Cherish on the Cape

Cape Van Buren: On the Cape #3

by M.K. Meredith

On the rocky, atmospheric coast of Cape Van Buren, Maine…

Ever practical Claire Adams has been dealt an impossible blow, she’s lost her fiancé the night before their wedding, then shortly after, her unborn child. But for everyone else, it seems, life continues on, and with all the wedding and pregnancies in town, the aching hole in her heart continues to grow. Knowing she can’t be the only person suffering from loss, she starts a coping-through-art program at the new Archer Conservation Park of Cape Van Buren. She will never have the family of her dreams, but helping other’s overcome grief is the exact kind of distraction she needs. Until she finds herself working alongside the one man who reminds her exactly why remaining single is her best life strategy.

When it comes to dating, Mitch Brennan has two simple keep it casual but make every moment memorable. Only now, his life-of-the-party reputation isn’t making his run for the City Attorney’s seat easy. So he agrees to some pro bono work, consulting for the new Conservation Center—and he has one month to change people’s minds. Except escaping his playboy image is harder than he imagines, especially when he’s paired with the sexy but still grieving event planner—who is in desperate need of a happy memory of her own. But one laugh leads to a kiss, and before he knows it, he realizes he’s broken his number one rule. Now the biggest risk of all isn’t losing out on the attorney seat, it’s losing her.

Can two hearts terrified of love brave the waves or will fear keep them from reaching the shores of happy ever after?

Genres: Romance

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2018

About the author

I write single title contemporary romance novels, promising an emotional ride on heated sheets. As a member of several writing groups, I believe the best route to success is to never stop learning.

I've had a lifelong love affair with peanut butter -- the only two things coming close in the battle for my affections are gorgeous heels, and maybe Gerard Butler...or was it David Gandy? Who am I kidding? My true loves are my husband and two children who have survived my SEA's (spontaneous explosions of affection) and lived to tell the tale.

I've been reading romance long before I should have and can’t think of anything better than to fill my life with the promise of happily-ever-afters.

Reviews

[M.K. Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Adams will melt your heart and Mitch will make you swoon. She's been handed a rough deal in life, left to organize the happy ever afters of everyone else. But she really wants to make a difference in the lives of her loving community. And she's found the way to do it in an unlikely alliance with the town's most eligible bachelor Mitch Brennan.
Get your tissues and your cold shower ready for this contemporary romance!
Haven't read the first book in the series, Love on the Cape yet? Read it here for FREE! Link: https://mkmeredith.com/your-free-book/
And if you sign up for my mailing list, you can read the second book, Honor on the Cape for FREE as well! Link: https://mkmeredith.com/mks-heat-sheet/
But don't hesitate to grab Cherish on the Cape. Once you visit this sweet town of Cape Van Buren, you'll be hooked!
Hugs, loves, and peanut butter!
MK Meredith

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Adams has had it rough after losing her fiancé and her baby. She doesn't want anything to do with relationships, but she does want the chance to feel wanted by a man again just for a short time. Luckily, Mitch Brennan is willing to help her. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more she finds herself doing the one thing she knows she shouldn't -- falling in love. Will Claire and Mitch get their shot at happy ever after or do their past demons have too much of a hold on them to ever give each other a chance?

There is so much to love about this incredible series by Ms. Meredith, and I've got to say that this story is another fantastic addition and wraps up this series marvellously. Really, the main characters were enthralling due to the heroine's heartbreaking back story and the hero's reasons for not wanting a relationship; the dialogue was extremely entertaining and had me loving how these two go from enemies to lovers to finding their happy ever after; the obstacles these two face to be together had me reading quickly, determined to discover whether they'd overcome them; and the secondary characters kept me entertained as much as the main ones, even though they can be a little too interfering at times when it comes to this couple's relationship and believing they should be together.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine, and I could understand why neither of them are looking for happy ever after with what they've both been through. However, in saying that, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked that she took a chance on the hero, even though he could end up breaking her heart. I also liked how these two help each other to heal and the decisions they make because love is worth fighting for. While the hero, he's confident, charming, hard-working and I liked how determined he was to show the town he's the right person for the job he wants. Will he get his shot? Will the people of the town support him? I also liked the close friendships and relationships these two have with their friends and family because they have a good support system. Then again, there's nothing like good advice.

Overall, Ms. Meredith has delivered a superb read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts; the romance was nicely-detailed and shows how right these two are for each other, especially since they help each other to heal from their pasts; and the ending had me loving the way these two are reunited after their relationship goes awry because they're so good together and shouldn't let anything stand in their way of being together. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as the interactions are priceless, especially when Claire manages to get the last word in and prove she can say the word everyone thinks she doesn't like to say. I recommend Cherish on the Cape by MK Meredith, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Marina Adair, Catherine Bybee, Jill Sanders and Kim Law.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Romance Is Ageless

The Cape Van Buren series has been such an emotional journey, and Cherish on the Cape will certainly add to the emotions experienced with Claire and Mitch’s romance. While the cover description blurb will certainly tell you what to expect from this story… it does little to prepare you for what you will feel, the deep emotional attachment you’ll form or the times you’ll want to grab characters by the shoulders and either shake them or hug them tight. I don’t believe I can convey to you how much this story will touch your heart, but it will and you’ll be enriched by the experience. There are events and background information that flows from one story to the next in this series, and I do suggest that you read them in order, if you can. On its own this one is a powerful romance, yet if you followed the series you’ll find even more to care about and react to, in my opinion.

There are moments in life that fear takes over and changes our direction. Fear is at the base of the romance between Mitch and Claire. Mitch is, on the surface, a man who will never settle down, who flits from beauty to beauty rarely being serious about anything. But that’s not the true Mitch, it’s the man he allows others to see though. A life changing event in his childhood has made him the man he is today, a man who will never allow himself to fall in love and chance hurting someone he loves. It’s not logical, but it is his belief that eventually he’ll do something to hurt those he loves enough that they’ll leave – and he will not allow that to happen. So, he rarely allows anyone, even his best friend, to see the real Mitch. But, Claire is getting closer than he’s comfortable with… if only he wasn’t falling in love with her.

Claire lost so much when road rage took not only the man she was to marry, but their unborn child a few day later. Now she lives on the edge of life for she will never, ever experience that kind of pain again… so she’ll never marry, never have any children. Her work with children through art therapy will be enough – or so she tells herself.

Two people who have close mutual friends, who also work at the Archer Conservation Park, and are drawn to each other even though they’ll claim that there is no attraction between them are about to begin a journey together. It’s going to be painful, full of potholes and rocky moments. But if they can be honest with themselves and each other… at the end of that journey they’ll find a love to last a lifetime.

Cherish on the Cape is an emotional romance. One that digs down past what’s on the surface and brings all of that out to be examined and maybe healed. It’s not going to be easy, but it will be worth the pain in the end. I was completely wrapped up in this story, and put through the emotional wringer as well. I discovered two people who were quite different than I thought by the ending of their book, and following along on that adventure was pure enjoyment. If you enjoy a tender, sexy, emotional romance between unlikely people, and learning who those people truly are then you’ll enjoy this one.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

[BlueBug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of these stories is as romantic and heartbreaking as the last. And I am drawn to Cape Van Buren more with each word.

We learn so much about Claire Adams through the other two books in the series, and my heart just goes out to her for what she's been through. It's totally understandable why she doesn't date when we know she's lost everything - her fiance and her unborn baby - once before. She lives in her own type of exile from the world though she dips her toes in long enough to be a part of the community and to give extra jabs to Mitch Brennan for his choice of lifestyles, a carefree playboy.

Mitch has his own backstory, and in his mind, he has good reason for being the way he is where women are concerned. But he doesn't feel it's meant for him. It isn't as if he isn't attracted to Claire as she is an attractive woman, and she's fun to have verbal spar with on occasion. But she deserves better than him.

Each of them is thrown into circumstances that could make or break them, and they are pushed together and apart. Will they find what they're looking for in each other, and will it stand the tests that are thrown at them from so many sides?

Every time I read one of the Cape Van Buren books, I want to pack my bags and move there for my little romance story. The characters are alive with angst and joy and humor, and they draw you into their lives like a lighthouse to the fisherman. Knowing Claire's story and learning Mitch's, I was brought to tears. But the author and the people of the cape don't let you wallow for long because there's always something going on, and there are always reasons to laugh. And usually it has to do with something steamy that has or hasn't happened yet but is unfolding in front of them. I absolutely loved this one as much as the others, and I hope the author has plenty more stories from the cape.

[Kristen Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Three in Meredith's On the Cape series brings us the story of Claire and Mitch - two people so very perfect for each other, but only if they can let go of their fears.

I've been waiting for Claire's story since we met her and heard about her tragic life - her losses are great and the pain she still feels prevents her from moving on - from wanting to move on. But Claire's not a woman who can live without love in her life, she craves happiness even when she believes she doesn't want it.

Mitch has no use for a real relationship, which is why he's content to portray his playboy ways and convince everyone of them. Until that visage might affect him in other ways, namely losing out on the city seat he wants. But Mitch could never have guessed where his course would lead him or how one task would change his life.

Claire and Mitch both have their pains from the past, they've both suffered losses - though in different ways but it has affected their outlook on life, their quest to have a pain free future. But the connection between them, the undeniable chemistry, and a little spark could show them that sometimes life surprises you in the most delightful ways and often when we aren't looking for love - it smacks us in the face.

Cherish on the Cape is an emotional read, a story of finding love where you least expect it and moving on from the past. Letting go of the pain that bound you and giving in to the risk of having your heart on the line. The interactions between Claire and Mitch will suck you in and keep you hooked, laughing with them, watching as they grow closer and closer, and rooting for them to find a way to make it all work - for them to realize just what they've found.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has on page sex and lots of cussing including a lot of f-bombs. If those things will cause you to leave a bad review, this isn't the book for you. Although this is the third book in the series and Claire's story definitely comes into play during the first two books, you do not have to read those to enjoy this one. (But you should at least read Love On The Cape because it's a gorgeous book and does give a lot of great background on Claire's story.)

This is the book of this series that I was most looking forward to, so I was also the most nervous about this one because Claire deserved a beautiful happily ever after, and I just wanted it so badly for her. Unsurprisingly, Ms. Meredith did not disappoint with the story she built for Claire and Mitch. Claire's adult life had been one of loss and unbearable heartache, but Mitch was the perfect hero for her, showing her that it was okay to give her heart away a second time. Mitch was wonderful - I really loved the way that he pushed Claire to figure out who she was and what she actually wanted out of life, to push herself beyond the emotional boundaries that she'd set for herself. And (slight spoiler to end of this paragraph) when she decided to begin a sexual relationship with him, he made sure that she was absolutely certain because he didn't want her to make a hasty decision. That fact made me love him even more. And the “grand gesture” moment at the end of the book? That was incredibly beautiful. I loved it.

Also, their first kiss was absolutely awesome. Not everyone will understand that scene's significance, but I did and it was perfection.

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful message! I loved Claire and Mitch! They have a hate hate relationship. Sarcasm has been the glue to their relationship. Until they dance together at a wedding. Then they talk, really talk. Claire finds there is more to him than the playboy image he projects. And he finds a beautiful soul afraid of losing her heart and soul again. Claire has not had an easy time at life. Having lost her fiance the night before their wedding, she was lost. Then the loss of her child made her build walls around her heart so big and wide that it would be impossible for anyone to get through. Mitch was raised by a single mom when his father left them all behind. He learned from his mother how to appreciate life and the moments that make up life.
Mitch and Claire make a deal. She wants a art program to work with kids and through art their problems. Her program needs approval from Mitch son has the perfect gunieae pig. He doesn't think her program will work. She's ready to prove him wrong. Claire needs to get back into the dating pool. Mitch is the perfect person to show her how to date without commitment. He's the safe bet.
I loved Mitch. He is one of the most misunderstood characters I have ever read. He is devoted to his town and the people in it. But his past and his reputation is getting in the way. He is frustrated since the town council won't take him seriously.
The relationship that develops is so natural. I loved the way they see each other in a way that no one else does and how the defend eaxh other to anyone who would listen. Well done and written.

[Carma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherish on the Cape is book 3 in the On the Cape series by MK Meredith. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it was a pretty good first read. I give it a 3.75 stars out of 5.

Claire Adams lost her fiancé in an auto accident then shortly after lost pregnancy at 7 ½ months. She mourns, she grieves, she moves on the best she can. She feels like she needs to put herself back out there to date but also feels like she is betraying Jimmy’s memory by doing so. That and she’s totally socially awkward, especially around Mitch Brennan. He has women lined up around the block to get a chance with him.

Mitch Brennan is a ladies man, or so everyone assumes. Truth is, while he has had his fair share of entertainment from the fairer sex, they have always known where he stood and respected that. He never took advantage of any woman and he doesn’t plan to start now. The one woman he is interested in could not care less about him or his “moves”.

Mitch offers a trade of services to Claire to help them both sort out their issues. He will take her therapy art course, to help work out the kinks. And she will let him coach her on the better points of dating. What could go wrong?

Claire and Mitch travel down the friendship road, working on their respected issues while realizing the person perfect for them is the last person they’d expect and also right in front of their faces.

I received a copy without expectation for review; any and all opinions expressed are my own. While I enjoyed the story, it seemed to ramble on a little too much at times and I found myself skimming. There were also errors in my copy, as is the case with advance copies, so some names etc may be different at actual time of publication. While I will probably read another title by Ms Meredith, I don’t feel like her writing style would land her a spot on my go to shelf.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Adams is the outsider looking in as her best friends are now both happily married. After losing her fiancé and unborn son, she's decided she can NEVER go through the pain that comes with loving someone. So she chooses to avoid relationships and guard her heart to great extremes. Until...

Mitch is known, seen as Cape Van Buren's playboy. But that's not who Mitch truly is. Having grown up around men who are abusive to their family's or abandon their family's, he's decided love and happily ever afters aren't for him. So he lets people believe what they want...to his detriment. When he decides to apply for City Attorney, he finds no one thinks he can do the job as they see him as a playboy. All except Claire....

This is the third and final novel in this series. I also thinks it's the best! Mitch was so patient and kind to Claire, getting her to experience life "in color". They are like oil and water separately, but together they are perfection! I loved their witty banter too. Claire was Mitch's perfect match and her art program was essential in getting Mitch to realize he's NOT his dad. Loved it! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

[AnneKR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire has been dealing with the tragedy of losing her husband and unborn baby. She is terrified of going through that kind of pain again, so she closes herself off to dating and throws herself into her art program. It doesn’t help that she is surrounded by her closest friends finding love and starting a family. She knows it isn’t in the future for her, but she is tired of being lonely. Mitch is a mutual friend of her friends and is a thorn on her side and annoys her to no end. He is running for city attorney and his playboy reputation is what he’s known best for. As Mitch and Claire are thrown into work together, their feelings of dislike turn into something else entirely. Mitch knows of Claire’s history and even though he is attracted to her, he knows she deserves better.

It’s understandable that Claire is scared to love again. Mitch is also scared – scared that he will hurt Claire somehow and not be the man she deserves. But the heart wants what the heart wants and these two cannot escape each other. This is a fantastic continuation to the On the Cape series!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader’s copy.

[Tina Hobbs Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Not only that, but you know how long it's been since a man has held me? Since I've kissed anyone?..." Claire Adams lost her fiancé, then her unborn child. It's been years, but she just can't let go of her sadness. She can't move on. She's not sure she even wants to.

Mitch Brennan is happily single, enjoying his career and has little patience for Claire Adams' constant (and obvious) disapproval. He suspects their bristling and banter is more like foreplay, but really doesn't want to admit it.

Claire begins to think she might be open to putting herself back in the dating world, and Mitch is offering his "help". Seems that she desperately needs it, considering she keeps running out on any potential dates.

The more Claire gets to know Mitch, she realizes there is more to him than than most realize.

These two characters bring a wonderful story to the page. I have been anticipating Claire's story and the author did not disappoint. Claire and Mitch's happy ending is everything I could have hoped.

[Reading Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I begin with how much I felt for Claire? This woman has been through hell. The loss of her fiancee and then their unborn child is just so much for a 25 year old to bear. Mitch is the typical player. He works hard and has lots of casual relationships but nothing that could possibly resemble anything serious. He hides his emotions behind his cocky attitude. Claire deserves way better than he could ever give her or so he believes. Now it's three years since Claire's world has been turned upside down and these two may start as oil and water but they can become so much more if they both will open up their hearts and let down their guard. Cherish on the Cape is Claire's story of finding herself again and opening up to love and Mitch's story of breaking the protective shell and letting himself love. The story stands alone however I highly recommend reading the two previous books because there is a cast of characters that appear throughout. It's told from dual POV and there's some light hearted moments, a lot of angst, laughs and a bit if heat.

[Cheyenne Nicholls-pecino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved returning to the cape and it's fantastic inhabitants. I adore the way everyone is there for eachother and one whole family even though the ladies are divided they just have eachother to motivate one another.
Our main characters were written with love and great care.
Mitch and Claire both have strong opinions and stand by what the want and need. I love that in them.

this book just made me want to jump right in to its world and be friends with all of them and have that delish moonshine!

This is a must read! The whole series if fantastic, MK takes you to another world and it is heart wrenching soulful and the Joy and bliss that we receive at the end makes it all worth it!

Well? your still here? go read it already!

[BookSnuggle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherish on the Cape is book number three in the On the Cape series by MK Meredith. This is Claire Adams and Mitch Brennan's story.

Claire and Mitch's story was a journey of finding healing. I enjoyed their characters and their love/hate relationship. The banner between Claire and Mitch was a lot of fun.

This is an emotional, heartwarming, fun, and hot chemistry read. Neither are interested in love. Will Claire and Mitch be able remain as just friends? Or will their friendship turn to more? At times I wanted to knock some sense into Claire and Mitch. The supporting characters add to the story too, especially Maxine!

FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Rae Latte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherish is raw, real, and hit home on a personal level.

Are you ready for a coastal bookcation with characters that hook you in from the first page?

Many people have said that the only thing standing in between you and your dreams is fear and this rings true throughout the story. Fear is toxic when you give it the power to destroy everything you desire.

Claire and Max must push beyond their own fears to have a love that's greater than anything they've ever known. One-click for a story of love lost, love found, and the ability to understand that sometimes the greatest gift we are given is the opportunity to have more than one great love.

I received an advance book from the author for my honest and fair thoughts. I can't wait to share this series with my friends!

[J Lundsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I've been looking forward to Claire's story and it was fantastic. Claire lost everything four years ago and only now is starting to climb out of her deep well of grief. She has new friends and a new business. She would love to find a man, but only for companionship, she has no plans to ever fall in love again. As much as I loved watching Claire find happiness, it was Mitch that really stood out for me here. The playboy lawyer is SO much more than he lets on and it was amazing to watch him fall in love.

Another fantastic book from MK Meredith!!

[Trisha Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the previous "Cape" novels, MK manages to capture the beauty of Cape Van Buren and the people who live there. I want to live there! Cherish takes us on the journey of Claire and Mitch. Claire lost her fiancee in a tragic car accident on the night before their wedding; Mitch is a serial womanizer who never wants to settle down. They can barely stand to be in the same room together, but when Mitch offers to help Claire with her "dating game", what does she have to lose? This is a definite must read to find out. *Disclaimer - Reviewer received advanced reader copy

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherish on the Cape, the latest in MK Meredith’s on the Cape series, takes Mitch and Claire to the next level. We’ve been watching them flirt with each other throughout the series and their time has finally come. The slow build of the last several novels pays off; Meredith delivers an emotional and satisfying read. For full impact, start at the beginning. If you don’t want to wait, you’ll catch on fast.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherish on the Cape Book 3~ an on the Cape

Wow! Fantastic! This is my first book I have read in this series. I will most definitely need to go back to the first two books in the series. The story was really good. I fully enjoyed it!

Claire and Mitch story~
Claire~ Four years ago she lost everything and starting to get back up
Mitch~ Playboy
Both of them~ Perfect couple, suffered loss

Such a beautiful story. Well written. Very good read!

[Ashley Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started this, I couldn’t put it down. I’ve been a fan of Claire since book one and am happy she got her story and happily ever after. Claire didn’t want a relationship for fear of falling in love and Mitch was the confirmed bachelor. They each make a deal for something they want and as in some cases, the outcome was more than they could hope for. The characters and story were well written and keep you entertained til the last page.

[Clare Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

MK Meredith has done it again. She made me fall in love with her fictional town, Cape Van Buren, and all it's quirky people.
Claire and Mitch started as not quite enemies, but the sparks flew from the get go. You will laugh and cry along with the antics that lead you to believe that love is out there.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story in the On the Cape series. Like all of M.K Meredith's books this will tug at all of your emotions and there is lots of humor woven into the story. This book is about Claire learning to let go of such a heartbreaking loss and learn to trust herself to love again. You will fall in love with Cape Van Buren and all the people that live in this small town.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL STORY!! Another beautiful story from this phenomenal author. Her writing is so elegant, she makes you feel all the emotions of the characters. Mitch and Claire's story will push all you emotion buttons and keep you turning pages. I am so glad I 1-click this book and I know you will too.

[Michele Surbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Claire's story. My heart was broken for her. Cherish is a story of second chances, of love, of grace, and of more love. It was a gorgeous story from beginning to end.

I wish I could read it for the first time again. Claire and Mitch give me hope for love. Thank you MK. I loved them.

[Stephanie Mahnke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire's story did not disappoint. Mitch is the perfect partner for her to fall in love again after the heartbreaking loss of her fiance and baby. Can they weave through obstacles along the way to finally finding love? Will Maxine and others get in the way or help them? Grab some moonshine and find out!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

nother great read from MK. Claire and Mitch was an unlikely couple but friendship love companionship and laughter and support is what I would describe them to be. It was great to find out more about the previous characters in the series and can’t wait to read the next book

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by this story. Meredith does not disappoint when she writes her books. The characters are amazing and wonderful. The cover are is beautiful.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cherish on the Cape! Such an amazing story from an incredible author. MK Meredith knows how to write stories that have all the feels. Loved it.

[Sherri Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my favorite On the Cape Novel. I love the chemistry between Claire and Mitch. MK continues to write stories that I look forward to reading.

[Kim Otis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book was Heartbreakingly romantic. The characters were well written and very life like. I hope that there is more to come with this series.