Down for Her

Destiny Dunes #1

by Melissa Chambers

From champagne to salt water…

Walking into her new employee housing unit at Destiny Dunes resort, the last thing Kylie McBride expects to see is a dripping wet naked guy. Turns out the unit was double-booked. All Kylie wants is to take her glorious new job as pool girl and prove to herself that she doesn’t need to go crawling back to her two-timing ex or her controlling dad. But with only twenty bucks to her name, no credit cards, and no place to live, she’s as good as fish bait. With the hunky, now-clothed Brett offering his bed for the weekend, she might have a reprieve. She just needs to keep the resort’s biggest player out of her heart.

Occupational Therapist Brett Hargrove may spend his days working with kids, but his nights and weekends are dedicated to charming the ladies…and to helping his mom care for his sick grandmother. The last thing he’s looking for is a relationship, until a housing mix-up has the captivating Kylie standing in his living room with her suitcases. His life is not set up for a girlfriend—that’s bitten him in the ass before. He’s got to stay strong and make sure Kylie understands his heart is off limits. Otherwise, this thing between them is certain to detonate.

Welcome to Destiny Dunes, where the only thing hotter than the Florida sun is the romance between this resort's employees. Each book in this steamy series focuses on your favorite romance tropes. Once you enter the gates of Destiny Dunes, you'll never want to leave!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Contemporary Romance, New Adult

237 pages, ebook

First published February 24, 2021

About the author

Find a FREE book from Melissa here: https://books2read.com/SeasideSweets

Melissa Chambers writes contemporary novels for young, new, and actual adults. A Nashville native, she spends her days working in the music industry and her nights getting lost in her characters. While she’s slightly obsessed with alt rock, she leaves the guitar playing to her husband and kid. She never misses a chance to play a tennis match, listen to an audiobook, or eat a bowl of ice cream. (Rocky road, please!) She’s a member of several online and local writers groups, all of which she treasures and is unendingly grateful for, and has served as president for the Music City Romance Writers. She is the author of the Love Along Hwy 30A series, the Destiny Dunes series, the Broussard Brothers (of New Orleans) series, the Before Forever series (YA), Courting Carlyn (YA), and Two Boy Summer (YA).

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melis...
Facebook Fan Group (Books, Beaches, and Bellinis): https://www.facebook.com/groups/39394...
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Reviews

[Danielle's · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Melissa Chambers books. One of the things I like is that you never know what kind of story you’re going to get. This is a rich girl in a poor world and I really enjoyed it.

Kylie wants to escape her life after finding her partner cheating. Little does she know that starting from the bottom up can be so much more than been given everything on a silver plate. When she arrives at her new place there is a mix up and she becomes entangled in Brett’s life.

Can a rich girl make it in a poor guys world?

* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Beeg Panda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice couple
Sweet heroine
Good bad boy hero
Lotsa side characters
Lotsa drama
Can’t wait to start the second book in this series about another couple

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review Down For Her (Destiny Dunes #1) by Melissa Chambers
I have no idea how I have not read Melissa Chambers before. Down For Her was well written and entertaining and I was hooked from the first to the last chapter in the story that Ms. Chambers wove about Kylie McBride and Brett Hargrove.
Starting a new job at Destiny Dunes resort Kylie is shocked to stumble across Brett, who obviously has just gotten out of the shower, in the middle of her staff unit. It appears that the until has been doubled booked, with nowhere to go she accepts Brett’s offer to share for the weekend.
There is so much more to Brett than just his playboy ways. He is kind, caring, compassionate with a heart of gold and I fell for him hard and fast. Kylie is reeling after finding her ex was cheating on her so she isn’t really looking for a relationship either. The last thing Brett or Kylie are looking for is a relationship and yet they are both tempted by the attraction that sizzles between them.
Although not a particularly long read, I enjoyed the characters and found them easy to relate to and yet there were times that I really felt for Kylie. Their journey will be rocky but if they can get through the bumps, then the happiness that awaits them will be worth it in the end.

[Laura (laurapedenjones) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down for Her is the first book in the Destiny Dunes series by Melissa Chambers, publishing March 23, 2021. This is a reverse Cinderella, riches-to-rags, and opposites attract type of romance. It takes place in a small Southern town at an atmospheric beach resort. The romance level is pretty steamy, but the story is so much more than just a romance.

Kylie McBride leaves behind her rich lifestyle and overbearing father after her fiance, Joshua, has cheated on her with no remorse. Kylie doesn't want to marry Joshua, and her father feels she is being childish and therefore cuts off all of her funding and credit cards. With only the clothes on her back and a few bucks, Kylie heads to Destiny Dunes to take an entry-level job as a pool attendant at the resort. Their is a bit of a problem, however, she is given a key to an already occupied employee housing unit. There are two staff members living there, Val and Brett. Val is gay and not around much. Brett is drop dead gorgeous and intrigues Kylie from the first time she walks into his house, thinking he's her roommate.

Brett Hargrove is an OT for children at the resort's camp. He's come a long way from the trailer park where he grew up, under the care of a single mother who battled addiction all of her life. Along with being the adult for his mother, Brett also looks after his younger brother who is autistic and his 76 year old grandmother who is very ill with Alzheimer's. He's definitely got his hands full, and he has no intention of starting a relationship or bringing anyone else into his family drama. But then, a beautiful girl shows up at his house and knocks him right off of his feet. Kylie is gorgeous and determined to take care of herself, getting a job and making enough to live on until she figures out where she wants to be. Being the good guy that he is, Brett offers to help her figure out the housing situation and encourages her to stay at his house for the weekend. As Brett and Kylie spend more time together, Brett realizes that she may be just what his life is missing. But family obligations, jealousy, and some miscommunications combine to throw their relationship right off course before it can get going. Will they find their way to happiness with one another?

This is a quick read taking place in a resort, beach town. It puts me in the mood for Spring Break and for summer beach days. The friendships and age old rivalries between some of the characters make for an interesting plot and will leave readers rooting for the underdog. The next book will be the story of Tori and Jack, and I can't wait to read it!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/15/2021)! 🎁

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read any of Melissa Chambers books before, but now after reading this one I think I just may be hooked!! Her characters are real, have personality, and come alive on the page with her writing. You feel like you are right there with them.

Brett and Kylie are a great couple! They take some time to get there though but once they do, they are couple goals!

Kylie has to get used to a new life, one without money and being able to fend for herself and she is up for the challenge. But little did she know that a mistake in housing at her new job will lead to a man and a group of friends that will change her life for the better.

Brett is not wanting a relationship but then comes along Kylie. He doesn't know how to do relationships, he is the hookup guy. But she changes everything for him but after a tragic accident will he be able to turn to her for the support he needs or will he push her away?

I really did enjoy this book and I can't wait for more in this series. And now that I am hooked on Melissa's writing and stories, I will have to dive deep into her other books.

[Courtney Beisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's official: Melissa Chambers is firmly on my permanent list of Favorite Authors. Down for Her is the first installment in the Destiny Dunes series of romance novels. It took me less than two days to read this book, maybe a new record. The characters are relatable, and the writing flows so effortlessly, it's nearly impossible to put the book down. In particular, I love how the different chapters are told from the perspectives of the two main characters. It is so easy to see how we all make assumptions, miscommunicate, and maybe even miss out on something great instead of being vulnerable.

The setting of Down for Her touched me personally: as the parent of a child on the autism spectrum, I had no idea there were resorts that catered to children with special needs and their families. Melissa, THANK YOU. After reading the book, I immediately performed a Google search and was stunned and delighted to see how many there are.

I can't wait for the next Destiny Dunes story. Keep writing, Melissa!

[Sarah Woodhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I just had to know how Brett and Kylie's relationship was going to turn out. There was so much angst, drama, and family drama that it kept me interested.

First off, I really respect Kylie. I wouldn't have put up with what her fiance did to her either. I would've left to. It's not worth going through all that mental anguish and being unhappy just to make your parents or someone else happy.

And I really loved Brett because even though he came off like a player, you could tell deep down he really didn't want to be that way anymore.

The two of them are explosive together. Even though they haven't known each other for very long, they seem in sync with each other. The only thing that I think really spoils that is 1.) lack of good communication. and 2.) Brett tends to just bottle things up and not let them out.

However, the thing I love the most about them is that they are both works in progress. And they know it. So, in a lot of ways they help each other.

I love the friends that they have, that they open up and welcome Kylie. A lot of people wouldn't do that. She could've been in a lot of trouble and wound up going back to Oklahoma if it wasn't for them. The place they work is great to and the sense of community and family they all have for each other is outstanding.

A lot of people aren't thrilled with 'insta love' romances but I know that love at first sight is a real thing. I've seen it. I've experienced it. Sometimes you just know that a certain someone is going to mean something special to you and your life. You just might not know what that is just yet.

I really loved this book. It's well written and easy to follow along with everything. I cannot wait to read the next book. This is exactly the kind of book that I enjoy.

Just a completely fabulous book. Very happy! :)

[Sara E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former rich girl Kylie abruptly moves to FL after finding her fiancé in bed with their married friend. Those around want her to forgive and marry but she is not going to. She arrives at her new job in FL and is given an already taken housing occupied by hunky Brett. They instantly have a connection and both have some baggage. They have a few bumps in the road but finally find themselves as a committed couple.

Overall, I really enjoyed this quick read. The resort sounds like a fun place to have worked. They characters have a believable bond and not drama filled like other books I’ve read. I even ended up liking her father at the end. I do have so questions that weren’t answered and hope they are in the next book.

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kylie is on the run from her rich father and a series of very unfortunate events, and her path leads her directly into that of Brett, whose life is pretty much the exact opposite of her own. Their chemistry is instant—but there’s always going to be a couple of forks in the road.

I loved this book with every fragment of my heart.

The characters, the plot, the romance, the realism. It was exceptional. It feels a little like a coming of age YA book but it’s an adult romance, which is somehow right up my alley.

Chambers’ writing is amazing. The way she creates characters makes them feel so undeniably real. I loved Kylie and Brett, so much that I’m a little upset I’ve finished this read and am done with their story. They both had their faults, but it’s what made them feel so real and human, and their entire dynamic was just absolutely captivating.

And even the side characters!! I loved them so much. They added so much to the story in terms of comedy and lighthearted banter.

The pace felt perfect—this is definitely a friends to lovers kinda read. And coming from someone who usually thrives off of enemies to lovers (and angst) I’m a little surprised I was as enthralled by this read as I was.

I wouldn’t say this book is my all time favorite read ever— but it’s definitely become one of my new comfort reads. By that I mean it’s light-hearted and easy in that you don’t really need to think too hard about what’s going to happen or what’s happening on the sidelines, and it kinda just makes you want to smile. And sometimes that’s just what you need in a book.

I decided to give it five stars because it truly was a great read. There were definitely a few parts that felt a little cliche and not exactly new, but trust me when I say it fits for the story. Perfect for those who like YA but have “outgrown” the vanilla-romance of YA. Definitely worth the read!!!

I have received an advanced reader’s copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa Chambers has a new series set in Destin, Florida which begs to be read at the beach. This first story centers around Kylie and Brett who come from very different backgrounds. They meet when they are both accidentally assigned to the same housing unit at the resort where they work. It was fun getting to know these young people as they fought their mutual attraction. I also look forward to learning more about some of the secondary characters when their stories are featured in future books of this series. Thanks to the author for furnishing me with an advance copy to read and review.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a relaxing story about young adults working at a specialized family resort on the Florida panhandle, and the first book I have read by this author..

It took me a chapter to get oriented with the cast of characters and the nature of their jobs, but before Iong, I was sucked into the story and their lives. By the time I reached the end, I flipped the page and found the excerpt for the next standalone book in the series, immediately starting to read it. Then I stopped, realizing that it hasn't been released yet!
I cannot wait for it to be launched so I can spend some more time with my new friends.

[Jarylynn Schlegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the storyline and all the characters. I like the connections between friends and the chemistry between the 2 main characters Brett and Kylie. The interactions between everyone were believable throughout. Can’t wait to read more

[Patricia Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. The storyline was easy to follow along with and I loved the characters.
I received an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I loved this story and was hooked from beginning to end. Loved the characters and can't wait for the next story. The only thing that prevented me from giving this five stars was that the ending felt a little too abrupt.

[Ann Tosti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty decent story. I loved the idea and the characters. The sex scenes were kind of short and tame in description.

[Ngozi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I enjoyed reading it.

[Leeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series, and I was given an ARC from the author to leave an honest review. I read it over 4 days. Loved the characters and the details the author provided up their upbringing which explains the friendships and baggage of the characters. This story is about Brett and Kylie, Brett grew up in a trailer park with a single parent who struggled with addictions. Kylie grew up with money, however her Dad used it to control her thinking and every movement. When Kylie's fiancé fools around on her, Kylie is devastated her Dad tells her to suck it up and continue with the relationship. Kylie decides to head to Florida after getting a job. When Brett and Kylie first meet sparks fly, with a mix up in housing Kylie stays at Brett's for the weekend and the two start the cat and mouse game of dating. Both have baggage they have to deal with, and along the way trying to figure out their feelings for each other. When tragedy strikes can this pair overcome it to be together? Read to find out, you won't be disappointed. Cant wait for the next book in this series.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a change of pace for me. I haven't read an NA romance in quite a while because I am old enough to be the mother of all the characters. I did appreciate Kylie's can-do attitude and Brett's love for his family. Some of the drama with other characters in the book distracted from the main story, but it did make me curious about what exactly Jack did to upset Tori so much. He was a pretty good guy in this book. Kylie was the best part of the book because she stood up for herself and owned her mistakes without being rude to other people.

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. A light and easy contemporary romance without being at all annoyingly cloying. I enjoyed the reverse twist of riches to rags rather than the cliche of poor girl being snapped up by the millionaire!
I felt the story line and characters were very believable and easy to relate to. Incorporating mental health and family issues brings a depth to the story
I will be reading more by this author

[Brenda Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brett and Kylie have an interesting start, Kylie walks in on Brett naked from a shower in the place she is supposed to be living after her new start as a pool girl. She left her rich father without a dime to her name to live a life of her own. But Brett is a Playboy, a one night stand guy. And Kylie is not one of THOSE girls. Brett has sworn off relationships because he has his life full of work in the day and family at night. What happens next is.....read and find out. This book surprised me in how well it was written and the story. I recommend it highly.

[Debra Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa has written a very interesting romance. I definitely want to read the next book.

Kylie comes from a privileged family. She breaks her engagement and her father cuts her off. She applied for a job at a resort on the opposite coast. When she gets there the room they give her already has two guys living there. The office is now closed for the weekend. What will happen now?

Brett invites her to stay with him and Val for the weekend since she has nowhere else to go. How will her housing problem end? How will she do on her job and with getting to know everyone?

[janelle beaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kylie is running away from her ex and her father who has cut her off. With no money she takes a job as a pool girl. She meets Brett and they have a instant connection but, they both have family problems. We meet other resort staff working there and friendships are made. The characters are good and very believable. This is a quick read and I can't wait to see where the next Destiny Dunes book takes us. This is the first time I've read Melissa and I don't think it will be my last time.

[WB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down for Her: A Riches to Rags story by Melissa Chambers is a great read. A new to me author I will definitely be searching out more of her books.
This Destiny Dunes series has a great setting along with some awesome believable characters and I can’t wait to read more in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I received an advanced readers copy of this ebook & voluntarily leave my review.

[Lorie - Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

From champagne to salt water contemporary romance.....with some upside-down moments where the only thing hotter than the Florida sun is the romance between this resort's employees.

Kylie McBribe leaves what life she has known from an over-bearing father and an ex-fiance who was playing around on her leaving her father our of $30K for a wedding that didn't happen. She needs to start over someplace and try to make it on her own because daddy has cut her off. So she leaves Oklahoma, destine for Florida.

Walking into her new employee housing unit at Destiny Dunes resort, the last thing Kylie McBride expects to see is a dripping wet naked guy. Turns out the unit was double-booked. All Kylie wants is to take her glorious new job as pool girl and prove to herself that she doesn’t need to go crawling back on her knees. But with only twenty bucks to her name, no credit cards, and no place to live, she’s as good as fish bait. With the hunky, now-clothed Brett offering his bed for the weekend, she might have a reprieve. She just needs to keep the resort’s biggest player out of her heart.

Occupational Therapist Brett Hargrove may spend his days working with kids, but his nights and weekends are dedicated to charming the ladies…and to helping his mom care for his sick grandmother. The last thing he’s looking for is a relationship, until a housing mix-up has the captivating Kylie standing in his living room with her suitcases. His life is not set up for a girlfriend—that’s bitten him in the ass before. He’s got to stay strong and make sure Kylie understands his heart is off limits. Otherwise, this thing between them is certain to detonate.

Once you enter the gates of Destiny Dunes, you'll never want to leave!

[Dayse Dantas · Rating 3 out of 5]

edit 2023: finalmente peguei a série completa pra ler, então decidi reler os primeiros livros pra lembrar qual que é. Porém!!! Uma coisa inesperada com essa história é que eu meio senti saudade de ser uma jovem na igreja com todos os dramas de relacionamento acontecendo de forma intercalada??? Não que essa história seja de crentes, mas é essa ideia de um grupo de pessoas obrigados a ficarem muito tempo juntos se levando a loucura com dramas de jovens e etc.

Muito fofinho! Mas vou esquecer dele amanhã, então algumas coisas chaves caso eu fique curiosa no futuro: menina rica foge de casa e vai para um resort trabalhar de faxineira, tem um problema com housing e fica na casa de um cara gostoso. eles se gostam e basicamente é isso, apesar de ele ter medo de relacionamento.

[Sarah Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. Kylie runs away from her whole life and ends up in Florida. Once there, a mixup happens causing her to have a run-in with Brett. From the beginning, chemistry is blatant between the two. I liked the storyline, and the characters.

[pageswithpayten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today was one of those Monday’s that made me feel grateful more than exhausted! I finally had my first therapy appt since last March, the weather was GORGEOUS, and I am feeling healthy and happy and overall just completely content!

I was gifted an ARC of book #2 of Melissa Chambers Destiny Dunes series, but quickly realized (seriously like two pages in) that I needed to read the first book, first. I know, crazy concept. I snagged book #1, Down For Her off Amazon and was able to finish it in one night + like twenty minutes this afternoon. This was my first Melissa Chamber’s book and I can already tell you this won’t be my last (the fact that I read this book soI could read her next is totally besides the point of course). Alright, let’s get into it.
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When Kylie, raised in privilege and ignorance, is betrayed not only by her fiance, but her father as well, she can’t get away fast enough. Her father’s threats to withdraw all of his financial support would usually be enough to keep her following his demands, but she’s ready to take control of her life. She finds a job at a Florida beachside resort that offers housing, good pay and good company. There was no mention of love, but the resort is soon offering Kylie just that. Brett Hargrove works as an occupational therapist at the resort and charms everyone from the parents to the tourists. The last thing he needs to add to his already overflowing plate is a relationship, but it’s impossible to deny his pull to Kylie.
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This was described as a steamy, riches to rags romance. Honestly? I wouldn’t really say either of those things describe this well. There wasn’t too much steam. I think there was a respectable touch of saucy scenes but compared to some other romances, it still felt pretty tame. As far as the riches to rags, it was a theme, but I hardly say a Florida beach resort is rags.... But I’m a humble Midwestern girl, not an uber rich city girl, so to each their own! This was a fun and fast read centered around a group of friends and coworkers and of course our two main characters, Kylie and Brett. While I really did enjoy this book, I think all the characters were written in a younger voice that they were supposed to be portraying. I kept forgetting they weren’t all early twenties.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read my Melissa Chambers but it certainly won’t be the last because I’m really struggling to understand why she hasn’t crossed my path before now.
Kylie McBride and Brett Hargrove’s story is an entertaining, captivating read and it will appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Kylie is starting a new job at Destiny Dunes and is surprised when she comes across a man stepping out of her staff unit shower, it seems her staff unit has been double booked and with no other units available Brett and Kylie agree to be roommates for the weekend. Kylie is not looking for a relationship because she is still working through getting over her cheating ex but she help the attraction she feels for Brett problem is he image is just like her ex, a playboy through and through.
Brett is a very different man to the image he portrays, he is a kind, caring and has a heart of gold but will Kylie see past the image.
This is a story about a couple finding love when they least expect it, it’s about learning to trust again and opening up as you embark on a journey to happiness, the road is not smooth for this couple and there are a few bumps to negotiate before they find the happiness they both deserve. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down For Her is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I was pleasantly surprised. It has a well-built world with the resort and all the supporting characters, that provide for interesting storyline opportunities, present and future. While I’m dying to know what happened between Tori and Jack, Kylie and Brett’s story was compelling and hot! Kylie was one of the most likable female leads I’ve read in a long time. Usually in this trope, with a suddenly poor rich girl, they come off as annoying, but not Kylie. She just seems genuine, caring, and determined. My heart went out to Brett, because I can relate to him on a couple levels, but I did want to shake him a couple times to get his head out of his butt about how he dealt with Kylie.😂 Overall, the book has everything I look for— great characters, witty banter, sizzling chemistry, lust, love, and a little drama. The ending itself was a bit abrupt and would’ve benefited from an epilogue or something, but that was the only thing that bothered me. I can’t wait to read the next book!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.