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Life's a Beach

(Hawaii Heat #1)

Jamie K. Schmidt (Goodreads Author)

3.85 · Rating details · 386 ratings · 128 reviews

Sex on the beach has never been so much fun! USA Today bestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt kicks off a series set in paradise with an irresistible tale of second chances, secret identities—and a connection that’s too sweet to miss.

When Amelia Parker arrives in Maui, newly single and unemployed, she’s shocked to discover the resort she booked is actually a ramshackle littl ...more

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Kindle Edition, 223 pages

Published January 5th 2016 by Loveswept

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· 386 ratings · 128 reviews

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Start your review of Life's a Beach (Hawaii Heat, #1)

Jan 01, 2016 Dali rated it liked it

Shelves: standalone, series, arc-read, contemporary-romance, published-2016

A light, fun and sexy beach romance.

Amelia Parker has painstakingly saved to take a vacay with her no good trust-fund boyfriend at a luxurious, all inclusive resort in beautiful Maui. However, she reaches her destination jobless, unattached, disillusioned by love and by the rundown state of the hotel she’s staying at. But all is not lost. After an unpleasant meeting with the Pacific’s undertow, she discovers her savior is the hot and sexy snorkel instructor known as Dude.

Putting on a sm ...more

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Jan 03, 2016 XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy rated it really liked it

Enjoyable and very sexy read. The one thing that was a little annoying was the whole "Dude" thing lol other than that they moved through a fling pretty quickly but there was more to it. Amelia was adrift after her barista and boyfriend were caught together and took her interesting aunt on her vacation instead of him. There she meets "Dude" who is really the owner in disguise and sparks fly. The characters are fun and interesting. The setting is portrayed well. The plot had good pacing. It was fu ...more

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Nov 02, 2015 Julie rated it liked it

Shelves: book-in-exchange-for-review, romance, netgalley, arc, first-in-a-series

When I picked Life's a Beach up, I was hoping for a sweet romantic novel and that is exactly what I got. The story is very fast paced, it doesn't leave you a moment to get bored or have a wandering mind ... there is something going on at all times. And that's a great thing! There's nothing to be bogged down by and simply put, it's an easy read.

I found myself really connecting with the main character, Amelia. This chick says all the things that go through my mind at one point or another but unlike her, I don't have the balls to say them. When you're first introduced to this character, you think she's going to be a pain in the ass with just her persona ... she seemed like one of those girls that would drive me nuts but the more I got to know her throughout the story, the more I really liked her. She has a tenacity about her that is admirable and she's sassy to boot! Speaking of characters, I really enjoyed the rapport between Samuel and Marcus. Those two had me rolling with almost every interaction between them. I just love them.

Like I said before, the story was really fast paced and it is pretty cut and dry. What you see is what you get. This is one that would be perfect for a vacation read because you won't forget what is going on when you have to put it down for a bit and you can pick right back up where you left off.

Maybe we should get down to why I only gave this novel three stars. It seems like I enjoyed it, right? Well, I did. At least I did until the ending. Ugh. The ending felt like a cop out. It was over so quickly that it felt like it was left unresolved. I think that a few more pages would have done the book more justice. This was a straight up, five star book for me until I got to the last part and it was like someone poured cold water over my head while I was in the shower. It was a let down. That being said, I wouldn't be opposed to reading something else by this author. Life's a Beach kept me entertained and I enjoyed the story. I just wish I enjoyed the ending as much as I did the beginning.

* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *

Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark! ...more

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Dec 20, 2015 Samantha rated it liked it

3.5 enough beach but not enough romance stars. I liked the overview of this novel and was like, "why the hell not?" I found the rising to be okay but the story fell a bit flat for me which is why the book only secured 3.5 stars.

In short, there's a rich guy acting like a surfing beach bum at his own run down resort waiting to sell it and a down on her luck woman that finds the charm in the hotel that wants to save it. The two meet under false pretenses and begin an affair that leads to feelings. ...more

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Oct 29, 2015 Kristine rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley

Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/
2.5 stars

** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

Amelia planned to surprise her boyfriend with a trip to Hawaii but circumstances found her unemployed and homeless without a boyfriend or a good cup of coffee. The only thing she had was her prepaid trip to Hawaii. With nothing more to lose she decided to take her eccentric aunt and follow through with her v Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/
2.5 stars

** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

Amelia planned to surprise her boyfriend with a trip to Hawaii but circumstances found her unemployed and homeless without a boyfriend or a good cup of coffee. The only thing she had was her prepaid trip to Hawaii. With nothing more to lose she decided to take her eccentric aunt and follow through with her vacation plans. Even though her accommodations proved to be less appealing than the brochure, Dude the laid back hotel employee, was just the distraction that she needed. It didn't take long for fireworks to occur but with both of them keeping secrets it wasn't all the good fireworks.

What did I think?

I really enjoyed the setting and the descriptions of the different places in Hawaii that Amelia saw. The descriptions made me feel like I was there. I could feel the water and sand and it really made me wish I was there.

The plot was a little weak as far as I was concerned. The whole thing was a little bit of a stretch and because of that I had a difficult time believing in it. It was definitely a little far fetched but entertaining perhaps because if it. I think that many parts of the book were meant to be humorous but they sometimes fell short of the mark.

The relationship between Amelia and Dude was grossly underdeveloped for my liking. There was no build up or anticipation to draw me in and therefore I could not feel the chemistry between them. I wanted to feel the attraction and route for it but it just happened instead. There was more heat than the Hawaii sun to be found within the pages of this book but because I wasn't feeling the chemistry between the characters it was nothing more than sex, sex and more sex or what I like to call the wash, rinse, repeat cycle. I like the steamy parts of a contemporary romance just as much as then next person but I found that it was just there in this book if that makes sense. It didn't necessarily go with the flow of the story but was plopped in over and over again to satisfy readers of the more steamy variety. It wasn't well balanced at all.

If you are looking for a steamy romance for entertainment value only this would be a good book to pick up. As long as you don't analyse it or think too deeply it would do the trick. Although I wasn't a huge fan of this book I do think that I will continue with the series. With different main characters that are more likeable I could see this being a fun series to follow.
...more

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Nov 03, 2015 Sherwood Smith added it

Shelves: romance

Copy courtesy of NetGalley:

Amelia, a concierge for a crummy hotel in New York, has been saving for a year to take a two week trip to Hawaii with her louse of a trust-fund boyfriend. But her boss reneges hours before she is to leave (and fires her) and when she gets home, she finds the boyfriend boinking the local barista. Amelia packs up her stuff--including her psychic, tarot-card reading aunt--and goes anyway.

At first she's disappointed to find that the advertised luxury hotel is pretty rundow Copy courtesy of NetGalley:

Amelia, a concierge for a crummy hotel in New York, has been saving for a year to take a two week trip to Hawaii with her louse of a trust-fund boyfriend. But her boss reneges hours before she is to leave (and fires her) and when she gets home, she finds the boyfriend boinking the local barista. Amelia packs up her stuff--including her psychic, tarot-card reading aunt--and goes anyway.

At first she's disappointed to find that the advertised luxury hotel is pretty rundown. But she likes the hotel personnel, and is immediately attracted to the laziest of them, a hammock-sleeping hottie going by the name Dude. When she propositions him within minutes of meeting him, that kind of sets the tone for the rest of the book.

The banter between these two is wise-cracking with humor and swiftly leads to raunchy sex. Lots of raunchy sex. In and around that is a story--Dude has another persona he is reluctant to reveal, and Amelia starts helping the hotel because she enjoys doing it, but keeps it from Dude, as meanwhile a sinister mafioso-like rich guy tries all kinds of nasty tricks to get the owners to sell the hotel so he can turn it into condos.

This is a romance, so I don't think it's a spoiler to say that Amelia and Dude get it together in the end, but the story was kind of odd in how everything else was resolved . . . or wasn't. I noted that this is the first of a series, which might explain the lack of resolution of certain plot points--if Schmidt intends to carry on with these characters, then maybe that resolution will come later in the series.

Aside from that, (view spoiler). But if the reader is looking for some wise-cracking characters (the aunt is especially fun) and tons of unrepentantly raunchy mattress Olympics, then this book is the ticket! ...more

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Jan 04, 2016 Alyse rated it it was ok

For more reviews, please follow my blog:
http://alysenovak.blogspot.com

Amelia Parker planned on surprising her boyfriend of two years with a trip to Maui. But when she gets fired for taking a vacation (one she put in for a year ago... can't you sue for somethings like that...?? idk) and arrives home early, she finds her boyfriend and favorite barista going at it on their bed. Morning the loss of her favorite coffee place more than her boyfriend, Amelia (and her physic aunt) head out for two weeks ...more

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Dec 26, 2015 Shirley Frances rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-2-review, contemporary, 2016

Amelia Parker has been saving for the last year for her dream vacation only to have her boss schedule her to work on the day she departs. Tired of always being taken advantage of she decides to go ahead with her plans and spend the next week relaxing at the beach with her boyfriend. She's convinced this is exactly what they need to get their groove back, but when she gets home after being fired she finds her boyfriend banging her favorite barista.

With nothing else to lose and with paradise in th Amelia Parker has been saving for the last year for her dream vacation only to have her boss schedule her to work on the day she departs. Tired of always being taken advantage of she decides to go ahead with her plans and spend the next week relaxing at the beach with her boyfriend. She's convinced this is exactly what they need to get their groove back, but when she gets home after being fired she finds her boyfriend banging her favorite barista.

With nothing else to lose and with paradise in the horizon, Amelia travels to Hawaii--only to find the 'paradise resort' she booked was in shambles.

Samuel "Dude" Kincaide is determined to leave the rat race behind and chill by the beach for the rest of his days. But a fishy business arrangement and a gorgeous tourist are determined to get in the way of that. Although determined to see his plan through, he allows himself the chance to explore the chemistry between him and Amelia never suspecting that he would fall for her in every way.

I enjoyed this story very much. It was fun and flirty with the perfect mix of romance and intrigue to make it thoroughly worthwhile.

Amelia was a great character to get to know. My heart went out to her immediately and soon I was invested in her story wanting her to find happiness amongst the chaos that was her life. So when she met Dude, I was right there cheering her on.

It certainly helped that the author kept the story light while still bringing forth Amelia and Samuel's connection to the page. I loved them together. Be it them flirting or bickering, their connection shined through and made itself known every step of the way. Of course, their chemistry was sizzling hot, which helped bunches too.

With the added conflict, the heated romance and the family vibe between the resort workers the author managed to bring to the page a fantastic romantic read that allowed two individuals a chance at love and happily ever after.

All in all, a great romantic read.

*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion. ...more

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Jan 04, 2016 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: male-pov, steamy, chick-lit, laughed-hard, love-story, hilarious, multiple-povs, kept-me-up-on-a-work-night, jen-s-2016-favorites, read-in-2016

Going to be 100% honest here, I took my sleep aid when I started to read this book and I regretted taking that sleep aid. My body fought hard to keep reading this book, because this book is hilarious. There were moments after midnight when I would bust out laughing and I am pretty sure I woke everyone up in my house.

I loved the dynamic between Amelia and “Samuel” over the phone, I won’t spoil it but I was laughing my butt off until the wee hours of the morning. The situations were just hilarious ...more

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Jan 26, 2016 Terisa rated it really liked it

Life’s a Beach 4 stars

A lighthearted fun and sexy read

Amelia Parker spent a year paying off a dream vacation in Hawaii at an all exclusive resort. She was hoping to surprise her boyfriend as well as rekindle their romance that seems to have gone South. She did surprise but it wasn’t the way that she anticipated. Now, not only newly single but also out of a job, she finds herself in Hawaii in a hotel that looks nothing like the brochures and the worst coffee that she has ever tasted. The hotel Life’s a Beach 4 stars

A lighthearted fun and sexy read

Amelia Parker spent a year paying off a dream vacation in Hawaii at an all exclusive resort. She was hoping to surprise her boyfriend as well as rekindle their romance that seems to have gone South. She did surprise but it wasn’t the way that she anticipated. Now, not only newly single but also out of a job, she finds herself in Hawaii in a hotel that looks nothing like the brochures and the worst coffee that she has ever tasted. The hotel is on its last leg but if there is one thing that Amelia knows, it’s how to run a hotel and once she decides to do something she doesn’t back down easily. Helping to run the hotel while having a fling with the snorkel instructor “Dude” she decides early on that she isn’t going back to the wind and the snow in Manhattan. She has to keep it quite though and can’t let Dude know because he doesn’t seem the kind of person that would go for anything but the two week fling that she offered him.

When Samuel Kincaide came to Hawaii he only came to relax and lay on the beach. Having bought a rundown hotel and posing as a snorkel instructor / beach bum was the perfect way to relax. It takes a feisty New York vacationer to show him that he can still relax while trying to run a hotel but he can’t let her know who he really is because if there is one thing that she’s made perfectly clear, it’s that she hates rich guys and Samuel AKA Dude is a very rich man.

This book was great and while I found Amelia’s character to be somewhat unbelievable at times I still loved the way that she was written. She could tackle anything that was thrown at her with ease except drinking horrible coffee. No one should have to do that! Samuel AKA Dude was great as well and let me tell you, I loved his stoner Hawaiian act. It cracker me up every time but was made laugh even harder was when she was calling out Dude during sex. LOL!!! One downside that I must admit though that I felt the ending was very odd and too rushed. Other than that, it was a very good story and I really did enjoy it. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series, I’m assuming that it will be about it will be about Marcus, Samuel’s brother who played one of the secondary characters in this book.

I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review.

...more

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Oct 28, 2015 Nadine Bookaholic rated it really liked it

Recommended to Nadine Bookaholic by: MountainKat

Shelves: genre-romance-contemporary, arcs-read2review-completed, billionaire, genre-romance-erotic-erotica, z-meet-greet-challenge-round-13, z-2016-books-i-read-for-a-challenge, z-goodreads-year-in-review-2016

Amelia has been sending money to the Palekaiko Beach Resort on a monthly basis for a year, she was going to surprise her boyfriend for their two year anniversary with a trip to Maui. Two weeks in Maui instead of shoveling snow in New York sounded great to her but there was a couple wrenches thrown into her plans. Taking it all in stride Amelia brings her aunt Zarafina with her to Maui instead of her boyfriend as planed.

Samuel Kincaide is co-owner of the Palekaiko Beach Resort (long with his bro ...more

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Dec 29, 2015 Kim rated it really liked it

As the story opens, Amelia is looking forward to just making it through her work day so that she can grab her boyfriend and their packed bags for a surprise getaway to Hawaii to celebrate their second anniversary. That plan goes to crap when her boss suddenly decides that she can't take the time off after all and then fires her when she won't cancel the non-refundable trip. After she trudges home, she is stunned to find her trust fund jerk of a boyfriend in bed with the barista who makes her bel As the story opens, Amelia is looking forward to just making it through her work day so that she can grab her boyfriend and their packed bags for a surprise getaway to Hawaii to celebrate their second anniversary. That plan goes to crap when her boss suddenly decides that she can't take the time off after all and then fires her when she won't cancel the non-refundable trip. After she trudges home, she is stunned to find her trust fund jerk of a boyfriend in bed with the barista who makes her beloved morning cup of coffee every day! Fleeing to her aunt Zarafina's home, Amelia packs all her belongings and heads out with her aunt to enjoy her vacation with the hope that time and distance will improve her outlook on her future.

Samuel Kincaide is enjoying a life that is the complete opposite of the high stress world of a Wall Street investor and stockbroker. After seeing his best friend and mentor collapse and nearly die on the floor of the stock exchange, Samuel fled to Hawaii and is living quietly as Dude, working as little as possible and loving every moment of it. Amelia knocks his quiet little world off balance with her ability to pick herself up with a positive attitude after being kicked in the teeth repeatedly and her infectious enthusiasm for getting the resort back up and running regardless of the fact that he is bound and determined to sell it. Oh, one minor issue- she has no idea that Dude is actually Samuel, and she has an intense dislike of entitled rich men after her most recent experience with her ex-boyfriend.

Overall I thought Life's A Beach was a cute read with some yummy steamy moments along the way. Amelia and Samuel were both likable characters to me, but the "big reveal" of his identity seemed to drag on after awhile particularly when he slipped up a few times and she didn't catch on. Amelia was smart and sassy without being silly or obnoxious. Her fortune telling aunt Zara is a unique character in her own right who I hope will get her own story at some point in the series as well as Samuel's brother Marcus. ...more

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Nov 23, 2015 Bec rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley-arc, nekkid-and-naughty, 2015-books-read

There were a couple of things I really like about this book. For instance, the fun and flirtiness, the atmosphere, the characters. But there were also a couple of things that annoyed me and made it hard to enjoy. Like Samuel calling himself 'Dude'.
Dude...yeah, I use it occasionally when talking with friends. I aggrivate myself when I do, so to have a character in a book choose that as his alter-ego's name, it makes it really hard to take him seriously. Fortnuately because this book is light ...more

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Nov 12, 2015 The Lusty Literate rated it liked it

Shelves: arc

3/3.5 Stars l Hot Steam

Frothy and frisky, this light-hearted contemporary romance set in paradise was just the sort of heated escape this freezing-in-winter reader was hoping for!

Happily immersed in Amelia and Samuel’s story, I could feel the sun on my skin and the sand between my toes. It all felt quite naughty, and very nice, to live vicariously through Amelia as she got her groove back one steamy encounter at a time. I appreciated her lack of wallowing—instead seeing the unfortunate events t ...more

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Feb 02, 2016 Ruthie Taylor rated it liked it

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

3.5 steamy stars

This is a fun read - it is undemanding, sexy, romantic, and has an amusing plot line which works just fine. I was pleased to see that it is the first in a series, as there are a number of issues which still need resolving. Some of the side characters are very appealing and give some wonderful humorous moments to the book. As I honeymooned in Maui - and it is currently winter here - I loved being back on a ...more

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Dec 08, 2015 Amanda rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary-romance, billionaires, secret-identity

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Vacation fling romances are so fun, especially when you know what's coming. This novel delivers it along with a billionaire who's trying to keep his identity a secret, a mob boss causing trouble for everyone, and a lot of steamy sex (with a light dose of spanking). Though some of the conflicts resolved a bit easier than those in the books I've been reading, it was still a quirky, romantic read. I can't wait to read th ...more

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Dec 17, 2015 Bette Hansen rated it really liked it

A fun sexy romance with great characters, a beautiful setting, great pace and a story that's well paced and without much angst. I loved "Dude". This alter ego for Samuel is fun and carefree and perfect for the two week fling that should bring Amelia Parker out of the current funk her life is in. Amelia falls in love with the resort and really what does she have to return home to?? One problem, the resort is about to be sold. What would she think if she knew Dude was really the one responsible fo ...more

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Nov 05, 2015 Marla Mei rated it it was ok

Shelves: arc, love-is-blind

I couldn't connect with the characters nor do I see any reason for me to even attempt to. Especially since right from the moment I met Dude, I already outright hated him. I know it's only an alter ego and that he's putting up this act so nobody would really suspect who he really is but I just think it's way too over-the-top already? The way he talks, acts and oh God the slang he uses. I can't. Good thing the sex scenes are hot though. A++ for those. Heh. ...more

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Nov 01, 2015 Teri rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

I received an advance review copy from the publisher via NetGalley for a honest review.

This book is so good!!!! Every time I read "Dude" I was cracking up! There are so many random sayings that I found myself snickering while I read. Not too mention this story is so different from all the other books out there right now that it was refreshing!!!! ...more

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Aug 29, 2016 Zenny Dahl rated it it was amazing

Sexy and Funny. I was charmed by Dude, who was a billionaire pretending to be a bum so people would leave him alone. Amelia wanted a vacation fling that turned into something more serious. Through in the Yakuza and sabotage and it's a fun, beach read romp that's smoking hot! Looking forward to Beach Happens, where Dude's brother Marcus gets his chance at love on the beach. ...more

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Oct 29, 2015 Amanda rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-star, nice-guys, 3-5-stars, travel, boss-employee, 2016

I really enjoyed this book. I really want to go to Hawaii and find my own dude now. Recommended for anyone that wants a fun read with lots of heat and sweetness.

ARC provided from Netgalley for an honest review.

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Dec 28, 2015 ExLibris_Kate rated it it was ok

Totally lost its steam in the end....

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Jul 06, 2017 Patti Cavaliere rated it it was amazing

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Yes, the sex scenes are graphic, but they are intertwined with such tender moments that I found myself reliving a time when young love is that sweet mix of raging hormones and letting your heart be vulnerable even when there is no guarantee of what will be. Speaking of following your heart, the author's theme of a young woman's determination to find "home," and herself, in saving a dilapidated hotel, reminded me of an old-fashioned story. Unlike one reviewer, I f ...more

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Jul 15, 2020 Alice rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, erotic, contemporary, adult, boss-rich-man

I enjoyed it a lot.

I loved the relationship between dude and Amelia. I loved Zarafina and the spice she added to the story.
At first, reading about everything that could go wrong going wrong wasn't much fun, but the connection with dude, how they care for each other is so heartwarming and fun to read.
Amelia is a bit of a peculiar character because of her perspective and way of thinking.

The smut was excellent.

It was good. ...more

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Aug 26, 2018 Laurie rated it it was amazing

First book in an interesting trip to Hawaii

Thou it begins in New York the real intrigue begins happening in Hawaii. Shows you what a woman can do when she has passion and a strong sense of conviction....
On to book II.

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Jul 17, 2017 Nancy Evans rated it it was ok

Not much of a story or much in the way of characters but lots of steamy sex. In that respect, the entertainment factor was pretty good but it certainly wasn't a memorable literary work. ...more

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Feb 02, 2018 Leighanne Cooper nottingham rated it it was amazing

5 free stars!!!!

I loved this book so much... I got this as a free book a.d loved e very minute of it... very much worth any money you need to pay...

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Jul 24, 2019 Melissa rated it liked it · review of another edition

It was a good read, but I felt the book was lacking something. I liked the main characters, too.

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Dec 09, 2020 Tracey Earl rated it really liked it

Great read !! Easy light fun ..lots of sex ....

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Nov 27, 2015 Ilana rated it really liked it

Title: Life's a Beach
Author: Jamie K Schmidt
Publisher/Year: Random House 1/5/16
Length: 223 Pages
Series: Hawaii Heat #1

Overview

Sex on the beach has never been so much fun! USA Today bestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt kicks off a series set in paradise with an irresistible tale of second chances, secret identities—and a connection that’s too sweet to miss.

When Amelia Parker arrives in Maui, newly single and unemployed, she’s shocked to discover the resort she booked is actually a ramshackle li Title: Life's a Beach
Author: Jamie K Schmidt
Publisher/Year: Random House 1/5/16
Length: 223 Pages
Series: Hawaii Heat #1

Overview

Sex on the beach has never been so much fun! USA Today bestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt kicks off a series set in paradise with an irresistible tale of second chances, secret identities—and a connection that’s too sweet to miss.

When Amelia Parker arrives in Maui, newly single and unemployed, she’s shocked to discover the resort she booked is actually a ramshackle little beachside hotel. At least the scenery is easy on the eyes—as is the toned, laid-back snorkel instructor, “Dude.” After two weeks of sun, serenity, and mind-blowing sex, she even accepts a job as the hotel’s concierge. But what Amelia really wants is to relaunch the place completely. And that means convincing the absentee Wall Street billionaire owner, Samuel Kincaide, to take a chance on her.

Samuel has a plan, too: selling off every last reminder of his former life and chilling all day, every day as his slacker altar ego . . . Dude. He loves his romps in the ocean, and under the sheets, with the feisty Amelia. If she discovers his true identity, her boundless enthusiasm and innovative business plan will seriously diminish his hammock time. But when Amelia runs into real trouble on the island, he’ll put everything on the line to keep her safe. He just hopes that the woman who’s falling for Dude will feel the same about Samuel.

My Thoughts

I have to thank the folks at NetGalley per usual for getting me a pre-read of this first installment of the Hawaii Heat series. What we have here is an entertaining intro of a romance / chick lit type story which starts as expected and takes a few different interesting turns.

We meet our leading lady, Amelia the night before she's set to leave on a 2 week surprise vacation to Hawaii that she's planned for her boyfriend. Little does she know that things are going to go completely awry - in the sense that she finds herself being fired from her job, walking in on her boyfriend being quite intimate with a girl that she knows, and well, she just takes off on the vacation anyway because she's got nothing to lose. She takes her aunt with her who's a fortune teller and who keeps giving Amelia insights into what's to come for her, so off they go to Hawaii.

Of course things can't ever be that easy. The picturesque hotel that was featured in the brochure isn't exactly what it appears, it's a bit more rundown and less enticing. especially given that Amelia worked as a concierge in an NYC hotel. Then she learns that the hotel is being sold - and then on top of that, she finds herself almost drowning on day one.

So all that of course means that there HAS to be something good coming her way, and that it does. in the form of Dude - a beach bum who works at the resort. OF course he's got another identity, that of which he keeps from her knowing how she feels about rich guys (remember that her boyfriend who cheated was a lazy trust fund kid). So, the journey that we go on from here is one of a vacation romance, and that of Amelia trying to find her footing now that she's left in a mess from her life in NYC.

There's really nothing overly unexpected in this story - we get what we hope for - a bit of romance, a bit of confusion, and a growth journey for Amelia to find out what she's able to handle and what she wants to do. I think that there are bits that are a bit too easy coming to her, but again, it's fiction so who cares. On that note - i'm intrigued enough to want to check out the 2nd installment when it comes out - so if you're looking for something light and entertaining, check it out. ...more

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About Jamie K. Schmidt

Jamie K. Schmidt

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USA Today Bestselling author, Jamie K. Schmidt is a hybrid author who has over thirty short stories published in small press and ezines, and a variety of novellas and books online. Her Club Inferno series from Random House has been in Amazon's top 100 ebooks sold and Barnes and Noble's top 10. She has a dragon paranormal romance series at Entangled Publishing. Book one of the Emerging Queens serie ...more