Seaside Dreams

Seaside Summers #1

by Melissa Foster

SEASIDE SUMMERS is the newest addition to the LOVE IN BLOOM series, featuring a group of fun, sexy, and emotional friends who gather each summer at their Cape Cod cottages. They’re funny, flawed, and will have you begging to enter their circle of friends. You met them in READ, WRITE, LOVE, (The Remingtons, Book 5), follow these friends on their search for forever love in the Seaside Summers series. COMING SUMMER 2014.

Bella Abbascia has returned to Seaside Cottages in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, as she does every summer. Only this year, Bella has more on her mind than sunbathing and skinny-dipping with her girlfriends. She’s quit her job, put her house on the market, and sworn off relationships while she builds a new life in her favorite place on earth. That is, until good-time Bella’s prank takes a bad turn and a sinfully sexy police officer appears on the scene.

Single father and police officer Caden Grant left Boston with his fourteen-year-old son, Evan, after his partner was killed in the line of duty. He hopes to find a safer life in the small resort town of Wellfleet, and when he meets Bella during a night patrol shift, he realizes he’s found the one thing he’d never allowed himself to hope for—or even realized he was missing.

After fourteen years of focusing solely on his son, Caden cannot resist the intense attraction he feels toward beautiful Bella, and Bella’s powerless to fight the heat of their budding romance. But starting over proves more difficult than either of them imagined, and when Evan gets mixed up with the wrong kids, Caden’s loyalty is put to the test. Will he give up everything to protect his son—even Bella?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Anthologies, Fiction, Chick Lit

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 25, 2015

About the author

NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

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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 here: https://addisoncole.com

Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.

Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.

"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge

Reviews

[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 'Not-a-date' Stars!

I've always wanted to check out Melissa Foster's books since I read a short story by hers a while ago and also I really enjoy series based around families and a close group of friends. I've had this freebie for the longest time on my Kindle and I finally decided to read it yesterday. I enjoyed reading Seaside Dreams, it was sweet, very light in drama and quite sexy. I am a sucker for single dad romances and Caden was pretty great!

I am definitely curious to know more about all these characters I've met after reading Caden and Bella's (and Evan's) story so I will sure continue reading this series. Did this novel blow my mind? Nope, but it was an enjoyable and light read between other books. I love me some sweet, drama free reads!

[Debra Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Prch Amz April 13, 2020

2 stars

Bored me to sleep.
Major yawn fest.

Written more for very prim & proper young girls romance story.
Not for me.

[Big Joe Rossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, and this series are quick read, witty romance. No twist, just laughs and love.

Bella Abbascia has been coming to Wellfleet and the Seaside Cottages since she was a kid, along with her friends. This time though she is in transition having quit her job and put her house up. Now she has to figure out what and who she wants to be.

Caden Grant is a new town cop. A new start after his partner was killed. He decides he needs a change, not willing to make his son an orphan. We he meets Bella and her friends on patrol, a situation that will have you snickering, he is drawn to her. Soon he will be in her live and the two will grow closer. When Caden's son falls in with a few bad kids this will risk everything.

This was a sweet, fast read, with no severe twist, just a great heroine with a great group of girl friends, who will make you laugh and smile.

[Jody Holford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, truly enjoyed this book. Not just the friendships and awesome setting but the relationship between Caden & Bella and Evan.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you say ADDICTED?! This is the second book of Melissa Foster’s that I’ve tried and I am literally angry at myself for not reading her sooner! If you love your small-town romances sweet, sexy AND funny, then you’ve got to try out at least one of Melissa Foster’s books. She has so many series that are connected and this knowledge makes me a very happy reader because I’ll have more stories to devour!

SEASIDE DREAMS is the first book in the Seaside Summers series. This series is about four friends who are adorably cute but they each have their own set of problems. They have come together to spend some time in their Seaside Cottages in Wellfleet, Massachusetts so you can definitely expect that beachy, small-town feel that I adore.

Bella Abbascia is a woman who has sworn off men and is in the process of getting her life together. But after one of her pranks goes wrong, she gets into some trouble with sexy police officer Caden Grant. Like Bella, he doesn’t have time to date. Too much of his time is devoted to working and raising his teenage son alone. But romance seems to bloom between them anyway and even though they try to take things slow, Foster heats things up quite quickly. In just two books, I’ve become such a big fan of Foster’s romances because she is able to blend the sexy and the sweet perfectly. She makes everything so ENJOYABLE that I’m can’t help falling in love right along with the characters. In just half a book, Melissa Foster can create a strong romance and it’s really quite impressive.

In addition to the romance, I really loved the friendship Bella had with her girlfriends. Those girls are a hoot and it’s nice to be able to see authors taking their time and showing different relationships in their books as well. I will definitely be checking out the other books in the series. I can’t wait to see what Foster has in store for them.

The only negative I can think of is the fact that the books can run a little long and the only reason I am mentioning this is because I think Foster does such a great job with the romance that at 50%, I was already head over heels in love with the characters. I would’ve been okay with the book if it had ended there. So with that being said, it can be a little shorter. But when I adore a cast so much, I don’t really mind spending a little more time with them.

Fans of Bella Andre and Jill Shalvis will absolutely fall in love with Melissa Foster’s writing. If you haven’t tried her out yet, then you definitely need to grab at least one of the free books she currently has on offer!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I was riding the emotional rollercoaster of love with Melissa Foster’s Seaside Dreams. From page one, I laughed at the antics one can only pull off with good friends, but when the hot new police officer, Caden Grant spies the hijinks of Bella and her friends, I was laughing out loud.

Bella has just returned to Seaside, just out of a relationship going nowhere, having quit her job and only a dream of what she would like to do, while swearing off men for the foreseeable future. Caden has his hands full with his teen son, a bit of a wild spirit at the moment and he is devoted to being the best dad he can be. Neither was looking for the other, and yet, the magic of Seaside and its small town charm is hard at work again, playing cupid to two people who so desperately need a love they can believe in. Can they make their relationship work when a rebellious young teen needs his father’s attention and love or will they learn the hard way that just maybe, love can’t conquer all.

If you have never read anything by Melissa Foster, first off: why not? Second: it’s not too late! Ms. Foster writes of love with humor, heart and charm, and then populates her small town with characters that range from adorable to not-so-adorable. A delight for romance lovers who do not want to be mired in over angsty or weak characters, but like that spark of life she so easily creates.


I received this copy as part of Melissa Foster's Seaside Dreams Review Tour & Giveaway

Series: Love in Bloom: Seaside Summers - Book 1
Publication Date: August 25, 2014
Publisher: World Literary Press
ISBN: 1941480020
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 300 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

[Sana Zameer · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading a very good book from Melissa Foster I found this quite boring and the writing very mediocre. The main characters were annoying. Bella was confused most of the time about her feelings and decisions. After reading about the 'hurt caused by her ex and swearing off all men' for about umpteenth time it didn't took her anytime to fall in lust with Caden.
Caden Grant is a cop and a father of a fourteen year old Evan. I thought he was stupid not to see the anxieties in his son and pursue the cause. His reason for taking a break from Bella was lame.
The rest of the side characters didn't interest me either. I'm not sure I'll go on with this series.

[Elena Johansen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 17%, page 50 or so. I found the first red flag at only 2%, but it's disheartening to start DNFing books so early in the year, so I held on until I couldn't anymore.

In the first fifty pages, these are the things I found questionable or objectionable:

1. The physical depiction of women. One of the female lead's friends is described as having breasts "like bowling balls" coupled with a "tiny" waist that eventually leads to a unflattering comparison with Barbie dolls. The protagonist herself is then described as having a decent body for "an almost thirty-year-old"--because women past 30 aren't apparently allowed to have good physiques--and then there's a lazy shorthand comparing her body type to two female celebrities (Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lawrence) who I don't really see as having the same body type, so the comparison isn't actually helpful, and also who are generally considered pretty damn gorgeous, so am I supposed to think the protagonist is attractive or not? Because if that depiction is supposed to have a tone of "ho-hum, she's not perfect but she's okay I guess" but also saying she looks like gorgeous famous women is way off base.

2. Four adult women whom the narrative unironically pronounces are "besties." It strikes me as childish. I've heard women call each other that occasionally, but more often in jest or with a tongue-in-cheek tone than actually meaning it straight up, and here the first chapter is just littered with the word and I found it irritating.

3. The male lead is a cop. That's not automatically a problem in and of itself, especially as this book was published in 2014; while I might want to avoid cop romances more recently for their glorification/romanticization of the profession, I also don't think it's anathema. Okay, so he's new to the area where his love interest lives because he moved after his partner was killed and he wanted to raise his son someplace safer. Okay, still mostly on board, the single-dad angle actually works for me. Then we find out his partner was black. The only character of color introduced so far--I'm obviously meant to assume everyone else is white even if their skin color is never mentioned--and he's dead, and he's a prop to motivate the white lead. This was at 16%, and I really argued with myself about setting the book down there, but I decided to finish the chapter at least.

4. Which led me to the actual last straw only pages later. The cute cop and the commitment-phobic lady get temporarily misty-eyed over the picture of the dead black cop partner while the cop explains his reason for moving, then they're kissing, then she's getting an orgasm courtesy of the cop's fingers.

What. Just. Happened.

I'm not shaming anyone for getting frisky--it's not the behavior itself that I find questionable. It's the timing. These two have known each other for not that many days, they were just out at the flea market together before this but she insisted it wasn't a date even though she was constantly cozying up to him, and then first kiss leads straight to first orgasm with no buildup. AND when she offers on the next page to return the favor orally, he says no, because he "takes intimacy seriously" and she's not looking for commitment. You do? Really? Is that why you finger-blasted a woman you only just met immediately after telling her about your dead partner? That's "serious" to you?

The whole scene, I was reading and saying to myself, "Is this really happening? Am I supposed to find this believable?" So I'm not going to finish the book.

[ysar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella’s life has hit a fork in the road, and she’s not sure which direction to go. While most of her life is back in Connecticut, Wellfleet has always been in her heart, and this summer should help her decide between the two. Only she’s determined not to let a man into the equation. No, this decision will be based entirely upon what she wants, and the best way to ensure that is to avoid a relationship until she’s made up her mind. But when a handsome cop with uncanny timing catches Bella and her friends trying to save the neighborhood from the sounds coming from Leanna’s bedroom, her pros and cons list begins to take a turn for the romantic.

But...I hate to say it, but the whole perfect parent thing kinda got on my nerves. Cade was a great guy who put his son first, and understandably so, but the many references to doing what was best for Evan or understanding Evan’s teenage rebellion was a little too much for me. The single dad thing usually tugs at my heart, since I know how much my dad sacrificed and struggled to raise us on his own, not to mention what my brother goes through in those same shoes, so maybe that has something to do with it. I’ve lived it and watched it, so having it mapped out for me didn’t resonate so well.

First off, I love that the craziness of the Seaside girls carried into Bella’s story, complete with late night mischief and the continuation of Kurt and Leanna. But where Leanna was a bit of a gypsy, Bella’s much more stable and level-headed — but just as much fun, of course. That Cade first met Bella when she and the girls were traipsing around in their PJs simply meant that he got to see her for who she really was instead of some carefully planned first impression.

Evan was a nice addition as well. So many romances have an adorable little kid to go along with the single parent, and that can be great, but the teenage child brings a whole different side of parenting and drama into play. And while Evan was ultimately a good kid, he was just as challenging and moody, just as bad at decisions as any other teenager. Of course, with a father who’s so utterly devoted, not to mention a cop, it’s not like Evan could too easily become disconnected, and the way he not only liked but pretty much bonded with Bella on a friend level was awesome.

The relationship between Cade and Bella was just as sweet as I expected, made even more so by the way he subtly persisted when she was reluctant to get involved, and when they finally did take the plunge, the heat level was incredible. And it was so cute how Cade loved that mischievous side of Bella that didn’t one hundred percent mesh with his law-upholding cop side. The only thing that bothered me (and it’s more a personal preference than any fault with the writing) was that even though Cade was the one to put figurative distance between them, Bella beat him to the punch in insisting they had something worth fighting for. It made for a good show of how Bella’s heart overrode the logic that initially made her put off any semblance of a relationship, but it would have been nice to see Cade get to bat first.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Denise Vasak · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a lot of problems in this book. The main angst of this story was SO ridiculous. It wasn't even teen angsty that's how much of a non-starter it was. Really? She's swearing off men because one guy, ONE GUY, lied to her? And then she continues to tell us that he's not why she changed her life? So why all the fuss about the guy? The "hurt" that Caden can see in her eyes? From what? A guy that clearly doesn't mean a hill of beans to her as she tells us REPEATEDLY.

There were some really good moments in there, but most were lost with the repetitive nature of this book and the lack of any actual problems on Bella's part. Caden had real issues but even those were kind of glossed over to get to the ending.

I can't invest in the series when I know there's not a lot of depth - and yes, I say that even knowing that this is a romance novel.

[bookjunkiejane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't continue with this any longer... Bella was being unnecessarily rude and bitchy to Caden... Jet off to some other planet lady... You can't get angry when a guy refuses to a casual fuck... Especially when he is not a serial dater and has a son to think about... Fuck off woman... Even men can get hurt... Ugh.... I just hate it when girls are rude to the guy for no rhyme or reason... It completely spoils the book...

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all. I laughed and fell in love with the characters. This book is a quick read and listen. Each page was a new adventure I could not wait to go on. I can totally see myself hanging out with the characters and helping out with the pranks. You get laughs, hot steamy sexy times, and serious times that have you stepping back feeling for the characters and what they are going through.

The narrator is B.J. Harrison who is one of my favorite narrators. His voice really gets me into the book and before you know it the book is over. He really knows how to tell the story and make you feel like you are right there.

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read Melissa Foster books before and loved them so thought I would give this series a try.... and I was not disappointed! I love the writing style that she has, the way that she can grip hold of the readers attention and make them forget that the characters aren't real and that the story isn't really happening in real life.

Oh how I wished I was Bella! I very rarely feel envious of any of the characters that I read of in books but Melissa Foster knows just how to get your emotions going, she knows just how to to get you falling for the characters. The story plot is perfect it keeps your attention through out. I don't want to give away much of the story as it is definitely worth the read and to find out for yourself! Melissa Foster is my favorite author to read a book by on my kindle! Cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing isn’t always the best but it is a cute story and there’s a cute friend group. Definitely going to continue to read the series

[Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON

This time, we explore Leanna’s (who fell in love with Kurt Remington) friends in a scenic setting, and she started off with Bella.

After Bella had broken off with a co-worker, she decided to return to Seaside Cottages and enjoy the summer. She already quit her job, put her house on the market, and contemplating on a project that will help kids work while they go to school. On top of that, she had already sworn off men, commitments and relationships. She was about to start a new life in her favorite place on earth, until a sexy police officer came crashing into her life.

Who wouldn’t fall for this single father and sexy police officer, Caden Grant? He’s a very responsible dad, he tries his best to give Evan a safe, and loving environment. That’s why they have moved from Boston and is also starting anew at Seaside when his partner was killed in the line of duty. What he didn’t expect was to cross paths with Bella during a night patrol shift, and his world suddenly took a shift.

Caden knows what he wants, and after being a single father for fourteen years, it was finally time to take his chances. But Bella had just sworn off relationships, can this sexy cop change her mind?

Family has always been an important part of the Lovers in Bloom series. I love how Melissa Foster put an importance to family relationships as much as she does with romance. Perhaps, this is why I fell in love with this. This time, it’s the relationship between father and son that touched me.

He was just in college when Evan was given to him by his then-girlfriend. Ever since then, it was him (with the help of his parents) who took care of the boy. He grew up overnight. But his sacrifices were very much rewarded. His kid grew up a great boy. Well, everything was going smoothly with him – until his teenage years came along and suddenly Caden didn’t know what to do with him: the hormones, the moods, and the sudden change that comes along with being a teenager. Not to mention that he started to hang out with boys he didn’t trust.

Just as when everything with Bella seemed to be perfect. She finally gave into him, and he was becoming happy. But his son will always be his priority and he thought it was wise to cut his time with Bella, have a break and concentrate on his son. It did break my heart watching him to it – it was hard, and he was torn in two. On the other hand, Bella was willing to help, she already fell in love with Evan and will do anything for the both of them. So imagine her surprise when he told her that – heck, I was devastated too.

Evan, proved to be his father son, and manned up to the consequences of his action. Awww. I was so proud of him for doing what he did.

Bella is a strong character who had a penchant for trouble, and Caden complemented her (being a cop and all). He didn’t settle for anything less, and he got exactly what he wanted. Seaside Dreams is another masterpiece by Melissa Foster that will have you swooning in no-time. I had a great time reading this book, I laughed, tear-up and fell in love.

•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•

More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com

[Twin Sisters Rockin' Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating: 5 Rockin’ ★★★★★

Bella was at a turning point in her life. A relationship that had gone sour and harsh comments spewing from her ex had her backing away from men and committed relationships. She needed to decide the direction her life would take. Would she continue to work as a teacher in the same school she had for years, keep her house or sell it and move somewhere else and start over? The situation that she found herself in now was stagnant and had lost its appeal, something was missing. Every summer Bella and her best friends spent eight weeks together at Seaside. This was their time to reconnect and share what was happening in each of their lives. This summer was different for Bella because she had decided to make a drastic change and all she had left to do now was share that decision with her friends.

When his partner was killed in the line of duty, Officer Caden Grant put in his resignation and moved from the big city to the small community of Seaside! Caden had always been the dependable one, the one that cared for others and would always put himself last. While in college his girlfriend had dropped the baby bomb on him and literally left him holding a newborn. Being the responsible person he was, he gave up everything for his son and committed his life to loving, protecting and raising him alone. Caden had no regrets; he loved his son and was thankful for the life he had been entrusted with. The way he had chosen to live left little time for anything but raising his son and that left women without commitment off his list of things he needed.

Everything changed for both Bella and Caden the night he did a drive by at the Seaside cottages. When Caden caught Bella and her friends in the process of playing a prank on one of the other residents nothing would be the same for either of them. Instant attract flared between the two and the commitment-phobic Bella wandered if she would be able to resist Caden. Read this heartwarming love story that will make you laugh and cry while at the same time entertaining you!

Hero –Officer Caden Grant: 5 stars
Heroine –Bella Abbascia: 5 stars
Steam: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Cliffhanger: No

Would I recommend this book: Yes! The gangs all back at their Seaside cottages so let the fun begin! When you put a group of beautiful amazingly self-sufficient women together in a small community, look out single hot guys in the area. Trouble has a name and you’ll find it in this book!

Would I recommend this author: Yes! Ms. Foster uses laughter, steamy hot sex and gorgeous, hunky men to entertain you with her witty, fun filled books. You will not be disappointed when you read any of her books.

Seaside Dreams
Melissa Foster

[Sloane Austen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seaside Dreams introduces readers to a Ya-Ya sisterhood in Massachusetts. Promising start. So what did Ms. Foster do with the story? The premise is four young women who spent every summer in Cape Cod as they grew up, continue to return each summer for eight weeks as adults. Seaside Dreams spotlights a spunky blonde by the name of Bella (think that name has been overused now but...) who meets Caden (the new cop in town) a single dad with no strings attached to his son's mother (gotta love fiction). The dialogue slides into cheezy from time to time, but mostly it's romantic and hot between Bella and Caden. The antics and closeness of Bella's best buds is fun to read.

What isn't fun is the harping that begins after the first interesting quarter of the book. Caden should be wearing wings and a halo, least we're told that because of the awesome father of the year he is. Bella wins the most accepting girlfriend award because she apparently falls in love with his son too, although they spend little to no time with each other. The book spins in circles in regards to these two points. The other element that might grate readers is Evan, Caden's son, is a fifteen-year-old boy who's got a super-sized mope going on because he had to move from his friends in Boston. He's written in a chaotic way. Either he's being a real Joe downer or he's up and pyscho happy. Teenagers are crazy, I had four, but they're not that bi-polar.

Bella is a school teacher by trade, but she's giving Caden a grade 'A' report card with every second line. This story would have worked very well as a novella. Used as a side story, a rash of break-ins makes you wonder if Evan's new friends are luring him into a life of juvenile crime. Of course he's not because he's got the dad of the century who trained him well. Love at first sight between a man and a woman can happen. Love at first sight between Bella and Caden's son who's nothing but a mopey toad, didn't go over well.

Readers may wonder what the connection between Bella and Caden might be other than a couple hot sweaty sex scenes since they're too busy talking in their heads about what I've already mentioned. The author uses the dark moment of Caden dumping Bella because his son might be going off the rails, and he needs to spend every breathing second with him. I always wonder about this (it's been done before) scenario. When a married couple has a problem child, do they look each other and say, "we have to get a divorce so we can pay more attention to our children?" Meh, don't think so. Ms. Foster's writing is solid and the girlfriends and additional cast (it's quite large) are very well defined and have wonderful quirks.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say that I'm not just a little, but a LOT addicted to Melissa Foster. I want to quit what I'm doing just so I can catch up on all of her books... and NOW I have the Seaside gang to fall in love with too!

Bella is a teacher, who is ready for a change. She tired of being lied to by the men that she dates and ready to have a little more purpose in her life. Every summer, since childhood, she heads to the Cape to meet up with friends and this summer is going to be a game changer - she's planning on staying and has sworn off commitments to men who ultimately end up disappointing her anyways. That is until she meets Caden.

Caden is new to the Cape, a police officer who is starting a new with his teenage son, away from Boston, where his partner was recently killed. With it only being Caden and Evan, he needed a slower paced life that wasn't going to jeopardize his life or his time with Evan.

Caden and Bella have an instant connection but both are afraid of what their future together would hold. Caden hasn't dated in years - not since Evan was dropped at his door as a newborn and remember Bella and her no commitment rule?

Bella, along with her bevy of friends, keeps this book fun and crazy. Caden and Bella together are perfection with Evan winning over your heart.

Can not wait to see what happens with the rest of the gang at Seaside.

[Heather Greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first Melissa Foster book I've ever read and I can guarantee you that it will NOT be the last. I really like her style of writing! The story and character development are done seamlessly. I really felt like I was one of the girls.


You get to know Bella and the rest of the girls and they're all so real. The first book in this series "Seaside Dreams" is the story of Bella finding herself. She also finds a few other perks along the way (like tall, dark, handsome....) Enter Caden Grant (my new book boyfriend). He's the kind of man every girl longs for. Not only is he handsome and strong, he's a great dad and always looking out for his son before anything or anyone else.


You see the love story blooming, quickly between Bella and Caden, as you also see a couple of other storylines play out (that are important to the way things eventually work out). Will the feelings be enough for the single father to allow himself to fall for a woman he barely knows? Will any man be enough for Bella to altar her life changing plans? I can't divulge too much without getting into spoiler territory. So I'll just make this short and sweet. I will warn you though, once you read this one you'll be anxiously waiting for the next book in the series!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Foster has done it again! I fell in love with a great group of girls and their friends who have been hanging out at Cape Cod every summer since they were kids. The Seaside Series will feature a love story of each of these four wonderful girls - Bella, Jenna, Amy and Leanna. This book focused on Bella and her hunk, Caden, a police officer who moved to the Cape to raise his son in a safe environment.

When Caden and Bella first met, neither of them were looking for love. In fact, they each hid from it in their own way. But once they meet, and the sparks start flying, nothing can get in their way. Or can it?...

This beautiful story featured everything I love about romance novels: A great couple, a fantastic love story, wonderful friends, family matters, and just the right amount of steam. Well, maybe a bit more than I'm used to... I wouldn't recommend the series to YA or NA readers. This is definitely adult only.

This is the second series in the Love in Bloom collection I have started. I read the first set, Snow Sisters, when the books were first published. They are all wonderful additions to my bookshelf. I look forward to reading the rest of the Seaside stories. Nice job Melissa! Keep 'em coming.

[Julie Baswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella and her friends love to play pranks, but when one involving a toilet bowl goes awry, along comes Officer Caden Grant. Being a single dad, Caden’s focus has always been on his son Evan. Once he meets Bella, it’s immediate attraction. This creates a problem because Bella is in the middle of a life change and has a plan, which doesn't involve dating. When Caden finally wins her heart, he discovers the cost of losing focus on his teenage son. With tragedy averted, will Bella and Caden be able to move past this event and form a more permanent bond?

This story just sucked me in. It felt so good reading the beginning of Bella and Caden’s relationship. Their attraction was so natural and just felt right. It brought back memories of my younger days, and it was a good feeling, one too long forgotten. With Caden being the perfect gentleman, Bella didn't have a chance. I felt like a fly on the wall. I would have loved to be best friends with Bella and the girls. They were a riot, with their pranks, and chunky-dunking, and open-window-love-making. And I loved the Jay and Silent Bob reference. That really made me laugh-out-loud. Can’t wait for Book 2.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always B.J. Harrison is amazing! He knows exactly what feelings to portray when reading Seaside Dreams. The tone, the speed of his reading, and the story itself is all wonderful.

How can I not love this book? It has my crush from the last Melissa Foster book in it, Kurt from Read, Write, Love, and it has new hunky police officer Caden. I loved that Seaside Dreams was about a man who was also a father. He had responsibilities that other characters in Melissa’s books did not. He was a good dad, not just a dad when convenient. When Bella never questioned taking Caden and Evan in her life it won me over. It is not easy to accept a child into your life, much less a teenager.


This is a new part of the Love in Bloom Series and I cannot wait for more. I would love to hear about the rest of the ladies in this book. These ladies might become my favorite characters. Of course, I recommend this series and cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of the books.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25-3.5 RATING

[Diemitdenzeilenreist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richtig schön und teilweise echt spannend 😍

Klappentext:

Bella Abbascia ist wie jeden Sommer in die Ferienhaussiedlung Seaside in Wellfleet am Cape Cod zurückgekehrt. Doch in diesem Jahr hat Bella mehr vor, als mit ihren Freundinnen in der Sonne zu liegen und sich beim Nacktbaden zu vergnügen. Sie hat ihren Job gekündigt, ihr Haus in Connecticut verkauft und jeglichen Männergeschichten abgeschworen, um sich an ihrem Lieblingsort auf Erden ein neues Leben aufzubauen. Der Plan steht – zumindest bis ein Streich der stets zu Scherzen aufgelegten Bella eine böse Wendung nimmt und ein sündhaft attraktiver Police Officer vor ihr steht.
Der alleinerziehende Vater und Polizist Caden Grant hat Boston den Rücken gekehrt, nachdem sein Partner im Dienst getötet wurde. In dem kleinen Ferienort Wellfleet hofft er auf ein sichereres Leben mit seinem vierzehnjährigen Sohn Evan. Als er während einer nächtlichen Streife Bella kennenlernt, wird ihm bewusst, dass er plötzlich gefunden hat, was er sich nie zu erträumen erlaubte – und von dem er nie wusste, dass es ihm fehlt.
Nachdem er sich vierzehn Jahre lang nur auf seinen Sohn konzentriert hat, kann Caden der starken Anziehungskraft der schönen Bella nicht widerstehen, und Bella ist der Intensität ihrer aufkeimenden Liebe ebenso machtlos ausgeliefert. Aber der Neuanfang gestaltet sich schwieriger, als sie beide es sich ausgemalt haben, und dann gerät Evan an die falschen Freunde. Cadens Loyalität wird auf eine harte Probe gestellt. Wird er alles aufgeben, um seinen Sohn zu beschützen – sogar Bella?

Meine Meinung:

Balla möchte alles hinter sich lassen und geht zurück nach Seaside Cape Cod, dort trifft sie sich auch wieder mit ihren Freundinnen. Doch jetzt hat sie Pläne für ihre Karriere aber in diesem Plan passt der neue sexy Polizist Caden nicht, oder doch?!
In dieser Geschichte gibt es so viel zum lachen und schmunzeln aber auch ernste Themen sind zu finden.
Auch Caden braucht einen Neuanfang mit seinem Sohn und möchte kein gefährliches Leben für sich und seinem Sohn, trotzdem macht er sich Sorgen um seinen Teenager Sohn, was man auch die ganze Zeit, beim Lesen, spürt, aus welchen Gründen genau, müsst ihr selber lesen. In der zweiten Helfe der Geschichte wurde es auch sehr spannend.
Es war wieder toll über die Freundinnen zu lesen, auch Leanna und Kurt waren wieder dabei. Das Buch ist nicht so emotional wie die Bücher der Bradens oder der Whiskeys, aber dennoch richtig schön. Der Zusammenhalt des Freundeskreises ist einfach super schön, man wünscht sich ein Teil davon zu sein. Ich bin schon sehr gespannt auf die Geschichten der anderen Mädels.
Diese Geschichte bekommt 5/5 Sterne von mir.

Fazit:

Eine tolle, sommerliche, erfrischende Geschichte zum Lachen, schmunzeln und schmachten.

Vielen Dank für das Rezensionsexemplar Tina und Melissa Foster

Diemitdenzeilenreist

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella has been coming to Seaside for years. Every summer, Bella, Leanna, Jenna & Amy get reacquainted & set off on their summer adventures. Since Leanna has found her way with Kurt & her jam making career, Bella has been dissatisfied with her life. She's quit her job as a school teacher & set up a probationary program for the summer. She's not going to let a man derail her plans. No relationship & no man until things are on track. Until he pulls in - hot, sexy policeman Caden. How is she supposed to fight that chemistry?

After his partner was killed, Caden decided he needed to move to a quiet town & a smaller force. He was a single father raising his son, Evan & didn't want to leave him without a parent. Caden is happy & content & prepared to enjoy the next couple of years before Evan heads to college. Then he catches a sexy fiery blonde in her brief pj's & with her hair caught in a window. Can this attraction be real?

Melissa Foster sets a story of friendship & love in a small town. The scene is set perfectly. The friendships are realistic & relatable. I really loved the interactions between Bella & Evan. It takes a special person to accept a teenager into a relationship along with their attitude. I really enjoyed this story & you will too!

[Caroline · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF chapter 14:

The FMC is annoying me to much. It's like she is making up problems where there are none and I am done caring about what happens next.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, fun, beachy read. Although I got pretty annoyed at the back and forth between liking and dating and commitment.

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviews provided from...



And that seems to be the theme to every Love in Bloom series book I have read and guess what? I effing love every page that I turn. When I start a big family and friends series like this I am always worried that they will run out of ways to make the story different. I never have to worry about that with Melissa Foster. Every book I pick up in this series is different. All of the characters have different personalities and different ways they bring a story to life. This book is absolutely no different.

Bella is in the middle of a life change. She wants something different so she quits her job, puts her house up for sale, and gets a yearlong job lined up in Wellfleet. The place she has spent every single summer. She has decided that she needs to lay off commitments so that she can make life decisions without basing them on a relationship. That all gets put on hold when she meets Caden Grant. I loved Bella. She was hilarious. She was a little bit of a rule-breaker. But I rule-breaker in a way that she does things like skinny-dipping and filling a toilet bowl with flowers and leaving it on her property managers lawn. She was strong and independent. She gave a good fight in the not-a-date thing but she couldn’t resist. Her character was such a treat to read about. I found myself laughing out loud while reading. She is also really caring. She opens her heart not only to Caden but his son as well.

“He was just going with it. Like everything else with Bella, it felt natural, and he didn’t care why. Some things were just meant to be.”

