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Tropical Kiss
A summer in Aruba, on the beach, in the sun–what else could a girl want? A summer romance, of course! Imagine spending your entire summer vacation on the beautiful Islands of Aruba. Who could ask for anything more? Well, for Morgan Callahan, spending her entire summer in Aruba with the father, she hardly knows, is barely anything to look forward to. In fact, she is dreading the next few months. Nonetheless, she is in for the time of her life! From secret operatives to finding romance.Morgan is in for some international intrigue!
338 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2005
16 people are currently reading
1601 people want to read
About the author
Jan Coffey
602 books83 followersJan Coffey, Nik James, and May McGoldrick are pen names for USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo Kafi and Jim McGoldrick. Together, they have crafted over fifty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical, contemporary, and Western novels, and two works of nonfiction.
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
April 15, 2017
Best $1.00 book I've bought! This was such a funny, light read. The characters are written so great and I love the way Cy and Morgan are complete opposites but bonded and ended up in love. I was so happy that Morgan and her dad ended up close in the end and that she decided to move in with him. With a bit of a mystery/spy theme this book really is a dish! A great light read that I highly recommend!!! Fun for summer :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2012
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
Morgan Callahan is a seventeen-year-old girl with a life in turmoil. She's still recovering from a broken leg, hobbling along on crutches. Her mother has just remarried and is indulging in a little private honeymoon with her new husband. Her father, who she hasn't seen in three years, is currently in Aruba for business, and she's passed along to him for the summer. Arriving on a tropical island for a little summer vacation should be calming, but from the very beginning, it's anything but.
Her father is so busy with work-big surprise!-that he sends his twenty-year-old assistant, an intern for the summer, to pick Morgan up at the airport. Heaven forbid Phillip Callahan should take even an hour break from his busy schedule to pick his own daughter up upon arrival on an island in the middle of nowhere. To make matters worse, Phillip is detained in a late meeting, and the only person Morgan has for company is Cyrus "Cy" Reed, that cute assistant of her father's.
Determined to get to know her father better, to get to know Cy a whole lot more, and have a relaxing vacation beneath the Aruba sunshine, Morgan gets a bit more than she bargained for. When a battle begins to erupt between some drug lords and CIA agents, all hell breaks loose on Aruba.
TROPICAL KISS was a sweet story that has it all-suspense, intrigue, a nice island setting, comedy, and a summer spent learning about romance and family dynamics. Morgan is a typical teenager from a broken home. She's struggling to find her own identity, trying to get closer to a father who has always put his business first. With Cy, she finds a man who is both irritating and attractive at the same time, and she has to learn to come to grips with those conflicting emotions.
A well-paced young adult book with down-to-earth characters, TROPICAL KISS is a great read for a summer afternoon spent out in the sun.
Morgan Callahan is a seventeen-year-old girl with a life in turmoil. She's still recovering from a broken leg, hobbling along on crutches. Her mother has just remarried and is indulging in a little private honeymoon with her new husband. Her father, who she hasn't seen in three years, is currently in Aruba for business, and she's passed along to him for the summer. Arriving on a tropical island for a little summer vacation should be calming, but from the very beginning, it's anything but.
Her father is so busy with work-big surprise!-that he sends his twenty-year-old assistant, an intern for the summer, to pick Morgan up at the airport. Heaven forbid Phillip Callahan should take even an hour break from his busy schedule to pick his own daughter up upon arrival on an island in the middle of nowhere. To make matters worse, Phillip is detained in a late meeting, and the only person Morgan has for company is Cyrus "Cy" Reed, that cute assistant of her father's.
Determined to get to know her father better, to get to know Cy a whole lot more, and have a relaxing vacation beneath the Aruba sunshine, Morgan gets a bit more than she bargained for. When a battle begins to erupt between some drug lords and CIA agents, all hell breaks loose on Aruba.
TROPICAL KISS was a sweet story that has it all-suspense, intrigue, a nice island setting, comedy, and a summer spent learning about romance and family dynamics. Morgan is a typical teenager from a broken home. She's struggling to find her own identity, trying to get closer to a father who has always put his business first. With Cy, she finds a man who is both irritating and attractive at the same time, and she has to learn to come to grips with those conflicting emotions.
A well-paced young adult book with down-to-earth characters, TROPICAL KISS is a great read for a summer afternoon spent out in the sun.
January 9, 2018
This will appeal to those who fantasized about an "older man" while they were in high school. I can remember back to my high school years….dating a college guy was hot stuff.
My Take
Very much a young teen romance with an irritating heroine. She is rude, self-absorbed, crude, and such a child. Ah, well, I guess you could say she's a typical teen, and I shouldn't condemn the story for that.
And stupid. God, she's dumb. It's more as though Coffey couldn't really be bothered to work at this and just took the easy way out. Too bad for Morgan. The shower scene? Oh, duhhh. Morgan is just such a stupid bitch. I wanna smack her with her own crutches. She takes off without saying a word to Cy that first day, and he ends up...nope, no, you'll have to read it for yourself. If you can be bothered. She leaps to erroneous conclusions faster than a crooked journalist, and seems to think she can smack anyone and anything with no regrets. She whines and complains about how awful the Callahan track record is with relationships and proceeds to fulfill all of her whiny complaints.
Of course, Dad isn't the brightest tool in the shed either. Since Aruba is so safe, obviously his daughter is too. Yup, uh-huh...and I got this bridge I'd like ta sell ya...
Gag…"Every inch of Morgan's body was tingling, and she couldn't understand why."
Parents will appreciate Morgan's morals; Coffey is very careful to keep the sex out of this story. Oh, there's plenty of kissing and fumbling. And talk of desire. But she also has Morgan and Cy carefully taking those cold showers.
What's with that mom? She doesn't trust her kid herself, but she expects Philip to have complete trust in her.
It was sweet to read of Philip and his hopes and worries for his daughter.
This is a juvenile story with a juvenile heroine; and I mean it in the tackiest way.
The Story
Forced to spend the summer with the father she hasn't seen in three years, Morgan is positive she'll simply be closer for him to ignore.
The Characters
Morgan Callahan is seventeen years old, a klutz, a cold fish, and one of the rudest characters I've come across who is supposed to be the heroine of the piece. I'd like to drop her off the end of the pier with a few anchors tied to her feet. Philip Callahan has spent his working career moving from country to country, pushing paper as an official in the U.S. Department of Energy, ignoring his daughter. Jean is the mother who has just remarried. Kabir Shuklah Shah teaches engineering at MIT and is a perfect counterpoint to Morgan's mother.
Cyrus Reed is the son of an old friend of the family; his dad, John, was best man at the Callahans' wedding. Cy's interning with Morgan's dad in Aruba.
Jack is the ex-boyfriend, annoyed because Morgan wouldn't put out. Becca is Morgan's best friend.
Kate Leicester and her pack of Lizards: Liz, Beth, and Ellie have it in for Morgan. They're determined to prevent anything happening between her and Cy. Mackenzie is the antithesis to the Lizards. A nice person interested in Nick.
Lorenzo the Chin is the jerk Morgan first met at the airport who has some Colombian connections. Tony and his partner are hired goons.
The Cover
The cover is a solid colonial blue background with cartoonish graphics of two fish meeting up as though to kiss, bubbles swirling up and about, framing the title and author's name.
The title is accurate enough as they do share more than one Tropical Kiss.
My Take
Very much a young teen romance with an irritating heroine. She is rude, self-absorbed, crude, and such a child. Ah, well, I guess you could say she's a typical teen, and I shouldn't condemn the story for that.
And stupid. God, she's dumb. It's more as though Coffey couldn't really be bothered to work at this and just took the easy way out. Too bad for Morgan. The shower scene? Oh, duhhh. Morgan is just such a stupid bitch. I wanna smack her with her own crutches. She takes off without saying a word to Cy that first day, and he ends up...nope, no, you'll have to read it for yourself. If you can be bothered. She leaps to erroneous conclusions faster than a crooked journalist, and seems to think she can smack anyone and anything with no regrets. She whines and complains about how awful the Callahan track record is with relationships and proceeds to fulfill all of her whiny complaints.
Of course, Dad isn't the brightest tool in the shed either. Since Aruba is so safe, obviously his daughter is too. Yup, uh-huh...and I got this bridge I'd like ta sell ya...
Gag…"Every inch of Morgan's body was tingling, and she couldn't understand why."
Parents will appreciate Morgan's morals; Coffey is very careful to keep the sex out of this story. Oh, there's plenty of kissing and fumbling. And talk of desire. But she also has Morgan and Cy carefully taking those cold showers.
What's with that mom? She doesn't trust her kid herself, but she expects Philip to have complete trust in her.
It was sweet to read of Philip and his hopes and worries for his daughter.
This is a juvenile story with a juvenile heroine; and I mean it in the tackiest way.
The Story
Forced to spend the summer with the father she hasn't seen in three years, Morgan is positive she'll simply be closer for him to ignore.
The Characters
Morgan Callahan is seventeen years old, a klutz, a cold fish, and one of the rudest characters I've come across who is supposed to be the heroine of the piece. I'd like to drop her off the end of the pier with a few anchors tied to her feet. Philip Callahan has spent his working career moving from country to country, pushing paper as an official in the U.S. Department of Energy, ignoring his daughter. Jean is the mother who has just remarried. Kabir Shuklah Shah teaches engineering at MIT and is a perfect counterpoint to Morgan's mother.
Cyrus Reed is the son of an old friend of the family; his dad, John, was best man at the Callahans' wedding. Cy's interning with Morgan's dad in Aruba.
Jack is the ex-boyfriend, annoyed because Morgan wouldn't put out. Becca is Morgan's best friend.
Kate Leicester and her pack of Lizards: Liz, Beth, and Ellie have it in for Morgan. They're determined to prevent anything happening between her and Cy. Mackenzie is the antithesis to the Lizards. A nice person interested in Nick.
Lorenzo the Chin is the jerk Morgan first met at the airport who has some Colombian connections. Tony and his partner are hired goons.
The Cover
The cover is a solid colonial blue background with cartoonish graphics of two fish meeting up as though to kiss, bubbles swirling up and about, framing the title and author's name.
The title is accurate enough as they do share more than one Tropical Kiss.
July 27, 2018
A cute summery romance, but major suspension of disbelief required. I didn’t care for the age difference between the girl and the love interest. It didn’t seem believable that a guy in his second or third year of college would be interested in a high school junior. There was also a lot of instalove.
I did like that Morgan mended the relationship with her father. I was surprised to see a few chapters narrated from the father’s point of view, which is pretty unusual for YA books.
I really enjoyed Morgan’s friendship with Mackenzie. The two of them were supportive of each other and cared for each other a lot.
I also enjoyed the descriptions of Aruba. It’s clear the authors love it, and that love really came through in their writing.
I also read this book while on a small island paradise of my own, so that was really cool.
I did like that Morgan mended the relationship with her father. I was surprised to see a few chapters narrated from the father’s point of view, which is pretty unusual for YA books.
I really enjoyed Morgan’s friendship with Mackenzie. The two of them were supportive of each other and cared for each other a lot.
I also enjoyed the descriptions of Aruba. It’s clear the authors love it, and that love really came through in their writing.
I also read this book while on a small island paradise of my own, so that was really cool.
Read
October 14, 2008This book was hilarious! I love Morgan and her klutzy, spunky self. The author really knows how to make a person laugh. It was serious yet funny. I would love it if the author would make a sequal about her living in Washington D.C.
September 27, 2011
I thought this was was totally cute! There were times when it was light, a chunk when it went a bit heavy, but the overall feel was fun. I liked the little mystery in there, and the romance part was amusing. Plus, Morgan's broken leg and overall clumsiness lead to some laughter.
Morgan is going to stay with her father in Aruba for part of the summer while her mother goes on a honeymoon with her new husband in India. Morgan has never been close to her father and expects this trip to somewhat be a waste. That's until she meets Cy. Morgan also meets Mac and some others on the island. The trip could possibly be worth it after all. However, her father's job hits home and creates some drama. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, though!
Morgan is a clumsy girl, and she gets herself into some crazy predicaments. Cy is all suave and smooth and comes to her rescue. Plus he sounds pretty awesome and hot, so it's not surprising that she falls for him. Mac is a cool girl, while the Lizards seem like total B's. And Porcupine Butt was scary from the beginning. I knew he was weird from the airport. Her father's job was a little confusing, even when it's all being explained. Parts of it still don't make sense, but I suppose I understand enough to know what happened in the end. And the very end of this novel made me a little giddy. :o)
I really enjoyed this novel. As YA novels go, this one had quite a few references to sex, but it was always about responsible, safe sex. A couple swear words were peppered in, but they weren't totally inappropriate. This is a pretty good read, so check it out! Thanks to Ren for recommending it!
Morgan is going to stay with her father in Aruba for part of the summer while her mother goes on a honeymoon with her new husband in India. Morgan has never been close to her father and expects this trip to somewhat be a waste. That's until she meets Cy. Morgan also meets Mac and some others on the island. The trip could possibly be worth it after all. However, her father's job hits home and creates some drama. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, though!
Morgan is a clumsy girl, and she gets herself into some crazy predicaments. Cy is all suave and smooth and comes to her rescue. Plus he sounds pretty awesome and hot, so it's not surprising that she falls for him. Mac is a cool girl, while the Lizards seem like total B's. And Porcupine Butt was scary from the beginning. I knew he was weird from the airport. Her father's job was a little confusing, even when it's all being explained. Parts of it still don't make sense, but I suppose I understand enough to know what happened in the end. And the very end of this novel made me a little giddy. :o)
I really enjoyed this novel. As YA novels go, this one had quite a few references to sex, but it was always about responsible, safe sex. A couple swear words were peppered in, but they weren't totally inappropriate. This is a pretty good read, so check it out! Thanks to Ren for recommending it!
August 10, 2022
I read this the first time at age 13 back when it originally published. Now reading it as an adult, I still like it, but I could see the many errors that are in the book. Odd things like saying “I don’t want to feel like the fifth wheel” and calling it ‘wallboard’ instead of drywall. There were several times where they said ‘on’ instead of ‘in’ and vis versa. For example ‘she stood in the deck’. Also, what the hell is this age gap!! A twenty year old college student having a sexual relationship with a 17 year old high school student is super creepy and gross, and illegal.
If you can manage to ignore the statutory rape, then the story itself was great. I loved the plot, they did a decent job of setting up the friendship and budding romance. I just wish they’d made the male lead an appropriate age.
If you can manage to ignore the statutory rape, then the story itself was great. I loved the plot, they did a decent job of setting up the friendship and budding romance. I just wish they’d made the male lead an appropriate age.
January 11, 2025
Reading this book again after falling in love with it 15 years ago, was so fun. The nostalgia was amazing; being reminded of being a teenager in the 2000’s, so many feels.
August 25, 2022
It was ok. Wasn’t a huge fan though and skimmed most of the book.
March 16, 2012
So you have the main character, Morgan who has to go visit her father on this strange island. She shows up at the airport extremely unhappy (because her leg is broken and it is uncomfortable to ride an airplane or something of that sort). And then she meets this hot guy who turns out to be his father's assistant and takes her home to where he conveniently lives.
Lots of sexual tension increasing things happen (i.e., him seeing her naked) and then they get together. It was about a 3 star book at this point. But then everything changes when it turns out her father is a spy and she and Cy (that's the hot assistant) get kidnapped. The reason the rating decreases to a 2.5 (rounded up to 3) is that it's introduced in the last 70 or so pages. It reminded me of Twilight (the bad guy is introduced in the last 100 pages) and that just put me off the book.
I'm usually a sucker for cliches. In fact, the more cliche the better, to me. But this one was...off. Something was strange. I can't pin it on anything. I probably will end up picking this up again just to read about Cy and Morgan and stop as soon as they get together because the rest is rushed and ruined the book.
Lots of sexual tension increasing things happen (i.e., him seeing her naked) and then they get together. It was about a 3 star book at this point. But then everything changes when it turns out her father is a spy and she and Cy (that's the hot assistant) get kidnapped. The reason the rating decreases to a 2.5 (rounded up to 3) is that it's introduced in the last 70 or so pages. It reminded me of Twilight (the bad guy is introduced in the last 100 pages) and that just put me off the book.
I'm usually a sucker for cliches. In fact, the more cliche the better, to me. But this one was...off. Something was strange. I can't pin it on anything. I probably will end up picking this up again just to read about Cy and Morgan and stop as soon as they get together because the rest is rushed and ruined the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2012
I found this book to be very cute. Its a very quick read, which surprised me. I did not find it that all exciting though. I thought there could have been more excitement in this book especially towards the end. But Overall, like I said its a cute novel. If youre looking for a quick romantic read this would be it.
~After three years of not seeing him, Morgan is going to visit her dad in Aruba. Expecting to be alone and bored out of her mind she finds herself having the time of her life and even falling in love. The relationship between she and her father is getting better but she cant help but think that he's dealing in something illegal. She fears that now finally their relationship is how it should be as father and daughter that he may once again be ruining it.
~After three years of not seeing him, Morgan is going to visit her dad in Aruba. Expecting to be alone and bored out of her mind she finds herself having the time of her life and even falling in love. The relationship between she and her father is getting better but she cant help but think that he's dealing in something illegal. She fears that now finally their relationship is how it should be as father and daughter that he may once again be ruining it.
January 7, 2013
This book was a sweet, light read. It was funny and nice for when you want your spirits lifted up.
Morgan was strong and she didn't want any help and I loved that about her. I loved, also, how Cy didn't push her and helped her slightly. I thought the romance was a bit gooey in places and i wished it wasn't so sicklysweet.
I really liked Morgan as a character and how she wasn't so vain, but I don't like it when characters are all "whoa, i'm beautiful, ohmygosh, nooo, *blush*" and even though Morgan didn't go all the way there I think that it was implied. Cy was funny and sweet but gushy. But the whole book was gushy. i mean, your in the carribean on an island with beautiful waters and so many mentions of sunlotion, it has to be gushy.
Morgan was strong and she didn't want any help and I loved that about her. I loved, also, how Cy didn't push her and helped her slightly. I thought the romance was a bit gooey in places and i wished it wasn't so sicklysweet.
I really liked Morgan as a character and how she wasn't so vain, but I don't like it when characters are all "whoa, i'm beautiful, ohmygosh, nooo, *blush*" and even though Morgan didn't go all the way there I think that it was implied. Cy was funny and sweet but gushy. But the whole book was gushy. i mean, your in the carribean on an island with beautiful waters and so many mentions of sunlotion, it has to be gushy.
August 12, 2010
This was a super quick read. A 17 year old girl has to spend the summer with her dad she hasn’t seen in 3 yrs, because her mom is on a honeymoon with her new stepdad. She complains about having to go to aruba…um ok I would not complain about that. Stuff happens..gooshy stuff, growing up stuff, suspense stuff..then it ends all wrapped up super neatly (not gonna give it away though it's predictable). Cute book but requires zero thought. Oh, and it does the whole lecture thing in there randomly about safe sex. I guess it's really meant to hit home to teens - think before you f. :)
January 2, 2010
A bit of YA/teen girl fluff to start the year,but how better to start the coldest new year on record since the early 70's than a book set in Aruba? I feel a little old reading this book as it brings back all the drama of being a teen girl on the cusp of that crazy time after childhood but before adulthood. The characters are likeable, and believeable. While not something I will recommend for my own daughter--at least for a long while-- it's like a sex Ed senario in book form.
August 23, 2008
This book rocks! It deals with girl who is sent to Aruba to live with her father for the summer, while her mother is on her honeymoon in India. She doesn't know her father very well but by the end of the summer learns to save herself (That sunglasses dude!) and a little bit more about her father. And maybe just maybe falls in love.
October 11, 2008
This book is very good so far. It is about a girl who has to stay in Aruba with her father who she doesn't know that well and a young man while her mother honeymoons in India with her soon to be step dad.
August 5, 2011
What a cute book! It had everything I wanted for the summer, nice summery location (Aruba), cute boy (Cy), romance (amazing romance every girl dreams of), intrigue/mystery (who are those people following Morgan?!) ahh very good :)
November 15, 2014
Another great book buy this writer! We'll plotted amazing realistic characters.This is my lest favorite of the books by Jan Coffey but I think it is still a great read.This is one of my all time favorite writers and I am so greatful for all the greatb books!
November 17, 2008
So romantic! Great summer reading.
May 31, 2009
The beginning was great, but the ending.... well I'll just say It's not something I'd tell an elementary school student to read.
July 25, 2012
I've read this every summer for years now :)
August 3, 2012
loved it!! it had a little mystery in it too which is fun and unusual
August 9, 2015
Funny! What a fun book to read! Geared towards young adults but I loved it. A great summer read.
July 23, 2020
This is based (mostly) on enjoyment.
I like to joke and say this book sent me to the emergency room because, while reading it, I was sent to the E.R. It was unrelated obviously, but also suiting for how I felt while reading the book.
This is why I felt it was horrible:
Man oh man was Morgan (The MC) dumb. The author tried so hard to make her "cute and corky" but it was unbelievably overkill. Every chapter she'd do something so far fetched, so outlandish and idiotic that it was impossible to believe. I rolled my eyes more times while reading this book than any other.
It was also a bold move making the love interest into somewhat of a frat guy, although I guess the times were different when this was written, maybe that was in. He's described as wearing button up shirts, shorts and "loafers without socks," on multiple occasions. As soon as I read that, I was immediately uninterested in him.
And don't get me started with the age difference. What older man would be that obsessed with a 17 year old girl- let me rephrase that, why was an older man romanticized obsessing over a seventeen year old? To the point where he straight up tells her father he's doing to have sex with her...
