Reviewed by Loren B
***** Stars
Camryn Singer never imagined that she would return to the place where she lost everything. To grant a dying wish, she and her young son make the move back to the small Jersey beach town where she grew up, hoping to somehow find the missing pieces of her life. Determined to keep her heart guarded, the last thing she needs is the force that is sexy surfer, Cole Stevens, literally slamming into her life.
Struggling against growing feelings for Cole, Camryn tries to focus on life with her son. But when Cole picks the lock to her heart, Camryn knows he might be the one to change everything. Just when Camryn thinks she’s finally finding her happiness, a ghost from the past comes back to haunt her.
Camryn must now decide between letting Cole stand with her in the fight for her life, or staying lost in the pain of the past.
~~~~~~~
A very good debut novel from this author. I think I sunk right into the story because I live at the Jersey Shore and appreciate the beachy, coastal vibe. It’s a really heartwarming story about Camryn, her 5-year-old son, Gavin, and surfing pro/instructor, Cole. Camryn and Gavin returned home to New Jersey after five years of living in California and the death of her mother, Milena, who is a very strong presence, nonetheless, in the story. Camryn’s best friends, Lila and Carter, are also her extended family and play huge parts in their lives. Cole becomes Gavin’s surfing instructor as arranged by Milena. Camryn and Cole had an encounter in high school, and five years later each is unaware of just how much that encounter affected the other. Cole had felt an instant connection to Camryn back then and has actually hoped, and waited, for her return home. However, Camryn’s constant fear and nightmares about her ex, Todd, taking Gavin away from her become an obstacle to having a relationship with Cole. Cole carries around his own secrets and demons as he hadn’t had the best life growing up. Despite that, he has turned out to be exactly the kind of man you would want – caring, loving, loyal, protective, hard-working, and fun -- although he also has a hidden temper. Todd, of course, resurfaces after not wanting anything to do with his son five years ago and claims he wants a real relationship with Gavin as well as with Camryn. As you can imagine, lots of angst and annoying issues crop up, including Cole’s ex, Tara. Aside from a couple of frustrating instances, all in all this was a very good, heartwarming romance. I look forward to the author, hopefully, continuing with the series.