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Holiday Beach #4
Fireworks and Frenemies
Bob “Mac” Mackenzie has finally started construction on the house of his dreams. The lakeside paradise is everything he imagined, with the exception of the nightmare next door. The pretty project manager apologizes for the inconveniences her own build is causing, but the accidents keep happening.
The Holiday Beach mansion she designed was supposed to be the diamond in architect Lorelei Baker’s crown, but instead she’s wearing dirt on her face. Impossible clients are driving her to the brink, and a few initial misunderstandings with the handsome neighbor have turned every interaction into all-out war.
When Lorelei is fired after she tries to fix some of the damage the owners cause to Mac’s property, she finds herself stranded and jobless. With nothing to go home to, Holiday Beach could be the perfect place to start over on her own Independence Day. All she needs is a chance to showcase her skills—but her best shot is with her worst enemy.
The Holiday Beach mansion she designed was supposed to be the diamond in architect Lorelei Baker’s crown, but instead she’s wearing dirt on her face. Impossible clients are driving her to the brink, and a few initial misunderstandings with the handsome neighbor have turned every interaction into all-out war.
When Lorelei is fired after she tries to fix some of the damage the owners cause to Mac’s property, she finds herself stranded and jobless. With nothing to go home to, Holiday Beach could be the perfect place to start over on her own Independence Day. All she needs is a chance to showcase her skills—but her best shot is with her worst enemy.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2022
216 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Elle Rush
54 books136 followersSweet contemporary romance author with addictions to Christmas and other holidays seeks readers to share fun, heartwarming romances with. Laugh-out-loud banter, yummy recipes and a list of favourite holiday tropes on request. (Spoiler: ALL OF THEM.)
Keep up with her new releases by subscribing to her newsletter at www.ellerush.com/newsletter
Keep up with her new releases by subscribing to her newsletter at www.ellerush.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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July 1, 2025
Fireworks and Frenemies is book four in the Holiday Beach series by Elle Rush. This is my first book by this author and can easily be read as a stand alone. It’s a sweet, fun little story and I love the cover.
Lorelei “Lori” Baker has worked as a junior associate at the architecture company in Minneapolis, Minnesota for two years. When a design of hers got recognized in a well known magazine, she was named as the project manager on a new build in Holiday Beach, for a client using her design. Only, the client turned out to be a nightmare, changing the plans every other day. And the neighbor to the build had been inconvenienced time and time again.
Bob “Mac” Mackenzie was half owner along with his brother of Mackenzie Brothers Painting. They were booked solid and Mac had finally purchased the lot he wanted to build his dream home on. Things were going along great until the new nightmare of a neighbor began their own build, along with the project manager who had invaded his nightmares with everything that had gone wrong.
When the client went too far and the mishap was blamed on Lori, they fired her, not only from the project but from the company. Now with no job, she decides to enjoy a weekend vacationing in Holiday Beach. It’s such a beautiful little town. But, when Mac has a mishap on a job site, he needs Lori’s help for the next month. With no current job prospects, she decides to stay and help. Mac soon learns that Lori is not at all what he thought. She’s sweet, hard working and fun. Feelings start to grow between them but when her month is up, she’s supposed to go back to Minneapolis to keep looking for a new job.
“Now that she wasn’t driving him nuts on a daily basis, he kind of liked having her around.”
This was a sweet, fun read and perfect for a summertime read. This little town sounds so wonderful. I’m glad I decided to pick it up.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Lorelei “Lori” Baker has worked as a junior associate at the architecture company in Minneapolis, Minnesota for two years. When a design of hers got recognized in a well known magazine, she was named as the project manager on a new build in Holiday Beach, for a client using her design. Only, the client turned out to be a nightmare, changing the plans every other day. And the neighbor to the build had been inconvenienced time and time again.
Bob “Mac” Mackenzie was half owner along with his brother of Mackenzie Brothers Painting. They were booked solid and Mac had finally purchased the lot he wanted to build his dream home on. Things were going along great until the new nightmare of a neighbor began their own build, along with the project manager who had invaded his nightmares with everything that had gone wrong.
When the client went too far and the mishap was blamed on Lori, they fired her, not only from the project but from the company. Now with no job, she decides to enjoy a weekend vacationing in Holiday Beach. It’s such a beautiful little town. But, when Mac has a mishap on a job site, he needs Lori’s help for the next month. With no current job prospects, she decides to stay and help. Mac soon learns that Lori is not at all what he thought. She’s sweet, hard working and fun. Feelings start to grow between them but when her month is up, she’s supposed to go back to Minneapolis to keep looking for a new job.
“Now that she wasn’t driving him nuts on a daily basis, he kind of liked having her around.”
This was a sweet, fun read and perfect for a summertime read. This little town sounds so wonderful. I’m glad I decided to pick it up.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 7, 2025
This was a sweet, enjoyable read and I really enjoyed the setting and that it took place in the couple of months leading up to the Fourth of July. I really didn't buy into the romance, though, and I thought it could use a little more substance. But, if you are looking for a sweet, light read, this would be a good choice.
July 2, 2022
I love this town, who wouldn’t love a holiday-based town? This time around we go from Memorial Day to Independence Day as our couple start out at logger-heads, move onto a truce, then are full-blown dating over the course of the book. Lots of giggles, lots of friendships, all sorts of interesting events, and two people figuring out how to maneuver it all 😊
July 2, 2025
They seemed more like friends that like each other and not two people in love. Even with the occasional kissing.
April 16, 2023
free ebook
she was working as a architect for a lady that kept making changes to her house. her orders and supplies got mixed up with the neighbor who was building his house. he got mad thinking she was doing all the mistakes, when it really wasnt her fault
she got fired and won a weekend at the cute town so she decided to stay. the man got hit by lightening on the roof when he was painting, she helped get him down. he dislocated his shoulder so couldnt paint with his brother. she was experienced in painting so while she was looking for another architect job she agreed to paint for them for a month. she found a apt she got reduced rent in exchange for painting it
he didnt like her at first, but he found out all the problems were not caused by her. but he couldnt date someone working for him
so they agreed to a first date dinner the day she stopped working after the 30 days
they fell in love, she moved back to his town and started her own business
she was working as a architect for a lady that kept making changes to her house. her orders and supplies got mixed up with the neighbor who was building his house. he got mad thinking she was doing all the mistakes, when it really wasnt her fault
she got fired and won a weekend at the cute town so she decided to stay. the man got hit by lightening on the roof when he was painting, she helped get him down. he dislocated his shoulder so couldnt paint with his brother. she was experienced in painting so while she was looking for another architect job she agreed to paint for them for a month. she found a apt she got reduced rent in exchange for painting it
he didnt like her at first, but he found out all the problems were not caused by her. but he couldnt date someone working for him
so they agreed to a first date dinner the day she stopped working after the 30 days
they fell in love, she moved back to his town and started her own business
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2023
I want to visit this town
I read lots of romance books. So many of them have much of the same elements; you begin to wonder if they are all just dipping into the Big Bucket of Clichés.
Not this author. She’s wonderful! I wish I could visit this town. It has all the charm of a small town without the annoying characters that pop up in so many other books. There are no quirkily annoying but supposedly adorable old ladies. No obsessed matchmakers. There are no ex lovers who made the main characters unable to trust in love. No femme fatale who is determined to win him back. Yes, the heroine was raised by her grandmother, but the grandma is not the warm and squishy type with sage advice and a cat with almost human intelligence.
This book is refreshingly entertaining, with little zings of humor throughout. I noticed few, if any typos, and maybe one or two instances of “I think you might mean this word, not that word.” I can’t wait to read other books by this author.
I read lots of romance books. So many of them have much of the same elements; you begin to wonder if they are all just dipping into the Big Bucket of Clichés.
