Cole is used to fame and has had his fill of women who fall at his feet, but the one woman he’s desired the most shows nothing but discontent for him and his reckless ways.
Wendy can’t stand Cole, at least not in her head. Her body and heart on the other hand desire him beyond any else.
Jill Sanders is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of Sweet Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Western Romance, and Paranormal Romance novels. With 100 books in eleven series, translations into several different languages, and audiobooks there’s plenty to choose from. Look for Jill’s bestselling stories wherever romance books are sold or visit her at jillsanders.com
Jill comes from a large family with six siblings, including an identical twin. She was raised in the Pacific Northwest and later relocated to Colorado for college and a successful IT career before discovering her talent for writing sweet and sexy page-turners. After Colorado, she decided to move south, living in Texas and now making her home along the Emerald Coast of Florida. You will find that the settings of several of her series are inspired by her time spent living in these areas. She has two sons and off-set the testosterone in her house by adopting three furry little ladies that provide her company while she’s locked in her writing cave. She enjoys heading to the beach, hiking, swimming, wine-tasting, and pickleball with her husband, and of course writing. If you have read any of her books, you may also notice that there is a love of food, especially sweets! She has been blamed for a few added pounds by her assistant, editor, and fans… donuts or pie anyone?
This is one of those stories where you can’t put your finger on exactly what makes it special, but you still find something different and unique in it. Cole is a supposed playboy, talented surfer and hot underwear model. So we can well understand why the “cool and calm” bartender might go weak in her knees at close proximity with him. Initially, I was taken in by Wendy, but it’s not long before Cole steals the spot light from her with his cute ways and the initial shy awkwardness he feels around Wendy.
Cole and Wendy make a good couple, with Wendy keeping Cole humble and grounded, and Cole teaching Wendy to have fun and de-stress. Still, it would have been better if we were given a bit more insight to their back story. There’s a mention of an argument between them that apparently led to their first kiss, I really want to know more about that. I suppose the previous two books of this series might have its mention. Also, there isn't a lot of emotional development leading to the start of their relationship, and we see them going from distant friends to kissing friends rather promptly in my opinion. Another thing that bothered me, though it does not affect my rating in anyway, is the continuous ‘sighing’. I counted 142 sighs in total. Maybe it’s just me, but so much of sighing was making me want to sigh.
The minor characters in the book are all rather endearing, especially Cole’s sister Cassey. And I liked how the author builds up the base for the next pair of Grayton siblings, Roman and Marissa, in this book. If you are looking for something simple yet sweet, then Cole and Wendy’s love story just might be a good choice.
My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
So cute!!! This is a perfect light contemporary romance. Nothing angsty or overly dramatic and I LOVED it. I really liked Wendy and Cole. I felt that they were relatable people. I haven't read the other books in this series, so you can certainly read this as a stand alone, but now I want to go back and reread everything! And I cannot wait for the next book! If you are looking for a light, easy, HEA read, grab this book! It reminded me of old school Nora Roberts and Jude Devereux. It reminded me why I love romance books!
Finally, I've made it to book 3 of the Grayton Series and I must admit that I'm even more thrilled to discover this series than I was after the first two books. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and when I realized that it was a part of a series, I had to start with the first book. I have enjoyed each book of the series very much, but this book has made me an even bigger fan. When we were introduced to Cole in previous books he was seen as a playboy and overly adventurous thrill seeker who often took it just a bit too far. It was obvious there was an attraction between Cole and Wendy, but it was hinted at and downplayed in previous books. In this book, it all comes to an explosive head and serious lifestyle choices have to be made or all could be lost. I love that the author didn't diminish the previous personality perceptions of Cole, but built the layers so you could see what was hidden behind the surface. I fully expected to like this book the least, but through expert character development and realistic plot twists, the author made this book one of my favorites of the series so far. Although, I must admit I can't wait for the next book to come out as the hints and leads to the next book have me believing the author may be introducing me to a new favorite in the series that will unveil some serious family secrets. Kudo's Ms. Sanders, you have me waiting with baited breathe for the next book....now get on it as I'm impatient to read it! Although, I suppose I could go see what else you have for me to read, but seriously I can't wait for the next Grayton Family book!
"Rip Current" is book three in the Grayton series. This is Cole Grayton's story. Cole is a handsome blonde haired, blue eyed, sexy, surfer boy! Okay, I wouldn't call him a boy with a body like his....he's all man! Cole's the best surfer there is and he lives for the thrill of the ride. The more dangerous the better as far as he's concerned. While back in Surf Breeze, Florida, his hometown, Cole heads to his sister Cassey's bar to see if Wendy,the woman he has crushed on for years,is working.
Wendy is the head bartender at Cassey's bar. Wendy loves her job but has always had bigger dreams for her life. Wendy had to put her dreams on hold when her biker father road off and left her to support and care for herself and her younger sister Willow. Wendy has known Cole for several years but despite her strong attraction to him she has kept her distance. Cole represents everything she's fought so hard to avoid becoming in life...reckless. Wendy craves stability after living hand to mouth since she was a teenager thanks to her father.
When Cole comes into town this time things are different. Cole, although still the surfer jock, tells Wendy he has changed. He flirts with her like he always has and she gives him s*^t like she always has. But Cole's tired of dating surf bunnies that only want to be seen with him because he's a famous surfer and a model. Cole wants to pursue Wendy. Don't get me wrong...he doesn't want to settle down and get married but he's always liked that Wendy didn't put up with his cocky act. But how can Cole convince Wendy that he isn't that cocky playboy anymore and that she should give him a chance?
I really enjoyed reading Rip Current and I love the Grayton series. All of the Grayton books can be read as standalone books but what I like about this type of series is that if you start out with the first book then you are introduced to all of the characters and you learn a little bit more about each of them as the series continues. Each book focuses on one of the Grayton "kids" and that book is their story. So even though we get the HEA for Cole and Wendy in this book (YEA!) we'll read more about them as secondary characters in the next Grayton book.
I highly recommend Rip Current for those into contemporary romance books that are character driven. I also recommend reading the entire series in order if possible.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
Reading order for the Grayton series: 1. The Last Resort 2. Someday Beach 3. Rip Current
The Grayton Series warms my heart. I love me a surfer bad boy. So Cole is perfect. Nice beach read, but Ms. Jill may have thrown us a curveball in this one...
First off, I need to go back and read the first two books in this series. When I was asked to read and review Rip Current I didn't pay attention to the fact that it was book three. Personally I really didn't care. The synopsis drew me and and had me hooked. I really enjoyed Cole's story and now need to find the time to read the two previous books.
Cole is every woman's wet dream...lol He is the hot, sexy surfer. Who can get women without even trying. They just line up waiting for the chance to spend time with him, but all they want is to be "seen" with him. They have more interest in being his arm candy than anything else. When an injury from a recent motorcycle accident brings him back home for a little while, he is brought face to face, once again, with the girl that makes him turn to goo. Maybe this time he can turn over a new leaf and show her that he isn't the wild and crazy womanizer that she claims he is. Cole sets out to prove to Wendy that he is a changed man.
Wendy is the lead bartender at her friend Cassey's bar. She likes her job and the money she makes, but never saw this as her life. She always wanting bigger and better things for herself, but being forced to grow up to early and accept responsibility for her younger step-sister derailed her plans. Now she only hopes to have a better relationship with her younger sister and find some peace and happiness in her life. Cole has always been a trigger for Wendy. He frustrates her to no end and the fact that he has yet to really grow up has her defenses up. The man makes her melt! But he reminds her so much of her father and her past that she does what she needs to to steer clear of the Surfing God. When Cole comes back to town, he seems different and with a little encouragement from him, the decides to take a chance and see if he has truly set aside his crazy womanizing ways.
I love the banter between Cole and Wendy's characters. They play off of one another so well. The chemistry between them is hot. Sanders writing is awesome She draws the reader in with believable and relatable characters. I look forward to reading more of her work and am headed to go buy the first two books in this series. Go and grab your copy of this cute, contemporary romance and be swept away by Cole and Wendy's story.
