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Seaside Cove #1
Come What Maybe
Social media strategist Lauren Wallace plans everything. But when she returns to the charming―if not too small for comfort―town of Seaside Cove, it’s only about a second before her tough-love Grams is already on her case. So when Grams tells her not to go to that bar , Lauren decides it’s time for a temporary rebellion. Which is exactly when the trouble starts.
Grams was right. The bar was not a good plan. Because suddenly super-cute bar owner Ethan McAllister has gone from being Lauren’s (kind of) high school nemesis to a very unexpected one-night stand. And worse, Lauren’s attempts to resume her ultra-responsible life keep getting thwarted by more unwelcome spontaneity. And a pregnancy.
Now there’s a baby on the way, Lauren’s the talk of the entire town, and all her planning has gone right out the window. All that’s missing is childbirth to make her pain complete. But it’ll be nothing compared to Grams’s reaction when she finds out that Lauren broke the biggest rule of all…falling for the wrong guy.
Grams was right. The bar was not a good plan. Because suddenly super-cute bar owner Ethan McAllister has gone from being Lauren’s (kind of) high school nemesis to a very unexpected one-night stand. And worse, Lauren’s attempts to resume her ultra-responsible life keep getting thwarted by more unwelcome spontaneity. And a pregnancy.
Now there’s a baby on the way, Lauren’s the talk of the entire town, and all her planning has gone right out the window. All that’s missing is childbirth to make her pain complete. But it’ll be nothing compared to Grams’s reaction when she finds out that Lauren broke the biggest rule of all…falling for the wrong guy.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published January 24, 2023
38 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Kerri Carpenter
54 books300 followersAward-winning romance author Kerri Carpenter writes contemporary romances that are sweet, sexy, and sparkly. When she’s not writing, Kerri enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies, taking Zumba classes, rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams, and anything sparkly. Kerri lives in Virginia with her family.
For the latest updates on her books or to see pictures of her adorable dog Harry, visit Kerri at her website, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or subscribe to her newsletter.
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Newsletter: http://kerricarpenter.us9.list-manage...
For the latest updates on her books or to see pictures of her adorable dog Harry, visit Kerri at her website, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or subscribe to her newsletter.
Social Media Links
Website: www.kerricarpenter.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorkerri
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorkerri
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkerri/
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/kerricarpenter
Google+: https://plus.google.co/+KerriCarpente...
Newsletter: http://kerricarpenter.us9.list-manage...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 2, 2023
In COME WHAT MAYBE, Lauren finds herself back in her Gram’s home to help her youngest sister, Gabby who is dealing with a big change in her life. Her other sister, Brooke is there as well. Soon after she arrives, she runs into Ethan, who was her frenemy when they were in high school! When she arrived at her Gram’s house, she started to argue with her grandmother and knew she had to escape. Gram told her not to go to the bar. So what does she do? She goes to the bar and that’s where she runs into Ethan, literally. After a few drinks, Ethan takes her home where she spends the night. COME WHAT MAYBE is a small town romance that will change Lauren’s life forever.
COME WHAT MAYBE is the first book I’ve read by Kerri Carpenter. She grabbed me right away, from the very first page and she never let me go. COME WHAT MAYBE is a very captivating story and will have you flipping the pages quickly to see if everyone gets there happily ever after. I was instantly caught up in the story of Lauren and Ethan as well as her sisters and what they were going through. When I finished reading this wonderful story I was happy and sad at the same time. The story was great but I wasn’t ready to leave all of the strong, caring characters.
There were several times I found myself desperately wanting to keep reading, to find out what would happen next, but I was afraid to turn the page, scared of the possible fates awaiting these characters. Kerri Carpenter has a magical way of telling dramatic stories about women, friendship and family. COME WHAT MAYBE is all about the past and the secrets that come out are heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Lauren and Ethan and her sisters too!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from TLC Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
COME WHAT MAYBE is the first book I’ve read by Kerri Carpenter. She grabbed me right away, from the very first page and she never let me go. COME WHAT MAYBE is a very captivating story and will have you flipping the pages quickly to see if everyone gets there happily ever after. I was instantly caught up in the story of Lauren and Ethan as well as her sisters and what they were going through. When I finished reading this wonderful story I was happy and sad at the same time. The story was great but I wasn’t ready to leave all of the strong, caring characters.
There were several times I found myself desperately wanting to keep reading, to find out what would happen next, but I was afraid to turn the page, scared of the possible fates awaiting these characters. Kerri Carpenter has a magical way of telling dramatic stories about women, friendship and family. COME WHAT MAYBE is all about the past and the secrets that come out are heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Lauren and Ethan and her sisters too!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from TLC Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 24, 2023
TITLE: COME WHAT MAYBE
AUTHOR: Kerri Carpenter
PUB DATE: 01.24.2023 Now Available
I really enjoyed this small town romance with unexpected twists and turn of events. I love a good HEA with all the winding currents of life to get to our well deserved happy ending. Through this journey, I enjoyed meeting all of the characters and some have stayed with me until today. I enjoy these stories about families, friendships, and secrets. Overall enjoyable and would love to read more books from author Kerri Carpenter.
Enjoyed it!
AUTHOR: Kerri Carpenter
PUB DATE: 01.24.2023 Now Available
I really enjoyed this small town romance with unexpected twists and turn of events. I love a good HEA with all the winding currents of life to get to our well deserved happy ending. Through this journey, I enjoyed meeting all of the characters and some have stayed with me until today. I enjoy these stories about families, friendships, and secrets. Overall enjoyable and would love to read more books from author Kerri Carpenter.
Enjoyed it!
February 4, 2023
Kerri Carpenter is a new author for me and I really enjoyed this small town romance. It's the first book of a new series and I can't wait to read what happens in the future books. The series is going to follow the lives of three sisters who were raised by a feisty grandmother in the small town of Seaside Cove. This book is the oldest sister Lauren's story.
Lauren is in her mid 30s and who lives in Arlington Virginia, and works as a social media strategist. She's gone home to Maine for a few months to live with her grandmother and help her sister make needed changes in her life. All three sisters plan to spend several months with their hyper-critical grandmother and Lauren as the oldest seems to get the most criticism. Lauren leads a super organized and planned out life. She makes lots of lists and rarely does anything unplanned. When she visits a local bar, she finds out that the owner is someone that she knew from high school and always had a crush on. Ethan has travelled all over the world and settled down back in Seaside Cove but has no plans to stay there. Very quickly, Ethan and Lauren end up having a one-night stand and the result is a totally unplanned pregnancy. Lauren isn't sure how to cope with the pregnancy -- it certainly throws her well planned out life in a mess. Plus she really doesn't want to stay in Seaside Cove and certainly not with someone who lives life by the seat of his pants and never has any plans. Will there be a future for these two totally different people without making major changes to the life that they want to live?
Lauren was a great character. The author showed her different sides through minor plots in the story -- she's a great sister, has a successful career and a well planned future. Her unplanned pregnancy makes her look at her life differently but is there room in her life for someone who may help her live a more spontaneous life. I also enjoyed her relationship with her grandmother -- even though they argued all of the time - some of their arguments were very humorous -- there was still a lot of love between Lauren and the grandmother who raised her and her sisters after their mother's death.
I'm looking forward to the future books in this series to find out if all three sisters -- plus grandma - get their happily ever after.
Lauren is in her mid 30s and who lives in Arlington Virginia, and works as a social media strategist. She's gone home to Maine for a few months to live with her grandmother and help her sister make needed changes in her life. All three sisters plan to spend several months with their hyper-critical grandmother and Lauren as the oldest seems to get the most criticism. Lauren leads a super organized and planned out life. She makes lots of lists and rarely does anything unplanned. When she visits a local bar, she finds out that the owner is someone that she knew from high school and always had a crush on. Ethan has travelled all over the world and settled down back in Seaside Cove but has no plans to stay there. Very quickly, Ethan and Lauren end up having a one-night stand and the result is a totally unplanned pregnancy. Lauren isn't sure how to cope with the pregnancy -- it certainly throws her well planned out life in a mess. Plus she really doesn't want to stay in Seaside Cove and certainly not with someone who lives life by the seat of his pants and never has any plans. Will there be a future for these two totally different people without making major changes to the life that they want to live?
Lauren was a great character. The author showed her different sides through minor plots in the story -- she's a great sister, has a successful career and a well planned future. Her unplanned pregnancy makes her look at her life differently but is there room in her life for someone who may help her live a more spontaneous life. I also enjoyed her relationship with her grandmother -- even though they argued all of the time - some of their arguments were very humorous -- there was still a lot of love between Lauren and the grandmother who raised her and her sisters after their mother's death.
I'm looking forward to the future books in this series to find out if all three sisters -- plus grandma - get their happily ever after.
January 9, 2023
My first time reading this author and I got the beginning of her new Seaside Cove series. The writing is engaging and I felt I flew through the book. The series focuses on three adults sisters who return a small coastal town in Maine near Kennebunkport. They are staying with their tough but loving grandmother who practically raised them after their mothers death. All sisters are introduced but the focus in their story is the oldest.
Lauren Wallace (33) is a successful social media strategist for small businesses. After clashing with Grams on her first night back in Seaside Cove she visits the local bar. She is surprised to find it owned and run by her childhood frenemy Ethan McAllister. They crushed on each other as kids but she ended up dating his best friend and he became the antagonizing third wheel. Ethan has traveled and lived by the seat of his pants before returning home and buying the bar. He also had a bad marriage that leaves him cautious.
I wouldn’t share it wasn’t in the blurb, but one night together turns into an accidental pregnancy. The big issue becomes can Lauren who lives and breaths making plans trust herself with someone who never plans beyond the present. The distinction between the two gets show a few too many times but is relevant in their circumstances. The flirting between the MCs is fun. And the sisters are bickering and supportive like sisters can be. Accidental pregnancy isn’t a trope I read often but here it was light, fun and believable. It helps for me that she has the resources to raise the baby on her own so romance and falling in love in a choice.
This is a closed door romance so it is low on the heat scale. But the author does show their chemistry and desire. Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lauren Wallace (33) is a successful social media strategist for small businesses. After clashing with Grams on her first night back in Seaside Cove she visits the local bar. She is surprised to find it owned and run by her childhood frenemy Ethan McAllister. They crushed on each other as kids but she ended up dating his best friend and he became the antagonizing third wheel. Ethan has traveled and lived by the seat of his pants before returning home and buying the bar. He also had a bad marriage that leaves him cautious.
I wouldn’t share it wasn’t in the blurb, but one night together turns into an accidental pregnancy. The big issue becomes can Lauren who lives and breaths making plans trust herself with someone who never plans beyond the present. The distinction between the two gets show a few too many times but is relevant in their circumstances. The flirting between the MCs is fun. And the sisters are bickering and supportive like sisters can be. Accidental pregnancy isn’t a trope I read often but here it was light, fun and believable. It helps for me that she has the resources to raise the baby on her own so romance and falling in love in a choice.
This is a closed door romance so it is low on the heat scale. But the author does show their chemistry and desire. Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre/tropes: fiction, romance, family, small town, dual POV
CW/TW: unexpected pregnancy, mention of parent death (due to cancer)
Lauren’s the oldest of three sisters who’s returning to the coastal town she grew up in to help her youngest sister get her life back on track. Returning to her childhood home and facing her stern but loving grandmother is daunting, and when Lauren can’t take anymore of her grandmother’s needling, she heads off to the local bar to discover her high school frenemy and inconvenient crush, Ethan owns it. Now in their 30’s, they do away with any of the awkward pretense of their teen years. One thing leads to another, aided by alcohol, they spend the night and, oops!Surprise pregnancy!!
I’m new to Kerri Carpenter’s writing and I liked that she wrote a story that felt well-roundedK. Through a few subplots she shows us different sides of Lauren - the successful business owner, loyal sister, granddaughter, and hesitant girlfriend. Ethan’s the impulsive type that’s contrary to her Type A personality. Their communication is great mostly, but the conflict arises out of my least favorite trope - miscommunication. Sadly, Lauren’s the cotton-headed ninimuggins in this scenario.
I liked it and I’m looking forward to reading the next one in this series, especially since by the end of this book we learn that there’s more to the grandmother (sneaky, sneaky) than we initially thought.
My thanks to @netgalley & @entangled_publishing for my review copy. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 is out tomorrow 1/24.
Genre/tropes: fiction, romance, family, small town, dual POV
CW/TW: unexpected pregnancy, mention of parent death (due to cancer)
Lauren’s the oldest of three sisters who’s returning to the coastal town she grew up in to help her youngest sister get her life back on track. Returning to her childhood home and facing her stern but loving grandmother is daunting, and when Lauren can’t take anymore of her grandmother’s needling, she heads off to the local bar to discover her high school frenemy and inconvenient crush, Ethan owns it. Now in their 30’s, they do away with any of the awkward pretense of their teen years. One thing leads to another, aided by alcohol, they spend the night and, oops!Surprise pregnancy!!
I’m new to Kerri Carpenter’s writing and I liked that she wrote a story that felt well-roundedK. Through a few subplots she shows us different sides of Lauren - the successful business owner, loyal sister, granddaughter, and hesitant girlfriend. Ethan’s the impulsive type that’s contrary to her Type A personality. Their communication is great mostly, but the conflict arises out of my least favorite trope - miscommunication. Sadly, Lauren’s the cotton-headed ninimuggins in this scenario.
I liked it and I’m looking forward to reading the next one in this series, especially since by the end of this book we learn that there’s more to the grandmother (sneaky, sneaky) than we initially thought.
My thanks to @netgalley & @entangled_publishing for my review copy. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 is out tomorrow 1/24.
December 18, 2022
ARC REVIEW
Book: Come What Maybe
Author: Kerri Carpenter
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Come What Maybe is a small town love story. Lauren comes back to help her sister through her troubles and runs into Ethan who was her frenimey growing up. Lauren is a perfectionist with long lists. I will be honest, her character seemed quite annoying. However, Ethan's character made up for how annoying I thought Lauren was.
Come What Maybe is the first book of series. Which I am sure the rest will be for Lauren's sister's Brooke and Gabby, and I am hoping there will possibly one for the Nosey Gram Rose as well. I will definitely be reading them as well.
Come What Maybe was a great book and quick read. Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC for my honest review.
Book: Come What Maybe
Author: Kerri Carpenter
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Come What Maybe is a small town love story. Lauren comes back to help her sister through her troubles and runs into Ethan who was her frenimey growing up. Lauren is a perfectionist with long lists. I will be honest, her character seemed quite annoying. However, Ethan's character made up for how annoying I thought Lauren was.
Come What Maybe is the first book of series. Which I am sure the rest will be for Lauren's sister's Brooke and Gabby, and I am hoping there will possibly one for the Nosey Gram Rose as well. I will definitely be reading them as well.
Come What Maybe was a great book and quick read. Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC for my honest review.
January 27, 2023
Lauren is a successful businesswoman who has mapped out every aspect of her life. She has returned to her hometown to be there for her but when she decides to escape for the evening she reunites with Ethan, a man from her past. She expected that one night would be all they would share but fate had other ideas.
Ethan has recently returned to his hometown as well and now owns the local pub. After his last relationship ended he wasn’t looking for love or a relationship but he wasn’t expecting to reunite with Lauren either. There is no denying the chemistry between them but when life throws them a curve ball will it bring them closer or tear them apart?
Humorous banter and an enchanting romance as despite the fact that their personalities and visions for the future couldn’t be more different they find the perfect balance in each other.
Ethan has recently returned to his hometown as well and now owns the local pub. After his last relationship ended he wasn’t looking for love or a relationship but he wasn’t expecting to reunite with Lauren either. There is no denying the chemistry between them but when life throws them a curve ball will it bring them closer or tear them apart?
Humorous banter and an enchanting romance as despite the fact that their personalities and visions for the future couldn’t be more different they find the perfect balance in each other.
February 7, 2023
When Lauren Wallace heads home to Maine to help her sister and visit her grandmother, she gets more than she bargained for after a one night stand with her high school frenemy, Ethan McAllister. Now with a baby on the way, Lauren and Ethan must navigate their relationship while planning for a child.
This was my first book by carpenter, and I really enjoyed it. It was a sweet romance, and I really liked Ethan and Lauren’s relationship. They were polar opposites with Ethan’s free-spirited lifestyle and Lauren planning everything out ahead of time, but somehow they worked.
I’m not a huge fan of unexpected pregnancies in stories, but it really worked for this book. It was cute reading about Ethan and all the things he wanted to do for the baby. Speaking of Ethan, I just adored him! He’s the kind of romantic lead I’m looking for in a romance.
I loved Lauren‘s Grams and I thought the ending was perfect. I really enjoyed Carpenter’s writing style and the smooth transition between Lauren and Ethan’s perspectives. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Read this if you like:
- Frenemies to lovers
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Coastal seaside settings
- Sweet, closed door romance
- Family dynamics
Thank you Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first book by carpenter, and I really enjoyed it. It was a sweet romance, and I really liked Ethan and Lauren’s relationship. They were polar opposites with Ethan’s free-spirited lifestyle and Lauren planning everything out ahead of time, but somehow they worked.
I’m not a huge fan of unexpected pregnancies in stories, but it really worked for this book. It was cute reading about Ethan and all the things he wanted to do for the baby. Speaking of Ethan, I just adored him! He’s the kind of romantic lead I’m looking for in a romance.
I loved Lauren‘s Grams and I thought the ending was perfect. I really enjoyed Carpenter’s writing style and the smooth transition between Lauren and Ethan’s perspectives. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Read this if you like:
- Frenemies to lovers
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Coastal seaside settings
- Sweet, closed door romance
- Family dynamics
Thank you Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.
December 18, 2022
ARC REVIEW
Book: Come What Maybe
Author: Kerri Carpenter
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Come What Maybe is a small town love story. Lauren comes back to help her sister through her troubles and runs into Ethan who was her frenimey growing up. Lauren is a perfectionist with long lists. I be honest, her character seemed quite annoying. However, Ethan's character made up for how annoying I thought Lauren was.
Come What Maybe is the first book of series. Which I am sure the rest will be for Lauren's sister's Brooke and Gabby, and I am hoping there will possibly one for the Nosey Gram Rose as well. I will definitely be reading them as well.
Come What Maybe was a great book and quick read. Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC for my honest review.
Book: Come What Maybe
Author: Kerri Carpenter
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Come What Maybe is a small town love story. Lauren comes back to help her sister through her troubles and runs into Ethan who was her frenimey growing up. Lauren is a perfectionist with long lists. I be honest, her character seemed quite annoying. However, Ethan's character made up for how annoying I thought Lauren was.
Come What Maybe is the first book of series. Which I am sure the rest will be for Lauren's sister's Brooke and Gabby, and I am hoping there will possibly one for the Nosey Gram Rose as well. I will definitely be reading them as well.
Come What Maybe was a great book and quick read. Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC for my honest review.
January 24, 2023
This is a sweet and fun read, I loved the way the author narrates the story and how the romance progresses between Lauren and Ethan, despite it seeming like they can't stand each other and their constant push and pull actually they have a crush on each other, I really liked their scenes, they made me laugh and sigh.
Definitely a recommended read for fans of cute, funny, small town romances.
Definitely a recommended read for fans of cute, funny, small town romances.
February 8, 2023
A great read with even better characters such a homey small town feel. A quick palate cleanser if you’re in between heavier reads. Really enjoyable and lighthearted. *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 22, 2023
3.5 Stars
This was an easy, low-angst read and a perfect "palate cleanser" book to pick up between emotional reads.
This was an easy, low-angst read and a perfect "palate cleanser" book to pick up between emotional reads.
December 22, 2023
A lively contemporary romance set in a quaint Maine seaside town.
February 22, 2023
It is difficult to keep secrets in small towns—especially a great big juicy one! But that’s exactly what one woman strives to do when she returns home to visit her family. As she goes to great lengths to keep her personal information private, her high school nemesis refuses to keep his distance. Will his presence help or hinder her plan? Find out in Kerri Carpenter’s Come What Maybe.
In this first installment of the new Seaside Cove series, social media strategist Lauren Wallace puts her life on hold and returns to Maine to check up on her youngest sister, Gabby, a remarkable but down-on-her-luck actress who has been evicted from her New York City home.
While in town, Lauren stays with Grams, a “stubborn, outspoken, strong-willed” woman who is as cantankerous as she is beloved. Always “completely capable of taking care of herself,” she’s the one who has always looked after Lauren and her sisters. But this visit will give Lauren the opportunity to make sure she is really okay.
As she strives to reconnect with both women, Lauren has the sneaking suspicion that everything is not as it appears. Thus, she settles in with the hopes both women will open up before too long.
Meanwhile, Lauren’s middle sister, Brooke, has also returned to town, an event which gives the sisters a chance to commiserate and catch up on one another’s lives. Gabby and Lauren are surprised to discover just what kind of man Brooke’s fiancé, Lucas, truly is: one who is demanding, critical, and controlling. Initially, they try to merely be sympathetic, but eventually their true feelings bubble to the surface in ways that are all too familiar for those of us with siblings.
But Lucas isn’t the only man gumming up the sister’s lives. There’s also handsome bar owner Ethan McAllister, a man who was once Lauren’s former high school nemesis. Now, however, she sees him through a different lens, and she must figure out whether he has a long-term place in her life—and dodge Grams’ watchful gaze in the process.
The longer Lauren stays in Seaside Cove and spends time with Ethan and her family, she comes to understand her parents’ own complicated past. But will hindsight ultimately grant her permission to fall in love?
Carpenter populates the quaint, charming community of Seaside Cove with residents who are realistic—if a tad too nosey for Lauren’s liking—and portrays a town that is close-knit and compassionate, filled with genuine and sincere people we’d all love to know. The result is a book that is by tender, thoughtful, funny, and authentic. If you love small town romances with lots of heart, you won’t want to miss Carpenter’s Come What Maybe.
As originally published at JathanandHeather.com
In this first installment of the new Seaside Cove series, social media strategist Lauren Wallace puts her life on hold and returns to Maine to check up on her youngest sister, Gabby, a remarkable but down-on-her-luck actress who has been evicted from her New York City home.
While in town, Lauren stays with Grams, a “stubborn, outspoken, strong-willed” woman who is as cantankerous as she is beloved. Always “completely capable of taking care of herself,” she’s the one who has always looked after Lauren and her sisters. But this visit will give Lauren the opportunity to make sure she is really okay.
As she strives to reconnect with both women, Lauren has the sneaking suspicion that everything is not as it appears. Thus, she settles in with the hopes both women will open up before too long.
Meanwhile, Lauren’s middle sister, Brooke, has also returned to town, an event which gives the sisters a chance to commiserate and catch up on one another’s lives. Gabby and Lauren are surprised to discover just what kind of man Brooke’s fiancé, Lucas, truly is: one who is demanding, critical, and controlling. Initially, they try to merely be sympathetic, but eventually their true feelings bubble to the surface in ways that are all too familiar for those of us with siblings.
But Lucas isn’t the only man gumming up the sister’s lives. There’s also handsome bar owner Ethan McAllister, a man who was once Lauren’s former high school nemesis. Now, however, she sees him through a different lens, and she must figure out whether he has a long-term place in her life—and dodge Grams’ watchful gaze in the process.
The longer Lauren stays in Seaside Cove and spends time with Ethan and her family, she comes to understand her parents’ own complicated past. But will hindsight ultimately grant her permission to fall in love?
Carpenter populates the quaint, charming community of Seaside Cove with residents who are realistic—if a tad too nosey for Lauren’s liking—and portrays a town that is close-knit and compassionate, filled with genuine and sincere people we’d all love to know. The result is a book that is by tender, thoughtful, funny, and authentic. If you love small town romances with lots of heart, you won’t want to miss Carpenter’s Come What Maybe.
As originally published at JathanandHeather.com
February 3, 2023
Do you like unexpected surprises or do you like everything planned. I definitely like everything planned.
Lauren Wallace feels the same way. She works in social media advertising and likes her life being planned out. Unfortunately, her family has no idea what she does and does not respect her busy life schedule. She returns home to her small hometown of Seaside Cove, Maine to help out her sister who is having a crisis. While she enjoys seeing her grandma and her sisters, Grams is a bit cranky. Lauren needs some time away from her and goes to the local bar where she finds an old high school friend, Ethan McAllister, is now the bar owner. Sparks fly and Lauren’s life takes a different turn than planned. How will Lauren move forward in the future? Does her future include Ethan? Ethan who has a very different outlook on life than her?
I enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the family drama. I like how Lauren had to really step outside of her comfort zone and look at what she wanted in life moving forward. She also had to face demons from her own childhood. Her parents married young, her father abandoned the family, and then her mother passed away from cancer. Her Grandma raised her and her sisters. Lauren is desperate not to repeat this scenario and marry someone who will not be there fore her and her family. But this makes it so she isn’t willing to take risks on love. I also how cranky her Grandma was how and her and her Grandma worked through their differences and came to a better understanding of each other by the end of the novel. I love that the community of Seaside Cove was a character too and their gossip drove some of the action. Lauren and Ethan had a great love story, although Lauren seemed to be the problem in their love story due to miscommunication.
This is both a second chance romance and friends to lovers trope. The romance was more closed door and low on the steam scale. I enjoyed it – it was a good story. With my Grandma passing away recently, it was nice to have a Grandma and Granddaughter relationship in this book as well. I loved the banter between Ethan and Lauren and found myself chuckling often as I read.
Seaside Cove is a new series of books with this as the first book in the series. This was the first book I’ve read by Kerri Carpenter and it won’t be my last. I thought the writing was very engaging.
Review Copy from Entangled Publishing as part of the TLC Book Tour. Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2023...
Lauren Wallace feels the same way. She works in social media advertising and likes her life being planned out. Unfortunately, her family has no idea what she does and does not respect her busy life schedule. She returns home to her small hometown of Seaside Cove, Maine to help out her sister who is having a crisis. While she enjoys seeing her grandma and her sisters, Grams is a bit cranky. Lauren needs some time away from her and goes to the local bar where she finds an old high school friend, Ethan McAllister, is now the bar owner. Sparks fly and Lauren’s life takes a different turn than planned. How will Lauren move forward in the future? Does her future include Ethan? Ethan who has a very different outlook on life than her?
I enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the family drama. I like how Lauren had to really step outside of her comfort zone and look at what she wanted in life moving forward. She also had to face demons from her own childhood. Her parents married young, her father abandoned the family, and then her mother passed away from cancer. Her Grandma raised her and her sisters. Lauren is desperate not to repeat this scenario and marry someone who will not be there fore her and her family. But this makes it so she isn’t willing to take risks on love. I also how cranky her Grandma was how and her and her Grandma worked through their differences and came to a better understanding of each other by the end of the novel. I love that the community of Seaside Cove was a character too and their gossip drove some of the action. Lauren and Ethan had a great love story, although Lauren seemed to be the problem in their love story due to miscommunication.
This is both a second chance romance and friends to lovers trope. The romance was more closed door and low on the steam scale. I enjoyed it – it was a good story. With my Grandma passing away recently, it was nice to have a Grandma and Granddaughter relationship in this book as well. I loved the banter between Ethan and Lauren and found myself chuckling often as I read.
Seaside Cove is a new series of books with this as the first book in the series. This was the first book I’ve read by Kerri Carpenter and it won’t be my last. I thought the writing was very engaging.
Review Copy from Entangled Publishing as part of the TLC Book Tour. Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2023...
January 24, 2023
Come What Maybe by Kerri Carpenter, book one in her Seaside Cove series, is a small town love story, focusing on the oldest of three adults sisters who return a small coastal town in Maine near Kennebunkport, to help her youngest sister through her troubles. They are staying with their tough but loving grandmother who practically raised them after their mother’s death. On her first night back in Seaside Cove she visits the local bar. She is surprised to find it owned and run by her childhood frenemy Ethan McAllister. They crushed on each other as kids but she ended up dating his best friend, became the antagonizing third wheel. Ethan has traveled and lived by the seat of his pants before returning home and buying the bar. Ethan had a bad marriage that left him cautious about relationships, but the connection he and Lauren have is different, it sizzles and sparks; drawing them together. Unfortunately, there are consequences to their time together, freaking out Lauren, the perfectionist. The dilemma for Lauren, who lives for over-planning, is if she can handle being with someone totally her opposite, someone who never plans beyond the present. Except, suddenly they start to agree on everything; which is totally unfamiliar territory for them. They begin to like each other more and disagree less; it's almost as if them being together was meant to be. Or is it?
Ms. Carpenter wrote a sweet, humorous, and endearing love story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, attraction, chemistry, clever banter, bickering and supportive sisters, and a cast of secondary characters helping Lauren and Ethan find love as well as the place where they belong, together. I highly recommend Come What Maybe to other readers and look forward to Brooke and Gabby’s, Lauren's sisters, stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Carpenter wrote a sweet, humorous, and endearing love story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, attraction, chemistry, clever banter, bickering and supportive sisters, and a cast of secondary characters helping Lauren and Ethan find love as well as the place where they belong, together. I highly recommend Come What Maybe to other readers and look forward to Brooke and Gabby’s, Lauren's sisters, stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 9, 2023
Quotes:
- “I kind of had a thing for you.”
- “A text message? That’s what your eighty-year-old grandmother deserves? Someone could have stolen your phone and sent that while they were harvesting your organs.”
- “I never really thought about having a kid, but now that one’s on the way, I know I want to be part of its life. I want to. I know that the same way I know I need air to breathe.”
- it felt like the lights dimmed around everything else except Ethan. He was in the spotlight now. He was becoming her world.
- “Some rules can be broken, McAllister. As long as I’m breaking them with you.”
Review:
For Lauren everything has to be planned that’s the only way she can function so when she accidentally gets pregnant by the boy she loved to argue and tease growing up, all plans are out the window. This book has so many great characters and by far the star of the book is Grams. She tells it like it is and doesn’t really hold back for anyone. Ethan (aka Baby Daddy) owns the local bar/ restaurant in the small town they grew up in. He loves to travel but came back home when he had a very rough breakup and divorce thats when he bought the bar. Lauren and her 2 sisters come back to help Gabby the youngest get through a rough patch. Well on night one of being back Lauren goes to the bar and has a bit too much to drink and that’s when she and Ethan start flirting and talking about how they actually liked each other all those years ago. Then one thing leads to another and their lives are forever changed. Lauren and Ethan think about what this means for them if the should date, get married, move in together or go their own ways and back to their lives. I couldn’t stop reading this and I laughed so much at the banter and sarcasm all throughout.
- Romance
- Funny
- Sarcastic
- Repeat History
- Guy falls first
- Frenemy to lovers
- “I kind of had a thing for you.”
- “A text message? That’s what your eighty-year-old grandmother deserves? Someone could have stolen your phone and sent that while they were harvesting your organs.”
- “I never really thought about having a kid, but now that one’s on the way, I know I want to be part of its life. I want to. I know that the same way I know I need air to breathe.”
- it felt like the lights dimmed around everything else except Ethan. He was in the spotlight now. He was becoming her world.
- “Some rules can be broken, McAllister. As long as I’m breaking them with you.”
Review:
For Lauren everything has to be planned that’s the only way she can function so when she accidentally gets pregnant by the boy she loved to argue and tease growing up, all plans are out the window. This book has so many great characters and by far the star of the book is Grams. She tells it like it is and doesn’t really hold back for anyone. Ethan (aka Baby Daddy) owns the local bar/ restaurant in the small town they grew up in. He loves to travel but came back home when he had a very rough breakup and divorce thats when he bought the bar. Lauren and her 2 sisters come back to help Gabby the youngest get through a rough patch. Well on night one of being back Lauren goes to the bar and has a bit too much to drink and that’s when she and Ethan start flirting and talking about how they actually liked each other all those years ago. Then one thing leads to another and their lives are forever changed. Lauren and Ethan think about what this means for them if the should date, get married, move in together or go their own ways and back to their lives. I couldn’t stop reading this and I laughed so much at the banter and sarcasm all throughout.
- Romance
- Funny
- Sarcastic
- Repeat History
- Guy falls first
- Frenemy to lovers
January 14, 2023
COME WHAT MAYBE is a cute contemporary romance with an accidental pregnancy and small town. Lauren is heading home to her small town to help her sister recover from financial and emotional ruin. She will be staying with her grandmother, a hard woman who never gives her a break. When Lauren arrives and they are immediately butting heads, she heads out to the local pub and hooks up with the guy she had a crush on in high school, Ethan.
Though they had been frenemies in high school, both of them were hiding attraction under the surface, which led to their passionate one-night stand. While Ethan wants to try dating her, Lauren wants to focus on her family and job - until 3 weeks later when she realizes her period is late. As she finds out she is pregnant, her carefully planned life is thrown for a loop, and Lauren must re-evaluate what she wants and how she will move forward with Ethan.
This was an overall cute romance with strong small town themes (everyone knows everything happening in town) and an accidental pregnancy. Both Ethan and Lauren are dealing with their relationship hangups imposed by their pasts. Their journeys were slow but sweet as they get to know each other again and consider their pasts to move forward. Lauren's sisters and their relationships were my favorite elements of the story, and while some mysteries were raised around what was happening with the two, it seems that their stories are being saved for future books.
Overall, COME WHAT MAYBE is a sweet and slow-building contemporary romance. Please note that I received an eARC. All opinions are my own.
Though they had been frenemies in high school, both of them were hiding attraction under the surface, which led to their passionate one-night stand. While Ethan wants to try dating her, Lauren wants to focus on her family and job - until 3 weeks later when she realizes her period is late. As she finds out she is pregnant, her carefully planned life is thrown for a loop, and Lauren must re-evaluate what she wants and how she will move forward with Ethan.
This was an overall cute romance with strong small town themes (everyone knows everything happening in town) and an accidental pregnancy. Both Ethan and Lauren are dealing with their relationship hangups imposed by their pasts. Their journeys were slow but sweet as they get to know each other again and consider their pasts to move forward. Lauren's sisters and their relationships were my favorite elements of the story, and while some mysteries were raised around what was happening with the two, it seems that their stories are being saved for future books.
Overall, COME WHAT MAYBE is a sweet and slow-building contemporary romance. Please note that I received an eARC. All opinions are my own.
January 20, 2023
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥.5
Lauren Wallace has it all together. Sure, the social media consultant gets a lot of flack from her no-nonsense grandmother, but she has been the Wallace sister who has her ducks in a row. When one night of uncharacteristic recklessness leads to the bed of her high school crush Ethan, she finds that her life goes slightly off its carefully planned rails.
Now Lauren needs another plan, but would that train ride of life include Ethan?
If you love small-town romance with a side of accidental pregnancy and sassy adversaries-to-lovers, this is a good book to pick up. I enjoyed Ethan and Lauren's flirtatious banter, and the development of their romance was well-paced and engaging as they navigate their unexpected connection through the demons from their past relationships.
This is the first of the Seaside Cove series, and it also introduces us to Lauren's sisters. I adore the dynamic of their relationship with Lauren and Gram's sass. I cannot wait for the sisters' books to come out.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Kerri Carpenter, Entangled Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **
SPICE: 🔥.5
Lauren Wallace has it all together. Sure, the social media consultant gets a lot of flack from her no-nonsense grandmother, but she has been the Wallace sister who has her ducks in a row. When one night of uncharacteristic recklessness leads to the bed of her high school crush Ethan, she finds that her life goes slightly off its carefully planned rails.
Now Lauren needs another plan, but would that train ride of life include Ethan?
If you love small-town romance with a side of accidental pregnancy and sassy adversaries-to-lovers, this is a good book to pick up. I enjoyed Ethan and Lauren's flirtatious banter, and the development of their romance was well-paced and engaging as they navigate their unexpected connection through the demons from their past relationships.
This is the first of the Seaside Cove series, and it also introduces us to Lauren's sisters. I adore the dynamic of their relationship with Lauren and Gram's sass. I cannot wait for the sisters' books to come out.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Kerri Carpenter, Entangled Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **
January 29, 2023
Kerri is a new author for me. But since I’m always on the lookout for new authors, I accepted the arc. And Kerri has written a wonderful, cute and cozy romance. the story is about Lauren, who comes back to her hometown. After being raised by her grandmother (grams, the most wonderful character in the whole story), she has moved away. But when her youngest sister, Gabby is in (money) trouble, she decides to return home for a few months. Together with her other sister, Brooke, they plan to help Gabby back on her feet. Whilst back in town, Lauren runs into one of her high school friends: Ethan.
Ethan did always have a crush on Lauren. But since she was dating his best friend, she was off limits. And now she is suddenly back in Seaside Cove! When one night of fun results in an unexpected pregnancy, Lauren and Ethan have no choice but to figure out their new relationship status. One of the reasons Lauren didn’t want to date Ethan back in high school, was that he was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy, whereas Lauren is a stick-to-the-plan kind of girl. And a baby was certainly not yet on any of Lauren’s to-do lists.
The story flows wonderfully and the fact that Lauren wants to keep the pregnancy a secret from her grand- mother, leads to some hilarious conversations. Furthermore, you can feel that there is a story behind Gabby’s financial issues. And what’s up with Brooke’s fiance?
I expect those answers in the next parts of these series. I’ll keep an eye out. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
Ethan did always have a crush on Lauren. But since she was dating his best friend, she was off limits. And now she is suddenly back in Seaside Cove! When one night of fun results in an unexpected pregnancy, Lauren and Ethan have no choice but to figure out their new relationship status. One of the reasons Lauren didn’t want to date Ethan back in high school, was that he was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy, whereas Lauren is a stick-to-the-plan kind of girl. And a baby was certainly not yet on any of Lauren’s to-do lists.
The story flows wonderfully and the fact that Lauren wants to keep the pregnancy a secret from her grand- mother, leads to some hilarious conversations. Furthermore, you can feel that there is a story behind Gabby’s financial issues. And what’s up with Brooke’s fiance?
I expect those answers in the next parts of these series. I’ll keep an eye out. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
November 2, 2022
Social media strategist Lauren Wallace plans everything. But when she returns to the charming—if not too small for comfort—town of Seaside Cove, it’s only about a second before her tough-love Grams is already on her case. So when Grams tells her not to go to that bar, Lauren decides it’s time for a temporary rebellion. Which is exactly when the trouble starts.
Grams was right. The bar was not a good plan. Because suddenly super-cute bar owner Ethan McAllister has gone from being Lauren’s (kind of) high school nemesis to a very unexpected one-night stand. And worse, Lauren’s attempts to resume her ultra-responsible life keep getting thwarted by more unwelcome spontaneity. And a pregnancy.
Now there’s a baby on the way, Lauren’s the talk of the entire town, and all her planning has gone right out the window. All that’s missing is childbirth to make her pain complete. But it’ll be nothing compared to Grams’s reaction when she finds out that Lauren broke the biggest rule of all…falling for the wrong guy.
This was your typical opposites attract and make a surprise, unplanned, baby trope, which is one of my favourite to read. The plot was simple to follow and the characters worked well together. A fun way to wile away 90 minutes in the sun.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
Grams was right. The bar was not a good plan. Because suddenly super-cute bar owner Ethan McAllister has gone from being Lauren’s (kind of) high school nemesis to a very unexpected one-night stand. And worse, Lauren’s attempts to resume her ultra-responsible life keep getting thwarted by more unwelcome spontaneity. And a pregnancy.
Now there’s a baby on the way, Lauren’s the talk of the entire town, and all her planning has gone right out the window. All that’s missing is childbirth to make her pain complete. But it’ll be nothing compared to Grams’s reaction when she finds out that Lauren broke the biggest rule of all…falling for the wrong guy.
This was your typical opposites attract and make a surprise, unplanned, baby trope, which is one of my favourite to read. The plot was simple to follow and the characters worked well together. A fun way to wile away 90 minutes in the sun.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
December 5, 2022
Everything in Lauren Wallace's life is planned down to the letter, she has her plan in place and she never strays from it... which makes her feel very predictable and boring. Just once she'd like to do something out of character, something wild. So she waltzes through the doors of the local bar, and that's where things start to go array... and not according to her plan at all!
Come What Maybe is a delightfully penned small town romance that comes with lovable characters that will easily charm their way into your heart. Lauren and Ethan have a complicated relationship, back in high school they would be friends one day and enemies the next, and that distaste has kind of stuck with them. Not to mention their complete opposites, so they very seldom agree on anything. But when Lauren marches into his bar looking for a good time, they suddenly start to agree on everything... that is of course until morning comes! Now these two find themselves in unfamiliar territory, liking each other more and disagreeing less... it's as if it's meant to be. Or is it?
Watching these two wander into unfamiliar territory and find love was a lot of fun, their story was sweet, romantic, funny at times, and good on the heart! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Come What Maybe is a delightfully penned small town romance that comes with lovable characters that will easily charm their way into your heart. Lauren and Ethan have a complicated relationship, back in high school they would be friends one day and enemies the next, and that distaste has kind of stuck with them. Not to mention their complete opposites, so they very seldom agree on anything. But when Lauren marches into his bar looking for a good time, they suddenly start to agree on everything... that is of course until morning comes! Now these two find themselves in unfamiliar territory, liking each other more and disagreeing less... it's as if it's meant to be. Or is it?
Watching these two wander into unfamiliar territory and find love was a lot of fun, their story was sweet, romantic, funny at times, and good on the heart! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 3, 2023
Great new series!
This is my first book by this author, and I'm already looking forward to the next. When Lauren, Brooke and Gabby return to Seaside Cove, Maine to spend some time with their grandmother and help Gabby get her life back on track, they run into a lot of challenges. Its a small town, lots of gossip, and you're always running into someone you went to high school with, maybe a friend, maybe a frenemy.
Frenemy is exactly how Lauren described her relationship with Ethan...to others, at least. They tended to get into arguments regularly, and Ethan was always a 3rd wheel in high school, but now everyone is grown up. Ethan owns a bar, Lauren is a successful social media executive living in Virginia. One thing leads to another, one argument leads to making up, and making up leads to a surprise baby!
I thought this was a very fast-paced, fun read. I enjoyed the sisterly spats between Lauren and her sisters, and the way Grams looked after them all. Watching Lauren and Ethan's relationship grow was both fun and at times, frustrating, but only because they didn't see what was in front of them. I'm hoping the next story will be Brooke..and maybe Kai?
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
This is my first book by this author, and I'm already looking forward to the next. When Lauren, Brooke and Gabby return to Seaside Cove, Maine to spend some time with their grandmother and help Gabby get her life back on track, they run into a lot of challenges. Its a small town, lots of gossip, and you're always running into someone you went to high school with, maybe a friend, maybe a frenemy.
Frenemy is exactly how Lauren described her relationship with Ethan...to others, at least. They tended to get into arguments regularly, and Ethan was always a 3rd wheel in high school, but now everyone is grown up. Ethan owns a bar, Lauren is a successful social media executive living in Virginia. One thing leads to another, one argument leads to making up, and making up leads to a surprise baby!
I thought this was a very fast-paced, fun read. I enjoyed the sisterly spats between Lauren and her sisters, and the way Grams looked after them all. Watching Lauren and Ethan's relationship grow was both fun and at times, frustrating, but only because they didn't see what was in front of them. I'm hoping the next story will be Brooke..and maybe Kai?
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
February 7, 2023
When Lauren Wallace heads home to Maine to help her sister and visit her grandmother, she gets more than she bargained for after a one night stand with her high school frenemy, Ethan McAllister. Now with a baby on the way, Lauren and Ethan must navigate their relationship while planning for a child.
This was my first book by carpenter, and I really enjoyed it. It was a sweet romance, and I really liked Ethan and Lauren’s relationship. They were polar opposites with Ethan’s free-spirited lifestyle and Lauren planning everything out ahead of time, but somehow they worked.
I’m not a huge fan of unexpected pregnancies in stories, but it really worked for this book. It was cute reading about Ethan and all the things he wanted to do for the baby. Speaking of Ethan, I just adored him! He’s the kind of romantic lead I’m looking for in a romance.
I loved Lauren‘s Grams and I thought the ending was perfect. I really enjoyed Carpenter’s writing style and the smooth transition between Lauren and Ethan’s perspectives. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Read this if you like:
- Frenemies to lovers
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Coastal seaside settings
- Sweet, closed door romance
- Family dynamics
Thank you Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first book by carpenter, and I really enjoyed it. It was a sweet romance, and I really liked Ethan and Lauren’s relationship. They were polar opposites with Ethan’s free-spirited lifestyle and Lauren planning everything out ahead of time, but somehow they worked.
I’m not a huge fan of unexpected pregnancies in stories, but it really worked for this book. It was cute reading about Ethan and all the things he wanted to do for the baby. Speaking of Ethan, I just adored him! He’s the kind of romantic lead I’m looking for in a romance.
I loved Lauren‘s Grams and I thought the ending was perfect. I really enjoyed Carpenter’s writing style and the smooth transition between Lauren and Ethan’s perspectives. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Read this if you like:
- Frenemies to lovers
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Coastal seaside settings
- Sweet, closed door romance
- Family dynamics
Thank you Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.
February 3, 2023
Lauren went home to help her baby sister Gabby get back on her feet. Gabby is terrible with money but she is also questioning all of the decisions she has made in her life. Brooke is the middle sister who is a wedding planner and is in a toxic relationship with her fiance.
Lauren is the oldest sister, soon after she goes home she runs into her high school frenemy Ethan, During an argument with her Gran, she tells her not to go to the bar. Lauren cannot resist and does just that. Gran does that a few times throughout the book, and it makes things cute and reverse psychology. The first night with Ethan changes the course of both of their lives and helps shape their future.
Come What Maybe was my first book by Kerri Carpenter and it was a cute story. It took me a few pages to really get into the story, but once I was there I was hooked. I wanted to see what happened next and I kept hoping for Ethan and Lauren's HEA, Brooke would break up with her fiance, and Gabby would figure out that she wants to be a baker (that was the feeling I got). I loved the interactions between the sisters. You could feel their bond. I was sad to see the story end, but I was happy with it.
Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review
Lauren is the oldest sister, soon after she goes home she runs into her high school frenemy Ethan, During an argument with her Gran, she tells her not to go to the bar. Lauren cannot resist and does just that. Gran does that a few times throughout the book, and it makes things cute and reverse psychology. The first night with Ethan changes the course of both of their lives and helps shape their future.
Come What Maybe was my first book by Kerri Carpenter and it was a cute story. It took me a few pages to really get into the story, but once I was there I was hooked. I wanted to see what happened next and I kept hoping for Ethan and Lauren's HEA, Brooke would break up with her fiance, and Gabby would figure out that she wants to be a baker (that was the feeling I got). I loved the interactions between the sisters. You could feel their bond. I was sad to see the story end, but I was happy with it.
Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review
November 12, 2022
ARC REVIEW
Come What Maybe by Kerri Carpenter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A small town romance with some unexpected connections.
❤️ Lauren comes back to the small coastal Maine town she grew up in to help younger sister Gabby through some tough times. What she didn’t expect was to hook up with high school frenemy Ethan her first night home. And oh yeah, now she’s pregnant.
❤️ This was my first unexpected pregnancy book and I liked it. Lauren is super independent so her situation brings her a lot of anxiety. Some of her actions did annoy me at times BUT Ethan made up for it all. I adored him. He is her exact opposite, carefree and live in the moment type. But, watching them come into their feelings for each other was great.
This is the first in a series that I’m looking forward to continuing. I liked all three sister (Lauren, Brooke, and Gabby) along with their meddling grandmother and the quirky small town.
All in all, I really enjoyed this quick read! Perfect for fans of small town romances with no spice.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: 1/24
Come What Maybe by Kerri Carpenter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A small town romance with some unexpected connections.
❤️ Lauren comes back to the small coastal Maine town she grew up in to help younger sister Gabby through some tough times. What she didn’t expect was to hook up with high school frenemy Ethan her first night home. And oh yeah, now she’s pregnant.
❤️ This was my first unexpected pregnancy book and I liked it. Lauren is super independent so her situation brings her a lot of anxiety. Some of her actions did annoy me at times BUT Ethan made up for it all. I adored him. He is her exact opposite, carefree and live in the moment type. But, watching them come into their feelings for each other was great.
This is the first in a series that I’m looking forward to continuing. I liked all three sister (Lauren, Brooke, and Gabby) along with their meddling grandmother and the quirky small town.
All in all, I really enjoyed this quick read! Perfect for fans of small town romances with no spice.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: 1/24
November 12, 2022
ARC REVIEW
Come What Maybe by Kerri Carpenter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A small town romance with some unexpected connections.
❤️ Lauren comes back to the small coastal Maine town she grew up in to help younger sister Gabby through some tough times. What she didn’t expect was to hook up with high school frenemy Ethan her first night home. And oh yeah, now she’s pregnant.
❤️ This was my first unexpected pregnancy book and I liked it. Lauren is super independent so her situation brings her a lot of anxiety. Some of her actions did annoy me at times BUT Ethan made up for it all. I adored him. He is her exact opposite, carefree and live in the moment type. But, watching them come into their feelings for each other was great.
This is the first in a series that I’m looking forward to continuing. I liked all three sister (Lauren, Brooke, and Gabby) along with their meddling grandmother and the quirky small town.
All in all, I really enjoyed this quick read! Perfect for fans of small town romances with no spice.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: 1/24
Come What Maybe by Kerri Carpenter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A small town romance with some unexpected connections.
❤️ Lauren comes back to the small coastal Maine town she grew up in to help younger sister Gabby through some tough times. What she didn’t expect was to hook up with high school frenemy Ethan her first night home. And oh yeah, now she’s pregnant.
❤️ This was my first unexpected pregnancy book and I liked it. Lauren is super independent so her situation brings her a lot of anxiety. Some of her actions did annoy me at times BUT Ethan made up for it all. I adored him. He is her exact opposite, carefree and live in the moment type. But, watching them come into their feelings for each other was great.
This is the first in a series that I’m looking forward to continuing. I liked all three sister (Lauren, Brooke, and Gabby) along with their meddling grandmother and the quirky small town.
All in all, I really enjoyed this quick read! Perfect for fans of small town romances with no spice.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: 1/24
December 28, 2022
This story takes us to the small Maine town of Seaside Cove where everybody knows you and most know your secrets.
Years ago three sisters lived there with their grandmother. A no nonsense woman and one hard to please. When the youngest of the sisters seems to be in trouble and now is living in town, Lauren Wallace, the eldest and a very successful media strategist, calls her sister Brooke and tells her to join her in Seaside Cove so they can find out what troubles Gabby and see how they can help.
On her first day in town Lauren goes to the local bar, never expecting see Ethan McAllister, bar owner, and once her HS frenemy. The attraction that brewed then is still there and the quick hook up leaves Lauren pregnant, and footloose Ethan shocked and uncertain.
This engaging story is one that deals with family dynamics, secrets, fears of the unknown, hope, taking chances and finding love when one least expected it.
This reader is looking forward to the next story in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Entangled: Amara. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Years ago three sisters lived there with their grandmother. A no nonsense woman and one hard to please. When the youngest of the sisters seems to be in trouble and now is living in town, Lauren Wallace, the eldest and a very successful media strategist, calls her sister Brooke and tells her to join her in Seaside Cove so they can find out what troubles Gabby and see how they can help.
On her first day in town Lauren goes to the local bar, never expecting see Ethan McAllister, bar owner, and once her HS frenemy. The attraction that brewed then is still there and the quick hook up leaves Lauren pregnant, and footloose Ethan shocked and uncertain.
This engaging story is one that deals with family dynamics, secrets, fears of the unknown, hope, taking chances and finding love when one least expected it.
This reader is looking forward to the next story in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Entangled: Amara. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 6, 2023
What a totally charming read this book was, and I’m so delighted that it is book one of a series. I absolutely adore a small town romance trope and if it’s a beach town then all the better.
Lauren came back to Seaside Cove to help her baby sister out, her sister Gabby has been through a tough time of things lately and definitely needs her big sisters help and support. The first night home Lauren bangs straight into her childhood frenamie and things get her up for sure.
I really enjoyed the storyline of this book, I thought it was fun and something that definitely happens in every day life. At some points I wanted to just bang their heads together but thankfully they are surrounded by people who love them and don’t have a problem telling them how it is.
I really enjoyed the characters and look forward to seeing how Gabby and Brookes stories turn out, I’d also love a story for nana Rose.
The setting was beautiful and I really look forward to visiting this gorgeous little town again.
Thank a you so much to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.
Lauren came back to Seaside Cove to help her baby sister out, her sister Gabby has been through a tough time of things lately and definitely needs her big sisters help and support. The first night home Lauren bangs straight into her childhood frenamie and things get her up for sure.
I really enjoyed the storyline of this book, I thought it was fun and something that definitely happens in every day life. At some points I wanted to just bang their heads together but thankfully they are surrounded by people who love them and don’t have a problem telling them how it is.
I really enjoyed the characters and look forward to seeing how Gabby and Brookes stories turn out, I’d also love a story for nana Rose.
The setting was beautiful and I really look forward to visiting this gorgeous little town again.
Thank a you so much to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.
January 24, 2023
Three sisters return to their childhood home
They've been apart as they did roam,
But the youngest is in need of support and care
So the other two sisters join her back there.
Lauren is a planner, a strategist with lists
Ticking things off so nothing is missed!
But she's also independent and stubborn, too,
Usually doing the opposite of what her Grams says to do!
That's how she found herself in the local bar
Meeting again her teen crush who has travelled far.
The chemistry is there and neither and resist
But they'll be consequences from this night that will persist!
A small town where everyone shares what is anyone might do
You really could be people living in a zoo!
However, each sister has their problems they're reluctant to share
And now Lauren is pregnant she's not sure that she dare!
A story of community, teen love and secrets, too,
With plenty of family drama and discoveries all the way through.
With romance growing between these opposites now
Can they trust love to help them through somehow?
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
They've been apart as they did roam,
But the youngest is in need of support and care
So the other two sisters join her back there.
Lauren is a planner, a strategist with lists
Ticking things off so nothing is missed!
But she's also independent and stubborn, too,
Usually doing the opposite of what her Grams says to do!
That's how she found herself in the local bar
Meeting again her teen crush who has travelled far.
The chemistry is there and neither and resist
But they'll be consequences from this night that will persist!
A small town where everyone shares what is anyone might do
You really could be people living in a zoo!
However, each sister has their problems they're reluctant to share
And now Lauren is pregnant she's not sure that she dare!
A story of community, teen love and secrets, too,
With plenty of family drama and discoveries all the way through.
With romance growing between these opposites now
Can they trust love to help them through somehow?
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
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