Catching Cassidy

Harborside Nights #1

by Melissa Foster

Harborside Nights is a sexy, hot, and evocatively real new adult contemporary romance series that follows a group of friends who come together after college--and tragedy--to build their lives. They're tough, edgy, and accepting--most of the time.

Wyatt
My summer plans didn’t include falling for my best friend
I never imagined that instead of celebrating my college graduation and spending the summer in Harborside partying with my friends, my twin sister and I would be dealing with the death of our parents and taking over their bar.
I’ve never been one to think past tomorrow. How am I supposed to run a freaking bar?
Now more than ever, I need my best friend, Cassidy, by my side.
The trouble is, the more we’re together, the more I want to kiss her, and when I do, I won’t want to stop there.

Cassidy
A summer of grief, growing up, and…losing my best friend?
Wyatt has always been there for me, helping me pass my classes and fending off unwanted advances, while driving me insane with his one-night stands.
But that's what best friends are for, isn't it?
Having each other's backs, no matter what?
There was never any doubt that I’d remain by his side all summer, but I didn’t expect to start seeing the six-two, infuriatingly-handsome, shameless flirt as more than a friend.
He may be a sure thing for the summer, but I need more.
I’ve got a real job in another city to begin in the fall, and I won’t give up my future, or my heart, for a summer fling.

Harborside Nights series
Catching Cassidy (Het)
Discovering Delilah (F/F)
Tempting Tristan (M/M)

Characters from the Love in Bloom series will appear in the Harborside Nights books.

"A wonderful emotional and touching story, about friends to lovers, family and friendship that will pull on our heartstrings. If you love romance, great stories, wonderful characters, family, and steamy sex; Melissa Foster is one of the best." Barb Liebman, The Reading Cafe

*CATCHING CASSIDY is a SILVER MEDAL Winner! Readers' Favorite Award, Realistic Fiction*

"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!"
-- New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

"The whole Love in Bloom series is pretty amazing, but Bursting with Love just blew me away. It's sweet and heartbreaking and sexy and easily one of the best romances I've ever read." -- Fic Central

"Melissa Foster has an amazing penmanship in being able to create a world where family is of utmost importance, friendship is never to be abused, and that true love and trust is something that you can never break." Kathleen, Alpha Book Club

"Like Nora Roberts, Melissa Foster has captivated me with her fantastic, sexy, romantic stories." K. Winning, avid reader

"Sensual, sexy, and satisfying. A captivating blend of the dance between lust, love, and life." -- Bestselling author, Keri Nola (on The Bradens)

"Melissa Foster writes the best contemporary romance I have ever read. She does it in bundles, topped it with great plots, hot guys, strong heroines, and sprinkled it with family dynamics - you got yourself an amazing read." -- Reviews of a Book Maniac

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Fiction, Adult

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 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

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

📚 📌 FREE on Amazon US today (12/14/2017) 📌 📚

Stand-alone book 1.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Catching-Cassi...
BLURB:
Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents. Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to spread his parents' ashes and to try to figure out his next step.
Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands--but that's what best friends are for, isn't it? Having each other's backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family's summer home--even if her jealous boyfriend is giving her hell for it. But he doesn't have anything to be jealous of...or does he?
It's impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt's past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn't want to lose the one woman who's shared his past and owns his heart.


FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 700 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Geri Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars!

Unfortunately, this was another bust.

Full review to come...

ARC provided by the author via Tasty Tours in exchange for an honest review.

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catching Cassidy is a NA romance that I liked after so long. Miss Foster once again proved herself to be that tslented writer.

The story of childhood friendship turned into so much more is wonderful done with many topics such as loss, family, sexual orientation, and future. I can relate well with Cassidy what she been through. Her dilemma of leaving Wyatt and chases her dream.

Wyatt is a perfect book boyfriend. He is loyal and he respects Cassidy to let her make her decision even though it is breaking his heart. Miss Foster done a good kob keeping me guessing until the very end.

Overall, a wonderful book.

4 stars

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little romance. Some of the back and forth - oh we shouldn't, it will ruin our friendship - was just beginning to be annoying when it was resolved. But, I love that trope myself! I liked these characters and their challenges. Interesting details to the story. I like Melissa Foster's writing and intend to check out some of her other work. Not bad for a Kindle freebie!

[Coco.V]

FREE on Amazon today (11/17/2017)!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Items ticked off: 11

Well, what a fresh breath of air! I find the New Adult genre to be very stale. Same old story over and over again. Catching Cassidy is, admittedly, not much different. We have our usual characters: a heroine who's not very confident, who's a bit neglected by her parents, who's not the most sexually experienced. Then we have the hero, an aggressive, confident, sexually experienced male. (Do notice the differences between the main characters, just sayin'.) Here, their names are Cassidy and Wyatt. This tale isn't the most original: best friends, but there's more lurking beneath the surface. When Cassidy finds her boyfriend (whom Wyatt is not a fan of) is caught cheating, and Wyatt's parents die in an accident, their lives are turned upside down. For the summer they go away to a small town where Wyatt's family spends the summers (and Cassidy is there with them). Now Wyatt must take responsibility for the bar his parents owned, take care of his sister, and figure out his feelings toward Cassidy.

That's the general story, and it's as much as you get. It's, despite some tough subjects, a breezy read that isn't too depressing. It touches upon some themes that most other NA stories doesn't, and does it better than those that do. As far as my reading NA goes, I'd give this plot two stars, due to the lack of originally (remember that I quickly get bored by similar stories, and some won't find this to be an issue). However, this book is a lot wider when it comes to diversity in regards to the characters. It's LGBTQ friendly, and it's not your usual stereotype that is often found in NA. That's a huge plus in my book.

Second, this book does handle tough subjects (homophobia, death, cheating, grief) with sensibility. That's another huge plus. I'm all for giving credit when credit is due, and this is the time for it. So yes, I'd add another star for that alone.

Then again, back to the plot. As said, it's nothing groundbreaking new this. This back and forth from the characters. Protect our friendship vs. take a risk on something more. And while I don't mind it, this one dragged it out a little too long for my taste. There's a long section in the middle that did add some depth to their relationship, but it could've been shortened down a bit too. Together with the somewhat predictable plot, it got bored for that part.

On the whole though, a good read. Better than your typical NA. It's brought down by predictable characters and plot, but the positive view on LGBTQ, it's take on tough subjects and overall good writing makes this one a really good NA story.

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[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

The night of your college graduation is supposed to be a celebration of a life-changing event—one that signals the start of your life as an adult, getting ready to start a career, maybe a family. For Wyatt Armstrong and his twin sister, Delilah, the night of their graduation instead turns into mourning for their parents and yes, an immediate jump into adulthood.

Wyatt’s never been one to think too far ahead. But now, he needs to. He’s just happy he has his best friend, Cassidy, by his side to help navigate the pain of loss and hopefully make it through. Wyatt can’t imagine how he’d cope without her—he’s thrilled she’s going to Harborside with him for the summer. She’s always had his back—just as he’s always had hers.

Cassidy and Wyatt have been best friends since they were six years old. Ignoring the heat that’s been between the two of them for years isn’t going so well—especially for Cassidy. She can’t hide her feelings—they’re written all over her face. But when the time comes, will Wyatt face the future and take a risk on love? On something that could be their future?

I’m a sucker for a great friends-to-lovers book. Catching Cassidy ticked off all the boxes for me: angst, love, respect, regret, want, and desire. Wyatt is essentially forced to become a true adult overnight, making decisions about how to run the family business, help his sister grieve, what to do about Cassidy… He’s thinking of everyone else but himself. I love his introspective thoughts and when he and Cassidy finally talk and have it out—it’s magic.

Cassidy has relied on Wyatt’s friendship forever. And she also needs to figure out her future. Is it with Wyatt or the unknown of New York? Their friends and family are so supportive—Delilah, Jesse, Tristan, Brandon, and Brooke. I love how they all interact—all with their own problems and needs, but supportive nonetheless. ~ Missy, 5 stars

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was offered a copy of, Catching Cassidy, in exchange for an honest review, and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed it!

The characters are very realistic and likable, and the plot is down to earth, not so 'out there' as to be non-believable. In the beginning, the two main characters, Wyatt and Cassidy, and Wyatt's twin sister, Delilah, have just graduated from college. Upon witnessing Cassidy's boyfriend cheating on her, Wyatt, beats up the boyfriend in anger. As the story progresses, there are several incidents that show Wyatt's immaturity but he's forced to grow up fast when both of his parents are killed. Taking Delilah, and their lifelong friend, Cassidy, with him to Harborside, he must learn to control his anger and take care of his family's legacy, the bar and grill his parents built in the small, seaside town. Add the betrayal of a family friend and the probable move of Cassidy to New York City, as well as their continued grief, and it all seems to be too much at times. With the help of several really good, Harborside friends, the twins soon learn all that running the bar entails, and how to handle the unexpected issues with grace.

During this trying time, Wyatt and Cassidy discover, and admit, their long time love for each other beyond friendship. With all that's going on around them, Cassidy struggles to believe that theirs is a forever love but Wyatt, in his new-found maturity, knows exactly what he wants and teaches Cassidy a thing, or two, about being true to yourself.

Wonderfully-written story with lots of emotion and angst. I think one of the best things about this book, is that there are a few LGBT characters but they're represented in an honest, realistic way. No stereotypes or overboard situations. Just plain, every day people who happen to be attracted to the same sex. In fact, Delilah struggles with her sexuality in this story and is featured in the next book in the series. She's a deep, multi-faceted character and I'm definitely intrigued about how Melissa Foster tells her tale.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s true what they say … you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. That couldn’t be more true for twins, Wyatt and Delilah. Following their college graduation, it should be one of the happiest times of their lives, but when their parents are killed in a car crash their worlds are quickly turned upside down. Dealing with their loss and taking over the family’s business quickly forces them to grow up. Thankfully their best friend, Cassidy, is there to help them out along the way.

Cassidy has been a staple in their lives for seventeen years. Through Wyatt’s crazy years full of a revolving door of girls and Delilah’s struggle dealing with her sexuality, Cassidy has been through it all with them. But it’s now when they need her the most. But Wyatt’s not sure if it’s the death of his parents or witnessing how Cassidy’s ex-boyfriend treated her that makes him start questioning his true feelings for his best friend. When his protectiveness over Cassidy turns to jealousy, he’s left wondering if it’s worth risking their friendship by potentially taking their relationship to a new level.

Love, loss, family and friendships … Spend the summer with Wyatt, Delilah, Cassidy and a whole group of amazing friends at Harborside as they share highs, lows, laughs and tears. But through it all, they always have each other’s backs.

[ysar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wyatt's always been one to live in the moment, spending time with his friends and his sister, navigating a string of casual hook-ups, and never really thinking about the future. But when his parents are killed, the future he'd always taken for granted is suddenly unclear, and he's got some growing up to do if he's ever going to figure things out.

Cassidy can't deny her attraction to Wyatt, but he's her best friend, and he's never had any interest in a girl for longer than a night or two. He's a great guy to have on her side, but he's not right for a relationship. But when her boyfriend is caught cheating on her, Wyatt is the first one to come to her defense, and when he needs her friendship just as much as she needs his, she doesn't hesitate to try and be there for him. Even when the lines between them begin to get a little blurred.

Best friends + New Adult + one of my all-time favorite authors? It's like this one was written just for me!

Cassidy, Wyatt, and Wyatt's twin sister Delilah have just graduated from college and are celebrating when everything comes crashing down. They stumble across Cassidy's long-time boyfriend cheating on her, something that's apparently been going on for quite some time, and Wyatt lets his fists fly. But Cassidy's relationship troubles are nothing compared to what Wyatt and Delilah are about to go through.

When their parents are suddenly killed in a car accident, Wyatt and Delilah are crushed. Trying to deal with the loss and everything that comes with it, they decide to spend the summer in Harborside, a small town where their parents had a vacation home and a bar & grill. Cassidy joins them, both to support her friends and because there's not much left for her at home anyway.

Wyatt's immaturity stands out almost like another character in the book, and throughout the story we see him giving into it, facing it head-on, and finally overcoming it. He and Delilah are both dealing with so much more than anyone their age should, and at a time in their lives when they thought the future was theirs to shape. Instead they're dealing with post-college life, the loss of their family, the inheritance of a business they know nothing about, a close family friend who's starting to come off as a bit sketchy, and Cassidy, who had planned on moving to New York once summer was up.

Obviously there's a heavy load of angst in the story, but it's tempered well with hope, selfless friends, and the romantic potential between Wyatt and Cassidy. But most refreshing is the realism with which the characters are portrayed. They act their ages, which often means they're reacting to things emotionally, immaturely, and without any semblance of reason. But they all truly care about each other, so even when things get awful, they never turn their backs on each other. And of course, there's Delilah. To be honest, I sort of expected her to find a relationship somewhere in this story, a secondary plot in which we wouldn't get much insight but would be told about, and I set myself up for that disappointment early on. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I found out that Delilah's story will be told in the next book!

It's no secret that I love Melissa Foster's books. They're all classic romance plots, complete with everything that keeps us going back to the genre, and yet her characters are just different enough, each with unique stories, that not only is each book different from the rest of the series, but they're a fresh change from just about everything else in the romance category. Throwing some New Adult and LGBT into the mix is just the icing on the awesome cake.

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

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catching Cassidy Review Catching Cassidy was frustratingly good. Melissa Foster, as usual, did a wonderful job in this book. The way she describes the setting of Harborside makes it seem so welcoming, calming, and like home. As if anyone who goes there can find a place where they belong and people who will welcome them with open arms and care about them. Harborside sounds like it has beautiful landscapes and a great place to spend the summer.
 
The way Melissa makes the characters come alive makes the reader fall in love with them. Each character, even the secondary characters, have traits that makes their personality shine through and make them likable. I kept finding myself wanting to know more about the characters and what would happen next with them. I loved how close their friendships seemed.
The reason I found the book frustrating was because of the main characters, Wyatt and Cassidy. They had known each other for years, back from when they were kids. They were best friends and buried the feelings they had for each other deep down. Neither wanted to ruin the friendship they had spent so many years forming.
 
The summer of Wyatt and Cassidy's college graduation several events happen that cause them to spend the summer together. Those events have the capability of making each person fall apart. They stand by each other's side to try to make it through together.
 
Feelings that they had buried down start to rise. Now they find an attraction to each other that both characters try to hide and ignore. It's like they're skirting around each other out of desire and fear of what acting on those feelings could happen. I kept wanting Wyatt and Cassidy to get together or admit their feelings.
 
It drove me nuts each time they hide it or ignored their feelings. I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting for them to acknowledge their feelings. I'll admit, when they finally opened up to each other, I squealed. I can't wait to see how the series grows!
 
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, this story really surprised me. I honestly thought it was only going to be a well written (because when does Melissa Foster not write well?) friends to lovers story. But what I got was waaaay more than that....I got a story about beginnings, growth, trust, friendship, family and above all love in its purest and simplest forms. Yes, the story had angst, but the love did not. The journey of Cassidy and Wyatt from friends to lovers was pure desire. Yes, there were frustrating moments, but what adult at that age is not frustrating? lol

Melissa Foster did an exceptional job in the characterization of not only Cassidy and Wyatt but of all supporting characters as well. They were true to life. True to their age and experience. The story is told in both Wyatt and Cassidy's POV so it is also well rounded making sure that you get the correct perspective of each of them as they journey thru their new found ... romance :)

Sidenote: Wyatt and Cassidy are ridiculously hot between the sheets so be prepared with a fan and maybe a few pantie changes :)

Copy provided for blog tour review

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

changes in life brings about more than just simple

Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars

Changes in one life impacts so many. There was a change in the way the childhood friends saw life now that a major impact have changed their view on life. Melissa Foster delivers a sweet, charming, expected new adult series with interesting characters with good friends and ties that run deep.

Our story centers around more than the couple at hand it has a greater circumference. For this trio navigating life as a new college graduates, a set of twins, a best friend to them both, and have none of them have real direction for life. Wyatt and Delilah Armstrong have their world changed by the death of their parents. Taking care of all the things needed to have situation at home in Connecticut sends them spiraling for some comfort and control in their lives. Choosing to returning to the summer vacation spot put things in motion that may not have taken place at any other time.

Our main focus of this story is Wyatt and Cassidy. Wyatt was your somewhat typical male of college age. He had all the women that he could ever want tossing themselves at his feet. With the death of his parents and the confusing state of his sister and the reality of his feelings for his best friend. Reality hits him and it's time to grow up. The best part of realizing he needs to grow up is the fact that he has returned to Harborside and friends that are willing the help him through it all. Friends to lovers was bound to happen in time of need. But the big question is was it bound to happen in time or did the death of Wyatt's parents push the timeline.

Cassidy had her own issues, mistakes, confusion and more. Poor boyfriends with no moral compass. Parents that rather jet-set than be there for their only daughter. But there are other things that lie behind these events also. What was it about Cassidy that others just found it difficult to fully commit to her and what she needed. He struggle to confront her feelings for her best friend, her choice in careers, her next steps in her own life, and then there was Wyatt.

Virginia Rose and Teddy Hamilton did a perfect job adding depth and clarity to both males and females. There were identities to the characters that were clearly created. I loved there performances. The story itself left me wanting something more and a little bit different. I did not want the typical college kid with no real focus but then finds it in the end. It was nice watching Wyatt grow, but it felt cliche.'

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read Entertaining Wonderful characters Feeling of connection to characters

[Kanwarpal Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harborside Nights is a sexy, hot, and evocatively real new adult contemporary romance series that follows a group of friends who come together after college because of an tragedy hit one of there friends as there parents passed away in an accident living a void in there life , siblings eho come down to build their lives. They're tough, edgy, and accepting--most of the time. Wyatt and Cassidy childhood buddies and Wyatt and his sister Delilah lost there parents and now suddenly they have to run a bar that there parents established and they were having there time to adjust to new environment completely different from there choices. Wyatt found his love in his childhood buddy who also has a crush oh him. The found out the ways to deal with business and what are major issues to tun this business they learnt there lesson quickly and mend there ways soon. Cassidy used to self dependent girl and ambitious , but always crave for love when Wyatt hit that cord she throws away her carrier to build her own so that no one can control her anyways

[H.M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read these books out of sequence but loved reading this first one because it gave the full story which brought all the friends together - Wyatt and his sister Delilah, Cassidy, Tristan, Brandon, Jesse, Ashley, Brent, Brooke...

Going from best friends to boyfriend/girlfriend is tough enough, but add in the death of one's parents, the end of a 2-year relationship, and a parents' divorce, and oh yeah - relocating to a new town to take over a troubled business and it's harder than ever. With enough determination though, anything is possible.

This is a great start to this trilogy, though I hear Brandon is getting his own book soon, so I look forward to reading that one as well.

[Sohinee Reads & Reviews (Bookarlo) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

Couldn't complete it, unfortunately.

Full review will be up soon.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

decent friends to lovers but god damn the amount of back and forth made me wanna jump off a cliff

[Monica · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is so bad I want to give you 0 but that’s not possible so I give you a 1

[Mollien Fote Osterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Catching Cassidy
Series: Harborside Nights, Book One
Author: Melissa Foster
Publisher: World Literary Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: April 28, 2015
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 280 pages
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents. Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to spread his parents' ashes and to try to figure out his next step.
Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands--but that's what best friends are for, isn't it? Having each other's backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family's summer home--even if her jealous boyfriend is giving her hell for it. But he doesn't have anything to be jealous of...or does he?
It's impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt's past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn't want to lose the one woman who's shared his past and owns his heart.
.

