Heart and Soul

Angel Sands #8

by Carrie Elks

An ER doctor, the single mom next door, and a fake relationship that feels all too real…

Moving to Angel Sands is a brand new start for single mom Meghan Hart. With a beautiful new apartment, and a business she’s fallen in love with, things are finally looking up.

Then she meets her gorgeous new neighbor.

Rich Martin has no luck with relationships. He’s too busy saving lives to think about his own. But from the moment he sees Meghan, sparks fly.

After a run in with a persistent ex he asks Meghan for help. Pretend to be his girlfriend for a month. Despite her misgivings, Meghan agrees.

As they spend more time together, the chemistry between them explodes, ending in a kiss-to-end-all-kisses.

Before long, neither of them is certain what’s fake and what’s real any more.

And right now, they’re in no rush to find out…

Genres: Romance, Fake Dating, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Doctors, Friends To Lovers, Adult

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2021

About the author

Carrie Elks is an international bestselling author of traditionally-published and self-published novels. Her books are sweet yet sexy contemporary small town romance stories. You can find her in all these places:


Website:https://www.carrieelks.com
Amazon: http://author.to/CarrieElksAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieElksAu...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carri...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrie.elks/

Reviews

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have easily tumbled into each installment of this engaging series with the comfortable ease of visiting a friend. And although each book tends to introduce a new friend, they are soon familiar and adored. I can always count on Carrie Elks’s main characters to be highly likable, admirable, and endearingly flawed. Her writing style flowed smoothly and seamlessly implanted me in each scene while craftily encompassing all the senses, which often proved hazardous to my diet plans as I currently found myself wanting to eat like an eight-year-old and craving tater tots and ice cream. This installment was generally low angst with lashings of humorous small-town issues, a deluded yet cleverly resourceful stalker, family drama, a slowly developing romance between a hot doc and a cool ice cream lady neighbors, and a few deliciously steamy encounters that had me gasping to catch my breath. More, please!

[belle ☆ﾐ (thisbellereadstoo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you looking for neighbours to lovers, single parent, and fake dating, you got to read heart and soul. i found both main characters, rich and meghan, to be ready sweet people. meghan’s a successful businesswoman, running an ice cream shop while taking care of her young daughter while rich is an ER doctor who’s patient and kind. a one night stand resulted in meghan’s pregnancy but the father isn't involved in isla’s life. rich has brought up his younger sister singlehandedly after their parents passed away in a car accident when rich was becoming an adult. while they aren’t searching for love and romance, it came to them instead.

i liked the story and the progression of the romance. the intense attraction is undeniable. meghan’s a great mom and rich is great with isla. it’s not surprising that meghan and rich would fall in love.

[Cyndi Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a gem. Sweet, sexy, and emotionally charged, I loved how Rich, Meghan, and Isla, meld together to form a family. This was exactly the read I needed and I highly recommend this charming love story, both romantic and familial. Carrie Elks always delivers!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Sweet Emotionally Charged, Romantic Filled Stars!!!

I was given this book in turn for an honest review.

I loved, loved, loved this romance story by Carrie Elks! This awesome author surprises me with every book. Each of her stories have a unique element or twist to them that helps them to stand out from other romance stories. The Angel Sands series is a series I can happily devour again and again, without necessarily needing to read the books in order.

I loved the push and pull between Meghan and Rich, two very loveable characters that each deserved to be happy, more than anything. Although I could have happily banged their heads together and told them to stop questioning everything; as they each revealed their pasts, it was understandable why they were so unsure of the connection they shared. Wondering if it was the right thing to do, would it end in more pain or would it turn out to be the best decision they had ever made.

This story wasn’t just about two people falling in love, it was about becoming a family, and it was about those around them that they cared about, who they saw as good friends, maybe even as far to say as extended family. They truly cared for each of them and would do anything for them, as would the friends do for Meghan and Rich.

This story is full of so many loveable characters that I hope we see more of in the future. This can’t be the end to the Angel Sands series, because this town as a lot to offer and so many characters that I feel a part of, and I don’t want to let go of them just yet either!

Not only is Heart and Soul by Carrie Elks a Must Read for all Romance Readers, so is the whole Angel Sands series! You will not be disappointed!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, sweet read.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY enjoyed this book! I’ve been in a reading slump and it seems everything I picked up I was harsh on or DNFished or gave low stars to. So I decided to step back and read a genre o haven’t in awhile. This was light on the sec (although there were several sex scenes) and heavy on the emotions. It was EXACTLY what I needed. Granted I started with this book even though there are 7 prior books in the series 😅 but it didn’t detract from it. Yes there are characters from other books and I now know how the ended up but who cares! I’ll be going back to read more of the series. Meghan was a great character. She was a great mom who was just barely getting her life to where she wanted. The way she reacts to Rich was honest without being over the top emotional.

“It’s been fun. That’s what Rich said when he’d broke it off with her. Was that all it had ever been for him? Because for her it had been so much more. It had been perfect. It had been everything. It had been love. And now that she’d lost it she had to figure out how to smile again.”
And she did just that. Trying to pick herself up again and move on (granted not for long). I also love that when Rich finally pulled his head out of his a&$ she didn’t jump right into his arms. She made him work for it, for them. The way he did that was just so sweet.

“Want is such a weak word to describe how I feel about you. And need is wrong, too. When I look at my future, I see you and Isla in it. Center stage. The two of you goofing around in my kitchen, or laughing at me when I bomb into the swimming pool. I want to be the reason you smile, the person who’s always by your side. I want to be part of you, the way you’re already part of me.”

I loved this book. It made me feel in the best possible way

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like every other book in the series before it, this one swept me up in a tide of emotion and carried me away with their story. Rich played his cards, and his hurts, very close to his vest. It took me most of the book to really get to know all of him. Meghan and Isla were a little more open with their story. It took me no time at all to fall in love with the mother-daughter duo. I really liked Rich and Meghan as a couple. They both had their reasons for being cautious about relationships, but their chemistry kept overriding their best intentions. It hurt my heart to watch them when things weren’t going well, but it made me sigh in delight when they were able overcome their challenges and find a way to get their happily ever after. I love every chance I get to visit Angel Sands and I can’t wait until we get to come back again.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Ira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book in one of my favorite series'. Rich and Meghan are such a wonderful addition to Angel Sands and all those other people there who stole a piece of my heart with their love and their laughter.

Rich and Meghan are great together even if it's not always smooth sailing there. I also love all these interesting, well-developed and authentic minor characters who enrich the story with their unique personalities.
You can feel their chemistry and, oh, don't get ne started on how often I wanted to kick somebody's behind and tell him that he should get over it! It was cute to see Rich and Isla bond and when the unexpected happens, I love how open she is and how easily she lets even more people into her life.
Meghan a parents though...well, enough said.

Nice, funny and welcoming neighbours, a wonderful and supportive group of friends and a sweet and beautiful love mixed with the magic of Angel Sands - I absolutely enjoyed reading this book!

[~Hecate~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10

[Lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was meh. Very low angst(if you know me I hate this) also 70% break up.

[Hibah · Rating 2 out of 5]

they got together, engaged, and then pregnant in about a week????? baffled bro

[Štěpánka C · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0/5
This was really sweet. Little dramas and little bit of miscommunication but overall cute book.

[Lucia Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this swoon worthy romance. This author never disappoints!

[Karenj · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always didn't take me long to devour this story from the talented Carrie Elks!
Her stories - the characters, situations and locations- just drag you right in and keep you turning the pages as if you're there in real life and living the story yourself !
I loved Meghan and Rich and the gorgeous little Isla with all her childhood innocence.
Both Rich and Meghan had to grow up quickly at a young age to take responsibility for another, and both are scared of being hurt. When the chemistry between them becomes unavoidable can they trust the other..and themselves.. to not self destruct?
There are certainly a few bumps in the road of their journey of course, can they overcome them? I urge you to get lost in the world of Angel Sands and find out !! ❤

[Siri_reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

Eh 🤷🏻‍♀️ it was okay.. cute but boring? Some chapters were so random just to drive the plot, the drama was a bit too much. Didn’t really connect with the characters. But hey, maybe it’s a me thing bc I just read an amazing series and I’m a bit in a reading dip..

[Peggy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.

Although this story ‘Heart and soul’ is the 8th book in the ‘Angel Sands’ series, it can read perfectly be as a standalone. The main characters are new characters so you don’t miss anything if you haven’t read the previous stories first. If you have read the previous books in this series, you will be happy to know that you see some familiar faces in this book too.

Meghan Hart is a single mother of an eight year old girl and the proud owner of the Angel Ice Cream parlor. Meghan was young when she got pregnant with her daughter Isla but she has worked hard to build a good life for her and her daughter. And with the help of her grandmother, she made her dream come true, to be an owner of her own business. She has everything she ever wanted and she is very happy with her life but then she meets her new neighbor Rich when she moves into her new apartment and slowly a new dream arises in her heart, could she find love too?
There is a reason why his patients, colleagues and neighbors call him ‘Hot Doc’ but doctor Richard (Rich) Martin is much more than a very handsome and sexy doctor. He’s also hardworking, patient, kind and a very good doctor too. One who lives for his work as an emergency doctor at the Saint Vincent’s hospital. He’s single of his own choosing but that decision will be tested when he meets his new neighbor and her little girl. Can Meghan and Rich lower their walls to find love together or will it be too difficult to do that?

Just like the other books in this series, I enjoyed this story very much! After weeks of nothing of rain and cold weather, I was really in the mood for a summer story with warm, sunny weather and a beach and I got all that in this story, that takes place in Angel Sands, a small-town beach town in California. (Plus, it had been a long time that I read a story about a hot doctor and doctor Rich was just what I needed to feel better too.)

The writer Carrie Elks knows how to write a wonderful feel good story filled with friendship, love and great characters.

‘Heart and soul’ is an easy to read, light, heartwarming, feel good story. You got both POV’s. I liked both main characters Meghan and Rich very much and Meghan’s daughter Isla was so sweet and wonderful too. She was really a great child and I loved her very much. Meghan and Rich were both intelligent, mature, caring and hardworking people. I really liked how their relationship went from friends to lovers. There really was an easy flow between them. They each carried emotional scars from their past that forced them to grow up faster. Rich lost his parents at a young age and he became responsible for his younger sister. Meghan was only 21 years old when she became pregnant. So there were some emotions and pain still present that had an effect on their love relationship but nothing big or with much drama. ‘Heart and soul’ is good, summer romance story to just relax and enjoy.

(If you’re new to her stories, it may also be interesting to know that there are a few sex scenes in the story but not too many.)

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie Elks is one of those authors which books I just always want to read. I don’t even have to read the book blurb, which I obviously do read, to know I will want to read her new book. So when I got to read an ARC of ‘Heart and Soul’ I was super excited. This is book eight in the Angel Sands series. But this is a series of standalone novels, so no worries if you haven’t read the other books.

In ‘Heart and Soul’ we read the story of single mom Meghan and her neighbor Rich. Meghan has just recently moved to Angel Sands with her eight year old girl, and she is the proud new owner of an Ice cream parlor. When she meets her neighbor Rich, she has this immediate crush on him which she obviously tries to ignore. Let’s face it.. someone like Rich won’t look at Meghan. At least that is what Meghan thinks.

Rich is a single thirty year old ER doctor, who hardly has a life next to his job. Working long hours and nights is perfect for him because his job is the one thing he has always been good in. But when he meets his new neighbor Meghan he finds himself wanting to spend more time with her. Something he isn’t used to at all. Soon he is feeling things he told himself would never happen to him.

I simple loved everything about this book and couldn’t put it down. The two main characters Meghan and Rich where so fun to get to know, and I love their chemistry. You could easily feel it flying of the pages and it totally made me swoon.

Meghan was one tough woman, and I loved how she was this amazing mom who put her daughter before everyone and anything. But Rich was definitely also a character I couldn’t not like. I loved him firstly because he was an ER doctor, and working as a nurse myself I thought it was really fun to read about a character who has to deal with working strange hours for once. And secondly because he was just so kind and loving to Meghan from the start.

Reading this book through both Meghan and Rich’s point of view definitely made this a very enjoyable read. And although I loved the other books in this series, this one is definitely one of my favorites. I just love the little town of Angel Sands, and Meghan and Rich fitted the town perfectly.

‘Heart and Soul’ was a very romantic read I didn’t want to stop reading. I simple can’t get enough of this series and can’t wait to read more.

[Suzaan Jansen van Rensburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was this crazy attraction between Meghan and Rich from the moment they met. But with her being a single mom and him the confirmed bachelor not doing relationships he needed to stay away from her. As they got to know each other it got harder and he realized he needed them in his life, that is if he can get over his insecurities. And when they eventually could not ignore the attraction anymore and decided to take a chance on being together her daughter's father appeared out of the blue, wanting to be part of Isla's life. And once again Rich's insecurities flared up, believing that him being in their lives would withheld them from being happy, he pushed her away. Was he making the biggest mistake of his life and will he be brave enough to confront his own demons? But even if he did, would he have another chance with Meghan, will she is be able to forgive him for pushing her away when she needed him the most? This is a story of two people who had to grow up quickly with the responsibilities pushed upon them, who grew into amazing caring people and had so much in common but one has learnt that you cannot control everything happening to you whilst the other believed that he only hurt the people he loved and therefore needed to keep his distance. That is until he met a brave and strong woman who showed him that all is possible if you want it enough. I loved their story and once again a five star read from Carrie Elks's pen. One of my favorite authors.

[Sam Kilpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eighth book in the Angel Sands series but can be read as a standalone novel. I must admit that when I realised both main characters were new to the series, I was slightly disappointed, but I needn’t have worried. I immediately loved the characters of Meghan and her daughter, and I quickly fell in love with Rich too. The narrative twists and turns as is usual with Carrie Elks’ stories, but whilst I thought I could see where it was going, I was completely wrong and was genuinely surprised with how it played out. As expected, everything eventually rights itself and I don’t think it would be considered a spoiler to reveal that there is a happy ending! That is what I want when I read an Angel Sands novel after all!

The story takes place in the familiar location of Angel Sands and as always the beach plays it’s part, I can picture the waves breaking on the shore as I read! The book is written from both characters POV and includes some sex scenes which are nicely steamy without being overly graphic.

I really love the Angel Sands romances and this latest novel is a welcome addition to the series. I devoured it in a couple of days, and I recommend it to anyone who wants a feel good romance with fully rounded characters, steamy scenes and a happy ending. It is the perfect summer read.

[Jolanda Gelissen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! Rich and Meghan have an undeniable chemistry, and witnessing their love grow was a treat!



Meghan is a single mom of 8-year-old Isla, and the new owner of Angel Sands’ ice cream shop. As she is moving into her new apartment, she learns of the “hot doctor” living on her floor, but she's yet to meet him. I did like the dynamics between the neighbors on her floor; these characters add to the story and offer additional development.



Meghan has had a very strict upbringing, and her relationship with her parents is strained as a result. I can relate to wanting to be seen and treated as an adult, and working to assert your own independence, without purposely offending the other party. Some of the interactions with her parents were very relatable, and I think many can recognize at least bits and pieces.



When she meets her new neighbor Rich, there is instant attraction, but they both hold back, each for their own reasons, but both acting mostly out of fear. Add in a delusional stalker, and you've got a recipe for drama. I liked seeing them grow and learn throughout the story, alone, together, and with the help of their friends.



A lovely return to Angel Sands. Can this town please be real?

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carrie Elks will always be one of those authors that I want to like more than I do. That's not to say that her books are anything less than great. They're well-written and the characters are fleshed out with decent chemistry. It just seems that there are no real stakes in her books. Nothing feels dramatic enough for the manufactured drama that is in there.

Heart and Soul exemplifies that issue. The "stalker" and her antics seemed more weird than scary and Rich's behavior after the stalker started interacting with Meghan and her daughter was off-putting. Like for god's sake, man, tell your sister that the woman is a creep and get a restraining order. The fact that he thought fake dating wasn't going to have the stalker zero in on Meghan was just so completely stupid. And then there was the 3rd act break up. I usually love the drama of a good 3rd act, but this one was just annoying. It wasn't miscommunication really, it wasn't even an outside source. It was Rich being a giant man-baby.

This was not a hit for me. I can see the appeal to Carrie Elks's books. They're just a bit too Hallmark-y for me to enjoy.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 8th Angel sands book and each time you go back to Angel Sands it feels like the ultimate holiday break. You know that you are going to get a great story, easy to read, not too much angst and a sweet happy ever after. This book delivered on all those things. It focuses on Meghan and Rich's story. Meghan came to angel sands and set up a new business on the pier and is also a single mum and Dr Rich is the hot ER doctor who is the ultimate workaholic. Both of them have things to work through before they can actually be together but their chemistry was amazing and I loved the realistic feel to their relationship and Isla, Meghan's daughter was amazing and she has you smiling everytime she comes into the story. I enjoyed the little suspense element in the story and I,100% did not see that twist coming at all, I got completely blindsided.

This was an easy read that was super hard to put down and an amazing addition to the series. Not sure that it is my favourite of the series but even saying that the story, writing and characters still made it a 5 star read for me.

[Steph N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was glad to read an ARC of Heart & Soul, the latest book in the Angel Sands series.
Meghan Hart is such a great character. She’s strong, a really good single mom, & a proud new business owner. She puts up with her ridiculously overbearing parents just so her daughter Isla can have a relationship with her grandparents.
When Meghan & Isla move into a new apartment in Angel Sands, they discover one of their new neighbors is the very handsome Dr. Rich Martin. He seems like he has it all, but he’s carrying around some serious internal scars. This effects all his life choices, & when he meets his beautiful neighbor he struggles to keep her in the “just a friend” category.
A fake relationship the doesn’t stay fake usually makes for a fun read, but this one also has a lot of additional heart. Neither Meghan or Rich are seeking the real thing, & it’s not easy for them to get on the same page as feelings grow. Isla is adorable, the crazy ex is so easy to hate, & it’s always great to catch up with the other Angel Sands characters.
I thought this was a great summer read!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Meghan has ever wanted is to give her eight year old daughter Isla the best life that she can and is doing that by moving to Angel Falls and owning the ice cream store. When she meets her sexy neighbor even though she is attracted to him she doesn’t have the time or energy for a man in his life not to mention that he would probably prefer someone without the responsibilities that she has.

Rich has dedicated his life to his career as a doctor and his personal life is an afterthought. When he meets Meghan and her daughter Isla he is drawn to them in a way that he never expected but between the turmoil of his past, the complications in the present and a pretend relationship that feels very real they are in for a bumpy ride.

Due to their pasts neither Rich nor Meghan were looking for love but seeing them overcome their reservations and become the family they were meant to be is sure to touch your heart.

[Katt Pinewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I reached the last book of the series. I'm gonna miss all these people, and I'm sad to say goodbye. But this was a good ending (I know that this is book 8, and there is book 9, but I started it all wrong, so 9 was the first one I read. Oopsi!) to the series.
I found this book really fast, comparing to how all the others were so "slow-burn," but I love it, tho. The single parent trop is my thing, and if we add a "hot doc", perfect combo. The characters were really good. We already knew Rich from James book, and I was really pleased to see that there was a book about him. Meghan was a great surprise with Isla, and only in the middle of the book I recognised both of them from the last book (sorry for the spoil!). I loved how "no dramatic" all the situation from the last chapters was, even tho we know how our doc is... and seeing Isla happy with her two lives was heart-warming. Really good book!

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the steamy romantic novel Heart and Soul: A Small Town Romance (Angel Sands California Book 8) by Carrie Elks and this review was given freely.

Instant attraction, drama and suspense fill the pages of this tension filled fake relationship to more romance involving neighbors, Angel Ice’s ice cream and cookie parlor’s owner and single mother Meghan Hart with Saint Vincent’s Memorial Hospital’s Attending ER physician Dr Rich Martin.

Soon after moving away from her strict and controlling parents, Meghan finds herself fulfilling her dream as an eclectic flavored ice cream shop owner, attracted to her neighbor Rich, trying to protect her sweet and precocious daughter Isla from Rich’s obsessive stalker, Carlyn Monroe, and having to deal with the sudden appearance of Isla’s father.

18+ for mild to medium steamy intimate scenes, which is complicated by

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Love To Heal Their Broken Hearts -
Wow! I went through so many emotions reading this book that I need to lie down to get my bearings now that I have finished. Both Meghan and Rich had been through so much in the past, that it was difficult for them to fully open up to a relationship, but spending time together gave them the opportunity to try. Unfortunately, their relationship encountered difficulties from the continuous intervention of an emotionally unstable woman and a blast from Meghan’s past.

I sat and read the story all the way through with no breaks, as the characters were amazing and their chemistry could be felt throughout the pages. I really enjoyed reading this book and so will you. I am happy to recommend this book.

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Loveromancebooks21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart and Soul is the 8th book in the Angel Sands Series by Carrie Elks but it can be read as a standalone. It’s a single mum, fake relationship, friends to lovers romance filled with friendship, love and a bit of angst thrown in for good measure.

Meghan is a single mum to an 8 year old and the proud new owner of the Angel Ice Cream Parlour. Rich is an emergency room doctor, known around the hospital and his apartment building as ‘The Hot Doc’. They meet when Meghan moves into the apartment building. When Rich has some trouble with an ex, he asks Meghan to pretend to be his girlfriend to get the ex to leave him alone.

Overall I really enjoyed reading Heart and Soul. I loved watching Rich falling for Meghan and I loved seeing their relationship develop from friends to lovers. Meghan’s daughter Isla is so cute and stole every scene that she was in. This is one of my favourite series and I loved seeing all my favourite characters and places getting a mention. This is a great heart warming summer romance that is easy to read and beautifully written.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's summertime and what could be better than a return to Angel Sands. This latest story centers around ER Doctor Rich Martin, a single doctor who doesn't feel he should be in a relationship due to the demands of his job, and Meghan Hart, a single mother who recently opened Angel Ice Cream and moved into the same apartment building as Rich. Since she has her hands full with her 8 year old daughter, she isn't exactly looking for a relationship either. But when they meet, there is a definite spark between them.

The story includes a fake relationship (or is it?), interesting neighbors, family drama, a return of other Angel Sands characters, and so much more. Thankfully Rich has a good friend, James Tanner, who helps him question some of his long held beliefs. And Meghan is working at developing a new relationship with her parents. There's also a twist that took me by surprise.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the steamy romantic novel Heart and Soul: A Small Town Romance (Angel Sands California Book 8) by Carrie Elks and this review was given freely.

Instant attraction, drama and suspense fill the pages of this tension filled fake relationship to more romance involving neighbors, Angel Ice’s ice cream and cookie parlor’s owner and single mother Meghan Hart with Saint Vincent’s Memorial Hospital’s Attending ER physician Dr Rich Martin.

Soon after moving away from her strict and controlling parents, Meghan finds herself fulfilling her dream as an eclectic flavored ice cream shop owner, attracted to her neighbor Rich, trying to protect her sweet and precocious daughter Isla from Rich’s obsessive stalker, Carlyn Monroe, and having to deal with the sudden appearance of Isla’s father.

18+ for mild to medium steamy intimate scenes