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Wild Harbor Beach #3
Christmas Wishes in Wild Harbor
Finding love is the last thing on her wish list.
When Mila Sutton returns to Wild Harbor for the holidays, there’s no way she’s falling in love. She has a struggling wedding shop to save and a heart that’s been burned before.
But when her matchmaking grandmother offers her a loan in exchange for Mila finding a date over the holidays, she can’t refuse.
Now Mila is looking for a fake date with no strings attached—the type of man who will fulfill two requirements to pull off the charade: all fun and no romance.
Because no matter what happens while she’s home, she’s definitely not falling in love.
Enter Max Malone, the perfect pretend boyfriend. Everyone in Wild Harbor wants to fix him up, but the last thing he’s interested in is being tied down.
Together, Max and Mila concoct the perfect plan for their fake dating scheme. A pretend relationship that ends when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve and Mila leaves for good.
But what happens when Max breaks the no romance agreement and starts to have feelings for Mila?
Can their relationship be something more than a charade? Or will time run out before Max can convince Mila that his love is real?
This clean contemporary romance combines small town charm with fake dating hilarity to give you a feel-good love story with a charming happily ever after.
The Wild Harbor Beach Books are standalone clean romances with interconnecting characters. They can be read in any order, but you'll enjoy reading them as a series!
Curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and fall in love with Christmas Wishes in Wild Harbor.
When Mila Sutton returns to Wild Harbor for the holidays, there’s no way she’s falling in love. She has a struggling wedding shop to save and a heart that’s been burned before.
But when her matchmaking grandmother offers her a loan in exchange for Mila finding a date over the holidays, she can’t refuse.
Now Mila is looking for a fake date with no strings attached—the type of man who will fulfill two requirements to pull off the charade: all fun and no romance.
Because no matter what happens while she’s home, she’s definitely not falling in love.
Enter Max Malone, the perfect pretend boyfriend. Everyone in Wild Harbor wants to fix him up, but the last thing he’s interested in is being tied down.
Together, Max and Mila concoct the perfect plan for their fake dating scheme. A pretend relationship that ends when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve and Mila leaves for good.
But what happens when Max breaks the no romance agreement and starts to have feelings for Mila?
Can their relationship be something more than a charade? Or will time run out before Max can convince Mila that his love is real?
This clean contemporary romance combines small town charm with fake dating hilarity to give you a feel-good love story with a charming happily ever after.
The Wild Harbor Beach Books are standalone clean romances with interconnecting characters. They can be read in any order, but you'll enjoy reading them as a series!
Curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and fall in love with Christmas Wishes in Wild Harbor.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2021
476 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Grace Worthington
23 books435 followersGrace Worthington is a three-time award-winning author who lives and breathes sweet closed door romcoms.
A former musical theatre gal and playwright, she brings that same energy, heart, and comedic timing to her stories, crafting witty banter and lovable characters you can’t help but root for.
She holds a master’s degree in psychology and human development and has also completed graduate studies in creative writing. Her inspiration comes from charming coastal towns and classic romcoms from the ’80s and ’90s.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids.
A former musical theatre gal and playwright, she brings that same energy, heart, and comedic timing to her stories, crafting witty banter and lovable characters you can’t help but root for.
She holds a master’s degree in psychology and human development and has also completed graduate studies in creative writing. Her inspiration comes from charming coastal towns and classic romcoms from the ’80s and ’90s.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 9, 2024
Clean read. Contemporary Christmas romance. Tale of forgiveness and second chance for true love. Third in a series but can be read as a stand alone.
December 2, 2021
I enjoyed reading this latest book in the Wild Harbor Beach series, although I still like the first book in the series the best. Although Mila was very insecure for what I like to see in a female main character, I thought her love interest, Max, was a real sweetheart. Honestly, as much as Mila continued to push him away throughout the story, it’s amazing that he was still so crazy about her, and continued to forgive her.
