The Guncle Aboard

  ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Never miss out on future posts by following Seaside Book Nook.

Synopsis (from Amazon):  Patrick O'Hara is called back to his guncle duties . . . This time for a big family wedding in Italy.

Patrick O’Hara is back. It’s been five years since his summer as his niece Maisie and nephew Grant’s caretaker after their mother’s passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, and Patrick has relocated to New York to remain close by and relaunch his dormant acting career. After the run of his second successful sit-com comes to a close, Patrick feels on top of the world . . . professionally. But some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single again after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has a family to lean on. Until that family needs to again lean on him.

When Patrick's brother, Greg, announces he’s getting remarried in Italy, Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. Patrick feels drawn to take the two back under his wing. As they travel through Europe on their way to the wedding, Patrick tries his best to help them understand love, much as he once helped them comprehend grief. But when they arrive in Italy, Patrick is overextended managing a groom with cold feet; his sister, Clara, flirting with guests left and right; a growing rivalry with the kids’ charming soon-to-be-launt (lesbian aunt), and two moody young teens trying to adjust to a new normal, all culminating in a disastrous rehearsal dinner.

Can Patrick save the day? Will teaching the kids about love help him repair his own love life? Can the change of scenery help Patrick come to terms with finally growing up? Gracing the page with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley charms with a beloved story about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: Guncle series is my favorite Steven Rowley books. This is a laugh-out-loud while grabbing for a box of Kleenex for an ugly cry kind of book. 

GUP is back and have moved to New York. Maisie and Grant are a little older and back living with the father when they are whisked away to Italy for their dad's wedding. 

You will not be able to put this book down.  Make sure you have nothing on your calendar when you start it......because you will not want to put it down. 

You don't need to read Guncle first, but I highly recommend it because it is amazing and will make you just appreciate The Guncle Abroad even more.  

I can't get enough of Steven Rowley's books.  

Steven Rowley is the New York Times bestselling author of four novels: Lily and the Octopus, a Washington Post Notable Book; The Editor, an NPR Best Book of the Year; The Guncle, winner of the twenty-second Thurber Prize for American Humor and Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for Novel of the Year; and The Celebrants, a TODAY Show Read With Jenna book club pick. His fiction has been translated into twenty languages. He resides in Palm Springs, California.

Amazon 

Get new posts by email:

Someone to Love

   ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Never miss out on future posts by following Seaside Book Nook.

Summary:  One month. One fake boyfriend. One shot at forever.

I’ve got four weeks to cross one thing off my bucket list—and it isn’t exactly PG.

I’m not the type to take risks, but when a friend battling cancer dares you to go big, you don’t say no. My mission? Lose my V-card before my baby sister’s wedding. Did I mention she’s marrying my high school crush? Yeah. There’s no way I’m walking into that ceremony as the awkward, untouched older sister.

Enter single dad Ian Barlowe—my sinfully hot, NFL legend neighbor, who owes me big time after his daughter breaks into my house. He offers to make amends by playing my fake boyfriend. How can I say no?

It should be easy enough—except nothing about Ian feels fake. The chemistry? Explosive. His unexpected sweetness? Heart-melting. And the way he seems to like me just as I am? Ruh, roh.

Here’s the thing—I don’t do vulnerability, and neither does he. But as the line between pretend and real starts to blur—especially in the bedroom—I wonder if happily-ever-after is a game we can win. I set out to score one for the bucket list, but now I’m playing for keeps. And if we’re not careful, I might lose my heart in the final play.

This small-town, single dad, standalone sports romance is perfect for readers of Jill Shalvis and Laura Pavlov. If you like your happily-ever-afters swoony, steamy, and filled with laugh-out-loud moments, one click now to fall in love with The Skylark Series.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  I have never read a Michelle Major book and I can't wait to read another.  I LOVED IT!

Ingredients for an amazing book:

A small town in Colorado

Ian the single dad (ex-NFL player)

Riva the sassy daughter

Sadie the next-door neighbor in need of a date

Felix the NFL player and Ian's younger brother

Piper the bride-to-be and Sadie's younger sister

Bradley the groom-to-be and Sadie's ex

Great gal pal bookclub 

I thought Someone to Love was such a great story, that I wanted to keep reading and turning the next page even when life was calling for me to get moving.  Sometimes you just need to turn the next page and keep on reading!

Without giving away the book, I wanted to cheer when Sadie stood up to people that "push" her around in the past.  I loved watching her start to put her own happiness before others.  I can't wait for the second book in the Skylark Series.  In the meantime, I need to go read some of Michelle's other books like The California Girls series, Colorado Hearts series, Welcome to Starlight series, Crimson Colorado series, The Magnolia Sister Series, The Fortunes of Texas series, just to name a few.  So many options!

USA Today and Top 5 Amazon Bestselling author Michelle Major writes swoon-worthy stories full of heart, heat, and guaranteed happily-ever-afters. When she’s not dreaming up romance, you’ll find her hiking the trails (or avoiding housework) in her home state of Colorado.

Connect with her at her website or come say hi on Instagram and Facebook.

Amazon 

Get new posts by email:

Airhead

  ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Never miss out on future posts by following Seaside Book Nook.

Synopsis:  The night in 1982 that changed everything…

There is no way I can resist avenging my sister's broken heart by filling her cheating boyfriend's bitchin' DeLorean with extra buttered movie popcorn, a half-melted Snickers, and the contents of one shaken can of Tab.

There's only one six-foot-six-inch problem. It's not The Creep's car. It's Frank "The Airhead" Hartigan’s. Now he wants me to drive him to Harbor City to make up for trashing his ride.

On the outside, I'm all gag me with a spoon, but on the inside? Yeah, not so much. The truth is I haven't stopped thinking about him since that night at Marino's Bar when he rocked my world to the max—something that can't happen again.

Frank Hartigan isn't a guy you fall for if you want to keep your heart in one piece. Waterbury is littered with the broken hearts of the women who forgot that, and I am not about to join their ranks.

Fine. I'll drive him around town, but that's it.

No kisses.

No getting hot and bothered.

No toe-curling anything.

And no matter what happens tonight, my heart—and my panties—will for sure remain untouched.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: I LOVED THIS BOOK!  I was in high school/college during the early 80's and boy did I have some flashbacks reading Airhead!

I couldn't get enough of Katie and Frank.  There were so many laugh-out-loud parts. 

Katie tries with all her might not to fall for Frank since a Hartigan and a Madigan don't mix.  Frank was adorable and never lost hope that Katie would come around. Of course, Katie was hooked from the beginning. 

Katie is a school teacher and Frank is a fireman.  Both grew up and now as adults work in Waterbury.  Katie wants out of her "small" town and feels trapped.  As hard as she tries not to fall for Frank, you just know it's going to happen.  She eventually realizes Waterbury isn't so bad of a place to be. 

One of my favorite parts of the book was when they were running from some guys who thought Frank was his twin brother and they ran into Vito's restaurant and were assumed to be there to lend a helping hand.  It was one of many lol parts of the book.

Airhead is must read book.  I found out there are more books about the Hartigan books and I can't wait to find them!!  

Some of my favorite mentions in Airhead

Long Island Ice Tea

An actual telephone and answer machine

Days of the week underwear

Acid wash Calvins

Banana clips

Ford Pintos

Electric blue

DeLorean

Halloween (the movie)

Orange Julius

Leg warmers

Hubba Bubba

Excerpt:

Hartigans should come with a warning label. 

No, that wouldn’t be enough. There should also be sirens, alarm bells, six-foot-high razor wire, a full military squadron armed to the teeth, and the scariest nun from St. Bernadette's School for Girls, all of whom would warn that the end (of your panties) was nigh. 

But not Katie Madigan’s panties. 

Nope.

Her French cut undies were as safe as Fort Knox because she knew better than to ever fall for the charms of a Hartigan—especially Frank Hartigan.

USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling romance author Avery Flynn has sold more than a million books, which have been translated into multiple languages. She has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip. She lives outside of Washington DC with her family and a pack of five dogs all named after food. If she’s not reading romance or binging reality TV, she’s most definitely plotting to take over the world so she can banish Crocs from existence. Also, if you figure out how to send Oreos through the Internet, she’ll be your best friend for life. Join her reader Patreon for special sneak peeks, chats, book boxes and more.

Buy Links

Avery's Website

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

Apple Books

Fable

Goodreads

Get new posts by email:

Side Hustle & Flow: Shape-Up

   ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Never miss out on future posts by following Seaside Book Nook.

Synopsis:  

Welcome to "Side Hustle & Flow: Shape Up!"—the second book in Cliff Beach’s acclaimed series. Following the success of "Side Hustle & Flow," nominated for a World Entertainment Award for Best Spoken Word Album in 2024, Cliff Beach returns with a powerful guide to transforming your health and fitness journey.

Discover the seven essential steps to achieving a fitter, happier you:

 

●      The Deciding Factor: Uncover your personal motivations and use them to fuel your transformation.

●      Checking Your Numbers: Learn the importance of tracking key health metrics, with insights from dieticians and doctors.

●      Intermittent Fasting Tips and Tricks: Master intermittent fasting with practical advice on timing, hydration, and managing hunger.

●      Picking a Diet That Works for You: Find a diet plan that suits your lifestyle and health needs for sustainable eating habits.

●      Exercise: Make it Fun and Be Consistent: Incorporate fun and engaging activities into your routine to ensure consistency and enjoyment.

●      Healthy Lifestyle Changes You Can Stick With: Implement small, manageable changes for long-term success.

●      Get Into a Support Group Now!: Leverage the power of community and support groups to maintain motivation and accountability.

●       

"Side Hustle & Flow: Shape Up!" is more than just a fitness guide; it’s a call to action for a healthier, happier you. Cliff Beach’s practical advice and motivational style will inspire you to take control of your health and transform your life. Join Cliff on this transformative journey and take the first step towards a fitter, happier you today!

Publisher: Please and Funk You Publishing

ASIN: B0DKFZLY8T

Audiobook Length: 3 hours and 24 minutes

One (or more) Sentence Summary: Side Hustle & Flow: Shape-Up is a great book with all sorts of great information in one place. You can also use the workbook to help track all your success.  I really like all the tips and tricks. My favorite topic was Intermittent Fasting Tips and Tricks. This is an area that I have always struggled with and never excited to try it.  Cliff laid out how to fast and made me more comfortable with it and I was able to complete my first fasting.

Another message that really stuck with me is that my fitness journey is mine and everyone is on a different journey.....and that is okay. 

I enjoyed the audiobook. If you prefer to listen to the books, it's a great option.

Musician and Author Cliff Beach has been performing live for more than 20 years. His single “Confident” was featured on Spotify All Funked Up and Funk Drive playlists with over 975k+ streams. He is the host of the Deeper Grooves Podcast and Deeper Grooves on 885FM. Beach is the author of highly successful book Side Hustle & Flow on Black Spring Press Group/Eyewear Publishing, which chronicles his musical journey while still working a day job. He has written previously for Beautytap, Pepperdine and Rock Star Life. He is the winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize, 2 World Songwriting Awards, 4 Global Music Awards, a California Music Video & Film Award and nominated for 4 LA Music Awards, 1 Hollywood Music & Media Award, and 1 Independent Music Award and more. His music has recently been featured on CNN, SYFY, CW, HBO MAX and in a BMW spot. He was nominated for a World Entertainment Award for his audiobook Side Hustle & Flow and has just released his follow up Side Hustle & Flow: Shape Up on Please and Funk You Publishing via Author's Republic. He is an awarding Distinguished Toastmaster and VP of PR from Culver City Toastmasters and TedX presenter. 

Find him online at: 

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter/X

Purchase a copy of Side Hustle & Flow: Shape-Up! On Amazon, Audible, and Barnes and Noble. 

Penalties and Proposals (Love on Thin Ice series)

  ~ I received no compensation and my opinions are 100% my own or my family's. ~

Never miss out on future posts by following Seaside Book Nook.

Synopsis (from Amazon):  It only takes one bad apple to ruin the bunch. When life hands me reformed hockey star Noah Beaumont, AGAIN, am I supposed to make cider or is there a sweeter surprise in store?

Willa: I never wanted to see Noah Beaumont again. EVER. When I kicked him off my set after he showed up intoxicated, his PR team tried to blacklist me. I made it over that hurdle, made a name for myself, and I’m heading to Maple Falls to cover a charity ice hockey team that’s making headlines...only to find out I have to work with HIM.

But this Noah seems different. He’s reformed and seems to be determined to show me he’s changed. Can I trust him, or will he be the same disaster I remember?

Noah: I’ve spent years trying to make amends for my past mistakes, questioning if I still belong in the world of hockey or if it's time to step back, be ‘normal’. But seeing Willa again brings everything into sharp focus. She’s the woman who’s haunted my thoughts since the day I met her.

Now, she’s here in Maple Falls, and I’m determined to prove I’m not the same man she remembers. I want her to see the real me, the man I’ve worked so hard to become. Can I convince her to give me a second chance?

Penalties and Proposals is part of the Love on Thin Ice sweet small town hockey romcom series. It's a second chance enemies to lovers story with forced proximity in this small town romance with all the sizzle and chemistry, but none of the spice.

Content warning: This IS a lighthearted and fun romantic comedy, but there are subjects mentioned in this book like parents passing away and former substance abuse.

Slide into the Love on Thin Ice Series for a sweet romantic escape. Seven authors, seven short novels, and one charming town. Get ready for heartwarming short novel love stories and all the fall feels. Start reading now!

Breaking the Ice by Whitney Dineen
The Rebound Play by Kate O’Keeffe
The Friend Face Off by Grace Worthington
Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin
The Parent Playbook by Elsie Woods
Love at First Skate by Ellie Hall
Penalties and Proposals by Anne Kemp

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  I have read three of the seven books and I can't wait to get to the other four.  I usually like to read a series in order, however, I read Breaking the Ice and The Rebound Play (books 1 and 2) before jumping to Penalities and Proposals (book 7).  Guess what?.....it doesn't matter what order you read them in!  

Penalties and Proposals is another must-read book in the series.  Give me a rom-com any day....add hockey as the background story and I am hooked.  I loved Willa and how she was able to work through her hurt from the past which was a result of Noah's "people".  Noah was an amazing character who worked through his past mistakes and realized how they impacted others. He owned up to his past behavior and was looking to redeem himself.  

Great story in a small town I wish was real (I would love to visit) with wonderful people.  I really appreciate that Anne Kemp didn't make excuses for Noah's past, which made me like him even more....he owned it.  Willa was strong and didn't let anything stop her from her goal.  I love a strong female character! 

I highly recommend Penalities and Proposals along with the rest of the series.  Three out of seven I have really enjoyed.  I can't wait to get to the other four!

Anne Kemp is a bestselling author of romantic comedies. She loves reading (and she does it ridiculously fast, too!), gluten-free baking (because everyone needs a hobby that makes them crazy), and finding time to binge-watch her favorite shows. She grew up in Maryland but made Los Angeles her home until she encountered her own real-life meet-cute at a friend's wedding where she ended up married to one of the groomsmen. For real.

Anne now lives on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, and even though she was married at Mt. Doom, no…she doesn’t have a Hobbit. However, she and her husband do have a terrier named George Clooney and when she’s not writing, she’s usually with them taking a long walk on the river by their home.

You can find Anne on her website - come say hi! She’d love to hear from you: www.annekemp.com

On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest: @missannekemp

On TikTok: @annekempauthor

Amazon 

Get new posts by email:

The Next Step

  ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Never miss out on future posts by following Seaside Book Nook.

Synopsis:  Christmas has been all but forgotten as a negative pregnancy test makes Rachel reconsider her future with Todd. The realization sends her to the small town of Abbeyglen where the opening of Caulfield’s Café is all anyone’s talking about. But it also has her beginning to see her returning colleague at Blackwater Financial Services, the loud, hilarious Owen Larrson in a new light.

Natalie has decided she needs a change. In the midst of Christmas craziness, with the grand opening of the café and the excitement of her two children’s Christmas concert, Natalie can only hope the people of Blackwater Financial Services can help her find the job that will change her life. But as ex-boyfriend Darren returns, she realizes luck might not be on her side for a bright Christmas after all …

Join two women who are trying to figure out what the rest of their lives hold, in the midst of the mayhem of the most wonderful time of the year in the most wonderful place to be!

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  This is my first book by BR Maycock and I would l ike to go back and read the other books in the series.  It isn't needed and The Next Step stands on its own.  

I realy like Natalie.  She was a strong person, but when Darren came on the scene I felt she became a little timid....however, she found her inner strength and steped up to him.  

Rachel was a little harder for me to relate to as she didn't seem to know what she wanted, except what she had before.  She did figure it out in the end and I think "grew up" through the novel.  I really did appreciate her journey. 

I really liked Rachel and Natalie's friends Holly and Bex.  They all supported each other through all their ups and down as true friends do.  Abbeyglen sounds like a beautiful community! 

I plan on reading books 1 and 2 featuring Holly and Bee, respectively.  Again, no need to read them in order.  

B R Maycock is the author of laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She lives in the midlands in Ireland with her four little men, kooky husband, dog Eddie, and cat Shadow!

Facebook

Twitter/X (@BRMaycock) 

Tiktok

Blog  

Instagram-(@brmaycock)  

Amazon 

Get new posts by email: