Scan barcode
ladylaurenexplorer's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Honestly I just wish it was longer. I'm taking tome long, haha! Other than the length it's GOLDEN.
We get to see our next couple before their book and the lead up to them being step-siblings. I can't wait to figure out what happen when our future h, spoke tom the future H, by herself. We know SOMETHING happened. Ugh!! Till the next book ig!
We get to see our next couple before their book and the lead up to them being step-siblings. I can't wait to figure out what happen when our future h, spoke tom the future H, by herself. We know SOMETHING happened. Ugh!! Till the next book ig!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
loverofromance's review
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Introduction
Undertow is the second book in the "Coastal Elite" series by Sam Mariano. I was first introduced to this book by Jenn@ The Book Refuge. And I just knew that I had to jump into this one. Now I will say that you do NOT need to read the first book to read this one. But from the author notes, you will need to read it before the third book is released. Which I do plan on doing, as I hear it's really amazing and one of the author's best books. Undertow is nothing like what I have read previously by this author. It was sexy but the emotion and romance itself was soft, poignant and sweet!
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Hayden Atwater
Hayden, is a widower, a single father and mature in his age. He is a seasoned lawyer with a reputation of getting things done as a defense attorney. He is hot in bed, but sweet and protective outside of it. I would term the hero a alphamellow.
The Heroine: Gemma Cane
Gemma, is a single mother, a belly dancer and teacher. She has a teenage daughter, never married. She is strong and sassy and will do anything to protect her daughter.
Summary
In this installment, we have Gemma, who is being bullied by the neighborhood to leave as its obvious they don't have the wealth and prestige as others in the neighborhood. Her daughter is a teenager. When she gets threatened by a neighbor, she decides enough is enough. Then she goes out to seek help from a well-known lawyer, Hayden, but when his fee is too high for her, she is shocked when he offers a date instead. Through a set of events, Hayden, realizes what Gemma and her daughter have been going through and seeks to get to the bottom of it only to realize his son, the child of his beloved late wife, has been a bully to Gemma's daughter. And now he will have his work cut out for him to prove to Gemma his intentions are genuine and sincere.
My Outlook
I absolutely adored this book; it was such a delightful read! There was so much goodness in this one and was NOT what I was expecting from this author. Of course, I only have "Untouchable" as a reference so it's not like I have read her other books so to be honest I am not sure if she has written other books like this one. However, I fell so hard for this one. And honestly was such an endearing romance with a pining hero. I wasn't a fan of the ending, but I have a feeling the third book is going to really show more of their story, at least I hope so. I really adored both characters, they both are such good people. The hero is more alpha leaning but has such a soft side for the heroine. The way in which he is so protective of Gemma and her daughter just delivered all the feels to me. I think fans of light bully romance, or just regular contemporary romance will really enjoy this one. So I recommend it to any fan of regular adult contemporary romance with single parents as a focus.
Overall View
Undertow was a delightful installment that had me going all soft and gooey on the inside from the get go. Its a story that will surprise you by its heart, honest intention and deliverance of powerful characters to steal your heart!
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 4/5
World Building: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Hero: 5/5
Heroine: 5/5
Steam: 4/5
Heart & Feels: 5/5
Ending:2/5
Overall View: 4/5
Introduction
Undertow is the second book in the "Coastal Elite" series by Sam Mariano. I was first introduced to this book by Jenn@ The Book Refuge. And I just knew that I had to jump into this one. Now I will say that you do NOT need to read the first book to read this one. But from the author notes, you will need to read it before the third book is released. Which I do plan on doing, as I hear it's really amazing and one of the author's best books. Undertow is nothing like what I have read previously by this author. It was sexy but the emotion and romance itself was soft, poignant and sweet!
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Hayden Atwater
Hayden, is a widower, a single father and mature in his age. He is a seasoned lawyer with a reputation of getting things done as a defense attorney. He is hot in bed, but sweet and protective outside of it. I would term the hero a alphamellow.
The Heroine: Gemma Cane
Gemma, is a single mother, a belly dancer and teacher. She has a teenage daughter, never married. She is strong and sassy and will do anything to protect her daughter.
Summary
In this installment, we have Gemma, who is being bullied by the neighborhood to leave as its obvious they don't have the wealth and prestige as others in the neighborhood. Her daughter is a teenager. When she gets threatened by a neighbor, she decides enough is enough. Then she goes out to seek help from a well-known lawyer, Hayden, but when his fee is too high for her, she is shocked when he offers a date instead. Through a set of events, Hayden, realizes what Gemma and her daughter have been going through and seeks to get to the bottom of it only to realize his son, the child of his beloved late wife, has been a bully to Gemma's daughter. And now he will have his work cut out for him to prove to Gemma his intentions are genuine and sincere.
My Outlook
I absolutely adored this book; it was such a delightful read! There was so much goodness in this one and was NOT what I was expecting from this author. Of course, I only have "Untouchable" as a reference so it's not like I have read her other books so to be honest I am not sure if she has written other books like this one. However, I fell so hard for this one. And honestly was such an endearing romance with a pining hero. I wasn't a fan of the ending, but I have a feeling the third book is going to really show more of their story, at least I hope so. I really adored both characters, they both are such good people. The hero is more alpha leaning but has such a soft side for the heroine. The way in which he is so protective of Gemma and her daughter just delivered all the feels to me. I think fans of light bully romance, or just regular contemporary romance will really enjoy this one. So I recommend it to any fan of regular adult contemporary romance with single parents as a focus.
Overall View
Undertow was a delightful installment that had me going all soft and gooey on the inside from the get go. Its a story that will surprise you by its heart, honest intention and deliverance of powerful characters to steal your heart!
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 4/5
World Building: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Hero: 5/5
Heroine: 5/5
Steam: 4/5
Heart & Feels: 5/5
Ending:2/5
Overall View: 4/5
lavenderxohuang's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was GREAT for a short story. I don't usually read books with the main characters being 30+ with kids so this was refreshing. Compared to other Sam Mariano books, the development of Gemma and Hayden were quite sweet! Hayden had such a strong personality and was ready to commit right away. He never left Gemma guessing about how he wanted her. Excited to see how the relationship between their kids will work.
More...