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Tierney Bay #1
So Close
The inn is her life. He needs to tear it down.
Auburn Campbell loves Beachcrest Inn. Working there saved her sanity as a teenager and got her back on her feet after a controlling relationship. So when Trey Xavier shows up, threatening to demolish Beachcrest, she’s ready to fight. Nothing riles her up like a hot guy in an expensive suit on a power trip—in the worst and best ways.
Trey screwed up. And now he needs this land deal or he’ll lose his business. He built his company from scratch so he could take care of his family the way his dad never did. But it would be a lot easier for Trey to stand his ground if Auburn didn’t tempt him so badly. He hasn’t wanted anyone like this in a long time. Maybe ever.
After a few days of summer sun, Auburn and Trey are both losing their heads—and maybe their hearts, too. Except they’re both out of practice at losing.
Only one thing’s certain: The Fourth of July in Tierney Bay will have plenty of fireworks this year.
Auburn Campbell loves Beachcrest Inn. Working there saved her sanity as a teenager and got her back on her feet after a controlling relationship. So when Trey Xavier shows up, threatening to demolish Beachcrest, she’s ready to fight. Nothing riles her up like a hot guy in an expensive suit on a power trip—in the worst and best ways.
Trey screwed up. And now he needs this land deal or he’ll lose his business. He built his company from scratch so he could take care of his family the way his dad never did. But it would be a lot easier for Trey to stand his ground if Auburn didn’t tempt him so badly. He hasn’t wanted anyone like this in a long time. Maybe ever.
After a few days of summer sun, Auburn and Trey are both losing their heads—and maybe their hearts, too. Except they’re both out of practice at losing.
Only one thing’s certain: The Fourth of July in Tierney Bay will have plenty of fireworks this year.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2020
45 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Serena Bell
54 books748 followersNewest Release!
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Sign up for new release updates here! http://www.serenabell.com/newsletter
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Sign up for new release updates here! http://www.serenabell.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 5, 2020
Serena Bell is one of my auto-read contemporary romance authors so I’m always excited to see a new release by her, especially if it’s the start of a brand new series. But there’s a little surprise for her regular readers because she’s set the series, Tierney Bay, in a familiar location. In 2015, she published Turn Up the Heat, a title that at this time is no longer available (but I hope may be self-published soon?) which made my best of that year list for its sexually intense romance between an ex-con and an aspiring chef, and it was set in Tierney Bay. So it’s a familiar locale for me but with brand new characters and situations in So Close to entice new readers into her enjoyable and entertaining stories.
Vacation destination Tierney Bay, on the coast of Oregon, sees its share of tourists, and Auburn Campbell wants to keep them coming to the Beachcrest Inn, where she worked as a teenager and now manages for the owner Carl who is hospitalized. Carl has promised that when he retires (and that’s looking like a distinct possibility) he’ll sell it to her and that’s the new future she’s envisioned for herself. After leaving her controlling ex back in New York, she’s reconnecting with her siblings and feeling settled for the first time in a while. Sure, she might feel a tinge of attraction to the sex in a suit who offers to buy her a drink at Bob’s Tavern, clearly a businessman just passing through, but the scent of his cologne, the same as her ex wore, is a sharp wake-up call that rich, arrogant men are not worth any more of her time.
Only, she can’t brush him off as easily as she’d thought when he turns out to be her boss’s grandson. Trey Xavier is in Tierney Bay to, in his words, “address the business and financial situation” of his grandfather and it isn’t good for Carl – and by extension, Auburn. Though Carl may have promised Auburn that she’d have the business when he retired, the truth is it’s not up to him. During a time that he was in debt, Trey bailed him out and is technically co-owner of the Beachcrest Inn so it isn’t only Carl’s to sell.
Trey has his own business problems, ones that require an immediate infusion of cash that can only be had by selling the inn to a property developer. Unless Auburn can come up with the down payment for a local bank to take a chance on giving her a mortgage, the inn will likely end up as a set of beachfront condos. Desperate to show Trey what a mistake it would be to sell, she makes a deal that he has to spend a week with her at the inn, to see it work its magic both on the people who stay there and the wider community in hopes that he’ll change his mind. He agrees to appease her and Carl, though he has no intentions of giving in. Yet as Trey and Auburn spend time together, the situation no longer seems so cut and dried, especially as they find themselves with a budding attraction to each other that leads to a heated affair. Can they find a way to a happy ending for everyone involved?
One of the things I love about Serena Bell’s stories is how she makes you care about the characters. She does this by showing all the aspects of their personalities, including their flaws. Trey appears at first glance to be a confident if smug businessman, all about money, and making more of it – or so it seems. But you see him trying to buy a house for his sister to replace the run down one she lives in. He bailed out his grandfather to save the inn. And you find out that his reasons for wanting to sell the inn now are not selfish, but rather of desperation (though he doesn’t want to reveal to anyone the real reason, one which makes the reader empathize with him and ups the stakes considerably). He doesn’t believe in love because his parents’ failed marriage showed him that love is weakness – and love doesn’t pay the bills. So he goes into the week with Auburn at the inn knowing full well that he will disappoint her.
Auburn is who you root for from the start. Having escaped a controlling ex, she knows now what family and friends and the safe haven of the inn mean to her and she’s not willing to give those things up again. She’s convinced that she can persuade Trey to let her buy the inn if she can just show him the emotional impact on the community and herself, not knowing the real reason he needs to sell. Along the way they connect in ways neither expected, which leads to emotional and physical intimacy in some sexy love scenes. But it’s only when Trey realizes that he wants a future with Auburn that he opens up completely and realizes that they will have to work together to come up with a solution to their dilemma.
There are several secondary characters who support Trey and Auburn (mostly their siblings), some of whom will feature in upcoming stories. As a nod to her fellow romance writers who like to go away on writing retreats, the author has a group of them stay at the inn as they wrestle with their plots and characters and scold Trey for not believing in love and romance, making for some funny moments (a bit like eavesdropping on a Twitter conversation). And the beachside town is a beautiful and idyllic setting that mimics the real ones along the coasts that rely on tourism dollars for their livelihood. I go into every Serena Bell novel knowing that her care and attention to detail will ensure a delightful reading experience and I’ve yet to be disappointed. So Close is a great start to what promises to be a wonderful series.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the author.
Vacation destination Tierney Bay, on the coast of Oregon, sees its share of tourists, and Auburn Campbell wants to keep them coming to the Beachcrest Inn, where she worked as a teenager and now manages for the owner Carl who is hospitalized. Carl has promised that when he retires (and that’s looking like a distinct possibility) he’ll sell it to her and that’s the new future she’s envisioned for herself. After leaving her controlling ex back in New York, she’s reconnecting with her siblings and feeling settled for the first time in a while. Sure, she might feel a tinge of attraction to the sex in a suit who offers to buy her a drink at Bob’s Tavern, clearly a businessman just passing through, but the scent of his cologne, the same as her ex wore, is a sharp wake-up call that rich, arrogant men are not worth any more of her time.
Only, she can’t brush him off as easily as she’d thought when he turns out to be her boss’s grandson. Trey Xavier is in Tierney Bay to, in his words, “address the business and financial situation” of his grandfather and it isn’t good for Carl – and by extension, Auburn. Though Carl may have promised Auburn that she’d have the business when he retired, the truth is it’s not up to him. During a time that he was in debt, Trey bailed him out and is technically co-owner of the Beachcrest Inn so it isn’t only Carl’s to sell.
Trey has his own business problems, ones that require an immediate infusion of cash that can only be had by selling the inn to a property developer. Unless Auburn can come up with the down payment for a local bank to take a chance on giving her a mortgage, the inn will likely end up as a set of beachfront condos. Desperate to show Trey what a mistake it would be to sell, she makes a deal that he has to spend a week with her at the inn, to see it work its magic both on the people who stay there and the wider community in hopes that he’ll change his mind. He agrees to appease her and Carl, though he has no intentions of giving in. Yet as Trey and Auburn spend time together, the situation no longer seems so cut and dried, especially as they find themselves with a budding attraction to each other that leads to a heated affair. Can they find a way to a happy ending for everyone involved?
One of the things I love about Serena Bell’s stories is how she makes you care about the characters. She does this by showing all the aspects of their personalities, including their flaws. Trey appears at first glance to be a confident if smug businessman, all about money, and making more of it – or so it seems. But you see him trying to buy a house for his sister to replace the run down one she lives in. He bailed out his grandfather to save the inn. And you find out that his reasons for wanting to sell the inn now are not selfish, but rather of desperation (though he doesn’t want to reveal to anyone the real reason, one which makes the reader empathize with him and ups the stakes considerably). He doesn’t believe in love because his parents’ failed marriage showed him that love is weakness – and love doesn’t pay the bills. So he goes into the week with Auburn at the inn knowing full well that he will disappoint her.
Auburn is who you root for from the start. Having escaped a controlling ex, she knows now what family and friends and the safe haven of the inn mean to her and she’s not willing to give those things up again. She’s convinced that she can persuade Trey to let her buy the inn if she can just show him the emotional impact on the community and herself, not knowing the real reason he needs to sell. Along the way they connect in ways neither expected, which leads to emotional and physical intimacy in some sexy love scenes. But it’s only when Trey realizes that he wants a future with Auburn that he opens up completely and realizes that they will have to work together to come up with a solution to their dilemma.
There are several secondary characters who support Trey and Auburn (mostly their siblings), some of whom will feature in upcoming stories. As a nod to her fellow romance writers who like to go away on writing retreats, the author has a group of them stay at the inn as they wrestle with their plots and characters and scold Trey for not believing in love and romance, making for some funny moments (a bit like eavesdropping on a Twitter conversation). And the beachside town is a beautiful and idyllic setting that mimics the real ones along the coasts that rely on tourism dollars for their livelihood. I go into every Serena Bell novel knowing that her care and attention to detail will ensure a delightful reading experience and I’ve yet to be disappointed. So Close is a great start to what promises to be a wonderful series.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the author.
January 27, 2020
4 stars
So Close by Serena Bell is a well written, entertaining enemies to lovers read and I really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed the storyline, it held my interest from start to end, I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and I enjoyed watching the slow burn romance develop between Trey and Auburn.
Overall, So Close is a lovely start to the Tierney Bay series, looking forward to reading more in the near future.
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https://serenabell.com/r/SoClose-Amazon
https://serenabell.com/r/SoClose-Apple
https://serenabell.com/r/SoClose-Kobo
https://serenabell.com/r/SoClose-Nook
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*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
So Close by Serena Bell is a well written, entertaining enemies to lovers read and I really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed the storyline, it held my interest from start to end, I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and I enjoyed watching the slow burn romance develop between Trey and Auburn.
Overall, So Close is a lovely start to the Tierney Bay series, looking forward to reading more in the near future.
Now Live!
https://serenabell.com/r/SoClose-Amazon
https://serenabell.com/r/SoClose-Apple
https://serenabell.com/r/SoClose-Kobo
https://serenabell.com/r/SoClose-Nook
https://serenabell.com/r/SoClose-Google
https://serenabell.com/r/SoClose-Bookbub
*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
January 24, 2020
3.5 Stars
I'm not sure how to review this book. I liked many elements in it, especially the feel of Tierney Bay and how magical it felt not just for the people living but also to the people visiting again and again, and yet I had a hard time connecting with our MCs, mainly Trey. I guess he "redeemed himself", his actions weren't actually due to "bad character" but to a situation that he found himself in and needed to fix, and not just for his sake. As his reasoning were explained to Auburn, I could see why SHE started to like him, and yeah, there was MAD attraction between the two, and yet, I still didn't see what there was there between them BESIDES the attraction. I don't think they "fit in" together, and it doesn't make sense to me the change that Trey went through in literally a WEEK he was in Tierney Bay even if Auburn sees it as a magical place who changes people and allow wonderful things to happen.
Auburn Campbell have lived all of her life in Tierney Bay and worked many years in "Beachcrest Inn", it's her home now, with it's owner - Carl - feeling like a father figure, especially after her parents passing. She always thought the inn will be hers when Carl retires, yet after he suffers a heart attack she realizes her dreams might come to an abrupt end. Seems Carl was in a bad place a few years ago and sold half of the inn to his grandson Trey. Trey was helping out Carl, he didn't have any designs on the property but things changed recently and now he intends to sell the place for investors destroying the resort and Auburn's dreams with it.
Trey Xavier isn't really the villain in this story, even if he come to demolish his grandfather's inn it's because he basically have no other choice. He made a bad decision in his business and now his company - himself and quite a lot of employers might lose everything. In his eyes, if he sells Beachcrest, he'll be able to be in a place to care for his grandfather, his employers and himself - coming out of the whole thing sort of unscathed. What he didn't consider was Auburn...
When Trey and Auburn first meet - before they realize who the other person is, or the whole situation with the inn - sparks fly. But nothing actually happens because Trey reminds Auburn too much of her douche ex-boyfriend. They might have some similarities, but as Auburn gets to know Trey she realizes that unlike her ex, Trey is truly a good guy with an attire of a douche, while her ex was the opposite.. He SEEMED like someone who cared about her, but in the end, it was more about the status, about owning her than sharing a life together.
Auburn tries to make a deal with Trey, spend a week together with her in the inn, enjoy the activities the little town offers nearing the 4th of July while trying desperately to find the money to buy Trey's half of the property. It's a marathon against the clock but it's also an opportunity for Trey and Auburn to spend time together and get to know each other. They both like what they found under the surface and that's without mentioning the attraction between them.. Once the first kiss was shared everything changed.. I've got to say that this was a MUCH steamier book than what I remember from Serena's previous books.. I'm not sure what I think about it considering the situation they were both in, and how fast they went from "enemies" to "lovers". It felt a bit OTT and maybe a bit out of character for both of them. Which is actually one of the issues I had with this novel in general.
I'd say I liked this book, with the magical town with a beautiful beach with family and friends to share, the interaction between the Campbell siblings promises much more in the future installments (Chiara is next! in "So True"). It feels like each of them have his own story to tell.
More Reviews HERE
I'm not sure how to review this book. I liked many elements in it, especially the feel of Tierney Bay and how magical it felt not just for the people living but also to the people visiting again and again, and yet I had a hard time connecting with our MCs, mainly Trey. I guess he "redeemed himself", his actions weren't actually due to "bad character" but to a situation that he found himself in and needed to fix, and not just for his sake. As his reasoning were explained to Auburn, I could see why SHE started to like him, and yeah, there was MAD attraction between the two, and yet, I still didn't see what there was there between them BESIDES the attraction. I don't think they "fit in" together, and it doesn't make sense to me the change that Trey went through in literally a WEEK he was in Tierney Bay even if Auburn sees it as a magical place who changes people and allow wonderful things to happen.
Auburn Campbell have lived all of her life in Tierney Bay and worked many years in "Beachcrest Inn", it's her home now, with it's owner - Carl - feeling like a father figure, especially after her parents passing. She always thought the inn will be hers when Carl retires, yet after he suffers a heart attack she realizes her dreams might come to an abrupt end. Seems Carl was in a bad place a few years ago and sold half of the inn to his grandson Trey. Trey was helping out Carl, he didn't have any designs on the property but things changed recently and now he intends to sell the place for investors destroying the resort and Auburn's dreams with it.
Trey Xavier isn't really the villain in this story, even if he come to demolish his grandfather's inn it's because he basically have no other choice. He made a bad decision in his business and now his company - himself and quite a lot of employers might lose everything. In his eyes, if he sells Beachcrest, he'll be able to be in a place to care for his grandfather, his employers and himself - coming out of the whole thing sort of unscathed. What he didn't consider was Auburn...
When Trey and Auburn first meet - before they realize who the other person is, or the whole situation with the inn - sparks fly. But nothing actually happens because Trey reminds Auburn too much of her douche ex-boyfriend. They might have some similarities, but as Auburn gets to know Trey she realizes that unlike her ex, Trey is truly a good guy with an attire of a douche, while her ex was the opposite.. He SEEMED like someone who cared about her, but in the end, it was more about the status, about owning her than sharing a life together.
Auburn tries to make a deal with Trey, spend a week together with her in the inn, enjoy the activities the little town offers nearing the 4th of July while trying desperately to find the money to buy Trey's half of the property. It's a marathon against the clock but it's also an opportunity for Trey and Auburn to spend time together and get to know each other. They both like what they found under the surface and that's without mentioning the attraction between them.. Once the first kiss was shared everything changed.. I've got to say that this was a MUCH steamier book than what I remember from Serena's previous books.. I'm not sure what I think about it considering the situation they were both in, and how fast they went from "enemies" to "lovers". It felt a bit OTT and maybe a bit out of character for both of them. Which is actually one of the issues I had with this novel in general.
I'd say I liked this book, with the magical town with a beautiful beach with family and friends to share, the interaction between the Campbell siblings promises much more in the future installments (Chiara is next! in "So True"). It feels like each of them have his own story to tell.
More Reviews HERE
July 28, 2020
First book in the new Tierney Bay series and it was a great start. Loved this enemies to lovers’ romance. Auburn and Trey were so good together. It was so much fun watching them move from enemies to something so real and fulfilling. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2020
In this new Tierney Bay series from Serena Bell, Auburn Campbell wants to save the Beachcrest Inn, a place that means a whole lot to her. Standing in her way is Trey Xavier, a guy from the city who is threatening to take down the Inn for a major land development deal. But Auburn needs to convince Trey that tearing down the Beachcrest Inn isn't the way to go.
Both characters have some past histories that color their world and they'll need to get through those feelings. It's a frenemies to lovers story that brings a whole lot of emotion to the table. Trey has a lot of layers and Auburn is going to have to get through them if she wants to save the Inn and potentially have a relationship with Trey. First she has to convince him that the Beachcrest Inn in the magical Tierney Bay is worth much more than just money.
There's a hot spark between these two characters that helps bring Auburn and Trey together, and things do move fast between them -- a first kiss changes everything. There's a lot of steam along with hurdles for them to jump if they are to be together. It's a great start to the Tierney Bay series. Looking forward to more!
A complimentary copy was provided for review.
Both characters have some past histories that color their world and they'll need to get through those feelings. It's a frenemies to lovers story that brings a whole lot of emotion to the table. Trey has a lot of layers and Auburn is going to have to get through them if she wants to save the Inn and potentially have a relationship with Trey. First she has to convince him that the Beachcrest Inn in the magical Tierney Bay is worth much more than just money.
There's a hot spark between these two characters that helps bring Auburn and Trey together, and things do move fast between them -- a first kiss changes everything. There's a lot of steam along with hurdles for them to jump if they are to be together. It's a great start to the Tierney Bay series. Looking forward to more!
A complimentary copy was provided for review.
January 25, 2020
4* Frenemy Stars
This was my first read by Serena Bell and I so enjoyed the story of Auburn and Trey. It is a slow burn enemy to lover’s romance set in a beautiful small community called Beachcrest. The chemistry between the two of them was palpable. The authors writing is engaging and her characters likeable and interesting. I am looking forward to reading the next story in the Tierney Bay Series.
Many thanks to the author for my ARC to read and review.
This was my first read by Serena Bell and I so enjoyed the story of Auburn and Trey. It is a slow burn enemy to lover’s romance set in a beautiful small community called Beachcrest. The chemistry between the two of them was palpable. The authors writing is engaging and her characters likeable and interesting. I am looking forward to reading the next story in the Tierney Bay Series.
Many thanks to the author for my ARC to read and review.
January 23, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was the perfect book for a cold winter night. I love the setting a small community called Beachcrest during the summer, and each character in this book was spot on. Trey and Auburn first meet at a bar when he proposition her and she cuts him down. Only to later to discover he is part owner of the inn she loves and works for. When she makes a deal with Trey to just spend time at the Inn and discover why he needs to keep the way it is instead of selling, she doesn't know that it will never happen. Trey has a secret and a past that keeps him moving forward. I loved the back story for both of them.
I love a small town romance and I can't wait to read book 2
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for my honest opinion
December 29, 2019
As always, Serena Bell’s newest romance has plenty of heart, plenty of steaminess, and strong MCs who know what they want and are willing to go after it. After almost losing her identity to a controlling boyfriend, Auburn is back at the Oregon seaside inn that was her employer and second home throughout HS and college, trying to get her life back on track and reclaim her dreams. She’s always dreamed of eventually buying the inn from her surrogate dad once he retires but after he suffers a heart attack, she’s in for quite a shock when his wealthy, arrogant grandson shows up and reveals that not only is he the majority owner of the inn, he has already arranged to sell it to a development company.
Trey learned a long time ago that the only way to protect those he loves is to make a lot of money. Now he’s in a bind. He needs to sell the inn to buy enough time to save his own company and prevent 150 employees from losing their jobs, but to do so, he’ll have to ignore his grandfather’s wishes and crush Auburn’s hopes, in spite of the very inconvenient attraction and admiration he’s felt for her from the moment he saw her. Auburn will need every bit of her strength and smarts to fight him and to get the means to buy the inn.
This was a lovely romance. Auburn and Trey were combustible together with chemistry in spades. The setting was gorgeous and made me want to immediately book a long weekend at the Beachcrest Inn. Looking forward to more stories set in Tierney Bay, most likely featuring Auburn’s siblings.
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Trey learned a long time ago that the only way to protect those he loves is to make a lot of money. Now he’s in a bind. He needs to sell the inn to buy enough time to save his own company and prevent 150 employees from losing their jobs, but to do so, he’ll have to ignore his grandfather’s wishes and crush Auburn’s hopes, in spite of the very inconvenient attraction and admiration he’s felt for her from the moment he saw her. Auburn will need every bit of her strength and smarts to fight him and to get the means to buy the inn.
This was a lovely romance. Auburn and Trey were combustible together with chemistry in spades. The setting was gorgeous and made me want to immediately book a long weekend at the Beachcrest Inn. Looking forward to more stories set in Tierney Bay, most likely featuring Auburn’s siblings.
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 22, 2020
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 2/21/2020.
A solid start to what looks to be a great series--yay!
I really enjoyed Auburn and Trey's story. I liked the deal that Auburn made with him to give the inn and her custom-made schedule a week (even though he had no intention of changing his mind about the sale--grrrrrr) and how many cute and sweet (not to mention occasionally sexy) moments that came from it.
Actually, there were a lot of sexy moments in this one, come to think of it. Not that I'm complaining... ;)
Ms Bell did a great job of putting Auburn and Trey's goals in clear opposition here--I have to admit that there were points when I honestly couldn't see how she would possibly get them to a satisfying HEA. She did, of course, and it was believable (romance community FTW!) and didn't make me hate Trey forever, even though at times I was worried that I might have to.
(Actually, that was another thing that I really liked--how the (not so) "grand gesture" was handled. It was different, but exactly what was needed here--plus, both of them acted like grownups and no one had to truly grovel to get them to that HEA...even if one of them might have kinda deserved to, I'm still glad it didn't come down to that.)
Tierney Bay sounds like just the kind of place I'd love to visit (or move, really!) and we get just enough of a look at Auburn's several siblings (oh, and Trey's sister...obviously she needs an HEA too) to whet our appetites for their books. (Assuming they'll all have books. Surely they will?)
Write fast, please, Ms Bell! :)
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
A solid start to what looks to be a great series--yay!
I really enjoyed Auburn and Trey's story. I liked the deal that Auburn made with him to give the inn and her custom-made schedule a week (even though he had no intention of changing his mind about the sale--grrrrrr) and how many cute and sweet (not to mention occasionally sexy) moments that came from it.
Actually, there were a lot of sexy moments in this one, come to think of it. Not that I'm complaining... ;)
Ms Bell did a great job of putting Auburn and Trey's goals in clear opposition here--I have to admit that there were points when I honestly couldn't see how she would possibly get them to a satisfying HEA. She did, of course, and it was believable (romance community FTW!) and didn't make me hate Trey forever, even though at times I was worried that I might have to.
(Actually, that was another thing that I really liked--how the (not so) "grand gesture" was handled. It was different, but exactly what was needed here--plus, both of them acted like grownups and no one had to truly grovel to get them to that HEA...even if one of them might have kinda deserved to, I'm still glad it didn't come down to that.)
Tierney Bay sounds like just the kind of place I'd love to visit (or move, really!) and we get just enough of a look at Auburn's several siblings (oh, and Trey's sister...obviously she needs an HEA too) to whet our appetites for their books. (Assuming they'll all have books. Surely they will?)
Write fast, please, Ms Bell! :)
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 21, 2019
After a bad break-up Auburn Campbell packed her things and left New York feeling it was time to return home and be close to family while she healed her broken heart. She also had a dream she hoped to realize while she was there too. She has always wanted to take over the Beachcrest from her boss and mentor Carl, he's nearing retirement and she wants to ensure his life's work goes on, and also keep him in his home.
But there is a rich, and very gorgeous, businessman named Trey Xavier standing in her way... he wants to come in and tear down his uncle Carl's Beachcrest to build multi-million dollar beachfront condos. Auburn is determined to not let him get his way... which means she has a fight on her hands, one she is determined to win!
So Close is a feel good romance brimming with heart, humor, drama, and romance. This was quite the pairing, both had an agenda, and weren't going to let anyone or anything get in their way. But neither of them planned on feelings, sparks, or love to enter their little battle. Their connection was instant, but with their fight over the Beachcrest and their aversion to relationships they fought hard to maintain their enemy status and keep love out. I loved watching these two go toe-to-toe and try to fight the sparks, they kept me thoroughly entertained. Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, what you find between the page promises to leave you heart singing it's praises!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
But there is a rich, and very gorgeous, businessman named Trey Xavier standing in her way... he wants to come in and tear down his uncle Carl's Beachcrest to build multi-million dollar beachfront condos. Auburn is determined to not let him get his way... which means she has a fight on her hands, one she is determined to win!
So Close is a feel good romance brimming with heart, humor, drama, and romance. This was quite the pairing, both had an agenda, and weren't going to let anyone or anything get in their way. But neither of them planned on feelings, sparks, or love to enter their little battle. Their connection was instant, but with their fight over the Beachcrest and their aversion to relationships they fought hard to maintain their enemy status and keep love out. I loved watching these two go toe-to-toe and try to fight the sparks, they kept me thoroughly entertained. Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, what you find between the page promises to leave you heart singing it's praises!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
January 23, 2020
So Close combines some of my favorite romance tropes. It has the feel of a small-town romance, and we also get some enemies to lovers fun with Auburn and Trey going toe to toe over the Beachcrest Inn. Plus, it's kinda-sorta a second chance romance. Not in the traditional sense because these two haven't been a couple before, but they've both been burned by love and neither is really willing to try again, and they both deserve a second chance at love. There is an ex-wife, but thankfully, that's not where the angst comes from. In fact, she doesn't even make an appearance. Nope, this is all Auburn and Trey, and whether they're in a battle of wills or tearing each other's clothes off, and they do plenty of both, they're fabulous together. Trey has such a tough exterior, but he's all heart on the inside, and Auburn is exactly what he needs to learn to let his softer side show. In the same turn, he's just the guy to help Auburn trust men again, or at least one man. These two just fit perfectly, like pieces of a puzzle. Neither of them is perfect, by any means. They both have their flaws, but they're perfect for each other. This is one completely engaging read from start to finish. It's got plenty of heart, well-timed wit, and a couple sexy enough to burn up the pages. And to think, this is just the start of the series! I can't wait to see what's next for Tierney Bay.
September 1, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Serena Bell and I devoured it in an evening!
I am a huge fan of the enemies to lovers trope and so it made me love this book even more.
Aubrey our lead female was wonderful. I adored her story and how she had grown and changed to be such a fierce woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself. I loved her dynamic with her sister and with the guests at the inn.
Trey is kind of a knob! But his journey through the book and how his personality changes made me love him. I loved that all he wanted was to help his family and loved ones even if how he was doing it was misguided.
I loved the side characters from family to the romance writers, they all played an important part and added alot to the story.
Tierney Bay was a wonderful setting and I cannot wait to pick up the next book and luckily I dont have to! It will definitely be read tomorrow!!
I'm so happy to have found a new (to me) romance writer that I love! I highly recommend this series if you like K A Tucker and Samantha Young.
This is the first book I have read by Serena Bell and I devoured it in an evening!
I am a huge fan of the enemies to lovers trope and so it made me love this book even more.
Aubrey our lead female was wonderful. I adored her story and how she had grown and changed to be such a fierce woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself. I loved her dynamic with her sister and with the guests at the inn.
Trey is kind of a knob! But his journey through the book and how his personality changes made me love him. I loved that all he wanted was to help his family and loved ones even if how he was doing it was misguided.
I loved the side characters from family to the romance writers, they all played an important part and added alot to the story.
Tierney Bay was a wonderful setting and I cannot wait to pick up the next book and luckily I dont have to! It will definitely be read tomorrow!!
I'm so happy to have found a new (to me) romance writer that I love! I highly recommend this series if you like K A Tucker and Samantha Young.
January 19, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by the author)...
This is a very enjoyable enemies to lovers romance.
I loved all the characters in the book and the entire Beachcrest community. I did love our main couple, Trey and Auburn even if they make me want to shake them at times. Trey and Auburn don’t meet on the best of circumstances but when a deal is struck between about the beloved Beachcrest Inn, things between start to change for the better.
Unfortunately, things aren’t as simple as Trey portrays them to be and it could cost them all everything they worked so hard for. I really liked the slow build between Auburn and Trey, the attraction was instant, but the connection that came later on was beautiful.
I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Auburn and Trey’s siblings. We get Auburn’s sister, Chiara’s, story next and I can’t wait to read more about that second chance romance.
This is a very enjoyable enemies to lovers romance.
I loved all the characters in the book and the entire Beachcrest community. I did love our main couple, Trey and Auburn even if they make me want to shake them at times. Trey and Auburn don’t meet on the best of circumstances but when a deal is struck between about the beloved Beachcrest Inn, things between start to change for the better.
Unfortunately, things aren’t as simple as Trey portrays them to be and it could cost them all everything they worked so hard for. I really liked the slow build between Auburn and Trey, the attraction was instant, but the connection that came later on was beautiful.
I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Auburn and Trey’s siblings. We get Auburn’s sister, Chiara’s, story next and I can’t wait to read more about that second chance romance.
December 19, 2019
I feel like I just finished watching a Hallmark movie when I finished this book. I say this is the best way possible because I loved this book. I loved the story line. I loved the characters. I loved the chemistry. I loved the friendships and family love. It was all around slow burn romance. The amount of angst and slow burn was fantastic. I absolutely loved the sexy moments that happened in this book. Serena Bell knows how to keep you coming back for more. The entire thing was fantastic. I had a hard time putting this book down.
January 24, 2020
A beautifully written and deeply emotional romance. I loved how close the main characters were to their families. Trey’s arc, where he grew to be more “himself” and was able to let go of things that had long burdened him, was particularly lovely. Auburn was warm and nurturing, but also fiercely insistent on her independence. Slow burn was gorgeous. And, lord, the food descriptions—I want a Beachcrest Inn cookbook! Oh, and bonus points for the tabletop-gaming romance authors 🥰. Loved everything about So Close.
February 21, 2020
Brand new series by one of my faves. I really loved her last series, which was about servicemen returning home and the lives they created. This one promises to be good, too. I love a series about siblings.
February 22, 2021
I bumped up my rating to a 3 but for me it wasn’t quite a 3. I read another book in the middle of it because it didn’t catch my interest. I have a hard time not finishing a book and hoped it would grab me but it didn’t. It was just okay.
July 4, 2021
Business romance about an alpha male and an alpha female. Both are hurting from events in their past lives. She has the backing of her family and he has the backing of his business acumen. Clahes galore. Several very explicit scenes.
January 10, 2020
Serena Bell writes small town romance like no other. So Close is a romance full of chemistry, heart and hope. Looking forward to more Tierney Bay stories to come.
January 20, 2020
What a great start to a new series! Loved Trey and Auburn as well as their families. Can't wait for the next story!
January 22, 2020
Great book!! Loved the push and pull relationship. Perfect slow burn!
February 11, 2020
3.5 stars
February 7, 2021
Nice romance book with good story, excellent characters and fun location on the Oregon Coast. Sounds like a place our family would go.
May 30, 2021
I want to visit Tierney Bay. The place sounds beautiful. The people are interesting and caring. I’m looking to read more about Auburn’s family.
September 26, 2022
Love the characters and story line! A touch of snark, some good arguments, lots of fun, a little life lessons and some beach magic makes this a great read!
January 23, 2020
So Close is the first book in Serena Bell's new Tierney Bay Series. Auburn is a hard working hotel manager. Trey a self made businessman home to take care of family business and make a major business deal. The attraction between Trey and Auburn is strong from the first time they meet. Even with all the attraction, each on still wants to not want to the other. The well written characters, that compliment each other perfectly, makes So Close a very enjoyable and easy read.
January 14, 2020
Main characters: Auburn Campbell, guest house owner if she can raise the funds to buy her beloved Beachcrest; Trey Xavier, would-be billionaire, if not for an unwise investment. He has plans for Beachcrest, and they don’t include Auburn…
Why you should read it: How I loved this book! The feel of it – it was a small, beach resort, whose pace of life is that much slower than the big city. A place where people can find peace and gain a little perspective on life. Who wouldn’t want that?! Auburn was a great heroine. She’s made a few mistakes in life but she’s determined to get back on an even keel with the help of her siblings and the business she loves so much.
Trey was also a revelation. He’s adorable! Once you see what makes him tick, and the baggage he’s carrying around, you can’t help but love him. He’s a total softie at heart and he’s a decent person in a tough situation. This book is a total slow burn – my god these two steamed up my Kindle. Their chemistry was incandescent. The sexy times do NOT disappoint! Maybe don’t read those parts in public if you don’t have a poker face!
What you may not like: Can’t think of anything wrong with this one – this was a really strong opening book to what should be a very exciting series! Next up is Auburn’s sister Chiara’s story in So True. I don’t know much about it but it sounds right up my street!
Rating: easy peasy – 5/5 for a romance that had it all. Fireworks, sexy hikes and descriptions of lots of delicious food! All of the senses will be satisfied…
Why you should read it: How I loved this book! The feel of it – it was a small, beach resort, whose pace of life is that much slower than the big city. A place where people can find peace and gain a little perspective on life. Who wouldn’t want that?! Auburn was a great heroine. She’s made a few mistakes in life but she’s determined to get back on an even keel with the help of her siblings and the business she loves so much.
Trey was also a revelation. He’s adorable! Once you see what makes him tick, and the baggage he’s carrying around, you can’t help but love him. He’s a total softie at heart and he’s a decent person in a tough situation. This book is a total slow burn – my god these two steamed up my Kindle. Their chemistry was incandescent. The sexy times do NOT disappoint! Maybe don’t read those parts in public if you don’t have a poker face!
What you may not like: Can’t think of anything wrong with this one – this was a really strong opening book to what should be a very exciting series! Next up is Auburn’s sister Chiara’s story in So True. I don’t know much about it but it sounds right up my street!
Rating: easy peasy – 5/5 for a romance that had it all. Fireworks, sexy hikes and descriptions of lots of delicious food! All of the senses will be satisfied…
January 26, 2020
I absolutely loved this. Still need to think on the review before I write it.
A good sign is, though, that it took me less than 24 hours from start to finish.
I think I want to live in Beachcrest.
My review:
Yas!!! Serena Bell’s new series is going to be awesome.
I’m not sure whether or not Tierney Bay is a real place or not (guessing it’s not) but whichever beach town it’s based on – I want to live there.
Auburn is a great character, picking up her life after a horrible relationship that almost ruined completely her relationship with her family. She’s got her dream job and will probably end up owning the fabulous B&B, slightly run down, but charming, she works in.
When she finds out the B&B is in jeopardy because it’s about to be sold to a real estate conglomerate that will build condos, she’s do anything in her power to prevent that. Which means convincing Trey, the current owner’s grandson (and apparently part owner, himself), to spend a week at the B&B in an attempt to make him fall in love with it.
Trey, a cold, hard and incredibly handsome (or stunning, or sexy, or all of the above) finds himself in deeper trouble than he had originally thought.
There’s some deep emotional scenes woven into the storyline. And I think a major part of those scenes are thanks to the supporting characters; Auburn’s siblings and Trey’s sister.
While the plot didn’t surprise me, it was sweet, it was sexy and it was emotional, and that is basically all I need in a book to enjoy it. The fact that I want to move to Beachcrest is a plus. LOL
A good sign is, though, that it took me less than 24 hours from start to finish.
I think I want to live in Beachcrest.
My review:
Yas!!! Serena Bell’s new series is going to be awesome.
I’m not sure whether or not Tierney Bay is a real place or not (guessing it’s not) but whichever beach town it’s based on – I want to live there.
Auburn is a great character, picking up her life after a horrible relationship that almost ruined completely her relationship with her family. She’s got her dream job and will probably end up owning the fabulous B&B, slightly run down, but charming, she works in.
When she finds out the B&B is in jeopardy because it’s about to be sold to a real estate conglomerate that will build condos, she’s do anything in her power to prevent that. Which means convincing Trey, the current owner’s grandson (and apparently part owner, himself), to spend a week at the B&B in an attempt to make him fall in love with it.
Trey, a cold, hard and incredibly handsome (or stunning, or sexy, or all of the above) finds himself in deeper trouble than he had originally thought.
There’s some deep emotional scenes woven into the storyline. And I think a major part of those scenes are thanks to the supporting characters; Auburn’s siblings and Trey’s sister.
While the plot didn’t surprise me, it was sweet, it was sexy and it was emotional, and that is basically all I need in a book to enjoy it. The fact that I want to move to Beachcrest is a plus. LOL
January 7, 2020
Four and a half stars.
Serena Bell’s So Close is the first in the new Tierney Bay series, and is about Auburn Campbell and Trey Xavier. She’s managed the Beachcrest Inn in Tierney Bay for several years, and loved it for much longer. Carl, the current owner, would love for her to be the next owner. But his grandson, one Trey Xavier, needs the property to be sold.
Auburn convinces Trey to give her a week to change his mind. Naturally that week gives them the chance to see how all those antagonistic sparks really are sparks of a different kind of fire, and that Beachcrest magic is pretty powerful stuff.
Serena Bell’s characters aren’t perfect by any means, but they end up relating beautifully. So Close is full of heart and plenty of heat, and is a fabulous start to an enticing series. Can’t wait for more!
Serena Bell’s So Close is the first in the new Tierney Bay series, and is about Auburn Campbell and Trey Xavier. She’s managed the Beachcrest Inn in Tierney Bay for several years, and loved it for much longer. Carl, the current owner, would love for her to be the next owner. But his grandson, one Trey Xavier, needs the property to be sold.
Auburn convinces Trey to give her a week to change his mind. Naturally that week gives them the chance to see how all those antagonistic sparks really are sparks of a different kind of fire, and that Beachcrest magic is pretty powerful stuff.
Serena Bell’s characters aren’t perfect by any means, but they end up relating beautifully. So Close is full of heart and plenty of heat, and is a fabulous start to an enticing series. Can’t wait for more!
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