The Island Escape

Getaway Bay Romance #5

by Elana Johnson, Bonne R. Paulson

Riley Randall has spent eight years smiling at new brides, being excited for her friends as they find Mr. Right, and dating by a strict set of rules that she never breaks. But she might have to consider bending those rules ever so slightly if she wants an escape from the island...

When thirty-five-year-old Riley finds a watch on an airplane, she manages to track down the owner—an Evan Garfield, lead singer for Georgia Panic, the #1 rock band in the country. Maybe even the world. Riley retreats, because Evan's not a permanent resident of Getaway Bay (that's rule #1), and there's no way a superstar like him would be interested in a nobody like her.

Oh, but Evan is interested, and he manages to find Riley even after she flees the coffee shop where she met him to return the watch. He desperately needs an escape from his high-pressure life as a celebrity, and he loves the way she treats him like a normal man. As they start a romance on the island, Evan only wants to be with Riley, and she has to admit that she's glad she bent her dating rules just a little bit...

But his agent needs him in LA. The band has some hard-nosed negotiating to do with their record label. New proposals are made for Evan to become a solo artist. Through the whirlwind of who he is and what he does for a living, Riley is left behind.

Will he be able to navigate the potholes of his career and keep Riley in his life? Or will she be forever destined to watch others find their happily-ever-after—and watch Evan escape the island without her?

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2019

About the author

3-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

Reviews

[Jean Oram]

A fast cute read about a woman falling in love with a visiting music star.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can just an ordinary girl end up with a rockstar??? Riley never dreamed that just returning a watch she found getting off an air plane would lead to her soul mate, Evan. But when she realizes he is the lead singer for a famous rock band she doubts his sincerity. Evan just wants someone to realize he is just a guy that wants to be loved for himself, not his job. Don’t miss this new clean short-read from Elana Johnson set in Getaway Bay! I really enjoy these stories with “more mature” characters!

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC for honest review with no compensation received from BookSprout

The Rockstar’s Bride is book 5 in the Brides and Beaches Romance by Elana Johnson.

Riley Randall finds a very expensive watch at the airport after coming home from her parents anniversary celebration and wishing she had a HEA like the rest of her siblings. She finally tracks down the owner of the watch she found Evan Garfield and they agreed to meet...little does she realize who he is...lead singer one of the most popular bands in the country, Georgia Panic!

What happens next is fun, flirty, and a sweet read!

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

When It's Right You Know It

Riley and Evan though from two different worlds, met through a lost watch, of his. When the right person walks into your life you can somehow look right through them and know they are the one to complete you. For Riley when she looked at this stranger walking into the coffee shop she knew. Our minds try to tell us one thing but our hearts don't always listen, and we end up walking through he'll. Evan felt this way before he realized he lived Riley and then committed to making it real. Excellent book.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a free copy of this book, but this is my honest and voluntary opinion. When Riley Randall finds a watch at the airport, she tries to find the owner and return it. She meets him at a coffee shop and then flees when she discovers the owner is rock star Evan Garfield. He decides to stay in Hawaii for a few weeks and finds Riley so he can date her. The plot includes dating a famous person and the problems it involves and making decisions for the future. A great read!

[Patricia Rutland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Romance Story

I loved this story about deepening a relationship and looking beyond the exterior trappings. These characters were flirty, honest, and sensitive with each other. A superb happily ever after.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely rockstar romance. I enjoyed their times together and their lighthearted banter. It was a fun read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[John S Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realltgood

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X x x c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c x x x x. X x x x x x x x x x x X X X
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X X. X. X X. X. X X X X X. X X. X X X X X X X X. C. C

[Rosann Comstock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brides Boutique:

This was just a cute story on how u can keep ur eye open ad to can true love in places that are in it .

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written, sweet romance. Elana Johnson delivers another heartwarming, amazing story!!

[TheModestMillennial · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect light vacation read, just like the rest of the series

[karen higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series

I enjoyed this book just like the others in this series clean, fun Believable characters.. Great story for a easy read while vacation

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice falling in love with a Rockstar story with believable and likable characters. It shows how you have to learn to accept long-distance relationships.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this romance where they had to bridge the gap of wealth, fame, and distance but made it through ups and downs to get together.

[Tammy Niederhauser · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Linda K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This series may be short and sweet, I loved all 5. This one was about “the rock star” and the office manager.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley is returning home from her parent's anniversary party, a little jealous of being the only family member not happily married. As she's getting off the plane, she finds an expensive watch on the jetway. She makes contact with the owner and meets up with him to return it. When they meet, he's handsome (obviously) and flirting with her. Shortly into the conversation she realizes she's talking with the lead singer for one of the most popular bands in the country, who just happens to be in town for the last concert of their tour. Evan is immediately attracted to Riley and tracks her down after she realizes who she's talking to and runs off in a panic. From there the question is whether Riley can see past the Rock Star to the ordinary man beneath.

What I liked: I think the characters are genuine. Evan is a bit amusing, as he constantly just says whatever he thinks. Their banter is fun to read, and they develop a good relationship as they get to know one another. I liked the resolution.
The book is easy to read and clean.

What's not as good: I think Evan's brothers are not as believable. One minute the one is overbearing and protective and then suddenly changes course. That seemed fast. In general, supporting characters could be a bit more believable. Riley is a bit too insecure, but it's not a deal breaker for the book.

Overall: The book is an entertaining read, especially for a light romance. It's fun and worth some time when you want to relax. Considering it's essentially pulp romance fiction, it's done well. I'm grateful that there's a growing market for clean books too.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet heartwarming story about Riley and Evan. Riley was just getting off the plane from visiting her family when she finds a watch it looked expensive, Riley eventually was able to contact the owner his name was Evan and she agreed to meet him at Roasted a coffee shop. When Riley arrived she grabbed a coffee then 3 guys walked in they were wearing beanies and sunglasses and one guy starts talking to her he asked for her phone no then he introduced himself as Evan so when Riley took the watch out of her bag she dropped it and Riley felt bad and she was about to put her phone no in his phone when she suddenly said excuse me and ran out the door. Evan didn’t know what just happened she just ran he didn’t even get her no, his brothers asked him what happened and Evan said that he didn’t know but he has to find her he knows that Riley is a special girl and he would like to get to know her better. That’s all I’m going to give you guys but this is just the beginning of a fantastic story and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This light, sweet read makes a perfect escape. Riley and Evan are an adorable and frustrating pairing. They’re both past the first blush of youth, so, while that makes them more likely to talk things through rather than jumping to conclusions, it also means they’re both a bit set in their ways. Relationships haven’t been a priority for Evan because he’s been burned before, but Riley just might be the answer to her prayers. Everyone around her is pairing off and moving forward with their lives, leaving Riley feeling lost and alone. The handsome man who owns the watch she found intrigues her in ways no one else has before. I loved watching this pair of opposites learn to navigate their differences to find common ground and overcome the baggage they’re both still carrying.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun Getaway Bay beach read! While this is not my usual choice of genre, I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the HEA! The chemistry between Riley and Evan seemed authentic and honest. Couldn't wait to see what would happen next in this clean romance. While Evan, the rockstar, fell fast and hard, Riley had her doubts and fears about engaging in a romance. So glad her heart eventually won out eventually. For a fun romance, I recommend this book. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review. Can't wait to see Lisa get her HEA in the next book in this series!

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is a Rockstar and she is the office manager for a bridal company. They have nothing in common but the attraction is sizzling between them. Will they be able to make it work when she is so sure that he will get bored with her and leave like all the other guys have done? Riley has a lot of self confidence issues when it comes to her personal life and Evan is pretty patient with her and continually tells her that he is not leaving her. She also doesn't believe that someone like Evan could actually be interested in her on a long term basis. Will she be right or will Evan convince her that he will be there for a long time and he really is interested in her?

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew a watch could bring two people together and help them find their HEA.

Riley wants romance in her life and Evan wants someone to love him for himself, but he's always on the road with his band. When Riley finds a watch and returns it to it's owner, she finds it belongs to Evan the rock star, freaks out and leaves. When Evan tracks her down, will he convince Riley to go out with him? Will Riley realize she can have the romance she wants in life with Evan? A nice story line that was a joy to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isabel Debono · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a perfect scenario for love at first sight.
Evan and Riley were meant to be.
From their first meeting at the coffee shop there were sparks.
The hurdles they had to overcome were their to strengthen their love and prove that it was real.
Elana Johnson gives us all the feels... but guarentees us our happily ever after.
Love her books. Great feel good book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Elana Johnson and I highly recommend it. It's a fast paced sweet love story that sparks fly form the first moment Evan and Riley meet. It's a light read but does have some drama and suspense. But I loved the story and the characters, the chemistry between them seemed honest and authentic. It's a fun romance and a must read for any fan and I can't wait to read more form this author!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley worked at a wedding planning business, of which she loved doing, and was good at, Finding a watch, and after charging was able to locate the owner of it. Meeting the guy 4 days later at a coffee, only to drop and break it on the concrete floor. Wanting to replace it, and then running out the door. She was thirty five, and had been sitting and flirting with.a guy, who was only here for a concert. Evan wanted , needed a vacation, would he stay and get a glimpse of her again. A delightful story, bringing smiles once again as we read

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. Riley works too hard and has way to many restrictions on herself until one day her friend pushes her to talk to the guy that she found his watch on the plane who also found out that he is the lead singer of a band who she thinks she is not worthy of. Evan wants to just meet someone who will love him and not his alter ego of a rockstar. They have issues like all of us but they work it out in the end and live happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley, I'm going to call back...again and again.

Whilst Riley thinks she has no luck with men, she knocks Evan to his knees the minute they meet. Convincing Riley that she is everything he wants and needs will be the challenge of Evan's life, a challenge made more difficult by his career and travelling lifestyle...but surely as a songwriter he is creative enough to find a way for them to be together, to mesh their lives and create a future for both of them.
This is another sweet read in the Brides and Beaches series, who doesn't like to escape to the Hawaiian Islands for an evening?

[Lynn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rockstar's Bride

Riley found a watch while getting off the plane. Finding who it belonged to she agreed to meet in a local coffee shop. Evan couldn't believe his luck while getting coffee. The most beautiful girl and she was flirting with him and didn't seem to know who he was. Then she turned out to be the women who had found his watch. Riley couldn't figure out what a whole known lead singer of a rock band wanted with her. Evan would pretty much do anything for Riley.
Sweet romance. Loved Riley and Evan.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do long-distance relationships work? Even more to the point…do long-distant-high-profile relationships work?
Riley finds a really nice watch at the airport when she gets off the plane. She is finally able to find the owner and meet with him. When she realizes who owns the watch, she drops it and breaks it. Oh, well…so much for first impressions.
Read the book to find out if Riley and Evan can maintain the long-distant relationship.
This book will grab you from the beginning and not let go.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like that these two are older than the average romance story couple. They, usually, approach things in a more mature manner. Even when one jumps to conclusions they talk themselves down before talking it over with the other instead of assuming the worse.

While most of the story was light and flirty, there were some serious moments including a brief scene with Riley's brother that hit too close to home for me. But the story ends with a HEA