she's not faultless. Megan realizes that's she's made mistakes in her relationship with her sister and the two finally develop a relationship. It made Megan more human and less "poor me." It added a great dimension to the story. And Leanne's, Megan's sister's, story was interesting to read as well. When the book started, I couldn't imagine liking her, but Mallery brought me around. I actually kinda wish there'd been more of Leanne and her budding romance with Connor.
There is a romance in this story between Megan and Travis, but the book kinda reads more like chick-lit than romance (and yes, there is a difference between the two). The base of the story is the female lead, Megan, and how her life falls apart, how she has to reevaluate and face some truths, and she manages to put it all back together again. The romance and Travis come off more secondary to the story. And honestly, I didn't mind. The romance is still present and the rest of the story is so powerful that I didn't notice much that the romance took a backseat. And hey, there were still some really hot sex scenes in the book ;)
I didn't give this book five stars because I thought the ending, while still an HEA, could have been stronger. It lacked a little bit of the romantic feel I like when finishing a romance book. So I took a half point off for that.
Otherwise, this is just one of those books that really worked for me. I love it when books yank at my emotions and make me feel. The story Mallery tells in this book will stick in my head and I'll be adding it to my keeper shelf, and probably reread it someday. If you like books about strong females, the trials and tribulations of life, with some romance thrown in, then definitely give this book a go. I'm certainly glad I read it!
I waffled on reading this book so many times. I picked it up and put it down in the store at least 4 times before finally deciding to buy it. Then even after I did buy it I kept putting off reading it. I'm not even really sure why; I just wasn't sure that I would like the book. But I finally made myself start reading. And ended up loving the book.
In Sunset Bay, Megan Greene grew up in a dysfunctional family...with an extraordinarily beautiful, drama queen mother who treated Megan, her plain, unremarkable daughter like a pariah...a beautiful younger sister, Leanne, who was her mother's little pet and Megan's worst enemy...and a father who she was close to but who let her mother act horribly. Megan was told by her mother than she'd never succeed in the world, being so plain and boring, and that she'd never marry. It battered Megan's ego, but also made her determined to make something of herself. For a while it was to be a fashion designer, but after an ill-fated teenage romance with bad boy Travis Hunter, she went to college and became an accountant.
At 28, Megan's life is going great, proving her mother's predictions spectacularly wrong. She's got a great job and hope's to make partner soon. She's engaged to a handsome, successful doctor and she's just all around satisfied with life. Then everything falls a part. She finds out a secret that destroys her relationship with her father, then, a week before the wedding, finds out her fiance had cheated on her. And that perfect life she'd dreamed of was gone. In the middle of all that, Travis Hunter reappears in her life. Megan doesn't know what to do, what to think. She's realizing that maybe her life wasn't a perfect as she thought and has to reevaluate what it is she wants...and whether that includes Travis.
The first thing that I can think to say about this book is, Wow, Mallery really packed a lot of emotion and angst into this story! There were some parts of this book, especially near the middle, that were just painful to read. So heartrending that I got a bit teary-eyed more than once. I thought the author did a really fantastic job conveying emotions in this story. It's a rare book that can so fully engage me emotionally. So kudos for that.
I liked how even though the heroine is tortured and tragic, she's not faultless. Megan realizes that's she's made mistakes in her relationship with her sister and the two finally develop a relationship. It made Megan more human and less "poor me." It added a great dimension to the story. And Leanne's, Megan's sister's, story was interesting to read as well. When the book started, I couldn't imagine liking her, but Mallery brought me around. I actually kinda wish there'd been more of Leanne and her budding romance with Connor.
There is a romance in this story between Megan and Travis, but the book kinda reads more like chick-lit than romance (and yes, there is a difference between the two). The base of the story is the female lead, Megan, and how her life falls apart, how she has to reevaluate and face some truths, and she manages to put it all back together again. The romance and Travis come off more secondary to the story. And honestly, I didn't mind. The romance is still present and the rest of the story is so powerful that I didn't notice much that the romance took a backseat. And hey, there were still some really hot sex scenes in the book ;)
I didn't give this book five stars because I thought the ending, while still an HEA, could have been stronger. It lacked a little bit of the romantic feel I like when finishing a romance book. So I took a half point off for that.
Otherwise, this is just one of those books that really worked for me. I love it when books yank at my emotions and make me feel. The story Mallery tells in this book will stick in my head and I'll be adding it to my keeper shelf, and probably reread it someday. If you like books about strong females, the trials and tribulations of life, with some romance thrown in, then definitely give this book a go. I'm certainly glad I read it!
February 2, 2022
Maybe 3.5? There was just so much drama that should have been easier to talk through. If you run off every time her ex is at the door I'm not sure how this is going to work. But I know this is imaginary and Susan was trying to ramp the drama but that really is the book's only draw back.
Megan seems to have everything then it all falls apart and she realized it was all fake.
Especially Gary. Gees that man does not deserve air. He does deserve Tina though.
So as a teen to please Gary she gave up the boy that loved her and her dream and went to business school. Travis was the only person who loved her all along.
Well and her friends Allegra and Peyton.
Eventually her sister Leanne grows up and becomes her sister for real. I'm glad that they straightened that out. Megan needed family.
I would so rather read the what comes next. The anti angst. Her life with Travis. Her meeting Elliot's kids. Read about Leanne and Conner. I think I just love romance series. I want the happily ever after not the build up.
Megan seems to have everything then it all falls apart and she realized it was all fake.
Especially Gary. Gees that man does not deserve air. He does deserve Tina though.
So as a teen to please Gary she gave up the boy that loved her and her dream and went to business school. Travis was the only person who loved her all along.
Well and her friends Allegra and Peyton.
Eventually her sister Leanne grows up and becomes her sister for real. I'm glad that they straightened that out. Megan needed family.
I would so rather read the what comes next. The anti angst. Her life with Travis. Her meeting Elliot's kids. Read about Leanne and Conner. I think I just love romance series. I want the happily ever after not the build up.
July 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I hated that Adam cheats but thinks because it’s before the wedding and that he ended things, that it’s okay. It was sad about Megan’s “dad” finding out she wasn’t his and she didn’t know either. I don’t like how that ended with the two of them. Hopefully there is another one and Megan and her “dad” try to get back to where they were before finding out she wasn’t really his biologically.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2014
Travis was her fal en angel, and if being with him meant going to hel , then she was ready to walk through fire.
- Megan
So we both ran, only I did it standing still.
- Megan
Liquor always helps.
- Leanne
Ten years ago I wasn’t close to ready. You pushed and I totally freaked out. We were too young. We would have crashed and burned. We may stil . The difference is this time I know it’s worth trying for. I’m willing to give my whole heart, Travis. It’s yours. Forever. I’m serious about this, about us. I want it all, if you’re interested. But I don’t think you are.
- Megan
I believe in you, too. I believe in us. Jesus, Megan, I nearly blew it. We could have lost everything, only you wouldn’t let that happen. I don’t know how I got so damned lucky. I found you twice and this time, I’m never letting go. I love you. I always have. I’ve been a jerk about it, but the love never died. I tried to forget you, but I can’t. I want you too much. You’re the one for me. I want to be the one for you.
- Travis
- Megan
So we both ran, only I did it standing still.
- Megan
Liquor always helps.
- Leanne
Ten years ago I wasn’t close to ready. You pushed and I totally freaked out. We were too young. We would have crashed and burned. We may stil . The difference is this time I know it’s worth trying for. I’m willing to give my whole heart, Travis. It’s yours. Forever. I’m serious about this, about us. I want it all, if you’re interested. But I don’t think you are.
- Megan
I believe in you, too. I believe in us. Jesus, Megan, I nearly blew it. We could have lost everything, only you wouldn’t let that happen. I don’t know how I got so damned lucky. I found you twice and this time, I’m never letting go. I love you. I always have. I’ve been a jerk about it, but the love never died. I tried to forget you, but I can’t. I want you too much. You’re the one for me. I want to be the one for you.
- Travis
March 6, 2009
Sunset Bay is one of Mallery's best, and I already loved her books. Megan Greene saw her father and her fiance as the best parts of her life. Solid and steady, or so she thought. She was sure of their love. Her life is turned upside down when she discovers that both men, each in their own way, have turned their backs on her. Can she expect support from her infuriating mother and from the sister who isn't quite the brat she remembers?
When she reconnects with sexy Travis, things begin to look up. The boy she let get away has turned into a sexy, caring man. Travis pursues a lifelong dream and inspires Megan to consider whether she's truly happy in the life she's built.
This is an excellent book, with characters who feel real. Some make you laugh, some make you scream, but none leave you feeling flat. Wonderful book!
When she reconnects with sexy Travis, things begin to look up. The boy she let get away has turned into a sexy, caring man. Travis pursues a lifelong dream and inspires Megan to consider whether she's truly happy in the life she's built.
This is an excellent book, with characters who feel real. Some make you laugh, some make you scream, but none leave you feeling flat. Wonderful book!
April 9, 2009
Just started. Probably going to be an OK book, though I don't always like some of the language, it isn't as bad as some I have seen. I'll rate it when I am finished.
3/26 Well I had to finish it just because I had to know what happened.
However, I wouldn't recommend this book because the author cannot tell a story with out vivid sex descriptions and foul language. I hate that they think we are not smart enough to enjoy a story without it.
3/26 Well I had to finish it just because I had to know what happened.
However, I wouldn't recommend this book because the author cannot tell a story with out vivid sex descriptions and foul language. I hate that they think we are not smart enough to enjoy a story without it.
April 3, 2019
A lesson learned. People are always who we think they are
May 5, 2023
3 1/2 stars. An interesting, character-driven story about two sisters. The older sister, Megan, is the main character, but her younger sister, Leanne’s, role grows as she does and as her relationship with Megan does.
Their parents are not great role models, especially their mother, who seems to need to always be the center of attention. Their father seems close to and supportive of the oldest daughter, until a secret from her mother’s past comes to light.
Megan wants to become a clothing designer—something for which she has real talent. Her parents, in their different ways, tell her that she needs a more practical job so that she can support herself.
The two men in Megan’s life are a study in contrasts. Travis, her high school boyfriend, might have been considered a “bad boy,” although he always treated her well. Adam, her fiancé, is a cardiologist. Adam cheats on her throughout their engagement, then does not understand why she is angry when he confesses, particularly since he promises to be faithful after they are married. But there isn’t going to be a wedding, although Adam does not seem to believe Megan means it when she says she won’t marry him.
Megan meets Travis again as he is returning to Los Angeles to help his mother with her landscaping business, which is inexplicably losing money.
Can lost love be recaptured ten years later?
Their parents are not great role models, especially their mother, who seems to need to always be the center of attention. Their father seems close to and supportive of the oldest daughter, until a secret from her mother’s past comes to light.
Megan wants to become a clothing designer—something for which she has real talent. Her parents, in their different ways, tell her that she needs a more practical job so that she can support herself.
The two men in Megan’s life are a study in contrasts. Travis, her high school boyfriend, might have been considered a “bad boy,” although he always treated her well. Adam, her fiancé, is a cardiologist. Adam cheats on her throughout their engagement, then does not understand why she is angry when he confesses, particularly since he promises to be faithful after they are married. But there isn’t going to be a wedding, although Adam does not seem to believe Megan means it when she says she won’t marry him.
Megan meets Travis again as he is returning to Los Angeles to help his mother with her landscaping business, which is inexplicably losing money.
Can lost love be recaptured ten years later?
January 11, 2025
This book hit the spot for me. It has everything I love about a chick-lit/romance: a strong heroine with an independent streak, a handsome hero, the thwarted ex-fiancé, a problematic job situation, family issues, and a HEA. Megan is very appealing, and we get to know her very well, understanding her thoughts and feelings and her motivations for her actions. We first meet her as part of her dysfunctional family, with her hypochondriac mother, sensible father, and jealous sister. But we soon move to a time period ten years later. Megan has grown and is a totally different place, so we are rooting for her success. But when things in her life fall apart for her, one after the other, we are appalled for her and want her to find her way through the multiple crises. Was there a lot going on? Yes. And normally I'd think that less is more, but in this case, it all made sense and didn't bother me because I knew that Megan could handle it, and I was behind her all the way. Travis was an excellent hero, with doubts and problems. Liane (sister) was another secondary/main character, and I enjoyed her story and her insights. Renee Raudman is one of my favorite narrators, and her familiar voice and excellent voicing added to the charm of this book.
May 6, 2023
This was both a great book and a very disappointing one. You would normally expect the problems to somehow work out at the end of the novel but that's not the case in this particular book. For one thing, finding out your father isn't your father is a hard blow but for the man who raised you to disown you like you were never close suddenly, is an even more brutal blow. Megan's father didn't want her after discovering she wasn't his biological, which didn't change in the entire novel. Her mother continued in her selfish and self-absorbed ways her entire life and never changed either. The only real changes for Megan were her younger sister and the new connection they shared at the end of the novel and finally admitting to Tyler, the high school boyfriend, that she loved him. This was quite a rocky road for this character to go down and find her way out of. I can't help but wish that at least her father would come around in the end but apparently, he was too weak of a man to let it go and look past biology.
July 30, 2024
You Just Never Know
Talk about a dysfunctional family! Megan Green grew up with a mother who needed adoration 24/7, a father who lived to adore his wife, and a younger sister who got her in trouble at every possible moment. She went to UCLA and became an accountant at her father’s wishes, laying aside her dreams of becoming a clothing designer. Megan found satisfaction in her job as an accountant. She was engaged to a handsome cardiologist, so her future looked bright. What could go wrong? Oh, just sit back and read, for this book is full of twists and turns and body blows of all descriptions. I’m not going to put in any spoilers, but there is this handsome “bad boy” who keeps appearing on the scene……
Talk about a dysfunctional family! Megan Green grew up with a mother who needed adoration 24/7, a father who lived to adore his wife, and a younger sister who got her in trouble at every possible moment. She went to UCLA and became an accountant at her father’s wishes, laying aside her dreams of becoming a clothing designer. Megan found satisfaction in her job as an accountant. She was engaged to a handsome cardiologist, so her future looked bright. What could go wrong? Oh, just sit back and read, for this book is full of twists and turns and body blows of all descriptions. I’m not going to put in any spoilers, but there is this handsome “bad boy” who keeps appearing on the scene……
August 9, 2024
Omg Susan Mallery delivered!
An awesome opposites attract second chance love story. She is the good girl that he was in love with ten years ago but she was too young and too scared to run away with him. They reconnect in Vegas where she lost her virginity to him and after her fiance comes clean about cheating on her for months. Will they give love a second chance?
I loved this. A bad boy who was put in prison for defending others twice. Can you say swoon worthy? Travis is definitely a sexy bad boy with a heart of gold who hides it because he doesn't believe he is worthy. I recommend this book so much.
An awesome opposites attract second chance love story. She is the good girl that he was in love with ten years ago but she was too young and too scared to run away with him. They reconnect in Vegas where she lost her virginity to him and after her fiance comes clean about cheating on her for months. Will they give love a second chance?
I loved this. A bad boy who was put in prison for defending others twice. Can you say swoon worthy? Travis is definitely a sexy bad boy with a heart of gold who hides it because he doesn't believe he is worthy. I recommend this book so much.
December 20, 2024
A good story
Ms. Mallery tells a good story, but there is something in the way she tells it that leaves me confused. It's as if something is missing, and that something is transition. Each segment seems to stand on its own, making it very choppy. I don't want to be a spoiler, but in one scene, everything is perfect, and the next, it falls apart for no rhyme or reason. No hint that anything is wrong. And so many sub-plots. Tina was just a joke as was the young Leanne. Then one changes but blames Megan. This is the second book I have read of hers with an evil, deranged mother. I want so badly to like her books because she tells a good tale, but for me, the flaw is fatal.
Ms. Mallery tells a good story, but there is something in the way she tells it that leaves me confused. It's as if something is missing, and that something is transition. Each segment seems to stand on its own, making it very choppy. I don't want to be a spoiler, but in one scene, everything is perfect, and the next, it falls apart for no rhyme or reason. No hint that anything is wrong. And so many sub-plots. Tina was just a joke as was the young Leanne. Then one changes but blames Megan. This is the second book I have read of hers with an evil, deranged mother. I want so badly to like her books because she tells a good tale, but for me, the flaw is fatal.
July 22, 2022
Not your usual happy book
I was looking forward to another Susan Mallery good time book...I got a sad story of shallow people not loving their children enough, and pushing them away, causing the now adult children to try and make their way in the world,but not feeling they were enough.
I love Mallery's books, and was disappointed in the story until the very end, which made the book unsatisfying and left me feeling restless and feeling I had wasted my time. Character development was good but uneven throughout.
Not her best book by far, not sure I would recommend to anyone.
I was looking forward to another Susan Mallery good time book...I got a sad story of shallow people not loving their children enough, and pushing them away, causing the now adult children to try and make their way in the world,but not feeling they were enough.
I love Mallery's books, and was disappointed in the story until the very end, which made the book unsatisfying and left me feeling restless and feeling I had wasted my time. Character development was good but uneven throughout.
Not her best book by far, not sure I would recommend to anyone.
Read
August 11, 2022CD was damaged and kept flipping back to track one when I got about a third of the way in to the book. Sadly, I didn't care enough about the characters to continue. Maybe because I had just finished a Susan Mallery book right before this one that I hated pretty much every single character in the book except one or two, and this one was looking to be not much better. And I didn't like the voices the narrator was using. It was grating on my nerves, especially since she narrated the previous book too. So I am just DNFing it and not going to rate it.
April 18, 2020
Megan has it all: a great job as an accountant, a close relationship with her father, and a loving fiancé. But then it all explodes. Her fiancé has been cheating, someone at work is sabotaging her, putting her job in jeopardy, and a truth comes to light that turns her father against her. She finds a strength she never knew she had, repairs the rift with her sister, and an old loves comes back into her life. I loved this book, as I’ve loved all of Susan’s books that I have read so far.
February 13, 2023
Read a few chapters and couldn't finish. I have loved Susan Mallery's other books but the characters in this book (especially the mother) were just too one dimensional. Maybe if I continued reading they would have developed more but I just couldn't get past the stereotypical "ugly" daughter vs. beautiful daughter and mother storyline.
June 14, 2024
Life is what you make it
Liked this book very much! Characters were very realistic and you cared about the main characters very much. This shows that your life has its up and downs and you have to keep going to achieve your final destiny and happiness. Shows the dynamics of a family in turmoil and how it can straighten itself out eventually.
Liked this book very much! Characters were very realistic and you cared about the main characters very much. This shows that your life has its up and downs and you have to keep going to achieve your final destiny and happiness. Shows the dynamics of a family in turmoil and how it can straighten itself out eventually.
August 22, 2024
A New Life
As usual, Susan Mallery gave us a great read. This book revolves around a young woman, her crazy disfunctional family. After years doing what everyone wants her to do she decides to throw in the towel and follow her heart, go after the man she loves and achieve her dreams. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more of Ms. Mallery’s books!
As usual, Susan Mallery gave us a great read. This book revolves around a young woman, her crazy disfunctional family. After years doing what everyone wants her to do she decides to throw in the towel and follow her heart, go after the man she loves and achieve her dreams. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more of Ms. Mallery’s books!
February 3, 2020
Acceptance, Love
While parts of Susan Mallery's Sunset Bay may strain credulity, it is a joy to read from start to finish. Readers love and cheer for her characters. Simply put, it is a feel good novel, and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
While parts of Susan Mallery's Sunset Bay may strain credulity, it is a joy to read from start to finish. Readers love and cheer for her characters. Simply put, it is a feel good novel, and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
October 28, 2021
From young love to forever
This book had everything Susan Mallery did it again. It was filled with selfish disfuntional families, children trying to please their parents, good friends,a dishonest coworker and best of all love.
This book had everything Susan Mallery did it again. It was filled with selfish disfuntional families, children trying to please their parents, good friends,a dishonest coworker and best of all love.
March 28, 2022
Megan thought her life was perfect. Unexpected news changes her. She and her sister grow closer. Megan ends up following her dreams. She couldn't be happier. At the end, her mother pulls one of her usual stunts.
May 15, 2022
Cute love story
Such a sweet story of love and decepción accompanied by a hateful parent and a mean sister, her only solace are her dad’s loving arms, better not disappoint him. Travis is Meagan’s night and shining armor as well.
Such a sweet story of love and decepción accompanied by a hateful parent and a mean sister, her only solace are her dad’s loving arms, better not disappoint him. Travis is Meagan’s night and shining armor as well.
May 12, 2023
Sunset Bay
I loved this book. I look forward to other books about the characters in this book. Susan Mallery has explored family dynamics like no other. I found it a compelling read.
I loved this book. I look forward to other books about the characters in this book. Susan Mallery has explored family dynamics like no other. I found it a compelling read.
June 24, 2023
Looking for a book with complex and messy family issues, and deals with insecurities and uncertainties in life? Sunset Bay fits the bill. Was invested in the roller coaster ride of the lives of sisters Megan and Leanne, and the struggles of Travis. Satisfying ending.
June 19, 2024
Not my favorite.
This is one of her earlier books, and it is obvious. I really didn't like the characters until much later in the book. I'm glad she improved in her later books because she is one of my favorite writers.
This is one of her earlier books, and it is obvious. I really didn't like the characters until much later in the book. I'm glad she improved in her later books because she is one of my favorite writers.
March 1, 2025
Another good Susan Mallery book
A solid story of love, loss and finding your passion. Disappointing ending with Megan's dad but "such is life". If this was a movie I would love to play Tina, she's a scene stealer!
A solid story of love, loss and finding your passion. Disappointing ending with Megan's dad but "such is life". If this was a movie I would love to play Tina, she's a scene stealer!
March 16, 2017
Heartwarming book. Could not put it down.
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