Oct
I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster Published by Montlake
on October 17, 2023
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Format: ARC
Source: the Author
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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.
I’ve loved Melissa Foster’s books for a while now, so when I got the opportunity to read ‘Hot Mess Summer’ as an ARC, I definitely couldn’t resist. Although this book sounded like a different read then the other books I read by Melissa, I was super excited to start reading.
In ‘Hot Mess Summer’ we read the story of Nicole and Declan. Nicole is a single mother struggling after her second divorce. She is a romance author and her writing hasn’t come as easily lately. So on a whim Nicole buys herself a cottage in a small fishing town. Together with her best friends she travels to the small town and soon finds herself surrounded by all kinds of new people who all seem very charming. The one person that stands out the most is Declan, a single dad who makes her laugh and helps her with her writing. But the last thing Nicole needs is a new guy.
‘Hot Mess Summer’ was very different than the last books I read by Melissa Foster. And it took me a little while to really get into this story. In the beginning the story seemed to surround the friendship between these three ladies. Not a bad thing, but I admit that I didn’t really care for them as much as I’d hoped. What was really fun and new for me.. These characters where a bit older, in their late thirties and early forties. Which was very fun to read after a lot of books about characters in their twenties and being in my thirties myself. LOL!
The chemistry between Nicole and Declan was very fun to read, which made up for my struggles in the beginning. I loved how they both had their own lives and troubles, but they seemed to make each other better right from the start. I loved their banters when they where working on Nicole’s writing to most. It really made me laugh.
The setting of the small fishing town in New England was really fun as well. I loved reading about all those different characters with their funny characteristics.
Overall I enjoyed ‘Hot Mess Summer’. It wasn’t my favorite by this author but I definitely enjoyed the new characters and the setting in a new town.
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Check out my other review of books by Melissa Foster:
About Melissa Foster
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.
Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole.
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Maureen is a mom, wife, nurse, and Ravenclaw living in the Netherlands. She spends her days juggling mom-life, reading, blogging, planning date nights with her husband and working as a nurse. Maureen also is a big Anglophile, loves cooking, Gilmore Girls, Bridgerton and Harry Potter.. Always! Facebook | Instagram
It’s always rewarding to encounter a couple who seems to bring out the best in each other, and each makes the other a better version of themselves.
That’s definitely true!