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Getaway Bay Romance #2
The Island Scandal
Ashley Fox has known three things since age twelve: she was an excellent seamstress, what her wedding would look like, and that she'd never leave the island of Getaway Bay. Now, at age 35, she's been right about two of them, at least.
With an ill parent to take care of and her trusty sewing machine, Ash loves living in Getaway Bay and owning her own custom wedding dress shop. But the husband and wedding she's always dreamed of? Those seem like they're never going to happen for her.
When her best friend and beach running partner, Burke Lawson, asks her for a favor she says yes. If she'd have known he was going to ask her to be his girlfriend-for-a-night because his father insists he "settle down" before turning over the multi-billion dollar flower company to him, Ash might have said no.
Might have.
She's had a crush on Burke for a while, but he's never been serious about anyone. Ever. She knows it's part self-preservation and part façade, but she has no idea how much she's willing to jeopardize in their friendship for a shot at something more.
Burke has never told anyone about his past heart-crushing relationship, but he suspects Ash knows. She goes along with his player persona, but when he can't stop thinking about having her as his girlfriend for more than one day, he wonders if he can take this fake relationship into something real.
And when he accidentally blurts that they're engaged? They become an island scandal.
Can Burke and Ash find a way to navigate a romance when they've only ever been friends?
With an ill parent to take care of and her trusty sewing machine, Ash loves living in Getaway Bay and owning her own custom wedding dress shop. But the husband and wedding she's always dreamed of? Those seem like they're never going to happen for her.
When her best friend and beach running partner, Burke Lawson, asks her for a favor she says yes. If she'd have known he was going to ask her to be his girlfriend-for-a-night because his father insists he "settle down" before turning over the multi-billion dollar flower company to him, Ash might have said no.
Might have.
She's had a crush on Burke for a while, but he's never been serious about anyone. Ever. She knows it's part self-preservation and part façade, but she has no idea how much she's willing to jeopardize in their friendship for a shot at something more.
Burke has never told anyone about his past heart-crushing relationship, but he suspects Ash knows. She goes along with his player persona, but when he can't stop thinking about having her as his girlfriend for more than one day, he wonders if he can take this fake relationship into something real.
And when he accidentally blurts that they're engaged? They become an island scandal.
Can Burke and Ash find a way to navigate a romance when they've only ever been friends?
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2018
956 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Elana Johnson
178 books2,086 followers3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 14, 2022
The Island Scandal by Elana Johnson
4h 25m narrated by Teri Clark Linden, 162 pages
Getaway Bay Romance #2
previously titled The Billionaire's Bride - Brides & Beaches Romance #2
Genre: Contemporary Clean Romance
Featuring: Hawaiʻi Island, Wedding Dresses, Farm, Friends to Lovers Trope, Fake Relationship Trope, Short Chapters
Rating as a movie: PG-13
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
My thoughts: 📱14% 38:46 Ch. 4 - Okay, I recognized one of these characters, and not much was said about them in the previous book other than occupation so this works.
📱71% 3:10:50 Ch. 15 - I liked the idea but this is moving too slow me, it's chopped up anyway, I don't know why they don't confess and move on.
I don't want to call it lazy but this one did more skipping than the previous book, I didn't even know he was supposed to be a billionaire. 🤭 There were moments I was like why and how because of her scene skipping. At first I thought these romances were just short and quick now I realized they are only short because she skimps on the exposition and action. I was also confused by the renaming of the series, but now I know. There were some plotholes and don't get me started on Hawaiian culture in this book, I just ignored the elephants.
Recommend to others?: Yeah. It's not the romantic dinner type of story so it's not going to be amazing but cheeseburgers tastes good.
4h 25m narrated by Teri Clark Linden, 162 pages
Getaway Bay Romance #2
previously titled The Billionaire's Bride - Brides & Beaches Romance #2
Genre: Contemporary Clean Romance
Featuring: Hawaiʻi Island, Wedding Dresses, Farm, Friends to Lovers Trope, Fake Relationship Trope, Short Chapters
Rating as a movie: PG-13
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
My thoughts: 📱14% 38:46 Ch. 4 - Okay, I recognized one of these characters, and not much was said about them in the previous book other than occupation so this works.
📱71% 3:10:50 Ch. 15 - I liked the idea but this is moving too slow me, it's chopped up anyway, I don't know why they don't confess and move on.
I don't want to call it lazy but this one did more skipping than the previous book, I didn't even know he was supposed to be a billionaire. 🤭 There were moments I was like why and how because of her scene skipping. At first I thought these romances were just short and quick now I realized they are only short because she skimps on the exposition and action. I was also confused by the renaming of the series, but now I know. There were some plotholes and don't get me started on Hawaiian culture in this book, I just ignored the elephants.
Recommend to others?: Yeah. It's not the romantic dinner type of story so it's not going to be amazing but cheeseburgers tastes good.
November 19, 2022
Two native islanders who have been best friends get together under an agreement to pretend date. Burke is due to inherit his dad's farm but his dad wants him to find someone, get married, sire children. The flower farm has been through 6 generations. Burke has had a terrible break up 6 years earlier and vowed off woman. Fear of rejection, he vows to never love again. This book was"dumb" in the way the author never brings him to light as to how he learned to live again. You never get that lightbulb moment where the guy figures it out and goes after the girl. It would come out that he was tired of living alone but he never goes after the girl in the next sentence. In the fake relationship, Ash admitted her crush on him. They take it kissing but she never feels like it is more then pretend for Burke.
September 23, 2018
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review
Ashley and Burke have been best friends for many years. Ashley has had a crush on Burke for a while. Burke has a reputation around the island as being a partier but Ashley is the only one who knows the truth that he is the exact opposite. When he is confronted by his dad about settling down before he can inherit the family company, Burke has to come up with a plan.
What do you do when your best friend asks you to be his fake girlfriend and help him figure out a way to find a real one at the same time? Of course you agree and hope you can put enough barriers around your heart to keep from getting hurt again.
What do you do when your heart gets involved anyway and he says he has feelings for you too but then you overhear him tell his parents that he may never want to get married? You run. When you finally talk to him you tell him he needs to figure things out and get over his ex (from six years ago).
Will Burke figure things out before Ashley finds someone else? Will Ashley be able to forgive him when he finally does get things figures out? Will they still remain best friends?
Ashley and Burke have been best friends for many years. Ashley has had a crush on Burke for a while. Burke has a reputation around the island as being a partier but Ashley is the only one who knows the truth that he is the exact opposite. When he is confronted by his dad about settling down before he can inherit the family company, Burke has to come up with a plan.
What do you do when your best friend asks you to be his fake girlfriend and help him figure out a way to find a real one at the same time? Of course you agree and hope you can put enough barriers around your heart to keep from getting hurt again.
What do you do when your heart gets involved anyway and he says he has feelings for you too but then you overhear him tell his parents that he may never want to get married? You run. When you finally talk to him you tell him he needs to figure things out and get over his ex (from six years ago).
Will Burke figure things out before Ashley finds someone else? Will Ashley be able to forgive him when he finally does get things figures out? Will they still remain best friends?
September 14, 2025
Ashley Fox vive da sempre a Gateway Bay e non ha nessuna intenzione di lasciarla.
E' una bravissima sarta e ha fatto della sua passione il suo lavoro. Però pensava che giunta alla sua età sarebbe stata sposata o comunque avrebbe avuto una relazione seria. Invece è ancora single e niente si muove all'orizzonte.
Burke Lawson è il suo migliore amico. Anche lui non ha mai lasciato l'isola e si è costruito la fama di "latin lover", ma nessuno sa come stanno veramente le cose.
In passato ha avuto una storia finita malissimo e così ha chiuso il suo cuore. Ma nessuno sa come sono andate le cose.
La sua famiglia è proprietaria di una fiorente azienda, ma prima di lasciargliela vorrebbe vederlo sistemato e così Burke chiede aiuto a Ashley che si fingerà la sua fidanzata.
Ma questo rapporto nato per finta forse ha una chance di diventare reale?
Questo libro non mi ha molto colpita. La trama è già vista e rivista quindi ci voleva qualcosa in più sulla scrittura per colpirmi, invece tutto si è trascinato.
I siparietti tra i due non mi hanno intrattenuta ma quasi irritata, specialmente nei confronti di Ash.
Penso che l'autrice se la sia giocata male.
E' una bravissima sarta e ha fatto della sua passione il suo lavoro. Però pensava che giunta alla sua età sarebbe stata sposata o comunque avrebbe avuto una relazione seria. Invece è ancora single e niente si muove all'orizzonte.
Burke Lawson è il suo migliore amico. Anche lui non ha mai lasciato l'isola e si è costruito la fama di "latin lover", ma nessuno sa come stanno veramente le cose.
In passato ha avuto una storia finita malissimo e così ha chiuso il suo cuore. Ma nessuno sa come sono andate le cose.
La sua famiglia è proprietaria di una fiorente azienda, ma prima di lasciargliela vorrebbe vederlo sistemato e così Burke chiede aiuto a Ashley che si fingerà la sua fidanzata.
Ma questo rapporto nato per finta forse ha una chance di diventare reale?
Questo libro non mi ha molto colpita. La trama è già vista e rivista quindi ci voleva qualcosa in più sulla scrittura per colpirmi, invece tutto si è trascinato.
I siparietti tra i due non mi hanno intrattenuta ma quasi irritata, specialmente nei confronti di Ash.
Penso che l'autrice se la sia giocata male.
November 23, 2022
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Two best friends, their hasty agreement, and the fake engagement that has the island of Getaway Bay in a tailspin...
MY TAKE
Ashley and Burke have been running buddies for years. Each carries their own pain of past relationships, but over the last few months she's started to have feelings of more than friendship of him. He's just been given an ultimatum--either find a wife and settle down or Burke won't inherit the family flower farm. Even though he's done everything else his father wants, including getting college degrees to help run it.
Frantic, he tells his father that he's dating someone. When questioned who, Burke reaches for a name and comes up with Ashley's. While hesitant, she's willing to do whatever he needs to get his inheritance.
And thus begins a tale of falling in love under a lie, missteps, and self-discovery. It's not an easy journey for the pair, but the ending is worth it.
4 1/2 stars
Two best friends, their hasty agreement, and the fake engagement that has the island of Getaway Bay in a tailspin...
MY TAKE
Ashley and Burke have been running buddies for years. Each carries their own pain of past relationships, but over the last few months she's started to have feelings of more than friendship of him. He's just been given an ultimatum--either find a wife and settle down or Burke won't inherit the family flower farm. Even though he's done everything else his father wants, including getting college degrees to help run it.
Frantic, he tells his father that he's dating someone. When questioned who, Burke reaches for a name and comes up with Ashley's. While hesitant, she's willing to do whatever he needs to get his inheritance.
And thus begins a tale of falling in love under a lie, missteps, and self-discovery. It's not an easy journey for the pair, but the ending is worth it.
4 1/2 stars
August 6, 2019
Best friend, fake relationship, and childhood best friend’s sibling. That’s a lot of different elements to blend together for one story. For the most part, they work quite well. When their relationship is working, Ash and Burke are adorable as a couple. But they’re also really good at bungling the whole thing. My heart went out to Burke and it killed me that he kept getting blamed for everything that wasn’t working right. I spent a lot of this book not liking Ash very much, or at least not liking her when the pair were having their issues. One of the things I appreciate this book did, is to show that both parties have a responsibility when things go sideways; showing that both Burke and Ash had things to work through before they could fully commit to one another.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
October 8, 2018
I received this complimentary book under the title of The Billionaire's Bride and voluntarily chose to write a review.
I actually liked their relationship better as friends than as boyfriend/girlfriend. I was glad they worked it out in the end but they sure bungled it initially. I do like a fake engagement story line though.
I guess owning a large business on an island is probably a key indicator to wealth but I feel like other than eating out all the time and never thinking a word about conserving costs there were no real indications that the story was about a billionaire. The story could have been told about some average income joe... I'll leave it up to you to decide if that is good or bad but it did leave the focus more on relationships than the billionaire aspects.
I actually liked their relationship better as friends than as boyfriend/girlfriend. I was glad they worked it out in the end but they sure bungled it initially. I do like a fake engagement story line though.
I guess owning a large business on an island is probably a key indicator to wealth but I feel like other than eating out all the time and never thinking a word about conserving costs there were no real indications that the story was about a billionaire. The story could have been told about some average income joe... I'll leave it up to you to decide if that is good or bad but it did leave the focus more on relationships than the billionaire aspects.
April 12, 2024
I enjoyed this story as an audiobook. Another amazing narration from Teri Clark Linden. She is amazing with narrating stories and giving each character their own voice and this allows you to become immersed in the story while knowing who is talking, thinking, etc.
This story is part of a series but can easily be read as a stand alone novel. It is a dual pov, clean romance. I loved this friends to lovers story. It was fun to listen to and I love how Ash cared for her mother. It was so sweet to see that caring personality even in someone so young. I understand Burke’s parents but I feel like he puts so much pressure on himself and that’s why they ended up in the predicament they were in.
This story is part of a series but can easily be read as a stand alone novel. It is a dual pov, clean romance. I loved this friends to lovers story. It was fun to listen to and I love how Ash cared for her mother. It was so sweet to see that caring personality even in someone so young. I understand Burke’s parents but I feel like he puts so much pressure on himself and that’s why they ended up in the predicament they were in.
August 7, 2024
The Island Scandal (originally The Billionaire's Bride) has no scandal and no where in the story does the author ever really bring up that Burke's family are billionaires; so the titles were misleading for this story. As with the first in the series, one of the main characters can't figure out their own mind relating to love and marriage so we get stuck with made up, useless "drama". By the end, nothing major happens to change Burke's mind and then they're getting married. Nothing to hate on the story or characters but not much happens in the story either so I'm very glad these audiobooks are very short. Nothing much to recommend to others to read/listen to.
January 21, 2022
best friends to more
Beautiful island beach story. Burke’s family flower farm raised flowers for the whole island and beyond. His dad wanted to retire and told Burke he needed a fiancé so he could pass the business on. He asked Ash his running partner/friend to be is fake girlfriend but it definitely didn’t feel fake. Could his heart be whole again after his last girlfriend ripped it out. Ash had crushed on him forever but couldn’t believe his feelings were real and not just a means to an end-his flower farm.
Beautiful island beach story. Burke’s family flower farm raised flowers for the whole island and beyond. His dad wanted to retire and told Burke he needed a fiancé so he could pass the business on. He asked Ash his running partner/friend to be is fake girlfriend but it definitely didn’t feel fake. Could his heart be whole again after his last girlfriend ripped it out. Ash had crushed on him forever but couldn’t believe his feelings were real and not just a means to an end-his flower farm.
January 26, 2023
Broken Souls and Hearts are hard to Mend
Burke and Ashley both had their hearts broken, been lied to, and their emotions played with, so it is no wonder that they both had a hard time trusting each other even though they had known each other sin e kids. People like Bridget and Milo exist, I've met both types during my life, and they manage to take apart your lives before you realize it. Sometimes a hard look at ourselves is what it takes to learn who we really are and to get back to life. Loved this Book
Burke and Ashley both had their hearts broken, been lied to, and their emotions played with, so it is no wonder that they both had a hard time trusting each other even though they had known each other sin e kids. People like Bridget and Milo exist, I've met both types during my life, and they manage to take apart your lives before you realize it. Sometimes a hard look at ourselves is what it takes to learn who we really are and to get back to life. Loved this Book
October 30, 2018
Not one of my favorites in this series. When I read the book, it was titled The Billionaires Bride. I didn't see how that fit with the book at all. There were some typoes. I wasn't sure if the author tried to get this one out too quickly or what, but it wasn't up to her usual standards. It started out well, but stayed so so instead of improving. Ash wasn't my favorite character. I wouldn't read it again. It was clean.
February 22, 2019
Ashley and Burke
Ashley and Burke have been friends for years. She's been crushing on him for a while. Only problem is, he hasn't been serious about anyone in years.
Byrne's father tells him he wants to leave him the family business. Only catch?, his father wants him married. In desperation Burke says he's dating Ash.
The stage is set for a whirlwind relationship of denial and their friendship becomes challenged ~
Ashley and Burke have been friends for years. She's been crushing on him for a while. Only problem is, he hasn't been serious about anyone in years.
Byrne's father tells him he wants to leave him the family business. Only catch?, his father wants him married. In desperation Burke says he's dating Ash.
The stage is set for a whirlwind relationship of denial and their friendship becomes challenged ~
June 3, 2024
Closer to 3.5
I prefer this one over The Island House. The friendship and relationship between Ash and Burke is paced more evenly and their bond is more realistic than the one between Charlotte and Dawson. It was nice to be back in the familiar setting of Getaway Bay and get to know more of its residents. Same as with the first book, I appreciate how Elana Johnson tells stories of imperfect people working on themselves and giving the reader a glimpse of their progress in healing.
I prefer this one over The Island House. The friendship and relationship between Ash and Burke is paced more evenly and their bond is more realistic than the one between Charlotte and Dawson. It was nice to be back in the familiar setting of Getaway Bay and get to know more of its residents. Same as with the first book, I appreciate how Elana Johnson tells stories of imperfect people working on themselves and giving the reader a glimpse of their progress in healing.
October 8, 2018
Another delightful beach read! The first book in this series was enjoyable and I found this second one to be even more so. There is just something about the feel of these beach stories. Reading them leaves me with such a pleasant, content sensation. Yet again, this is a quick read, but well worth it. I didn't want to leave Ash and Burke when the book ended.
October 8, 2018
I like fake romance stories and loved this one until .... The angst just aggravated me!!! At first I was mad at Burke then I was made at Ashley - UGH. I ended up really liking it and the ending was really sweet. This is a sweet romantic story but also about letting our past and family influence our present and possible future.
October 9, 2018
Good friends often help each other out. This story is one of those, where a good friend promises to help the other without even knowing what they are agreeing to. This fun book explores the problems such a promise can cause and the attraction that grows between these friends. I enjoyed it so much! I hope you will, too.
February 5, 2019
A beautiful story for everyone.
Elena Johnson has written a great book. Burke and Ash are the lead characters and good characters at that. The setting is in Hawaii and in this book, tells about a flower farm. Ash is the series seamstress who makes gorgeous wedding gowns and her life around this is pretty interesting.
Elena Johnson has written a great book. Burke and Ash are the lead characters and good characters at that. The setting is in Hawaii and in this book, tells about a flower farm. Ash is the series seamstress who makes gorgeous wedding gowns and her life around this is pretty interesting.
April 19, 2020
Fun story
This was a good story with a good story line about finding yourself. I could smell the flowers as I was reading the book. The farm sounded amazing. I really liked how both Burke and Ash needed to figure out what they wanted. I loved the friendship they had before the romance.
It was a very fast read and kept my attention the whole time
This was a good story with a good story line about finding yourself. I could smell the flowers as I was reading the book. The farm sounded amazing. I really liked how both Burke and Ash needed to figure out what they wanted. I loved the friendship they had before the romance.
It was a very fast read and kept my attention the whole time
August 23, 2021
Sweet story, but. The title doesn't fit the book content at all. In this day and age of spell check and sentence completion, there is no excuse for typos or missing words. Another weak ending, another book where it seems the author just got tired of writing and grabbed at a few sentences to end it
March 11, 2019
It is so enjoyable Ms. Johnson's books!t
I thoroughly appreciate reading a book that I am not ashamed of letting any one know. If you enjoy a clean romance you will love this story.
I thoroughly appreciate reading a book that I am not ashamed of letting any one know. If you enjoy a clean romance you will love this story.
April 27, 2019
The Billionaire's Bride
This tropical island story of two friends who started out pretending to date so that his father would sign over the company to him. But as time goes on more than friendship occurred. Will he ever admit his feelings for her?
This tropical island story of two friends who started out pretending to date so that his father would sign over the company to him. But as time goes on more than friendship occurred. Will he ever admit his feelings for her?
August 25, 2019
Another great book
I loved the story of these broken hearted people and how they found their love and managed to repair their hearts. What a great tale. Can't wait for the next book.
I loved the story of these broken hearted people and how they found their love and managed to repair their hearts. What a great tale. Can't wait for the next book.
October 7, 2019
Very good storyline
This is a good story about the importance of being truthful from the beginning. You can avoid a lot of unwanted problems if you are always truthful. This is a very good book.
This is a good story about the importance of being truthful from the beginning. You can avoid a lot of unwanted problems if you are always truthful. This is a very good book.
March 20, 2020
Refreshing
Friends to lovers, I love how this isn't easy, parent pressure as usual. You can get so tangled up in these two lives, but they have their own issues to solve. A delight to watch the magic unfold.
Friends to lovers, I love how this isn't easy, parent pressure as usual. You can get so tangled up in these two lives, but they have their own issues to solve. A delight to watch the magic unfold.
March 21, 2020
Great book
This was a good book as the storyline was great & it was well written. Ashley & Burke were great charactErs & kept your interest while trying to go from friends to marriage. Great story.
This was a good book as the storyline was great & it was well written. Ashley & Burke were great charactErs & kept your interest while trying to go from friends to marriage. Great story.
February 13, 2021
Neither has really healed from their past heart-aches. Can their new relationship heal them or will it fall under the pressure?
Great characters in a great location. Great seeing and hearing about old friends too.
Great characters in a great location. Great seeing and hearing about old friends too.
September 13, 2021
Light and Airy
This was a pleasant read. I would have preferred a little more depth into the relationship developed between the main characters. Especially the romantic aspects of it.
This was a pleasant read. I would have preferred a little more depth into the relationship developed between the main characters. Especially the romantic aspects of it.
November 22, 2021
Loved, loved, loved!
If you love a love story then you need to read this series. Elana Johnson is one of the best writers I have read. Her books will make you laugh, cry, and put a smile in your heart.
If you love a love story then you need to read this series. Elana Johnson is one of the best writers I have read. Her books will make you laugh, cry, and put a smile in your heart.
January 17, 2022
A fantasy
The beginning of the book made me excited to read it but there are so many gaps and everything happened so fast. The timing of everything was off but I’m a sucker for a happy ending so I read until the end. Not the best book.
The beginning of the book made me excited to read it but there are so many gaps and everything happened so fast. The timing of everything was off but I’m a sucker for a happy ending so I read until the end. Not the best book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews