ARC Review: Beach House No 9 by Christie Ridgeway

The Particulars: Contemporary Romance, HQN, avaiable in print and as e-book

The Source: Netgalley

The Grade: B-

The Blurb:

When book doctor Jane Pearson arrives at Griffin Lowell's beach house, she expects a brooding loner. After all, his agent hired her to help the reclusive war journalist write his stalled memoir. Instead, Jane finds a tanned, ocean-blue-eyed man in a Hawaiian shirt, hosting a beach party and surrounded by beauties. Faster than he can untie a bikini top, Griffin lets Jane know he doesn't want her. But she desperately needs this job and digs her toes in the sand.

Griffin intends to spend the coming weeks at Beach House No. 9 taking refuge from his painful memories-and from the primly sexy book doctor who wants to bare his soul. But warm nights, moonlit walks and sultry kisses just may unlock both their guarded hearts....

 

The Review:

After reading Beach House No 9.: Beginnings, I requested this on the spot. And I am glad I did.

Visiting the cove were Beach House No 9 was located felt like I took a trip to a resort somewhere warm. The cove was cozy, and I liked the feeling of community that existed among the guests. They might not admit it, but they knew each other and trusted each other.

I liked both Jane and Griffin. It was interesting to watch how they moved from grudgingly working together, to slowly starting to trust each other. It was touching to see how Griffin struggled with his adjustment to normal life. I felt for him. He had so much pain inside him. Jane  also had scars from her past,  but I was fascinated by how she kept it in check and remained calm, no matter how hurt she was inside. 

I loved watching Griffin and Jane with his niece and nephews, he was bit gruff at the beginning, but it was clear that he loved them.

I loved the subplot with Tess and her husband. Watching them struggle to save their marriage was somber contrast to Griffin and Jane's budding romance. The issues they had felt believable. I think most couples hit a rough patch after being together for awhile.

While there was a lot of things I loved with this book, I missed the angst. Griffin had a lot of pain and guilt after his time in Afghanistan, but I never felt his reaction to it. It was shown, but his struggle never tugged my heartstrings.