A 2018 Rita nominee for Best mid-length Contemporary Romance of the year!
Luke Powers has a stellar career, a loaded bank account, and the perfect girlfriend. Or so he thought until she gives him a marriage ultimatum. Unfortunately, he’s just not the marrying kind. After working six months non-stop, all he wants now is a few weeks of R&R in the beach house his late grandfather left him in his hometown of Whispering Bay. But when he shows up late one night, he finds something unexpected—a naked blonde in his bed.
Sarah Jamison is the antithesis of perfect. She’s a college dropout, a bit of a slob, and annoyingly opinionated. But she also makes the best macaroni and cheese Luke has ever tasted. A roommate wasn't in Luke's summer plans, but she's here, so she and her macaroni might as well stay.
Sarah is in Whispering Bay long enough to help out a friend, then she’s off to greener pastures. Spending a few weeks with the attractive, but acerbic Luke, won't be any skin off her nose. Except, the two of them have more in common than she originally thought, and those blue eyes of his have a way of making her panties melt.
As things between them begin to heat up, Sarah and Luke have to admit, they’ve definitely fallen in lust with one another. But in love? No way.
Maria Geraci writes feel-good small-town contemporary romance. She’s a two-time RITA® Finalist and a finalist in the National Readers’ Choice Awards and Romantic Times’ American Title Contest. Her stories feature strong women, dreamy heroes, lots of laughs, and a little bit of heat. Born in Cuba, she was raised on Florida’s Space Coast. She and her husband of thirty-plus years (along with their four dogs) are thrilled to call central Florida home again. She loves hearing from readers. You can write to her at maria@mariageraci.com
Maria also writes cozy mysteries as her alter ego Maggie March.
Luke Powers finally returns home to Whispering Bay only to find that his sister and mother have rented out his house to a beautiful newcomer to town. Granted he hasn't been home in a while but really??? Not his typical way of meeting women but this one is intriguing. Sarah Jamison has the daylights scared out of her when Luke shows up in her bedroom doorway. She's only in town for a short time so renting this house for the summer worked out perfectly until the real owner shows out. With no where else to go these two decide to share the house. That shouldn't be a problem right??
Don't miss this fun sexy read as these two wunderlust people discover the love of family, roots, and community as well as a grand love for each other. Definitely a book I recommend.
Luke and his girlfriend of 3 years breaks up because she wants to take the relationship further and Luke does not want to get married. He starts getting text messages from Torie telling him that she wants him at her wedding. His ex wants him at the wedding.
He decides to go home to Whispering Bay, but he doesn't want to tell his family yet. He wants a few days to rest and relax and take in the news that his ex, is getting married and wants him to attend. She wants to invite his Mom and Dad as well.
When he gets to the beach house he has to hide his truck so his Mom doesn't find out he is home yet. But when he gets inside he finds things have been rearranged a little and a wet towel on the floor. He finds a young lady sleeping in his bed. When he wakes her up he finds his sister has rented his house out for the summer.
The book is awesome and I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Welcome to the town of Whispering Bay, where the weather is warm, the people are friendly and the love is overflowing. Looking for a way to escape the rapid pace of life? Take a break, sit a spell and watch your load become light. Ms. Geraci charms her way into the heart with her brand of hometown appeal. This Can't Be Love proves that no matter how far we roam, we're never far from home. Watching Sarah shake up Luke's world of privilege and stability had it's perks. Light, bright and just right.
Welcome to Whispering Bay where the gossip is good and the romance is racy! I enjoyed Luke and Sarah's story to the point of a belly ache! I laughed so hard at this dynamic duo! They were so wrong for each other that they were so right. I loved the push and pull of these two, and visiting with old WB friends is always my favorite part! I love Maria Geraci's writing, her style is so smooth! You breeze through her stories with much merriment and before you know it; it's over, leaving you longing for more. I have read every single one of her books and Maria is able to tell a story that sounds fresh and new every single time. I don't know how she does it but I LOVE IT!!
There isn’t anything to say about this book and author but that I love her writing style! I don’t want to read about characters that are my daughter’s age any more. This one falls in between and keeps me feeling and thinking young!
Summer is the time for fun, HEA stories and this did not disappoint! We get to meet the regularly absent Luke Powers in this book. His sister has rented out his house since he hasn’t been home in over a year. But she had no idea that he would return late one night to find someone else renting his house for the summer. Simple solution would be to make her move out and find another place to live. But Sarah Jamison doesn’t have the resources to do that even if there was a place in town to rent for the summer – which there isn’t.
She is only running The Bistro by the Beach café for the summer while the owners are away in Europe. Her life has been as nomadic as Luke’s, working in one location for sometimes weeks or months but never more than that. He is a marine engineer and works wherever the jobs take him around the world.
They couldn’t be two more opposite people. She’s up early and he sleeps late. He has more money that he will ever need and she lives paycheck to paycheck. His washboard abs are a result of eating only healthy foods and she is a gourmet chef who has a few extra curves. But they decide to try to share the house for the summer, not planning to get to know each other at all. And then they kiss. Just to know what it was like. And nature took it from there.
A heart warming love story that you will enjoy! And it does have a HEA!
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
It was great to be back in Whispering Bay with Sarah, Luke and his family and the Bunco Babes too. It's the fifth book in the series and I felt I never left! The continuation of the story flowed nicely and there was a depth to this story and Sarah and Luke's relationship that I didn't expect.
Luke is all male and Sarah notices right away upon unexpectedly meeting him naked in his bed. The characters had many layers to them but while getting closer as only friends and nothing more they revealed their innermost feelings to each other and seemed surprised to be doing so. Their chemistry, which they tried not to act on, was immediate and combustible. Luke's ex-girlfriend was a piece of work that he was lucky to be rid of although some others, namely her friends and family and his mom, didn't think so. There were a lot of interactions between the characters and the moments seemed real. I loved that Sarah didn't always have a filter for her thoughts but she was never malicious in her actions.
There were small town antics, the beach and the town, small businesses, family and friends, laughter, tears, sorrow, anger, hurt, support and a happily ever after with nice closure. There were a myriad of stories going on that were interwoven seamlessly. I for one hope we'll be back in Whispering Bay over and over again.
Geraci is one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more of her books. Whispering Bay is reminiscent to me of books by Kate Angell and Neve Cottrell.
Once again, Ms Geraci gives us a story filled not only with humor, and romance, but also with family dynamics, as well imperfect and wonderful characters that you will come to love. The author takes us back to Whispering Bay, a coastal town in Florida filled with charming residents that tend to get into each others business. In this story our main characters are Sarah and Luke. Luke, a successful and wealthy marine engineer, and considered the prodigal son, has decided to stay a few weeks in the house he inherited from his grandfather. He needs the peace and quiet it will provide before going to see his family . Upon his middle of the night arrival, he finds a naked “ goldilocks” in his bed. Sarah is working the Summer in Whispering Bay and has leased the house from Mimi, Luke’s sister, who has no idea he’s going to be staying there for part of the Summer. Thus starts the fun, when after a lot of discussions ,they agree to be roommates for the Summer. I love the way the author shows us the lives of people just like you and me. With all the imperfections, insecurities, hopes, the curveballs we are thrown and how we deal with them. Sarah and Luke will touch your hearts. A story that will make you cry, laugh, cheer for everyone and leave you wanting to live in Whispering Bay. Thank you , Ms Geraci, for another winner. I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
I made it 25% before calling it quits. I like Luke. The 37 year old is successful, handsome and I think we're supposed to think he's a bit of a prick because he doesn't want to get married, ever. But, if thats what Luke wants.. It's why he's finally been dumped by his on-again-off-again girlfriend of three years, and six months later when she announces her impending marriage to another, Luke just wants her to be happy. Of course he couldn't just tell his overbearing mother the truth and why she thinks it's her business anyway just pissed me off. Who can blame the guy for sneaking back into town for some R & R when his mother is a meddler who insinuates heart issues upon finding out he's back?
Sarah, I didn't like her. The 29 year old is running a local coffee shop for the owners while they're holidaying, she managed to get a steal by renting Luke's beach house from his sister Mimi, and Luke knew nothing of it until he found her naked in his bed. I don't have any issue with the college drop-out making awesome food and wanting to have her own food truck (sounds awesome) but her judgment of Luke was entirely uncalled for. A couple of sips of scotch and she's just spewing out crap about a relationship she knows nothing about!
I don't like her, I don't feel any chemistry between them, his mother pisses me off and I have too many TBRs to continue with this. DNF.
I love visiting the seaside town of Whispering Bay, because it's a vacation destination that I could enjoy every summer because of the Mom & Pop shops where the charming, eccentric and downright nosy residents like to hang out. They're totally unapologetic about meddling in their neighbors' lives and it causes all kinds of chaos that never fails to amuse and makes me laugh out loud. After knowing these delightful characters through 5 previous books I know they're a friendly and supportive group that always come together to make their town a great place to live and that's what makes me love reading small town romance. Favorite son and part time resident, Luke Powers arrives in the middle of the night shocked to find a naked blonde stranger sleeping in his bed. Forced to tolerate each other Luke and Sarah are loners who have to learn to coexist which makes their relationship wonderfully engaging and so much fun to read. My favorite thing about this series is the soothing sound of waves lapping at the shore that runs in a loop through my head while I'm reading about life in this small southern town. I read a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
Whispering Bay is one of my all-time favorite series so I was thrilled to see book 5, This Can't Be Love. Maria Geraci has given us a hit with Luke and Sarah’s story. From the beginning to the very end, I thoroughly enjoyed every word of this novel. It is easy to read with a well-crafted plot.
It was great getting caught up with the other residents and family in Whispering Bay, but it was Luke and Sarah that commanded my attention. I liked them from the start, finding them endearing as the story progressed.
Humorous and realistic to the point I think Maria Geraci must know some of my neighbors in my small landlocked town. There is genuine help that small communities give with the nosiness that goes along with it. Ms. Geraci does such a great job illustrating that the term “small towns” doesn’t mean small minded or simple people. Her characters are multidimensional with strong integrity and plenty of smarts.
It was wonderful to be back in Whispering Bay with This Can't Be Love. If you haven’t read the previous books, this still reads well on its own. Though be warned, you will want to read the others. I highly recommend this book to romance readers everywhere.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher/author.
This Can't Be Love is true romance. Luke and Sarah are very loveable lead characters with lots of chemistry and resistance to the idea of love and marriage. They both have their lives and dream careers all mapped out and don't think they have any room for serious relationships. Luke has even distanced himself from his great (if not manipulative) mother and family and forgotten how fun and colorful the citizens of Whispering Bay can be. If you have read any of the other books in the series, you will feel like you are coming home to visit the Bunco Babes and the Gray Flamingos along with the other great characters. But each book stands alone too, so no worries. You will love to follow Luke and Sarah as they struggle with seemingly impossible barriers to their budding romance, as well as manipulative ex girlfriends, parents in denial, and a strong physical attraction to each other. I loved the idea of kissing each other just so they would know what it was like. The same for one time sex. Good luck with that! I could not put the book down until I found out how it all worked out. You will enjoy it too.
When Luke Powers' girlfriend gives him an ultimatum, he chooses to break up. When, just months later, he's invited to her wedding, he realizes it's time for a vacation. He's an engineer who works with companies located on the water, helping them make sure that they are being environmentally safe and travels all over the United States. That means he hasn't been to see his family in Whispering Bay for almost a year. So he heads back to the house his grandfather left him. But there's already somebody in his bed... Sarah Jamison just wants to earn another $5k so she can open her food truck. She didn't even finish college and her life has been peripatetic so she in no way can measure up to a man who is clearly the apple of his mother's eye. Plus, he's the pattern card of a man who doesn't want to get married. That's not exactly her dream either but that doesn't mean she'll just jump into bed with a guy just because he's hot. I didn't read any of the other books in this series but didn't feel like I needed to to understand what was going on in this book. The story was a bit thin but the characters were fairly well developed.
I have absolutely no idea how she does it, but Maria Geraci is able to put you under a spell with the pure magic of her words!! I honestly can't even tell you the last time I laughed so hard and enjoyed a book so immensely. This Can't Be Love is my favorite book this year!
Going back to Whispering Bay feels like coming home. I got so nostalgic revisiting all my favorite friends. I'm so emotionally invested in the people of Whispering Bay. (Seriously, how does Maria Geraci do that?). Luke and Sarah were no exception. OhEmGee, did I freaking LOVE these two! Sarah has a way of saying exactly what is on her mind... even if she shouldn't. She is one of my favorite characters ever! And Luke is SO dreamy!! They are perfection together!
This is a must read!!! My only "complaint" is that I started this book before bed and absolutely couldn't stop until the wee hours of morning!! All in all, this is the best kind of book ever!
I happen to be a big Maria Geraci fan and I've read all of the Whispering Bay Series. This is my favorite so far. Mind you, after the first chapter or so I was afraid this was going to be one of those typical "came home unexepectedly and found a stranger in my bed" tropes. But the characters are too interesting to fall into the typical pattern. Both the h/H are smart and engaging.
I've never been fond of reviews that retell the plot, so I'm including what I look for:
Are the characters intelligent and interesting or cringe-worthy? I would definetly like to meet these people in real life. Does the author mistake sex scenes for plot and romance? No. Although there are some sex scenes in the book, this is definitely a romance. And there is an enjoyable story line. Vocabulary - The characters are capable of speaking and not just swearing!
I was so happy to be back in Whispering Bay. This is Book 5 in the series. I have read and enjoyed all of them, but you do not have to read all of them to enjoy this one. Each can be read as a standalone. When I started reading this book, I felt like I was back among old friends. Marie Geraci does such a great job developing the characters, that you really feel like they are your friends. Then, she also tells a beautiful and engaging story, that you can not put down. I love Sarah, who usually says exactly what she is thinking, with no filter. Then, there is Luke, with the sexy abs, and Whispering Bays most eligible bachelor. Together, as "friends", they are so entertaining , but there is also just the right amount of seriousness. I highly recommend reading all 5 of the books in this series, beginning with Book1, just because I know you will enjoy all of fhem, but you do not have to. At the least, one click this one. I voluntarily reviewed this advance copy.
This is book 5 in the Windswept Bay series by Maria Geraci. I think each book is better than the previous book! I loved coming back to the characters I had met in the other books and I liked delving into Luke Power's life and to see what makes him tick. The story is fun and it will make you laugh at times and feel sad too. The main characters of Luke and Sarah Jamison are very likeable and you can feel their chemistry as the story develops. I love how Sarah is not afraid to tell it like it is to Luke or anyone else. Throw in an ex girlfriend and you have a very interesting story. I think this book is now my new favorite in the series! I received an advance copy of the book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Luke and Sarah are my favorite Whispering Bay couple, hands down. They are a great match in personality, charm and drive. This newcomer to town fits right in with the townspeople who Luke love and realizes he has missed after years of not being around. While it's always nice to catch up with old friends from former books, sometimes it can be too much of a good thing. My only pet peeve in this read is Luke's mother, Ann. What a piece of work! Of course, I knew this, having read the rest of the series and experiencing her attitude in Mimi and Zeke's book. But I loved how respectful Luke was of her, even as I wanted to smack her! Regardless of this, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Luke and Sarah fall in love, despite their protests and resistance to it. It made this fun read even better!!
Luke Powers is trying to sneak into Whispering Bay, Fl for a well-earned rest at his beach house. Sarah is managing a cafe in Whispering Bay while the owners take a much deserved vacation. She thought she had hit the jackpot when she was able to rent a beach house for a small fee. Luke arrives late and finds a blonde sleeping in his bed. The summer is going to be a wild ride! Whispering Bay is a tourist town. It still has all the elements that make a small town so nice to live in. Everyone knows you and knows your business but they are right there to supportyou if you need it. I love this series. Luke and Sarah are both loveable, damaged people. You will not regret spending a coule of days in Whispering Bay!
This was the first book I read of Maria Geraci's work, and I was NOT disappointed. The story flowed nicely with interesting & funny characters. A great, light, romantic read. Although it is 5th a series, it's also a great stand-alone novel.
Neither Luke or Sarah ever considered themselves the marrying type, never mind ever starting a family, but that changes once they realize their "friends with benefits" relationship grew into something more. They didn't even see it coming, but their family & friends saw it from miles away.
It was fun to read their story, and how they grew from friendship, to partners, to being an actual couple.
Maria has a way of writing that pulls you in, and takes you on a journey with her characters.
We are back in Whispering Bay and it is good to be home! Luke needs a break from his life and has retreated to the beach house only to find someone already there. Sarah is in town for a short while and has rented the house from his mother and sister since he never uses it. No harm, no foul, they both can co-exist together for a while and survive, right? This was such a fun story with all the charm expected from this author. The characters and dialogue are so well developed you feel as if you are right there with them.
An Enjoyable Read. The way this book began (with the girlfriend demanding to move up to the next level) I thought ultimatums never work. It didn't. I was surprised by how he reacted--going home to lick his wounds. When he finds an occupant in his beach house, he expects her leave. Uh uh. She has a lease. A meet cute. For a man who doesn't want to marry, Luke is discombobulated by Sarah who doesn't believe in love.
I didn't find Luke that engaging at the beginning, but I liked watching him change. Sarah was charming right from the start. Nobody runs roughshod over her, like Luke tried to do. The story moves quickly. With help from friends and family, Luke and Sarah get a satisfying ending.
What a great, laugh-out-loud book! Luke comes home to his beach house, only to find a naked blonde, Sarah, in his bed. His sister had rented out the house since he hadn’t been home in over a year. Since there is no where else to go, and she has a signed lease, they decide to share the house. Sarah is just there for the summer, working in a cafe and saving her money to buy a food truck. Luke is an engineer, working all over the world, and never stays anywhere very long. They are completely opposites, but they can’t fight their feelings. I loved how this played out, and can’t wait to read more of this series.
I enjoyed this one except that from the description I was expecting both parties to have sworn off the traditional marriage/babies path but that wasn't quite the case. Sarah is wary of relationships and wants to establish and rely on herself but she does, apparently, want the whole "traditional" family thing eventually. I was bummed in the end that they both came to that inevitable "we really do want to have it all" conclusion. I was thinking they would happily work on their careers and swear off kids and do some traveling together. Heads up that bedroom scenes were fade-to-black if that's your thing.
This story is heartwarming and fun! Luke is a serious businessman who is a workaholic and doesn't have any plans of getting married. Sarah want to travel the Florida pan handle with her food truck making people happy serving great comfort food and has no desire to settle down with anyone. When Luke and Sarah meet it is, needless to say, explosive but they eventually work it out and begin to learn that what is on the outside isn't always what really is on the inside! I really enjoyed Luke & Sarah's story, especially the ending!!
Funny, sweet...Luke Powers is so business orientated and misses out a lot with his family. Coming home to Whispering Bay was partially to relax, and of course see his family. What he got instead was a shock to say the least. A very naked Goldilocks in his bed. But shes not at all what he expects. She even points out to him what really matters.
Sarah doesn't know what to do now that Luke is back. She has nowhere to go. They agree to be roomies. He even asks her a huge favor. His ex is getting married, and he wants her there. Oh boy won't this be fun..
This whole series is a fun look at relationships and love in Whispering Bay, FL. This is a standalone. You don't need to have read all the books to be able to follow along with this book, but Maria checks in with characters from previous books in the series, so it will make you want to read all the books. I thoroughly enjoyed the roundabout way Luke and Sarah came to the realization that they want to be together always. I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author for my enjoyment and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
He was a work alcoholic and she was a free spirit with a purpose. They were not supposed to fall for each other but fate had other ideas as they end up living together during the summer at his beach house.
He was looking for an escape as he was invited to his ex girl friend’s wedding where he really did not want to attend. He did not want a relationship but soon decided that h wanted more despite the no string benefits for the summer. Will they be able to take the next step? A sweet and flirty romance.
Welcome back to Whispering Bay where love blossoms. I loved Sarah. She is a tell it like it is person. She works hard, is smart and loyal. She also doesn't believe in love, marriage or kids. Now Luke Powers is a hometown kid who grew up and has made a reputation for himself. He travels around the world. He also doesn't believe in love, marriage or kids. These two don't stand a chance. You will definitely smile and laugh reading this book.
I couldn't stop reading this book when I started it. It was so funny and sweet to read.Maria always has so mutch positive energy in her stories. I admit,I had to stop reading early in the morning when I had hit my face two times with my ereader.I highly recommend to read this book and all previous books in the serial.(All Maria's books) I loved it,once again Thank You Maria.I can't wait for the next book:)