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The Sweet Water Circle #5
Solving Shelly
Shelly Larson is in a man drought so dry it makes The Grapes of Wrath look like a Hampton's pool party.
With most of her besties (The Sweet Water Circle) in good relationship standing, The Circle spins to Shelly with a long-overdue intervention. It's time for her to find her forever man. Or at least a guy without a foot fetish who doesn't text pictures of himself in his tighty whities.
Shelly wants no part of the dating scene, but no matter what she tries, The Circle is ahead of her, so eventually she relents to the torturous trio of speed dating, online dating apps, and blind dates. Will she find a diamond in the rough or will it just be rough?
Meanwhile, the only Circle member still looking for love, Donna, is back from L.A., divorced and crashing with Shelly. When Donna's new man makes a play for Shelly, it sets off shockwaves that could fracture The Sweet Water Circle's thirty-year friendship, just as Taylor's wedding to billionaire Ben Bach brings the crew from Sweet Water to Ibiza and Paris, not once, but twice.
Will Shelly risk her friendships for a chance at forever love that could end up in heartbreak? Find out in the series finale of The Sweet Water Circle!
With most of her besties (The Sweet Water Circle) in good relationship standing, The Circle spins to Shelly with a long-overdue intervention. It's time for her to find her forever man. Or at least a guy without a foot fetish who doesn't text pictures of himself in his tighty whities.
Shelly wants no part of the dating scene, but no matter what she tries, The Circle is ahead of her, so eventually she relents to the torturous trio of speed dating, online dating apps, and blind dates. Will she find a diamond in the rough or will it just be rough?
Meanwhile, the only Circle member still looking for love, Donna, is back from L.A., divorced and crashing with Shelly. When Donna's new man makes a play for Shelly, it sets off shockwaves that could fracture The Sweet Water Circle's thirty-year friendship, just as Taylor's wedding to billionaire Ben Bach brings the crew from Sweet Water to Ibiza and Paris, not once, but twice.
Will Shelly risk her friendships for a chance at forever love that could end up in heartbreak? Find out in the series finale of The Sweet Water Circle!
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2022
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Grayson Avery
7 books114 followersFollow Grayson if you love to laugh!
Grayson Avery is the author of Love and Agita (September 30, 2022), a story about an Italian man with a wacky family who falls for a Jewish woman. Is it a recipe for disaster? Or ever after?
He also wrote The Sweet Water Circle Series, a romantic comedy series that focuses on childhood friends in their 30s and 40s as they help each other navigate the stormy waters of dating, marriage, divorce, and a whole lot of inappropriate, naughty, and downright hysterical situations.
goodreads.com/graysonavery
bookbub.com/authors/grayson-avery
amazon.com/author/graysonavery
facebook.com/GraysonAveryAuthor
Grayson Avery is the author of Love and Agita (September 30, 2022), a story about an Italian man with a wacky family who falls for a Jewish woman. Is it a recipe for disaster? Or ever after?
He also wrote The Sweet Water Circle Series, a romantic comedy series that focuses on childhood friends in their 30s and 40s as they help each other navigate the stormy waters of dating, marriage, divorce, and a whole lot of inappropriate, naughty, and downright hysterical situations.
goodreads.com/graysonavery
bookbub.com/authors/grayson-avery
amazon.com/author/graysonavery
facebook.com/GraysonAveryAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 28, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
I don’t know if it’s because all my friends are either multiple states away (excluding my fiancé), or if it’s the way the characters are written but I really enjoy the Sweet Water circle friends and could easily imagine being in their friend group. Pesky meddling and all. 😂
There’s something extremely comforting about how in each book in this series the main heroine’s flaws are on display. No completely avoidable unrealistic miscommunication scenes, just believable characters working through their issues. (And generally falling in love 😍)
I recommend this whole series. But I’m loving Solving Shelly particularly… I loved how Shelly threw herself into her plants and books to avoid dating and getting hurt. It’s so easy to do and I’ve definitely been guilty of it before. I enjoyed that Shelly was on the older side and the dating issues that’s accompanied that.
The ending was unbelievable and romantic and everything I wanted. The dirty jokes and humor in this novel just put it over the top as a must read this summer.
P.s. I now want a greenhouse.
I don’t know if it’s because all my friends are either multiple states away (excluding my fiancé), or if it’s the way the characters are written but I really enjoy the Sweet Water circle friends and could easily imagine being in their friend group. Pesky meddling and all. 😂
There’s something extremely comforting about how in each book in this series the main heroine’s flaws are on display. No completely avoidable unrealistic miscommunication scenes, just believable characters working through their issues. (And generally falling in love 😍)
I recommend this whole series. But I’m loving Solving Shelly particularly… I loved how Shelly threw herself into her plants and books to avoid dating and getting hurt. It’s so easy to do and I’ve definitely been guilty of it before. I enjoyed that Shelly was on the older side and the dating issues that’s accompanied that.
The ending was unbelievable and romantic and everything I wanted. The dirty jokes and humor in this novel just put it over the top as a must read this summer.
P.s. I now want a greenhouse.
June 27, 2022
This is book 5 of The Sweet Water Circle Series where each book focuses on a friend in the "circle. " I haven't read the others and this one stands alone perfectly, although I expect it spoils the outcome of previous books. But they're Rom-Coms, we all know how they end 😉
In Solving Shelly, all of Shelly's friends stage an intervention to find her a man. Shelly has sworn off love after getting her heart broken.
After a speed dating gone bad, oh so bad, except for Zack, her wing woman Donna decides to fill out the form for Shelly selecting Zack. Zack is a great guy and despite Shelly's resistance to enter a relationship, he is persistent. Much to her surprise, Shelly ends up with another love interest that threatens to destroy the circle.
This a fun rom com, full of cheesy laugh out loud one liners that was perfect for me.
Spice level is low, although there are some dirty jokes and plenty of sexual innuendos, but the doors are pretty closed.
I give it 🌶️ out of 5 and
My only pet peeve is the use of the word doink for sex, like "did you doink her?"
In Solving Shelly, all of Shelly's friends stage an intervention to find her a man. Shelly has sworn off love after getting her heart broken.
After a speed dating gone bad, oh so bad, except for Zack, her wing woman Donna decides to fill out the form for Shelly selecting Zack. Zack is a great guy and despite Shelly's resistance to enter a relationship, he is persistent. Much to her surprise, Shelly ends up with another love interest that threatens to destroy the circle.
This a fun rom com, full of cheesy laugh out loud one liners that was perfect for me.
Spice level is low, although there are some dirty jokes and plenty of sexual innuendos, but the doors are pretty closed.
I give it 🌶️ out of 5 and
My only pet peeve is the use of the word doink for sex, like "did you doink her?"
June 28, 2022
I pick up a Grayson Avery book when I want to read a LOL comedy with heart. I have read every single Sweet Water Circle book and was pleased to see the finale featuring Shelly Larson and Taylor's dispirited and grumpy brother Joe. Shelly is afraid of relationships and all they entail so when the Sweet Water Circle of friends select Shelly as their next mission, it’s a fight to the end.
Shelly is content being a single woman of 40. She loves her plants and her freedom and is excited to have her best friend Donna and her teenage son Dylan stay with her until they get settled in Sweet Water. But then Taylor’s wedding changes everything as the Sweet Water gals are determined to find Shelly a plus one. After all, Shelly has been alone so long her neighbors think she’s gay. So the games begin as Shelly is forced to sit through a tortuous speed dating fiasco with sweaty guy, soul searching guy, and the handsome funny guy who made her laugh. Perhaps it’s not all bad. Funny guy is a good kisser.
Shelly and Zack have great chemistry as they get to know each other in unusual circumstances. I have to give Zack a lot of credit for being so understanding about Shelly’s reluctance and her friends’ persistence to get them together. I was also glad to see Shelly pull Joe out of his grumpy bearded man slump. They’ve been friends for a long time and it is refreshing to see them connect as they start to see each other in a new and promising way. However, Shelly is conflicted. She didn’t want a man in her life and now she has two. One is perfect and one is forbidden. Watching Zack and Joe fight for Shelly’s favor is both funny and sad as one knows someone is going to get hurt. Who does Shelly choose? How does Shelly have a falling out with the Sweet Water Circle? Read this wonderfully funny book and find out.
Of course, one meets the quirky group of friends who give Mr. Avery’s books so much depth. It was a perfect ending to the series seeing them all gather for Taylor and Ben’s wedding. Meeting Shelly’s outspoken best friend Donna is fun as she fits right in with this hilarious group and there is some drama that occurs between the two.
I highly recommend this fast-paced finale to an excellent series. The characters have so much depth and one can’t help but fall in love with each and every one of them. You will enjoy every second of Shelly’s story and I will miss this lovely series.
Thank you to Mr. Avery for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Shelly is content being a single woman of 40. She loves her plants and her freedom and is excited to have her best friend Donna and her teenage son Dylan stay with her until they get settled in Sweet Water. But then Taylor’s wedding changes everything as the Sweet Water gals are determined to find Shelly a plus one. After all, Shelly has been alone so long her neighbors think she’s gay. So the games begin as Shelly is forced to sit through a tortuous speed dating fiasco with sweaty guy, soul searching guy, and the handsome funny guy who made her laugh. Perhaps it’s not all bad. Funny guy is a good kisser.
Shelly and Zack have great chemistry as they get to know each other in unusual circumstances. I have to give Zack a lot of credit for being so understanding about Shelly’s reluctance and her friends’ persistence to get them together. I was also glad to see Shelly pull Joe out of his grumpy bearded man slump. They’ve been friends for a long time and it is refreshing to see them connect as they start to see each other in a new and promising way. However, Shelly is conflicted. She didn’t want a man in her life and now she has two. One is perfect and one is forbidden. Watching Zack and Joe fight for Shelly’s favor is both funny and sad as one knows someone is going to get hurt. Who does Shelly choose? How does Shelly have a falling out with the Sweet Water Circle? Read this wonderfully funny book and find out.
Of course, one meets the quirky group of friends who give Mr. Avery’s books so much depth. It was a perfect ending to the series seeing them all gather for Taylor and Ben’s wedding. Meeting Shelly’s outspoken best friend Donna is fun as she fits right in with this hilarious group and there is some drama that occurs between the two.
I highly recommend this fast-paced finale to an excellent series. The characters have so much depth and one can’t help but fall in love with each and every one of them. You will enjoy every second of Shelly’s story and I will miss this lovely series.
Thank you to Mr. Avery for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
June 24, 2022
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
I’ve read every single book in The Sweet Water Circle series, and this was a great series finale. As mentioned in the synopsis, Shelly’s story has been long overdue, since she’s been content to let everyone else have their turn in finding love while she watches from the sidelines. Given her past, she’s had a tough time with trusting anyone she’s romantically involved with, preferring the safety and security of being alone.
I liked the prospect of having two best friends (Donna and Shelly) deal with developing feelings for the same man. And the man they’re feeling for did come as a shock to me–he’s been part of the series and readers have learned a lot about his backstory too–but everyone deserves the chance to find love again, and that can apply to all three characters. The bigger question becomes: at what cost? For Shelly, there is nothing that is more important to her than her friendships. The Sweet Water Circle is a tight sisterhood. Should she set aside her strong feelings in order to spare Donna’s, or should she do something that is out of the ordinary and do everything she can to live a happy existence?
The same quirky group of characters are back for this last hurrah, which was really nice to see. It felt fitting that they’d all gather at Taylor’s wedding, sort of like the perfect ending for everyone. I also thought that the use of a wedding plotline was a great way to bring out the various emotional dramas that I think can often occur at real-life weddings. It can bring out the best and the worst in someone, which was highlighted well for both Shelly and Donna, and those romantically linked to them.
To say I’m sad to see this series end would be an understatement. It’s been a lot of fun, with a lot of emotional growth. This was Shelly’s story, but it was the Sweet Water Circle’s send-off. A job well done.
I’ve read every single book in The Sweet Water Circle series, and this was a great series finale. As mentioned in the synopsis, Shelly’s story has been long overdue, since she’s been content to let everyone else have their turn in finding love while she watches from the sidelines. Given her past, she’s had a tough time with trusting anyone she’s romantically involved with, preferring the safety and security of being alone.
I liked the prospect of having two best friends (Donna and Shelly) deal with developing feelings for the same man. And the man they’re feeling for did come as a shock to me–he’s been part of the series and readers have learned a lot about his backstory too–but everyone deserves the chance to find love again, and that can apply to all three characters. The bigger question becomes: at what cost? For Shelly, there is nothing that is more important to her than her friendships. The Sweet Water Circle is a tight sisterhood. Should she set aside her strong feelings in order to spare Donna’s, or should she do something that is out of the ordinary and do everything she can to live a happy existence?
The same quirky group of characters are back for this last hurrah, which was really nice to see. It felt fitting that they’d all gather at Taylor’s wedding, sort of like the perfect ending for everyone. I also thought that the use of a wedding plotline was a great way to bring out the various emotional dramas that I think can often occur at real-life weddings. It can bring out the best and the worst in someone, which was highlighted well for both Shelly and Donna, and those romantically linked to them.
To say I’m sad to see this series end would be an understatement. It’s been a lot of fun, with a lot of emotional growth. This was Shelly’s story, but it was the Sweet Water Circle’s send-off. A job well done.
June 24, 2022
This is the 5th and Final book in Grayson's Sweet Circle Story. This story focuses on Sweet Circle member Shelly, although Sweet Circle member Donna is also a very important secondary character. This is very much Shelly's story, which is told over the course of 36 Chapters as well as an Epilogue.
If you are a long time sweet circle reader you will love the update you get in this book on all the other Sweet Circle woman and their relationships. However don't worry if this is your first Sweet Circle story because these can be read as Standalone novels. You are given enough information to get through the book without feeling like you are missing anything. Though you may end up reading the rest of the series after you finish this one.
From the moment I started this book I became addicted. The moment the readers are in it, they will be absorbed. It is full of moments that will make readers go from crying to laughing out loud. It is full of moments that readers will love. There are also some drama aspects that readers will adore.
Whether this is the first book you have read in this series or have read the entire series you will love this one. It will leave you laughing out loud and enjoying every second. As much as I am sad that this is the final book in the season, I can't wait to see what this author brings out next
If you are a long time sweet circle reader you will love the update you get in this book on all the other Sweet Circle woman and their relationships. However don't worry if this is your first Sweet Circle story because these can be read as Standalone novels. You are given enough information to get through the book without feeling like you are missing anything. Though you may end up reading the rest of the series after you finish this one.
From the moment I started this book I became addicted. The moment the readers are in it, they will be absorbed. It is full of moments that will make readers go from crying to laughing out loud. It is full of moments that readers will love. There are also some drama aspects that readers will adore.
Whether this is the first book you have read in this series or have read the entire series you will love this one. It will leave you laughing out loud and enjoying every second. As much as I am sad that this is the final book in the season, I can't wait to see what this author brings out next
June 27, 2022
MY THOUGHTS -
The 5th and what seems to be the final book in the series wrapped everything up nicely. I have fully enjoyed every single book in this series. Fun, angst, romance, what more could you ask for?
Yes, I supposed you could read this as a stand alone... but why would you want to? I love how each book totally brings back all the characters and they are just as much a part of each story as they are their own. There is a lot of sexual talk "sexual innuendos" but no graphic sex scenes. It's all talk and joking around, and I like that! It shows that you do not have to have sex in a book for it to be fun, and romantic.
I was so happy to see every one of the "The Sweet Water Circle" friends getting their man. One way or another. And Shelly was no exception. she was stubborn, unwilling, and scared. But she did give dating a try with the instance of her friends. The speed dating was a riot. If I was younger, would I give it a try... probably! LOL
I recommend that if you haven't read these yet - go back and read every single one! I am going to miss all these girls and their sig others. But, I will look forward to the series! Yay! Bring it on!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources - Thank You!!
The 5th and what seems to be the final book in the series wrapped everything up nicely. I have fully enjoyed every single book in this series. Fun, angst, romance, what more could you ask for?
Yes, I supposed you could read this as a stand alone... but why would you want to? I love how each book totally brings back all the characters and they are just as much a part of each story as they are their own. There is a lot of sexual talk "sexual innuendos" but no graphic sex scenes. It's all talk and joking around, and I like that! It shows that you do not have to have sex in a book for it to be fun, and romantic.
I was so happy to see every one of the "The Sweet Water Circle" friends getting their man. One way or another. And Shelly was no exception. she was stubborn, unwilling, and scared. But she did give dating a try with the instance of her friends. The speed dating was a riot. If I was younger, would I give it a try... probably! LOL
I recommend that if you haven't read these yet - go back and read every single one! I am going to miss all these girls and their sig others. But, I will look forward to the series! Yay! Bring it on!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources - Thank You!!
July 3, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. Read it as a standalone and loved the way the writer makes you keep questioning what's happening.
She also provides enough detail that having not read the previous you still get a good feel for all the characters.
She also provides enough detail that having not read the previous you still get a good feel for all the characters.
July 7, 2022
Solving Shelly
I was captivated from the beginning. The story flows smoothly and is amazing and hilarious through and through. The characters were wonderfully written and had amazing chemistry between them. I can’t get enough of this series. Highly recommend reading this.
I was captivated from the beginning. The story flows smoothly and is amazing and hilarious through and through. The characters were wonderfully written and had amazing chemistry between them. I can’t get enough of this series. Highly recommend reading this.
July 5, 2022
Shelley solved
What a good read with a great ending. Looking forward to more of The Circle as it's Donna's turn now.
What a good read with a great ending. Looking forward to more of The Circle as it's Donna's turn now.
July 13, 2022
I’ve loved this series so much, I’m sad that this was the finale! The Sweet Water Circle, (a group of gal pals) helping each other out with dating, relationships, and life helps Shelly this time!
I enjoyed reading about how Shelly worked through dating apps, speed dating, etc. in her 40’s and never married. It was fun to see her journey and how her dating life meshed with her life goals. Sometimes it takes just one person to change your life, crazy how that works right? Anywhooo I loved this one, I loved Shelly’s feelings through this book and how her friends rallied for her. The laugh out loud moments are the greatest in this series! Definitely pick these ones up if you need a laugh, a story of friendship, and a light romance.
I enjoyed reading about how Shelly worked through dating apps, speed dating, etc. in her 40’s and never married. It was fun to see her journey and how her dating life meshed with her life goals. Sometimes it takes just one person to change your life, crazy how that works right? Anywhooo I loved this one, I loved Shelly’s feelings through this book and how her friends rallied for her. The laugh out loud moments are the greatest in this series! Definitely pick these ones up if you need a laugh, a story of friendship, and a light romance.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews