The Relationtrip: a vacation, friends to lovers romance

The Relationtrip by Elana Johnson asks the question: what do a reclusive author from Wisconsin and an outgoing real estate agent from Pittsburgh have in common? The answer is simply nothing. Logan Murphy is Sloane’s accidental best friend when one fateful choice brought them together on vacation five years ago. Every year since then, Logan and Sloane take an annual trip together. This year’s trip is to an adults only resort in Belize. When Sloane sees Logan at the airport for the final leg of their trip, she feels something, something that hasn’t happened for a very long time. However, Logan is hiding a secret as Sloane doesn’t know what he does for a living and she doesn’t know how he truly feels about her either. He wants more than a once-a-year trip with his best friend. He wants to be in her life every day. How will she react when she learns the truth? Will it be the end of their friendship? Or can it be the beginning of a happily ever after? 

The Relationtrip is described as a standalone, slow burn travel romance similar to Beach Read and The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, The Layover by Lacie Waldon, and The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren. While I have not read the mentioned books, I know they are highly recommended. I was looking forward to friends to lovers romance; however, the story fell flat for me. Sloane is way too jaded about love and marriage for me. Her fiance left her at the altar and her parents ended their 33 year marriage, so her jadedness makes sense; however, I couldn’t connect with it. Also, I did not like her reaction to Logan’s secret about his real job or his true feelings for her; despite her own feelings. However, I did like Logan. He really tried to have a relationship beyond their current arrangement; but Sloane made it difficult. Overall, I was bored and not interested in their love story. However, if you enjoy the books mentioned above, you may enjoy The Relationtrip as well. 

The Relationtrip is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Love List: a woman takes charge of her life by doing what she loves. Is falling love be a part of the plan?

The Love List is the first book in the Hilton Head Island series by Elana Johnson. Beatrice “Bea” Callahan loves lists. She loves when she creates to-do lists and the satisfaction she gets when she can check each item off. So when she gets the finalized divorce papers, she is ready with a list to live the life she wants. Bea doesn’t call it a bucket list, it’s a love list. She loves the outdoors, so she plans to visit ten National Parks. She loves animals, so she will get a puppy. She loves the beach and wants to take a dream vacation. After the insistence of her beloved friends, she heads to Hilton Head Island. There she meets Grant Turner, the man who owns her rented house. He soon becomes her tour guide, a friend and then something more. Can she add falling in love to her list? 

This story opened with Bea eagerly waiting for her divorce papers and when she does, she wastes no time and consults no one as she starts down her list. It is supposed to be Bea and Grant’s romance story; however, I did not like chapters featuring her friends more and discussing their troubles. I understand that the author is trying to establish interest in the future books in the series but it was a turn off for me. I also disliked that all the couples are divorced, troubled marriages or newly separated. While all marriages have issues; but can one marriage be relatively a happy one? Overall, I did not enjoy The Love List and will not be continuing the series. However, if you are a fan of Elana Johnson, you may enjoy The Love List and I encourage you to give it a try. 

The Love List is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Day He Stopped In: a sweet friends to lovers romance

The Day He Stopped In by Elana Johnson is the third book in the Hawthorne Harbor series. Janey Germaine is a widowed park ranger who is raising her twelve year old son, Jess. Adam Herrin is the Chief of Police and long time friend. Little does she know but Adam has been keeping an eye on them as a promise to her late husband as well as his own personal feelings. Adam has had a crush on Janey for a long time. But out of respect for her late husband and her son, Jess, he has kept a friendly distance. One day, when Jess gets in trouble, the door opens for Adam and Jess to spend more time with each other. He begins to wonder if the opportunity is finally here to show his true feelings but would Janey be ready to take their relationship out of the friend zone? 

The Day He Stopped In is my favorite book of the Hawthorne Harbor series so far and Adam is my favorite Herrin brother. This story is so sweet, funny, and relatable. Adam is a great character who takes his job as Chief of Police seriously. Janey’s hesitation for a new love and the fear of losing it again is relatable. She questions whether falling in love again would be disloyal to her late husband. I know many readers groan and cringe at third act breakups but the make up scene was so romantic, my heart melted and I fell in love with Adam all the more. Jess is a great character as a young man who is growing up and helps connect his mom and Adam. If you enjoy sweet, clean friends to lovers romance, I recommend The Day He Stopped In as well as the first two books in the series. 

The Day He Stopped In is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook  

The Day He Drove By: a second chance romance

The Day He Drove By by Elana Johnson is the first book in the Hawthorne Harbor series. Ten years ago, paramedic Andrew Herrin delivered Gretchen Samuels’s baby girl on the side of the road when she and her husband couldn’t make it into town. It was a story Andrew told time and time again and it is a reason he loved being a paramedic. Their paths cross again, now Gretchen is a widow and the baby is ten year old Dixie. He once again comes to her rescue when her van gets a flat tire. As their new friendship grows, Gretchen finds herself falling for Andrew but she remains unsure. Can Andrew convince Gretchen that he wants her and her daughter in his life? 

The Day He Drove By is a sweet small town romance. I enjoyed Andrew as a man who had his heart broken before and trying to find his own happiness in life, love and career. Gretchen is a woman who is afraid to love again. When circumstances keep putting Andrew and Gretchen together, she can’t help but be drawn to his sweet and kind nature. Even though the misunderstandings are predictable for a romance, they were realistic and common misunderstandings. I enjoyed all the supportive characters and the small town community feel. There is even a hint at the couple for the next book. If you enjoy clean, sweet small town romance, I recommend The Day He Drove By. 

The Day He Drove By is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Day He Left Town: a second chance romance

The Day He Left Town by Elana Johnson is the first book in the Hawthorne Harbor series. Anthony “Tony” Herrin is the youngest of the Harrin brothers and followed the family tradition into public service. He never expected to live in Hawthorne Harbor and eagerly awaits news of a job with the Forest Service. Catherine “Cat” Magleby didn’t want to be back in her hometown but after a humiliating break-up, she had no choice. She also definitely didn’t want to run into her ex-boyfriend. Despite their mutual love of the outdoors, Tony and Cat seem to be on different paths while still being drawn to each other. Can they find a second chance at a happily ever after? 

I like Elana Johnson’s clean second chance romances. They are fun, inspiring and a great weekend read. Unfortunately, The Day He Left Town didn’t have the same feel. It was a short read, almost too short. I felt as if I didn’t have time to get invested in Tony and Cat’s relationship. I didn’t care for Tony and Cat as individuals, at first. By the end, I enjoyed seeing them together. I was interested in the side characters which will probably be featured in future books. Overall, Tony and Cat’s story was enjoyable and I am interested in reading the rest of the series. I recommend The Day He Left Town. 

The Day He Left Town is available in paperback and eBook

The Perfect Storm: a sudden storm and a second chance for love

The Perfect Storm by Elana Johnson is the first book in the Stranded in Getaway Bay series. Eden McLaughlin is fed up with rich men who push her aside as she tries to find investors for her outdoor product line. After the final rejection, she decides to take a hike to clear her head. A sudden storm causes a downpour and a landslide takes her sliding down with rock and mud. Also caught in the landslide is her ex, Holden Holstein, who is able to drag her to safety in the nick of time. Both are injured with very little supplies, and the rain has washed away the only path back. But Eden has a few surprises up her sleeves as they wait for rescue. Being in close quarters, will their old flame be rekindled? Or will their second chance be washed away with the rain? 

The Perfect Storm is a sweet, clean second chance romance. Perfect for a lazy afternoon of reading, this quick read will embrace you in the warmth of second chances. I could totally see this story as a Hallmark Channel movie. I loved Eden’s ingenuity and tenacity. I loved that Holden still held a torch for Eden after all this time, even when he was the one to originally break off their relationship. While I’m not one for personal outdoorsy, may need survival skills adventures, I enjoyed Eden’s quick thinking and clear headedness. Overall, I enjoyed The Perfect Storm and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy Hallmark style romances, I recommend The Perfect Storm. 

The Perfect Storm is available in paperback and eBook

Hidden in Plain Sight: a romantic suspense story

Hidden in Plain Sight by Elana Johnson is the first book in the Forbidden Lake series. Jonathan “Jon” Addler is a member of a local prominent family finishing his degree at Northwestern Michigan College. He takes a cooking class as an elective as well as the hopes it will help him impress a woman. Cassandra “Cassie” Caldwell is the professor who holds a secret. Cassie is trying to keep her twin brothers safe. They moved to Forbidden Lake to hide and off the radar of a violent man. She can’t risk her family’s safety for anything. Until she meets Jon. Their instant connection tests Cassie’s resolve and Jon can’t help but want to protect her. As she is on constant high alert, can Jon convince her she is safe in Forbidden Lake with him? Or will she run again? 

Hidden in Plain Sight is a fast paced, sweet romance with a splash of suspense. It was a fast read as I was able to finish it in a few hours. It was engaging with a sweet romance and attention getting as the suspense builds. I enjoyed Jon and Cassie’s characters. Jon had a Romeo vibe as he takes the class to impress one woman but falls in love with another! I loved their flirty banter even though Cassie knew she needed to keep her distance. I loved Jon’s instant protection of Cassie and her brothers. He offered help without a second thought. I also enjoyed the hints at future stories especially with Jon’s reclusive brother. There’s definitely a story there! I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend Hidden in Plain Sight. 

Hidden in Plain Sight is available in paperback and eBook

Hopeful Cowboy: a second chance at life and at love

Hopeful Cowboy by Elana Johnson is the first book in the Hope Eternal Ranch Romance series. Nathaniel Mulbury is paying for a major mistake as he is in prison for an embezzlement scheme. With his release date in sight, he just needs to stay on his best behavior. However, he finds himself in a new role as a single father when his brother is killed in an accident and his son is left in Nate’s care. He is given an early release to the Hope Eternal Ranch, a work parole ranch, run by Ginger Talbot. Ginger has dealt with men like Nate before but she’s been burned before. She’s determined to not risk losing the ranch or her heart. She notices there is something different about Nate but can she risk her heart again? 

Hopeful Cowboy is a sweet story of life, love and second chances. Nate is a man who owns up to his mistakes and doing what he can to make it right. When he gains custody of his nephew, he steps it up and makes sure he is the one to take that role. I loved Nate’s commitment to live up to the role he was entrusted with. I enjoyed Ginger as she tries to protect her heart but finds herself drawn to Nate. I also enjoyed the many supportive characters and look forward to their possible stories in the future. There was a sweet romance between Nate and Ginger. There was drama and forgiveness. Overall, I enjoyed Hopeful Cowboy and I look forward to the rest of the series. I recommend Hopeful Cowboy. 

Hopeful Cowboy is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

The Heartwood Chef: a second chance romance

The Heartwood Chef is the fifth and final book in the Heartwood Sisters/Carter’s Cove series by Elana Johnson. Gwen Heartwood loves her job managing the dining services at her family’s inn unless she’s dealing with angry customers, deadlines and short staffing. Then she hates her job, she likes Teagan Hatch, the inn’s head chef. But he broke her heart without explanation and no apology. They continue to work side by side, a bit strained, but it’s working. Teagan is keeping many secrets. He’s a man who has been burned in the past and has a hard time trusting others with his deepest secrets. When he realized he wants Gwen back, he also realized he needs to reveal his secrets. After he reveals why he broke up with her and offers the apology Gwen has needed, they start dating again. Their new relationship seems to be on an edge when Gwen realizes that Teagan still hasn’t told her everything. Will he finally trust her completely or will this be the final end to their relationship? 

The Heartwood Chef is a nice close to the Heartwood sisters saga. The series has been filled with angst, relational issues, and growth for the couples. Gwen and Teagan’s story is filled with angst more so than the previous stories. Teagan has so much more history and much more relational issues. While he was attracted to Gwen, he had issues and concerns that stopped him from pursuing the desires of his heart. I enjoyed that Teagan allowed himself to be vulnerable and acknowledged that he needed help. He didn’t want to lose Gwen again and he wanted to do all he could to make sure he did right by Gwen. Gwen was confused about their sudden break up and she pined for him as they worked together side by side. As Teagan learns to open up, Gwen learns what it means to be a supportive partner. Overall, I enjoyed The Heartwood Chef. It was a nice wrap up as readers say goodbye to the Heartwoods. I recommend it and the entire Heartwood Sisters/Carter’s Cove series. 

The Heartwood Chef is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Heartwood Wedding: a great romantic read for a lazy weekend

The Heartwood Wedding is the fourth book in the Carter’s Cove series by Elana Johnson. After a bad first date with a local journalist, Brad Keith, a former pro football player, needs an out. He tells her he’s engaged but he really isn’t. He needs to find a fake fiancée quickly. Celeste Heartwood is the event planner for the inn and just happens to walk by. Brad quickly pulls her into his lie. She agrees only because she wants a guaranteed date for the summer. She’s tired of attending events by herself. They strike a deal: a fake engagement for the summer. No strings, no entanglements. But soon their fake relationship becomes very real. Will they be able to walk away as planned? Or will they risk their hearts for love? 

The Heartwood Wedding was a cute, sweet romance. Brad tries to get a pushy woman off his back with a fake relationship, so he makes a deal with Celeste. Let the fake romance begin! However, wouldn’t people know that the local celebrity and a member of the prominent Heartwood family know they weren’t dating to become engaged? Some were skeptical but quickly accepted the news.  Of course, any fake relationship will often turn into a real one. Their relationship becomes sweet and endearing. Celeste is very bossy and uptight but reveals her true self as her relationship with Brad blossoms. I loved Brad’s very public gesture in order to win her heart for real. It was a quick read, great for a lazy afternoon of romance. I recommend The Heartwood Wedding. 

The Heartwood Wedding is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Heartwood Beach: when a bodyguard/fake boyfriend comes very real

The Heartwood Beach is the third book in the Carter’s Cove series by Elana Johnson. Sheryl Heartwood loves tending the grounds around The Heartwood Inn. She finds peace among the plants, flowers and trees. She’s content with the beach-side life she has always known. However, she is not happy with the ex-boyfriend who keeps showing up where he’s not wanted: at her house, at the inn. Every time she turned around, there he was. She hires Gage Sanders, a retired Marine, as a bodyguard but he has to act as her boyfriend. Gage works various security jobs on the island. Acting as Sheryl’s bodyguard/boyfriend should be easy peasy. The lines quickly become blurred as the attraction between them becomes very, very real. Will the stalker leave her alone? Will Sheryl and Gage act on their attraction? 

The Heartwood Beach is a sweet, clean romance. Sheryl was hard to like. She ran so hot and cold with Gage, I often wondered what she was doing. And Gage was so secretive about weird things that it was odd. And their conflicts were over stupid things. The stalker plotline was poorly done. The reason he was stalking Sheryl was ludicrous and her solution to resolve it was just as ludicrous. A man stalks her, scaring her so much that she hires a man to act as her fake boyfriend and she does what?!?!? I did like that the story overlapped a bit with the previous book, so readers get to see the other perspectives from those events. Overall, I did enjoy The Heartwood Beach and it was a great book to read on a lazy afternoon. 

The Heartwood Beach is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Heartwood Inn: a second chance romance

The Heartwood Inn is the second book in the Heartwood Sisters/Carter’s Cove series by Elana Johnson. Olympia Heartwood has her days filled with running the family empire. She is content and is not looking for romance especially after her heart was broken. She has sworn off men. She can’t trust them and definitely doesn’t need them. Or so she tells herself. Chet Christopher is a man on the run. He comes to the island to lick his wounds and find his feet again. He rents the penthouse at the inn. He is instantly attracted to Olympia but he hides his secrets. But he can’t help being drawn to her. As they grow closer together, the truth becomes harder and harder for him to tell. Will he tell her the truth? Will she open her heart to love and trust again? 

The Heartwood Inn is a sweet, clean romance. Olympia is a woman who has been burned by a very deceitful man. In order to protect her heart, she pours herself into her work and stays away from romance. She is immediately suspicious of Chet. How can he afford the penthouse? When nothing comes from her background checks, she decides to give him the benefit of the doubt. I enjoyed their romance. I enjoyed seeing the ice around Olympia’s heart thaw and melt. I expected a bit more drama especially when Chet’s secrets are revealed. Overall, I enjoyed The Heartwood Inn. It is a fun weekend/beach read. A story filled with second chances, romance and rebuilding yourself. I recommend The Heartwood Inn and I look forward to the rest of the series. 

The Heartwood Inn is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Heartwood Sea: falling in love again with an old flame and one's hometown

The Heartwood Sea is the first book in the Heartwood Sisters/Carter’s Cove series by Elana Johnson. Alissa Heartwood is captain of the fishing boat which supplies The Heartwood Inn, her family-owned and operated business on an island off the coast of South Carolina. She’s content until one day her ex-boyfriend arrives in town. Shawn Newman grew up on the island and has returned to acquire land for his boss’s new resort planned for the island. The land he must buy is the land the Heartwoods own. He knows they won’t sell so he doesn’t put his energy into making the deal. However, he finds himself drawn back into the beauty of the island and the woman he left behind. But will Alissa open her heart to him again? 

The Heartwood Sea is a clean, sweet second chance romance. Alissa still stings from the heartache left behind when Shawn left the island and she resists seeing him when he returns. But the old flame still has some spark. I enjoyed Alissa and Shawn’s rekindled romance. I enjoyed Shawn as he realized there was more to the island than just his hometown and his old love. He rediscovers the magic of the island community. Overall, The Heartwood Sea is a great quick, weekend/beach read. It has a bit of romance, a bit of drama and a heartwarming conclusion. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend The Heartwood Sea. 

The Heartwood Sea is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Island House: sweet second chance romance

The Island House by Elana Johnson is the first book in the Getaway Bay series. Charlotte Madsen recently had her whole world turned upside down. Thirty-seven and divorced, Charlotte arrives in Getaway Bay to start, not just a new chapter, but a new book in her life. She bought a run-down house with the hopes to remodel the house and maybe herself too. When she arrives, she doesn’t expect a tall, handsome man to be inside the house. She certainly wasn’t expecting her heart to fall for the former Air Force pilot. Dawson Dane has a devil-may-care attitude that hides a broken heart. Estranged from his family, he is only committed to his career, even choosing flying over love. As Charlotte starts to heal, will she be willing to open her heart to love again? Has Dawson found the woman to shift his priorities? 

The Island House is a sweet, clean romance with a happily ever after ending. It is a fast read as the story is engaging and interesting. Ms. Johnson is a relatively new author to me and I enjoyed her sweet, clean stories. Charlotte is a woman deeply wounded. So wounded that she is afraid to open herself to love again, despite her attraction to Dawson. He soon becomes the first person she thinks of to call when things are exciting, good and even bad. Although the story takes place on the big island of Hawaii, it didn’t feel like an island story. Other than the mentions of the beach and native plants, they could have been at any coastal region. Overall, I enjoyed Charlotte and Dawson’s story. I look forward to the rest of the Getaway Bay series. If you enjoy sweet, clean romances, I recommend The Island House. 

The Island House is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook