About the Book:
One lifelong friendship. One snowy night. And one kiss that changes everything.
Renowned photographer Grant Michaels travels the world covering the international sports scene, but after a bitter divorce he returns home to Pacific Vista Ranch. Tired of life on the road, he wants stability and a fresh start.
Archivist librarian Olivia Hanlon spent the last decade stuck in her hometown. Now she has a chance at adventure: a dream job in Greece for one year.
Childhood best friends Grant and Olivia share a forever bond, always there for each other through thick and thin. When they get snowed in together at a snowboarding event, one steamy New Year’s Eve kiss quickly spirals into an explosive chemistry neither can deny. Except he’s ready to settle down just as she wants to spread her wings.
Will their friendship survive this newly discovered passion… or did they ruin the one relationship they each count on?
My Take:
Claire Marti has done it again! This fifth story in her Pacific Vista series is the whole package, a friends to lovers romance that will have you rooting for the main characters right from the very first page. I've read all of her romances so far, and they only keep getting better. Strong writing, engaging characters, beautifully detailed scenery and story lines to make you swoon. Marti is truly an author to watch.
Olivia and Grant have been best friends since elementary school. Along with their pal Toby, they've always been the three muskateers, there for each other through any crisis. Olivia was there for him when Grant's father died. He was there for her when her mother became a paraplegic, which altered Olivia's life plans drastically. They remained best friends through his marriage and subsequent divorce. But that's all back story, deftly told with a few well chosen words.
The story begins with our three muskateers reuniting for a snowboarding event and getting snowed in. One thing leads to another and sparks fly between Grant and Olivia. They agree to keep it a secret and go back to being just friends, but that can be harder in practice than in theory.Will they be able to figure out the best way to move forward? ....and that's why we read friends to lovers romances! To find out.
Marti has a wonderful way with words, giving the reader a true sense of place as well as insight into the individual characters, both their motivations and their fears. Her dialogue is spot on, and I loved the way the characters wove their backstory so naturally into normal, entertaining conversation. I loved everything about this book, actually. A fast, fun read, Marti keeps the pages turning and leaves you satisfied and yet somehow still wanting more.
Luckily, there are four other great books in this series, all standalone stories that you can read on their own or in any order and still enjoy. As a Marti fan, I did happen to read them all in order and loved every minute of them and highly recommend. If you're looking for a series for your summer beach chair reading, look no further. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I totally would.
Grab your own copy today on AMAZON or at your favorite retail ebook outlet.
