Cocktails on the Beach: A Contemporary Romance Anthology, Volume One

by Helen Hardt, Leah Marie Brown, EmKay Connor

Sip something sweet... Savor something steamy...



Feel the heat and find love in these four original romances written by New York Times, USA Today, award winning, and international bestselling authors! AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY.



Are you looking for a hot and naughty book boyfriend to take you away this summer? What's your pleasure? A sexy billionaire? A smooth-talking bartender? A gorgeous island doctor? A seductive Irishman? These irresistible men are hot enough to melt the ice in your margarita. Start your sizzling read today!



Escape by Helen Hardt



She's running from one man...and ends up in the arms of another, putting them both in danger.



Exes and Ohs! by Leah Marie Brown



A chance meeting with a gorgeous Irishman has her thinking about Mr. Right instead of Mr. Right Now.



Next Rock on the Right by EmKay Connor.



Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn...that takes you on a wild ride leading to exactly where you're meant to be.



Her Perfect Guy by Lyz Kelley



She's his sister's hands-off best friend. He's her perfect guy.



One-click now to sip an island cocktail and find your summer bliss!

Genres: Romance

372 pages, Paperback

First published June 8, 2021

About the author

#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt's passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family.

Join my official street team on Facebook, Hardt & Soul, for exclusive excerpts and giveaways! https://www.facebook.com/groups/hardt...

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Reviews

[Nicole Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great collection of anthologies. Helen Hardt holds a big part of my heart in the writing world and i absolutely adore her island getaway. Her introducing me to these other lovely ladies through this anthology makes me happy. Every story in this collection is fresh, entertaining, with a hot side. I highly recommend this group of stories and look forward to checking more out by these amazing authors.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. There are 4 novellas within this one book. With each novella ending with a cocktail recipe.

Escape-Helen Hardt, cocktail is Island Escape
Exes and Ohs!-Leah Marie Brown, cocktail is Porn Star Martini
Next Rock on the Right-EmKay Connor, cocktail is Mango Bellini
Her Perfect Guy-Lyz Kelley, coctail is Jamaican Planter's Punch
Each cocktail recipe sounds absolutely delicious, and a must try.

To get the recipes, you must read the novella, connected to that cocktail, and trust me, you will need the cocktail to cool you off, from the heat that is generated from each book.

This is a first (but not last) time reading Leah Marie Brown and Lyz Kelley, and I just recently read another novella by EmKay Connor, that I enjoyed...Helen Hardt being my all time favorite author, so of course I highly enjoyed her installment into this book.

After all I have said, I'm sure you can understand why I am rating this with 5 stars

[Keitha Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I Loved this collection so much. Wonderful, light, active stories. This will be a go to book of stories when I just need a quick easy lovely read. All the authors are amazing. A definite must read. Plus I can’t wait to make all 4 cocktails ❤️

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sizzling summer collaboration between these four amazing authors will leave you satisfied. You get four incredible beach themed romantic novellas. All of them take you on a journey that leaves you sated and also wanting more.
Each author give us their fantastic twist, and style of writing which is all different and I for one loved this.
A few of them were new authors to me and I am itching to get my hands on more of their work.
Cocktails on the beach is fun and excitement in the sun you can experience from the comfort of your own home, patio, porch or on the beach. Take it with you and enjoy.

Bonus, as if four amazingly sizzling stories wasn't enough. Enjoy the signature Cocktail recipes of each Novella!

Mind blowing and an absolutely must have. I am thrilled that I got to be introduced to a few authors I've not read before and really enjoyed.

This was a beautiful summer anthology and would love to see more from all these amazing authors

5 sizzling shining stars!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you do ANYTHING this summer, do yourself a favor and read Cocktails on the Beach! It is a fun, sassy and delightful way to spend an afternoon by the water - or wherever! It’s four quick reads that you wish would last longer! And the fun drink recipes that come with each story?! Genius for summer fun!!!! I’ll be reading it several times this summer, along with trying out the tasty recipes! Cheers! 🍹

[Christina Mages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love each story in this book. Definitely a must read

[Julia Minns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book, loved all the stories in this book, and loved that it has the cocktail recipes after each story.

[Sparklin C Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a drink, kick up your feet. Get ready to dive in. These four ladies will take you on one wild rollercoaster ride of your life….With an billionaire, bartender, doctor and an Irishman.

Escape by. Helen Hardt - Getting away to end up with another….

The Wolfes of Manhattan-
Rebel
Recluse
Runaway
Rake
Reckoning

Exes and Ohs by. Leah Brown - Throwing caution to the wind.

Next Rock on the Right by. EmKay Connor - Unexpected journey

Her Perfect Guy by Lyz Kelly - Playing with Fire.

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of these stories were wonderful. I had only read Helen Hardt's books before this and thoroughly enjoyed all 4 author's short stories. I am definitely adding EmKay Connor, Lyz Kelley, and Leah Marie Brown's books to my TBR list! Each author was able to craft a story that drew me in and had me invested in the characters and rooting for their happiness. For Helen's story I had some background knowledge due to it tying in with the Wolves of Manhattan series. I cannot wait to see where Scotty and Emily's story goes from here. I know Helen will find a way to continue on the Wolves' story in a perfect anticipatory way.
In Brown's story, Marlow gets more than she bargained for on a work assignment and it is surprised by an ex that she hasn't seen since he broke her heart. The reader really wants Marlow to find happiness and the story does not disappoint.
In Connor's Next Rock on the Right, Britt also goes on a work assignment. She has some serious baggage from a relationship that now relates to her family. Luka and Britt are such lovable characters and you can't help but love them both.
Lastly, we have Her Perfect Guy by Lyz Kelley. Devon and Kayla have been best friends since college and Kayla's family is about all Devon has. But Kayla is getting married and Devon worries she will be all alone. Lyz gives us a heartwarming story that makes the reader want Devon do find happiness and have her own family.

[Jessica Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a summer mash up you have to read. Four incredible hot steamy summer stories perfect for summer. I will be reading this again poolside with one of the 4 cocktails. Grab this anthogy right away!!!!

[Kristi Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are four short stories by Helen Hardt, Leah Marie Brown, Emkay Connor, and Lyz Kelley. I enjoyed reading all of them. Emkay Connor and Lyz Kelley were new authors to me. My favorite author Leah Marie Brown wrote another laugh out loud story called Exes and Ohs! It was a fun summer beach read.

[Elizabeth McMillien · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book is filled with several amazing short stories. I fell in love with each one, and they all left me wanting more. The whirlwind romances, the hot island settings, all perfect in every way. I love that while there were erotic love scenes in each story, it wasn’t a bunch of gratuitous sex for for the sake of having it in there. You could really feel the attraction between each couple. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this book before the release date. I really couldn’t put it down.

[Sarah Slusarczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cocktails on the Beach is a collaboration between Helen Hardt, Leah Marie Brown, EmKay Connor and Lyz Kelly, and each end with a scrumdellyumgices recipe. Each book is its own individual story and can be read as a novella.

The collab starts off with Helen Hardts; Escape, then to Exes and Oh's by Leah Marie Brown, followed by Next Rock on the Right by EmKay Connor, and finished off with Her Perfect Guy by Lyz Kelley. Each book is a fun, flirty, summer romance with some great twists. I’m not familiar with two of the authors in the collab, so it was a great way to dib my toes into their work.

The series as whole is light and sweet, just what a reader would want in a summer read on the beach or next to the pool. Even better, each novella ends with a yummy recipe to try out when you come in from summer fun. Fun and enjoyable read for the sun and sand!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book with four different stories by four different authors. There were all amazinging!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I look out my window at the drizzling rain, I can’t help but feel grateful for a collection of stories that whisk me away to tropical destinations. It’s easy to identify the common thread in all these stories even though they’re each as unique as their authors. Sun, sand, and the opportunity to escape the responsibilities of everyday life, no matter what reasons brought our heroines to the beach. And a happy ever after for the ages. Most of the authors in this anthology are new to me, but now that I’ve been exposed to their work, I can’t see this being the last time I read them. I think there’s about to be some retail therapy in my future.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the authors.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this Anthology HARD! I live in Oklahoma so there are no beaches here but luckily, these authors totally transported me there & it was delightful. I'm totally a fangirl of Helen Hardt, but there were a couple other authors that I hadn't met yet, so now I'm going to check out their books. Each novella in this is super fun & super sexy so I couldn't get enough. If that isn't fantastic enough, after each story there are cocktail recipes so I'm going to try to make them so I can be transported back again to this happy place. I know that I will be reading this every summer as it's great to have fun stories that make me smile, and Cocktails on the Beach did so in spades. Don't miss out on this anthology so hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four unique and fun novellas comprise this anthology. Obviously from the title, each has a beach and alcohol theme. I was simply amazed at how vested I got into the lives of the characters in such a short time. An added bonus was that each provided a recipe for their cocktail. (I’m sure the authors had fun experimenting to find the right recipe for their story.). This is definitely a great vacation read, whether you are a beach person, a mountain person or prefer somewhere else. Best thing about this book is that it is labeled as the first anthology so that means there are more to come. With authors like Helen Hardt and Liz Kelley, you know you are in for a good read.
Many thanks to Bare Naked Words for providing me with an ARC of this book.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly satisfying...like a delicious thirst quenching drink!

Highly Recommended for a thirst quenching quick read.

Each story stands alone with just enough mystery and depth to keep you flipping pages til the end. Characters are well drawn and its easy to immerse yourself in their stories, in fact, I was laughing out loud and wiping away a tear or two.

Just when I was about to give up and put the book down, another character rose 🌹 to tickle my imagination and root her on.

**One of the 😎Coolest Features of this book is the cocktail recipe after every story**

Granted, we all wish for paradise, but sometimes our greatest loves are right under our noses and have been with us throughout our lives. We need to look with new eyes.🏖

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful summer beach read with four novellas from four wonderful authors. Helen Hardt in which I have read some of her books and truly enjoy. Her Wolf Island novella Escape is great teaser for the series. She reels you in and makes you wish the novella was a novel.

Leah Marie Brown's Exes and Ohs! is hot and steamy. I have read one of her other books so far and very enjoyable.

The next two authors are new to me but will be searching their books in the future.

Emkay Connor's Next Rock on the Right is downright beach worthy. Smoking hot!!!!

Liz Kelley's Her Perfect Guy finishes up the novellas with a BAM! Wonderful and sexy and witty and one strong female protagonist.

Love these ladies!

[Jenna Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

The name says it all! Such a great collection of 4 author book in one! These stories are on hot and on fire! Definitely would be perfect to read on a beach with a cocktail or two to cool oneself down. I've read many Helen Hardt books and she never disappoints; however the other authors were new to me. All did a fantastic job and will definitely be looking to read more from them all.

Escape by. Helen Hardt - Getting away to end up with another.

Exes and Ohs by. Leah Brown - Throwing caution to the wind.

Next Rock on the Right by. EmKay Connor - Unexpected journey

Her Perfect Guy by Lyz Kelly - Playing with Fire

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

When one thinks of a cocktail, it is usually a sweet mix of flavors that burst in one’s mouth. That is what this book is a sweet and sexy take as these four authors combine their talents to start the summer season off on the right foot. Each story in this anthology brings the fun, humor and excitement as one is swept away to an island paradise to while away the hours with a distinct cocktail while celebrating one’s own staycation or taking the plunge to one’s own island paradise. No matter where you are, this is one anthology that you want with you to delight your downtime and who knows, you may just find your next book boyfriend.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick sizzling summer reads!

First up in this anthology is Helen Hardt
Her writing is fun and sexy from the very start.
Outrageous writing from Leah Marie Brown
Dirty girl humor will make you laugh or frown.
Sizzling story from Emkay Connor
But her sexy characters are full of honor.
Liz Kelley's stories are always smart
With characters written straight from her heart.

This anthology is a bargain at any price so grab it now for hours of reading enjoyment. It's just full of entertainment and sizzle, and four great cocktail recipes to boot!

[Summer Hindes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I wasn't sure how I was going to like this book since I've never read a coloraboration of different authors before but I was surprised in a good way. Each story is just a short story of a tropical paradise and to be honest you know we could all use more of that in our lives lol. Helen is my favorite author so of course I love her story but the story of Marlow and Fionn was such a good one as well I have a thing for Irish men. The little recipes you find in it as well are super cute too, I don't drink so no use for them but others I'm sure love them.

[Staci Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this collection of anthologies. I was only familiar with the writings of Helen Hardt; however, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories written by Lyz Kelley, Leah Marie Brown and EmKay Connor. These anthologies draw you in and make you want to keep reading to see what happens to the characters. Cocktails on the Beach is definitely a great summer read! It’s a fast, light, sizzling read. I highly recommend this book of anthologies. Cannot wait for volume two to be released!

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The timing for Cocktails on the Beach could not be any more perfect. The weather is warming up and we are shedding our heavy clothes. This Anthology will definitely have you disrobing as these stories are sizzling hot.

I am a huge fan of Helen Hardt and Lyz Kelley and it was a delight to see these amazing authors together in this compilation of romance at it's best.

These stories are perfect to snuggle up with and read with a cocktail in your hand and the sand in your toes.

[Kika Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was seriously addicting, this authors are all wonderful, I hadn’t read anything on most of them but I really really loved them.
Helen Hardt’s story was my favorite it was just a perfect second chance in paradise.
I really identified myself with Marlow, not completely but in some parts, which was seriously funny.
But seriously there wasn’t a part I didn’t like and enjoyed can’t wait to pick up more reads on this authors.

And those cocktails yum!! That was a big plus

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compilation of short, steamy, entertaining stories by four different authors.

If you enjoy one, two punch love stories with plenty of heat these would be great for you. Each story can be read in one sitting which is good because they are hard to put down. Pull yourself up a cocktail, some crunches, and a hammock, then relax.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Samantha Navarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collaboration was such a great way to start of the summer reading. There is 4 beach themed novellas. The best part is that each come with there own beach cocktail at the end of the story. And let me tell you that they are amazing. It makes these stories fun and a read quick read for you. Some of these authors where new to me and I have now looked into their back list after reading this book. Go and enjoy a fun beach read.

[Lindsay Elmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This summer anthology is so hot you might just burn! I absolutely loved this collection and will bet be read in the sun, on a beach, with cocktail in hand. Did I mention each book comes with its own special cocktail and recipe!?! It's the perfect summer read which only makes you want more!

Authors and their stories include:
Helen Hardt - Escape
Leah Marie Brown - Exes and Ohs!
EmKay Connor - Next Rock on the Right
Lyz Kelley - Her Perfect Guy

Get your suntan ready and enjoy this sizzle!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entertaining collection features four novellas by four different authors which allow you to experience a vacation without going anywhere. They all feature captivating characters from different walks of life, hot chemistry, refreshing storylines and romance that is sure to make you swoon.

I have enjoyed stories from Helen Hardt and Lyz Kelley before, but this is my first time reading both Leah Marie Brown and Emkay Connor and they didn’t disappoint.