Review:
This is the first book of the Harborside Nights Series. The series takes place in a small seaside community of Harborside. It follows the lives of friends who are more like family. Each book can be read as a stand alone novel. In book one we get to know the dynamics of these friends, but the main interest is on Wyatt Armstrong and Cassidy Lowell. Plot- Wyatt, and his twin sister Delilah, have know their best friend since forever. When Cassidy moved into the twin’s neighborhood, she became a permanent fixture at their house becoming basically the third Armstrong child. Cassidy’s parents never had time for her. Always running off on some new adventure happily leaving Cassidy in the care of the Armstrong family. Wyatt and Cassidy over the years developed a strong friendship always there for one another. On the night of their college graduation, their lives change forever. Cassidy finds her boyfriend of two years, screwing a co worker at the furniture store that he manages. Wyatt and Delilah convince Cassidy to come spend the summer with them since spending it with her jerk of a boyfriend is no longer an option. Packing up their belongings to return home for the summer, the twins get a call telling them that their parents were killed by a drunk driver on their way home from the graduation ceremony. As they pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, there deep friendship turns into something much more. Afraid of destroying their friendship, Cassidy and Wyatt struggle with the risks of acting on the strong attraction they have for one another. The chemistry between this couple morphs during the story. Although they have loved each other for years, and they never acted on whatever desire they had before, the need to be with each other gets stronger with every turn of the page. The pace of this story is steady. Nothing is rushed, but the book does NOT drag. I loved the ending and can’t wait for the rest of the series. The characters in this book are so diverse and enjoyable. Future books in this series are:
Catching Cassidy (Het)
Discovering Delilah (F/F)
Tempting Tristan (M/M)
Chasing Charley (Het)
Breaking Brandon (M/M)
Embracing Evan (Het)
Reaching Rusty (Het)
Loving Livi (Het)

SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5
Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars



Review Copy of Catching Cassidy provided by the Melissa Foster for an honest Review.

[Richard Kruzewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading backwards

Started with the Snowi Sisters and read forward through all the Bradens then all other series...now just wait on any new publications in continuing the family ties. Love this author & want to read all. Understand where she started...Will leave the F/F & M/M just not interested, but all others truly shows the talent that this author brings. So much love, family, steamy romance but always with a captivating storyline.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a fan of friends becoming lovers stories I was excited to read this title. From the moment I started reading I knew that this would be an emotional ride. The fact that it was written by Melissa Foster cemented that thought deeper in my mind.
 
This title is slightly different from her other series as it is geared towards college kids. However, this was where the difference ended. Like her other books Catching Cassidy tugs on your emotions and leave you wanting more. It was a pleasant surprise to see characters from her other series being included in this title.
 
As usual Melissa knows how to make her characters come alive. This ability enables readers to be able to relate to the characters. I enjoyed reading Wyatt’s and Cassidy’s story, although there were times when they both caused me no ends of frustration. Wyatt dealing with his parents’ loss brought back some painful memories for me. I understood the pain he was going through and could also relate to the regrets he was experiencing. This story reminded me that life goes on even after we have lost someone close and dear to us. I loved that Wyatt was able to recognize this. In the process, we see him growing from an irresponsible college kid into a mature young adult.
 
What frustrated me about the story was the interaction between Cassidy and Wyatt. These two have been friends for seventeen years. Cassidy has been in love with Wyatt for some time now, but she hid her feelings. Lately, Wyatt discovered that his feelings for Cassidy went beyond the realms of friendship. Cassidy is willing to take the risk to move from being just friends. Wyatt, however, is afraid to do so. He was not willing to risk losing his best friend. I understood why he felt this way. It was a huge risk because if things did not work out he stood to lose his best friend. However, life is all about risks. There are times when we have to take risks that we may not be comfortable with; failing to do so could result in one missing out on great opportunities. Now just when he finally acknowledges how he feels, Cassidy allows her insecurities, as it relates to her parents, to intrude on their newfound happiness.
 
The story is told from the POV of Cassidy and Wyatt. This was ok for me as it allowed me to have insight into their thoughts and emotions. However, the problem I had was there was no indication when POVs were being switched, as such there were moments when it took me some time to figure out which character was speaking.
 
As one would come to expect from Melissa Foster, Catching Cassidy is a beautifully written story of loss, friendships, love and growing up. This story speaks to the emotional journey that the leading characters were forced to undertake and how the bonds of friendship helped them to move beyond the pain and discover that loss is inevitable but life goes on no matter what.
 
I enjoyed this story immensely. It was believable and the character’s actions were relatable. It tugged at my heartstrings. There were times it made me cry and there were some laugh out loud moments and most of all it was very romantic. I highly recommend reading this book.

[Sharon Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading so many great reviews of Catching Cassidy I couldn't resist the urge to read it myself and I am so glad I did or I would have missed out on such a moving and totally enjoyable story.

The main characters, Wyatt, his sister Delilah and their best friend Cassidy, have all known each other since childhood, now left college they are ready for the next step in their lives and careers. They have such a warmth and beautiful bond of friendship between them that it's so easy to fall in love with them.

Sadly instead of enjoying this time, Wyatt and Delilah's parents suddenly die in a car crash leaving the devastated brother and sister to pick up the pieces and take the reigns of their parents bar in Harborside, with no experience and the overwhelming grief to live with. Just before this happens Cassidy escapes the cheating arms of her boyfriend with the help of her two best friends and they had decided to spend the summer together, although now with heavy hearts in Harborisde.

As we arrive in beautiful setting of Harborisde with the trio of friends, you immediately feel the trendy, caring, laid back vibe of this close knit beach community and are introduced to their amazing friends. It was great to be in their company as they rally round to help Wyatt and Cassidy.

I was particularly drawn to Wyatt's character, although I loved Cassidy, what Wyatt was going through and how he felt he had to carry all the burden on his shoulders, while putting his own needs and grief under the carpet, was extremely touching. His grief made me want to reach out to him and tell him everything would be alright. The author, I feel, did an amazing job of incorporating the sensitive stages of grief within the story and all the emotions felt, it certainly sparked reminders of my own past loss while reading it.

Such a loss can shake your world and for partying Wyatt, it becomes clear what is important to him and what really matters in life. Realizing after all these years of caring and protecting Cassidy the reason is he simply loves her more than anything else in the world. Cassidy secretly has the same feelings for Wyatt but the with heavy hearts and vulnerability these childhood friends struggle to come to terms with how they now feel, not wanting to act on these feelings or let each other know and ruin their special bond of friendship by the unknown of a relationship. For others the undeniable love and passion between them is obvious, it's just a matter of time. At one point I almost had to have a word in Wyatt's ear myself but his actions stopped me.

I was literally turning the pages almost faster than I could read them, as the explosion of true passion and feelings took over. You will feel a rollercoaster of emotions as you feel that your right there, in the moment of this emotional and passionate romance. A wonderful end to a wonderful story and as I was teased to a glimpse of Book 2, Discovering Delilah, I am now craving more.

[Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

It’s the familiar classic plot between friends to lovers – Wyatt and Cassidy have been friends since they were kids. They didn’t realize that graduating from college would change everything. Cassidy suffered from betrayal from the person she cared about and Wyatt is dealing with the death of their parents.

Wyatt was the type of person who didn’t think about the future. He was a happy-go-lucky guy who didn’t have a penchant for relationship. Then again, the death of his parents forced him to make difficult decisions that propelled his ‘growing-up’. Soon he has a lot to deal with: his grief, his sister’s grief, the bar that was left to them and that feeling that have been nagging him about Cassidy.

He didn’t want to ruin his friendship with her, so he tries to keep that feelings reign in that ultimately breaks Cassidy’s heart. Good thing Cassidy knows how to fight for him… But Cassidy has a serious job coming up after summer. She needs something more from Wyatt. Would their love be strong enough for this?

It’s a story of love, dealing with grief, and most especially friendship in a beautiful setting. Nothing beats grief and heartaches than support from people who cares about you. They balm those wounds and make sure you have everything you need. It’s what I like about this series, this is something different from the family-oriented Remingtons and Bradens. Their families aren’t perfect, but they had each other to rely on.

What I love about Melissa Foster is the fact that she has something new to offer every time she has a new book out. You will never get tired of the stories she writes. She makes sure her readers are between contented and asking for more from her.

I have read almost all her series and I couldn’t pick a favorite among them (although I have some personal favorites among the books in the series). This time, she offers the perfect summer read that will melt hearts.

Review originally posted on my blog

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

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[Tiffany Willams · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If she were any other girl, I'd pay attention to the heat searing through my body, breaking through the sadness, which I would never have believed was possible. But Cass is my best friend. I know I shouldn't want her incredible lips on mine, especially now, when our lives are such a mess, but I can't stop myself."

Oh, wow.

Melissa Foster knows how to pull at your heartstrings!

Right from the start, you feel the bond between Cassidy, Wyatt, and his twin sister, Delilah. It is one of those rare and special friendships that start as children and continue through life.

Upon the tragedy of losing his parents, and Cassidy's bad break up, Wyatt decides that everyone needs a change of pace. So the three of them head to the family beach house for the summer.

That summer will change everything...

"Wyatt's got an edge about him. He can slay a man or seduce a woman with a single glance."

I simply adore friends to lovers stories. Wyatt and Cassidy have fought their feelings for so long, that now, it can't be contained anymore.

When your life is flipped upside down, you tend to think differently than before. Emotions run high and their chemistry is off the charts!

"I want all of her--her heart, her words, her thoughts, her love."

This book is wonderful because it shows you how grief and love complement each other in such a way that it's sometimes hard to explain.

Wyatt has the whole world on his shoulders dealing with the loss of his parents, running the family bar, comforting his grieving sister, and fighting his feelings for the one girl he shouldn't want.

Cassidy is torn between sadness for herself, and her friends, dealing with the attraction she's always kept secret, and the future she's not sure about.

"I don't know why it's happening now, after all these years. It's the totally wrong thing for us to do."
"Why?"
"It's tricky."
"Why?"
"What if we...don't make it? What if we do this...an it doesn't work between us? I can't lose you, Cass. It's too much. I need you."
"You need me."
"More than you'll ever know."
"Then show me."

This was also a great introduction into Melissa's newest series. I'm loving all these characters so much!!! I'm excited for more!!

I enjoyed this story very much!!

My emotions were all over the place, but that's when you know you've read a great book! Wyatt and Cassidy were both amazing characters, and their journey was a beautiful one.

I can't wait for Delilah's story!

"At least you two have stopped the ridiculous dance you've been doing."
"It wasn't a dance. It was the hardest and most important decision that I've ever made."

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received the following product(s) to review. I was not required to write a positive review no other monetary compensation was given . Any and all opinions are my own.



My review

Can friends become more than just friends without ruining the relationship? That's what the question between Wyatt Armstrong and Cassidy Lowell. They've always been there for each other, through rough times and all the good , there's never any doubt that they would be there for each other whenever it's needed and a trip to Wyatt's summer home to deal with his parents passing, it's nothing different than before. Or is it?

Wyatt cannot deny his feelings for Cassidy any longer, but he doesn't want to ruin things between them in anyway. Between dealing with his own grief and loss, things being tossed at him to pick up he's forced to look at the furture more and that's not something he's used to doing.

Cassidy is aiming for a serious job she's been after, and plans for the furture. Big plans coming up but first she needs to help Wyatt pick up the pieces after his parents death. There's no question that she'll be by his side when he needs her, and she'll always be there for him. Problem is , Wyatt is short term. He's known for one night stands and nothing serious, so why is she suddenly looking at him as a possible future? Has she been blind all those years to what's heating up between them? Or is it just a step in the grieving cycle? The closer they get, the more Cassidy is wishing Wyatt wanted a future and something more than short term .

With some broken hearts and a mending pasts a strong friendship is tested in Catching Cassidy. Can they come out stronger than they started out to be? Or will the heat sizzle out and make them part ways forever? You'll have to find out and pick up a copy to find out!

I love all Melissa Foster's books, each one seems to be better than the last and I was so excited to see she started a new series! I needed new books you see, just when I think she's pouring them out too fast, I'm left waiting for that next page turner to enjoy. Catching Cassidy happens to be one of them as well. Wonderful story, loved that they were true close friends that actaully still had room to grow! They seemed so close, knew everything and yet, Foster was able to have them each grow throughout the story. It was a wonderful read!

[Terisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wyatt Armstrong and Cassidy Lowell have been best friends since they were small children. In fact, Cassidy spent more time Wyatt and his family then she did her own. Her parents were always too busy with each other than to have time for her and the Armstrong's had always welcomed her with open arms. Wyatt, Cassidy and his twin sister Delilah were always together so much that there was never any doubt that they wouldn't always be together but on the night of their college graduation, all of their lives took a turn that none of them saw coming.

Now with each of them fighting demons of their own, it's the worse time ever for feelings other than friendship to pop up between them. Cassidy has felt differently about Wyatt for a while and has learned to keep her feeling hidden and at bay but when Wyatt starts looking at her differently, she starts questioning everything. Is it his way of coping or are his feelings true? As for Wyatt, he's worried that hooking up with Cassidy will cost him best friend and he needs her more now than he ever did in the past.

UGH!!! Reading this book was like an emotional rollercoaster, a good one but a roller coaster all the same. You can't help but to fall in love with each and character in this book. Not just the main characters, Wyatt, Cassidy and Delilah but also the side characters, Tristan, Brandon, Jesse and Brooke. The friendship between this group of friends is so strong that they look past their differences and are always there each other and always have each other's back.

Melissa Foster has long been one of my favorite writes since I first discovered her Love in Bloom series. This spinoff is certain to be a big hit as well and it even has a couple of our favorites , Dean Braden and his girlfriend Lacy in it! You get a sneak peek of Discovering Delilah at the end of this book which I cannot wait to read! Thankfully, Ms. Foster writes faster than any other author I've come across so I'm sure that we won't have to wait very long.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've been reading my book reviews for any amount of time you'll know that Melissa Foster is one of my favoritest (yes it's a word) romance authors. So, once again, I was thrilled to start a new series with her. And I'm SO excited that I should get to review the WHOLE series as they come available. (I might be unreasonably excited.)

Catching Cassidy isn't going to take over the spot of my favorite Melissa Foster book. I don't want you to think I didn't like Catching Cassidy... because I really did. But... it took me a while to decide if I liked it. It didn't have the same feel to me. That is, the same feel as the other Foster series. I'm not sure why exactly. Like the other series, there is the romance between Wyatt and Cassidy at the forefront. There is the usual close knit group of friends and family. With the loss of Wyatt & Delilah's parents, we see the same support system from Cassidy and their other Harborside beach friends really play a strong part in the story. The story had all of the details in it that made me fall madly in love with Melissa Foster's books. But... it took me quite a while to LOVE this book. I didn't have an immediately love for Wyatt or Cassidy. Don't know why. But as I'm writing this and trying to figure it out... I'm thinking it's because they had so much growing up to do. Wyatt and Cassidy (and Delilah) in the beginning of the book WEREN'T Wyatt and Cassidy (and Delilah) at the end of the book (or even the middle). The end of college, the end of Cassidy's relationship, the parents death... it gave them all a shove to grow up fast. To change. It was almost a coming of age story... but with twenty-somethings.

I can easily see how, like the other series, this will progress through each book with the different friends being featured in the stories. I know that with each book I'm going to be drawn further and further in to the Harborside family. I'm looking forward to see what happens with Delilah in the next book... but I think I'm most looking forward to Tristan's book.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catching Cassidy was frustratingly good. Melissa Foster, as usual, did a wonderful job in this book. The way she describes the setting of Harborside makes it seem so welcoming, calming, and like home. As if anyone who goes there can find a place where they belong and people who will welcome them with open arms and care about them. Harborside sounds like it has beautiful landscapes and a great place to spend the summer.

The way Melissa makes the characters come alive makes the reader fall in love with them. Each character, even the secondary characters, have traits that makes their personality shine through and make them likable. I kept finding myself wanting to know more about the characters and what would happen next with them. I loved how close their friendships seemed.
The reason I found the book frustrating was because of the main characters, Wyatt and Cassidy. They had known each other for years, back from when they were kids. They were best friends and buried the feelings they had for each other deep down. Neither wanted to ruin the friendship they had spent so many years forming.

The summer of Wyatt and Cassidy's college graduation several events happen that cause them to spend the summer together. Those events have the capability of making each person fall apart. They stand by each other's side to try to make it through together.

Feelings that they had buried down start to rise. Now they find an attraction to each other that both characters try to hide and ignore. It's like they're skirting around each other out of desire and fear of what acting on those feelings could happen. I kept wanting Wyatt and Cassidy to get together or admit their feelings.

It drove me nuts each time they hide it or ignored their feelings. I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting for them to acknowledge their feelings. I'll admit, when they finally opened up to each other, I squealed. I can't wait to see how the series grows!

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Catching Cassidy, the first in a new Love in Bloom series Harborside Nights. Finally I catch one of Melissa Foster's book series at the beginning! Not that it really matters I'm just picky that way I prefer to read a series from the start, doesn't always work out that way. I loved these characters, I'm not really much for New Adult, unless it's suspense or paranormal, but with this one the emotional and life changing events the characters matured very quickly, you see them grow from the fun loving college graduates ready to take on the world into responsible business owners.
For Cassidy Lowell,Wyatt and Delilah Armstrong the summer after their college graduation went from fun loving and fancy free to crap-tacular in the matter of seconds. Cassidy who was suppose to spend the summer in Martha's Vineyard with her boyfriend of two years and his family walked in on him cheating on her. Wyatt and Delilah's parents died in a car accident. Wyatt is in shock he doesn't know what to do suddenly the owner of a bar and grill, two houses and two cars. Not to mention his sudden lustful feelings for his best friend Cassidy.
The book deals alot with the grieving process with Wyatt and dealing with his feelings toward Cassidy. Cassidy has her own bit of drama herself that skews her view of love. But they have great emotional support from their friends. The romance of the book was great from the beginning you can see why these two are meant to be together and reading their process of them finally realizing it and dealing with it was really good.

[Bff Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catching Cassidy is a wonderful NA, coming-of-age novel that has all the feels! Wyatt is a fantastic young hero. He's kind, considerate, compassionate and loyal. Wyatt and his twin sister Delilah loose their parents in a sudden tragedy the night of their college graduation. He and Delilah bring their best friend Cassidy with them to Harborside for the summer. Wyatt struggles to ensure that Delialah and Cassidy are ok while at the same time trying to figure out his own role and place in this new reality.

There is an angst-filled, push and pull as Cassidy and Wyatt try to deny their growing attraction for the sake of their friendship. Factor into that: job uncertainties, family dynamics, a colorful cast of friends and an idyllic summer setting and you have the makings of a really wonderful NA story.

I am loving all of the characters in Harborside. I really enjoyed the way that Melissa Foster described the group of "summer friends" and we got a glimpse into the personalities and lives of all of them. I feel invested now in the whole group and I'm looking forward to reading the series so I can catch up with all of them! This is a quality series that I think you'll really really like!

This book received a 4.5 Rating on the BFF Book Blog.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**