Escape to the Sun

Destination Paradise #2

by Elena Aitken

Paradise is the perfect place to hide, but can a troubled past ever be left behind?

A change of scenery is just what Heather Holt needs when her marriage falls apart, and what better place than Bocas del Toro, where everyone seems to have a story they'd rather forget. Taking a job managing a secluded bed and breakfast in paradise is the perfect place to start over and a tryst with the sexy, brooding surfer who always seems to be hanging around might just be the thing to help her move on.

Ash Anderson has spent the last few years running away from his past and hiding where no one knows him—or can get close enough to try. He may be a player but that’s only because the last thing he needs is a relationship. It’s too dangerous. But when Ash meets the sexy brunette who manages Casa del Sol, he begins to feel things he hasn’t felt in a very long time and starts to want things that are impossible. A fling is one thing, but when the intensity between them heats up beyond their control, life in paradise quickly gets stormy.

Now, if their love stands a chance Ash must figure out how to escape the danger of his past and both of them must find the strength to let love in once more—or risk losing it forever.

Genres: Ebooks, Contemporary Romance

ebook

First published February 10, 2017

About the author

Elena Aitken is a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than forty romance and women’s fiction novels. Living a stone’s throw from the Rocky Mountains with her teenager twins, their two cats and a goofy rescue dog, Elena escapes into the mountains whenever life allows. She can often be found with her toes in the lake and a glass of wine in her hand, dreaming up her next book and working on her own happily ever after with her very own mountain man.

Read a free novella — https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vxuimdz0j8

Reviews

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this 2nd in the series book. I really like the Panama location these are set in and the island where Casa Del Sol is sounds magical. I'm glad to see that Heather moved forward and found not just love but also a purpose in life running the resort. I like the side story with heather's mother Val and seeing their relationship grow. Let's not forget about Ash. He's had a bad experience and vowed never to love again but finding Casa Del Sol and its owner Sherri helped transform his life. Sherri is beautiful and what a lovely mother figure for Ash. I'd like to hear more of Sherri's story so I hope there's a continuation of life on Casa Del Sol.

[Susan Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, the second in the series. You get a real feel of the place, and having looked at the photos of the resort Elena based this on, I would visit like a shot if the opportunity came. It is a good romantic story about two people struggling to come to terms with disasters in their pasts, both determined never to become involved with anyone again, it is too painful. But they work together each day and gradually get to know and love each other, both terrified to admit to themselves, let alone the other. Ash is also keeping a secret from Heather, he doesn't tell her about Sherri's illness, because Sherri has asked him not to. His efforts to find help for Sherri ultimately provide the cause for the big crisis which seems as though it will beak them up.

It is a good story, the emotions are well written, especially those between Heather and her mother, and it is quite lovely reading how this visit to paradise gradually causes Val to unwind, and stop being the over-anxious neurotic person she had been since she became a widow. That is a nice touch! Well worth reading.

[Donna Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in this series and just a great as the first one.

Heather and Ash have had bad experiences in the past few years and both are not ready to enter a relationship or fall in love (or so they think)

The immediate attraction between the two is very evident and well written by Elena, she lets the characters explore their pasts and realise that they can love again. Ash feels guilty because of what happened with his wife and Heather wants to be able to live her life without her mother's influence always being there.

The settings in this series are written in a way that is easy to picture and make you want to be there.

Bring on book 3, I can't wait

[Melissa Addonizio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is amazing there Deff was chemistry between the two and so worth every min of it heather
Never let her guard down also made it at At island makes u feel your in dream land. Pretty water Elena books are amazing and I really
Recommend people to read any of her books

[Linda Dossett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in this series. As always a good read. Sweet with steam, can't ask better for an easy entertaining read. Worth the time spent.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series which is just as wonderful as the first one. Two people trying to outrun their past come together with some very strong emotional pulls and chemistry that takes their breath away. This was such an easy book to love with wonderful characters that really hold your attention pulling you into their world as they fight to get by from day to day life that is bring them down.

Heather is feeling really down when her marriage falls apart she is looking for an escape a place to go to lick her wounds and get back on track. When she hears of a job at a bed and breakfast far away from it all she jumps at the chance. This is just what the doctor ordered and nice quite place where she can get her emotions back in check and give her mind a break. Ash’s story will break your heart, he isn’t looking for love he likes to play the field which he does very well since coming to town. These two have a powerful attraction for each other. Their chemistry is off the charts but Heather is holding back she just isn’t ready for another romance with the end of her marriage is still too fresh in her mind.

I really liked how this romance builds up giving you some pleasurable reading that really keeps you entertained. The author gives you vivid details of the area around you that you have no trouble picturing this delightful piece of heaven. You have a story inside a story with Heather mother and her issues with her. It was nice to see that they worked out the issues and grew learning so much. Sherri the owner has her own issues. She is really a wonderful lady and sees Ash as her son, she really adds a lot to the story. From the plot to the characters this really was a story that broke your heart leaving you almost in tears at times. The author really pulls you in keeping you invested as she giving you a very pleasurable read.

[Amanda Bordner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still a fairly new reader to Elena Aitken's books, but Escape to the Sun was an absolute blast to read. I truly enjoyed it from start to finish.

This book for one, made me want to pack a bag, get on a plane, and go on a personal adventure somewhere I've never been. And in this case, it literally is paradise.

Heather made a brief appearance in Shelter by the Sea, and although we didn't know much about her at first, I have to say that I was completely intrigued by her and the story she had to tell. She shows up at Casa Del Sol to take over as the manager, and on her way runs into a sexy surfer, Ash. Both characters are in Panama to have a fresh start, and neither of them is looking for anything serious and permanent.

Ash had tons of ghosts he was running from, and it was great to see him work through those with the unexpected help of this new woman on the island. The two characters were beautifully written, and I loved watching each of them growing stronger on their own, as well as together. Elena is a fantastic author, I could SEE every thing on the island, smell the food, and could picture myself sitting on a hammock or the swing on the deck over the water. It is great to have an author literally take you along on the adventure and stick you there. Made me ready to book my stay ASAP.

Cannot wait to visit again and go on a mini "vacation" in Panama! Well done, Elena, well done!

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Holt’s marriage falls apart she escapes to the remote archipelago of Bocas del Toro and takes a job managing a secluded bed and breakfast. Ash Anderson spent the last few years running away from his past and hiding out where no one knows him, or can get close enough to try. He may be a player but that’s only because the last thing Ash needs is a relationship. When Ash meets Heather he begins to feel things he hasn’t felt in a very long time and starts to want things that are impossible. Neither are expecting a relationship but their feelings run deep and both must decide what they want in life because it rarely happens when we are ready. Both have a past they must deal with and it is ready to jump up and ruin their future.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Jimnlori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Heather and Ash's love story!
Heather finds her marriage over and needing to find a place to work and live where she can go to heal and move on with her life. Managing a bed and breakfast in paradise sounds perfect to do that.
Ash has been hiding out the last few years after tragedy strikes close to home. He left his job, home and family and has spent his time helping around the bed and breakfast trying to forget his past.
Heather and Ash find solace on the island and in each other, but soon realize that their feelings run much deeper than they thought.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[Judyrudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape to the Sun is the second book in Elena Aitken’s Destination Paradise series. I love reading about tropical settings and Ms. Aitken’s descriptions made me feel like I was there right along with Heather and Ash. I enjoy reading about characters that are lost and find their way. This was another fabulous story written by Ms. Aitken. Add in the tropical setting and it’s a winner through and through. I highly recommend the Destination Paradise series. I’d voluntarily read and reviewed Escape to the Sun and this review is my true and honest opinion.

[Leann McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read. I think that this book will either make you happy or sad and sometimes both! I had a hard time reading about Sherri. It brought up a lot of recent memories that made it hard for me to really enjoy the primary story of Ash & Heather. I did enjoy the unconventional way the characters live....wish I had that courage ;) Great read!

[Kim Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape to the Sun is the second book in the Destination Paradise series by Elena Aitken

Another fantastic story in the series!! Draws you in from Page 1 and you won't want to put
it down!! Very well-developed characters...Amazing chemistry between them.. Highly
recommended!!!

[Ric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous weather and crackling chemistry!

[Sharon Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather and Ash

The series was wonderful! I enjoyed the romance, their chemistry was out of this world. Sherri was the added touch needed!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me want to book a tropical holiday. The writing is so descriptive I had a perfect picture of the area, from the grande casa to the mangroves right down to the boat used to ferry guests to and from. It was a beautiful love story, and an amazing setting. Second book in the series and you really did not need to have read the first one. Looking forward to the next in the series,

[Linda Zelinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this to be a very entertaining read. I give Heather credit for her bravery in jetting off to parts unknown and how she handled all that came her way. Thanks Elena for a very interesting read.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Escape to the Sun by Elena Aitken, the second book in her Destination Paradise series. Ms. Aitken truly knows how to create a wonderful story between two people with one needing to figure out who she really is and the other learning to trust that he can is capable of loving another.

Heather Holt travels to the remote archipelago Bocas del Toro, Panama to manage a secluded bed and breakfast. Casa del Sol is in the middle of paradise which is exactly what she needs after divorcing her cheating husband and getting a fresh start on life. Ash Anderson has spent the last few years escaping his past and living where no one know him. He is a player, not ready for a relationship. When these two meet, work together, and flirt, the sparks fly and it is fortunate the jungle surrounding Casa del Sol weren’t set afire. I love the way Ms. Aitken taught both of them that love can actually heal a person in addition to setting them free from their past.

This was a fun and entertaining story with loveable characters that you want to support and cheer on hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written, authentic and complex. I highly recommend this book to all readers. I truly enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. Although this book is part of a series it is a standalone story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Laura Reinhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I love Elena's books. The books always have great chemistry between the characters. A great fast paced read

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the Destination Paradise series and it’s as good as the first one. You can read it as a standalone but it’s great to read about other characters in the first book. I’ve enjoyed every book that Elena Aitken has written and this is another one that I highly recommend. It’s fast, easy reading that has laughter, sorrow and fun in it.

The main character, Heather Holt, goes to work as a manager in a bed and breakfast trying to forget about her broken marriage. Maybe paradise will help her heal. Then she meets this gorgeous man, Ash Anderson, who has his own troubled pass and is out to have a good time with women but never to fall in love again. The two of them have sparks that fly but they both aren’t sure what to do about it. I look forward to more books in this series.

[Rhonda Brant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape to the Sun is the second book in this series, and I have to say, I liked it a lot more than the first book Shelter in the Sun. The writing and characters were much better this time around, and although it dragged out about half way through, it still ended up being a good book. The situation with Sherri seemed incomplete or rushed at the end, thought there would be more with the good old doctor. Worth the read, endearing moments with Heather and her mom.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book

[Winnie Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape to the Sun is another great addition to the Destination Paradise series. Ms Aitken's beautiful description of Casa Del Sol will definitely make you wish you were there. I could just picture the beautiful beach filled with the finest sand ever and the special place Ash showed to Heather in my mind. Love the fact that Heather finally finds someone who appreciates her after her terrible marriage to Joe. And it was sweet to see how Heather and her mum patched up their relationship. Definitely waiting for the next book in this series.

** A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own

[Kay Pflueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape to the Sun is the second book in the Destination Paradise series by Elena Aitken. This storyline centers on Heather, whom we met in the first book. Her marriage has failed and she needs to find some way to focus her life on something else so when she hears of a job running a bed and breakfast in a remote part of the jungle, she jumps at the chance to get away.

Ash is also running from his past and is haunted by his own demons. He is living a seemingly carefree lifestyle but deep down he is hurting and lost. Heather encounters Ash her first day at the inn and is attracted to him and his sexy bravado but convinces herself that she is not ready for another relationship and she tries to throw herself into her job.

Their mutual friend, Sherri who is the owner of the inn, is dealing with her own crisis and they are pulled into it and into each other’s lives. They battle the “ chemistry” between them, a tropical storm and a surprise visit from Heather’s mother all on the way to their HEA.

I enjoyed the book and this 2nd visit to Panama. Elena’s writing is refreshing and I felt drawn into the setting and into the story line. Escape to paradise with Heather and Ash.. you will enjoy your visit.

[Chasing Away Reality · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now my favorite of Elena's books. She just keeps growing in her craft. It had the perfect amount of drama, little to no angst, and so much beauty. One of the the things that I love most about her books is how descriptive she is with the locations. I always want to visit them! I also love how she includes so much more to her stories than just the relationship between the two leads. We get to experience their relationships with friends and family members. And she makes you want to get to know the secondary characters a little more.

I loved Ash and Heather. These were great characters with complex histories and depth. I enjoyed watching them find themselves as well as find the love that they had both been missing. Like I said before, there wasn't a whole lot of drama. I guess when you're in paradise, it's easy to quickly slip into the fantasy of having a passionate affair without worry of the consequences. Fortunately for these two characters, they seemed to be on the same page for the most part. It's in expressing those feelings that we see things go a little sideways. But I loved their struggle.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have found my new book boyfriend. I have decided that Heather can not have Ash because he is mine.

Heather is leaving the past behind her to start anew. She takes a new job as Manager of this little resort and when she arrives she meets this handsome gentlemen named Ash. She tries to avoid him while she sorts her feelings out and becomes accustomed to her new job and her new surroundings.

Ash is quite the ladies man but since she showed up he has eyes only for her. Will they have a happy ever after, you will love the book and may decide that you want Ash as your very own book boyfriend and in that case I quess I will be happy to share him with you.

Elena again has written an awesome book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this series seriously has me ready to book a trip to Panama ASAP.

Heather was introduced in Shelter by the Sea. I have to admit, I didn't think I would like her very much based on the little bit that was described about her in book one but I was mostly proven wrong about her. My only wish for Heather's book is that it would have touched on some of the things that she did in book one, instead of only focusing on her ex's actions.

What I absolutely loved about this book is the optimism that is found at this out of the way B&B, a place that you find exactly when you need it. Heather and Ash both have a ton of baggage but with the help of Sherri, the B&B owner, they begin to live and leave their baggage in the past where it belongs.

I'm definitely looking forward to the third book in this series. I can't wait to return to this paradise!!

*This is my voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy*

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape to the Sun by Elena Aitken......Another great story in this series, it will keep you flipping pages. The author does an amazing job describing this paradise and I felt like I was there with the wonderful characters. Heather and Ash are both broken from from their pasts, but have so much chemistry toward each other. I enjoyed watching this story play out for these two. I highly recommend this story and series to any romance reader. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Heather goes to Casa Del Sol to work at the bed and breakfast her life will change. Sherri is a amazing woman who is truly remarkable. Heather is trying to keep busy and avoid being around Ash. Watching these two characters will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen next. This book deserves a higher rating rating than a five star review. You won't be able to stop reading this book. I had the honor to review this book for a honest review for the author. The review is my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

[Tara Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the first book in the series but love the way that these books can be read as standalones, and some of the characters from the first book are mentioned, but you don't have to have read the first book.

I was hooked from the first chapter following Heather along on her new life running a tropical resort in Panama. And then there's Ash the handsome Adonis who helps out around place but is not looking for love but is drawn to Heather. Can she help him put the ghosts of his past behind him? You'll have to read the book to find out!! I highly recommend this book it's a brilliant read and you won't be disappointed.

[Tracy Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Escape to the Sun, the second book in Elena Aitken's Paradise series. Heather and Ash both have had a rough past and are not ready to start a relationship. But sometimes you can't control what your heart wants. Escape to the Sun was a sweat and steamy romance that I fell in love with the more I read.i can't wait to read what Elena Aitken is writing next.

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to a book by this author, and I was definitely not disappointed with this one. Loved Ash and Heather's story! I definitely recommend this book!