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Costas Sisters #1
Under the Boardwalk
Ariana Costas may be a college professor in Vermont, but she's still a Jersey girl at heart-at least according to her lovable, eccentric Greek family. Then her twin sister, Zoe disappears and her Jersey roots tug hard. Soon Ari is back home, ducking bullets and, to her chagrin, getting rescued by a hunk in a black leather jacket. Detective Quinn Donovan takes one look at the windblown beauty-and then looks again. If this lady isn't Zoe Costas, it's someone who looks exactly like her. Suddenly, Ari's in trouble deeper than the Atlantic at high tide, and Quinn is trying to protect her without spilling his well-guarded secrets ... as deja vu just might become the love affair of a lifetime.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 8, 2004
197 people are currently reading
1638 people want to read
About the author
Carly Phillips
398 books9,780 followersNY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
February 22, 2012
All i can say is . . . thank goodness that's over.
July 16, 2020
Okay, so the story is fun and a kinda zany but I’m not sure I would go as far as saying it was sexy. I bring this part up because the story just underwent a make-over and part of that make-over is a new cover. The cover you see today paints a picture, a sexy picture. To me, the story doesn’t sell that. Yes, it’s a romance but … (I’m not delving deeper here because I don’t want to give away any plot points) Anywho, that sort of bummed me out a little bit because I really believe in delivering what you advertise *shrug*
About the story … exactly what I mentioned before, fun and zany. It’s not one of those stories you want to think to much about. You just want to read it and enjoy it because if you try and dig in, you’ll find yourself maybe thinking it’s unrealistic and a bit eye-rolling. And it would be if it wasn’t for Carly’s skill. Yes, a lot of what goes on in this story is a bit out there and you do have to suspend reality a bit but Carly made it fun! Also, I don’t want my cover thing to come across as if they did not have chemistry, because they did. The story had chemistry. The family had chemistry. Like I said, it was super fun to escape with this story.
About the story … exactly what I mentioned before, fun and zany. It’s not one of those stories you want to think to much about. You just want to read it and enjoy it because if you try and dig in, you’ll find yourself maybe thinking it’s unrealistic and a bit eye-rolling. And it would be if it wasn’t for Carly’s skill. Yes, a lot of what goes on in this story is a bit out there and you do have to suspend reality a bit but Carly made it fun! Also, I don’t want my cover thing to come across as if they did not have chemistry, because they did. The story had chemistry. The family had chemistry. Like I said, it was super fun to escape with this story.
March 5, 2018
I am a Carly Phillips fan through & through. Many did not like this series, but I did. It still has that awesome humor that she is known for, sexy scenes, and quirky characters. I liked the story plot and all the characters....especially Spank :)
July 16, 2020
Under the Boardwalk is the first book in the Costas Sisters series/duet by Carly Phillips. The story focuses on Ariana Costas a college professor who returns to her hometown in search of her missing twin sister and detective Quinn Donovan who is working undercover at the same club Zoe was working.
I had a lot of trouble getting into this book (and Zoe's may I add) which is unusual for me. The Costas family is crazy and I don't know how Quinn let some of their behavior simply pass when it was borderline illegal. For greek family, they certainly didn't speak a lot of greek and I expected more since Ariana's father wanted greek men for his daughters.
There is a secondary plot, about Quinn's friend Connor and Maria, a waitress at the club which was interesting, but in the end, it felt rushed and like an afterthought which made my overall impression of the book lessen. In the end, I cannot say that this is a book I would recommend.
I had a lot of trouble getting into this book (and Zoe's may I add) which is unusual for me. The Costas family is crazy and I don't know how Quinn let some of their behavior simply pass when it was borderline illegal. For greek family, they certainly didn't speak a lot of greek and I expected more since Ariana's father wanted greek men for his daughters.
There is a secondary plot, about Quinn's friend Connor and Maria, a waitress at the club which was interesting, but in the end, it felt rushed and like an afterthought which made my overall impression of the book lessen. In the end, I cannot say that this is a book I would recommend.
August 11, 2012
What was I thinking when I picked out this book? The characters have as much depth and finesse as muslin sheets. The author's voice is as flat and as irritating as computer-generated voice mail greetings. And it all goes downhill from there.
May 10, 2011
It was boring, I don't know why I even finished it. No plot, shallow characters
April 28, 2011
I'm not really sure how I feel about this book. The undercover cop is a decent plot point. The missing sister I like. The disagreement and falling out in the family plays well. The writing is light and fun. So what's the problem? Well there are a couple of them.
1. So the family that 'loves' Ari (the heroine) doesn't tell her about her sister being an undercover agent nor a great deal of other info because Ari has always been what they consider a judgmental bitch. They flat out tell her that she 'forgot how to have fun' because she wouldn't go along with their lying, cheating, and stealing. Sorry, but those are legitimate concerns. If your family dresses you up and takes pictures to submit to tabloids for monetary gain, that's not cool. If your family scams and cons people out of goods and money for entertainment, that's not cool. She's had multiple boyfriends leave her because of the actions of the family and they wonder why she stays away. So the whole way through the book the family gives her guilt while she is the only one trying to do anything to save her sister. When all is revealed and she caves to the guilt, she apologizes to the family for being so bitchy and judgmental. Does the family apologize for anything or take any blame? Hell no. They say, 'maybe now you'll accept who you are'. During this time did the family show any real concern for anybody? Hell no. Well excuse me but screw that!
2. The undercover cover never seemed even remotely realistic. From the head of security having limited duties on a daily basis to blurting out, "I'm a cop" right off the bat. Just not buying it.
I'm not sure if I should have let go of my issues and liked this more or been more insulted and liked it less. As it was I'm not sorry that I read it but not sure I'd recommend it either.
1. So the family that 'loves' Ari (the heroine) doesn't tell her about her sister being an undercover agent nor a great deal of other info because Ari has always been what they consider a judgmental bitch. They flat out tell her that she 'forgot how to have fun' because she wouldn't go along with their lying, cheating, and stealing. Sorry, but those are legitimate concerns. If your family dresses you up and takes pictures to submit to tabloids for monetary gain, that's not cool. If your family scams and cons people out of goods and money for entertainment, that's not cool. She's had multiple boyfriends leave her because of the actions of the family and they wonder why she stays away. So the whole way through the book the family gives her guilt while she is the only one trying to do anything to save her sister. When all is revealed and she caves to the guilt, she apologizes to the family for being so bitchy and judgmental. Does the family apologize for anything or take any blame? Hell no. They say, 'maybe now you'll accept who you are'. During this time did the family show any real concern for anybody? Hell no. Well excuse me but screw that!
2. The undercover cover never seemed even remotely realistic. From the head of security having limited duties on a daily basis to blurting out, "I'm a cop" right off the bat. Just not buying it.
I'm not sure if I should have let go of my issues and liked this more or been more insulted and liked it less. As it was I'm not sorry that I read it but not sure I'd recommend it either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2020
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Ariana has finally come to Jersey from Vermont, where she's been distancing herself form her kooky family. But her twin's missing, and she wants answers. If that means coming home and having to face her demons, face herself, so be it. She didn't know she'd literally run into someone who'd understand her feelings of not belonging within her own family. Didn't know that the gorgeous leather jacket wearing someone who rescued her would also be the one she'd have to leave because she still couldn't accept herself.
Quinn never had a biological family other than the drug addict mom whose body he found when he was a teen. So when he met Connor, the two of them made each other into a family. And then he met the young, troubled girl, Sam, whom he is trying to find a permanent home. He didn't even realize he was looking to add to his family when he meets Ari. So when he sees someone who looks exactly like Zoe, the woman he helped disappear, he isn't prepared for his visceral reaction to the woman Zoe had always said was conservative and never fit into their family. He knows she's not Zoe, not just because Zoe's safe somewhere else, but because his body and soul never reacted to her the way they did when Ari runs headlong into danger by looking too much like her twin. So now this Detective will not only have to protect Ari but find a way to protect his heart when she walks away with it when she goes back to Vermont.
This is a sweet story. It's much different from Carly's other series like Dare and the ones she coauthors with Erika Wilde, in that it's not quite as sensual, and I can tell it's an older work of hers, but it still stands the test of time because it's got her signature touch of suspsense, layered, likable characters (especially Quinn and Sam), and has a whole cast to explore their stories. I admit I wasn't especially fond of Ari's tendency to run, but I understand because her family is a lot to take in, being con artists and this side of shady. And I'm glad Quinn helped her find acceptance within herself. Now I'm looking forward to her sister Zoe's story with Sam's Uncle Ryan, Summer of Love.
ARC via author for an honest review.
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July 11, 2020
Sometimes returning home helps find what's missing
Ari has come home to her kooky family because her twin is missing. In snooping to find out what happened to her, she meets Quinn, who sets her heart a pitter patter...but he knows more than he's letting on.
Quinn, who is an undercover cop, and who knows exactly where Ari's sister is. But he has to keep Ari out of harms way AND make his case against his suspect.
Ari, who he can't stop thinking about.
Romance, a touch of drama, a wacky family, a recalcitrant teen in need of love, stability, and family, a mooning monkey, a side story where Quinn's partner & best friend finds love too...
So much fun in one story. And heart.
Ari comes to realize the family she's spent all these years being embarrassed by and running away from, hasn't been shutting her out. Her teen humiliation and embarrassment may have prevented her from seeing her place in the bosom of her family.
Ari discovers home is truly where the heart is. She finds her missing piece and her soulmate.
And Quinn finds a family and his HEA with Ari.
Loved all the heart and family! Plus we get the steam too!
I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Ari has come home to her kooky family because her twin is missing. In snooping to find out what happened to her, she meets Quinn, who sets her heart a pitter patter...but he knows more than he's letting on.
Quinn, who is an undercover cop, and who knows exactly where Ari's sister is. But he has to keep Ari out of harms way AND make his case against his suspect.
Ari, who he can't stop thinking about.
Romance, a touch of drama, a wacky family, a recalcitrant teen in need of love, stability, and family, a mooning monkey, a side story where Quinn's partner & best friend finds love too...
So much fun in one story. And heart.
Ari comes to realize the family she's spent all these years being embarrassed by and running away from, hasn't been shutting her out. Her teen humiliation and embarrassment may have prevented her from seeing her place in the bosom of her family.
Ari discovers home is truly where the heart is. She finds her missing piece and her soulmate.
And Quinn finds a family and his HEA with Ari.
Loved all the heart and family! Plus we get the steam too!
I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 4, 2020
I’m always up for a good Carly Phillips romance. This story was filled with a mix of suspense, humor and hot chemistry. It checked all my boxes on a great romance. The characters were engaging, the story was intriguing and the romance warmed your heart. It was a quick and easy read that had me captivated from beginning to end.
June 24, 2020
If you're looking for a quick, fun, easy read you'll want to grab this first book in the Costas Sisters Duet. This book had me intrigued with the story that I finished it within hours of starting. Ari left home years ago to get as far away from her family as she could, but it's also the same reason she ends up back home..... family. Quinn is the undercover detective trying to complete his case until Ari throughs a kink in his plans. This story was filled with a boisterous Greek family, some witty banter, a little suspense and so much chemistry! Looking forward to the next book in this duet.
April 18, 2015
50 pages in and I just cannot take any more. Some potential, the missing twin and eccentric family, but the writing is lousy, the characters hard to believe, and the insta-lust! UGH. What the heck?
No thank you.
I hoped having a college professor as a main character would finally turn the typical Any Woman chick flick cliche heroine into someone intelligent, but I see no evidence of Ariana's extended education. And I can't stand Quinn's hard knock flashbacks. Okay, he's a tortured hero. ENOUGH! The two viewpoints might be clever and offer 'sexy undertones', but it entirely removes any sense of suspense.
I can't even interest myself in skipping to the last chapter.
No thank you.
I hoped having a college professor as a main character would finally turn the typical Any Woman chick flick cliche heroine into someone intelligent, but I see no evidence of Ariana's extended education. And I can't stand Quinn's hard knock flashbacks. Okay, he's a tortured hero. ENOUGH! The two viewpoints might be clever and offer 'sexy undertones', but it entirely removes any sense of suspense.
I can't even interest myself in skipping to the last chapter.
September 19, 2020
I dont think I've ever read a book with a monkey I it. With this book you get to meet Spank the monkey. Yes you read that right. This books is full of humor and some sexy moments . Ari has just come home to her family and they are a little on the zany side. But she is home for the very serious reason of her twin missing. Now she wants to know what has happened and find her sister In her quest she meets Quinn . The attraction is instant and she knows down deep he knows more than he is telling. She does not know that he is a cop undercover and is trying to keep her out of harm's way. This is a story of family discovery. Love and passion and I really enjoyed reading it.
April 28, 2019
This is cute, but I was hoping for a more beach type read. I think Spank the monkey was the star of this book.
July 3, 2020
4 star review Under The Boardwalk (Costas Sisters #1) by Carly Phillips
I was so excited when I learnt that Carly Phillips was writing a new series and with Under The Boardwalk she is off to a good start. This is a bit of a departure from the books I have previously read from Ms.Phillips but I really enjoyed it.
Ariana (Ari) Costas is a college professor, add in that she comes from Greek heritage, has a twin sister Zoe and for me I just knew that I was in for an entertaining read. Having grown up with close family friends that are Greek, I knew that when you are friends with one of the family then the WHOLE family becomes involved in your business.
Detective Quinn Donovan takes one glance at Ari and mistakenly believes she is Zoe. Realizing that she is in fact Zoe’s twin, he knows that he must do his best to protect her after Ari rushes back home when she learns that Zoe has disappeared.
Quinn is undercover at the Casino that Ari has managed to get a job at since she is determined to get to the bottom of her sister’s disappearance. What follows is a story with mystery, suspense and I was on the edge of my seat at times as I read Under The Boardwalk. This story also has some humor and steamy scenes that will draw you in and keep you invested.
Can Quinn solve the case, keep Ari safe and cope with quirky characters and an over the top Greek family that have no hesitation in butting in? One click and find out.
I was so excited when I learnt that Carly Phillips was writing a new series and with Under The Boardwalk she is off to a good start. This is a bit of a departure from the books I have previously read from Ms.Phillips but I really enjoyed it.
Ariana (Ari) Costas is a college professor, add in that she comes from Greek heritage, has a twin sister Zoe and for me I just knew that I was in for an entertaining read. Having grown up with close family friends that are Greek, I knew that when you are friends with one of the family then the WHOLE family becomes involved in your business.
Detective Quinn Donovan takes one glance at Ari and mistakenly believes she is Zoe. Realizing that she is in fact Zoe’s twin, he knows that he must do his best to protect her after Ari rushes back home when she learns that Zoe has disappeared.
Quinn is undercover at the Casino that Ari has managed to get a job at since she is determined to get to the bottom of her sister’s disappearance. What follows is a story with mystery, suspense and I was on the edge of my seat at times as I read Under The Boardwalk. This story also has some humor and steamy scenes that will draw you in and keep you invested.
Can Quinn solve the case, keep Ari safe and cope with quirky characters and an over the top Greek family that have no hesitation in butting in? One click and find out.
June 12, 2020
This is a great start to a new series. Ariana or Ari and Zoe are twins but so different. We really get a good look at Ari when Zoe goes missing and she comes home to New Jersey to see if she can find out what happened. I can understand why Ari was embarrassed of her family when she was in high school. Ari seems like she doesn’t belong in the family. Her family is a hoot and you never know what they are going to come up with next. They also love to run cons. I was glad Ari is forced to come home so she can look at her family from a mature view. Quinn, who is working undercover helps her a lot with seeing her family from a different angle. My heart went to Quinn and Samatha as Quinn went through the foster system and Sam is stuck in it. I can’t imagine never feeling wanted and always afraid you were going to get moved to another family. Ari and Quinn were good for each other. Of course Quinn was frustrated as Ari was getting in the middle of his undercover job. There are some heart breaking times along with many laughs. I loved the book and some of the crazy things that happens. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
July 9, 2020
Ari had always felt like the odd person out when it comes to her boisterous Greek family who live their lives in a grey area that she didn’t want to be part of. At her first opportunity she left her hometown and created a successful career as a college professor but when her twin sister Zoe disappears, she returns home to uncover the truth.
Quinn is an undercover detective who has ties to Zoe and was working at the casino when she disappeared. The first time he sees Ari is when he rescues her from a dangerous situation a case of mistaken identity. He wants to keep her away from the danger she now finds herself in, but she has different ideas and consistently puts herself in the line of fire. Between the investigation and her family things are about to get very interesting.
The interactions between Quinn and Ari are both humorous and heated, the intrigue keeps you guessing but it is not only the characters of Quinn and Ari but also the secondary characters which make the story so enjoyable.
Quinn is an undercover detective who has ties to Zoe and was working at the casino when she disappeared. The first time he sees Ari is when he rescues her from a dangerous situation a case of mistaken identity. He wants to keep her away from the danger she now finds herself in, but she has different ideas and consistently puts herself in the line of fire. Between the investigation and her family things are about to get very interesting.
The interactions between Quinn and Ari are both humorous and heated, the intrigue keeps you guessing but it is not only the characters of Quinn and Ari but also the secondary characters which make the story so enjoyable.
July 9, 2020
ARC for honest review with no compensation received from BookSprout
Under The Boardwalk is book 1 in the Costas Sisters series by Carly Phillips and is a reissued book..story of twin Jersey girls and their differences and what brings them together...
Ariana Costas left New Jersey 5 yrs ago because she didn’t feel she fit into her wacky family, now she returns home when her twin goes missing. What she doesn’t expect is to be mixed up in something that could have dire consequences and a man who makes her question her life...
Quinn Donovan, undercover cop, wants her to go back to Vermont so she isn’t in danger but Ari is determined to find out what her sister was involved in...this leads to money laundering, foster child, a monkey, safe house and so much more!
Can Ari trust Quinn with finding her sister Zoe, show her she belongs back with her family and that they belong together! Only time will tell...
Under The Boardwalk is book 1 in the Costas Sisters series by Carly Phillips and is a reissued book..story of twin Jersey girls and their differences and what brings them together...
Ariana Costas left New Jersey 5 yrs ago because she didn’t feel she fit into her wacky family, now she returns home when her twin goes missing. What she doesn’t expect is to be mixed up in something that could have dire consequences and a man who makes her question her life...
Quinn Donovan, undercover cop, wants her to go back to Vermont so she isn’t in danger but Ari is determined to find out what her sister was involved in...this leads to money laundering, foster child, a monkey, safe house and so much more!
Can Ari trust Quinn with finding her sister Zoe, show her she belongs back with her family and that they belong together! Only time will tell...
July 5, 2021
A truly stupid book in which an undercover cop staking out a murderous crime boss maintains his relationship with a foster teen and spends time hanging out with his love interest’s extended family. And where a psych prof paid her way thru school as a waitress and earned tenure in less than 5 years.
There are nails on chalkboard borrowings of a monkey a la Friends and a crazy family a la My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Don’t even get me started on trying to explain the failed gag of using The Addams Family as a parental career choice.
I wouldn’t have stayed with it for more than 20 pages except that I read it for the July Playbookers challenge.
There are nails on chalkboard borrowings of a monkey a la Friends and a crazy family a la My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Don’t even get me started on trying to explain the failed gag of using The Addams Family as a parental career choice.
I wouldn’t have stayed with it for more than 20 pages except that I read it for the July Playbookers challenge.
July 14, 2020
***ARC Provided by the Author***
3.5 Stars
Ariana and Quinn's story is one that was written a while ago, and it was a reread for me, but it was still a lot of fun. I liked their connection, and I liked how much they genuinely liked one another and how much that came through for each of them.
I love the Costas family. They are all something else, and every single one of them is worthy of their own story...and it adds some compelling fun to Ariana and Quinn's story.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
3.5 Stars
Ariana and Quinn's story is one that was written a while ago, and it was a reread for me, but it was still a lot of fun. I liked their connection, and I liked how much they genuinely liked one another and how much that came through for each of them.
I love the Costas family. They are all something else, and every single one of them is worthy of their own story...and it adds some compelling fun to Ariana and Quinn's story.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
June 27, 2020
While not your typical Carly Phillips love story this was still a great read. The characters were enjoyable and the quirkiness of the twins family stole the show. Although boys and pieces were a little slow and stale overall it was a good book.
July 10, 2020
Under the Boardwalk
No one can pull off a story that has mystery, yet also lots of humor, quite like Carly Phillips can. Ariana Costas has returned home after learning that her twin sister is missing. Quinn has answers but will he tell them to Ari? Read this one and find out.
No one can pull off a story that has mystery, yet also lots of humor, quite like Carly Phillips can. Ariana Costas has returned home after learning that her twin sister is missing. Quinn has answers but will he tell them to Ari? Read this one and find out.
June 11, 2022
Made it half way and DNF. This one didn't connect with me.
January 7, 2021
Romance and more
4 stars
This is something slightly different from Carly Phillips - in that it contains more than just her usual hot and heady romance. While not a romantic suspense, there’s also an element of, well, mystery, I suppose you could call it, with Ariana’s sister’s disappearance and the ongoing investigation into the casino where she once worked. We also have the storyline of Sam - and another romance of Connor and Maria.
The main course is definitely still the romance between Ari and Quinn. Okay, and probably both of them coming to terms with their pasts and what they want from the future.
I really liked Ari and from the first you could tell she was far from the stereotypical nerdy professorial type. I loved her first interaction with Quinn and how she held her own. I even loved the fact that she was more than a little messed up about what she wanted - and how to reconcile her feelings for her family while still loving them fiercely. I did feel she got put through the ringer a bit. Everyone’s a bit of a therapist and once or twice I wanted folk to cut Ari a break - she was doing her best!
Our hero’s name is Quinn. That’s all that I really need to say about him because with one of my favourite hero names, how could he be anything less than perfect? He’s grumpy, gruff, infuriated yet reluctantly intrigued by the mystery of Ari and what she’s up to. Strangely, he’s quite trusting but also a complete cynic. And with a hard childhood in the foster care system, he’s just a little boy at heart and I wanted to give him a big ol’ hug. Poor baby!
The relationship between Ari and Quinn is very push and pull - both aware that it can only be short term, but unable and unwilling to stay away from each other. And when they are together, it’s deliciously combustible. There’s lots of grabbing and chemistry and hot sex - just what you would expect from a Carly Phillips’ story.
The ‘more’ in the story is that there are a few other things going on. I liked the story of Sam and it never took away from the main romance - probably because Quinn, and then Ari, were so intrinsically linked to Sam and that storyline.
We’ve got another burgeoning romance between Quinn’s partner, Connor, and a casino waitress, Maria. I would have loved to read a wee bit more about this pair as I liked their antagonistic relationship and blossoming romance. I also really enjoyed the banter/conversations between Connor and Quinn. Clueless, the pair of them! Hilariously so.
There’s quite a cast of characters in this story on top of our main couple. Ari’s family are eccentric in the extreme but I really liked them. They didn’t come across as ridiculous - despite the crazy situations they got into - and I also never felt overwhelmed about these extra people! Oh, and Spank the monkey is quite clearly the star of the story, of course!
I also barked out a laugh or two in this book - which is always a nice bonus!
This book stands alone but there is a second in the (Costas Sisters) series, about Zoe, Summer of Love (previously Summer Lovin'). I’m looking forward to reading that as I very much enjoyed reading this romance with something more, and look forward to catching up with everyone again. 4 stars and a truly engrossing and enjoyable read.
*This book was originally published in 2004. It has an updated cover and, presumably, the content/storyline has been tweaked for its 2020 publication.
April 9, 2011
Fun! What a quirky cast of characters. I laughed so much my sides ached. Phillips definitely knows how to blend humor, hi jinks & searing heat into 304 pages.
Brava, Ms. Phillips for bringing on the smoldering sexual intensity. Whoa, baby!
Under the Boardwalk weaves together a tapestry that is rich w/ lovable, eccentric & vibrant characters. The action is endless & the plot fast-paced.
I loved Ari & Quinn. Spicy... spicy now! Oh, I'm sorry, Quinn came to mind ;p. Whew! Is it hot in here?! It is 29 in NY so... it's gotta be Quinn :9. Thank you, Ms. Phillips, for bringing the sizzle!
Let me say, just because Ari hails from 'Jersey doesn't mean she is a generic version of Plum. Nope, she is definitely a vivacious character who is no one's second banana! I'm not into the Plum series but have read enough to say nahhh!
Under the Boardwalk is a charming, hilarious adventure not to be missed.
With the warmer weather approaching, Under the Boardwalk is definitely one to be added to your summer beach reading list (if you can hold off) :).
Brava, Ms. Phillips for bringing on the smoldering sexual intensity. Whoa, baby!
Under the Boardwalk weaves together a tapestry that is rich w/ lovable, eccentric & vibrant characters. The action is endless & the plot fast-paced.
I loved Ari & Quinn. Spicy... spicy now! Oh, I'm sorry, Quinn came to mind ;p. Whew! Is it hot in here?! It is 29 in NY so... it's gotta be Quinn :9. Thank you, Ms. Phillips, for bringing the sizzle!
Let me say, just because Ari hails from 'Jersey doesn't mean she is a generic version of Plum. Nope, she is definitely a vivacious character who is no one's second banana! I'm not into the Plum series but have read enough to say nahhh!
Under the Boardwalk is a charming, hilarious adventure not to be missed.
With the warmer weather approaching, Under the Boardwalk is definitely one to be added to your summer beach reading list (if you can hold off) :).
November 25, 2012
Well Carly Phillips did it again. I read this book in 2 weeks and one of the best reads. She kept me hanging I was not able to guess what happened to Ari's sister. I also liked the way she tied together the missing of the twin sister, the monkey, Sam and the love story of Ari and Quinn all into one book. This is why I love Carly Phillips. I highly recommend this book. I guess everyone has someone crazy in their family and the family she has created for Ari is not only different but one that seems would be fun to be a part of. Quinn also is such a wonderful character and I like him even more since he has taken Sam under his wings and cared for her like they were family. This is a mystery, love and all around good book. I give Carly Phillips applauds again. Keep up the good work.
June 30, 2020
This is a re-read for me. It was just as great the second time through and since it has been several years it was like a new read. Ari has come home because her sister is missing. Coming back is not something she wants to do because she has always been embarrassed by her outrageous family. Now coming back she gets a job where Zoe worked trying to figure out what happened. This is where she meets Quinn who is working as an undercover detective. When she is caught in cross fire he rescues her. Add in Sam and the monkey and this is one quirky story. Sexy, spunky, sassy, and suspense all rolled into one.
**Received this ARC for review**
**Received this ARC for review**
June 19, 2016
I was bored from the first chapter and if I had another book with me today would have dumped this one instead of forcing myself to finish it. Too many unrealistic things going on. Insta-love is so overdone and not done well here. Ariana is a twin. Hero knows the other twin and doesn't have any feelings for her but upon seeing Ariana he's in love. It just didn't fly for me.
Anyway, about what I expected from chick lit.
Anyway, about what I expected from chick lit.
April 18, 2008
This one was a little different from most of Carly's books, it was not as enjoyable as her others but still a good read. It was a little hard to follow and stay interested, not as sexy as her others!
August 18, 2014
A fun, light story but there were too many questionable and unrealistic things going on to make it truly enjoyable. And why is Ari the bad guy in everything and the only one who needs to change? Meh, not my best read, but not my worst. I give it a low 3/5 stars.
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