Kaylee Baldwin

3.5 Stars

Tessa’s desire to keep up with and please her family pushes her into an area of study she’s not passionate about and into the arms of a guy who is not long-term material. But a short play in a road show and another guy who becomes a friend open her eyes to more than competing with her brother and living up to her parents’ expectations.

Henry is adorably geeky (which is mostly an act to ward off female interest) but a good guy. His relationship with his sister and father is different than Tessa’s which allows her to witness a different family dynamic.

A cute and sweet, sometimes funny, story about finding yourself in the middle of the noise by surrounding yourself with those who build you up and blocking the voices of those who tear you down.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.… (mais)

California brings thought of the sand and sun. In this collection of short stories, it's all about sand, sun, and romance. From new love that was never imagined to love lost and possibly found again, this collection covers a wide variety of stories and characters. First chances and second chances are all possible, and these stories will make you believe in love.

Full of sweet tales, this collection of stories manages to make California itself a character. You feel like you are there in the best way possible. Seriously, if you can't make it out a beach anytime soon, just relax and open this book up. You'll be there in no time. There was a great variety to the stories. Some were tales of instant attraction, while some showed love growing between two people who seemed unlikely to be a good match in the beginning. Some of the stories were about love that had been lost then found. All of them though are about taking a chance on romance and happiness, even if it is not what we thought would happen.

One of my favorites was The Pier Changes Everything. I just found the characters to be realistic and engaging. They had dealt with things in their lives that had shaped them, and that ultimately helped them grow into people who could work on things together. It wasn't a heavy story though. There was lots of lightness and fun well balanced with the more serious parts. Each of the stories in this collection will leave you feeling warm and happy and ready for love. They'll also give you a little piece of California to keep in your heart.

Book provided for review.… (mais)