Tag: Spicy Romance

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One Golden Summer Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Perfect Summer Read

Until reading the author’s note at the end of One Golden Summer, I did not realize the novel was a sequel. Mostly because this is the first Carley Fortune book I have read. She is good. Very good. And I really enjoyed the romance between Charlie and Alice.

Alice Everly

Alice is a professional photographer working her way past a devastating break-up. She’s worked 9 days straight when the call comes in regarding her grandmother’s fall and subsequent hip replacement. She immediately clears her calendar. That is Alice.

With her gran, Nan, down in spirit, Alice decides a summer at the lake would be the perfect tonic for both Everly’s. Alice hasn’t been in over a decade. She was a shy self-conscious seventeen-year-old on her last visit. But it was a summer that changed her life. Good memories remain of that one golden summer at Barry’s Bay.

Charlie Florek

Charlie is enigmatic. A charming flirt. A successful businessman. And a man of depth. Charlie grew up in the area, indeed he was one of three teenagers Alice used to watch from across the bay. Furthermore, he figures in her first great photo. The first she sold and the one that remains close to her heart.

But Charlie is battling demons and loss from his past. He needs friendship. Perhaps even more.

While others see the spark between the two, Alica and Charlie each fight the attraction for their own reason. But attraction wins out.

One Golden Summer

The two lovers have much in common. Foremost is the ties to family. Both Alice and Charlie support their families. Then, when they are at crosshairs, their families return the favor. As in most romances, the couple split for a while before reuniting. Each more in love than before but stronger as individuals. And a better understanding of each other.

Recommendation for One Golden Summer

I enjoyed this summer read. If you have a free day, you may even finish it in one sitting. The romance is spicy, but not too hot and the characters truly fit together. Carley Fortune is one to add to your list, if the Canadian writer isn’t already on your radar. She is now on mine, and I look forward to her next novel.

These Summer Storms Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Death Reunites

Sarah MacLean’s 2025 contemporary novel is a romance, not historical in nature. Yet, fans should be quite happy with These Summer Storms. The setting is a private island off Rhode Island and the characters center around patriarch Franklin Storm who made his name by revolutionizing the tech communication industry. The dare-devil billionaire took one risk too many, and his death brings the family together. At least in body if not mind and spirit.

These Summer Storms- Extreme Dysfunction

Franklin Storm exerts control from the grave. Three of his children and widow receive letters. And each missive contains one final challenge. Per the will, all must succeed, or no one will inherit.

There is no fairness to the requests. Furthermore, protagonist Alice Storm wants no part of the game. Since she was banished five years ago, no letter was included for her. However, she is instructed not to leave by her father’s second in command.

Greta Storm has the hardest task from an emotional standpoint. Thus, Alice tells her not to comply. Second born Sam, the only male offspring is determined to make everyone comply. Even if it means detaining Alice on the island. Emily, the youngest, has secrets to disclose and the widow Elisabeth is compelled to tell the truth.

Jack Dean, Franklin’s second-in-command, is present to see if the rules are followed. But he has already broken one. Seemingly he is attracted to Alice. The feeling is somewhat mutual. Unsurprisingly, there are complications and greed shines through. Can the siblings work together?

 

Spicy Romance

These Summer Storms, as a novel, is more than a red-hot romance. But the sexual tension between Jack and Alice leaps off the pages. As Alice struggles with her grief and her role in the family, Jack provides support. The chemistry between the two works absolutely. Furthermore, their strained relationship keeps the reader turning to the next page.

Recommendation for These Summer Storms

I love this novel, and it is perfect for summer reading. However, the writing leaves nothing to the imagination when Alice and Jack come together so it may not be acceptable to some readers. Plus, I do not recommend for readers under 18. But for those who enjoy spicy romance novels with more substance than just a love story, this is a winner. My understanding is this is MacLean’s first contemporary novel. I plan to look for her historical releases. Furthermore, I hope she continues to spin tales filled with rich characters such as those in These Summer Storms.