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Grand Love #2
Love is Grand
With sultry beach vibes, steel-drum music playing in the background, and the smell of coconut and money all around, welcome back to Grand Cayman Island and the Grand Escape.
A true island beauty, single mom Shell needs life to give her one tiny break. Her husband took off, leaving her to work as a waitress and a coffee delivery gal. Surrounded by wealth and extravagance in paradise, she’s doing her best to take care of her daughter.
On a whim, Shell takes a quick breather in front of the jewelry store at the posh Grand Escape. Knowing it will be love at first sight with everything in the window, she tortures herself anyway. What she doesn’t expect is to meet the man who will soon occupy all her thoughts and dreams.
In command of every situation he’s faced with, Caleb Stern is a pro at the bachelor life. He works hard, plays harder, and has no regrets about any of it. That is, until he meets a sweet and sassy single mom in the Caribbean.
Certain he can have a fun time with Shell and let her go, Cal makes secret visits to the island to see her. But falling for this island girl seems to be the one situation Cal can’t control.
Both are doing their best, playing the hand they are dealt, until Shell challenges Cal to a showdown. With a spunky kindergartner leading the charge, Shell gives Cal a chance . . . but can he steal the heart of the one woman who has mesmerized him?
A true island beauty, single mom Shell needs life to give her one tiny break. Her husband took off, leaving her to work as a waitress and a coffee delivery gal. Surrounded by wealth and extravagance in paradise, she’s doing her best to take care of her daughter.
On a whim, Shell takes a quick breather in front of the jewelry store at the posh Grand Escape. Knowing it will be love at first sight with everything in the window, she tortures herself anyway. What she doesn’t expect is to meet the man who will soon occupy all her thoughts and dreams.
In command of every situation he’s faced with, Caleb Stern is a pro at the bachelor life. He works hard, plays harder, and has no regrets about any of it. That is, until he meets a sweet and sassy single mom in the Caribbean.
Certain he can have a fun time with Shell and let her go, Cal makes secret visits to the island to see her. But falling for this island girl seems to be the one situation Cal can’t control.
Both are doing their best, playing the hand they are dealt, until Shell challenges Cal to a showdown. With a spunky kindergartner leading the charge, Shell gives Cal a chance . . . but can he steal the heart of the one woman who has mesmerized him?
- GenresContemporary
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2022
8 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Blaufeld
27 books939 followersA recent poll of her readers described Rachel Blaufeld as insightful, generous, articulate, and spunky. Originally a clinical social worker, Rachel creates broken yet redeeming characters. She’s been known to turn up the angst like cranking up the heat in the dead of winter. A devout coffee drinker and doughnut eater, Rachel spends way too many hours in local coffee shops, downing the aforementioned goodies while she plots her ideas.
As a side note, Blaufeld, also a long-time blogger and an advocate of woman-run anything, is fearless about sharing her opinion. She captured the ears of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and running a business, often at the same time. To her, work/life/family balance is an urban legend, but she does her best. Rachel has also blogged for The Huffington Post and Modern Mom. Most recently, her insights can be found in USA TODAY Happy Ever After Blog, where she shares conversations at “In Bed with a Romance Author.”
Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two beagles. When she isn’t writing, she can be found courtside, tweeting about hoops as her son plays, or walking around the house wearing earplugs while her other son, the drummer, bangs away.
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As a side note, Blaufeld, also a long-time blogger and an advocate of woman-run anything, is fearless about sharing her opinion. She captured the ears of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and running a business, often at the same time. To her, work/life/family balance is an urban legend, but she does her best. Rachel has also blogged for The Huffington Post and Modern Mom. Most recently, her insights can be found in USA TODAY Happy Ever After Blog, where she shares conversations at “In Bed with a Romance Author.”
Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two beagles. When she isn’t writing, she can be found courtside, tweeting about hoops as her son plays, or walking around the house wearing earplugs while her other son, the drummer, bangs away.
Connect here 👇🏻
Website: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com
Newsletter: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com/signup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelblaufe...
Facebook Private Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Tunne...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelblaufeld
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rache...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelblauf...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Blaufeld...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 19, 2022
4 stars
It felt so good to be back in the Grand Caymans! I was looking forward to Love is Grand ever since I read ‘Grand Escape’ as I was intrigued by both Shell and Caleb.
Caleb is a successful attorney from NYC but he’s been to Grand a lot lately due to his brother, Adam. While Cal is visiting he meets Shell. Shell is a single mom who was born and raised o the island and though they appear to have nothing in common, they have loads of chemistry.
Their relationship seems impossible as Caleb isn’t sure he is ready for anything serious, Shell has her daughter and life on the island, and of course the fact that they don’t live near each other at all. I wasn’t sure how, or even if it would work out. But the way it did made me so happy! I also loved getting some Rylan and Adam and of course, Shell’s daughter stole the show with any scene she was in.
Love is Grand is a romance that was wonderfully scenic, had a strong single momma heroine and a hero with a lot to learn. I truly enjoyed this book! Sweet, a bit angsty, with just the right amount of steam, this is one you don’t want to skip!
It felt so good to be back in the Grand Caymans! I was looking forward to Love is Grand ever since I read ‘Grand Escape’ as I was intrigued by both Shell and Caleb.
Caleb is a successful attorney from NYC but he’s been to Grand a lot lately due to his brother, Adam. While Cal is visiting he meets Shell. Shell is a single mom who was born and raised o the island and though they appear to have nothing in common, they have loads of chemistry.
Their relationship seems impossible as Caleb isn’t sure he is ready for anything serious, Shell has her daughter and life on the island, and of course the fact that they don’t live near each other at all. I wasn’t sure how, or even if it would work out. But the way it did made me so happy! I also loved getting some Rylan and Adam and of course, Shell’s daughter stole the show with any scene she was in.
Love is Grand is a romance that was wonderfully scenic, had a strong single momma heroine and a hero with a lot to learn. I truly enjoyed this book! Sweet, a bit angsty, with just the right amount of steam, this is one you don’t want to skip!
March 26, 2022
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review Love Is Grand was my first book I read by Rachel Blaufeld.. I didn't know this book was #2 in the series I still enjoyed the read I will read the first book a 4 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading
Lisa
Happy Reading
Lisa
March 29, 2022
With sultry beach vibes, steel-drum music playing in the background, and the smell of coconut and money all around, welcome back to Grand Cayman Island and the Grand Escape.
A true island beauty, single mom Shell needs life to give her one tiny break. Her husband took off, leaving her to work as a waitress and a coffee delivery gal. Surrounded by wealth and extravagance in paradise, she’s doing her best to take care of her daughter.
On a whim, Shell takes a quick breather in front of the jewelry store at the posh Grand Escape. Knowing it will be love at first sight with everything in the window, she tortures herself anyway. What she doesn’t expect is to meet the man who will soon occupy all her thoughts and dreams.
In command of every situation he’s faced with, Caleb Stern is a pro at the bachelor life. He works hard, plays harder, and has no regrets about any of it. That is, until he meets a sweet and sassy single mom in the Caribbean.
Certain he can have a fun time with Shell and let her go, Cal makes secret visits to the island to see her. But falling for this island girl seems to be the one situation Cal can’t control.
Both are doing their best, playing the hand they are dealt, until Shell challenges Cal to a showdown. With a spunky kindergartner leading the charge, Shell gives Cal a chance . . . but can he steal the heart of the one woman who has mesmerized him?
Loved Cal and Shell's story. Their journey wasn't an easy one but so worth the read. Their story was beautifully written and heartfelt. Immediately fell in love with Weezie, she was absolutely adorable.
A true island beauty, single mom Shell needs life to give her one tiny break. Her husband took off, leaving her to work as a waitress and a coffee delivery gal. Surrounded by wealth and extravagance in paradise, she’s doing her best to take care of her daughter.
On a whim, Shell takes a quick breather in front of the jewelry store at the posh Grand Escape. Knowing it will be love at first sight with everything in the window, she tortures herself anyway. What she doesn’t expect is to meet the man who will soon occupy all her thoughts and dreams.
In command of every situation he’s faced with, Caleb Stern is a pro at the bachelor life. He works hard, plays harder, and has no regrets about any of it. That is, until he meets a sweet and sassy single mom in the Caribbean.
Certain he can have a fun time with Shell and let her go, Cal makes secret visits to the island to see her. But falling for this island girl seems to be the one situation Cal can’t control.
Both are doing their best, playing the hand they are dealt, until Shell challenges Cal to a showdown. With a spunky kindergartner leading the charge, Shell gives Cal a chance . . . but can he steal the heart of the one woman who has mesmerized him?
Loved Cal and Shell's story. Their journey wasn't an easy one but so worth the read. Their story was beautifully written and heartfelt. Immediately fell in love with Weezie, she was absolutely adorable.
March 13, 2022
I’m loving this series! Shell is a single mother doing the best she can working with her dad on the Island. She has started a secret romance that she can’t seam to stop…even though she keeps coming up with reasons why it won’t work. Cal lives in New York buy keeps making trips to the Caymans. Originally it was to visit his brother,but now he can’t stop thinking about a woman named Shell. As they keep spending time together their connection grows strong and so does their insane chemistry. Can he get his act together to make a adult relationship work? Can she drop her walls down to love this man? This was a extremely enjoyable quick read. I loved the back and forth banter between these two. Between the meddling friends and family this book was very entertaining. I look forward to seeing what happens next in this series.
March 29, 2022
A-ma-zing!
Heartfelt, lighthearted with a touch of angst, this book gave me all the warm and fuzzy feels while there was a horrible storm outside!
OmG this book was so good, I read it in one sitting!!
Cal and Shell’s story is the ultimate in opposites attract stories. All the odds are stacked against them race, age, religion, economic level, countries of residence— spouses and partners and an adorable Weezie to keep them on their toes. Their differences were endless. Yet, they had a connection that was so natural and so organic I was rooting for them. This couple was everything I love in romance book couples. Sexy, passionate and honest with a lot of heart. Their chemistry was hot hot hot and their banter was so funny, sharp and on point. I couldn’t get enough of how their story developed and what happens between them.
The Grand Escape was at the epicenter of their love shack but when they step, out reality sets in and it’s not always so grand. How they felt with their challenges made their story simply delicious!
Cal and Shell were flawlessly developed and the story was so well executed and paced.
There’s so much I enjoyed about this story better you find out for yourself!
Heartfelt, lighthearted with a touch of angst, this book gave me all the warm and fuzzy feels while there was a horrible storm outside!
OmG this book was so good, I read it in one sitting!!
Cal and Shell’s story is the ultimate in opposites attract stories. All the odds are stacked against them race, age, religion, economic level, countries of residence— spouses and partners and an adorable Weezie to keep them on their toes. Their differences were endless. Yet, they had a connection that was so natural and so organic I was rooting for them. This couple was everything I love in romance book couples. Sexy, passionate and honest with a lot of heart. Their chemistry was hot hot hot and their banter was so funny, sharp and on point. I couldn’t get enough of how their story developed and what happens between them.
The Grand Escape was at the epicenter of their love shack but when they step, out reality sets in and it’s not always so grand. How they felt with their challenges made their story simply delicious!
Cal and Shell were flawlessly developed and the story was so well executed and paced.
There’s so much I enjoyed about this story better you find out for yourself!
March 14, 2022
I was excited that Shell & Cal got to tell their story! I loved going on their journey. I loved meeting them in Rylan & Adam’s story.
Shell was a single mom doing the best she could raising her daughter. The last thing she expected was to fall for Cal. I loved these characters together! Cal & Shell had great banter and chemistry. I loved watching them grow together.
I loved these characters and their world. I know I will be revisiting them soon.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Shell was a single mom doing the best she could raising her daughter. The last thing she expected was to fall for Cal. I loved these characters together! Cal & Shell had great banter and chemistry. I loved watching them grow together.
I loved these characters and their world. I know I will be revisiting them soon.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
March 30, 2022
I am loving reading this series, and it felt so brilliant to get back to this beautiful island and catch up with everyone.
Shell is a single mum raising a beautiful young daughter and doing an amazing job I should add, no thanks to her idiot ex. Luckily she has an amazing support system in her parents and her closest friends.
Along comes Caleb, who she did meet previously and they both definitely made an impression on each other. Caleb is a very bossy man, a very hot bossy man though so I guess we can forgive him.
This pair have an amazing chemistry, no matter how much they try and deny it. They have so much going against them, namely one lives in America and the other doesn’t.
Loved this storyline, I read this in one day,in fact It was almost one sitting had I not had to be a mum and do other stuff haha.
Loved the ending a lot ❤️
Loved the characters and I’m really hoping for more of this series.
Great read, one I highly recommend.
Shell is a single mum raising a beautiful young daughter and doing an amazing job I should add, no thanks to her idiot ex. Luckily she has an amazing support system in her parents and her closest friends.
Along comes Caleb, who she did meet previously and they both definitely made an impression on each other. Caleb is a very bossy man, a very hot bossy man though so I guess we can forgive him.
This pair have an amazing chemistry, no matter how much they try and deny it. They have so much going against them, namely one lives in America and the other doesn’t.
Loved this storyline, I read this in one day,in fact It was almost one sitting had I not had to be a mum and do other stuff haha.
Loved the ending a lot ❤️
Loved the characters and I’m really hoping for more of this series.
Great read, one I highly recommend.
April 1, 2022
Love is Grand, Rachel Blaufeld
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, women's fiction
aannd once more, its 2022, not 1922. We don't need to segregate books into male and female fiction....
I've read several of Rachel's books, and enjoyed the stories she creates. ( how do authors do that? Create a story just from nothing? It always astonishes me) I'd not read first book of this series but they are each complete stories with connected characters so it didn't affect this book.
Shell was a great lead but....I understood her reasons for the no commitment stuff, but didn't feel her heart was really made that way. If I'm honest, as the story went on it began to feel she was a bit of a doormat for Cal, there when he wanted sex on the island, along with Sophia waiting for him in the City. That jarred with me a bit, although it did lead to some of my favourite scenes in stories like this, where Sophia's claws come out! And of course some great drama and heartbreak.
It took me a long while to warm up to Cal, to be honest it wasn't until I understood more of his background, and how his mind worked that I began to like him. I still could give him a good kick in the rear for what he put Shell through. Even when he was telling himself Shell set the boundaries in their relationship, he wouldn't acknowledge that her limits were because she knew where his were...that if he wasn't such a well known, no commitments playboy she might have felt differently, but she needed to protect her heart. ( As if that ever works!)
The supporting characters were great, from Shell's parents, her lovely, funny daughter, to her good friends. I enjoyed meeting them and seeing how they all pulled to support Shell, and by the three quarters mark she needed that.
Its was a fun read, full of Rachael's attention to detail, solid plots, and realistic characters. That's what I look for in a good story, one where I'm not rolling my eyes at scenes and thinking “as if!” I'd like to go back and read the first book, and will look out for more in this series.
Stars: 4.5. A great read, loved the drama, Sophia and her scenes were a real draw, the heartbreak, that played out so well. I love it when the sad parts are properly drawn out. Those make a romance for me, balance out the sweet, and the love feels stronger for it.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, women's fiction
aannd once more, its 2022, not 1922. We don't need to segregate books into male and female fiction....
I've read several of Rachel's books, and enjoyed the stories she creates. ( how do authors do that? Create a story just from nothing? It always astonishes me) I'd not read first book of this series but they are each complete stories with connected characters so it didn't affect this book.
Shell was a great lead but....I understood her reasons for the no commitment stuff, but didn't feel her heart was really made that way. If I'm honest, as the story went on it began to feel she was a bit of a doormat for Cal, there when he wanted sex on the island, along with Sophia waiting for him in the City. That jarred with me a bit, although it did lead to some of my favourite scenes in stories like this, where Sophia's claws come out! And of course some great drama and heartbreak.
It took me a long while to warm up to Cal, to be honest it wasn't until I understood more of his background, and how his mind worked that I began to like him. I still could give him a good kick in the rear for what he put Shell through. Even when he was telling himself Shell set the boundaries in their relationship, he wouldn't acknowledge that her limits were because she knew where his were...that if he wasn't such a well known, no commitments playboy she might have felt differently, but she needed to protect her heart. ( As if that ever works!)
The supporting characters were great, from Shell's parents, her lovely, funny daughter, to her good friends. I enjoyed meeting them and seeing how they all pulled to support Shell, and by the three quarters mark she needed that.
Its was a fun read, full of Rachael's attention to detail, solid plots, and realistic characters. That's what I look for in a good story, one where I'm not rolling my eyes at scenes and thinking “as if!” I'd like to go back and read the first book, and will look out for more in this series.
Stars: 4.5. A great read, loved the drama, Sophia and her scenes were a real draw, the heartbreak, that played out so well. I love it when the sad parts are properly drawn out. Those make a romance for me, balance out the sweet, and the love feels stronger for it.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
March 22, 2022
Love is Grand is book two in the Grand Love series but can be read as a complete standalone. Shell is a hard-working mother doing everything she can to take care of herself and her daughter with no help from her husband who up and left them. Cal is an attorney from New York who had a brief encounter one day with Shell outside of a jewelry store and has returned to the island periodically for business and to visit her, leading to them having a sort of casual relationship, until priorites shift for Shell, causing Cal to have to re-evaluate what he really wants in life.
I enjoyed the idyllic setting of the story (Cayman Islands). I really liked both Shell and Cal as the main characters as well as the secondary characters, who I believe may have been the main characters from book one. Cal and Shell had some great chemistry and an easy relationship; they just came from different backgrounds and led very different lives, calling in to question whether anything between them could ever work. I adored the scenes with Wheezie and especially Wheezie's relationship with Cal as the story progressed.
This was my first book by the author and I overall really enjoyed it. My only struggle at times was that there were a lot of things working against Cal and Shell (location, his commitment issues, his mother and her beliefs) and while they were all explained in the end, it seemed to all work out rather quickly and seemlesssly. I feel like maybe I would have liked to see some of this futher developed. I also think the end and conflict toward the end happened kind of quickly and needed a little further development. Overall it was a very enjoyable story and I would definitely recommend it.
I enjoyed the idyllic setting of the story (Cayman Islands). I really liked both Shell and Cal as the main characters as well as the secondary characters, who I believe may have been the main characters from book one. Cal and Shell had some great chemistry and an easy relationship; they just came from different backgrounds and led very different lives, calling in to question whether anything between them could ever work. I adored the scenes with Wheezie and especially Wheezie's relationship with Cal as the story progressed.
This was my first book by the author and I overall really enjoyed it. My only struggle at times was that there were a lot of things working against Cal and Shell (location, his commitment issues, his mother and her beliefs) and while they were all explained in the end, it seemed to all work out rather quickly and seemlesssly. I feel like maybe I would have liked to see some of this futher developed. I also think the end and conflict toward the end happened kind of quickly and needed a little further development. Overall it was a very enjoyable story and I would definitely recommend it.
March 28, 2022
If you love single parent romance look no further than than single mum Shell and playboy Cal’s story in Love is Grand (Grand Love #2).
Shell needs life to give her a break, after her husband walks out on her leaving her to raise her daughter alone and maybe a hookup with a man who is only on the island for short time is just what she needs. Cal was never looking for a relationship, he enjoys hookups and one night stands and that’s all he expected when he hooked up with Shell but life is about to get interesting for this couple as they both realise this could be more than just one night. It’s going to take some persuasion for Cal to settle down and it looks like a little kindergartener could be the gal to change his mind on love and relationships…….
This book will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat and you watch Shell and Cal push each other’s buttons, there’s a lot of pushing and pulling as this couple look to the future. I loved Shell, she is independent, strong and always puts her daughter first, I fell hard and fast for swoon worthy Cal but it was a little kindergartener that look this book to another level. who at times stole the show as she and her mum challenge everything Cal thought was important. A beautifully written romance set in the Caribbean with wonderful characters and beautiful scenery.
Shell needs life to give her a break, after her husband walks out on her leaving her to raise her daughter alone and maybe a hookup with a man who is only on the island for short time is just what she needs. Cal was never looking for a relationship, he enjoys hookups and one night stands and that’s all he expected when he hooked up with Shell but life is about to get interesting for this couple as they both realise this could be more than just one night. It’s going to take some persuasion for Cal to settle down and it looks like a little kindergartener could be the gal to change his mind on love and relationships…….
This book will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat and you watch Shell and Cal push each other’s buttons, there’s a lot of pushing and pulling as this couple look to the future. I loved Shell, she is independent, strong and always puts her daughter first, I fell hard and fast for swoon worthy Cal but it was a little kindergartener that look this book to another level. who at times stole the show as she and her mum challenge everything Cal thought was important. A beautifully written romance set in the Caribbean with wonderful characters and beautiful scenery.
March 22, 2022
Love is Grand is the second book in the Grand Love series, it can be read as a standalone.
This book follows headstrong single mom Shell who has great ideas for a business and bossy bachelor, Cal who works in New York as a lawyer. These two meet because Cal is always in Grand due to his brother. They start a friends with benefits… this ends horribly due to the fact that their feelings get in the way.
Their relationship was very back and forth. These two have very strong beliefs and core values that at times, don’t align together. They also have to incorporate distance into their relationship. Cal lives in NYC, Shell lives on the island, it’s hard for them to do long distance. Shell is trying to protect herself and her daughter from getting to attached to Cal. Cal doesn’t do relationships.
Cal and Shell both fight for their relationship and it was great to read them fight for what they wanted. There personalities are very strong so they often butted heads on big topics but it was great to read how they were able to resolve them.
Thank you to the author and Grey’s Promotions for this ARC in an exchange for an honest review.
This book follows headstrong single mom Shell who has great ideas for a business and bossy bachelor, Cal who works in New York as a lawyer. These two meet because Cal is always in Grand due to his brother. They start a friends with benefits… this ends horribly due to the fact that their feelings get in the way.
Their relationship was very back and forth. These two have very strong beliefs and core values that at times, don’t align together. They also have to incorporate distance into their relationship. Cal lives in NYC, Shell lives on the island, it’s hard for them to do long distance. Shell is trying to protect herself and her daughter from getting to attached to Cal. Cal doesn’t do relationships.
Cal and Shell both fight for their relationship and it was great to read them fight for what they wanted. There personalities are very strong so they often butted heads on big topics but it was great to read how they were able to resolve them.
Thank you to the author and Grey’s Promotions for this ARC in an exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2022
Rachel writes the most beautiful stories in great settings and with the perfect heat, angst and passion.
This book takes place in Grand Caymen - it is a gorgeous island. Rachel’s description of the island and it surrounding is fantastic and the reader can visualize the beautiful setting as part of the story.
Shell is a single mom who works two jobs in order to provide for herself and daughter, Weezie. She is a strong, independent and somewhat stubborn woman but with a heart of gold.
Caleb is a businessman that visits his brother quite often on the island. He is a professional bachelor, has a reputation and is definitely not interest in a relationship.
The heat between these two is undeniable and they really enjoy each other’s company. Both are definitely afraid of a relationship and they tend to self sabotage the goodness in their lives.
Loved seeing the characters from the first books make cameo appearances. This is a wonderful read that will have you relaxing and dreaming of the sand between your toes.
Congratulations Rachel on another amazing book!
I’m received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review
This book takes place in Grand Caymen - it is a gorgeous island. Rachel’s description of the island and it surrounding is fantastic and the reader can visualize the beautiful setting as part of the story.
Shell is a single mom who works two jobs in order to provide for herself and daughter, Weezie. She is a strong, independent and somewhat stubborn woman but with a heart of gold.
Caleb is a businessman that visits his brother quite often on the island. He is a professional bachelor, has a reputation and is definitely not interest in a relationship.
The heat between these two is undeniable and they really enjoy each other’s company. Both are definitely afraid of a relationship and they tend to self sabotage the goodness in their lives.
Loved seeing the characters from the first books make cameo appearances. This is a wonderful read that will have you relaxing and dreaming of the sand between your toes.
Congratulations Rachel on another amazing book!
I’m received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review
March 26, 2022
*Thank you to Grey’s Promotions and author for the advanced review copy. This review contains my own thoughts and opinions.*
Love is Grand is book two in the Grand Love series by Rachel Blaufeld. The relationship between Cal (Caleb) and Shell began as a little fling, as Cal lives in NYC and was visiting Grand Cayman, where single mom Shell lives and works. Cal is a 41 year old commitment-phobe and Shell hesitates to trust because of her past AND because of Cal’s reputation.
This was a cute, quick contemporary romance read. While I liked Adam and Rylan more (book one), Cal and Shell definitely grew on me! Weezie (Shell’s five year old daughter) was also great - and I felt like a very accurate depiction of a kid at that age. I hate it when a book has a younger kid with the vocab of a teenager!
Love is Grand is book two in the Grand Love series by Rachel Blaufeld. The relationship between Cal (Caleb) and Shell began as a little fling, as Cal lives in NYC and was visiting Grand Cayman, where single mom Shell lives and works. Cal is a 41 year old commitment-phobe and Shell hesitates to trust because of her past AND because of Cal’s reputation.
This was a cute, quick contemporary romance read. While I liked Adam and Rylan more (book one), Cal and Shell definitely grew on me! Weezie (Shell’s five year old daughter) was also great - and I felt like a very accurate depiction of a kid at that age. I hate it when a book has a younger kid with the vocab of a teenager!
March 29, 2022
Another Delightful Trip to the Grand Escape!!
Hopefully you read the story of Ryland and Adam in Grand Escape. Now we watch Rylands good friend Shell who is a single mom, and Adam’s brother Caleb (Cal) who is a confirmed bachelor.
This couple has a rockier road to travel. Shell is a hard worker and does not want help / handouts. Cal does not react well when he learns he is to be a father.
Both characters are likable, while the situation seems impossible. But they have a chemistry that won’t quit. With the help of family and friends they may just find their way. It’s a roller coaster of a journey, and I highly recommend this story.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Hopefully you read the story of Ryland and Adam in Grand Escape. Now we watch Rylands good friend Shell who is a single mom, and Adam’s brother Caleb (Cal) who is a confirmed bachelor.
This couple has a rockier road to travel. Shell is a hard worker and does not want help / handouts. Cal does not react well when he learns he is to be a father.
Both characters are likable, while the situation seems impossible. But they have a chemistry that won’t quit. With the help of family and friends they may just find their way. It’s a roller coaster of a journey, and I highly recommend this story.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
April 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this book!
Cal and Shell have such an unconventional relationship. They have a fifteen year difference of age between them. I have never seen such a clueless man about so much. He does need a lot of guidance, which he gets from his friends and mom. He let himself get stuck in a lifestyle without any thought. Shell on the other hand is full of self-doubt. There is a repeat of what happened with her first relationship, and this one with Cal. This story is full of emotion of all kinds. There is a scene near the end that tells you Cal still doesn’t have a clue still on a lot of things, but he’s learning. But I have to say, it was a lol for me. It was great. It’s an original, for sure.
Cal and Shell have such an unconventional relationship. They have a fifteen year difference of age between them. I have never seen such a clueless man about so much. He does need a lot of guidance, which he gets from his friends and mom. He let himself get stuck in a lifestyle without any thought. Shell on the other hand is full of self-doubt. There is a repeat of what happened with her first relationship, and this one with Cal. This story is full of emotion of all kinds. There is a scene near the end that tells you Cal still doesn’t have a clue still on a lot of things, but he’s learning. But I have to say, it was a lol for me. It was great. It’s an original, for sure.
March 29, 2022
Love is Grand is book two of a series but can be read as a standalone. It is a beautiful escape back to the Grand. The beachy vibes, the beautiful beach and the hot men and women who reside there and visit. We have met Caleb and Shell already, but this is their story. Shell’s life as a single mom is not easy. She is a good mom and protects her little Weezy. Caleb is the bachelor, successful, lawyer brother of Adam who we met in Grand Escape. I love how we witness the change in Caleb the more time he spends with Shell. Your ovaries will explode when you see him with Weezy. I enjoyed the flow of the story and the fun that was created. Love is Grand will not disappoint.
March 31, 2022
ARC for honest review with no compensation Received from Greys PR
Love is Grand is book 2 in the Grand Love series by Rachel Blaufeld and a great addition to this series!
Up next is Cal and Shell’s story who we met in book 1. What happens when a commitment phobic,lawyer from NY meets a single mom, strong, independent and working to make ends meet in the Caymans? Add in her adorable 5 yr old who keeps them on their toes. Read on to find out…
Passionate, friends with benefits, laughter, odds against them, secrets and so much more!
Love is Grand is book 2 in the Grand Love series by Rachel Blaufeld and a great addition to this series!
Up next is Cal and Shell’s story who we met in book 1. What happens when a commitment phobic,lawyer from NY meets a single mom, strong, independent and working to make ends meet in the Caymans? Add in her adorable 5 yr old who keeps them on their toes. Read on to find out…
Passionate, friends with benefits, laughter, odds against them, secrets and so much more!
April 3, 2022
Overall I enjoyed this book, loved the Jewish representation from the male main character, and liked that it was dual POV.
Cal and Shell basically have a secret relationship going on every time he visits The Caymans. Shell has been hurt in the past, by her ex-husband who left her and their young daughter. Cal is a bit older than Shell and thinks he is supposed to live an eternal bachelor lifestyle.
Cal got under my skin a bit with his bossiness and won’t take no for an answer attitude sometimes, but I know that was just his personality and way of coping with things he couldn’t control. Shell stood up for herself at times, but other times just let Cal take over. There was a lot of back and forth with these two, but I did love their story and ending!
3.5 stars, rounded to 4
Thank you to Grey’s Promotions and the author for an advanced copy.
Cal and Shell basically have a secret relationship going on every time he visits The Caymans. Shell has been hurt in the past, by her ex-husband who left her and their young daughter. Cal is a bit older than Shell and thinks he is supposed to live an eternal bachelor lifestyle.
Cal got under my skin a bit with his bossiness and won’t take no for an answer attitude sometimes, but I know that was just his personality and way of coping with things he couldn’t control. Shell stood up for herself at times, but other times just let Cal take over. There was a lot of back and forth with these two, but I did love their story and ending!
3.5 stars, rounded to 4
Thank you to Grey’s Promotions and the author for an advanced copy.
April 3, 2022
This book is grand!
This book continues the story of people involved in the Grand Hotel and the Caribbean area it’s located in. Blaufeld focuses on Shell and Cal this time while not leaving out the other characters that we care about. She’ll and Cal are both complex characters with many twists and turns that you don’t see coming. An enjoyable escape to read, especially on a gray spring day!
This book continues the story of people involved in the Grand Hotel and the Caribbean area it’s located in. Blaufeld focuses on Shell and Cal this time while not leaving out the other characters that we care about. She’ll and Cal are both complex characters with many twists and turns that you don’t see coming. An enjoyable escape to read, especially on a gray spring day!
March 29, 2022
Having read Grand Escape last year i've been looking so forward to more of the Grand Love world! As soon as this second installment was announced i added it to my TBR List right away. I was so glad that i got to jump back into this world. I so enjoyed it!
Shell and Cal's journey grabbed my attention from the get go! From their first meeting, i couldn't wait to see how everything would play out between them. I really liked the realness shown throughout by these two and getting to dig deeper with them as well. Their chemistry was so great! Both characters had me feeling so much throughout!
I so enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story, especially Weezie! I could picture it all so clearly as well!
With Love Is Grand, Ms.Blaufeld has created such a good read with feels! I can't wait for more from her!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Grey's Promotions / the author*
Shell and Cal's journey grabbed my attention from the get go! From their first meeting, i couldn't wait to see how everything would play out between them. I really liked the realness shown throughout by these two and getting to dig deeper with them as well. Their chemistry was so great! Both characters had me feeling so much throughout!
I so enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story, especially Weezie! I could picture it all so clearly as well!
With Love Is Grand, Ms.Blaufeld has created such a good read with feels! I can't wait for more from her!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Grey's Promotions / the author*
March 31, 2022
This one had a little bit of everything. It was set in paradise. There was opposites attract with a single, playboy, rich lawyer and a not-so-rich, estranged, mother of a 5 year old daughter. There was instant attraction that became more when they had mutual friends/family. Shell was Cal's island fling. I loved the secret affair, but I loved when it slowly started to unravel more. I loved Weezy too. She was a lot of fun to read about. I loved getting wrapped up in romance in a paradise setting.
April 14, 2022
Another amazing story that makes me want to travel! Blaufeld builds a wonderful world in the Cayman Islands. Cal and Shell's story is fun and heartfelt. I loved every single bit of their journey.
October 12, 2022
Shell is a single mom living on a beautiful island raising her daughter and has a wonderful support team with her while she works as a waitress and coffee delivery. While out she stops at an expensive jewelry store admiring it all, this handsome man named Caleb pumps into her. Caleb lives in NY as an attorney but he makes trips to the Caymans to visit family, but once he sees Shell he can't stop thinking about her.
Their relationship was anything but easy but it was all worth it in the end because they had their HEA that they both deserved.
This was a wonderful opposite attract that felt natural and real with electric chemistry. This is a wonderful series that I hope to see more of in the future.
Their relationship was anything but easy but it was all worth it in the end because they had their HEA that they both deserved.
This was a wonderful opposite attract that felt natural and real with electric chemistry. This is a wonderful series that I hope to see more of in the future.
May 5, 2022
🏝 Review: Love is Grand
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Romance, Women's Fiction
🏝 Synopsis: A true island beauty, single mom Shell needs life to give her one tiny break. Her husband took off, leaving her to work as a waitress and a coffee delivery gal. Surrounded by wealth and extravagance in paradise, she’s doing her best to take care of her daughter.
On a whim, Shell takes a quick breather in front of the jewelry store at the posh Grand Escape. Knowing it will be love at first sight with everything in the window, she tortures herself anyway. What she doesn’t expect is to meet the man who will soon occupy all her thoughts and dreams.
In command of every situation he’s faced with, Caleb Stern is a pro at the bachelor life. He works hard, plays harder, and has no regrets about any of it. That is, until he meets a sweet and sassy single mom in the Caribbean.
Certain he can have a fun time with Shell and let her go, Cal makes secret visits to the island to see her. But falling for this island girl seems to be the one situation Cal can’t control.
Both are doing their best, playing the hand they are dealt, until Shell challenges Cal to a showdown. With a spunky kindergartner leading the charge, Shell gives Cal a chance . . . but can he steal the heart of the one woman who has mesmerized him?
🏝 Im a sucker for a good romace story and this one had me glued to it from start to finish. The chemistry between Caleb and Shell was off the charts. It was sweet, fast paced, there was drama, and a good amount of spiciness. I was so invested that at times I felt fustration over Shell and Cals relationship. Overall its a great fairytale story any woman would enjoy reading. I 100% recommend it. A big thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.
#bookstagram #bookworm #netgalley
#loveisgrand #rachaelblaufeld
#bookreview #bookrecommendations #romancebooks #womensfiction
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Romance, Women's Fiction
🏝 Synopsis: A true island beauty, single mom Shell needs life to give her one tiny break. Her husband took off, leaving her to work as a waitress and a coffee delivery gal. Surrounded by wealth and extravagance in paradise, she’s doing her best to take care of her daughter.
On a whim, Shell takes a quick breather in front of the jewelry store at the posh Grand Escape. Knowing it will be love at first sight with everything in the window, she tortures herself anyway. What she doesn’t expect is to meet the man who will soon occupy all her thoughts and dreams.
In command of every situation he’s faced with, Caleb Stern is a pro at the bachelor life. He works hard, plays harder, and has no regrets about any of it. That is, until he meets a sweet and sassy single mom in the Caribbean.
Certain he can have a fun time with Shell and let her go, Cal makes secret visits to the island to see her. But falling for this island girl seems to be the one situation Cal can’t control.
Both are doing their best, playing the hand they are dealt, until Shell challenges Cal to a showdown. With a spunky kindergartner leading the charge, Shell gives Cal a chance . . . but can he steal the heart of the one woman who has mesmerized him?
🏝 Im a sucker for a good romace story and this one had me glued to it from start to finish. The chemistry between Caleb and Shell was off the charts. It was sweet, fast paced, there was drama, and a good amount of spiciness. I was so invested that at times I felt fustration over Shell and Cals relationship. Overall its a great fairytale story any woman would enjoy reading. I 100% recommend it. A big thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.
#bookstagram #bookworm #netgalley
#loveisgrand #rachaelblaufeld
#bookreview #bookrecommendations #romancebooks #womensfiction
March 27, 2022
It was like a breath of fresh air to step back into the Grand Escape and once again I was left with a smile on my face as the wonderful Shell finally gets her HEA.
Once more we are back on the beautiful Island of the Caymans, and we step back into the Grand Escape Hotel. We met Shell briefly in the first book in the series and you couldn't help but fall in love with this wonderful single mom, she works in her dads coffee shop and is just one of those girls that makes you smile, but life isn't easy for Shell and when Caleb Stern comes onto the Island the sparks fly, but his life is not on the island and can he really give up his bachelor life for Shell or is it all the magic of the Island. Their relationship is going to be rocky in more ways than one, but the heat is hot between the two, it just may take Caleb time to catch up, or he may miss out on the best thing that ever happened to him.
I am loving the Grand two great couples already in this lovely series.
April 2, 2022
This was a great book,
Shell is one of the best single moms I have read. She does the best she can and helps everyone around her. Especially her dad. Reading about her living in the Cayman Islands made me want to go on vacation so bad. I can't wait to escape my busy city, which potential is what Cal does. He goes to the island to visit his brother but suddenly it turns more than that as he shares a secret relationship with Shell. During his visits him and Shell secretly spend time and grow this amazing but crazy connection. The one where you can just feel the chemistry through the words. The problem, Cal leaves to go back to his crazy lifestyle in New York and he does have his life together in order to have Shell's life connected to his.
Both characters have two major problems. Shell doesn't let people in her life and Cal doesn't have his life together to make relationship works. This book was a quick read and is great if you are in a reading slump. The connection these two share is unbelievable attractive and they will draw you in with their banter. Their family and friends meddle and get into their lives trying to help them which is just amusing. Can't wait to read what happens in the next books for this series.
ARC REVIEW****
Shell is one of the best single moms I have read. She does the best she can and helps everyone around her. Especially her dad. Reading about her living in the Cayman Islands made me want to go on vacation so bad. I can't wait to escape my busy city, which potential is what Cal does. He goes to the island to visit his brother but suddenly it turns more than that as he shares a secret relationship with Shell. During his visits him and Shell secretly spend time and grow this amazing but crazy connection. The one where you can just feel the chemistry through the words. The problem, Cal leaves to go back to his crazy lifestyle in New York and he does have his life together in order to have Shell's life connected to his.
Both characters have two major problems. Shell doesn't let people in her life and Cal doesn't have his life together to make relationship works. This book was a quick read and is great if you are in a reading slump. The connection these two share is unbelievable attractive and they will draw you in with their banter. Their family and friends meddle and get into their lives trying to help them which is just amusing. Can't wait to read what happens in the next books for this series.
ARC REVIEW****
March 13, 2022
Love is Grand by R. Blaufeld is the second stand-alone in the Grand Love Series. The previous book is Grand Escape and tells Rylan and Adam's story.
This second book tells Cal and Shell's story.
Cal is Adam's twin and together they head a law office.
Cal is the eternal bachelor, a 41 year old set in his ways when a beauty from Caribbean puts his whole world upside down and inside out.
Shell is a single mom with a 6 year old adorable daughter. They're great together, but both have some issues. One of them is social awkward, the other lacks self-esteem. But even the mightiest men can be brought to their knees by the right woman, they say.
A beautiful picked fence story, elegant, unique. 5 stars.
This second book tells Cal and Shell's story.
Cal is Adam's twin and together they head a law office.
Cal is the eternal bachelor, a 41 year old set in his ways when a beauty from Caribbean puts his whole world upside down and inside out.
Shell is a single mom with a 6 year old adorable daughter. They're great together, but both have some issues. One of them is social awkward, the other lacks self-esteem. But even the mightiest men can be brought to their knees by the right woman, they say.
A beautiful picked fence story, elegant, unique. 5 stars.
March 26, 2022
Wow, Love is Grand is a giant ping pong match between Shell and Cal. You never know which way they will go or not, it keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to see how things will end for these two. Shell and Cal meet and end up have a casual hook-up, but as time goes on and lines start to blur, things become harder with secrets and the past constantly being brought up. Shell is determined to be independent and do what’s best for her and her daughter. Cal is mister no strings attached forever a bachelor. But as they continue on their path it harder to ignore feelings, but will these two ever figure out what they want or will their pasts and their just a hookup label be the end? Take a chance on these two and find out what happens between these two.
March 29, 2022
This is the second book in this amazing series and is Caleb and Shell’s story. Caleb embraces the bachelor life and work hard and plays harder, and when he visits his brother he crosses paths with Shell, and there is an instant connection. Shell is a single mom who is sweet and sassy and works hard to support her daughter and herself. These two are complete opposites but they complement each other perfectly, and the chemistry between them is combustible and undeniable. This is a well written story which is light-hearted, heartfelt, and has a tad angst, passion, humor, witty banter, family, friendships, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
March 29, 2022
✨ARC Review✨
***
Thank you to Rachel Blaufeld and Grey's Promotions for the ARC to review.
***
Love is Grand was a very sweet and romantic book. I loved Cal. He was sweet, caring, and loving. He wasn't perfect and messed up a bunch, but he really tried. I enjoyed that Cal made mistakes and learned from the because they made him so much more relatable. Shell was sweet, independent, and strong. The story was well written and full of emotions. I loved seeing Adam and Rylan again and getting a glimpse at their happy ending. The ending was perfect and I am so glad Cal and Shell got their happy ending.
***
⭐⭐⭐
***
Thank you to Rachel Blaufeld and Grey's Promotions for the ARC to review.
***
Love is Grand was a very sweet and romantic book. I loved Cal. He was sweet, caring, and loving. He wasn't perfect and messed up a bunch, but he really tried. I enjoyed that Cal made mistakes and learned from the because they made him so much more relatable. Shell was sweet, independent, and strong. The story was well written and full of emotions. I loved seeing Adam and Rylan again and getting a glimpse at their happy ending. The ending was perfect and I am so glad Cal and Shell got their happy ending.
***
⭐⭐⭐
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