What Happens At the Beach

Anti-Belle #5

by Skye McDonald

Storybook romances aren’t made for real life… right? The Addisons finally did it. They designed an app that made them millions. James Addison takes off to Jamaica for a month to celebrate and examine his life from a distance. On his last weekend there, he meets a sexy stranger who goes by “J” and wants an island romp. No strings attached. James could never resist a beautiful woman, but their wild weekend forms a connection neither expected. Back home in her real life, Jules Reed dreams of her fairytale vacation with her beautiful prince charming. But a life of working two jobs and raising her young daughter leaves no room for such an ideal fantasy. Good thing she’ll never see him again. Fate intervenes through a crazy twist of coincidence that blindsides both the lovers. A reunion with your dream person is great in theory, but how can a dream that perfect ever really work in reality?

Genres: Romance, Summer, Ebooks

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2024

About the author

Skye McDonald is a wellness coach, blogger, and contemporary romance novelist. She believes in the power of falling in love with oneself as the real path to a happily ever after. Her books and coaching draw on her own life experiences. Her novels are sure to make you laugh, cry, and swoon.

Skye's first novel, *Not Suitable for Work*, won the Linda Howard Award for Romance in 2019. Her co-authored Unlikely Pairings series (written with Sarah Smith) have been Amazon bestsellers and #1 New Releases. Skye shares her thoughts on living life with an open heart in her "A Bit Much" Substack.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Skye now lives and works in Montclair, New Jersey. In her free time, she hikes with her dogs, runs Spartan races, travels, Scuba dives, and is learning to ski. Someday she’ll chill out, preferably on a beach. But not yet. There’s so much life to live first.

Reviews

[Find Me Behind a Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness gracious, I loved everything about this story. Juliette and James are probably two of my favorite characters. They were the perfect blend of flirty, fun, and unexpectedly deep. I loved how their connection felt instant but not rushed, and the twist that brings them back together? Perfection.

If you’re looking for a beach read that has more than just sand and sizzle—one that makes you root for happily ever afters even when life’s messy—this is a must-add to your TBR.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I adored What Happens at the Beach and it definitely had me invested from the beginning. It had the perfect amount of spice, witty one liners and a supportive friendship group. The chemistry between James and Juliette was perfection and this story definitely makes you believe in fate. Even though this was book five in the series it is perfect as a standalone story as that is how I read it being my first read by Skye and it will not be my last. Highly recommended this one!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Juliette and James when they were Jay and Jae on the beach. (And sat with just that while real life got busy) As soon as Liv met Juliette I was locked in! Every page I was waiting for the pieces for be put together! When he took care of sick Ivy 😍 I can’t even pick a favorite part. It truly was amazing “real life” fairytale for them! Side note as a single teacher I really need Chat me up! And the parent version to be a real app!

[Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Skye McDonald! There is so much detail in the first few pages of chapter one, yet not so much to give the story away.

The premise of “What Happens at the Beach” can be viewed in so many different ways. The author's flair for writing, creative wording and sprinkling (or a heavy dash) of innuendoes is so perfect, it’s easy to “become” main character Juliette “Jae with an e.” Jones as she and Jay Smith become quickly acquainted in Aruba. The humor and lighthearted banter coupled with the spicy heat is such a great balance, it’s refreshing to read.

The strength shown by both main characters as they strive for anonymity during their time away at the beach, is not only commendable but a little enviable. To slip away just for a short time, to rest, relax, recuperate, non-judgmentally, no strings attached? How many of us have thought of such an escape? Of course, the return to reality can be a double-edged sword as Juliette and James experience when they return to their daily lives. Unaware how parallel their lives are, the emotions, positive and challenging show strength, resilience and determination in both characters. Juliette allows herself grace, acceptance and kindness yet holds tight to her boundaries, knowing herself well. Understanding that it's ok to accept help from those that care that it’s not a sign of weakness, is a demonstration of hard work and strength. The raw emotions, uncertainty, and past traumas experienced by both Juliette and James is crucial to the storyline, guiding the reader to a gentle, possibly positive way of viewing challenges and changes in our own lives. Highly recommend!

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every single thing about Juliette and James' relationship in this book. Their initial meet cute, their anonymous hook up turned weekend adventure, to their almost disastrous reunion, to their final meet cute, when they realize they were destined to be together all along. Their comedic back and forth laden with innuendos was just perfect and kept me laughing in-between swooning for this couple. Even their break-up scenes were mild because you just knew their story wasn't over yet.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
I love all of Skye McDonald's books, but of the ones I have read, this one is probably at the bottom. I liked the characters and their chemistry but the whole fake name thing is not my cup of tea. I also did not like how long it took them to realize they literally live an hour from each other, it kept me annoyed for a while. Still love the great friend group and I love the way Skye writes her characters.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can you love more than our Anti-Belle Nashville friends? When Skye reads the book to you! Such a fun and interactive experience having book club with the author for as many weeks as it takes to read through. We knew James Addison was a dirty little flirt, but we didn't know the extent of his dirtiness....or his thoughtfulness. Sign up for Skye's newsletter NOW to get her invites, she's the best at interacting with her fans.

[Rebecca King · Rating 5 out of 5]

James and Juliette

Wow...get away trip with no attachments turns into more when back to reality. I was hoping James would eventually get his girl. He was just as I imagined.... hopeless flirt but really an amazing guy with an amazing heart. I can't believe this was the last book in the series. I want more.

[Alexandra Alzate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was pure perfection ✨
I loved both characters so much and the chemistry between them was magical. This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it so much I'll be working backwards to read the other stories in this series 🙈 .... annnnnd buying this baby for my personal collection. So good!

[Becky Musson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Juliette and James meet while both on holiday in Aruba and agreed to no names holiday fun. You could see how perfect they were for each other so was so pleased with fate stepped in to reconnect the two! I do love a HEA!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in an afternoon. It was the perfect little escape. Had me kicking my feet the whole time. Loved it

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I really liked the travel part of the book! The second part not so much. Lots of characters, and I didn’t really understand the drama of the big reveal at the gala. The banter was fun.

[Nikki Lansing · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
3.5 stars
Poorly written, but I enjoyed it
Book #5 from a series, but I read it as a standalone and could follow easily


🌶️: 3/5

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one

[Ejatu Bah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read and I liked the main characters' banter in this book. I also loved that it was a short read.

[Brandy Hazen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spiciness level 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ everything else…. 👎🏻

[Neems · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised that I enjoyed this book. I was hooked and raced through it to see how it would pan out.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGosh! I was hooked right from the start and couldn’t put it down. “What Happens at the Beach” by Skye McDonald is a must read. This billionaire contemporary romance is full of spunk, spice, and fun banter. The author has done a wonderful job of integrating humor throughout the story making it even more of an enjoyable read. It is full of wonderful, well-rounded, believable characters. Juliette’s self-reflection gives her more confidence and enhances her sass, strength, and spirit. I love her “Anti-Bell”-ness as coined by the author. Juliette and James make a dynamic couple from the beginning of their meet and they continue to grow as individuals and as a couple. I was engaged from start to finish. This hidden identity, second chance, single parent romance also has friendship, great world building, romance, steam emotion, life, and is entertaining. “What Happens at the Beach” can be read as a standalone but is part of the Anti-Belle Book series.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Happens at the Beach is Book 5 of the Anti-Belle series... and it is freakin' AWESOME! It's a steamy, funny, opposites-attract, slight age-gap, anonymous vacation fling, working single mom gets her "prince" romance.

Book 3, Nemesis, had been my favorite to date, but this one has taken the lead. And a huge bonus that Liz is a friend of Juliette in this one.

Juliette is a 27 year old single working mom with a 4 year old daughter, Ivy. James is a charming, hunky, 34 year old, billionaire who created the popular dating app, "Chat Me Up."

The two meet while on vacation in Aruba. Their meet-cute over fries and ketchup is hysterical. They keep crossing paths and have insane chemistry and a genius knack for sarcastic, witty, and flirty banter. They finally agree to an anonymous, hot fling with no personal info or real names given. They are just "Jay" and "Jae." But their connection is oh so real...holy hotness 🔥🌶🍆. They part ways after their magical time. James wants to give her his number, but she wants to keep it all a magical fantasy, knowing she is back to being a single mom, barista, and receptionist.

Ten months pass, and the two both have some regrets when their paths cross again. Will they get their second chance?? Yes!!!!!

This was serendipity at its finest. I cried the first time they parted ways with no info on the other person to reconnect when they had such a deep connection...

I loved watching Juliette regain her confidence and realize she was all that and more. She finally saw herself as James and her friends saw her.

I am honestly sad this book is over... I laughed and cried, and the steam was oh so steamy. Their connection was so real and hot enough to burn down a village. It had a very real Cinderella vibe at the beginning and end.

These two were so perfect for each other and totally deserved their happy ending. I absolutely loved it!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

James and Juliette meet during a vacation on Aruba. They are attracted to each other but due to personal reasons do not wish to share their real names. With the vacation being Juliette’s escape from reality, she decides to have a no strings attached fling with James.

James is in fact the creator of Chat Me Up! , a social connection app. Just before his trip, he catches his girlfriend cheating on him and he decides to fly to Aruba for a break alone.

Together, they bond and enjoy innuendo-filled conversations while exploring the attraction between them over the short vacation time which Juliette has.

After the vacation, Juliette returns to Nashville where her mum and 4-year-old daughter, Ivy, is. As fate would have it, James is actually based in Nashville too. However, reality kicks in and Juliette is sucked into a busy life of working two jobs and being a mum while James puts all his effort into work to avoid thinking about the unforgettable vacation.

Many months later, James finally bumps into Juliette. She is still bogged down by her many responsibilities. However, this time, James is adamant about not letting her go.

I am reminded of Cinderella in the first act, but with Juliette (aka Cinderella) not leaving a single shoe (or clue) behind. In the last act we have Juliette seeking to leave the gala before midnight but (surprise, surprise) her fairytale comes to live instead at midnight 😘

I wished though that James and Juliette had re-encountered each other earlier as their hilarious banter was what kept me captivated in the earlier part of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye McDonald's What Happens at the Beach was a steamy, fun read. I literally couldn't put it down, and might have been a bit agitated when I had to stop reading to get something to eat.

Juliette and James meet in paradise. Business savvy James has been avoiding his high-pressure job and failed attempts at dating by scuba diving his way through the tropics. Single mom Juliette is on her honeymoon alone after she walked away from her misfit of a fiancé.

Ready to have an adventure, Juliette throws caution to the wind and hits on James. Shocked and excited by her bravado, James quickly enters into an agreement with Juliette to live in the now on the island, and live out their fantasies together. Of course the trip comes to an end, and the two separate without sharing their real names or where they are from.

The chemistry sizzles and the connection the two have is excellent. Both have just enough baggage to make them realistic characters on a journey to finding their Happily Ever After. Back in the real world, both realize how good they were together, but they have no way to hunt each other down. Don't worry though. The journey back to each other is worth every page turn.

Simply said, I need to read more McDonald. I really enjoyed this book and am going to catch up on her others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of those books you won't want to put down. Juliette has always lived her life with a plan, but they never turned out as expected. Including this long weekend in Aruba, which was supposed to be her honeymoon, until her ex left before Christmas leaving her and her daughter again. Like I said nothing goes to plan. So now she was living on the edge for this stay, a holiday fling is what she needs. James has everything he wants, his business just keeps growing, his family and friends are all living their best lives now, what more could he want. Not to find his ex with her boss in a compromising situation. So now he was on an extended break in Aruba, to ground himself and work out what was next. That is until she sits on his chair and eats his chips. Wow who is she. Can this really be happening. She wants a no name, no info and no commitment break with him. From here we read on to find out what happens next. If you love
A steamy romance ✔️
A laugh out loud story✔️
Cheesy one liners✔️
Unexpected friendships✔️
Then this is definitely it by the bucket load. I haven't read the previous books in the series and still enjoyed the book, although I have now got them to read. It would be rude not to.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aruba was where their love story began. 

James' company went public and brought in a boatload of money. He decided to take a month off from work and go to Aruba. There, he soon learns that there's a difference between being single and being alone. 

They meet when she steals some of his fries and fruit at a late lunch. They meet again later that night when they go on a hotel cruise. She goes snorkeling while he goes subdiving. She captures his attention when she not only steals some of his corny lines, but some of hers also outdo his. They exchange names, Jay Smith and Jae Jones, and decide to meet for dinner. 

Juliette Reid's fiancé left town before their wedding. Her mother is babysitting her daughter, Ivy, while Juliette goes to Aruba, where the engaged couple had planned to honeymoon. A three-day stay where, for the first time in her life, she can cut loose, have fun, and act wild. 

When it's time for her to leave, they still haven't exchanged phone numbers or even their real identities. At home, they both regret not doing so, but what's done is done, and nothing can be changed. Until fate sets the wheels in motion.

I received an ARC of this Kindle ebook from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a romantic comedy.

Juliette/Jules Reid goes to Aruba for a hot girl summer trip after ending her engagement. She has a young daughter Ivy and they live with her mother in Nashville. She runs marathons and wants to learn to dive. She works several jobs - as a barista and a physical therapist.

James Addison is one of the founders of the Chat Me Up app. He is a genius and newly wealthy. He went to Aruba for a month to relax and recharge.

They met on the beach when Jules mooches part of his lunch and flirts with him. Later that day they end up on the same sunset dive/snorkel cruise. James asks her to dinner afterwards and they exchange fake names. They end up hooking up for the rest of her stay and start to catch feelings for each other. Back home Jules meets Livi Langer the aunt of Ivy's best friend Maddy at a school function. They hit it off and become close friends. Livi introduced Jules to her group of friends and asks her to be part of a pilot group for Chat Me Up's new expansion. Several months later, James sees Jules at her barista job and asks her to date, he has not been able to get her off his mind. Jules reluctantly agrees. As their feelings deepen, they find out Livi has been trying to get them to meet for months. They get their HEA.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of this book! I couldn't put it down. James and Juliette are #relationshipgoals...

James and Juliette meet in Aruba with a fabulously embarrassing meet cute. But there are instant sparks, regardless of the embarrassment, and they spend 2 amazing days together before they part ways, with the promise of "What Happens at the Beach, stays at the beach" and without knowing anything about each other (even using fake names while in Aruba), but with the memory of an absolute fairy tale weekend.

However, as the months roll by, James and Juliette both find themselves still relishing those memories, and only fate and chance encounters lead them to meet again. Can real life live up to the fairy tale memories?

The banter, innuendo's and conversations were brilliant! The characters were amazing! I'm going to HAVE to go back and read the previous 4 books in this series (this is my first introduction to the Anti-Belle series AND Skye McDonald). I feel as if this book is a MUST READ for any romance enthusiast!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliette was supposed to be honeymooning but the dirtbag Fiance upped and skedaddled a month before the ceremony ! So rather than moon about after his:, she leaves her daughter in her mum’s excellent care and goes on the holiday that was meant to be a honeymoon. She meets a Scuba diver James whilst on her holiday and she has no inhibitions. She decides to grab life for a few days of fun in the sun . James is on a sabbatical to charge his batteries after his company went public generating a payload of cash . He enjoys time on his own , diving , hiking and generally enjoying his own company. His axis tilts when a woman walks in and steals his lunch. She’s a beautiful sexy lady with a great ass and he can’t resist her sass. They have three days to mingle instead of remaining single and alone. Boy does she make him moan… will they make it beyond those carefree days in the sun or is it a case of we came we saw we’re done? Brilliant beach story , awesome banter and a beautiful fling that could mean something in they let their inhibitions go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy fling turning into finding your soulmate 4*
Juliette, a.k.a Jae and James a.k.a. Jay begin a flirtatious liaison in Arruba with the proviso, that it will remain anonymous and carry a no-commitment label. Their chemistry and rapport are off the charts and although both are breaking their hearts, Juliette leaves after a scorching hot long weekend. Their time in Arruba is action-filled and so well described that the reader feels part of the action. Once they are back in America since they have no name or address, what are the odds that they live in the same city? Well, in a novel, anything is possible. Sharing the same friends? Even less likely. However, after the near conniption, they experience when they meet again and despite their obvious doubt, they realise that they should give their feelings some latitude and explore further. The reader is rewarded with a happy ending and I am happy to recommend this well-written, enjoyable steamy romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vyerna Kwakkel ( Vyreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatness, absolute greatness. Imagine yourself in the summer with a book in your hand while you are getting a tan. THIS is the book you are holding.

I can't say too much because I want everyone to be able to experience this story for themselves.

It's a Dual POV, and it's beautiful. It's a rollercoaster, but in the best way. It's a ride you want to be on and just don't want it to end.

And if you like great banter, hilarious innuendos, it's the book for you!!

My favorite quote was: "Perfect is only ever what you say it is."

And I say, this book was perfect.

Spice level: scorching, melt my face, yessssss 😏😏 all the peppers

Ps. I Received an arc via Booksprout however my opinion is my own and very honest 😁

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye McDonald's What Happens At the Beach is book 5 of the Anti-Belle series. This a standalone book and the first one I have read. After reading this book I want to find the other 4 and start with book 1. Juliette and James meet on vacation and introduce themselves with fake names. They say what happens on vacation stays on vacation. Wonder what it means when after your vacation all you can do is think about the one you met and then left behind. This story had me smiling and rooting for Juliette and James. If romantic tales with happy endings interest you, then this book is definitely want to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LyTysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, BookSprout for the opportunity to read this book.

Jae and Jay. What can we say?

Seriously, though. This was an adorable blend of “meet-cute” + a little bit of vacation vibes + some serious spice.

James and Juliette were fated to meet again, after an anonymous tryst at the beach and they have some great allure and chemistry between them. This is part of a series and this was the first book of the series that I have read but I plan on going back and reading more of the series because I enjoyed this so much.