Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster-review & giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 17,2023

Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that’s who. Despite what my besties say about my three-year dry spell, I’m not looking for a man. Or drama. Or sex. I’ve got enough on my plate with writer’s block and a daughter who refuses to grow up. Community. That’s what I need. Unfortunately, it seems the universe has other ideas. Either Chatemup, Massachusetts, has a serious shortage of single women, or I’ve become a hot mess magnet for the male species.

At least I’ve found one funny, good-hearted friend: fish peddler Declan Miller, my brainstorming adventure buddy who stirs my creative juices. I’m his Writer Girl. He’s my Dimple Dude. Just scruffy, granite-chested, deep-voiced, ex-military brawn who happens to be—oh, Nicole, what are you doing to yourself?—stoking a long-neglected fire without even trying.

A self-confessed hot mess, divorced single dad Declan is too old for relationship games. Not interested. Same here. So why do I keep thinking about him? Preferably naked. Because I’m a hot mess, too? At least he’s inspiring me to write. If only real life were like one of my novels. At least then I’d have a better idea of how this was going to end.

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REVIEW:HOT MESS SUMMER by Melissa Foster is a contemporary, adult, romance stand alone focusing on thirty-eight year old, divorcee and author Nicole Ross, and forty-eight year old, divorced father of three, fisherman Declan Miller.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Nicole and Declan) HOT MESS SUMMER follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Nicole Ross is a romance writer who bought herself a summer vacation home in New England. Hoping to make new friends and forget about the mess back home, the twice divorced Nicole will come face to face with her future in the guise of fisherman Declan Miller. Declan doesn’t want anything permanent, and Nicole is quick to agree but as the summer slowly turns into fall, our couple will discover the heart wants something more than the brain is willing to accept. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Declan and Nicole, and the potential fall-out as the reality of their own lives may be too much to handle.

The world building focuses on family and friendships, new friendships that accept our story line heroine without a thought but Nicole and Declan will both struggle with issues of family and doubt, and in this, their relationship may not last the course of a summer affair.

The relationship between Declan and Nicole is one of mutual attraction. Nicole’s ‘accidental’ first meeting with Declan becomes fodder for her friends but a welcome party set into motion a summer love that ends all too soon. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and fun secondary and supporting characters including many of the locals, both Nicole and Declan’s family and extended families, as well as Nicole’s daughter Kenzie, and Declan’s embattled father Rick.

HOT MESS SUMMER is a story loosely based on the author’s own summer affair; a story of fun and adventure, happiness and acceptance. The premise is entertaining and inviting; the characters are animated, quirky and charming; the romance is spirited and moving.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy