Melanie Masters is known as the ‘mom’ of her friend group - predictable, dependable, responsible. But all of that flies out the window when she decides to up and move to the small coastal town of Pine Cove, Maine.
After years of exhaustion and overworking herself, she’s ready for a change, and it’s in Alex Bane that she finds something she’s been missing. Mel knows his reputation, and knows he’s not a one-woman man, but that doesn’t stop her from needing his emerald green eyes on her, wanting to map out his tattoos with her hands, or take another ride on the back of his Harley.
Leaving the only life she knew behind to start over in Maine was a risk Melanie knew she had to take. But will Alex – the biggest risk of all – be one she’s willing to take?
He’s everything she’s ever wanted, but never let herself have. Finding her peace in Pine Cove comes easy, but love is a different story.
Rebecca is a dreamer through and through with permanent wanderlust. She's a lover of all things romance and writes what she loves to read, which is a little of everything!
When she's not writing, you can find her *attempting* to curb her online shopping problem while sipping an iced coffee and planning her next road trip!
I‘ve been waiting for this book and I dived right into it!
Rebecca‘s writing is awesome and I think it improves with every book she publishes.
I was intrigued to find out more about Alex since he‘s been introduced in book #1 of this series and I was not disappointed. I LOVE HIM! His character has so much more depth than I thought and I just had to fall in love with him.
Melanie is also a great heroine and perfect for Alex. She‘s more chill and calm and just perfect for him. Their relationship was sooooo steamy🔥🔥
I don‘t know what else to say then buy this book and fall in loce again with Pine Cove😍
Who better to bring our lovely Mel - the mother hen of the group, workaholic, all around serious gal out of her shell?! Bartending, Harley riding, melt your panties off with a smile, Alex Bane is who! The chemistry between these two was fire - from beginning to middle to end and everything in between, they sizzled, and burned through the pages of my kindle 🔥 They challenged each other, brought the best out of each other, but most importantly they healed each other! If you’re looking for a bad boy with a tragic past, fighting for his happily ever after, Her Maine Risk is just a click away! (Of course, make sure to read Her Maine Attraction & Her Maine Reaction FIRST to get the whole Alex Bane experience!!!)
This one is Melanie's story as she moves to Pine Cove to begin her life as a small town doctor's nurse. She's burnt out of working at a huge hospital and she has missed Ally and Ashley. Alex may have a reputation as Pine Cove's "bad boy" bartender but Mel sees more than just his reputation as she gets to know him. With patience, perseverance and enough spicy scenes to make my Kindle smolder, they finally got their HEA.
Overall I liked this book. I will admit that this was my least favorite. Mel always assumed the worst about Alex. Even after he bared it all to her. That drove me nuts. Thankfully in the end she came to her senses and they got their happy ending.
Tropes: Small town Fling to something real Playboy to Prince
Loved 🥰: - Melanie was such a badass character & I loved that she finally took time for herself to slow down & appreciate life - The messaging in the story that you shouldn’t have to kill yourself at your job was really great. I think it’s very relevant for people to know they can, and should be able to do things outside of work and that work shouldn’t be your whole life.
Liked ☺️: - Alex as a mmc was great! I liked that he was very upfront & didn’t shy away from hard conversations
Drawbacks (for me personally) 🤷🏻♀️: - I don’t particularly enjoy singular POV as it makes the other character feel very superficial so for me I would have preferred this to be dual POV
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Range & Rep: Adult romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Alex Bane holds a special place in my heart, and his manwhore-ish ways come to an end when he gets a chance with Mel, showing her who he really is and not who everyone thinks he is.
Her Maine Risk is the 3rd book in Rebecca Gannon's Pine Cove series. The books are all standalones so you can each one without having read any of the others - but every book is like reuniting with old friends at the The Rusty Anchor or the Blueberry Cafe and you fall in love with Ally, Ashley, Melanie, Ellie and Courtney all over again.
This book is Melanie's story. A nurse in New Jersey, she is tired of working herself to the bone for faceless patients she has no time to get to know, then coming to an empty apartment. After attending Ally and Jake's wedding in Pine Cove, Maine, she decides she needs a change. Pine Cove has done wonders for her friends that have already moved there, and she feels the same sort of peace whenever she has visited. So when Ally and Ashley's father-in-law offers her a job as the nurse in his family practice, she picks up and makes the move. Once she is there permanently, Alex, the hot, tattoo-covered bartender known for flirting with every woman that walks in The Rusty Anchor, makes his move. He has been after her since her first visit, and tried again at Jake and Ally's wedding, and now that she is living full-time in Pine Cove, he is intent on having her. In many respects, Melanie and Alex are complete opposites, and in others, they are exactly the same. Together, they head out on a journey unfamiliar to both and one admittedly scary as hell. But when chemistry exists between any two people the way it does between Mel and Alex, you have no choice but to hang on and enjoy the ride.
Melanie and Alex are each wonderful, authentic characters and it is difficult not to identify with the vulnerability in both of them. And as always, Rebecca Gannon surrounds her couple with an amazing supporting cast. The Tyler brothers, Courtney and Jack, and of course Dottie, enrich the fabric of Pine Cove and make it a place that all of us want to visit, if not pack up our belongings and make a permanent move. If only it was real!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her Maine Risk is the 3rd book in Rebecca Gannon’s Pine Cove series, and is the story of Mel and Alex. This was the first book I have read by the author, and I look forward to reading her previous two Pine Cove novels. Her Maine Risk can be read as a complete standalone -like I have done- and it certainly didn’t take me long to catch up on who’s who.
Mel is a nurse, somewhat discontent with her life in her hometown. 2 out of 3 of her closest friends have moved to Pine Cove, a small coastal town in Maine and Mel can definitely see the appeal, especially after attending her friend Ally’s wedding and the local doctor reassures Mel she would easily be able to find nursing work in the area.
Cue bad boy Alex. Known for his love ‘em and ‘leave em persona, Alex is the local motorcycle riding bartender. Gorgeous and smouldering, he oozes sex appeal and charm. Mel and Alex have certainly noticed one another on the few occasions they have met, and the attraction is well and truly alive.
Mel moves her life to Pine Cove, where friends Ashley and Ally are eager to welcome her to their little town, and Alex is certainly an added bonus!
Their chemistry is off the charts - this book has some steam, that’s for sure!- but can they allow their hearts to fall? Alex is vulnerable underneath his many layers, and his reputation doesn’t encourage long-term relationships. Can Mel, the responsible and calm friend, be the one who gets underneath his skin and stay there?
I love the blend of these two personalities and how Rebecca Gannon has written their characters to complement each other. Alex and Mel seem to be opposites attract, and oh my, it works! Their attraction is fierce, but following their love story is sweet as they let go of their insecurities and give their heart away to another.
A lovely small-town romance, which readers of contemporary romance will enjoy. Being part of a series, you can get to know the town, and characters throughout and I look forward to the next (? fingers crossed) book in the series. Possibly Ellie’s story ....
Thanks to the author for the early copy of Her Maine Risk that I received. This is an honest review and all opinions are my own.
Wow! This is another great read by Rebecca Gannon in the Pine Cove series. This is the 3rd book and I cannot wait to read the next one! This series makes you want to find this little town and move there yourself. The descriptions that Rebecca gives you throughout the story makes you feel like you are actually there living it with the characters.
Melanie was dubbed the Mom of the group – not one to take risks, but in her mind, she wanted to and she didn’t want to be the “nice, good girl”. She’s unhappy in her life and is ready for a change.
Alex is the hot, bad boy, been with every woman bartender at the local bar Melanie and her friends hang out at. But is that all Alex is?
Mel and Alex seem to have a connection when they meet up again at the wedding of Ally and Jake. Mel can’t seem to forget Alex’s emerald green eyes, even two weeks after the wedding. Mel decides to take a chance and she moves to Pine Cove to start working in the doctor’s office there. Once again, Alex and Mel see each other at the bar and from there their little adventure begins. Mel starts to see that there is more to Alex than meets the eye. Alex is a sweet, emotional guy who did things in his earlier years, but maybe he had a reason and being in a small town, well, everyone knows your business.
I definitely recommended this book. I also recommend you read the series from the beginning. It helps to have background on all the characters in the book and it’s just a great series!
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Hidden Gems ARCs for an honest review.
Her Maine magic man risk Her Maine Risk by Rebecca Gannon is a well written small town romance. This single POV romance is as chemistry-fueled as it is emotionally exploratory set in beau ritual and love spell rich Pine Cove. There’s something in the air or the water in this captivating and peace-filled community that draws in the lost, hurt and wayward souls, holding them captive, bringing love in unexpected ways. Melanie and Alex have an immediate connection and from Melanie’s POV, the reader not only learns all about what makes her tick, but also about Alex through his actions. Both past and present. The plot, an emotional exploration of finding one’s true self deftly unites these lonely, lost and uncertain characters through heat and heart. While it seems as though only Melanie is taking a risk, Alex is too. He lost himself in his loss and Melanie lost herself by hiding away in her career. Only through each other do they seem to be finding the man and woman each was meant to be. It’s supernova hot and deeply emotional, all at the same time making their connection rich, reward and worth the risk. Overall, this guaranteed HEA romance with wonderfully fun and emotionally deep characters is full of heat and heart to satisfy any avid romance reader. I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Yeah, Alex is a handful... 🙈 He isn't a Taylor brother. He isn't even friends with them. He is the town's playboy. It's easy to find women to flirt with and do more as a bartender. And that's how everyone sees him... But he is more. And of course it needs the right woman to see that ��
I love whirlwind romance. And it's not that they are just in love with each other and HEA. There are still problems and drama 🙈 But the chemistry between Mel and Alex is perfect 🩷 She isn't really broken, but she still has her mistrust against men. And Alex? He is definitely broken 😔 He still grieves his mom, even after all these years, and he thinks he isn't worth anything else than his huck ups 😔
I loved that his book started with the wedding of Ally and Jake 😍 I also love how strong the friendship between the girls is. They are always there for each other and support each other. They can (and do) talk about everything. It's only one girl missing now, and I'm excited to read how Elizabeth comes to Pine Cove. Yes, obviously by car 🤣 but why how... Because she's the only one happy in Jersey 🤔
In the blurb it states that Melanie is known as the "mom" of her friend group. This is actually the first line in the blurb, but that was not, in any way, a part of this plot. Which caused me some major disappointment. See, I'm known as the "mom" of my friend group, and I love stories that have this type of heroine. Granted, the story showed that she was a responsible human who generally made sound decisions regarding her professional life, in no way did the story tie that to "mothering" behavior by her toward ANYONE, especially her friend group. That little tidbit right there started the death of my enjoyment of this story, and then when other factors were added in, I really did NOT care for Melanie, nor did I like a lot of things about Alex. So this one wasn't a win for me. But the writing was done well, and it wasn't a complete torture to read.
My rating of 3 stars mean that I finished it, but in this case, I didn't like it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was super excited to read this book. I had read the first Pine Cove Novel and LOVED the sexy Alex character so much that I honestly couldn't wait to read his story. I am definitely a sucker for the reformed bad boy--and this book didn't disappoint on that front. My only criticism is the amount of sex that consumed a large bulk of the book. There was a misunderstanding and a break up--like every good romance story, but that portion seemed to be resolved rather quickly. I would have enjoyed more angst. This book just didn't tug at my heartstrings as I had hoped. I enjoyed Melanie's character and the author was efficient at creating Alex as an incredibly HOT bad boy. Their relationship just seemed to take off at super speed, hit a bump, and quickly rebound to a committed relationship.
I would still recommend this book. The descriptions of this cute Maine town easily made me want to visit it.
I received a free copy of this book from Hidden Gems, and have voluntarily left an honest review.
Melanie's move to Pine Cove changed her life, being with her friends and slowing down with her new job she looks forward to finding herself again. Running into Alex, the sexy bartender, she didn't expect him to be the biggest change she made to her life. Knowing that he is a die hard flirt and womanizer she knew that she had to stay clear from him. But the pull is too strong and before long she gives in to his kisses. She learns that there is so much more to the man than what he shows the world but can she fully trust him? I just loved this book, the chemistry between the characters is off the charts and their story kept me reading late into the night.. This is a story of new beginnings, of trusting in your own worth and taking chances. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Absolutely obsessed with this series! I’ve read the first book and didn’t think it could be topped, I was wrong! Like the first 2 books I’ve read I loved everything about it, I’m never disappointed. I can’t explain how brilliant these books are to read, they honestly tick all the boxes for me and what I look for in a fantastic book. There aren’t any parts that drag on for too long or slow burning secrets that irritate me in other books, the characters are all relatable and loveable. You’re literally sucked into the story within the first couple of chapters, the storyline is realistic and the chemistry between all the couples is insane, it definitely keeps you on your toes and wishing for the HEA they deserve. I honestly can’t wait to read the next one now! I read this book as an ARC.
Another wonderful book in this series. The story had all the feels and the characters were relatable and well developed.
Melanie Masters is standing up for her friend Ally at her wedding to Jake. When she makes eye contact with resident bad boy Alex Bane her world shifts. She has always played it safe with the men she dates and is not a one night stand kind of gal, but Alex makes her tingle. She is also burned out at her job as a nurse in a big city hospital. She makes up her mind to accept a job in the GP office with Jake's father in Maine. She and Alex hook up even though she is worried about his playboy reputation. They fall in love, have to deal with a painful misunderstanding and get their HEA. Highly recommend!
I like this series and at the same time I don't. Each book is the same and this book is no different. The book is missing a lot of substance. I would say more than 75% of this book and the ones previous are about going to the bedroom. If they are not actually doing it, it is the only thing they think about. Somehow that is how they fall in love and not just lust. Maybe the author just has us imagining that they have actual in depth conversations with each other but I would rather have more of that in the books than what we actually get. At the same time I do want to see all 4 friends get their happily ever after.
*I received a free copy of this book from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion*
Gahhhhh. I just love this series. If I thought I could handle the snow, I’d move to Maine tomorrow.
After being overworked and under appreciated nurse, Melanie decides it’s time for a change. Following in her best friends steps, she moves to Pine Cove and to the magical cabin owned by Dottie. The last few visits, Mel has had undeniable chemistry with the resident bad boy bartender, Alex. However, we learn looks are deceiving.
Is Alex hot, swoon worthy and good in bed. Yes three times. But Mel soon learns that there’s a soft, loving man under the smirk and tattoos.
These books are fun, witty and steamy. There are 2 before this that you don’t need to read but I highly recommend you do. I was given an ARC by the author for my honest review.
Opposites attract This book is about Melanie and Alex. She is a nurse but is looking for a sea change to be closer to her friends. After attending her friend Ally’s wedding at Pine Cove, Mel’s determined to make the move. Alex is a bartender known for his wicked ways and carefree lifestyle, so quite the opposite of Mel. When these two see each other, there’s a mutual attraction that just continues to grow. There’s some serious chemistry there, but will their differences be too much? It’s sweet, steamy and surprising. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. I like d the characters and their down to earth natures. The first chapter is a little confusing compared to the blurb but you just kind of have to go with it until you figure out what's going on. Not my favorite thing. The other thing I disliked is that their are a lot of missing words, the, his, her, me, mine.....sentences just don't make sense without them. I probably won't read more of this author even though the story was sweet and well thought out. I don't like having to do figure out English puzzles every couple of pages.
I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is the third book in the Pine Cove series and it is a great addition. This is story is about how Melanie and Alex find love. This is a steamy yet sweet story. The chemistry between them is of the charts. The story is well written with a little drama and conflict but not much. I am looking forward to what Rebecca brings us next
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is another good book in the Pine Cove series. Mel is the third gal in their group of friends that has sought a change in their life that Pine Cove might provide. Melanie was tired of working long shifts in a busy New Jersey hospital with no energy left for anything or anyone else. A perfect job opportunity presents itself so Mel is off to join Ally and Ashley in Maine. New life = new man or just a fun fling?
She has always planned her life out, he is searching for something to ground him. There is something there, but she holds back. Will she learn to trust him?
I was soooo excited to see Alex find his Happy Ever After and it did not disappoint. I didn't blame her for being hesitant, but there were definitely a couple times I wanted to smack her upside the head. I loved how he was determined to prove he wanted more and that she was different. Great read and cannot wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Her Maine Risk was a doozy. The bad boy who turns out is a really sweet emotional guy who has closed off his heart. I loved this story and how it all played out. Real emotion, real chemistry and real passion. So good!
If you love small town romance but want all the steam them this book and this series is for you. I can’t wait for more.
pine Cove is looking to be the town that I could move to. The characters that are painted are done so in such a way that you feel like you can reach out a touch them. If you are a romantic at all I think that you will love this book, and this series
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book however you can easily read it as a standalone. I loved the first person point of view of the story, which is always a deal breaker for me. This one is about Mel and Alex. The story starts from the start, no preamble it just hits you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 3rd book in A Pine Cove Novel series. This is Alex and Melanie's story. You get to feel the emotion the develops between Alex and Melanie. It is just beautiful. Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting read. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A very enjoyable read which I couldn’t read fast enough. I loved the relationships in this story. The women are wonderful together with their interactions - believable and relatable. The two main characters have a bond that is strong with friendship and with love.
I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
Melanie and Alex meet at their friends wedding and have an instant connection. Weeks after the wedding she moves to town and runs into Alex again. They are complete opposites but so right foe each other. Will she give him a chance and see that there is more to him than meets the eye? Very good read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.