Not this author. She’s wonderful! I wish I could visit this town. It has all the charm of a small town without the annoying characters that pop up in so many other books. There are no quirkily annoying but supposedly adorable old ladies. No obsessed matchmakers. There are no ex lovers who made the main characters unable to trust in love. No femme fatale who is determined to win him back. Yes, the heroine was raised by her grandmother, but the grandma is not the warm and squishy type with sage advice and a cat with almost human intelligence.
This book is refreshingly entertaining, with little zings of humor throughout. I noticed few, if any typos, and maybe one or two instances of “I think you might mean this word, not that word.” I can’t wait to read other books by this author.
June 30, 2025
3.5 STARS - ROUNDED UP
Sweet and simple story. No villains, no suspense, just two people who started off on the wrong foot find their way.
Clean story only kisses. If you're looking for a quick read this is it. Some of the timeframes seemed off, especially celebrating the 4th.
If you want the epilogue you need to download it separately, but in doing so you're signing up for this author's newsletter. The epilogue didn't add anything worth while. I dislike with a passion doing this, but always do.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, bumpy road to HEA, some romance, standalone story. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase.
Sweet and simple story. No villains, no suspense, just two people who started off on the wrong foot find their way.
Clean story only kisses. If you're looking for a quick read this is it. Some of the timeframes seemed off, especially celebrating the 4th.
If you want the epilogue you need to download it separately, but in doing so you're signing up for this author's newsletter. The epilogue didn't add anything worth while. I dislike with a passion doing this, but always do.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, bumpy road to HEA, some romance, standalone story. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase.
September 20, 2025
3 .5 stars
This was a light romance story. Perhaps it is better marketed as women's fiction. It's about Lori finding her way in her industry and finding friendship. One of those friendships turns out to be with Mac. The change from friendship to romance is so subtle you almost miss it. That is where it falters. Even after he tells her he is in love with her, there is a point where he thinks: Even though I like Lori, I don't really know her that well. That made no sense.
I was also expecting a rom-com, but there really were just some cute moments.
All in all, it was an enjoyable book even with its flaws.
This was a light romance story. Perhaps it is better marketed as women's fiction. It's about Lori finding her way in her industry and finding friendship. One of those friendships turns out to be with Mac. The change from friendship to romance is so subtle you almost miss it. That is where it falters. Even after he tells her he is in love with her, there is a point where he thinks: Even though I like Lori, I don't really know her that well. That made no sense.
I was also expecting a rom-com, but there really were just some cute moments.
All in all, it was an enjoyable book even with its flaws.
July 20, 2022
A sweet, heartwarming story
This is the first book I've read in this series. I really need to go back and start at the beginning. Elle Rush has created a charming little small town, with the kind of people I'd like to have as neighbors. I'm looking forward to reading more about Holiday Beach.
This is the first book I've read in this series. I really need to go back and start at the beginning. Elle Rush has created a charming little small town, with the kind of people I'd like to have as neighbors. I'm looking forward to reading more about Holiday Beach.
May 13, 2023
My first read from this author and it is a fun one. Mac and Lori started as enemies when Lori was the architect for Mac’s next neighbors. After being fired from the job,
Lori came to the rescue of Mac’s painting business when Mac was injured. Sparks fly and the couple become closer. Do they have a future together? Can Lori build a business in Holiday Beach?
Lori came to the rescue of Mac’s painting business when Mac was injured. Sparks fly and the couple become closer. Do they have a future together? Can Lori build a business in Holiday Beach?
July 6, 2023
First Impressions Can be Wrong
This is a sweet story where to people learn their negative first Impressions were wrong. It is sweet to see Lori and Mac first tolerate, then like, and finally love each other. Besides their love story, there is the lesson `nothing ventured, nothing gained.' A very enjoyable read in spite of a few senrences with some tense mismatches.
This is a sweet story where to people learn their negative first Impressions were wrong. It is sweet to see Lori and Mac first tolerate, then like, and finally love each other. Besides their love story, there is the lesson `nothing ventured, nothing gained.' A very enjoyable read in spite of a few senrences with some tense mismatches.
July 1, 2025
okay
This was a ‘nice story’ that didn’t really end
, to me it feels like the last third is missing.
Even though I enjoyed the story and the characters and that it is free of bad language and any sexual or bedroom scenes, it still only ranks at 3 stars because of the way it’s (finished?).
This was a ‘nice story’ that didn’t really end
, to me it feels like the last third is missing.
Even though I enjoyed the story and the characters and that it is free of bad language and any sexual or bedroom scenes, it still only ranks at 3 stars because of the way it’s (finished?).
July 6, 2025
4.5 I have a ton of books by Elle Rush because the summaries and covers drew me in. Plus, I'm a sucker for a good holiday novel. But this is the first one I read, and I'm obsessed! Adorable, clean, engrossing... I didn't want it to end. Good thing I have several more downloaded because now I want to read everything Rush has written.
August 3, 2022
I enjoyed getting to know Mac and Lori. These are the kind of people I love being around. What started as enemies ended up being friends. They each have their quirks but they work them put. A must read for those who like romance.
Read
June 28, 2025perfect for when you want something light and easy to finish in a day or two. Even though it’s part of a series, it works well as a standalone. If you’re looking for a quick escape with just the right mix of romance and humor, this one delivers.
July 8, 2025
Sweet romance
I love reading a sweet romance. Lori and Mac are not friends when they first meet, but interesting circumstances bring them together. This is a perfect read for a summer day.
I love reading a sweet romance. Lori and Mac are not friends when they first meet, but interesting circumstances bring them together. This is a perfect read for a summer day.
July 14, 2025
Fun in a small town
The main characters were charming and fun. They took awhile to latch on to one another, but it all worked out in the end. Small towns can be deceiving but rewarding.
The main characters were charming and fun. They took awhile to latch on to one another, but it all worked out in the end. Small towns can be deceiving but rewarding.
July 31, 2025
Fireworks and frenemies
Cute story. When Lori and Mac meet, it wasn't good. But then he gets hurt and decides to hire her to work for his painting company. It was fun seeing their relationship develope into something more, a sweet and swoony story.
Cute story. When Lori and Mac meet, it wasn't good. But then he gets hurt and decides to hire her to work for his painting company. It was fun seeing their relationship develope into something more, a sweet and swoony story.
April 20, 2023
Sweet Story
I received a copy of this book.
Sweet story and characters.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a copy of this book.
Sweet story and characters.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
April 24, 2023
This was a fun read.
June 20, 2023
Super sweet.
They started off on the wrong foot, but everything was righted by the end. I love a good story where the other person surprises you and exceeds all expectations.
They started off on the wrong foot, but everything was righted by the end. I love a good story where the other person surprises you and exceeds all expectations.
July 18, 2023
Never give up
Things don't always work out like you plan, but don't make things worse by quitting. Keep putting yourself out there and see what's next.
Things don't always work out like you plan, but don't make things worse by quitting. Keep putting yourself out there and see what's next.
June 20, 2025
Sweet, a very Hallmark-like story. A quick read, and a simple romance novel. Might be a fun read for a bookclub that enjoys that kind of thing.
July 4, 2025
Cute wholesome story minus the smut & spice. I would have given 4 stars, but there were quite a few grammatical errors.
July 4, 2025
This was a cute holiday story! I really enjoyed Mac and Lori, from them being adversaries, to reluctant coworkers to friends then more. Very sweet, easy read.
July 22, 2025
Good book
I liked this book!It was simple and very easy to read and great book to take out on July 4th! Quick read
I liked this book!It was simple and very easy to read and great book to take out on July 4th! Quick read
July 30, 2025
A great couples read-aloud
Read this to may wife while she was knitting or crocheting, many times at the lake, once even at the ER! A delightful story, very engaging.
Read this to may wife while she was knitting or crocheting, many times at the lake, once even at the ER! A delightful story, very engaging.
August 16, 2025
hometown romance
Cute little story that I would recommend - read this anytime but especially around 4th of July. Sweet characters throughout
Cute little story that I would recommend - read this anytime but especially around 4th of July. Sweet characters throughout
August 20, 2025
3 star because there are some word errors in it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews