ASIN: B0146H8D24
Until another knee injury forced him off the board, Cooper Malone was a world renowned, championship-winning pro surfer. He’d been hitting the waves since he was ten, and nothing stirred him like filling his lungs with salty air, and feeling the sun warm his back. He had endorsements, investments, and a lucrative business to go with all the fame, prestige, and fans. Yes, he had it all – just about.
Although she left that night with the wrong man, who wound up getting her pregnant and leaving her a single mother, Maggie MacLean has wanted Cooper Malone since the night she saw him and his best friend, and eventual father of her child, in a bar. Believing Cooper preferred her friend, she ended up with Vance, the only thing good coming out of the steamy night being her son Evan. Although Cooper stepped in as a father figure as soon as he found out what had transpired, they’ve never been more than close friends; and having a career that keeps him on the road in search of the next big wave, he’s never been able to give them more than a few weeks out of the year of face-to-face time.
When his injury sends him to Maggie’s house to recuperate, he gets a dose of the family life he’s always wanted. As things between him and Maggie cross over the platonic line, he has to decide if he can give up the waves to provide the stability Maggie and her son need.
I was drawn to the characters and their story right from the beginning. Their relationship was honest, pure, and genuine, creating a strong foundation for the change. Maggie is a devoted mother, with a typical, loving little boy who adores the only man he’s ever really known on a personal level. The connection between the trio is heartwarming and left me smiling. Their playful banter was entertaining, and their lovemaking like freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies – sweet and hot.
Purman does a good job putting the reader in scene with her satisfying descriptions.
I lost a little of my umph at the end. Of course, I was happy about the required happily-ever-after, but I didn’t get the entire lump in my chest and only let out the ooohhh, no ahhhh.
It was a good read, and I think romance lovers would enjoy this salty-sweet tale.
Rating system: Cups of coffee – the less the better
0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest; you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- it doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.
My rating: 1 cup of coffee