Tide Pools

by Heather B. Moore

TIDE POOLS: A contemporary romance novella by USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore

Lexi makes a quick trip to Hawaii to attend her friend’s wedding, and she discovers that the engaged couple, Sydney and Apelu, are still trying to match-make for her. Lexi laughs because not only does their friend David have a serious girlfriend, but he owns a restaurant on the island. But when Lexi meets David, she has a hard time remembering why all of her plans were so important.

**Originally published in A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection**

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

ebook

Published June 14, 2016

About the author

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than ninety publications. Heather writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Publishing in a breadth of genres, Heather dives into the hearts and souls of her characters, meshing her love of research with her love of storytelling.

Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.

Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact/
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Fans of Heather B. Moore
And yes, the Blog still lives: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com

Literary honors: 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist, Foreword 2020 INDIES Finalist, ALA Best New Books - September 2020, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner.

Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

PERMAGRIN!!!!!!!!!!!! Honestly that was my facial expression the WHOLE TIME while I was reading this novella. It took me under an hour to read it so if you are looking for a fast, clean, sweet read look no further! This one definitely is worth the time to read it! I giggled, sighed and swooned. *sigh*

Lexi is headed to Hawaii to be there for Sydney's(her best friend/roommate) wedding. I'm going to throw this out there, I would love to see the story of how Sydney(best friend) and Apelu(fiance) meet, they were great characters. Sydney was bouncy and feisty. Apelu was calm and a good grounding force for Sydney. I loved watching their interactions just as much as watching Lexi and her interactions with her male counterpart.

David...yes he is Lexi's male counterpart in this novella. Hahaha. I just remembered a line that Sydney tells Lexi about when the moment when she will meet David, who is Apelu's best friend. Lexi is a science nerd and very defensive about her research so when she and David meet there is definitely some tension involved and Lexi isn't quite sure what to think about him. Add to that fact, David has a girlfriend. Lexi tries to steer clear of David but she keeps being put in situations with him. Let's just say this science nerd notices a lot of chemistry brewing. ;)

The waterfall scene, the beach scenes, the kayaking, the jeep rides, eating chicken, the wedding, a crazy girlfriend and college, oh and some kissing. Just wanted to throw out some little teasers for you of what you will find packed inside this short read. I loved it!!!! (Hence the 5 stars)

Although I don't have them all rated and reviewed on goodreads or Amazon, I have read Heather B. Moore's books since I was in my 20s and really have enjoyed all the different genres that she writes. I've only read one of her Alliso Creek novellas but that was a great read(in fact I've been thinking about it all morning and think I might reread it here soon...so many good books, I need more time to read them all) and many of her books under her pen name H.B. Moore. So if you are looking for some great clean romances with excellent writing I would really recommend checking this author out(she has multiple pen names so make sure to look at all of them, well worth it).

This was a clean read with no sex, explicit language or violence. Some mild kissing. I hope you enjoy it like I did, and maybe you'll have a permagrin too!!!

I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest opinion.

Happy Reading!!!

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this one in the anthology and really enjoyed it and it was just as good the second time. Lexi takes her life and schooling seriously and can barely take the time to break away for her best friend's wedding. But who can resist a trip to Hawaii? I love Hawaii!

Lexi definitely has a friend who is determined to help her find the happiness that she has. Sydney will stop at nothing to set Lexi up with her fiance's best friend, David. The only problem is, he has a girlfriend. As opposite as they seem, I love the friendship that Lexi and Sydney share. Their bond resonates off the pages.

The little moments that lead to a great friendship and possible romance are very sweet and gradual--well, as gradual as a quick trip will allow for. I really enjoyed the sparks that David and Lexi found. Combine that with a fantastic setting, some great food descriptions (I need a recipe!), and some tender moments, and it's the makings of a darling story, one that leaves me with a smile on my face.

Content: mild romance. Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi is a college student, she's studying to be a scientist. She's just getting ready for the next semester when her roommate Sydney calls her from Hawaii, where she's meeting her fiance's family, and tells her the great news that they are moving up their wedding, they will be getting married in three days. Lexi needs to get to Hawaii quickly. When she arrives Sydney mentions that they want to set Lexi up with her fiance's good friend, David. The only problem is that David has a girlfriend, and she's not very nice. Lexi is determined to stay out of this one by spending all of her time studying the tide pools near the home she's staying at. But she can't deny that David is attractive and that they have chemistry. Will she decide to follow her heart?

Loved this story. I loved the way that Lexi goes from being such a planner to having some spontaneity. Lexi was really a fun character to see grow. The plot was fun and the romance sweet.

[Nari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet romance set in beautiful Hawaii. Lexie has her life's planned out and has only focused on school and her best friend Sydney. When Sydney decides to get married in Hawaii, Lexie is talked into coming. Then Lexie meets David and she thinks he is good looking but that is all. The two start to spend time together. Lexie and David discover that they are a good fit and the chemistry between them is off the charts. David asks Lexie to stay. Will she be willing to change her plans for a chance at love?

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book in a Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection. I reread it again as a stand alone novella. It is a fun, quick, clean romance. It is a story of Lexi, a self proclaimed science nerd. She attends her friends wedding in Hawaii where she is introduced to the Groom's best friend, David. A few misunderstandings and then it clicks. I enjoyed reading their story. Perfect for a quick read on the beach or in your backyard, wishing you were on the beach.

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story. I loved the main characters! This book was part of the " timeless romance anthology summer wedding " which was a great book of 6 short stories. This one is one of my favorites. It Is so well written and I felt like I got to know the characters well and was rooting for their romance to work. Highly recommend it.

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I loved this story! I loved the setting in Hawaii, I loved the characters, I loved the romance; I loved everything. I could definitely see this story as a series. I just didn't want it to end.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tide Pools is a wonderful short story. I had no problem continually turn the pages within the hour it took me to read it. There are a few laugh out moments, as well as, some beautiful romantic moments.
Fabulous read!
5 plus stars.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great novella. It's hard to pack a believable love story into so few pages but Ms. Moore did a great job. Short, sweet and clean.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Louise Pledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHARMING...

...is the adjective I'd choose to describe this novella. And just what I needed while I'm laid up in bed with a foot injury and a short attention span. With the pain meds I'm taking, my brain is sort of convoluted when I try to sort out plots, so this was the ideal read! Thank you, Heather Moore.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cheesy. I mean, I liked it, but it is one of those "love at first site and change your whole life in a weekend" kind of scenario. Like, ok. It's nice to read some fiction.

[Isis Ray-sisco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Another novella that was enjoyable for what it was but I wished there was more to the story.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Hawaiian wedding setting of this story, along with the talk of all the Hawaiian food!! I really wanted to be transported into this story so I could eat all the food!! Yum!!! Cute story of a nerdy/academic college student attending her best friend's wedding and being drawn out of her shell by the handsome best man to help discover not only more about herself but about the world outside of her studies but yet still a part of them! Such vivid details and, again, so much talk of the amazing-sounding food so I really wished this novella had a few recipes to go along with it! ha ha!!

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wedding and romance with a setting of Hawaii. What can be better than that? It was a cute story. I just love this author's writing.

I did receive this story from the author in exchange for a honest review.

[Danielle Withers · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.*

“Lexi makes a quick trip to Hawaii to attend her friend’s wedding, and she discovers that the engaged couple, Sydney and Apelu, are still trying to match-make for her. Lexi laughs because not only does their friend David have a serious girlfriend, but he owns a restaurant on the island. But when Lexi meets David, she has a hard time remembering why all of her plans were so important.”

This story was pretty cute. I loved how it was set in Hawaii! The descriptions of the humidity, beach, and plants and scenery, reminded me of the time I went to Oahu with my family and how much I loved it.

Plus, I could completely relate to Lexi and her interest with the plant and animal life around her…as well as not really being spontaneous. I’m more of a planner compared to my friends, so finding out a friend decided to move their wedding date earlier and to somewhere else completely would throw me off. However, like Lexi, I would move things around and go to my friends wedding, especially if it was in Hawaii!

Regarding Lexi’s interest in the animal and plant life, I thoroughly enjoyed that. I loved when she would pull out her notebook and would write notes about the plant(s) she was examining, such as other plants nearby and other things. Also when she pulled out her camera to film the crabs fighting over a mussel shell in the tide pools when she first met David. Those are things I tend to do when I’m out (like hiking), and sometimes drives those with me (friends and family) nuts. The reason is because they want to get to the end of the hike or finish what we were doing, where as I like to experience everything from beginning to end, especially the in between.

I’d recommend this story for those who enjoy Heather Moore as a writer, a short but sweet romance, and Hawaii. This story was originally published in A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi is a serious student, studying environmental science, so even though she's going to Hawaii for her best friend's wedding, she plans on studying and researching in her free time--but that's before she meets David, the groom's seriously hot best friend. Although she's initially annoyed by him, thinking he's making fun of her interest in tide pools and crabs, as she gets to know him, she can't deny that she might have found someone who is important enough to get her to rethink her future.

This is a great choice for a summer read; it took me less than 45 minutes to read this novella. It's fun to see Lexi loosening up a little bit as she gets to know David and to see their developing relationship. It's a clean read, with just some kissing--and I appreciate the fact that even the kissing didn't happen until after David had broken up with his girlfriend. A sweet romance for those looking for a great beach read.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Dawn Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review.

Lexi is heading to Hawaii to be the maid of honor for her best friend's wedding. She's got just enough time to spend a few days before the wedding before returning to finish her degree in Environmental Science. When she arrives, her friend tells her about a man named David who's best friends with the groom. However, Lexi is convinced that it's all nonsense since she'll only be in Hawaii for a week. Furthermore, she's planning on doing some research while in Hawaii. Then, . . . . . she meets David.

I encourage you to read what happens next.

It's a cute story of only 9 chapters, so events happen quickly. There's not much time for too much depth. But, that's OK if your goal is something to read over lunch or lounging by the pool.

Content is very clean without anything offensive. There are a few kisses.

My rating - 4 stars.

[Nashellej · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi flies to Hawaii for her best friend's wedding and is dismayed when she realizes she is also being set up with the groom's friend David. Unfortunately, not only does Lexi not live in Hawaii and is planning to return to finish school, but David has a serious girlfriend.

The biggest problem I sometimes see in novellas is that there is too much story for too few pages. This novella definitely did NOT have that problem. I actually thought this story was perfect for novella form. Enough story, but not crammed in. The perfect length for enjoying a quick and romantic read, while being the full story. This was a great novella which I hadn't read before (how did I miss the Summer Wedding Collection?!) and I really enjoyed it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tide Pools is a fun, enjoyable, and clean summer romance novella. As a fan of Heather B. Moore, this story did not disappoint and was another entertaining read. Lexi, a student at San Diego State, loves the ocean for research first and recreation second. When her roommate and good friend Sydney announces she is getting married in Hawaii in a couple of days, Lexi finds herself in Oahu as maid of honor and in a whirlwind romance. Well written, with unexpected plot twists and excellent characters, Heather B. Moore shares a charming story of seizing opportunities. Heather B. Moore gave me a complimentary copy of Tide Pools for my candid review.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me say that I'm so jealous about the characters getting to see tide pools. Every time I go to my daughter's house (in Cali) the tide pools are like at 2am. Okay, personal moment over.
What a fun, fun read about a driven young woman (Lexi) and a seemingly hang loose guy (David). I love that her friends are trying to set them up and everyone basically knows it (oh, except for the not so lovely girlfriend) I like the interactions and descriptions of Hawaii. There is some fun dialogue and a little finding yourself action.

Rating: 4 Stars
Content: Clean
Source: ARC from author

[Lisa Paskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi, the science nerd, has three days to get to Hawaii to participate in her roommate, Sydney's wedding. And she is not interested in being set up with the groomsman, David, even if he is hot. Less interested because he also has a high maintenance girl friend. Lexi finds herself letting go of what she thought was most important to be open to what is more important. This is a great afternoon of reading. Beware, you will want to book a trip to Hawaii almost immediately.

[Carol Guthrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premises of the story is exciting but all I could envision was a heartbreaking outcome in this couple's future. I guess that is the one draw back with novellas, we don't usually get an epilogue. I think I need one for this couple. :)

I was given an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute and easy romance. Lexi is not looking for love. She is dedicated to her studies, but takes the time to make the trip for her best friend's wedding. When she arrives, she finds out they are playing matchmaker.
A cute, sweet romance that takes place in Hawaii. A perfect summer read.

[Pennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tide Pools is a fun short story perfect for an after noon read. Heather paints a beautiful picture full of wonderful places, laughter, and love. Take the time to read it and trust me it will be an afternoon well spent.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. It is a sweet and clean romance that will draw you in. The only negative thing is, I wanted more, lol! Heather B. Moore is one of my favorite authors. She always delivers beautiful stories.

[Taffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean, sweet romance set in Hawaii. What isn't to love??

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, fun read! Loved seeing Hawaii through Lexi's eyes. Also loved the way it ended!

[Sarah Fisher]

Loved this contemporary novel! A really heartwarming story. Fun characters and a fun plot!! A must read, you won't be disappointed. I will read more from Heather as she is a new author to me!!