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The Royal Palm Resort #1
A Kiss at Midsummer
They're total opposites, and falling in love was not part of the plan.
When fun-loving Elise Stevens lost her mother six years ago, she worked hard to score a job at the Royal Palm Resort-the job that would enable her to finish her mother's bucket list. Now she's working hard to get a shot at buying her childhood home back, but only if she can earn the money before they sell to someone else.
Billionaire Merit Casselman pours all of his focus into running his business, or at least he does until his business partner decides that Merit needs to refill his creative well and thinks a vacation at The Royal Palm might do the trick. Merit would rather hide out and work, but his business partner also hired a personal activities director to make sure he doesn't.
But after connecting with Elise over sandcastles, an unplanned couples spa day, dancing at the Midsummer Ball, and spending every day with her, Merit discovers that there might just be more to life than work.
When Merit's business partner offers Elise a bonus that's large enough that she'd be able to put an offer on her childhood home, it feels like a gift dropped into her lap. But when their newfound love threatens each of their lifelong dreams, can their relationship survive?
When fun-loving Elise Stevens lost her mother six years ago, she worked hard to score a job at the Royal Palm Resort-the job that would enable her to finish her mother's bucket list. Now she's working hard to get a shot at buying her childhood home back, but only if she can earn the money before they sell to someone else.
Billionaire Merit Casselman pours all of his focus into running his business, or at least he does until his business partner decides that Merit needs to refill his creative well and thinks a vacation at The Royal Palm might do the trick. Merit would rather hide out and work, but his business partner also hired a personal activities director to make sure he doesn't.
But after connecting with Elise over sandcastles, an unplanned couples spa day, dancing at the Midsummer Ball, and spending every day with her, Merit discovers that there might just be more to life than work.
When Merit's business partner offers Elise a bonus that's large enough that she'd be able to put an offer on her childhood home, it feels like a gift dropped into her lap. But when their newfound love threatens each of their lifelong dreams, can their relationship survive?
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
170 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Meg Easton
42 books530 followersMeg Easton is the USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances and romantic comedies with fun, memorable, swoon-worthy characters, and settings you’ll want to pack up and move to. She lives at the foot of a mountain with her name on it (or at least one letter of her name) in Utah. She loves gardening, bike riding, baking, swimming before the sun rises, and spending time with her husband and three kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 14, 2021
Take Me to the Beach!
Well, now I want to be on the beach in South Carolina. This was a sweet love story with characters I would like to be friends with. A fun escape, easy reading.
Well, now I want to be on the beach in South Carolina. This was a sweet love story with characters I would like to be friends with. A fun escape, easy reading.
February 10, 2023
A Sweet Romance! Reminds You Home is Not a Place But a State of Being!
I really don't know how Meg Easton does it! Using only words, none of them "dirty" or "erotic", she can make your heart beat a little bit faster, your breath come in short gasps and electricity move through from head to toes, just by reading about a kiss. Suddenly you not reading, you are experiencing the perfect romantic kiss on a moonlit beach, during a summer vacation. The emotion, the picturesque setting, the people are so real, you can touch them. Reading a romance novel by Meg Easton is a delight for all your senses. Within the pages of Meg Easton's work you can disappear from your stress and follies, and escape into a world that breathes romance and ends in a guaranteed happily ever after. Isn't that exactly what us die-hard romance readers want from this genre?
A Kiss at Midsummer, book one of the Royal Palm Resort, is Meg Easton at her best! A beautiful beach resort, in South Carolina, a handsome workaholic hero and a perky activities director and Meg Easton's outstanding creativity, is all it takes for a romance junkie like myself to get lost for hours. I was so totally wrapped up in the lives of Merit and Elise, the world could have ended and I wouldn't have noticed. A Kiss at Midsummer is one of those books where you forget you are reading and begin to talk out loud to the characters and your arms and legs ache from kayaking and hiking. There is one scene on an island in the middle of the river where Merit and Elise climb to the rise to see the view. I could picture the scene as though I was there. I felt the breeze on my cheek and heard the birds in the distance. It was amazing. As soon as I finished the book I was planning a trip to South Carolina! AND crying that I had finished the book.
A Kiss at Midsummer is the perfect escape from the winter blues. It is also a great summer beach read. If you have a subscription to Kindle Unlimited you can even read for free. What's not to love?
I really don't know how Meg Easton does it! Using only words, none of them "dirty" or "erotic", she can make your heart beat a little bit faster, your breath come in short gasps and electricity move through from head to toes, just by reading about a kiss. Suddenly you not reading, you are experiencing the perfect romantic kiss on a moonlit beach, during a summer vacation. The emotion, the picturesque setting, the people are so real, you can touch them. Reading a romance novel by Meg Easton is a delight for all your senses. Within the pages of Meg Easton's work you can disappear from your stress and follies, and escape into a world that breathes romance and ends in a guaranteed happily ever after. Isn't that exactly what us die-hard romance readers want from this genre?
A Kiss at Midsummer, book one of the Royal Palm Resort, is Meg Easton at her best! A beautiful beach resort, in South Carolina, a handsome workaholic hero and a perky activities director and Meg Easton's outstanding creativity, is all it takes for a romance junkie like myself to get lost for hours. I was so totally wrapped up in the lives of Merit and Elise, the world could have ended and I wouldn't have noticed. A Kiss at Midsummer is one of those books where you forget you are reading and begin to talk out loud to the characters and your arms and legs ache from kayaking and hiking. There is one scene on an island in the middle of the river where Merit and Elise climb to the rise to see the view. I could picture the scene as though I was there. I felt the breeze on my cheek and heard the birds in the distance. It was amazing. As soon as I finished the book I was planning a trip to South Carolina! AND crying that I had finished the book.
A Kiss at Midsummer is the perfect escape from the winter blues. It is also a great summer beach read. If you have a subscription to Kindle Unlimited you can even read for free. What's not to love?
June 3, 2022
Love for Elise and Merit
Fulfilling one of her mother's bucket list items Elise gets a job as activities at the exclusive Royal Palms Resort. Growing up it was just Elise and her mother. As she was dying from cancer they tried to do as many items on her bucket list. She wanted to stay at the Royal Arms but her disease progressed too quickly . Elise is very good at her job she is chosen to be the personal activities director for a VIP client.
Merit is a workaholic who has no social life. When his partner offers him a major share in their company he makes a lot of stipulations. He has to stay at the Royal Palms for two months and isn't allowed to have any contact with anything related to the business.
Elise is very good at getting him out of his comfort zone and engaged in activities. I know this is going to end in romance but Elise has a promise to keep and employees are not allowed become involved with guests. I loved how Merit learned how to enjoy the fun things in life he had previously given no thought to. Their attraction grew over time and it was beautiful to watch.
A beautiful love story with believable characters that flowed smoothly with a slow burn. I look forward to the next in the series.
Fulfilling one of her mother's bucket list items Elise gets a job as activities at the exclusive Royal Palms Resort. Growing up it was just Elise and her mother. As she was dying from cancer they tried to do as many items on her bucket list. She wanted to stay at the Royal Arms but her disease progressed too quickly . Elise is very good at her job she is chosen to be the personal activities director for a VIP client.
Merit is a workaholic who has no social life. When his partner offers him a major share in their company he makes a lot of stipulations. He has to stay at the Royal Palms for two months and isn't allowed to have any contact with anything related to the business.
Elise is very good at getting him out of his comfort zone and engaged in activities. I know this is going to end in romance but Elise has a promise to keep and employees are not allowed become involved with guests. I loved how Merit learned how to enjoy the fun things in life he had previously given no thought to. Their attraction grew over time and it was beautiful to watch.
A beautiful love story with believable characters that flowed smoothly with a slow burn. I look forward to the next in the series.
June 2, 2019
Merit Casselman was so focused on work that life was passing him by. His business partner Graham has found work life happiness and is expecting his first child with his wife. He wants the same for Merit, so he dangles the carrot that if he takes a month completely off from work to go a vacation that he will allow him to purchase controlling interest in their company. Elise Steven activities director’s job is to make sure that the guest at her employer’s hotel The Royal Palm, Myrtle Beach enjoy their stay. She is tasked with personally taking care of Merit and planning his days. From their first meeting where he runs into her and spills coffee on her, it didn’t look they would get along. But she plans some pretty cool activities for him and he starts to enjoy himself and her company. I’ve always wanted to try parasailing. The older guests at the shuffle board tables were a riot. I thought it was great that the author tied in her Nestled Hollow series by making that Elise’s hometown.
August 27, 2023
I have learned that I can trust Meg Easton to write an entertaining book. But getting two books in this set made it truly a bonus as they were both delightful reads. The first book, A Kiss at Midsummer, involves Elise and Merit. Elise is Merit's Activities Director at the Royal Palm Resort in Myrtle Beach where Merit's friend and business partner sent him to bring some joy back into his life. I truly enjoyed watching these two connect despite a policy for employees not to date guests.
The second book, A Kiss at Christmas, featured Kelli and Parker as they journey to the Royal Palm Resort the following Christmas. Their previous attempt at dating resulted in disaster despite the attraction they felt for each other. This time they try to make things work again when the company sends a group on a retreat at the resort. I loved seeing their relationship develop. Both books left me feeling good. What a delightful reading experience!
The second book, A Kiss at Christmas, featured Kelli and Parker as they journey to the Royal Palm Resort the following Christmas. Their previous attempt at dating resulted in disaster despite the attraction they felt for each other. This time they try to make things work again when the company sends a group on a retreat at the resort. I loved seeing their relationship develop. Both books left me feeling good. What a delightful reading experience!
July 3, 2020
A Kiss at Midsummer was a super cute contemporary romance with a great location, fabulous characters, and a super sweet romance! I loved Merit and Elise. The way they slowly fall in love was adorable and I really liked how Elise pulled Merit out of his tunnel vision when it came to life and work. The almost kisses were super swoon worthy. I also really enjoyed that while Merit was super wealthy, his money didn't really drive the plot or get in the way of their relationship. This author is quickly becoming a go to for me when I want a good clean romance that delivers a great plot, likable characters, and a swoon worthy love. I definitely am enjoying her books and recommend this one.
June 3, 2019
Merit is all work and no play. Graham his business partner has found a balance with his wife and wants the same for his Merit. So to the Royal Palm Resort he goes - or is sent. Elise is his on land cruise director - loved her. They both need to learn how to play. Falling in love wasn't part of the plan - but... A really sweet romance as well as learning how to focus on what is really important in life. Loved how they came to the same realization at about the same time. They had great friends.
August 3, 2019
Sublime
What a sweet read. This soft love story gladdened my heart tremendously. A workaholic man manipulated into taking time off to restore the whimsical aspects of himself that he had lost with his ultra focus on building a business that would allow him to properly care for his family meets a charming butterfly of a woman. As he de-stresses and discovers again the joy of life he relearn show to truly live.
But can that whimsy survive in the real world?
Buy the book. Enjoy the story.
What a sweet read. This soft love story gladdened my heart tremendously. A workaholic man manipulated into taking time off to restore the whimsical aspects of himself that he had lost with his ultra focus on building a business that would allow him to properly care for his family meets a charming butterfly of a woman. As he de-stresses and discovers again the joy of life he relearn show to truly live.
But can that whimsy survive in the real world?
Buy the book. Enjoy the story.
August 5, 2019
Torn between 3.5 and 4 stars
This was a really sweet story, & I especially enjoyed the vicarious vacation feel to it. I liked Elise & Merit as individual characters and as a couple.
It just felt like it was missing something, though I'm having a hard time defining it. Almost like it was checking off a list of requirements - and doing so really well - but didn't quite have enough depth, didn't quite succeed in feeling real.
At any rate, it was still quite fun & romantic, and was a great beach read!
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
This was a really sweet story, & I especially enjoyed the vicarious vacation feel to it. I liked Elise & Merit as individual characters and as a couple.
It just felt like it was missing something, though I'm having a hard time defining it. Almost like it was checking off a list of requirements - and doing so really well - but didn't quite have enough depth, didn't quite succeed in feeling real.
At any rate, it was still quite fun & romantic, and was a great beach read!
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
December 5, 2019
Merit is been focused in work for the past six years. He wants to be able to provide for his family and he works hard for it since he was eleven years old. When his friend and business partner Graham force him to a four weeks vacation to try relax he is not convinced that the can get through it. When he meets Elise, his personal fun coach, they feel an instant attraction. Can they have a future even if she can’t date guest and she made a promise to he recibido mother that she rather not break? A sweet love story.
November 14, 2021
Love this romantic story and the beach environment just really complimented the plot. Elise is great and has the perfect personality for her career with realistic goals and ambition. Merit is all business and no fun, way overdue for some relaxation as a reminder that life isn't all about work. Love how they very seamlessly connect, build a friendship and are so supportive. Love and happiness abound. (I was just at Myrtle Beach a few weeks ago and it is a great beach to visit, this had me reminiscing.)
June 7, 2023
Not only does this story make you fall in love with the characters, you also fall in love with the area. You will finish this book with a sense of adventure and wanderlust, I know I'm already dreaming of ideas for my next vacation. The scenery is beautiful, the characters are fantastic, and the cuteness is just unbelievable adorable. I was melting so much and loved how loyal they both were to themselves, their companies, and their families. I definitely was tearing up a few times and the ending caused so many adorable happy ending tears. You won't want to miss this beautiful 5 star read.
July 10, 2021
This is a fun contemporary romance in a to die for setting. Merit's life is nothing but work and is sent on a forced vacation to help him find the fun side of him again. Elise is the activity director hired to assist him in the quest. I loved all the activities and adventures they went on and observing the chemistry develop. They both had reasons to remain just friends and challenges to work through as their relationship became more. A great summer beach read!
June 16, 2022
It's a very good story. Elise Stevens is the activities director for The Royal Palm Resort. Through the resort she's been hired to break Merit Casselman's addiction to work. Everything is going well until feelings begin to form between the pair. Inevitably, the relationship hits a rough patch. A few tears later the story comes to a satisfying conclusion.
Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Tear-jerker. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Tear-jerker. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
June 3, 2019
From Sea to Mountains Above
Oh I am in love with the characters, the scenery, and the total loving ambiance of this book. I felt alive and content all at once. Merit and Elise were favorites from the beginning. They made me just swoon with their connection together and with the people they were friends with and would become friends with. Love this author!
Oh I am in love with the characters, the scenery, and the total loving ambiance of this book. I felt alive and content all at once. Merit and Elise were favorites from the beginning. They made me just swoon with their connection together and with the people they were friends with and would become friends with. Love this author!
January 30, 2020
I want to go to the Royal Palm resort. And to Nestled Hollow. Please? This could easily be made into a Hallmark movie. Cute clean romance to take you away for a few hours. Would be a great beach read. Or a read for a quiet evening at home.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
February 17, 2020
Loved Elise and Merit's story! There was quite a bit Elise needed to remind Merit of, and she did it in a great way! The main thing he needed to learn was that work is NOT the most important thing! Elise also had to learn a few things, and it took her a little longer. Once they both figured things out, it was time for their HEA.
April 30, 2020
This was a wonderful and sweet, beachy romance. I loved the little tie in to Nestled Hollow. These characters were great and I really liked watching Merit let life back into his life. I enjoyed reading through all of their activities too. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 19, 2023
This was such a fun, heartwarming story! And with the added bonus of great little nuggets of wisdom.
Merit and Elise are so good together and complement each other so beautifully...*swoon*
It really is a must read! Highly recommend!
Trigger warning: parent loss, cancer
I willingly received an ARC for The Royal Palm Resort boxset in exchange for my honest opinion.
Merit and Elise are so good together and complement each other so beautifully...*swoon*
It really is a must read! Highly recommend!
Trigger warning: parent loss, cancer
I willingly received an ARC for The Royal Palm Resort boxset in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 29, 2019
I have throughly enjoyed reading Meg’s books. I think I want to visit this resort! I enjoyed the romance and it didn’t always go where I expected it to. I didn’t want to put it down at times. Now to read the other two!
May 30, 2019
Beautiful Endearing And Unexpected Love Story
This is a very special and heartwarming love story with endearing and memorable characters that will definitely steal your and with a lot of meaningful moments too as they journey towards unconditional love and understanding.
This is a very special and heartwarming love story with endearing and memorable characters that will definitely steal your and with a lot of meaningful moments too as they journey towards unconditional love and understanding.
June 18, 2019
I could only wish that someone was as concerned for me as Graham was for Merit. Elise is the perfect resort activities director. I enjoyed the interaction between the three of them. Meg Easton gives us a story of romance, fun, friendship, loyalty and entertainment.
September 9, 2021
Brilliant
This is a lovely romance. Elise is entrusted with ensuring Merit relaxes on his vacation and learns to remember to have fun in his life. Well worth reading. The author has the knack of making you feel right there in the resort and part of the story.
This is a lovely romance. Elise is entrusted with ensuring Merit relaxes on his vacation and learns to remember to have fun in his life. Well worth reading. The author has the knack of making you feel right there in the resort and part of the story.
September 23, 2021
Hard to put down
This book and it’s sweet romance pulls you in from the beginning. It is a book that is so hard to put down and keeps the reader engaged and excited to turn the next page.
This book and it’s sweet romance pulls you in from the beginning. It is a book that is so hard to put down and keeps the reader engaged and excited to turn the next page.
January 12, 2023
Elise and Merit are adorable. The location makes me want to book a trip to the beaches of North Carolina and overall this is a feel-good, super sweet, light read that kicks off my August beach reads perfectly.
November 15, 2025
Elise and Merit both have issues that keep them hard at work. Her job at the resort and his business partner's insistence for Merit to relearn to relax have their lives come together.
This was such a sweet story. I loved it!
This was such a sweet story. I loved it!
June 7, 2019
I love fun clean romance reads.
Meg Easton writes wonderful stories that you just fall into the story along with the characters.
The plot was well written and entertaining to read.
Meg Easton writes wonderful stories that you just fall into the story along with the characters.
The plot was well written and entertaining to read.
June 20, 2019
Excellent
nothing better than a sweet clean beach read! He's a workaholic and she's an activities director for a beach resort. Her goal is to get him to have fun.
nothing better than a sweet clean beach read! He's a workaholic and she's an activities director for a beach resort. Her goal is to get him to have fun.
August 9, 2019
A Kiss at Midsummer
A clean romance. Enjoyed seeing the couple fall in love and how they respected each other during their relationship. Highly recommend.
A clean romance. Enjoyed seeing the couple fall in love and how they respected each other during their relationship. Highly recommend.
October 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Money and activity do not equal happiness or contentment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews