Is one week of breathtaking passion a reason to turn your life upside down?
Winter is Lacey’s arch-enemy and it won’t let up even though it’s the middle of April. She can’t get out of New York City fast enough to kick off her spring vacation in the tropics. One travel glitch and a stumbled step finds Lacey on the lap of a handsome, mysterious stranger, connecting her heart to his in a way she can’t comprehend.
Will gets a last-minute seat on a flight back home, sitting him next to a beautiful, quirky woman who blows into his life like a warm spring breeze. Her magnetism lights him up after weeks of darkness. He refuses to say goodbye until he steals one heated kiss from her.
A surprise twist of fate drops them into deep water, but the fire between them never burns out. What they thought would be a week of steamy distractions blossoms into something their hearts didn’t bargain for.
Kristina Beck was born and raised in New Jersey, USA, and lived there for thirty years. She later moved to Germany and lives there with her German husband and three children. She is an avid reader of many genres, but romance always takes precedence. She loves coffee, dark chocolate, power naps, and eighties movies. Her hobbies include writing, reading, fitness, and forever trying to improve her German-language skills.
A chance meeting which leads to more. One plane ride, a vacation and hearts on the line, equals the perfect winter escape.
When Will and Lacey meet the chemistry is instant, which is exactly what you need when your flying partner is delayed. After getting to know each other they end on a high, but little do they know their story is only just beginning.
I’m a fan of this author. The book can be read as a standalone, however, it’s part of a series which is available on KU. These are quick reads with sweet romances.
An escape with some humour, a little sadness and a swoon-worthy romance.
*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
A sweet vacation love story that starts with a bubbling, fumbling Lacey Devlin spilling her bloody Mary down her blouse and ends on a hopeful happily ever after note with Will Mayes . She's adorable girly girl, with pink hair and pink complexion. Babble non stop and radiates sunshine. "Can I put you in my pocket and take you home for whenever I need a pick-me-up?" He's the owner of a Marina and boat charter in St. Thomas and it's a perfect setting for a dream fling.
It's meet cute, romantic comedy that has uncoordinated girl and a wondrous surprise filled boy at the other, who always manages to catch her.
Overall I liked the story. It was short and insta love is sometimes hard for me to do believe so that’s a “me” issue.
There was no epilogue so I felt like it was a HFN and left some uncertainty as to what Lacey was going to do with her life. She said she had a passion for flowers so I thought she would end up opening a flower shop. So, I just didn’t feel her character had a clear direction by the end of the story.
Plus, I would have liked a view of a few years in the future to see how they made the bi-continental job thing / relationship work.
I’ll add my typical overview to this review in a bit. Gathering final thoughts.
Passions and Peonies is the second book in Kristina Beck's uplifting Four Seasons Series. If you're looking for a drama free break from these uncertain and scary times, this could be the perfect escape for you.
Lacey, beautiful and fun loving ends up with a different seat companion on a flight to her tropical getaway than the one she was supposed to be with..her stepsister, Sky. But all things wild and wonderful happen for a reason sometimes! Who is this handsome and kind man sitting in Sky's vacant seat?
Will has wrapped up a visit with a grieving friend in the snowy Northeast when the last seat opens up on a flight back home and he's fortunate enough to get it. What he wasn't expecting was to wind up next to the beautiful girl with the pink streaks in her hair he was secretly checking out earlier in the airport waiting area!
See what I mean? Fate shows her hand again! What will happen when this plane lands at it's tropical destination? Is this the end of those sparks that were very obviously there between Lacey and Will during their flight to paradise? Would it be a new beginning or just nothing more than a small moment in time to reflect back on someday with fondness?
Most of this dual POV story is set on the lovely, sunny island paradise of St. Thomas. You can almost feel the warm breeze! It's full of romance, sweet serendipity, fateful meetings and flirty fun moments that will be sure to leave you smiling in the end. There's also a great little twist in here that adds alot to that fun factor.
Passions and Peonies can be read as a standalone, although it's part of a connected series with other characters appearing or being referred to from the delightful previous release, Snowflakes and Sapphires. The seasonal theme of this series must mean the next book will be coming out in the summertime...perfect to read when you're lazing with a cold, fruity drink in your favorite warm weather spot!
A complimentary, early copy was generously provided for me to read and review.
Will and Lacey have met on an airplane. She’s vacationing for a week in the sun, and he’s going back home after the death of a friend. There’s an instant connection that neither can ignore. So when they run into each other once they get there, they want to explore what’s going on between them. But they only have a week to do it, and then they each have to go back to their lives. One week isn’t enough, but it will have to be.
This was such a sweet insta-love romance told in alternating viewpoints, so we get to see how they each develop feelings for the other. I love Lacey. She’s klutzy, quirky, and a lot of fun. Will loves all that about her, and he’s not afraid to tell her how he’s feeling. They’re perfect together. While this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. But you get to see some characters from book 1, Snowflakes and Sapphires. I love this group and every time we meet someone new, they fit into the group of friends perfectly. A super fun and swoony read.
Honestly, this book is just pretty rough. The dialogue is cringy and unnatural, the insta-love is way over the top, and the characters are so flat and fake feeling that it's hard to care about their story.
Lacey, the heroine, is just that ridiculous pixie-dreamgirl type character. Will likes her because she has pink hair, talks to strangers, and is clumsy. Seriously, at one point, her hat starts to blow off her head, and he thinks to himself, "I could never get tired of this girl."
Lacey is also ridiculously flighty and often changes her mind for no clear reason. For example, when she thinks Will has snubbed her at the hotel, she's totally pissed, and then the next time we get her POV chapter she admits that maybe it wasn't the same guy and she feels silly about being upset, and then the next time she sees Will she's all angry at him for ignoring her (so she did still think it was him?). But don't worry, it's all solved by her falling into the water and Will thinking it's adorable that she's so clumsy, and then she storms off because she's angry, or embarrassed, or something.
And of course there's her over-the-top "should I message him on Whatsapp or not" dilemma that lasts the entire book.
I'm pretty sure that if a dude has given you his number and asked you to text him, and he's already shoved his tongue in your mouth and you liked it, you're probably good to shoot him a text.
And then there's the food poisoning fiasco where Lacey acts like a child, and even at one point says, "What's happening to me. It hurts so bad." And then gets all upset about throwing up in front of the guy she likes, and worries he won't like her anymore.
Besides the lack of any depth to the characters, the story just isn't put together very well. The author does things like having the characters recount scenes to friends exactly how they happened earlier in the book. Readers don't need to re-read these things, saying "She told her what happened" is sufficient. We can remember, don't worry.
Also, there is a lot of stuff included (like the women making a big deal about the resort being all-inclusive, and Will getting excited about getting a deal on his iPhone) that is absolutely unnecessary to the plot, while a lot of stuff that needs more explanation (like why Lacey and Sky agreed to go to the club with those other dudes) is left unclear.
It's just not thoughtfully done, and there is too much filler in here. Just didn't work for me.
After reading the first book in the series; Snowflakes and Sapphires, I was so excited to read more about these characters. In the book we have Lacey the little sister of Drew needing some much needed sunshine in her life and on the plane she meets Will and the sparks fly from there. Again I loved this author and her writing. This a perfect romance story. The characters are relatable and believable. The story is inviting and I couldn't stop reading. Can't wait for more!!!
Passions and Peonies by Kristina Beck is the second book in the Four Season Series. It's a sweet and heartwarming insta-love romance that made me smile and swoon hard.
Lacey Devlin couldn't wait to get out of New York City and start her spring vacation in St. Thomas with her stepsister, Skylar. They're supposed to fly together, but Sky's flight was delayed. And Lacey ends up sitting next to a very handsome man on the plane.
Will Mayes is fortunate enough to get a last-minute seat on a flight back home after visiting his best friend who desperately needed him. And sitting next to him is a gorgeous woman with pink hair, the same woman he was watching earlier at the airport. There's just something about her that he feels drawn to her. Even though they just met, they can't deny the instant connection between them. They both thought they're never going to see each other again when the plane lands. What they don't know is that it's just the beginning of their love story.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Lacey and Will's story. I loved their flirty banter, and the chemistry between them was amazing. Together they're so sweet and perfect for one another. I'm loving this series and can't wait to read Skylar's story next!
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
This was a really sweet love at first sight, soul mate romance. Lacey is going on vacation with her friend/step sister, Skylar. There is an issue and Will ends up getting Sky's seat. When these two meet you know it's going to be awesome. Their connection was instant and I felt it. This book is full of great characters, Lacey and Will are so sweet with each other and I would love to have friends like Sky and Josh. The romance that follows is sweet and steamy with low drama. Just two people figuring out how they can fit together. One trend I have noticed about this author is her ability to put you right in the middle of her books. In Snowflakes and Sapphires I felt like I was in New York working my dream job of being a translator. In Passions and Peonies, I felt like I was in St. Thomas watching sunsets and hearing waves. I love that she can do this for me! I can't wait for Skylar's story. This is a great novella, just what I needed! I was given the opportunity to read a copy of this book.
This second installment in "the four seasons series" is a great follow up to the winter book. The author brings us to a tropical island away from cold New York and let´s her magic happen for her protagonists: I loved Lacey from the very beginning in S&S and it is just lovely to see all her different sides and quirks in this spring book. The connection and the passion between her and Will are almost palpable from the very beginning. The development of their love story set on this paradise is a real treat and let´s us get lost easily in the story. We are introduced to more members of Lacey´s extended family but are also seeing the MCs from "Snowflakes and Sapphires" again and are getting glimpses of how their relationship is developing. I cannot wait for the summer book and highly recommend not only this book but the whole series.
I was swooning SO HARD over this book from the very beginning. Wow, what a read. Will and Lacey are probably the most swoonworthy couple I've read this year. Their meet-cute packed a punch, their unexpected meeting packed a punch...their whole relationship in this book packed a punch. I loved that I got to read up on some of my favorite characters from the first series in this book, while also falling in love with Will and Lacey. This book had just the right amount of angst for me to snap it up and love it.
Thank you to Kristina for an advanced copy of this book. Can't wait for the next installment in this series!
I love this new series by Kristina Beck! These feel-good stories have the ups and downs of real life, interspersed with humour, poignant moments, and lots of romance.
Lacey is such a great character - bubbly and fun-loving, but vulnerable too beneath the surface. Her tendency to be clumsy adds some wonderful moments to the story! And who wouldn't fall in love with Will?! Sexy, serious, with eyes only for the girl he falls in love with...
With only one glorious week together before it's time to return to reality, the story keeps you enthralled and wondering how it's all going to finish. Highly recommend.
I absolutely LOVED this book! It had everything I love in a great story. Amazing characters, a fabulous story line, and of course it was full of some serious hot chemistry! Lacey and Will were such fun characters. The way they are drawn to each other right from the start was so sweet and I was laughing out loud throughout the book.
Of course the time came when the vacation for Lacey had to be over and she would need to say goodbye to Will and head back to New York. My heart broke for what she was feeling and I was on the edge of my seat wondering how things were going to work out for the two of them.
Passions & Peonies: Four Seasons Series Book 2 - Spring Kristina Beck
This is the second book in the series, and this one is about Lacey who we met in Book 1. Lacey is the sister of Drew from Book 1. Lacey is going on vacation with her step-sister, Sky, but the Sky doesn't get to NY in time for the flight. Lacey is upset, but she ends up sitting beside this hot guy, Will. They talk and flirt and have a very hot kiss at the airport, but Lacey figures that's the end of the story, even though she can't get him out of her mind. Turns out Will owns a marina right by her hotel, and they hang out when they can. The chemistry between these two sizzles and everyone can see/feel it. The week flies by and the two of them are both enamored and don't want it to end. Will spends 6 months in the Hamptons and 6 months on the island, but Lacey knows she can't just do 6 months with him. So after an amazing night with him, she leaves without saying bye because she knows she won't be able to without crying. She gets back to NYC, and even though she smiles and tries to act normal, she is not the same person anymore. Sky and Josh are tired of listening and seeing them so down, so they step in to come up with a plan to get Will and Lacey back together. I am in love with this series of Love at First Sight/Attraction. This author does an amazing job with the characters and making you feel like you are right there with them. I have loved both books so far, and very much look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Passions and Peonies is the second book in the Four Seasons Series by Kristina Beck. Lacey appeared already in the previous novella, as a secondary character, but from the very beginning she evoked very positive feelings, so when I found out that she was going to be the hero of the next story, I knew I had to read it. In Passions and Peonies, as in other books by Kristina, we witness unexpected love. Because for this author nothing is impossible in love and love appears out of the blue, in least expected circumstances. Lacey, a good-hearted, sincere and very likeable person finds the love of her life... on a plane. Not everything is as easy as it could be and Lacey and Will need to overcome some obstacles and work out their happiness. As it usually happens in Kristina Beck's books, we have some dramatic moments but they are served with a solid dose of sense of humour and good vibes - and that's what I like best about her books. The characters are juicy and you feel you could easily hang out with them. I really had a great time reading the story and would recommend it to any romantic stories lover. I also look forward to reading the next book in a series, guessing that Skylar's love adventures would be the theme of the Summer book in the Four Seasons Series :)
Such a sweet holiday quirky romance novella with Lacey and Will who meet on a plane. And as by fate meet again, however Lacey struggles with why he pretends he doesn't know her. Once again another chance meeting at the holiday resort where Lacey and her sister Skyler are staying for one weeks holiday to escape the winter on a tropical paradise, turns into a adventure with plenty of heat and sexual chemistry that can't be denied. This story was filled with so many laughs as Lacey is one accident prone lady. Both Lacey and Will know it's only a holiday romance however what they both weren't expecting was that their hearts were going to be involved. Such a warm caring beautifully written story.
Lacey is off on vacation finally, and fate steps in for her personal life. See, she's supposed to be sitting next to her step-sister, Sky, on the flight, and instead she finds herself next to a super hot man instead. That starts an amazing journey between Lacey & Will as they find a connection to each other. They have chemistry in spades which has sparks flying all over that plane but will they act on them when they land in paradise?! I have to tell you, Ms. Beck is descriptive genius, as I truly felt myself transported to St. Thomas, and when I was transported back home to Oklahoma, I found myself disappointed. So, hit those one click buttons for a tropical break from the reality of these chaotic times! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This is one of the best romantic comedies I have read. It had sexy characters that I really identified with. Lacey is a breath of fresh air with her beauty and klutzy antics. The romance between her and Will had me laughing from the minute they met to crying for the fact that they lived so far apart and how hard long distance relationships can be. I now need to read the first book in this series, as well as, other books by this author. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
This was a quick and fun read. The story moved along quickly, and for me, it was a roller coaster of emotions. Lacey and Will accidentally found themselves seated together on a plane to St. Thomas. It was an instant attraction. Neither were into flings, which I really liked, making this a bit more real. As they got closer together with an ending looming, I got teary along with Lacey. I loved how the story resolved, and I recommend this story highly.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
This author has the great ability to make stories that feel realistic and full of romance. They are so easy to read and to become immersed in that you can easily forget the skill that goes into creating them. I loved the characters, especially Lacey. It’s nice to read about female characters who are well rounded, feisty and vulnerable at the same time. From beginning to end the story flows well and leaves you waiting to discover whether Will and Lacey will find a way to be together. I highly recommend reading any of this author’s books.
This review is not going to be long. I am not a huge fan of a review rehashing the entire plot and spoiling it for everyone.
This is the first book by Kristina Beck that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked how the characters grew and interacted with each other in this book. I will purchase more of her books.
I received an ARC of this book to read for a fair review. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Passions and Peonies is the second book in the four seasons series. It's an adorable insta-love romance that you can't help but fall in love with. Lacey and Will are the perfect soulmates. I love their easy way with each other and their witty banter, and their chemistry??? H. O. T. You go through all the feels. I had tears during a few scenes, I laughed, I swooned. Kristina definitely gives you a sweet emotion filled read. I can't wait to see what she gives us with Skylar's book.
Passions and Peonies was a super fast little read, full of humor, sadness and romance. I laughed alot reading this book, my first by this author. I look forward to reading more of her work. This would be a great little beach read. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this from the author, and this is my fair and honest review.
I am loving this Four Seasons Series ~ especially Lacey's story! I loved her quirkiness, the color of her hair and her loyalty to her family. I can see the things that happened to Lacey happening to me, making me more invested in the story! I enjoyed the chemistry between Lacey and Will.
This was a quick and easy fun read. Lacey is a fun loving, clumsy character that you just can't help but like. Will has the weight of the world on his shoulders. This book made me want to book a trip to the islands and find my own Will.
Just when I think I couldn’t love this author anymore, she writes this amazing book! Passions & Peonies is a delightfully entertaining story filled with romance, humor and adventure. A perfect story to read at the end of a busy day. Definitely recommend this book and author.
Cute and charming story in which the main characters, Will and Lacey, will tug at your heart strings with their memorable personalities And adventures. Want love at first sight or instantaneous chemistry? You’ll want to read this fun sorry!
This was a sweet read. It was well written and the characters were amazing. It will take you through some sad times and most definitely the happiest time. Looking for a great read this book is the perfect one