This is book three in the series as I am sure you already know, because I am sure you will have already enjoyed the previous two books but if you haven’t then they’re well worth a read. This is Cole’s story. Cole Grayson is the poster boy for the all American surfer dude! He has it all and he has it all in oodles but he is no kid, this man can rock more than just a pair of board shorts. Life is lived to the limit, he is on the edge of everything dangerous, and the riskier the better. He’ll take any risk imaginable with his body but his heart is kept under lock and key – Yes, he has his fair share of women – well probably more than his fair share to be honest but could this “dude” be finally looking for something more substantial because if he is he knows just where to find it – the one woman he has been drooling over for years- Wendy. He’s back in Sea Breeze, enjoying the fact that he can hang out with his sister and just cut loose for a while, but he is also on the prowl and his target is the woman that wants nothing to do with him and his flippant ways. Wendy is a rock solid character, the total opposite to Cole who she has always seen as a p=bit of a cad but can he convince her that this bad boy has turned the other cheek? Wendy has always been responsible, she had little choice she was left to care for her sister Willow when her father rode off into the sunset one day never to be seen again but her responsibility may have curtained her options but it has never dented her desire, she wants more in life – she just has to work out how to get it. But one thing she has worked out is that no matter how much her treacherous both may betray her, she does not need someone like Cole in her life, and this bad boy comes with too much hassle. Can he convince her otherwise, can he show her that he is playboy days are over? Well that is something you will have to find out for yourself A great addition to the series, a strong stand alone novel (although I w would recommend you read the other books) and a happy ending to boot – what is there not to like.
Cole Grayton was every woman’s dream with his sun streaked blond hair and perfect body. He was a professional surfer that modeled (mainly underwear) on the side. He could have a different girl or two every night if he wanted and his risk taking had no limits. Lately though he found himself growing tired of the party scenes and preferred to go back home and crash on his brothers couch and hang out at the Boardwalk Bar & Grill that his sister owned. That was where she worked… Wendy, the one woman that wanted most in the world that would rather bash heads with him as opposed of giving him the time of day.
Wendy couldn’t stand Cole, at least that’s what she keeps telling herself. His party lifestyle reminds her too much of how she grew up and she was always ripping him a new one just to keep him away. Maybe one day he would grow up but she’s found out the hard way that with men like him, it’s more often too little too late.
This was a great addition to the series featuring Cole and Wendy who is the main bartender at Cassey’s bar. There has always been plenty of angst between them but in this story , they finally are able to put their differences aside but it takes a near tragedy to finally make Cole end his risk taking ways.
This was the third book in the Grayton Series and while I had originally thought that it would be a five part series since there were five adopted siblings, it looks as though Roman and Marissa’s story will actually be told together as one. They’ve all been looking for her for seven years when she ran away when she was seventeen and Roman was the only one that truly knew why. Now he’s found her at last but can he talk her into coming home and letting everyone in on the secret that she’s been hiding? Man I CANNOT wait to read that story!!!
Been waiting for Cole & Wendy's story and I loved it. Where do I begin? We have seen both Cole and Wendy pop up in the two earlier books in the series Last Resort and Someday Beach, what we have learned from them is that there is definitely an attraction between the two of them but Wendy always looked disgusted when Cole was around...I would guess that it was because he always had some bimbo on his arm, but hey that could just be my take on it. Cole is a famous surfer and male model so of course there is no shortage of women that would love to be on his arm. But what he really wants is Wendy. I was thrilled when she finally dropped her guard and hooked up, I expected great things from them and I wasn't disappointed at all.
I cannot wait for the next book, I will not give you a heads up and tell you what it's about because this book is the build up for the next so once you read this you can figure out what it will be about. Enjoy!
Wendy had a crush on her Cole Grayton since the day she met him but she never told him about it, sure they flirted but that was all there was.....if you count the self thoughts that Wendy had of the sexy surfer/model.
Cole had a terrible motorcycle accident that nearly caused him his life, the incident left him with a hip that hurted like he!! when he stood too long.....but his accident also left Wendy scared that she might lose him because of his recklessness.
Wendy didn't fall for Cole's charms like the other girls and that left him wanting her more when he heard that she was "seeing" someone that just didn't sit well with him at all.
Cole set out to woe Wendy, the latter had reservation where the former was concerned cause she was looking for stability in her life not someone like Cole who according to her was the most unstable person she knew lol.
Wendy had a battle on her hands between what she wanted, what she needed, what her mind wanted and how her body was responding to Cole....Wendy decided to give Cole a chance and the two ended up dating.
Cole felt things for Wendy like he never had before for any woman, he shared his world with her sure they had they ups and downs but what couple doesn't?! Wendy was the only one that grounded Cole, she made him want other things in life besides surfing.
Rip Current was fascinating, Jill Sanders did a remarkable job.....Looking forward to In Too Deep.
Favorite Lines :
"You are so frustrating." ~ Wendy
"Good. Now, I'll help you clean up so we can sit on your sofa and make out like a couple of teenagers." ~ Cole
If you are looking for the perfect summer read, look no further Rip Current is the PERFECT summer read! Jill Sanders jumps right in and grasps your attention right from the beginning, and her beautiful writing keeps you in this story throughout the whole book. I had to DEVOUR Rip Current! Rip Current is book 3 in the Grayton Series, but it works amazingly well as a stand alone. But honestly, this whole series is so amazing, that you would totally be missing out if you skipped any books. Jill Sanders definitely found her calling as a writer, as she has the ability to write such wonderful stories!
This is such an awesome fun book. I immediately felt like these characters were long lost friends. I even found myself thinking about them long after the story ended. Cole is a famous surfer bad boy who you will totally love. He's a playboy gone good. He decided to change his playboy ways for Wendy. Wendy knows Cole is hot, but she can't stand his reckless ways and she's not afraid to tell him. The chemistry between these two is undeniable. I love the dynamic between these two. Reading their love story was immensely enjoyable! I will savor this book and keep it in my collection forever.
I definitely recommend this book! It's the PERFECT novel to fall into this summer. Thanks Jill Sanders for such an amazing read. I can't wait for more!!! I am a huge Jill Sanders fan now and can't wait to fall back into the Grayton Series. This is one of my all time favorite series and I hope it never ends!
I want to thank Goodreads as I won this book as a Giveaway. Thank you to author Jill Sanders too!
This is my first time reading a Jill Sanders book. Even though it is book #3 I read this as a standalone and really enjoyed the story and the writing.
I'm sure the other books in the series will help me learn more about the family, and I do plan I reading the others now that I'm hooked.
Wendy works at a local bar along the East Coast owned by the Grayton family. She is attracted to one of the brothers, Cole, who happens to be a surfer and model.
He has many female fans who would love to be with him. He does and doesn't understand why Wendy isn't in that group.
Then over time they do become friends, and finally this progresses to more than that (predictable but I enjoyed reading how they made that journey).
As an FYI all the Grayton kids are adopted, but they truly look out for and love each other. That said their a a couple side stories told that I'm sure tie into the other books in the series.
This book includes romance, beaches, family, friends and even a hurricane.
I have to admit that I am a sucker for the beach location romance novels and the Grayton Series does not disappoint. Book 3 is the story of Wendy & Cole who, I believe start with a love/hate relationship. The bickering and bantering between them is quite comical. Wendy is looking for stability, while Cole is Mr. Dangerous surfer. After spending more & more time together, they start feeling the attraction between them. As always, the story is sweet & sexy with plenty of excitement. Well, done, once again!! Looking forward to book 4. "I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own."
As always I love, love Jill Sanders series. She writes with the kind of feeling that makes me feel I'm there on the beach with the characters or with them at the bar/restaurant, family gatherings. It's finally Wendy and Cole's turn they've had feeling for each other but tried never to show it. Information in the book made some of the events in the two prior books make sense since we now have their story. I'm not one for Spoiler alerts. You simply have to buy this book, to see if they work past all obstacles they've always put in the way. I couldn't put it down just like all her other books! Thanks again Jill Sanders for your amazing talent!
Wendy has been in love with Cole, but she doesn't want to admit it. Cole has been trying to get her attention for a long time. Wendy thinks that Cole is too reckless and she wants stability. He just jets off to another part of the world to surf and she wants someone who will always be there for her and their family. Cole does convince her to go to Hawaii with him to a surf competition and they both find out that she does have an adventurous side. Cole needs to choose his priorities and maybe Wendy needs to lighten up a little.
Book 3 in a fabulous series. I must say, they just keep getting better! Cole...sexy and relaxed surfer dude. Wendy...mega-responsible and a bit uptight. Seems no wonder they are always at each other's throats. He thinks she needs to loosen up. She thinks he needs to buckle down and become more responsible, and not always be off trying to get himself killed. Little do they both realize, they are perfect for each other. Shelly noticed it before. They also secretly are in love with each other. Sigh. Must read!
Another fun book in the Grayson series. Good laughs and sweet moments when Wendy lets herself have some fun with the sexy Grayson surfer, Cole. They have been pushing each other buttons for several years so Cole has some work to do in his attempt at getting her to consider more!! Can he prove himself worthy of more than just a little fun for Wendy, especially since she is determined that stable is far better, even if boring, than the adventures she can't see Cole backing down from.
This is the third book in the Grayton series and I love it!! In Rip Current we meet Cole Grayton, he's the very best surfers around. He's HOT, incredibly sexy and loves women... He also has the hots for Wendy, but she can't see past the playboy image... Cole sets out to prove her wrong about him, that she an trust him.... BUT Wendy is not going to make it easy on him.... I was give this book by the author,for an honest review!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I am loving this series set in a small Florida coastal town. This one is about Cole the celebrity surfer and ladies man who is falling hard for Wendy a bartender at his sister's bar on the beach. It's a pursuit for him, because Wendy doesn't seem interested in him at all. You also get to follow along with the characters from the previous books in the series. I can't wait to read more of the Graytons. I was given an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another story hit out of the park....well I guess in surfing terms it was "Choka" (I hope I used the term correctly). The Grayton series has by far my favorite series so far! Loved how this still brings all the Grayton's together but at the same time there isn't ever a part where you think Cole and Wendy won't be together. Also loved how this book sets up Roman's story so perfectly. This is a story very well worth reading....in fact, read the whole series!!!!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This is book 3 in the Grayton Series and my favorite. I loved Cole and Wendy and their story. Jill writes such sweet, romantic stories with great characters and storylines you just lose yourself in the great story. Definitely a good read and a great series. I can't wait for book # 4.
I recommend this book and all of Jill's books. I simply could not put the book down. This tight family the love that they share, it wants you to be a part of that family. I can't wait for the next book. Well done Jill. Thank You.....
I absolutely loved it! This is the 3rd book in the series and I really enjoyed watching them them up to this book so I was overjoyed when this book came out and it was everything it needed to be for them. I am anxiously awaiting the next book to find out what happens to Marissa.
Jill did a great job in dealing with this surfer and his family. Loved the suspense with Marissa and Roman which I did not expect. The ending of this book left me hanging. Now have to wait until for the next book to come out to find out what happens. Thanks Jill.
Cole was nothing like his two brothers, he loved the danger of being on a board riding the big waves. The bigger the better in his opinion. He didn't mind helping out with Marcus and Roman's construction business, it was just too restrictive for him. He could never see himself being tied down to a job like that.
Wendy, his sister Cassey's bar manager, was really fond of Cole, but she couldn't put up with his carefree ways and love of danger. It made her feel very conflicted.
When Cole then starts to properly pursue Wendy she is even more confused! He was such a good looking, charming guy, and over confident, but he was showing her a side to him that she hadn't seen before. He was being very loving. Neither of them wanted to talk about what they wanted out of life or what the future might hold.
A lovely story, filing us in a bit more about the Grayton family, with their wonderful family values of looking out for each other no matter what. Great series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Loved loved loved it. Cole and Wendy are trying to not think of each other that way “yeah right that’s gonna work” when they’re together family friends lol and Cole isn’t an A$$ as I thought he’d be he’s completely loving, caring and comfortable with Wendy and I like that she doesn’t sugarcoat what she thinks about Cole lol funny sometimes. They were made for each other was glad to meet new characters such as Maka and his family can’t wait for more from these people
Whenever I read a series I loved by an author, I usually go back and check to see what other books I might be interested in. After reading the Pride series, I decided to move on to the Grayton series. This series has certainly lived up to my expectations from Jill. These books remind each of us that true family love will see us through anything. I found the series very uplifting!