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Diving into Forever
Travel the world Become dive-certified Find forever love?
To complete his beloved late sister’s bucket list, chef Kellan Murphy needs to triumph over his fear of deep water. Enter American dive instructor Sam Walker, as kind as he is electrifying to every fiber of Kell’s being. Sam’s soon nudging his way into the Irishman’s heart. But with Kellan’s dive certification comes an inheritance…and the restaurant of his dreams a continent away. Is Kellan’s future really on Oyster Island—with Sam?
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Love at Hideaway Wharf
Book 1: Diving into Forever
Book 2: A Hideaway Wharf Holiday
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2023
3 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Greer
66 books447 followersUSA Today bestselling author Laurel Greer loves writing about all the ways love can change people for the better, especially when messy families and charming small towns are involved. She lives outside of Vancouver, BC with her law-talking husband and two daughters and is never far from a cup of tea, a good book, or the ocean—preferably all three.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 5, 2023
[I received an early physical copy for an honest review]
Diving Into Forever is a charming small town romance by Laurel Greer.
Kellan is fulfilling his late sister's bucket list, and the last thing is to become dive certified. A small hiccup is that he's afraid of deep water, but there's something about his dive instructor that gives him hope of succeeding . Sam is hesitant to get attached to Kell since he's only on the island for a limited time. The more time Kell spends on the island the more he sees it as his future, but will Sam take the chance.
All Kellan knew is ,that in kissing Sam, is taking in every second of being this close, he relaxed. No matter what, he wanted this memory. Of Sam , the beach, the kiss. This rugged and beautiful man who matched the wild landscape.
This was a satisfying story with a good balance of heavy emotion and light-hearted moments. Kellan is grieving the loss of his sister, feeling alone and adrift. Divorced, Sam is taking care of his siblings and father after a bad accident, always taking care of everyone's needs before his own. Sam hasn't had anyone take care and focus on him the way Kellan does in a long time. While Kellan showed Sam he deserved to focus on his own needs, Sam helps him conquer his fears of diving and helps him grieve for his sister. The romance between them is heavy on the emotional connection and mild steam with a couple of open door scenes.
"We make our own guarantees, Sam. Life doesn't promise them. We have to after what we want."
Overall, Diving into Forever is an entertaining small town mm romance . Where a vacation hook up quickly turns to more and is filled with grief, healing, facing fears, hiking , diving, star gazing, cooking, salty kisses, and a happy ending.
Rep: Gay MC, Pansexual MC, Divorced MC
Diving Into Forever is a charming small town romance by Laurel Greer.
Kellan is fulfilling his late sister's bucket list, and the last thing is to become dive certified. A small hiccup is that he's afraid of deep water, but there's something about his dive instructor that gives him hope of succeeding . Sam is hesitant to get attached to Kell since he's only on the island for a limited time. The more time Kell spends on the island the more he sees it as his future, but will Sam take the chance.
All Kellan knew is ,that in kissing Sam, is taking in every second of being this close, he relaxed. No matter what, he wanted this memory. Of Sam , the beach, the kiss. This rugged and beautiful man who matched the wild landscape.
This was a satisfying story with a good balance of heavy emotion and light-hearted moments. Kellan is grieving the loss of his sister, feeling alone and adrift. Divorced, Sam is taking care of his siblings and father after a bad accident, always taking care of everyone's needs before his own. Sam hasn't had anyone take care and focus on him the way Kellan does in a long time. While Kellan showed Sam he deserved to focus on his own needs, Sam helps him conquer his fears of diving and helps him grieve for his sister. The romance between them is heavy on the emotional connection and mild steam with a couple of open door scenes.
"We make our own guarantees, Sam. Life doesn't promise them. We have to after what we want."
Overall, Diving into Forever is an entertaining small town mm romance . Where a vacation hook up quickly turns to more and is filled with grief, healing, facing fears, hiking , diving, star gazing, cooking, salty kisses, and a happy ending.
