Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the premise of this one...but there was something that just didn't quite hit the mark. There were so many moving parts with Ali's family and the town that I felt like nothing was fully fleshed out. Even the fake dating moved so quickly into real emotions that I felt like I missed something. Again, I really enjoyed the premise and felt like there was a lot of potential, but it didn't come together as much as I'd hoped. Don't worry, though...it definitely made me tear up a bit.

THE CAFE BETWEEN PUMPKIN AND PIE is an anthology that includes three novellas written by three different authors. The stories all take place in Moonbright, Maine at Halloween. They are filled with the Moonbright Legend, holiday happenings, love, and even some magic! We get to know the goodness of the town and can feel the magic in the air. There are several recipes in the back of the book that are woven throughout the story, and I plan to give a couple of them a try.

LOVE OVER EASY by Kate Angell

LOVE OVER EASY has the café at its core with Nan, the owner, two of her granddaughters who work with her, and staff and regular customers. This is Hannah and Jake’s story, and it is hot from the minute their eyes meet across the parade route. She’s trying to ride herd on her triplet nephews, and Jake steps in to give her a hand. From then on, they seem to be an instant couple. But does he have one foot out the door since he’s only there to visit with his elderly grandfather? Her sister, Lauren, who has a past with Jake but is happily married with the triplets, keeps telling her that’s his M.O.

Jake and Hannah seem to hit it off, although he’s more worldly than she is and Hannah’s more of an innocent whom everyone looks out for, especially while she’s waitressing. The Moonbright Legend, the belief that you will see your future husband in a reflective surface before midnight if you say the magical chant, is a fun part of the story. Hannah says the chant and throws caution to the wind. She and Jake work well together and have definite chemistry, but will their romance stand if he leaves? The small town gossips add humor to a terrific love story.

Angell is one of my favorite authors. This is her third visit to Moonbright, Maine, and I hope she’ll be returning for more. (She normally writes contemporary romances with baseball and the beach at their core.) I eagerly await each one.

LOVE RISING by Stacy Finz

LOVE RISING has Sydney in town after the death of her beloved grandmother (who raised her.) She’s there to settle her estate and get her grandmother’s lovely Victorian house ready for sale. Then Sydney will return to her life and business in San Francisco. When Nick, a contractor her grandmother hired, shows up and is tearing apart the carriage house to install a commercial kitchen, she doesn’t know what to think. She doesn’t understand why her grandmother designed the kitchen and paid for it in full knowing she was dying. As Nick and Sydney grow closer, her grandmother’s reasonings seem to come to light. But will those reasons be enough to keep Sydney in Moonbright?

There are some hot moments between the sheets, along with a hefty dose of romance between Nick and Sydney–who knew each other a long time ago–and some rough goings with Sydney’s business partner. Will things work out the way her grandmother planned? A great romance with an epilogue (which takes place a year later) that’s just the icing on the cake.

Ms. Finz is a new-to-me author. I have several of her books on my TBR pile.

ROMANCE ON TAP by Marina Adair

ROMANCE ON TAP is Mila and Hudson’s story, but Mila only has eyes for his twin brother, Ford. Events that happened seven years ago mix with the present, and Mila has to rethink what she’s believed all that time. As Hudson and she get closer, they both have trouble expressing what they want. Not communicating almost costs them their future. Good thing they both seem to come to their senses at about the same time, and Hudson has his brother to thank for some of it.

Together, Mila and Hudson seem to make a great team. Mila’s a window artist in Moonbright, decorating a lot of the businesses windows to make some money. Hudson seems to be wherever she is. Their relationship builds gradually, and the romance is genuine. But will life and their obligations keep them apart if she gets a new job in L.A.? Great pacing and terrific characters make this a really fun and satisfying story.

I’ve read several of Ms. Adair’s books and always enjoy them. I look forward to reading more of her work.

I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.

Loved this book, Mariana Adair really knows how bring the reader into her books, She is an auto purchase for me. I cannot wait for the next book of hers to come out! You won't be disappointed with this book!!!

After reading Marina Adair's Feels Like the First Time I would love to move to Destiny Bay!

Marina Adair can not go any wrong in my eyes and this book just continues to prove to me why I think that !!! her books are fantastic!!

I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Feels Like the First Time by Marina Adair is the second in the Destiny Bay about a small town and second chances. I personally really enjoyed this sweet story about best friends and a pretend relationship. We all know how those end...

Ali was my favorite side character in Last Kiss of Summer. She’s an independent woman, tomboyish, and the complete opposite of her former cheerleader- sister. And then there’s the small fact she’s always been in love with her best friend who also happens to be her sister’s ex.

Bradley Hawk *swoon* Hawk is a former NHL player turned bar owner. He moved back to his small hometown after his disastrous first marriage. He thinks he’s over Bridget and ready to move on, but he never saw Ali in the light he’s seeing her now.

The plot of this story reminds me a little of the movie The Proposal except these two are already friends. I liked how the author conveyed Hawk’s feelings. The POV alternates each chapter so we the reader know from the getgo know how he feels about Ali and how those feelings grow. I love stories like this! The slow burn, friend turned lover. It’s like watching a Hallmark movie: short, sweet, and heart-warming.

Overall I enjoyed this book. The romance is a slow build but the chemistry is immediate. Hawk and Ali are a fun couple! It isn’t a squeaky clean read though, so if you are looking for fade to black or closed door scenes, you won’t find them here. If you enjoy contemporary romance (especially of the best friend variety) I highly recommend it!

I've not read many Hockey romances but I have to say Adair sure hit the goal with this one. The attraction is anything but fake between these two characters. This story is much the same as the others of its sort but it does have one thing on its side the others I've read have not. It's a second chance romance. The question is can these two find their way in all the lies?

Whoa…..I was waiting for Ali and Hawk to get their book. But once I dove into it, I wasn’t too sure I would like what I would get! I loved Bradley Hawk in the first Destiny Bay book, “The Last Kiss of Summer.” What red-blooded woman wouldn’t love a brooding, wounded, handsome hunk! And Ali Marshal was a real kick-butt, creative heroine. But with Hawk still pining for his ex-wife, Ali’s sister, and Ali upset with herself for pining after her sister’s ex-husband, Hawk, I started getting very exasperated. Sure, the chemistry between the two was there - anyone can see that - but the ever-looming “storm cloud” that was Bridget cast a very dark shadow. Could a ray of love shine down on Ali and Hawk through that?

So while I was trying to decide how annoyed I was getting with Hawk and Ali, I became totally invested in their story! Where will they wind up - Apart? Together? What is Bridget hoping to gain? (Boo, hiss….I really didn’t like Bridget.) With sharp writing and an abundance of character, this author pulled me so effectively into the story that I didn’t realize that the pages were turning and I was figuratively biting my nails! Somehow, someway, Ms. Adair managed to suck me into the world of Destiny Bay when I really wasn’t sure this was a story to get sucked into. I do have to shave a star off my review, as I really do not like Bridget - did I mention that? - and I couldn’t understand both Hawk’s and Ali’s “devotion” to her. But the ending satisfied me enough, and a book that is as well-written as “Feels Like the First Time” can only be a pleasure to read!

Review: Ali and her family aren’t anything if not dysfunctional. While she was raised by her dad in small town Destiny Bay, her sister Bridget was raised by their mom in Seattle. They had totally different upbringings and differences on their outlooks on life and what’s owed them. It doesn’t help that Ali and Hawk are best friends and he’s her sister’s ex-husband whom she dumped but may have an interest in again or does she? Her current boyfriend, Jamie, is more gone than present in Bridget’s life and she doesn’t seem to care or does she?

Hawk is always there for Ali and gets Ali even with her insecurities. They have a chemistry that they both start to feel and even act on and left me rooting for them time after time. When her mother and her sister swoop in to town it’s not in support of Ali who is making a name for herself as an artist who works with metals but because Bridget has news of her own. It results in a lot of twists and turns to the story along with a lot of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, sadness, tears, anger and fear. As she and Bridget try to work out their feelings it’s one step forward and two or three back. It doesn’t help that Ali is very protective of their dad whom has health issues or her doubts of her mother’s real motives or even her love. As we get to know each of them better a lot of emotions are front and center and have to be dealt with.

There are family and friends, small businesses, the small town feel and its residents, the cider, chocolate and other pies, Marty’s boat, wedding planning, the magazine layout, laughter, tears, happiness, sadness and lots of emotions from everyone involved. There is loving and love along with romance and a nice flow to the story. There are revelations made as well as peace coming to fruition. There is a happily ever after on several fronts with nice closure and I look forward to returning to Destiny Bay again and again.

Adair is one of my go to authors for contemporary romance not only in this series. I look forward to reading more of her books.

I love hockey romances, this is a truly excellent book! I love how strong Ali is and how sweet and caring Hawk is. Their story is unique and I love how Ali was able to snag the one who has always held her heart even if he was her sister's first! They are magnificent together! Can't wait to read more about Destiny Bay.

Aliana (Ali) Marshal loves with her whole heart, especially her family and close friends.
Bradley (Hawk) Hawk wants someone to love him with their whole heart and accept him as family.
Hawk had been married to Ali's sister, Bridget, but it didn't work out. Now Bridget is back and dropping the bombshell she is engaged, just when life is starting to pick up for Ali.
Ali believes Hawk to still be in love with Bridget, so when he shows up unexpectedly Ali tries to soften the blow of the engagement.
After a couple kisses and a "pretend" romance neither are sure of the other, believing there are still obstacles that are keeping them apart.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jerjen

Ali is one tough woman who is not afraid of very much. She knows how to handle manly tools, she loves beer and knows her way around a pool table. What she does not have a handle are the things concerning her family: her dad’s illness and his refusal to do take his doctor’s advice, her mom’s desertion since she was young and her sister Bridget’s need to be the center of attention. When it comes to all of these things, she is at a lost. When her sister comes home and announces that she is getting married again, she knows how hard it will be for one of her best friends to handle it. You see, one of her best friend is Hawk, her sister’s ex-husband. She has secretly had a crush on him forever.

Hawk is one of the good guys. He is friendly, caring and loyal. Everyone in town thinks very highly of him and knows he will always do what is right. So he is having a tough time dealing with the feelings that he is developing for Ali. He has always cared about her but since she was her sister-in-law, he knew she was off limits. He has been struggling with his feelings for his ex-wife, he knows he will always love her but has realized that he wants his future to be with Ali, not Bridget. Now all he has to do is convince her that they have a future together.

The characters are well rounded and well developed. There is a lot of family dynamics going on, a lot of which are not good. All of the characters are flawed, which made them seem more realistic to me. They have a lot to work on, a lot to forgive and a lot to figure out. I really liked all of the family drama involved. I also liked the bickering and banter between Ali and Hawk, it had me laughing out loud at times.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.

The author is very talented in writing an emotional book and bringing those emotions out in the reader. I laughed, I had tears in my eyes, I shook my head and wanted to scream a few times. Being taken on an emotional roller-coaster by an author does not happen all that often, but this author managed to do just that and do it well..

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written women’s contemporary. I have read the first book in this series and I really liked that one too. I am looking forward to reading book three when it is released.

This book follows Ali Marshal who has always been the one trying to keep her family together. She has always sacrificed herself for others when she finds out she might be featured in magazine her father throws her a party and her sister Bridget shows up and steals the show announcing her engagement. Ali reeling from the spotlight changing directions and the appearance of her mother does the extreme and kisses Hawk. Bridgets ex-husband and convinces her sister that Hawk and her are a thing.

Hawk has no idea what hit him he just knows he's enjoying spending time with Ali and being her friend when the tables turn and Ali kisses him, his emotions go all over. He's along for the ride but as it's gets busier and busier he's noticed something about Ali that makes him wonder if he picked the wrong sister all along.

This book was great to go back to Destiny Bay and see what everyone is up to. It's especially great to learn more about Ali and Hawk and their background and families. What I really enjoyed was watching the two try to figure out what was going on in their relationship and how far it would go. And to see the happily ever after. This book is great for all romance lovers. It brings you in like Cedar Cove does.

Hawk and Ali have had a specials feelings for each other long before they became romantic. Circumstance prevented them from realizing what they want and acting on these feelings is a whole different story. When Ali’s sister, Hawk’s ex-wife comes home, it triggers a response to their well-kept feelings.

I was a little skittish about this book because of my reservations on how the hero and heroine know each other. You see, Hawk and Ali’s sister were married, now divorced. Yes, this made me feel awkward. I didn’t like that situation, but let me assure you that the supporting circumstances made their love story work. You’ll quickly see that Hawk and Ali belong to each other and their happy-ever-after was quite sweet.

Just when I thought there might be a book that I won’t like, Adair proves me wrong. As I read on, my adoration for the heroine and my swooning over the hero increases. Hawk is super sweet and I adore him, as well as the people in this small town. Ali’s dad for one. I love how he knew for some time how Hawk felt for Ali but pretty much minded his business. I disliked Ali’s sister Bridget. Her looming past relationship with Halk bugged me to no ends and I hated that she made Ali feel insecure. But I suppose she was a good villain and created a good conflict to the story. Luke and Kennedy, the couple from the previous book got plenty of page time. I love that Marina always incorporates the secondary characters well into the main story.

Overall, another great read from Marina Adair. Feels Like the First Time had lots of drama, town gossip and a whole lot of feels to the story. I’ll say it again, she has not failed me yet.

This author writes some of the best chemistry in romance! I loved these characters and the way this story evolved. I can't wait to read more by this author!

I have been waiting for this book for what feels like forever. I adored the first book in the series and I've got to say, Feels Like the First Time did not disappoint. I don't know if its because it's been so long since reading the previous book, but this one felt like it had a little bit of a different vibe. It still had the fun and quirky small town setting that I can never get enough of, but it also had a bit of a deeper family drama added in. To be honest, I kind of liked that combination. And of course I loved Hawk and Ali. Still not quite sure why Ali did what she did, but who can blame her? I would have planted a spur-of-the-moment kiss on Hawk too. I loved that they were finally able to act on their feelings. Feels Like the First Time was just a fun little romp with quirky characters, fabulous writing, and a sexy hero's stick. Now the wait begins for the next book in Adair's Destiny Bay series.

Love me some charming, small town romance, and Feels like the First Time was a definite winner in this category. Sizzling chemistry and characters you can root for, this book has a lot to offer. Really enjoyed it!

Feels Like The First Time is the newest work from author Marina Adair and the second book in her Destiny Bay Series. If you haven’t read Marina Adair I am here to tell you to get her on your TBR list STAT! I know I can count on her for a wonderful story filled with heart, heat, and amazing characters. This was another fab example of that.
I’m a sucker for a friends-to-lovers story and when that story happens to be laced with a bit of family drama, I’m all in. Ali and Hawk have a history that is, well, a tad complicated. He’s her ex brother-in-law and she’s loved him from afar since she can remember. But he had chosen her sister and she dealt with that…until she didn’t have to any longer. Now they were neighbors and had a push and pull type of relationship where the attraction they shared simmered just below the surface. Cue the pivotal moment where she unexpectedly decides to play the fake boyfriend card and WHAM…the fun begins! The sexual tension between these two is off the charts delicious. Hawk has his swagger game perfected and when he turns on the charm, I was melting as I read. I mean no way could Ali have resisted. But on top of being sexy and charming he’s got a heart bigger then the moon and his loyalty to the ones he loves is so darn endearing. I just adore this man! Ali is equally lovable with that same sense of loyalty and huge heart. I loved watching their relationship go from something pretend to something so very real. Not only were they smoldering, the emotion between them is off the charts and I loved the tender moments along with the heated ones.
If you’re looking for a heart-felt, sexy sweet read with amazing characters set in a town you’d love to live in, this is a book for you. Thank you, Ms. Adair, for yet another amazing read!

Ali Marshall has had a thing for Hawk since before his marriage to her sister years ago. She has been there for him always. When he was in the hospital recovering from knee surgery after winning the cup, while also delivering the news that her sister was divorcing him. Now on a night that for once her family should be celebrating her achievement her sister has once again come in with her grand ways and made it about her and has announced she is getting married. Hawk seeing this does not let Ali down and they announce to everyone that they are dating. The only one that is being fooled though is Ali and when she realizes that Bradley Hawk had been serious the whole time she now wonders if she can get back the only man she has every truly loved, and stills loves. Hawk is still wondering what he needs to do to prove to her that he was serious when he said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and that he has been over her sister for a long time. Can they work it out and get back together? Read this book and find out. A good story with very good characters.

Ali devotes her life to making others happy. She's selfless, mothering, fierce, loyal, and strong. When she was young, her parents divorced and split the kids between them. Ali may not have had a motherly influence, but her dad surrounded her with love. He supported her and her dreams, while teaching her to be a strong independent woman. Her mom taught Bridget, Ali's older sister, to be a selfish, insecure person with no goals. So Ali and Bridget often clashed, especially when Bridget married Ali's longtime crush--Hawk.

Hawk has spent the last two years recovering from a failed marriage to Bridget and forced early retirement from NHL due to an injury. The only thing he asked for when they divorced was for her to NOT live in Destiny Bay. He wanted to come home and start a new life for himself. Hawk and his best friend own a successful bar in Destiny Bay. Hawk's friendship with Ali has grown and he's finally at a place in his life where he feels he can move on....until Bridget breezes back into town.

In a desperate attempt to "have Hawk's back", Ali tells her family that Hawk is her boyfriend. Bridget is newly engaged, but seems unhappy. Ali knows Bridget is up to something, but doesn't know what it is. So Hawk and Ali agree to be faux-friends, then sexy-friends. When Bridget makes a play for Hawk, Ali doubts Hawk's love for her causing all sorts of problems.

I really enjoyed this novel. I loved how supportive Hawk was of Ali and her dreams. I loved how he "listened" to her and loved her for who she was. I loved that he pampered her without suffocating her. I especially loved it when he called her his sunshine!!! While Ali was strong in nearly EVERY aspect of her life, I was a little disappointed in her willingness to allow her sister to walk all over her in the name of "family". She was the only one who made concessions so that Bridget was happy. What about her dreams? She even let her sister turn her congratulatory party into Bridget's engagement party!!! I wanted Ali to have it out with her sister and call her out on her selfishness! Other than that, I truly enjoyed this novel. It was engaging, funny, sweet, and ended with a HEA. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.