She owns The Heartwood Inn. He needs the land the inn sits on to impress his boss. Neither one of them will give an inch. But will they give each other their hearts?
Alissa Heartwood captains a fishing boat and is the pastry chef for her family-owned and operated empire on the island of Carter's Cove. With the arrival of summer and all the festivities on the island, she feels lonely and left out. If only she had a boyfriend to waste her afternoons with...
Shawn Newman used to be exactly that boyfriend. Sure, they were together in high school eighteen years ago, and he's only going to be on his hometown island for a few weeks anyway. He just needs to get the Heartwoods to sell their land...and maybe he needs to kiss Lissa under the bright South Carolina moon.
But the Heartwoods aren't interested in selling, and Alissa is resistant to his reappearance in her life. As Shawn rediscovers the beauty of the island where he grew up, Lissa confesses that she isn't looking for long-term, and he agrees to a few weeks of "fun." Nothing serious.
As they spend more time together, Alissa thinks she might have made a mistake... Can Shawn and Alissa take their relationship out of the fun zone and into something more serious?
3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.
When I read the blurb it drew me in and made me want to read it because it was a second chance love story and was an easy read, it delivered exactly what I wanted it to, an easy read with angst, love, turmoil that wasn't too heavy to read.
Alissa, her life was purely made up of work, she was a workaholic, she woke at 3am to go out on a boat every morning getting fish for the restaurant then went into the kitchen to bake for the Inn, then napped and filled her afternoons with her dogs and nothingness, well until Shawn came back to town. It all changed, her plan flipped upside down on itself and she began filling her afternoons with spending time with him.
Shawn left his hometown to pursue his career in the big city and he had for 5 years until coming home was part of a business deal, then he realised all of what he missed from home, the people, the community, the view.
Overall this was an easy read, not filled with massive amount of story or character development but enough for a short quick read to get you back into reading, or a nice break story between heavy books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is a real disappointment. Shawn is no hero. He and Alissa dated in high school luntil he dumped her for another woman. The blonde showed interest in him so, of course, what else could he do? Alissa's heart was destroyed, so much so that her family thought about intervening just to get her to move forward with her life. Now, 18 years later, she is a pastry chef for her family's business in Florida and Shawn is a real estate developer in Miami. He intends to buy their family business, but he isn't entirely prepared to run into Alissa again. He hasn't changed at all. He's dating the boss's daughter, but wants to get involved with Alissa. Hasn't he figured out that you just don't get yourself involved in another situation with the other woman? It's so bad that he actually calls the "girlfriend" to have her tell Alissa that they're only casual....and that matters, why? No, I just really can't recommend this "romance."
The Heartwood Sea is the first book in the Heartwood Sisters/Carter’s Cove series by Elana Johnson. Alissa Heartwood is captain of the fishing boat which supplies The Heartwood Inn, her family-owned and operated business on an island off the coast of South Carolina. She’s content until one day her ex-boyfriend arrives in town. Shawn Newman grew up on the island and has returned to acquire land for his boss’s new resort planned for the island. The land he must buy is the land the Heartwoods own. He knows they won’t sell so he doesn’t put his energy into making the deal. However, he finds himself drawn back into the beauty of the island and the woman he left behind. But will Alissa open her heart to him again? The Heartwood Sea is a clean, sweet second chance romance. Alissa still stings from the heartache left behind when Shawn left the island and she resists seeing him when he returns. But the old flame still has some spark. I enjoyed Alissa and Shawn’s rekindled romance. I enjoyed Shawn as he realized there was more to the island than just his hometown and his old love. He rediscovers the magic of the island community. Overall, The Heartwood Sea is a great quick, weekend/beach read. It has a bit of romance, a bit of drama and a heartwarming conclusion. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend The Heartwood Sea.
The Heartwood Sea is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook
I love a good enemies-to-lovers romance, especially when the two have a history that also plays into their current situation and BOYFRIEND BY MISTAKE covers all those bases very well.
Lissa and Shawn were relatable characters. I completely understood both of their sides, and maybe there was blame to place yet who hasn’t done something foolish and stupid in their teens? I know I sure did. Shawn’s decision to not follow through on his mission comes early on and that made all the difference to me in respecting the man he’s become. Lissa broke my heart a few times, it always seemed that just when things were going right something went wrong for her. And again, there’s that respect thing. When she made mistakes she owned them, it might have taken a bit of time but she did own them and that mattered to me.
I enjoyed this opening story to the series very much. An island small town, a tight-knit community, interesting secondary characters that I hope to know their stories one day, and a couple that worked together, made mistakes and learned from them to find their own happy ever after. I’ll be following this series – and I would definitely recommend it if you love a good romance with some drama along the way.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
This was absolutely adorable. Combining both a second chance and enemies to lovers with a twist of intrigue, this story kept me hooked. My time with the book flew by. It felt like I blinked and it was already over. Alissa’s proud of her family legacy and she wants to make sure that everything she does reflects that same pride. When Shawn waltzes back into her life she can’t quite decide if fate has just handed her a gift or a ticking time bomb. I loved watching this pair interact. However, some of the disagreements between Alissa and Shawn felt like they came out of nowhere. They usually blew over just as quickly, but they left me scratching my head wondering where that came from. I could almost say the story went to the dogs, their pets have so much personality and occasionally stole the show. Now I’m dying to know more about the rest of Alissa’s sisters. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
Shawn and Alissa once knew each other well. More then well. They were high school sweethearts until Shawn went after a different girl and broke Alissa’s heart. Now nearly 20 years later they meet again under business circumstances. He is sent to buy out their inn. The same inn that has been in Alissa’s Family for years. The question is whether Shawn and his company will take no for an answer or if they will try to use underhanded tactics to get the land they want. Shawna and Alissa still feel a connection and attraction to each other but if they are going to reunite forgiveness and trust must find a way into their hearts. This is a cute, short, clean romance with a few sweet kisses. It is the first book in a new series.
This says its an Enemies to Lovers trope but it really wasn't. Second chance storyline which I don't usually like. I wish there was more depth to the characters. Both Shawn and Alissa are married to their work and they realize how lonely they are. They find each other again after years since high school where Shawn left Alissa for another girl. They hang out. (I wish I could say more than 'They hang out' but really that sums up the book!) This book was definitely tell more than show. Even the intrigue at the climax wasn't huge. It could've been built up to be a lot more.
There were like 5 or 6 typos too that any proofreading could've caught. This author is new to me, not super in love with the book but I'm curious to read the other books in the series about the sisters.
The Heartwoods have a family empire on the island of Carter's Cove. In this first installment, Alissa has a fishing boat and provides the "catch of the day" for her older sister's inn. If that's not enough, she is also a pastry chef and provides the "goodies" as well.
Alissa and Shawn had been high school sweethearts until he dumped her for another girl and left the island. Now, eighteen years later, as a real estate developer, he returns to try to get the Heartwoods to sell their land, but they aren't interested. The more time these two spend together, he realizes Carter's Cove is really home, especially if Alissa is in it.
With multiple siblings in the Heartwood family, there's plenty of fodder for many fun stories to come!
An entertaining really sweet well written clean story. This is a standalone that is first in a series on a tight knit small beach community. This short smooth flowing enemies to lovers second chance romance was interesting and addicting from the start. A clean fun romance with some drama, trust issues, forgiveness, despicable villain, a few surprises, mistakes, lies, love, and conflict that had me captivated page after page. The characters were enjoyable, interesting, and had undeniable chemistry that hasn't deminished in almost 20 years. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC and cant wait to read more about Carter's Cove.
Alissa and her sisters run The Heartwood Inn on the island of Carter's Cove, since their parents retired. Shawn and Alissa were a couple in high school, but that was almost twenty years ago. He was working for a real estate investing company now. He had been sent to try to get them to sell The Heartwood Inn, which wasn't going very well. They had no intention of selling.
There seemed to be a spark between Alissa and Shawn, but would it go anywhere? He had broken her heart when he left her for someone else in high school. A very enjoyable story.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
At first, I will admit I almost stopped reading this book. I'm so thankful for my middle school language arts teacher, Mrs. Carol Chambers. She taught us never to read the end of the book first and to always finish a book you start, because it may "grab" you later. Thank you, Carol! The Heartwood Sea is a series and this was the first in the series. Each book delves into the life of one of the Heartwood sisters. This book was about Alissa (Lissa) and an old boy friend, Shawn Newman. The book chronicles their newfound attraction for each other and the problems that try to keep them apart.
You can go home again! Shawn returns to his home town, Carter’s Cove, to try to purchase a local hotel for development. He doesn’t expect the family to sell but can’t resist the opportunity to go and see his high school sweetheart, Alissa. When a third party enters and begins stirring up the locals with untruths about development they become suspicious of Shawn. He realizes that the big city and big job no longer have any appeal—he wants to come home to the small town and the girl! Don’t miss this short read from Elana Johnson.
This book was a little different than I expected, but in a good way. I love Liz Isaacson's books so I thought I'd give this one a chance. I'm glad I did. The MCs were likeable, interesting people with admirable qualities and enough flaws to make them come alive. The conflict was a bit of a stretch for me, but it worked well enough to keep me reading. There were only a few typos but none which pulled me out of the story. It was clean but on the spicy side. If you enjoy clean, beach romances with a little spice, you might enjoy this story.
The Heartwood Sea (Carter’s Cove Beach Romance Book 1) a perfect read.
I loved this book for several reasons! I like easy romance books, the sea, food, adventure and the beach. Handsome people who are beautiful inside and out, who have scruples and strong work ethics make for a great read. If I ever ran away it would be to live in a cabin on the beach. My problem would be, no job, I’m way past the years to just go and enjoy. Everyone in this book is perfect for their part. Enjoy!
Alissa Hartwood captains a fishing boat to stock her family’s restaurant, and she’s the main pastry chef for their hotel. When her once boyfriend, Shawn Newman returns to the island wanting to purchase their land, he finds they won’t sell. He sticks around, and they begin dating again. When he gets called back to Miami, he discovers his boss can’t be trusted and he’d rather live on the island. Both he and Alissa have to reconcile over things that were said between them. A touching story about love and trust.
Alissa works hard at the family inn, catching fish early in the morning and baking after. She was left by Shawn when they were at school, and went through a very hard time. Shawn is back in the area to try, but not very hard, to buy the inn. They meet up again and the sparks seem to still be there, but Alissa can't cope with him leaving her again. Then there's a bit of suspense. Did he do it or not?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
It didn't work when they were 17. Can it work now 18 years later or is it just another mistake? Shawn is determined to make it work this time, but can he convince Alissa that it’s a risk worth taking. Can she risk her heart again? This is a lovely introduction to Carter's Cove and I look forward to Olympia's book, which I imagine will be full of fireworks from the feisty Heartwood sister!
Alissa and Shawn are the best. Alissa didn’t want to let go of past hurts and disappointment. But she couldn’t help herself. Shawn had a super job in Miami. But he wanted to move home to the island. A few swoony kisses and a couple of surprises later and Shawn finds he needs to forgive some hurtful things, too. Who can pass up a motorcycle parade? And the dogs! Three of them!
she is doing well except she has no boyfriend. She did have one and now he is back after 18 years ago at high school. She is not sure she wants him near her. He wants the land her inn is on. She will not sell. Can they just have a fling? how will they get on? What if he changes everything? See how they get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A man comes back to a place he's been at and enjoyed in the past to bye Property from a family run by girls or women. It starts out where he's really wants to by the end But in a very short time he says he knew he couldn't get them to sell. Hi read news or friendship with an old friend/girlfriend. I like the emotions to go through this story with the characters. I give this 5 thumbs up/stars.
Wonderful story in the the perfect setting, the beach, my favorite place in the world to go!
Great characters with ups and downs, with twists and turns just as in life. "The bad" were in place without anyone knowing it until much later! If course the damages had been done and others blamed between families on the island ! EVEN the police are seeing it that way until some new evidence shows up! Will it be enough? Grab the book and discover the unfolding! ENJOY!
An enjoyable read, an escape from the humdrum everyday life to a glimpse of island life. A behind the scenes view of tourism and, the hard work and long hours it takes to provide a wonderful vacation for visitors to an island destination! Rekindling a romance and learning to trust again, sharing hopes and dreams, all make for a relaxing read, A mini vacation from reality.
I really liked this story overall. Everything about this story was great up until the afterward chapter.
*spoiler*
I really didn't not like how the main female character Alissa came across in those last few pages. Maybe its just me but she sounded entitled or something. Here this man is pouring his heart out and she is worried about what the ring looks like..I'm sorry but I just didn't care for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shawn had dumped Alissa in high school for another girl. Now years later he is back on the island. Shawn came back to buy Alissa's family land for his boss. Even before they said no he knew he had made a mistake all those years ago. Second chance romance. Clean.
Story is about second chances and rekindled romance between Alissa and Shawn. Her family owns Heartland Inn. She works their fishing boat and also is their pastry chef. His boss is trying to buy the family land. As they rekindle love loss, threats and damages start on their property.
I wouldn’t really call it enemies to lovers. They aren’t really enemies. Sure, the job he’s supposed to do could make them enemies but this is more a second chance romance feel. Still very enjoyable and a great introduction to a new series and town.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Alyssa had her heart broken as a teen when Shawn left her for another. She didn't want a repeat when he came back to her hometown. Shawn came because his boss thought that he'd have a better chance at getting the Heartwoods to sell their land. Shawn knew it'd never work.
I loved this book. I loved the feel of the island, the people and things to do. I loved th second chance theme. I loved that Shawn figured out what he really wanted in life and went for it. I liked that they both learned to forgive. I can't wait to read the next book!