I also had a hard time understanding why it was so difficult for Max to get the point across to Lexy that he wasn’t interested in her, and I especially had a hard time understanding Grams’ actions at the wedding reception, to tell Max something that was supposed to have been a deal made with Mila in confidence. Maybe that was inserted into the story to add drama, but it definitely brought Grams down in my estimation. At least the book ended on a happy note; after all, that’s why I love to read sweet romances. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author, and have given my honest and voluntary opinion.
I also had a hard time understanding why it was so difficult for Max to get the point across to Lexy that he wasn’t interested in her, and I especially had a hard time understanding Grams’ actions at the wedding reception, to tell Max something that was supposed to have been a deal made with Mila in confidence. Maybe that was inserted into the story to add drama, but it definitely brought Grams down in my estimation. At least the book ended on a happy note; after all, that’s why I love to read sweet romances. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author, and have given my honest and voluntary opinion.
December 21, 2023
Beautiful Mila goes home for the holidays, and hits the most eligible bachelor in town with her car as he bicycles to his coffee shop. Immediate infatuation ensues.
A quick, easy read, not much character development. Lots of Christmas, lots of coffee.
Some examples of odd phrasing that kind of bugged me:
“Her heart was bouncing around in her chest like a pinball game. …” The game doesn’t bounce around, only the pinball does.
“He threw his head back and chuckled. …” A head toss suggests something much more than a little chuckle!
“Max pinwheeled across the apartment, …” I still can’t figure out what that means.
“Relief drained from his body. …” That sounds bad, like he’s losing relief, but that doesn’t fit the context.
The excessive familiarity on a first date shortly after the first meeting doesn’t feel in character. - Max wipes whipped cream off Mila’s lip with his thumb. Mila snuggles into Max’s side.
After the first kiss, when Max took Mila to his apartment to ice her skating injury, they go to cut down a Christmas tree and “…[Max] wanted to kiss [Mila], but there was no way he was going to take a chance with her dad around. …” It makes him sound so deceitful.
Contains: Premarital kissing
A quick, easy read, not much character development. Lots of Christmas, lots of coffee.
Some examples of odd phrasing that kind of bugged me:
“Her heart was bouncing around in her chest like a pinball game. …” The game doesn’t bounce around, only the pinball does.
“He threw his head back and chuckled. …” A head toss suggests something much more than a little chuckle!
“Max pinwheeled across the apartment, …” I still can’t figure out what that means.
“Relief drained from his body. …” That sounds bad, like he’s losing relief, but that doesn’t fit the context.
The excessive familiarity on a first date shortly after the first meeting doesn’t feel in character. - Max wipes whipped cream off Mila’s lip with his thumb. Mila snuggles into Max’s side.
After the first kiss, when Max took Mila to his apartment to ice her skating injury, they go to cut down a Christmas tree and “…[Max] wanted to kiss [Mila], but there was no way he was going to take a chance with her dad around. …” It makes him sound so deceitful.
Contains: Premarital kissing
November 21, 2022
Make Nelieve Dates
Mola had been left at the altar in Wild Harbor, MI. She took her wedding dress shop & moved it to Chicago. Coming home for a lengthy stay at Christmas, she accidentally hit a man, Max, on his bicycle. Luckily, he was not injured. He decides immediately to ask her to pretend to be his date for an event. She had come home after her grandmother bribed her with money to cover her bills & the salary for the gal who would cover the shop while Mila is away as long as Mila brings a date to a family wedding. After Mila & Max spend many times together, the “excuse” dating is no longer a disinterested date for both of them. After Mila was hurt so badly, she doesn’t trust any man! What happens? Read this easy, enjoyable book!
Mola had been left at the altar in Wild Harbor, MI. She took her wedding dress shop & moved it to Chicago. Coming home for a lengthy stay at Christmas, she accidentally hit a man, Max, on his bicycle. Luckily, he was not injured. He decides immediately to ask her to pretend to be his date for an event. She had come home after her grandmother bribed her with money to cover her bills & the salary for the gal who would cover the shop while Mila is away as long as Mila brings a date to a family wedding. After Mila & Max spend many times together, the “excuse” dating is no longer a disinterested date for both of them. After Mila was hurt so badly, she doesn’t trust any man! What happens? Read this easy, enjoyable book!
January 5, 2024
Second chance at love
Mila's former boyfriend left her at the altar. She kept the wedding dress. She had a difficult time thinking she was a failure in the love department.
Her family was trying to get Mila to spend more time with them at Christmas. Mila ran a bridal shop in Chicago. Mila's assistant told Mila she needed a break and offered to run the shop while Mila was gone.
Mila had forgotten how much she missed her childhood home. It was so good to be back. While driving, she avoided traffic by taking a side street. She did not see the bicycle driver until too late and hit him.
Little did Mila know, but this encounter led to true romance. Mila needed to conquer her fears, and Max was the one to do that.
This was a sweet read.
Mila's former boyfriend left her at the altar. She kept the wedding dress. She had a difficult time thinking she was a failure in the love department.
Her family was trying to get Mila to spend more time with them at Christmas. Mila ran a bridal shop in Chicago. Mila's assistant told Mila she needed a break and offered to run the shop while Mila was gone.
Mila had forgotten how much she missed her childhood home. It was so good to be back. While driving, she avoided traffic by taking a side street. She did not see the bicycle driver until too late and hit him.
Little did Mila know, but this encounter led to true romance. Mila needed to conquer her fears, and Max was the one to do that.
This was a sweet read.
April 11, 2023
Wow Mila met Max when her car hit his bike with him on it!
Mila Sutton was born and raised in Wild Harbor. She left town because her wedding ended on her wedding day with the church full of family and friends. Her Bridal Shop in Chicago is not going well enough to keep the bills paid after being robbed by a worker. Max Malone is doing great with his coffee shop and getting things going in winter season. Wild Harbor is doing things outdoors with Max getting things done. Mila wants her hometown like it was growing up. But people like it with business growing and moving to stay. Max and Mila help each other but feeling starts getting stronger for each other. Great read😊😁
Mila Sutton was born and raised in Wild Harbor. She left town because her wedding ended on her wedding day with the church full of family and friends. Her Bridal Shop in Chicago is not going well enough to keep the bills paid after being robbed by a worker. Max Malone is doing great with his coffee shop and getting things going in winter season. Wild Harbor is doing things outdoors with Max getting things done. Mila wants her hometown like it was growing up. But people like it with business growing and moving to stay. Max and Mila help each other but feeling starts getting stronger for each other. Great read😊😁
January 7, 2025
2.5⭐️
Once burnt, twice shy.
Mila and Max have both been burnt in previous relationships and both are still carrying the baggage of past hurts.
While Mila is a professional , independent business owner, she comes across as immature and incredibly insecure.
Max is a golden retriever and very naive. Can he not see his interactions with Lexy are creating huge issues in his hopeful relationship with Mila?! Wake up dude!!
Unfortunately, the miscommunication, (aka no communication) and third act plus break up were too frustrating for me.
A slow burn romance with a sprinkling of Christmas.
Once burnt, twice shy.
Mila and Max have both been burnt in previous relationships and both are still carrying the baggage of past hurts.
While Mila is a professional , independent business owner, she comes across as immature and incredibly insecure.
Max is a golden retriever and very naive. Can he not see his interactions with Lexy are creating huge issues in his hopeful relationship with Mila?! Wake up dude!!
Unfortunately, the miscommunication, (aka no communication) and third act plus break up were too frustrating for me.
A slow burn romance with a sprinkling of Christmas.
Read
December 31, 2023What better way to fall in love than to hit a guy with your car in the dark of night?
While the characters had believable baggage that would make them not want to commit, I have to admit I struggled with the sheer amount of times the FMC saw the MMC character with another woman and jumped to conclusions. This wasn't a hit for me; however, if you like the fake dating trope, at Christmas time, in a small coastal town, this might just be a hit for you. Add in a jilted bride who also runs a wedding dress shop, and a barista determined to reinvigorate the town, and you may well be in heaven.
While the characters had believable baggage that would make them not want to commit, I have to admit I struggled with the sheer amount of times the FMC saw the MMC character with another woman and jumped to conclusions. This wasn't a hit for me; however, if you like the fake dating trope, at Christmas time, in a small coastal town, this might just be a hit for you. Add in a jilted bride who also runs a wedding dress shop, and a barista determined to reinvigorate the town, and you may well be in heaven.
January 18, 2025
Christmas in Wild Harbor for Mila and Max is about family and connecting with the local town of Wild Harbor. Mila is from Wild Harbor and is home for the holidays and her friend's wedding. Max is trying to make a life for himself in Wild Harbor, running a coffee shop and trying to help revive Wild Harbor into a place people want to live in. Mila and Max aren't looking for relationships they just don't want to be alone during the holidays, so they start fake dating. Then, they find that they both like each other and can build each other up in their hardships from their past. This fake dating out of convenience leads to a true love relationship. This was a great, sweet romance with some Hallmark flair.
December 7, 2021
What a way to meet a man - hit him with your car! No, he wasn’t hurt. And so the story begins. Both Mila and Max have some issues in their past that are keeping them from moving forward. It seems that maybe their “fake date” agreement is just what they both needed! A wonderful story!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
June 22, 2024
This is a good cozy romance. Mila and Max meet when she returns to Wild Harbour for Christmas after accepting help from her grandmother with bills. She had to have a date for her friends wedding to get her financial help. She nearly runs Max over when she gets there and that is the start of their rocky romance. Both are getting over heartbreak and Max has family issues. Highly recommended reading.
December 9, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The plot, although ultimately very predictable, contained enough twists to make the reader wonder. The book reminded me of a Nero Wolfe mystery in the regard that you knew the two lead characters were going to get together in the end (much like you know Nero Wolfe would determine who the murderer was!!), you just couldn't quite figure out how they were going to do it. Good fast read.
December 6, 2021
This is a fun, sweet story about taking chances and learning to trust. Mila never got over getting dumped on her wedding day so when she meets Max she has a hard time trusting that he won't do the same thing to her. I enjoyed the characters in this story they are all interesting with a story of their own.
December 22, 2023
Everything about this book felt forced, the conversation was stilted and I felt zero chemistry between Mila and Max. And I get that being in town at Christmas was hard for Mila, but she gave me whiplash with her hot and cold moments and taking out her insecurities on Max. I should have DNF'd it but I slogged through hoping it would get better, hint...it didn't.
December 22, 2023
**SPOILERS** This was just an exhausting read about a whiny girl who couldn't believe the guy actually liked her. I swear - the whole book was about her fear of a relationship when he was trying his best to show her he cared. i seriously don't believe people act like this in real life. There was not much 'Christmas' in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2023
If you’re looking for a sweet Christmas love story, this works. It’s probably a 3.5 since it’s pretty predictable, but still a fun read about Mila, left at the altar on her wedding day a year or two ago, and Max, a handsome newcomer to Wild Harbor who has opened a coffee shop and is working to help renovate & upgrade the town
January 2, 2024
Clean Romance
A clean romance story with some true situations. The bridal shop owner, Mila, had been scorned once and was not sure if she should dare again. Then she met Max and every thought started to change. Follow Mila and Mac to see if they can begin to find the forever lasting love.
MG
A clean romance story with some true situations. The bridal shop owner, Mila, had been scorned once and was not sure if she should dare again. Then she met Max and every thought started to change. Follow Mila and Mac to see if they can begin to find the forever lasting love.
MG
January 14, 2024
fantastic
I really enjoy this author! Grace is so special as she brings real life experiences to her characters! When I read, I feel like I know them and enjoy myself while being with them. Also, I really appreciate a good clean book , it makes for good reading! Looking forward to more books from this author!
I really enjoy this author! Grace is so special as she brings real life experiences to her characters! When I read, I feel like I know them and enjoy myself while being with them. Also, I really appreciate a good clean book , it makes for good reading! Looking forward to more books from this author!
December 8, 2021
Really enjoyable Christmas story. Mila and Max both have issues from their pasts they have to overcome. Well written characters that tug on your emotions. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
September 18, 2022
I really liked the first two books in this series, but Mila was hard to like. She was unrelatable and I'm disappointed that someone in her family and friends didn't encourage her to get counseling after the horrible thing that happened to her. We're all broken, but Mila is more stuck than what's enjoyable to read in this genre. I loved Max, but instead of feeling warm and happy, I found myself shaking my head at Mila's immature comments during the last several chapters of the book.
Four stars for the Christmas setting, the town of Wild Harbor, and Max.
Four stars for the Christmas setting, the town of Wild Harbor, and Max.
December 7, 2022
Finding love unexpectedly
I enjoyed reading this sweet romance between two people who have experienced hurt in past relationships. Once they overcome their past failures and see new possibilities, they still face new obstacles they must conquer before they can be a couple.
I enjoyed reading this sweet romance between two people who have experienced hurt in past relationships. Once they overcome their past failures and see new possibilities, they still face new obstacles they must conquer before they can be a couple.
March 14, 2023
Hard to put it down
From the first line to to last punctuation...all great characters are incredibly well defined and the story flows with great description. You can visualize everything!
From the first line to to last punctuation...all great characters are incredibly well defined and the story flows with great description. You can visualize everything!
March 28, 2023
Loved it!!
I LOVE to read series books!
To get to know the characters and see their lives intertwined with friends, that we get to meet.
Communication is needed always and it was very evident in this story!
❤️❤️
I LOVE to read series books!
To get to know the characters and see their lives intertwined with friends, that we get to meet.
Communication is needed always and it was very evident in this story!
❤️❤️
November 21, 2023
Stood up
Interestingly characters and well handled. Misunderstandings and distrust take a while to sort out but works if you're persistent. Learning to trust again doesn't come easy.
Interestingly characters and well handled. Misunderstandings and distrust take a while to sort out but works if you're persistent. Learning to trust again doesn't come easy.
December 22, 2023
A fun easy read. The back and forth between Max and Mila was funny because each had been burned and wanted nothing to do with love. But they are attracted to each other. First they must forgive but oh how sweet it is when they let down their walls and do it for the sake of their relationship.
December 1, 2021
Great Christmas story!
I loved the romance but my favorite part was Mila's grandmother! She was so fun and knew just what to do and say. Fun story!
I loved the romance but my favorite part was Mila's grandmother! She was so fun and knew just what to do and say. Fun story!
December 8, 2021
I loved the characters and the setting of this book. This sweet romance and charming town give the reader a needed escape from our typical fast paced lives.
January 30, 2022
Christmas Wishes inWildHharbor
This is the third book in this series and it is a good story and another couple finds love and happiness
This is the third book in this series and it is a good story and another couple finds love and happiness
Read
June 21, 2022Christmas Wishes
A heartwarming love story that you won't be able to put down!
Christmas wishes really do come true in Wild Harbor!
A heartwarming love story that you won't be able to put down!
Christmas wishes really do come true in Wild Harbor!
July 12, 2022
like a hallmark movie
Cute story! Simple, predictable like a warm hallmark love story. Easy to read and enjoy! I have enjoyed all Wild Harbor stories so far!
Cute story! Simple, predictable like a warm hallmark love story. Easy to read and enjoy! I have enjoyed all Wild Harbor stories so far!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews