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Review

“It’s never too late to change the road that you’re on.”

4.5 fated stars

OMG, I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!

I love the story, I love the town, I love the characters, I love the romance, I love it all! I was so excited when I saw that Sam Young was starting a new series, and this series opener is a delicious little read that I happily lost myself in. Set in the small seaside town of Hartwell, Young has created an almost magical setting where a group of unique characters work in the small stretch of businesses that make up Hart’s Boardwalk.

Dr Jessica Huntington has a devastating trauma in her past, one that changed her life forever and that has left her broken. She works in a women’s correctional facility – more out of a sense of obligation than enjoyment, and she lives a very private life, letting few people close to her and never opening up to anybody except her childhood best friend.

When Jessica comes across some unsent letters written by an inmate 40 years previously, she is so moved by their message that she sets out to track down the recipient and deliver them personally to him. And that brings her to the town of Hartwell. From almost the moment she arrives, Jessica feels a sense of peace that she has never experienced before, and as she is quickly enfolded into the small-town community, making fast friends with the eclectic inhabitants of the Boardwalk, she starts to reassess her life and what she wants from it – especially when she catches the eye of local bar owner, Cooper Lawson.

Sam Young has given me some of my all-time favourite book boyfriends, and Cooper Lawson is definitely added to that list! Rugged, gorgeous, alpha, sexy as all hell and a genuinely nice guy, Cooper has been indulging in mostly meaningless hook-ups since he divorced his wife after finding her in bed with his best friend. He’s not been interested in a relationship since then, but there’s something about the new arrival in town that sparks his interest.

From the very beginning, the chemistry between Jessica and Cooper is absolutely sizzling! It’s evident in every little glance, every innocent touch and every word spoken. Cooper acknowledges that there is something special about Jess, but she immediately puts up walls despite lusting madly after the man, but he is not one to be deterred.

“I know a fantastic kiss when I share one with someone.”
My insides went mushy at the compliment. I was glad he’d felt the zinging between us, too. No! I wasn’t. Damn it. I scowled. “It was pleasant enough.”
Cooper threw his head back in laughter. “Right. You keep telling yourself that, Doc … This isn’t over.”

Jessica Huntington was lying to herself. Cooper didn’t know why, but he was going to find out.
By then the doc would be in his bed.
Right where they both knew she belonged.

God, I love this relationship! Yes, there is initially some back and forth, but it’s really well done and doesn’t last too long with Cooper determined to get his girl, and they effortlessly fall into a relationship which is sweet, tender, fun and really freaking hot! They are honest about how they are feeling, and they just roll with it, and it was an absolute delight to read.

“I’m in this for the long haul, Doc. I was before you walked into my bar tonight, but now, after the best fucking sex of my life, after how wild that was, there’s no way I’m letting you walk out of here without me.”

“You’ve made your mark. You made your mark on me. No matter what happens between us now or in the future, I will never forget you. You’re inside me. Always will be.”

But Jess refuses to share her past with Cooper, therefore never fully gives herself over to the man that she is hopelessly falling for. Can they create something lasting with secrets between them? Or will it end up tearing them apart?

“Don’t leave me … I just found you.”

This is a beautifully written book. I was completely captivated from start to finish, and the pacing of the story was perfect. It’s written in dual POV, which I loved and I felt everything that the characters were going through – the good, the bad, the funny, the heartbreaking, and the downright steamy! I especially enjoyed Jess’ journey; I thought that her struggles were well written and understandable, and I loved the way she was brave enough to take the leap of faith and chase after her happiness (and Cooper… because DAMN that man is perfect!).

“Maybe it’s time to grow the fuck up and live the life I want.”

And Sam Young has done a wonderful job creating the town of Hartwell. I could picture it all in my head, I could feel the peaceful tranquillity of it, and I feel like I know the town’s inhabitants. They are a fantastic mix of sweet, funny, sexy and quirky (with the obligatory bad guys/girls as well) and there are lots of stories just begging to be told! There is a UST-filled potentially epic love story already set up, and a number of other characters introduced that I can’t wait to get to know more.

The only reason I didn’t give this a full five stars is because of the inevitable conflict.

It did its job of bringing some angst to the story and I thought the emotion was beautifully written, doing a great job of showing the strength of the connection between Jess and Coop, but I would have preferred it got handled differently.

But regardless, I loved this one. Such a fun, easy, gorgeously romantic read with a lot of light moments and lots of heart. I absolutely cannot wait to continue on with this series.

4.5 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

 

Hart’s Boardwalk