Rep: Gay MC, Pansexual MC, Divorced MC
June 10, 2024
So cute and heartwarming. It made me want to go on vacation to the west coast.
July 7, 2023
Thank you to Mills & Boon and Netgalley for my eARC copy of this book. This was my first Mills & Boon MM Romance story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Though it did make me hungry, Kellan is a cook, and food is described throughout. I did enjoy how this book was dual POV this is my preferred romance style. Diving into Forever does include some spice but is definitely more character and plot driven.
I hope that Sam and Kellan feature in book 2 🤞🏻 Book 2 is about Sam's sister Francine.
I hope that Sam and Kellan feature in book 2 🤞🏻 Book 2 is about Sam's sister Francine.
July 25, 2023
Sam Walker is doing his best to hold his family together. Kellan Murphy is trying not to fall apart.
Laurel Greer’s DIVING INTO FOREVER is a beautifully written story about two people with a lot on their plates, finding someone to share their loads. Sam and Kellan have both faced loss and upheaval, and their meeting is part of the bucket list Kell’s late sister set into motion. But the friendship and more that blossoms, that is all on the two of them, and their willingness to share their hearts and emotions.
Ms Greer’s characters are real and warmly written. Their efforts to be vulnerable and build connections made my heart sing. This is an excellent story, and a beautiful start to a series.
Laurel Greer’s DIVING INTO FOREVER is a beautifully written story about two people with a lot on their plates, finding someone to share their loads. Sam and Kellan have both faced loss and upheaval, and their meeting is part of the bucket list Kell’s late sister set into motion. But the friendship and more that blossoms, that is all on the two of them, and their willingness to share their hearts and emotions.
Ms Greer’s characters are real and warmly written. Their efforts to be vulnerable and build connections made my heart sing. This is an excellent story, and a beautiful start to a series.
July 26, 2023
Love this story
When I read Laurel’s first MM story, I knew I’d found something magical. I’ve read most of her MF books and certainly enjoyed them, but she finds magic in writing gay romance.
Okay, so this story. It’s the first of a new series and I’m so excited. I know this part of the world fairly well – well, at least the Pacific Northwest part of it. But she’s made up an island in the San Juan islands that’s all her own. Her descriptions are so vivid. I mean, I didn’t know what half the crustations, flora, food, and fish were, but I sure wanted to try. I felt immersed in another world and I loved it.
Then we get to the town. Oyster Island is a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone and, oh my god, the families just sprawl. I liked there were a variety of relationships as well. Someone’s mother is a lesbian. Another character is bi. This felt very much like the world I live in.
Dropped into this world is Kellen. He’s about to open a fine dining establishment in London. Even though his heart is in the wilds of Ireland. But that’s okay because his cuisine skills will carry him to great fame within the culinary world and that’s what it’s all about, right?
Enter his sister. When she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she made a bucket list for her brother. And she’d made a small fortune as a game designer – something he knew very little about – and suddenly the capital for him to start his business is right there. If he can do everything on her list. Scale the peaks and dive the depths.
Only problem? Kellen’s deathly afraid of diving. Personally, I don’t blame him. Sure, you get to see all those pretty things. But that’s what documentaries are for. Still, he’s determined. At every turn, he feels his sister’s presence and that grief often swamps him. This struck home for me and even as I write this review, I get teary. Not every reader will need tissue, to be sure, but having a piece if you’re prone to weepiness isn’t a bad thing. I didn’t mind the emotions the story brought forth in me as I reflected the people I’ve lost in my life. As Sam says to Kellen, he’s never endured that kind of loss. But it doesn’t mean he can’t empathize with the man who just lost his sister.
Sam’s also dealing with a lot. A devastating car accident altered his family forever and he’s responsible for so many people. He needs to enjoy life as well, and being with Kellen gives him that opportunity.
So, the attraction is instantaneous. Like, sizzling. And why not? Two good looking men? One with that amazing Irish accent? The other toned from years of swimming and diving? Match made in heaven. Only one’s not staying, so it can only be temporary.
But what fun they have.
There is more to the relationship, though, and as their feelings deepen, so does the uncertainty about the future. But Kellen’s sister’s death has taught him to seize what he wants and to hang on tight. And to hope the recipient of that affection feels the same way.
Within the love story and the overcoming fear of diving, are layered in a bunch of secondary characters. I can see their stories in the offing and can’t wait.
This was just a great book and I’m so glad I got the honor of reading an advanced copy. Laurel’s next few books in the series are MF, and I’m looking forward to them – but I’ll also be happy to snap up her next MM book as well.
When I read Laurel’s first MM story, I knew I’d found something magical. I’ve read most of her MF books and certainly enjoyed them, but she finds magic in writing gay romance.
Okay, so this story. It’s the first of a new series and I’m so excited. I know this part of the world fairly well – well, at least the Pacific Northwest part of it. But she’s made up an island in the San Juan islands that’s all her own. Her descriptions are so vivid. I mean, I didn’t know what half the crustations, flora, food, and fish were, but I sure wanted to try. I felt immersed in another world and I loved it.
Then we get to the town. Oyster Island is a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone and, oh my god, the families just sprawl. I liked there were a variety of relationships as well. Someone’s mother is a lesbian. Another character is bi. This felt very much like the world I live in.
Dropped into this world is Kellen. He’s about to open a fine dining establishment in London. Even though his heart is in the wilds of Ireland. But that’s okay because his cuisine skills will carry him to great fame within the culinary world and that’s what it’s all about, right?
Enter his sister. When she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she made a bucket list for her brother. And she’d made a small fortune as a game designer – something he knew very little about – and suddenly the capital for him to start his business is right there. If he can do everything on her list. Scale the peaks and dive the depths.
Only problem? Kellen’s deathly afraid of diving. Personally, I don’t blame him. Sure, you get to see all those pretty things. But that’s what documentaries are for. Still, he’s determined. At every turn, he feels his sister’s presence and that grief often swamps him. This struck home for me and even as I write this review, I get teary. Not every reader will need tissue, to be sure, but having a piece if you’re prone to weepiness isn’t a bad thing. I didn’t mind the emotions the story brought forth in me as I reflected the people I’ve lost in my life. As Sam says to Kellen, he’s never endured that kind of loss. But it doesn’t mean he can’t empathize with the man who just lost his sister.
Sam’s also dealing with a lot. A devastating car accident altered his family forever and he’s responsible for so many people. He needs to enjoy life as well, and being with Kellen gives him that opportunity.
So, the attraction is instantaneous. Like, sizzling. And why not? Two good looking men? One with that amazing Irish accent? The other toned from years of swimming and diving? Match made in heaven. Only one’s not staying, so it can only be temporary.
But what fun they have.
There is more to the relationship, though, and as their feelings deepen, so does the uncertainty about the future. But Kellen’s sister’s death has taught him to seize what he wants and to hang on tight. And to hope the recipient of that affection feels the same way.
Within the love story and the overcoming fear of diving, are layered in a bunch of secondary characters. I can see their stories in the offing and can’t wait.
This was just a great book and I’m so glad I got the honor of reading an advanced copy. Laurel’s next few books in the series are MF, and I’m looking forward to them – but I’ll also be happy to snap up her next MM book as well.
July 10, 2023
Sexy, sweet and sentimental! Laurel Greer is kicking off her brand new Love at Hideaway Wharf series with just the sweetest M/M couple you could imagine. I loved Kellan and Sam from the very first scene and enjoyed every minute of their love story. This book portrays lots of emotion, light angst and the message of not letting life pass you by without reaching for your dreams. I'm hooked and can't wait for a return trip to Oyster Island!
Kellan touched my heart right away with his journey to conquer his fears to accomplish the adventure list that his sister never got to finish. He had a lot to overcome, but also many dreams to reflect on during his trek to forever.
Sam is sexy, secure and the sweetest guy around. He goes out of his way to always help family and loves what he does and where he lives.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a fast-paced small-town romance with passion and angst but equal parts warmth and family. Looking forward to more in the series!
Kellan touched my heart right away with his journey to conquer his fears to accomplish the adventure list that his sister never got to finish. He had a lot to overcome, but also many dreams to reflect on during his trek to forever.
Sam is sexy, secure and the sweetest guy around. He goes out of his way to always help family and loves what he does and where he lives.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a fast-paced small-town romance with passion and angst but equal parts warmth and family. Looking forward to more in the series!
June 18, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Mills & Boon for approving my request to read an arc of this book
Wow! I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but it blew all my expectations out of the water! This was such a cozy and romantic read, despite the themes of grief that ran through it from both of the main characters, one from losing his sister, and one from the trauma of his dad and sisters traffic accident that left them both injured and in pain.
This story was stunning and short enough to read in a single day, so it’s perfect for a rainy day read curled up under a blanket. The story does have mature material but it never gets too explicit.
Overall this story is about healing and hope. And about finding happiness. It certainly made me smile while reading.
Wow! I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but it blew all my expectations out of the water! This was such a cozy and romantic read, despite the themes of grief that ran through it from both of the main characters, one from losing his sister, and one from the trauma of his dad and sisters traffic accident that left them both injured and in pain.
This story was stunning and short enough to read in a single day, so it’s perfect for a rainy day read curled up under a blanket. The story does have mature material but it never gets too explicit.
Overall this story is about healing and hope. And about finding happiness. It certainly made me smile while reading.
June 17, 2023
Thank you to Harlequin for this five star book! I love a good summer romance read, especially with a beautiful duo on the sandy beach!
This beautiful story stars Kellan (Kell), a chef on a mission to complete his late sister's bucket list while facing his fears, and Sam, who will help him get there. This is such a treasure of a story about learning and growing, understanding that your life then may not work now and having the courage to make those changes.
All characters are such loveable and relatable people facing the challenges that life can throw at you. With strong character development and growing relationships, I highly suggest this inspiring read!
This beautiful story stars Kellan (Kell), a chef on a mission to complete his late sister's bucket list while facing his fears, and Sam, who will help him get there. This is such a treasure of a story about learning and growing, understanding that your life then may not work now and having the courage to make those changes.
All characters are such loveable and relatable people facing the challenges that life can throw at you. With strong character development and growing relationships, I highly suggest this inspiring read!
July 11, 2023
Hot, hot, hot! Laurel Greer has written another fabulous romance. Diving Into Forever is warm and cozy, with its small-town, island vibes, but also seriously sexy. Sam is reeling from a divorce and numerous family obligations, as well as running his own diving business. When Irishman Kellan signs up for diving lessons, a spark is lit. The attraction is fierce but they both know Kellan's time on Oyster Island is going to be short-lived. I loved these two and the way they cared for each other. Both men have been hurt and both understand loss, so this book really tugs on the heartstrings. There are some lovely descriptions of their dives and the setting is evocative. Just a wonderful read.
July 11, 2023
I absolutely adored this one by Laurel. Sexy and sweet, poignant and funny, Sam and Kellan’s story kicks off Laurel’s new series Love at Hideaway Wharf. Kell an is trying to complete his sister’s bucket list, they started it together before she passed away, Sam is trying to hold his family together after a devastating accident and he continues to put himself last. Kellan and Sam soon discover that it’s ok to let someone else in. I guarantee you will love this one, it’s full of emotional moments, humorous moments and a gorgeous setting. Thank you Laurel for sharing this beautiful story with me.
February 23, 2025
This book was a small town love story with some spicy love scenes. This is a mm romance.
This story is about a chef named Kellan Murphy. He is going to complete his late sister’s bucket list. However he needs to get over his fear of deep water 💧. He meets an American dive instructor named Sam Walker. Sam is totally gorgeous and frying Kellan’s brain.
Sam is quickly nudging his way into Kellan’s head. With Kellan’s dive certification comes an inheritance. The restaurant of his dreams is a continent away. He doesn’t know if his future will be on Oyster land . This book mentioned his late sister which was nice. This book is spicy 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
This story is about a chef named Kellan Murphy. He is going to complete his late sister’s bucket list. However he needs to get over his fear of deep water 💧. He meets an American dive instructor named Sam Walker. Sam is totally gorgeous and frying Kellan’s brain.
Sam is quickly nudging his way into Kellan’s head. With Kellan’s dive certification comes an inheritance. The restaurant of his dreams is a continent away. He doesn’t know if his future will be on Oyster land . This book mentioned his late sister which was nice. This book is spicy 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
August 16, 2023
Irish Chef Kellan Murphy is working on his late sister's bucket list of learning to dive and going to various places in the world to do that. But Kellan's problem is that he's afraid of diving. And of being on a boat. But Dive instructor Sam Walker in Oyster Island, Washington, is prepared to be patient. But sparks fly, and attraction builds. But Kellan is only there for a month, and Sam has family obligations. And if Kellan completes his sister's bucket list, the inheritance he gets will help him open a restaurant in London, England.
November 20, 2023
The setting and the story outline seemed appealing, but it didn't play out that way. The author backed into the plot tossing meagre crumbs of information for the reader to follow, but for that to work the reader has to get caught up and care about the characters and where the story is heading, and those elements were sadly lacking.
Formulaic and oddly stilted writing style and language.
Formulaic and oddly stilted writing style and language.
June 6, 2023
First of all, I always enjoy Laurel’s writing. Secondly, this story was good. It was the first m/m romance I’ve read. What I liked about it was that it felt like I was reading about a ‘real’ couple. It had all the true feels of a romance.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2023
4 stars
This is such a great beach read!! A very low angst, sweet vacation story that also deals with grief and moving on. Such a sweet book with great chemistry between characters, can’t wait to see more of these characters in future books!
Thank you Harlequin for the arc!
This is such a great beach read!! A very low angst, sweet vacation story that also deals with grief and moving on. Such a sweet book with great chemistry between characters, can’t wait to see more of these characters in future books!
Thank you Harlequin for the arc!
Read
July 1, 2023Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Love at Hideaway Wharf (Book #1)
Miniseries
Love at Hideaway Wharf (Book #1)
July 26, 2023
4.25 stars
Poignant story, likeable characters, beautiful imagery (almost makes me want to overcome my fear of swimming in the ocean!), nice love story. Full review to follow.
Poignant story, likeable characters, beautiful imagery (almost makes me want to overcome my fear of swimming in the ocean!), nice love story. Full review to follow.
February 15, 2024
Not bad, not great — the character development was a little thin, and I prefer a bit more conflict to round out the story. But a really interesting premise.
July 25, 2023
Diving into Forever is the first book in the new Love at Hideaway Wharf series. It’s a M/M romance between Sam, a local dive instructor, and Kellan, an Irish chef.
Sam runs a business that offers a variety of sea adventures around Oyster Island, and Kellan is following her late sister’s bucket list instructions, which requires him to become certified to dive in places like Japan and Australia. The only problem? He’s terrified of being underwater.
But Sam is a gentle guy and is determined to help Kellan succeed and be comfortable under the sea. They shortly realize that their attraction to each other isn’t one-sided, so they decide to explore it and agree on a short-term fling while Kellan is in town. The problem is that sometimes you get more than you bargained for, and then decisions have to be made.
I liked both Sam and Kellan very much. There’s a very good small-town feel in this story. I liked Sam’s family, and I am intrigued by all their connections. Sam and Kellan are both battling grief and loss, and their connection helps them to understand what moving one really means, and why it’s important to live your life for yourself and no one else. There’s a lot of heaviness in their feelings, but it is handled very well by the author. I think it’s a sweet romance between two strong guys who needed a break, and they become each other’s anchor.
Sam runs a business that offers a variety of sea adventures around Oyster Island, and Kellan is following her late sister’s bucket list instructions, which requires him to become certified to dive in places like Japan and Australia. The only problem? He’s terrified of being underwater.
But Sam is a gentle guy and is determined to help Kellan succeed and be comfortable under the sea. They shortly realize that their attraction to each other isn’t one-sided, so they decide to explore it and agree on a short-term fling while Kellan is in town. The problem is that sometimes you get more than you bargained for, and then decisions have to be made.
I liked both Sam and Kellan very much. There’s a very good small-town feel in this story. I liked Sam’s family, and I am intrigued by all their connections. Sam and Kellan are both battling grief and loss, and their connection helps them to understand what moving one really means, and why it’s important to live your life for yourself and no one else. There’s a lot of heaviness in their feelings, but it is handled very well by the author. I think it’s a sweet romance between two strong guys who needed a break, and they become each other’s anchor.
August 13, 2023
I have to start out by saying I immediately connected with Kellan because he went through cancer and treatment as a loved one, his sister, Aoife. I have been in that position, although our medical story had a better ending. Kellan’s sister dies of cancer and in order to receive an inheritance from her Kellan must complete a bucket list. Some things are easy enough, such as seeing parrotfish while snorkeling in five feet of water. Simple! Some, however, really will make Kellan face his fears in the form of an ocean dive. Kellan loves the ocean, just doesn’t want to be in it. But, “If she could face cancer, he could face an admittedly irrational fear.” With this in mind, he is going through deep water dive certification.
He meets Sam, the owner of the dive shop, while doing this. Sam is divorced and taking care of basically everyone in his family. He’s close with his family, while other than his late sister Kell’s parents are something else. Kellan is a chef and this inheritance will help he and his friend, Rory, open their restaurant. It’s not just Kell depending on him being successful.
What I liked most about this story was that it’s more than just boy meets boy. Both men have baggage and they help each other through. Grief is a terrible thing and you really need someone there to support you. Kell gets that in Sam. Because it is small town life, there are side characters involved and I liked them as well. Francis (Sam’s sister) and Matias (diner owner) were two of my favorites. I also really liked Rory, holding the fort back home and felt badly for him at one point. Luckily, he is a decent human and knows what is important.
I didn’t feel this was insta-love, which I appreciated. Aoife added a couple additions to her list just for her brother, and he managed to get those done as well. You never get to meet Aoife and still feel how much she loved her brother. Despite the grief, the book isn’t super angsty and there are many joyful, happy moments.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
He meets Sam, the owner of the dive shop, while doing this. Sam is divorced and taking care of basically everyone in his family. He’s close with his family, while other than his late sister Kell’s parents are something else. Kellan is a chef and this inheritance will help he and his friend, Rory, open their restaurant. It’s not just Kell depending on him being successful.
What I liked most about this story was that it’s more than just boy meets boy. Both men have baggage and they help each other through. Grief is a terrible thing and you really need someone there to support you. Kell gets that in Sam. Because it is small town life, there are side characters involved and I liked them as well. Francis (Sam’s sister) and Matias (diner owner) were two of my favorites. I also really liked Rory, holding the fort back home and felt badly for him at one point. Luckily, he is a decent human and knows what is important.
I didn’t feel this was insta-love, which I appreciated. Aoife added a couple additions to her list just for her brother, and he managed to get those done as well. You never get to meet Aoife and still feel how much she loved her brother. Despite the grief, the book isn’t super angsty and there are many joyful, happy moments.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews