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Hazel Island #0.5
One Perfect Summer
It’s just a summer fling…right?
Practical and reliable, Bekah Matthews is tired of her good-girl image. After her boyfriend dumps her, she decides to throw caution to the wind.
So what better way to let her hair down than to have a no-strings-attached fling while living on the paradise that is Hazel Island?
Enter: Elliot Parker and Bekah’s high school crush.
Luckily for Bekah, Elliot is just as dreamy as he was a decade ago, and he’s not looking for commitment.
This playboy isn’t about to turn down a gorgeous woman like Bekah for some steamy loving, either.
Yet with their hearts now on the line, can this fling turn into a love for all seasons?
Practical and reliable, Bekah Matthews is tired of her good-girl image. After her boyfriend dumps her, she decides to throw caution to the wind.
So what better way to let her hair down than to have a no-strings-attached fling while living on the paradise that is Hazel Island?
Enter: Elliot Parker and Bekah’s high school crush.
Luckily for Bekah, Elliot is just as dreamy as he was a decade ago, and he’s not looking for commitment.
This playboy isn’t about to turn down a gorgeous woman like Bekah for some steamy loving, either.
Yet with their hearts now on the line, can this fling turn into a love for all seasons?
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2021
289 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Iris Morland
38 books1,090 followersA coffee addict and cat lover, USA Today bestselling author Iris Morland writes sparkling, swoon-worthy romances, including the Flower Shop Sisters and the Love Everlasting series.
If she's not reading or writing, she enjoys binging on Netflix shows and cooking something delicious.
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If she's not reading or writing, she enjoys binging on Netflix shows and cooking something delicious.
Sign up for my newsletter to stay up-to-date with new releases, sales, and exclusive giveaways!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 9, 2022
No one has ever bought me an apology-boat before.
May 20, 2022
fun novella
I really enjoyed this and wish it was full length. The characters were great and I liked reading their story.
I really enjoyed this and wish it was full length. The characters were great and I liked reading their story.
September 4, 2021
Bekah and Elliot's Summer Fling . . .
Once again, the guy dumps the girl, and she is the one having insecurities and lacking confidence in herself. And Sam has the nerve to tell Bekah she wasn’t marriage material anyway! When he handed her a goodbye gift with a receipt dated a year ago, that was the final straw and Bekah left the restaurant. As she walked home in shock, she found herself instead on the beach and heard a commotion. A man had a pelican in his arms and it seemed to be stuck in a fishing net. He was trying to help it, so she joined him. She was finishing her doctorate as marine biologist and had freed birds caught in nets many times. She gave him instructions as she worked on cutting the netting. She recognized Elliot Parker immediately from high school 8 years ago. She had a crush on him back then, but she wasn’t the tall leggy blonde type he usually dated. So when he tried to introduce himself, she told him she knew him already and walked away.
Elliot was helping his sister get an old house fixed up as a B&B. He was painting the walls sea foam green which reminded him of the woman he met on the beach two days ago. Her eyes were that color. But she never told him her name. His sister noticed him being distracted lately and asked why. When he wouldn’t say, she guessed it was a woman. Then she told him she would pry until he told her, so … he described her and Gwen immediately told him that was Bekah Matthews. She was very different now. Back then she had the goth look, dyed her hair black and wore heavy black eyeliner. She was actually very attractive now.
Bekah was visiting her friend Jocelyn. Two weeks later and Bekah was still insulted that Elliot hadn’t recognized her, until Jocelyn showed her the yearbook. Even she wouldn’t have recognized Bekah now. So Jocelyn recommended a fling. Bekah needed to just have fun. They made a list of possible men and Bekah went to the bar to find Jack Benson, a fisherman. The man hardly talked and her flirting wasn’t having an effect so she left. Standing outside, she let out a disappointed sigh and a male voice commented. He said when his sister sighed that way, she was asking for someone to question what was wrong. He teased her and asked her to walk to the beach… because he wanted to get to know her better! He didn’t want commitment, but he wouldn’t mind dating her. She was ambitious, went after what she wanted, and he admired that. He was nothing at all like Sam; he was just what she needed. He challenged her to admit she was attracted to him. And as she called him arrogant and presumptuous, he kissed her and that sealed the deal for both of them! The burning question was: Would they both be able to walk away when summer ended? Was this really only lust when that electric current raced through them as they touched?
