I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster Published by Montlake on October 17, 2023
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Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that’s who. Despite what my besties say about my three-year dry spell, I’m not looking for a man. Or drama. Or sex. I’ve got enough on my plate with writer’s block and a daughter who refuses to grow up. Community. That’s what I need. Unfortunately, it seems the universe has other ideas. Either Chatemup, Massachusetts, has a serious shortage of single women, or I’ve become a hot mess magnet for the male species.
At least I’ve found one funny, good-hearted friend: fish peddler Declan Miller, my brainstorming adventure buddy who stirs my creative juices. I’m his Writer Girl. He’s my Dimple Dude. Just scruffy, granite-chested, deep-voiced, ex-military brawn who happens to be—oh, Nicole, what are you doing to yourself?—stoking a long-neglected fire without even trying.
A self-confessed hot mess, divorced single dad Declan is too old for relationship games. Not interested. Same here. So why do I keep thinking about him? Preferably naked. Because I’m a hot mess, too? At least he’s inspiring me to write. If only real life were like one of my novels. At least then I’d have a better idea of how this was going to end.
Melissa Foster continually delivers on a new set of best friends just when we need them! HOT MESS SUMMER is heartfelt, steamy and laugh out loud funny. I loved every minute of Nicole and Declan’s story, but for this to be a standalone book, there was a ton of characters to try to keep straight. In all honesty with the world building and character development involved in this one book it could easily become a series out of her two best friends, her daughter, his sons, their parents, the various guys who flirted with her, etc., etc., etc. A tad confusing sometimes, but wholeheartedly enjoyable nonetheless!
Declan … OMG … I wish he would follow me home! Nobody tell my husband alright?!?! Seriously though, he’s just the sweetest, sexy guy around. I adored him even with all of his drama.
Nic is so much fun. She learns to live again and it’s gorgeous to see.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quirky town that is just as much a key part of the story as the main characters as drama, love and angst steal the show.
