A Thousand Sunsets

by Marianne Rice

When Charlotte “Charlie” Kellar finishes her time in the Army, she returns home to pursue a career in culinary arts and work as the head cook at the children’s summer camp she and her friends established a year ago. An easy, fun gig with the added bonus she gets to ogle the super sexy contractor who’s always around.

Charlie’s been trying for over a year to get him to put the moves on her. A man with hands as strong as a Greek god’s and a butt that was meant to be on a Levi’s billboard shouldn’t be so serious all the time. She flirts. She teases. Yet he doesn’t react. Ever. He makes a girl sweat just by looking at him. And Charlie looks. A lot.

For years, Owen has kept people at a distance, not wanting them to connect him to his troubled upbringing. He doesn’t want to be judged by the blood running through his veins, and he works hard to keep people at a distance. But Charlie, with her sweet curves and intriguing laugh, makes it nearly impossible to stay away. He eventually caves and takes her up on some of her tantalizing propositions, but when she gets too close to his little sister, his protective guard goes up.

Owen has secrets he’s ashamed of, but Charlie keeps pushing, knocking down the walls he’s spent years building. When she gets to the center of it all, will she still see him as a strong hero, or will the walls come crashing down, exposing the tattered framework he’s tried so hard to cover up?

Genres: Contemporary

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2021

About the author

Marianne Rice writes small town contemporary romance and women's fiction. Her heroes are big and strong, yet value family and humor, while her heroines are smart, sexy, sometimes a little bit sassy, and are often battling a strong internal conflict. Together, they deal with real life issues and always find everlasting love.

When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time drooling over shoes, eating chocolate, attending her children's sporting events, and when there’s time, relaxing with fancy drinks and romance books.

To receive news about new releases, sales, freebies and contests, sign up for Marianne's newsletter:http://www.mariannerice.com/connect.html

Reviews

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Charlie and Owens story and it’s a fabulous one. Charlie has finished in the army and so goes to work at the summer camp that she and her friends have set up. Owen works at the camp but for personnel reasons doesn’t let people get close though that doesn't stop Charlie from trying. It’s a great read, it’s fun but also emotional, there’s a few difficult to hear bits but the author does an incredible job with them. I love the story, love the characters and it’s a great addition to this series!

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie and Owen have been flirting with each other for awhile. Neither wants a serious relationship because of their pasts. But the more they are around each other the more they can't resist. Part of the Band of Sisters series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thousand Sunsets is a sweet romance read. The characters are well-depicted and relatable. The storyline is well-written and engaged my interest from start to finish.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read. The author did an amazing job with all the characters and it appears she put her heart and soul into the story. The story mostly is about Owen who is handsome, a good person and an awesome brother to his little sister Olivia. Owen was working around the camp when he met Charlie (real name Charlotte Kellar) who is retired from the Army. She definitely has sparks with Owen but her parents have her brainwashed that she’ll never be able to get a man to truly love her. Meanwhile, Owen has his own demons he’s dealing with and taking care of his little sister. He doesn’t let anyone get close to him because of his family background and secrets. As Olivia attends camp she is the life of the party with the other woman running the camp and especially Charlie. This brings Charlie and Owen closer but both of them are afraid of commitments due to their upbringing and baggage. During the summer they get closer but will they both be able to get over the baggage or will great sex just be it for the two of them? Great read and highly recommended.

[Brenda M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie and her military sisters are doing great with getting their "specialty" camp up and running. Charlie is finishing her culinary degree, cooking for the campers and councilors, and lusting after the Thor look alike that is the general contractor that's doing all the major repairs at the camp.
Shameless flirting and touching hadn't gotten her anywhere, but if her cooking and heart don't help her find her way into her arms, she'll have to give up her spatula.
Owen has a lot on his plate and not just with work. Being a "very" older brother to an ambitious young lady keeps him on his toes. Helping to take care of Livvy, working and trying to maintain a professional distance from the flirty hotty at the job site are wearing him down.
He's not just shy and he's not indifferent, but he really wants to protect them all from the trouble he feels brewing.
But Charlie is an unstoppable force and she's breaking down his walls with her laughter, her heart, and her sexy self.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

What a lovely book, don't get me wrong, this isn't all sunshine and roses, but the good outweighs the bad. There is pain, grief, sorrow, sadness, abuse, mistakes, hurt and anger in this but it is countered with love, hopes, dreams, support and acceptance. There are good examples of loving friends and family, and being seen for who you are and being understood.

My heart broke for Charlie, Owen and Olivia at times, I loved the family they made along with Brooke, Drew and Gina and I loved seeing the girls' vision come true. The banter and flirting between Charlie and Owen, which lead to more than either of them thought they wanted, made for good reading, as did the bromance between Owen and Drew. I am enjoying this series and looking forward to Gina's story next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marianne Rice has struck gold again. The second book in the Band of Sisters series, A Thousand Sunsets, was a beautiful, fun, and easy read with the fabulous characters Ms. Rice is known for creating. It was nice seeing earlier characters back and living their HEA. Not to mention digging deeper into Owen and Charlie’s pasts. Owen, and his deep care and love for his little sister, had me swooning. There’s just something about a man and a kid that wakes up the ovaries and gives you a little kick. Charlie was a fun heroine and I loved seeing the playful way she and Owen interacted. As well as how selfless she was when it came to giving to others. As always, Ms. Rice does not shy away from difficult situations and I like that life isn’t perfect for everyone involved, but it is real. Now I’m anxious to see who’s next. Skye or Gina? I know it’ll be worth the wait.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen is a great big brother to his much younger sister. Despite family issues with his father's abuse, he's well-adjusted and a normal guy - but he doesn't open up about his family. Charlie is terrific, giving her all to whatever she does, and I see her as a positive role model. She's never been good enough for her parents, though, causing her outlook on love to be quite jaded. Owen and Charlie spent a great deal of time flirting while the camp was being renovated, and they're on a slow burn. Owen's bromance with Drew - their banter is hilarious. This is an incredible addition to what is shaping up to be a terrific series. I loved this book every bit as much as the first one. The characters are real and relatable, flaws and all. The story broke my heart a bit, then put it back together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie and Owen's relationship starts off with her flirting and making suggestive comments to him and then when she finds out about his much younger sister Olivia trying to push him off on Gina who she sees as relationship material when Charlie thinks she's just good enough for a fling. But Owen isn't attracted to Gina and would rather have that fling with Charlie. Until she gets too close to the truth about his family and then he becomes a jerk and pushes her away. They are both insecure, although Charlie puts up a good front, and push each other away, damaged by their families and experiences. Olivia was a riot with her preteen attitude and enjoyment of baking with Charlie and hanging out at the camp.

[Shanna D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Thousand Sunsets by Marianne Rice. I found this story to be sweet with charming characters, mild drama, and undeniable chemistry. Charlie has her work cut out for her in trying to tear down Owen’s wall. Persistent pays off and leads to many heated nights under those amazing sunsets. I would recommend this book and author to others. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading Owen and Charlotte/Charlie's story as she left the military and became the cook at the summer camp she and her friends took over where the meets Owen. He has had a some traumatic home life and now takes care of his younger sister Olivia who attends the camp. Owen and Charlie are attracted to each other but neither wants a relationship so there is a lot of back and forth flirting and banter with these two. Great characters and story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thousand Sunsets is Charlie and Owen's journey of love. Charlie is determined to break down the walls Owen has put up and Owen is attracted to Charlie but doesn't want her to find out his family secrets. I really loved how Charlie flirted with Owen and when they finally get together sparks fly and things heat up. A Thousand Sunsets is a great addition to the Band of Sisters series. The writing is well done and the ending is perfect. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Band of Sisters series a well written story with a very good storyline. Charlotte/Charlie, Owen and his younger sister Olivia’s story of a troubled past and not being able to move on from it. What a Mother that woman was. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartfelt

I love this series. This book in the series follows Charlie, trying to finish culinary school and running the kitchen at a summer camp. So many incredible characters with depth and love this book is perfect.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is a favorite of mine. I absolutely loved this book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book😊

[Michelle Cloutier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good story.

[Lydia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Think of the cheesiest rom com and you have this book. A couple times I debated finishing it but I was already enough into the book that I had to finish. But giant cheese fest

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another win for Marianne Rice. I love this series and look forward to more books from this author.