Caden Grant. The sexy as hell police men. He moves to Wellfleet for a quieter life. He lost his partner a few months before his move. He brought his son to this small town. Caden has kept his full focus on Evan for the past 15 years. No woman has caught his attention. Until Bella literally falls into his arms. Caden Grant was effing swoon worthy. Just when I thought I couldn’t possible have another Love in Bloom Book Boyfriend Melissa writes another one. He was trying to deal with a son that was in that awkward I’m going to fight my parents on everything stage. He is trying to navigate that and build his relationship with Bella. He was so sweet and caring. Plus he was sexy as hell.

This book was way more than a love story. It was about a place and people that made lifelong friendships while also opening themselves up to new people as their lives grew. I can’t wait to read more about Bella’s other friends. I am most excited for Amy’s book. I am a sucker for unrequited love.

Anyway this was another beautifully written book. With another heroine that makes reading this book worth it. Plus another guy that you can add to your book boyfriend list.

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you say ADDICTED?! This is the second book of Melissa Foster's that I've tried and I am literally angry at myself for not reading her sooner! If you love your small-town romances sweet, sexy AND funny, then you've got to try out at least one of Melissa Foster's books. She has so many series that are connected and this knowledge makes me a very happy reader because I'll have more stories to devour!

SEASIDE DREAMS is the first book in the Seaside Summers series. This series is about four friends who are adorably cute but they each have their own set of problems. They have come together to spend some time in their Seaside Cottages in Wellfleet, Massachusetts so you can definitely expect that beachy, small-town feel that I adore.

Bella Abbascia is a woman who has sworn off men and is in the process of getting her life together. But after one of her pranks goes wrong, she gets into some trouble with sexy police officer Caden Grant. Like Bella, he doesn't have time to date. Too much of his time is devoted to working and raising his teenage son alone. But romance seems to bloom between them anyway and even though they try to take things slow, Foster heats things up quite quickly. In just two books, I've become such a big fan of Foster's romances because she is able to blend the sexy and the sweet perfectly. She makes everything so ENJOYABLE that I'm can't help falling in love right along with the characters. In just half a book, Melissa Foster can create a strong romance and it's really quite impressive.

In addition to the romance, I really loved the friendship Bella had with her girlfriends. Those girls are a hoot and it's nice to be able to see authors taking their time and showing different relationships in their books as well. I will definitely be checking out the other books in the series. I can't wait to see what Foster has in store for them.

The only negative I can think of is the fact that the books can run a little long and the only reason I am mentioning this is because I think Foster does such a great job with the romance that at 50%, I was already head over heels in love with the characters. I would've been okay with the book if it had ended there. So with that being said, it can be a little shorter. But when I adore a cast so much, I don't really mind spending a little more time with them.

Fans of Bella Andre and Jill Shalvis will absolutely fall in love with Melissa Foster's writing. If you haven't tried her out yet, then you definitely need to grab at least one of the free books she currently has on offer!

*Reviewed by Annie

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[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella is thinking of leaving her home and her old job behind and move full time to the Seaside Cottages. She goes every summer but after a bad break up she is thinking it's time for a change. She is known for breaking a few rules and her little but of a wild side makes her end up on a sexy cops radar. Caden moved from Boston to get a fresh start for him and his teenage son. His partner was killed and it is time for a change. He has never had time for dating or women since he was left with his son when he was a week old. Bella makes him want something more. They are opposites and she is afraid of commitment. The closer they get the hotter things get between them the more complicated things become. His son has got involved in the wrong crowd and Caden thinks he can't have a relationship and raise his son as well. He thinks he has to give her up but he may realize to late he gave up one of the best things in his life.

Bella is so much fun to read about with all the little things she gets her friends and her self into. She is afraid to take a chance on a relationship again but she can't help wanting Caden. She really hides her true self except with her friends. She is sexy but she can also be very sweet. She doesn't just want Caden, she also takes a motherly interest in Evan his son. Caden is a wonderful dad and there is no doubt about that. He is a good cop and he doesn't really take a lot of time for his self. He is sexy but it seems Bella brings the most of it out in him. He can at times be clueless about dating and it makes him more charming.

If you read my reviews you know I love these books and this author. I really enjoyed getting to see more of the Seaside women. They all are great individually but together they are the type you want to hang out with. Bella's story is a great one. the little rule breaker and the cop. They both have problems committing for different reasons and have to work it out. Add in a moody teenager and they have a few problems to overcome. It seems they both are in a point in their lives where they are making changes and they have to decide what changes are for the best for them. The girls will have you laughing and Evan will have you wanting to hug him to make him open up. I enjoyed this story and how caring they all are of each other. If you want a wonderful series try this author's!