Skinny Dipping Season

Truhart #2

by Cynthia Tennent

One Summer Can Change Everything . . .

Elizabeth Lively dresses conservatively, straightens her curly hair into submission, and works hard to uphold her political family’s reputation. Her therapist might call it “OCD,” but she’s just trying her best to live by the rules—until her carefully crafted world comes crashing down when she’s fired, painfully jilted, and arrested for a crime she didn’t commit. All she can think to do is flee to her grandmother’s lakeside house in tiny Truhart, Michigan, a town that’s as quirky as it is quaint . . .

No stranger to second chances, Acting Sheriff JD Hardy isn’t pleased to have Elizabeth in Truhart for the summer.  A former city cop with a painful past, JD now runs a tight ship, and isn’t keen on a newcomer with a criminal past, even one as tempting as Elizabeth.

Between  lazy summer days and lakeside evenings, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, Elizabeth must decide what the future holds for her, and where her heart belongs. She will learn that sometimes you have to dip a toe in cautiously, and other times you just have to dive in . . .

Praise for A Wedding in Truhart

“Cynthia Tennent has captured the charm, humor, loyalty, and love of small towns, close families, and long-time friends. ..the people of Truhart will find a place in your heart."—Cindy Myers, author of The View From Here

“An A.W.O.L. wedding dress, family feuds, and kinky characters! What's not to love? A Wedding in Truhart is a wedding to remember.”—Lois Greiman, award winning author of the Hope Springs series

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 12, 2016

About the author

Cynthia Tennent was the original book thief, stealing romance novels from underneath her mother’s bed when she was just 12. As an adult, she grew serious and studied international relations, education and other weighty matters while living all over the world. In search of happy endings, she rediscovered love stories and wrote her own when her daughters were napping. She lives in Michigan with her husband, three daughters and her collie dog, Jack.

Reviews

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release Date: April 12, 2016
Genre: Small Town Contemporary Romance

:: 4 Pretty Little Stars ::

Skinny Dipping Season is a sweet and classy romance that just makes readers feel good. It’s low on the drama and high on the feelings. Readers will instantly fall in love with the charming town of Truhart and will want to visit themselves! This is how I felt anyway. Gah, I love small town romances that are more about the relationships that form and develop rather than sex, and this is exactly what this book is. Having never read a book by the author before I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised all around. This is simply a sweet, feel good romance between two people who deserve all the love in the world. I definitely recommend it to those looking for a light and sweet read.

Elizabeth is an OCD criminal… Scratch that… She is a RECOVERING individual with OCD who is running from the lies of her past- and her cheating fiancé. Going to Truhart; the town where her grandmother lived until her death, seemed like the best idea for Elizabeth who is in serious need of a change. Taking this time away, Elizabeth doesn’t expect to find her new home to be such a blessing for her. She is able to make friends with everyone in town, take a few pole dancing classes, and even sparks a relationship with the town sheriff. But running from her problems isn’t going to change them and Elizabeth has to make amends with her family and past before she is truly able to move on.

Sheriff J.D. is a pretty much a recluse- only dealing with those in his line of work. But when Elizabeth comes to town and shakes things up a bit, J.D. can’t help but become involved with her. I mean, seeing a grown woman twerk with a cheap bottle of wine and a cigarette hanging from her mouth is not something he would ever expect to see. But even though she seems to grate on every nerve in his body, he can’t help the feelings that are developing deep inside. Unfortunately, J.D. has some of his own issues to overcome. But maybe Elizabeth is just the type of person to help him with this?

Overall, this is a wonderful and light hearted contemporary romance that stole my heart from the very first page. There is some family drama, some eccentric and hilarious townspeople, and a true love story that will be still your beating heart. I really enjoyed reading this one and am excited to see what the other stories in the series are all about. For those who are wondering, this book is #2 in the series but each can be read as a standalone as they feature different characters. With that being said, I would certainly recommend this to fellow readers who enjoy a sweet, small town romance.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Skinny Dipping Season was such a fun and entertaining read, loved it.

I absolutely fell in love with this story and quite honestly didn't want to put it down or for it to end.
The chemistry between JD and Elizabeth was believable and well written, loved their banter and humor, it really added to my enjoyment of the story.

I'm really enjoying the Truhart series, highly recommend it and I'm looking forward to the next book.

Thank you Kensington Books via NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...

3.5 stars

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is April 12th, 2016.

I believe this story may be part of a series taking place in the town of Truhart. I have not read the others nor did I need to in order to follow this story.

This story was funnnnnnnnnnnnny. I really liked the antics of Elizabeth and the interactions between her and JD. When JD's first visual of Elizabeth was while she was twerking in her living room with a cheap bottle of wine you know you are going to get some laughs. Then there was the banter between the two before they decided to wave the white flag and surrender (literally).

I would have enjoyed the back and forth to last a little bit longer before the story moved on. I enjoyed how JD and Elizabeth were always trying to one up each other. I felt that once their relationship changed course that it happened almost too fast, although it was funny at the same time.

I found this story a little bit refreshing in comparison to some others in the same genre. While it still tended to keep to the usual formula, it was filled with funny moments, funny people and completely dysfunctional families. Elizabeth's family was enough to keep Springer on the air for a year.

Overall I liked this story.

[Dilushani Jayalath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this was a kinda short and kinda ok book for me. I won't say that I totally loved it neither did I disliked it. It was just meeeh for me.

The plot and characters were decent not anything remarkable for me. I enjoyed it nonetheless

So if someone is looking for a very light read just to pass through I would recommend this.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Elizabeths life imploded she escaped to her grandma’s lakeside house in a town called Truhart. I love books set in small towns in America and this was a nice easy read. Truhart sounds like the sort of place you’d love to visist.
She needs to reflect on her past and look to her future. A sweet romance develops. The characters are well drawn and engaging.
This is a second book in a series but easily read as a standalone.
.

[Shirley Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow and sweet romance, great for the beach!

[Katie(babs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skinny Dipping Season is a contemporary romance set in a small town, featuring a heroine who has OCD. She's lost her fiance, her job and her self-respect. She decides to lick her wounds at her dead grandmother's house where she has fond memories as a child. Her sabbatical from her old life is the best thing for her as she tries to control her OCD, and find her self respect again, including a romance with someone who falls in love with her, faults and all. Skinny Dipping Season also has a feel of women's fiction.

Elizabeth is the middle child from a well respected family. Her father is a US congressman, her mother a function alcoholic, her older sister is Miss Perfect but betrayed Elizabeth, and her younger brother is a moody teenager. Elizabeth is taking a break from life ever since she was arrested for drugs. Her crime isn't what it seems, but in order to recover her self respect, she needs to rethink her life, and stay away from her dysfunctional family. The first night she stays at her grandmothers house, the acting sheriff, JD thinks she's breaking in. She corrects him, but he's very confrontational. He rubs her the wrong way, especially since he caught her dancing in an embarrassing way. In the days to come, she keeps running into him. He catches her in ever more embarrassing situations. But by then he tones down the attitude and proves he's not that bad of a guy. JD is a reformed rebel, a bad boy teen who now practices law and order. He may appear to see things black and white, but Elizabeth slowly changes his mind.

Elizabeth slowly bonds with the town that includes a crusty old neighbor she reconnects with who was friends with her grandmother, a rebellious teen, and her younger sister who Elizabeth takes under her wing, and her love of garden gnomes. She also connects with JD but in a different way. These two become friends, and the lovers, but only temporary because Elizabeth plans on leaving so she can get back her life. But then her younger brother makes a visit, and Elizabeth's OCD flairs (she constantly washes her hand). Also JD wants to know the truth about her arrest and why she's not speaking with her sister. He wants her to stay so they can continue to be together, but Elizabeth isn't sure it's what she wants.

Taking chances is the focus in Skinny Dipping Season. Elizabeth may come from a family where she had everything handed to her, but she doesn't tale things for granted or is spoiled. She's a hard worker who always tried her best but got some raw deals. The way she handles her disease and her family is mature and deep. Every family has issues, which is explored here, especially regarding her father and her younger brother. JD has issues stemming from his past, and the respect he longs for form the town who still looks down upon him. But JD is a pretty easy going guy, especially when he and Elizabeth tag along with one another, and the become lovers. Also JD's real name is a mystery, but a nice surprise when revealed.

Skinny Dipping Season is a relaxing type of read where everyone wins in the end.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skinny Dipping Season had some cute moments, and I enjoyed the humorous aspects. I also loved the small town aspect, and there's some interesting characters. I did have some problems with the main female lead, Elizabeth, towards the beginning; I felt she was a bit bratty, and I don't really get why she is rude to JD so often, and I also don't like how she sort of flies off the handle and does things without thinking about them, and of course that causes problems, but I liked her humor and how she stands up for herself. I did like JD, and I liked that he was a punk kid, who turned his life around. The chemistry was a little weird between JD and Liz; I don't feel like their relationship was given enough build up, but I did enjoy all of their scenes together; they have some fun banter. The story does have heart and I was surprised by some of the ways the author chose to go.

The story starts out with Liz moving into her grandmother's house in Truhart because there's a bit of a scandal in her home state because she was caught with pot in a car she was driving, and since her dad is involved in politics, it is a big thing. The majority of her family is horrible by the way; especially her mom and her sister; her sister slept with her boyfriend, so that's another reason Liz wants to get out of town, and Liz also have obsessive compulsive disorder. Liz is doing better with her disorder, but her family makes her more prone to obsessive behaviors. JD is filling in for the sheriff of Truhart, while he is out of town, and he gets called to Liz's place by her neighbor for a possible break-in, so right off the bat Liz and JD get off on the wrong foot because Liz is bratty and JD is a bit straight-laced. So we have, main characters who get off on the wrong foot, interesting small town people, and a crazy family dynamic, and all that creates some fun times.

In the end, I did enjoy reading Skinny Dipping Season, and I look forward to more books by Cynthia Tennent!

[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story surprises me, in a positive way. It is a story of the summer Elizabeth had to face herself, learn to accept herself, just the way she is, faults and all. The journey she takes is not easy, the publicity of the journey makes it even more difficult to deal with. And it seems it follows her where ever she goes, and who she meets.
The story is told in first person point of view, and only from Elizabeth's side. In general, I'm not a fan of that POV, but it works here.
Elizabeth has so much going on with herself, the family drama seems to endless, and her reactions to its harmful. But this summer she learns to deal with it all in a different way. She takes chances, she dares to do things she never thought she would survive. She digs deep, and finds a woman in her, who is beautiful, passionate, capable, loved and needed.
The community around them is like any small town unit in anywhere in the western world, filled with characters, unique, yet familiar, with strong characteristics, opinions, and convictions.
J.D and Elizabeth are fun together. The understanding and support between them is adorable, deep, and loving. They get each other, even the oddest things about each other, and cherish them.
A young woman takes a leap from her life, escape from the reality that gets to be too much, and ends up jumping into a different kind of real world, into a small town dynamics. During the summer she gets to know herself on a different level than before, learns to love and accept herself, and falls in love, finding passion in herself, she never expected. It is a sweet coming of age story, sort of. It is fun, in a way I didn't know if I should laugh or cry, and it is enlightening, seeing her and J.D is dealing with her dysfunctional family, and adorable when J.D and Elizabeth learns to know, accept, and love each other.
~ Four Spoons

[LJT · Rating 3 out of 5]

​​​​​3.5 Stars!

Skinny Dipping Season by Cynthia Tennent is a contemporary romance in the small fictional town of Truhart, Michigan. This is the story of Elizabeth Lively, the 27-year-old daughter of an Ohio congressman, that takes the fall for a drug charge that she did not commit. As a result, her life is not her own and she needs to get away from all the media and Washington DC craziness. She escapes to her late grandmother's house in Truhart, where she had spent many happy summers as a child. Truhart is replete with beautiful scenery, gossipy townsfolk, and JD Hardy, the acting sheriff.

JD grew up in Truhart and was a known juvenile delinquent. The present sheriff helped him turn his life around and got him involved in law enforcement. JD and Elizabeth's first encounter is quite comical and from that point forward, they are in each other's lives. They are a fun and lovable couple.

I truly liked this story, however, I found the pace to be a bit on the slow-side. Elizabeth and JD have great chemistry and their sexy times were very seductive. The secondary characters are unique in their own right and add a ton of history to the present happenings. Nestor, Elizabeth's friend and neighbor, is a true gentleman, and his memories of her grandmother are heartwarming, along with his Pottawatomi pie. Overall, this is a nicely written story and I am looking forward to the third book in the series.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book, I was anticipating the 2nd book in this series and boy... did I enjoyed it. This book in my opinion was even better than the 1st.

It was funny! And I absolutely enjoyed the banter between JD and Elizabeth. For the life of Elizabeth, she was always getting on the wrong side of JD and they both were as trying as they could be with each other.

It was a little sad seeing how JD was trying so hard to make up for his teenage years and some of the town people were refusing to let it go. Elizabeth didn't have an easy life growing up as well and even as a grown up, she continues to feel as if she were an outsider. Getting betrayed by her family members was the last straw which led her to come to Truhart hoping to find peace and solace. Instead of just that, she began making friends and having parties which only added to more laughter. It was endearing to see her find herself again and also repairing the relationship with her family. JD and Elizabeth's relationship was another reason for enjoying this book. They complemented each other so well and brought out the best in one another.

This read is so refreshing and relaxing that I highly recommend it.

ARC requested via Netgalley, provided by Kensington Books / Lyrical Shine in exchange for a honest review.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skinny Dipping Season was amazing wonderful book. I loved the style of writing it was flawlessly written and easy to follow. The book has just the Elizabeth’s POV which is understandable because story is more about her and finding herself and overcoming the obstacles in her life and a long the way falling in love. The characters are wonderful. Yes the people from Truehart are back and they are still funny and very interesting. We get to meet a lot of new of them. The Sheriff JD is also well develop and interesting even if he is not the whole time in the picture. But Elizabeth is and she was so cute, funny the way she was thinking and acting was hilarious. But she is also very tender hearted and caring. It was wonderful to see how she grown and in the end fight for herself. And it was really wonderful to see how her escape in Truehart for the summer in the end becomes her settling point. The relationship between JD and Elizabeth was so explosive funny and hot and sizzling I was cheering for them for the start.
Wonderful read. Highly recommended!
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun feel-good story! I loved Elisabeth and her flaws – and who wouldn’t have a flaw or two with the family she had! Her parents and sister were rather unbelievably obnoxious but her brother Elliott seemed alright. J.D. was a hunk and a half and oh-so upright but with a bit of the bad boy in him. Their chemistry and relationship had me smiling and happy and made me keep reading – I liked them alone and together – they cared for one another and it showed.

Truhart is a great small town peopled with interesting characters and this book had a Timberfest summer carnival to plan that Elisabeth took charge of. Elisabeth’s summer might not have gone as she planned but I have a feeling it was better in all ways than she had hoped for when she left Ohio behind to spend time in her grandmother’s home.

I highly recommend this book and have a feeling I will read it again in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Judy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story seems to be part of a series but I haven't read any of the other books. I still was able to follow along so I'm comfortable saying you can read it as a stand alone.

Elizabeth moves into her grandmothers house to lick her wounds. The small town was the only place she felt she could be herself. She takes the fall for her brother and gets arrested, her sister is sleeping with her fiancée, and she is splashed in the media. This was a great start to the book especially when a neighbor calls the cops on her. She was drinking, smoking, and the local standing sheriff catches her twerking. JD takes one look and assumes the worst.

The story was funny and refreshing. The townspeople are outrageous and add to everything. Overall I recommend the book for a fast paced qwerty small town romance.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea that a dysfunctional family could be so funny, but I found that very thing reading Skinny Dipping Season by Cynthia Tennent. This quick pace small town romance is just what I needed after a long day. Don’t judge this book as simply light fluff, it deals with some serious issues people have today

Elizabeth and JD first meeting is hilarious. Both of these characters are not without their pasts mistakes but refreshingly so. I liked the growth that both made as their relationship progressed. Of course, Elizabeth has more demons to work through than JD. That served to make me like her even more as she emphatically refused to give up and give in. In the end, before they can love someone they learn to love and accept themselves.

If this is part of a series, I want to read them all! This is a now a go-to-author for me.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truhart is a small town that dishes out romance, redemption and light-hearted fun. Cynthia Tennent has done a wonderful job in writing a story that is full of all the sweetness of small town living. In Skinny Dipping Season rule follower Elizabeth Lively's life falls apart when she's not looking and leaves her broken in heart, spirit and reputation. Escape proves the only option for her shattered life. She finds that in Truhart, Michigan where she not only starts to heal, but finds herself despite the opposition of one surly mistrustful citizen. The first thing that drew me to this read was that it uses the state of Michigan as a backdrop. As a lifelong citizen it's fun to see the state through the eyes of others. What left a lasting impression was the spirit of the story. JD and Elizabeth may have been the stars but the supporting cast stole the show.

[Ann Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a funny, romantic book! I've read several books about straight laced women returning to Grandmother's town/hometown/village and finding themselves - but this has to be one of the best!

There is nothing straightforward about Elizabeth or J D and their meeting had me in hysterics! I loved the way Elizabeth reacted to situations and then had to talk her way out of her reactions!

Skinny dipping in the moonlight was pure romance - I envied her ;)

Elizabeth's family were a nightmare and I could understand her reluctance to be anywhere near them. Especially her sister, whom I could have quite cheerfully throttled!

Lovely book, lovely story, lovely characters. I shall look for more by Cynthia Tennant.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book written by Cynthia Tennent. This book is part of the Truhart series. Elizabeth Lively has worked hard to uphold her political family’s reputation. Her world comes crashing down when she is fired, painfully jilted, and arrested for a crime she didn’t commit. She decides to flee to her grandmother’s lakeside house in Truhart, Michigan. Her first night there she has a not so good start with the sexy acting Sheriff JD Hardy. The problem is she can’t stop thinking about the sexy sheriff. If you are looking for a great summer read, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book!

Poor Elizabeth, she does what she's suppose to do in life. However, life has a horrible sense of humor and she got arrested for something she didn't even do!

She moves to Truhart, Michigan to live with her grandmother. Truhart is a very small town and sounds like an amazing place to live!!

JD is acting Sheriff in Truhart and isn't please about Elizabeth being there. I loved how JD and Elizabeth met and I instantly fell in love with him!!

I enjoyed everything about this book! It was funny and sexy! The characters were GREAT!! This was my first Cynthia Tennent book and won't be my last!

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.D. is one sexy man, "he lowered his mouth and nipped me in the neck. “Only if I get to use the handcuffs when we get back to my place.” His voice was like molasses." I loved the easy-to-use, carefree J.D., “my squeaky-clean sheriff’s-deputy routine is a cover-up. I should warn you that I definitely have a darker side. In fact, I think right now we should—” What he whispered in my ear made parts of my body throb." I really enjoy small town books, all the characters have a bond and is always in everyone else's business and personally I find small town men sexy.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a truly fun read! It's a wonderful small town romance with some outrageous characters that made the whole story work. After their first hilarious meeting the H/h are constantly in each other's lives. JD and Elizabeth worked great together with fantastic chemistry between them. Elizabeth definitely has her share of problems but she works through them and doesn't let life get her down....loved that! This story is full of warmth and fun witty banter. Definitely an enjoyable read.

I highly recommend this one.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another entertaining adventure in Truhart.  What a wonderful story following Elizabeth Lively as she moves into her Grandmother's house in Truhart to help her overcome some challenging things in her life.  I enjoy how the star of this series is Truhart, Michigan and that with each new book we get to know more characters from the town.  Characters from past books are nicely woven into each book, but still letting the characters of the current book shine along with Truhart.  Excellent read - you will not be disappointed.

[Ellen Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I had to go back to refresh my memory, but I had read the first book in this series. While I enjoyed it, this one was a lot more fun. Elizabeth and J.D. make a really cute and frustrating couple at times. They both come from different backgrounds, but both need to learn about self worth. I love the way Cynthia Tennent includes the entire town in her stories, and you feel like you are truly a part of Truhart. I definitely like the way Ms. Tennent dealt with the problem of OCD.

[Sherley Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I was gifted with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review**


This was an incredible read. I loved the character growth and the challenges that she set for herself in order to be able to grow as a person to go back to her roots and to deal with her issues. Thank you for this ARC! looking forward to more from Cynthia.

[Jennifer Schultheis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review at http://wp.me/p2F7IH-czU