Once again, the guy dumps the girl, and she is the one having insecurities and lacking confidence in herself. And Sam has the nerve to tell Bekah she wasn’t marriage material anyway! When he handed her a goodbye gift with a receipt dated a year ago, that was the final straw and Bekah left the restaurant. As she walked home in shock, she found herself instead on the beach and heard a commotion. A man had a pelican in his arms and it seemed to be stuck in a fishing net. He was trying to help it, so she joined him. She was finishing her doctorate as marine biologist and had freed birds caught in nets many times. She gave him instructions as she worked on cutting the netting. She recognized Elliot Parker immediately from high school 8 years ago. She had a crush on him back then, but she wasn’t the tall leggy blonde type he usually dated. So when he tried to introduce himself, she told him she knew him already and walked away.
Elliot was helping his sister get an old house fixed up as a B&B. He was painting the walls sea foam green which reminded him of the woman he met on the beach two days ago. Her eyes were that color. But she never told him her name. His sister noticed him being distracted lately and asked why. When he wouldn’t say, she guessed it was a woman. Then she told him she would pry until he told her, so … he described her and Gwen immediately told him that was Bekah Matthews. She was very different now. Back then she had the goth look, dyed her hair black and wore heavy black eyeliner. She was actually very attractive now.
Bekah was visiting her friend Jocelyn. Two weeks later and Bekah was still insulted that Elliot hadn’t recognized her, until Jocelyn showed her the yearbook. Even she wouldn’t have recognized Bekah now. So Jocelyn recommended a fling. Bekah needed to just have fun. They made a list of possible men and Bekah went to the bar to find Jack Benson, a fisherman. The man hardly talked and her flirting wasn’t having an effect so she left. Standing outside, she let out a disappointed sigh and a male voice commented. He said when his sister sighed that way, she was asking for someone to question what was wrong. He teased her and asked her to walk to the beach… because he wanted to get to know her better! He didn’t want commitment, but he wouldn’t mind dating her. She was ambitious, went after what she wanted, and he admired that. He was nothing at all like Sam; he was just what she needed. He challenged her to admit she was attracted to him. And as she called him arrogant and presumptuous, he kissed her and that sealed the deal for both of them! The burning question was: Would they both be able to walk away when summer ended? Was this really only lust when that electric current raced through them as they touched?
August 30, 2021
Good start to anew series. I loved Bekah and how quirky she was. I hated that she didn’t have a lot of confidence in her self where men were concerned. Sam sounded like he was so good looking, but didn’t want commitment and liked Barbie looking women. I was glad he took a chance on Bekah to get to know her. I can’t wait for the next book. I encourage you to read the book.
September 4, 2021
The prequel to the Hazel Island series a very short well written story that held my interest throughout. Bekah Matthews and Elliot Parker will have their ups and downs especially a scull that comes up, on their way to their happy ending. The story was well worth reading. I want to read Jack Benson's story.
September 8, 2021
This was cute but it didn’t really grabbed me like her other books, it was sweet and easy to read and finding out it was a novella at the end of the book makes me change my rating. I’m excited for this next series!
September 19, 2021
Bekah and Elliot story was so cute. I just couldn't get enough of these two. I can't wait to go back to this series. 💜💙
September 19, 2021
Bekah and Elliot were absolutely amazing! I loved these two together! They were definitely so fun! Can’t wait to continue more of this series! It’s going to be good! 💙
October 16, 2021
This was a cute little novella to start off the series. Bekah and Elliot knew each other in high school. Years later they run into each other but she looks so different. He actually didn't know who she was at first. However, they started spending the summer together and of course they fall in love. This novella also happens to set up the next couple for the series.
October 21, 2021
Nice but why ruin it at the end?
This is a sweet steamy story. I loved the characters and was set to give it a high rating.
But I hate the damsel in distress trope, and I really hate putting characters in almost death situations in order to get them to "realise what's important" blah blah.
A pity , it was going so well....
Standalone. 3rd person dual pov. No violence. Steamy.
This is a sweet steamy story. I loved the characters and was set to give it a high rating.
But I hate the damsel in distress trope, and I really hate putting characters in almost death situations in order to get them to "realise what's important" blah blah.
A pity , it was going so well....
Standalone. 3rd person dual pov. No violence. Steamy.
September 4, 2021
One Perfect Summer is a novella to start off the Hazel Island series. Bekah has just got out of a three year relationship and decides to do something wild for once - have a summer fling. Elliot might not have been her first choice, but she can’t deny their chemistry. But as summer comes to a close, can they continue to be friends, or have emotions snuck in and ruined everything?
This was a cute introduction to a new series, where you couldn’t help but want to cheer for Bekah and Elliot. We get introduced to some new characters, some of which will feature in future books, but I love that the focus is on the summer fling that has the potential to be so much more. We learn about Bekah, about how she plays things safe and loves to be in control of her future. We also learn about Elliot, who seems to have the best in life, but is slowly realizing that he lacks passion for his career and can start to see how great commitment might be. In high school, they couldn’t have been more opposite, but now, those opposites aren’t quite as pronounced, and they help draw them together. This summer fling turns from steam to friendship, but I love that they both have to decide to take a risk if they want more. I liked this book! I look forward to what this series will hold and I love the little glimpse offered into the first full length novel!
This was a cute introduction to a new series, where you couldn’t help but want to cheer for Bekah and Elliot. We get introduced to some new characters, some of which will feature in future books, but I love that the focus is on the summer fling that has the potential to be so much more. We learn about Bekah, about how she plays things safe and loves to be in control of her future. We also learn about Elliot, who seems to have the best in life, but is slowly realizing that he lacks passion for his career and can start to see how great commitment might be. In high school, they couldn’t have been more opposite, but now, those opposites aren’t quite as pronounced, and they help draw them together. This summer fling turns from steam to friendship, but I love that they both have to decide to take a risk if they want more. I liked this book! I look forward to what this series will hold and I love the little glimpse offered into the first full length novel!
October 9, 2021
Unexpected love in the summer to last a lifetime
One Perfect Summer (Hazel Island) by Iris Morland is a sweet and steamy romance and introduction to idyllic Hazel Island. Neither Elliott nor Bekah is looking for love, but it finds them anyway. Unhappy in life for different reasons, these two find comfort, fun and companionship during this one perfect summer. The only downside, their friendship/relationship seems to have an end date even though they actually live near one another. Elliott is Bekah’s high school crush which gives this couple a foundation to start with. These two start and it’s all good until it’s not. Bekah allows negative self talk and Elliott allows his familial issues to become barriers.
The plot, for a short story/novella is engaging. Getting to know Hazel Island and it’s residents while exploring Elliott and Bekah’s love brought this introductory story together very well. And the epilogue! Gwen’s story is going to be sweet, stormy and sexy no doubt!
Overall, I enjoyed my introduction to Hazel Island and really looking forward to all the love journeys ahead while also hoping for updates of Bekah and Elliott’s HEA. I’m sure there’s so much more to their story!
One Perfect Summer (Hazel Island) by Iris Morland is a sweet and steamy romance and introduction to idyllic Hazel Island. Neither Elliott nor Bekah is looking for love, but it finds them anyway. Unhappy in life for different reasons, these two find comfort, fun and companionship during this one perfect summer. The only downside, their friendship/relationship seems to have an end date even though they actually live near one another. Elliott is Bekah’s high school crush which gives this couple a foundation to start with. These two start and it’s all good until it’s not. Bekah allows negative self talk and Elliott allows his familial issues to become barriers.
The plot, for a short story/novella is engaging. Getting to know Hazel Island and it’s residents while exploring Elliott and Bekah’s love brought this introductory story together very well. And the epilogue! Gwen’s story is going to be sweet, stormy and sexy no doubt!
Overall, I enjoyed my introduction to Hazel Island and really looking forward to all the love journeys ahead while also hoping for updates of Bekah and Elliott’s HEA. I’m sure there’s so much more to their story!
December 10, 2024
Bekah has just got out of a three year relationship and decides to do something wild for once - have a summer fling.This was a cute little novella to start off the series. Bekah and Elliot knew each other in high school. Years later they run into each other but she looks so different. He actually didn't know who she was at first. However, they started spending the summer together and of course they fall in love.
We learn about Bekah, about how she plays things safe and loves to be in control of her future. We also learn about Elliot, who seems to have the best in life, but is slowly realizing that he lacks passion for his career and can start to see how great commitment might be. This summer fling turns from steam to friendship, but I love that they both have to decide to take a risk if they want more from each other. The steamy intimate moments of love , they make it beautiful and over explained it's like author is waiting for the scene to arrive so that she can decipher the whole details of it and stretch it to 4 -5 pages long and they both look forward for new ways to make this relationship a happy place for both of them.
We learn about Bekah, about how she plays things safe and loves to be in control of her future. We also learn about Elliot, who seems to have the best in life, but is slowly realizing that he lacks passion for his career and can start to see how great commitment might be. This summer fling turns from steam to friendship, but I love that they both have to decide to take a risk if they want more from each other. The steamy intimate moments of love , they make it beautiful and over explained it's like author is waiting for the scene to arrive so that she can decipher the whole details of it and stretch it to 4 -5 pages long and they both look forward for new ways to make this relationship a happy place for both of them.
May 3, 2022
Bekah is on Hazel Island finishing up her doctorate in marine biology, and hopefully getting engaged. Then her boyfriend tells her that they are done and she just isnt marriage material. Then she bumps into Elliott who is trying to free a pelican. Elliott is the boy she had a crush on in high school, but he fails to recognize her. Then they bump into each other again and Bekah decides that she is going to enjoy her summer and Elliot will fill the bill if he is willing. The two spend the summer with each other whenever they can until a fight between Elliott and his dad causes Elliott to take his anger out on Bekah. Can the two find each other again or will they lose out? Will a storm help bring them together? Can they admit to what they feel for each othre?
September 1, 2021
This was just so sweet. It’s definitely got its steamy moments, but overall, the story is precious, and adorable, and just so stinking sweet. There’s a hint of a second chance feeling to this book that left me with a big goofy smile, because those plot lines are like catnip to me. I loved Bekah and her great big brain and inability to fit in when she was in school. Elliot charmed me right away. He’s kind of goofy and tongue-tied around Bekah, which is immensely endearing. But he can also rock some of that take-charge alpha swagger. And that’s as good as catnip too. I’ve already started to fall for these characters on Hazel Island. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.
September 5, 2021
The new Hazel Island series is off to a wonderful start with One Perfect Summer. I enjoyed reading this book and couldn’t put it down with all the wonderful interactions between Bekah and Elliot. Bekah went from unrecognizable from high school when Elliot meets her on the beach while he is trying save a bird. Bekah and Elliot decide to have a summer fling with no emotional attachment and both return to their own life at the end of summer. Great setup for a heartwarming, romantic and entertaining story. This book is a wonderful read and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2021
This is a short story about marine biologist Bekah Matthews. She goes out to dinner with her boyfriend of many years thinking that he is about to propose, but he dumps her instead.
Her best friend talks her into having a no-strings-attached fling whilst she is on Hazel Island doing research on orcas.
Architect Elliot Parker, is on Hazel Island to help his sister Gwen set up a bed and breakfast. He and Bekah knew each other at high school and she had a crush on him.
Bekah runs into Elliot but she is very disappointed when he doesn't remember her.
Finally, they do get together but it is only supposed to be a casual relationship for both of them.
I enjoyed this sweet story.
Her best friend talks her into having a no-strings-attached fling whilst she is on Hazel Island doing research on orcas.
Architect Elliot Parker, is on Hazel Island to help his sister Gwen set up a bed and breakfast. He and Bekah knew each other at high school and she had a crush on him.
Bekah runs into Elliot but she is very disappointed when he doesn't remember her.
Finally, they do get together but it is only supposed to be a casual relationship for both of them.
I enjoyed this sweet story.
August 29, 2021
Enjoyable Story…
Something I know is when I finish and Iris Morland book, I seem to always have a goofy smile on my face followed by a big sigh.
This is exactly what happened with this novella for Bekah and Elliott.
Nice little story which was easy to read and slip into. The storyline was nice as were the characters. I did expect a little more with Elliott and his Dad though I have to say.
Something I know is when I finish and Iris Morland book, I seem to always have a goofy smile on my face followed by a big sigh.
This is exactly what happened with this novella for Bekah and Elliott.
Nice little story which was easy to read and slip into. The storyline was nice as were the characters. I did expect a little more with Elliott and his Dad though I have to say.
September 3, 2021
A good read.
This prequel had good characters who were relatable and felt developed, their connection and chemistry was believable and I enjoyed seeing their relationship and characters grow. I enjoyed meeting friends and family and am looking forward to reading more from this new series. I hope to see more of Bekah and Elliot as I wasn't ready for their story to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and enjoyed it so much I purchased my own copy.
This prequel had good characters who were relatable and felt developed, their connection and chemistry was believable and I enjoyed seeing their relationship and characters grow. I enjoyed meeting friends and family and am looking forward to reading more from this new series. I hope to see more of Bekah and Elliot as I wasn't ready for their story to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and enjoyed it so much I purchased my own copy.
February 9, 2022
Fun, light read
After getting dumped, Beckah feels her ambition is too much for anyone to want to stick around. Deciding to "let loose," she embarks on a no-strings-attached summer fling.
Elliot is her high school crush and still just as charming as he used to be. Who better to have a fun time with than a playboy that doesn't "do" feelings or commitment?
This was a fun short read and I really enjoyed Beckah and Elliot's story.
After getting dumped, Beckah feels her ambition is too much for anyone to want to stick around. Deciding to "let loose," she embarks on a no-strings-attached summer fling.
Elliot is her high school crush and still just as charming as he used to be. Who better to have a fun time with than a playboy that doesn't "do" feelings or commitment?
This was a fun short read and I really enjoyed Beckah and Elliot's story.
September 2, 2021
What a great start to this new series! I found the story line to be very unique and I loved all the characters. I thought that Elliott and Bekah were really great together. I enjoyed reading their story. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2021
What a great way to start the series.
Bekah is a smart woman who does not have much confidence outside of her career.
Elliot is helping his sister refurbish a house to a B&B.
Bekah and Elliot decide to have a summer fling. Neither thought that either was their type but love shows up when you least expect it.
I liked both character's in this book. Tge story flowed well
Bekah is a smart woman who does not have much confidence outside of her career.
Elliot is helping his sister refurbish a house to a B&B.
Bekah and Elliot decide to have a summer fling. Neither thought that either was their type but love shows up when you least expect it.
I liked both character's in this book. Tge story flowed well
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October 3, 2021Nice Read!
This book left some questions unanswered! Although, I do know that there is another book coming, I just wished I knew what happened when Elliot and Bekah moved back to Seattle! I do think this is an interesting story that people will enjoy, so I do encourage people to read it.
This book left some questions unanswered! Although, I do know that there is another book coming, I just wished I knew what happened when Elliot and Bekah moved back to Seattle! I do think this is an interesting story that people will enjoy, so I do encourage people to read it.
December 12, 2021
It fulfilled its purpose … it whetted my appetite for the rest of the series. It gave me Hallmark feels … both inwardly thinking the other was not fully interested & blaming it on some inner flaw - and then a nerve-wracking incident makes them realize they want to take the plunge with each other after all.
I’m glad this showed up as a freebie promo on my Facebook feed!
I’m glad this showed up as a freebie promo on my Facebook feed!
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January 16, 2022One Perfect Summer is Perfect
Iris Moreland is perfect again. Loved this story. Elliott and Bekah have started something wonderful, and you'll enjoy reading their romance. At only 98 pages, this is a quick read, which is good because you'll want to immediately jump into Forever Mine, a sweet story about ... Opps, I can't tell you!!! You'll have to read it yourself.
Iris Moreland is perfect again. Loved this story. Elliott and Bekah have started something wonderful, and you'll enjoy reading their romance. At only 98 pages, this is a quick read, which is good because you'll want to immediately jump into Forever Mine, a sweet story about ... Opps, I can't tell you!!! You'll have to read it yourself.
January 23, 2022
Great book and a good lead off to the series! I loved the characters in this book. Elliot and Bekah were a great match. I loved that she is a marine biologist studying orca pods. The setting was great. The author brought you right into the story that you just wanted to keep reading. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
February 28, 2022
The problem with throwing caution to the wind, can mean love has a chance to sneak in. Bekah takes that chance with her high school crush. Elliot is all in on a non committed fling, Thee two characters have the fire and chemistry that makes this kind of story good and sometimes emotional. This story does make a point that when it came to the most important thing, They forgot to communicate.
December 8, 2022
A short and sweet novella that introduces us to Hazel Island, 'One Perfect Summer' was just OK. While it's steamy and has some cute moments, it's also so poorly edited and there are even more eye-roll moments. Features a marine biologist character but isn't long enough for her job to feel like more than a "we're in an ocean place, what's an ocean job?!" convenient.
January 7, 2024
Loved loved loved this short novel! Its about a woman who gets dumped and meets a guy who she soon realizes was from her high school, but he doesn’t recognize her cause she’s changed so much from her emo goth high school days to this mature, no more all black wearing, marine biologists. What starts out as friends with benefits relationship, turns into much, much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2021
Good start to a new series. Enjoyed Elliott and Bekah’s characters. Looking forward to reading the next book and getting better acquainted with the other characters. Love Bekah’s enthusiasm with the orcas? I received this arc for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews