Is there anything better for the soul than sunshine and saltwater?
Lucy Green moved to the idyllic island hamlet of Arcadia to heal. For the chance to put her failed marriage behind her, to restart her life and rebuild her shattered heart. And, that’s exactly what she got. Life in the sun-kissed beachside town is peaceful, happy, simple.
Billionaire business magnate Ryan Hudson wasn’t looking for anything in Arcadia, other than a few hours of downtime, and a decent Wi-Fi signal.
When these two strangers meet by chance, sparks fly in a way neither of them ever saw coming. Fate keeps pushing them together, and a night of wild passion leads to the best week of either of their lives.
But the absolute last thing Lucy wants is to fall in love. She can’t take a risk like that with her already battered heart. So, she’s clear with Ryan that once their week is up, she never wants to see him again, ever. So clear that she made him put it in writing.
There has never been a contract that Ryan has wanted to tear up more in his life. But after everything that has happened in her past, how can he convince Lucy to take another chance on love? How can he show her that things will be different with him … and that some second chances are worth taking?
Cate writes contemporary romance with a guaranteed happily ever after and enough steam to make you blush! Her debut series, Hearts in Arcadia, is a collection of standalone small town romance novels, filled with soul mates, heart, and a whole lot of heat.
A global citizen, Cate and her husband are currently raising their two young children in Melbourne, Australia. In addition to her family, writing, and travel, Cate's passions include cooking, fashion, and interior design.
You can connect with her on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
Lucy and Ryan started their romance in a small beach town, where Lucy lives. Lucy's past makes it hard for her to trust a relationship on face value. Having been burned by life in the past, she doesn't trust good things could build from a new relationship with Ryan.
Lucy is the down to earth next door neighbor that Ryan wants in his life. Her genuine nature and that she is authentic is exactly what Ryan has been missing in his life. Always being surrounded by people who only want his connection based off of what he could provide for their status with the elite crowd is growing tiresome.
There's one catch to being with Lucy, Ryan has to play by her rules, complete with a contract.
He has a limited time to convince Lucy that he's different and wouldn't let her down in life.
A news leak reveals a plan Ryan had been working on, but hadn't told Lucy. Lucy feels betrayed. She immediately assumes the worst. She ends their "contract" early due to the betrayal she feels.
Ryan has a one last ditch effort to prove he can provide her a happy ever after and that life can be good for them and it wouldn't be a repeat of the past.
This was a wonderful romance that left you pulling for Ryan. Lucy had great reasonings for her decisions, as it's hard to open yourself up after life has knocked you down a few times. To want to hide in the comfort of her own bubble where she knew she was safe.
I loved that the story wasn't all sunshine and Ryan had to prove himself and had to work to earn Lucy's trust. I also loved that he didn't expect her to alway give in. That he allowed her room and respected her choices even if it meant he couldn't get what he wanted.
This was a fabulous story and I can't wait to read more from this author
Cate is a phenomenal writer! I almost DNF but it’s totally not the author’s fault– I like my men with a little more baggage, but the way she’s written Ryan Hudson is TOO perfect. The steam also picked up super hot and heavy in the beginning and then dropped off about 1/4 of the way through to focus solely on world-building and Lucy and Ryan’s interactions, which isn’t so much my cup of tea (I like a lot more heat!). BUT the sweetest ending of all time totally makes up for it! So if you enjoy perfect, gentlemanly billionaires with a lot of relationship building this is the book for you! Hoping to see Paige (especially Paige, she was my fave), Noah, Grace and maybe even Melody in future installments.
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a romance enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!
Lucy is done with relationships and Ryan is just after some time to himself but these two lost souls are destined to meet and boy do the sparks fly! Cate Cole has created a beautiful dialogue that keeps the reader hooked; passionate characters that you can’t help but fall in love with and, to top it off, the white beaches and blazing sunshine, make you feel like you get a little holiday out of it, which is much needed right now. I loved loved loved it and I’m so glad I found this writer. I will most definitely be getting the next book in this series as soon as it’s out. Highly recommended
Lucy Green has been let down by men her whole life - she's sworn off love forever, and moved to "Arcadia" in an attempt to heal her broken heart. Billionaire Ryan Hudson came to Arcadia to relax and dog-sit for his brother for a few days. When these two strangers meet by chance, they fall for each other in a way they never expected :) this is a cute billionare romance, with insta-attraction trope, lots of hesitation and slow-burn growth of trust 💜
[1.25 star] book was pretty bland, connection between the hero and heroine is kind of weak, don't feel it while reading the book. additionally, the heroine kind of annoys me a little bit with her "can't this, can't that" yada yada.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.