I want to add in this little quote to give evidence. "If you're not thinking straight, then I can take advantage of you." He then kissed her...
Now I don't have the time to go into detail on the context of that quote. Just know, it was said in a playful manner with which the girl seemed pleased to hear. I just found it gross, though. What kind of a joke is that? That's not a sign of a cute and happy romance at all. Why even add that in. You already have a 20 year old dating a 17 year old, why make his humor so... scummy.
I wish the book had more emphasis on Morgan's relationship with her dad, that would've been nice.
All in all, this book was not worth the medical bill.
I like to joke and say this book sent me to the emergency room because, while reading it, I was sent to the E.R. It was unrelated obviously, but also suiting for how I felt while reading the book.
This is why I felt it was horrible:
Man oh man was Morgan (The MC) dumb. The author tried so hard to make her "cute and corky" but it was unbelievably overkill. Every chapter she'd do something so far fetched, so outlandish and idiotic that it was impossible to believe. I rolled my eyes more times while reading this book than any other.
It was also a bold move making the love interest into somewhat of a frat guy, although I guess the times were different when this was written, maybe that was in. He's described as wearing button up shirts, shorts and "loafers without socks," on multiple occasions. As soon as I read that, I was immediately uninterested in him.
And don't get me started with the age difference. What older man would be that obsessed with a 17 year old girl- let me rephrase that, why was an older man romanticized obsessing over a seventeen year old? To the point where he straight up tells her father he's doing to have sex with her...
I want to add in this little quote to give evidence. "If you're not thinking straight, then I can take advantage of you." He then kissed her...
Now I don't have the time to go into detail on the context of that quote. Just know, it was said in a playful manner with which the girl seemed pleased to hear. I just found it gross, though. What kind of a joke is that? That's not a sign of a cute and happy romance at all. Why even add that in. You already have a 20 year old dating a 17 year old, why make his humor so... scummy.
I wish the book had more emphasis on Morgan's relationship with her dad, that would've been nice.
All in all, this book was not worth the medical bill.
dropped
July 2, 2023Huge problems with this book that go beyond the age gap (FMC is 17 and MMC is 20) that’s rooted in power dynamics because the MMC works with her father…
But ICK the consent concerns are major!!!
At one point the MMC said “We can take it slower. Any way you want to go. Whatever speed. Remember, though, I’m just a guy.” EW.. implying that he can’t control himself because of his raging testosterone and penis?? Pass.
Plus in other parts he tried to control what the FMC wore so he wouldn’t be “tempted” AGSHSJSKAKFBD 😤
Then another character said “we almost got carried away in the car when I was dropping him off. Almost. But I asked him to stop. And he did.” BABES THAT IS THE BARE MINIMUM. THE BARE MINIMUUUMMMMM!!!!
No way in hell I’m going to ever finish this book. Goodbye. Good riddance. It should have stayed in 2005
But ICK the consent concerns are major!!!
At one point the MMC said “We can take it slower. Any way you want to go. Whatever speed. Remember, though, I’m just a guy.” EW.. implying that he can’t control himself because of his raging testosterone and penis?? Pass.
Plus in other parts he tried to control what the FMC wore so he wouldn’t be “tempted” AGSHSJSKAKFBD 😤
Then another character said “we almost got carried away in the car when I was dropping him off. Almost. But I asked him to stop. And he did.” BABES THAT IS THE BARE MINIMUM. THE BARE MINIMUUUMMMMM!!!!
No way in hell I’m going to ever finish this book. Goodbye. Good riddance. It should have stayed in 2005
March 4, 2020
Was an alright story. Quick read for sure. The middle to the end of the book is better than the beginning. At first the character seems very self absorbed, but you come to understand her as you read the book and you get the idea of how she has changed over the course of the summer. I would read again for a quick read.
July 24, 2022
Great story
I enjoyed this YA romance between Morgan and act. The story was interesting, fun, and had some good suspense. Morgan’s accident-prone episodes were quite entertaining. My first book by this author team. I enjoyed this book.
I enjoyed this YA romance between Morgan and act. The story was interesting, fun, and had some good suspense. Morgan’s accident-prone episodes were quite entertaining. My first book by this author team. I enjoyed this book.
September 20, 2024
why do all of these summer romance mystery books always have a long build up then it gets resolved in two short chapters just for the other chapters after it be very unrealistic where everything works out?
January 22, 2018
Teen romance.
April 12, 2019
Cute book, teen romance set in Aruba
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