No kissing, no dating, and no matter what, absolutely no falling in love.
These are three rules Summer Bates has vowed to honour after losing her one true love. Used as a pawn since then, both romantically and professionally, she’s sworn off all men and moved to the small town of Cheshire Bay to start over. In life. In business. But definitely not in love.
Until she has a one-night stand with the gorgeous bookstore owner.
Adam Normandy is the epitome of a small-town homespun hero, all wrapped in a sexy package. Annoyingly charismatic, he pushes Summer’s buttons. Including the one no one’s touched in years. As much as she tries to resist, he’s rousing new emotions she thought she’d never feel again. And she likes it.
However, Summer’s past arrives with a vengeance, threatening to destroy her new career, her new life, and the budding romance with Adam. Can he be the hero she needs, or will she lose everything, including her happily ever after?
H.M. Shander is an award winning and USA TODAY bestselling author who is a hopeless romantic and lover of chocolate, coconut and a damn good cup of coffee.
She's the author of several reader's choice books (Bronze medal for Return to Cheshire Bay and the Gold Medal for Living La Vida Mocha). An upcoming release was also a Kobo Writing Life finalist - so watch for that to release soon. She writes swoon-worthy, gentle beta heroes, in sweet or steamy storylines that all end with a happily ever after.
When not writing, she is a part-time librarian and Educational Assistant to a group of kindergartens, a devoted mother to her two kids, and believes she's married the sweetest man and the greatest inspiration for her heroes.
A well written novel where nothing is what it seems. A story in which it appears that secrets never remain hidden and everything you built up can be lost.
Summer flees her old life and starts a new life in Cheshire Bay with her best friend. After a night in which she gets drunk, she ends up in bed with a stranger. She quietly escapes his house.
But Cheshire Bay isn't so big that you can outrun each other.
Especially when she approaches shopkeepers to rent a stall at the Bayside market, something she's trying to set up as an event planner. Because her stranger is a man who was born and raised in the village and owns a bookshop.
Adam wants to get to know her better even though she ghosted him. He asks her out but is told a firm no. Summer doesn't date!
Summer has had a bad experience from which she ran away. She has learned through trial and error that men cannot be trusted. Not even the gentle Adam who gives her butterflies in her stomach. But Adam does not give up! And finally she accepts his invitation. On the regetta they are going to, she runs into the man she ran away from and flees.
Her secrets are revealed and everything she's done to build a new life comes crashing down like a house of cards.
How can Adam trust her when even her best friend turns her back? How can Summer regain Adam's trust now that she realizes he's the man who breathed life back into her heart?
A well-written story where a lot happens and Summer falls back into old habits, knowing that she can hurt herself. And how!! She gets into a hornet's nest by going "out" with Kyle when she makes a deal to rent cheaper tents for the market.
I found Summer to be a woman who tries to do the right thing but makes wrong choices. On the one hand strong as she comes across and tries to build a new life. On the other hand, insecure when it comes to the feelings that involve her heart. Adam is a great guy but he too is insecure when it comes to going through love after a divorce. But what patience he has with Summer.
An HEA at the end is what you all want the couple to have.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After losing her true love, Summer has no interest in men or love. She's tired of constantly being used, and decides to move to Cheshire Bay to leave the past behind and start fresh. Despite having sworn off men, she ends up in bed with a stranger after a drunken night, but leaves before he wakes up. Unfortunately, Cheshire Bay is a small town and she inevitably encounters him at a bookshop that he owns. Adam is not like the other men she has dated and he truly wants to get to know her better, but is shot down when he asks her out. Summer's past experiences have taught her not to trust men, even sweet, kind , and genuinely good-hearted ones like Adam. But Adam is not one to easily give and he is determined to tear down those barriers that Summer has so diligently put up. When he finally starts breaking through, Summer's past catches up with her and could ruin everything. She now needs to work and gain back Adam's trust. A heartwarming and sweet story about learning to trust and love again. The characters were amazing and I immediately fell in love with them. The story pulled me in right from the start and kept me engaged till the end. A lovely addition to the series! I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Summer has recently moved the Cheshire Bay and is rebuilding her life after some big catastrophe in Victoria. She follows her best friend and decides to start a Vendor Market in the town that caters to tourists in the area. On her first night in town, she goes out with her friend and has a one night stand with Adam and sneaks out of his house before he wakes up only to discover that her one night stand is the local bookstore owner. Summer has vowed that she will not get caught up in a relationship and has some serious issues she is avoiding, Adam however has other plans and decides he’s going to pursue Summer through a variety of non-date arrangements.
This story is a solid standalone, I did not read any of the previous books before. I liked the small town itself being a central part of the story and I like the characters although it took a good portion of the book to get to the real issues and what really happened to make Summer flee Victoria. I really wish this book had been written with a dual POV, I would have loved to have more insight into Adam. I liked it, I didn’t love it, but I am interested enough to go read the other books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book six in The Cheshire Bay series and it is Summer and Adam’s story and it is definitely a must read. Summer has moved to Cheshire Bay to start a new life and career after losing so much in her life and now she is sworn off commitment and relationships and just wants to concentrate on moving forward. Adam runs the bookstore in Cheshire Bay and he is so well thought of by the people in the town but after spending the night with Summer he is annoyed to find out that she had left before he woke up. When they meet again even though there is a definite spark and strong chemistry between them Summer is determined to keep Adam at arms length as much as she can but things don’t always work as planned. Summer and Adam both have baggage and trust issues and when they eventually start to communicate with each other you see there friendship grow and even though there many ups and downs along with secrets they eventually find themselves in a good place until Summer’s past returns to haunt her and trying to destroy everything that she has built you start to wonder what the outcome will be for them and also if Adam is in it for the long haul or just walk away. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the start and kept your attention throughout and I couldn’t put this book down as it was so addictive. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
This review may not be entirely fair to this series because I read this book as a stand alone book. It probably wasn’t the best book to start with seeing as how I didn’t know the background of the characters.
But I will say that this book felt dark to me - I didn’t like ANY of the characters - not a single person. I felt they were all gross and people that I wouldn’t want to know in real life. Usually I love books that make me want to move to the city in the book. Well, my impression of Cheshire Bay is not a good one. I thought there might be one person I liked (Adam), but he blew it by spending one night with his despicable ex-wife.
This book centers around prostitution, extortion, lying, trauma, rape, questionable business morals, and just generally unlikeable people.
I also never felt a connection with the characters. It seemed so forced and child like.
This book just wasn’t for me and honestly, it has turned me off the entire Cheshire Bay series.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.
This one was ok. Adam and Summer start as an one-night stand. When she runs into Adam again she tells him she doesn't date but never tells him why. Adam gets creative and comes up with ways to hang out with her. Summer comes off annoying keeps saying she doesn't date she let's it known why and its understandable but then other events from her past unravel and it was just confusing. Then when she confesses things that happened from her previous employment which not sure she was an employee or a partner either way one how she just went along I don't understand. Then the events that led her to leaving I don't get that part either. Also how do you not let your best friend know but then too what kind of friend is she for when the truth comes to light she's upset and turns her back on her, what kind of friend is that. I enjoyed the other books in the series this one just wasn't for me.
I received a copy from BookSprout and volunteered to leave a review.
I actually was so disgusted with the female character until almost the end. And I thought the male character was weak until almost the end. I know there are women out there that think frequent casual sex is as normal as brushing your teeth god knows we’ve been fed that bs from male stereotypes but it’s not something I condone nor understand. So I got very impatient with her and wanted to shake sense into her. Maybe if her psychological issues due to her former business partner and the death of her fiancé had come up sooner I would have had more empathy. So my rating was due to the amount of time I spent reading angry at her. I prefer a happier feeling. Unfortunately the book next in series is doing the same thing so I bet I’ll have another so so review and that’s a shame as so far the prior six books in the series have been really good. Enough for me to buy via kindle which I almost never do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The FC is determined to stay single, mired in her past behaviour and failed relationships. Determination to succeed in her work meant doing some shady things to get the deals. Her fiance dying of cancer some years earlier was her loss and business partner was her downfall. Attempts to regenerate is proving difficult financially, emotionally, physically. The MC is divorced, burnt and bruised, positive with a side of calmness and caring. His one night stand leaves him wanting more, but it is difficult to get through. Events overtake and things come to the fore, secrets and lies can be hard to bear and hard to hear. Time to apologise, rethink and reevaluate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Summer follows her best friend to Cheshire Bay, but never tells her why. She was heartbroken when her fiancé passed away from cancer. She meets a tall dark cowboy and spends one night, because she can give her heart away again. She starts her new business event planning a market for the town business owner to get more people into their business, Adam being one of them. When she decide to and tent she make a contract with the delivery man who bring the chair and table. He wants her for a night as his girlfriend. But what happens when he shows his real person? Will Adams understand or not? Is she able to give her heart away finally?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Summer is trying to get away from a world of hurt and follows her best friend Chloe to Cheshire Bay. Summer starts an event planning business by setting up a weekly vendor market and gets to know the people around her. Adam runs the local bookstore and they start off her first night there at the local bar with a one night, but she quickly backs off after that, while he wants to get to know her better. The characters are fascinating, with great personalities, hopes, backstories and sassy banter. The storyline is riddled with surprising moments and insights, along with some danger, narrow escapes and entertaining situations. Loved the ending and how things kept twisting around until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a great book - the budding relationship between Summer and Adam was such a good story to read - Summer really had zero self worth, she knew she was good at her job, but she didn't realize what a wonderful person she was - Adam did though, and he wasted no time at all getting to know her, but he didn't get the full picture until Declan showed up; Summer had no choice but to explain. Then to top it off, Adam seen her on her "date" with Kyle (he was sure a piece of work).
So much heartache could have been avoided if Summer had been truthful with herself, but with everyone around her too - she would have the last word though.
I really enjoyed reading, Charmed in Cheshire Bay by H.M. Shander because it was a slow burn of a romance between Summer and Adam. Summer's character had a lot of secrets that affected her present life. She had some things happen in her past that made her who she was today. Adam's character was charming. He really liked Summer and he tried to make a relationship with her. I would highly recommend reading this book and series. I wanted Summer and Adam to work out because they both needed to have some happiness in their lives.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They've met before. He was the hot cowboy in the bar, and she took off before morning. Summer is done with relationships. She's in Cheshire Bay to start her life anew. She and Adam have sparks, but that's a no-go for her. They're just friends... They're not dating... They're doing things together around town... And they're not dating. When Summer finally revealed her story, I felt so bad for her having been put into such a horrible position. Adam is amazing, kind and caring, patient and non-judgmental. I truly enjoyed this, a wonderful addition to the series. I received an advance copy of the book, and this is my honest review.
Summer is a bit of an enigma at first, but we slowly begin to uncover why she is so against a new relationship. The author lets us learn in ways that are not overwhelming. The content is disturbing when we finally hear it all. It is hard to like her until we see how she fell into the trap of unscrupulous behavior in her grief. Adam is too good to be true initially, but I was glad to see him and Chloe pull away from her for a while. I love how the author gets to the happy ending realistically and sweetly. This is such a sweet little town, with such worthy people, despite their flaws!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Adam and Summer have a one night stand and Summer sneaks out. She’s didn’t move to Cheshire Bay for romance. She’s going to start her business and get her life in order. She didn’t count on one of her potential clients being Adam, the owner of the bookstore, and her one night stand. She tells him she can only be friends and what a friend he turns out to be. When Summer’s past shows up, things start going downhill for her. I won’t leave any spoilers, so grab your copy and see who all has her back. This was a beautifully written story and I look forward to reading more of this series.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Summer is drawn to Cheshire Bay by a friend, little did she know she would find love. Adam, a bookstore owner, realizes he wants to get to know Summer better, but she does not want that. He is so caring and patient, he is more than willing to wait for her to open up. Summer is hard to like at first, but by the end you love her. I felt so bad for her. The book is not just a romance it has some mystery/suspense built in as well. It definitely gets crazy when Summer’s past catches up to her. I highly recommend you meet this couple. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the sixth book in this incredible series, and this is Adam and Summer’s story. Summer has sworn of relationships and moves to Cheshire Bay for a fresh start. Adam is a sexy, caring, patient, and kind bookstore owner, and he and Summer spend one night together, and when he wakes up, she is gone. When Summer’s past comes back to haunt her, will Adam stand by her, or will this chase him away? This is a well written story which has challenges, trust, loss, abuse, emotions, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to a small-town romance, which is an entertaining page turner. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story in this book pulled me in, and I was able to begin and end reading in one day! Summer moves from a city to a small beach town to get out of the broken crash of her city life before it became worse than a major terrible moment happened. She follows her best friend Chloe to Cheshire Bay. She really seems to be in a fake it till you make it, but finds her true self. Meeting Adam is like a Gatorade she needed during her race to solve her problems, like a magnet that pulls them to each other. I hope to read more stories in Cheshire Bay!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this series! Set in a wonderful little town with wonderful, relatable characters and their real life situations. This is Adam & Summers story and it’s a great addition to this incredible series. Summer is new to town running from horrible things in her past and secrets she wants to keep buried. She just wants to settle in and stay away from romance. Adam is strong, kind, patient and such a good friend and the sparks soon begin to fly between them. Of course things never stay buried for long and soon Summers past begins to catch up with her and the trouble then starts.
Summer had made so many mistakes. Still emotionally vulnerable, she was preyed upon by an unscrupulous boss. She is trying to change her life and be a better person, but past mistakes just keep slapping her down. Adam is almost too nice but I loved his persistence and willingness to hang in and keep trying despite Summer really being a hot mess. Ms. Shander always writes emotional, moving stories about imperfect people who struggle to do better. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I've read several books written by H.M. Shander; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the sixth book in the Cheshire Bay Series; it can be read as a stand-alone book. The story is about Summer & Adam; she’s moves to Cheshire Bay to start her life over after she lost her one true love nothing has gone right for her. They end up having a one-night stand they begin seeing each other but then her past comes back to destroy everything.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
enjoyed reading, Charmed in Cheshire Bay by H.M. Shander because it was a slow burn of a romance between Summer and Adam.
Summer's character had a lot of secrets that affected her life. She had some things happen in her past that made her who she was today. Adam's character was charming. He really liked Summer and he tried to make a relationship with her. I would highly recommend reading this book and series. I wanted Summer and Adam to work out because they both needed to have some happiness in their lives.
Charmed in Cheshire Bay by H.M. Shander is a good, and enjoyable slow burn friends to lovers romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This is Summer and Adam's story. Adam was very charming. Summer has a lot of secrets that will affected her in her present life but some things that happen in the past has made her who she is today.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This charming story had me in Adam and Summer's corner. Both of them have experienced bad relationships and have guarded hearts. Summer has a lot of secrets that she is keeping on top of everything else. They have chemistry but will it be enough for these two and can they put aside their past for a future with a happy ending?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have loved all the stories in Cheshire Bay, with wonderful storylines and endearing characters. Adam is one of those heroes! Gorgeous, patient, kind, and loving; he’s the whole package. Too bad that it took Summer so long to see that. She arrives in Cheshire Bay, to make a new start, arriving in all her brokenness of loss and abuse. She doesn’t want to give Adam a chance, but lucky for her, he never gives up on her, slaying her dragons, and loving her.
Summer Bates has moved to Cheshire Bay after being booted out of the company she had been working for. Summer drinks too much soon after her move and wakes up in the bed of a stranger so she sneaks out. Talking to vendors later, Summer walks into the book store and there he is. This story is heartbreaking and romantic, ending happily though with a cliffhanger. Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Adam & Summer. What a crazy love story. Summer has a really troubled past holding her everday life back. Trying to start new with a clean plate moving to Cheshire Bay and meeting Adam. What a wild ride of events. I loved that I never could guess what would happen next in the story. It truly kept me so sucked in. This story didn’t disappoint! Definitely would recommend!
This is probably my favorite Cheshire Bay book so far that I have read. The chemistry between Summer and Adam is there if they can get past their prior love lives. They both need to figure things out but it will take time and will they finally make room in their hearts for their love. This was a great read from a great author.
I really loved this book. From the very first page I felt hooked and all I wanted was to continue reading to see where the tale would lead. Summer is telling the story in first person, she is a very complex character and throughout the story her past is unravelled and you get to truly understand her personality and the reasons behind her behaviour. Adam is a great character too and I enjoyed so much following their interactions, wondering, wishing, worrying.. and as the story went on I even held my breath! I did not want the story to end at all. I’m not sure if the author is planning a follow up on this story, but if she does I will be the first one in line. This is not the first book I have read from the author, I truly enjoy her writing style, easy to read and so full of details but not overly so. If you are looking for a good book, look no further and grab yourself a copy. I have received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
What a delightful read! The storyline was interesting and entertaining. The characters were real and had great chemistry. I enjoyed seeing Summer and Adam's relationship grow even through the stuggles in this fun story with a wonderful HEA!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.