Member Reviews
Temptation on Ocean Drive is the Book two in The Sunshine Sisters and it's a perfect beach summer read. You will love the story and the light and sweet moments between the characters.
I Cannot Recommend this book enough to all Readers. Make Sure you one click this book now.
Bella has been dealt a tough one when she lost her husband. She has some scars from that loss and Gabe has an uphill battle to get her. Gabe has been lusting after Bella since the day he walked into the bridal planning store the sisters run. Poor Gabe had to force his hand to get through to her that he wanted her. Bella allowed small town rumors to just die Gabe by. But nice she finally gets past the rumors, she finds he made his way into her heart, and life without him would be the worst without him.
Bella and Gabe were wonderful. Slow and patient, Gabe wants Bella to see him for what he is and what he wants (her!) rather than the image she thinks of him. Bella has feelings for Gabe but knows he's not for her or this town in the long run. Can these two get out of their own way and find a new way together? A heartwarming read of this couple coming together.
4.5 Stars
I just finished this book and to say I was frustrated is putting it mildly! I really liked the characters, all of which we met in book one but when we got really into Bella’s story she frustrated the heck out of me! Don’t get me wrong I understand where she is coming from but her actions were overboard. Gabe has been secretly in love with Bella for three years but she was not ready until he thought now. Bella kept throwing up roadblocks and pushing him away not realizing she was actually doing it. The tragedy Bella went through is understandable she has to protect not only her heart but that of her daughters. I am glad like so many others this author did not have her deceased husband come to her in a dream or sign on what she should do. I absolutely adore her daughter Zoe, it was just her unrealistic thoughts were what drove me nuts. Every time I thought she figured herself out she went back further. With that being said don’t get me wrong, I still liked the book and it is well written. I liked more then I disliked it just took longer for her to get her head out of her A**! I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Temptation on Ocean Drive
Book #2 of the Sunshine Sister's Trilogy
I really do love this series. From the first book i was hooked and couldn't wait for Bella's story,
Bella and Gabe have always had chemistry, but Bella tried to hide her feelings for him. There was a lot of push and pull on her end, ( I mean if I was a widow and a single mother, i know i would react the way she did) but i admired Gabe's patience during this book. There was may times where i wanted to shake her and tell her to really open her eyes. But i really did love this read, and i cant wait for Taylor's story!
**Disclaimer: I was provided an advance reader copy by the author in exchange for my unbiased review and opinions.**
Writing:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Story: 🌟🌟🌟
Total: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a well-written book. You can expect beautiful writing from Jennifer Probst, 100 % of the time. But I am not connecting with this series. It pains me to write these words, but this story stressed me the hell out. Seeing Gabriel put his heart on the line again and again only for Bella to keep finding stuff to complain or place as an obstacle rose my blood pressure. Who knows, maybe I have gotten really old and now need blood pressure medication. I wasn't expecting this amount of angst with a widow/single mom and a 28-year-old wedding planner that knows what he wants.*facepalm*
One of the reasons I stay away from most New Adult is because I can't stomach the idiotic miscommunication that happens when you're in your late teens and early twenties. And I freely admit it, a lack of open communication steps on my every damn nerve. So maybe this is why this book frustrated me to no end. I read to escape life's bullshit minutiae, not to read about it. So this is on me,100% on me. I love this series' secondary characters and I really want to read the last installment of this series, but now I am not so sure I will risk it.
Sunshine Bridal and Ocean Drive is a place this reviewer knows magic is possible in this business and second chances coming in every direction. We have Bella, a young widowed mother trying to be strong not just for her little girl but for her family. Everybody see’s her as the responsible one, the workaholic but Gabe see’s so much in her it scares Bella. The friendship is all there but seeing Gabe go all out there in his love is just wow. It takes a strong man to keep dreaming and fighting for a love that to some might seem impossible. Jennifer Probst not only shows us that it takes strength and love to get through something like Bella went through with her husband and learning to well love again can be hard some times. Definitely magic in this little bridal place and cannot wait to what will happen next in Ocean Drive. “I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
Temptation on Ocean Drive is the second stand-alone novel in The Sunshine Sisters series by Jennifer Probst. Each book features a different Sunshine sister and all the couples were known from book one, so Bella and Gabe's coupling was not a surprise. What was a surprise was the amount of energy Bella spent on trying not to be with Gabe. That woman was exhausting.
From the very first chapter from Gabe's point of view, I was rooting for his happy ending. He gave me so many warm feelings and I got the need to see him happy with the woman he wanted. The problem is that the woman he wanted aka Bella was not on board with that. The death of her husband left her with the mentality that everyone leaves and she kept expecting the other shoe to drop when it came to Gabe. Gabe was trying so hard (and maybe too hard) to make her see that he was not going anywhere and she kept doubting and doubting.
On the bright side of that, the groveling at the end of the book was one of the BEST grovelings I have read in a book and the best way to convince someone to take you back. I am going to remember that part for a while and it almost made up for Bella's behavior in the whole book.
When I saw that "Forever in Cape May" (the final book) was going to be released in April 2021, I was disappointed. In the first book of the series I wanted Taylor and Pierce to become a couple and then in this book I was totally on board with the "we are just friends" narrative, so I cannot wait to see who these two will end up together especially now that Taylor is leaving.
Overall, there were some sour and some sweet moments in the book. Thankfully the good were more than the bad. I was in love with Gabe from the very first page, the sisters have a great bond and the secondary characters were likable, including the client Bella and Gabe worked for. I would recommend both books in the series (in case you haven't read book 1).
I absolutely loved the Jersey shore location! As someone who is in the process of getting married, I loved her bridal store and the idea of her falling for her wedding planner partner. This was such a sweet romance done in a way that wasn’t over saccharine. I need to read the others in this series!
Bella had the dream life, she married her high school sweetheart, had a perfect daughter, and then her husband gets killed in a car accident. Fast forward five years, and she’s working with her sisters for the family wedding planner business. She currently in a good place. Then there’s Gabe, who has been working for the sisters for the last three years. He’s been in love with Bella since day one, but she does not feel the same way. He wants to convince her that he can be perfect for her.
This is the second book in The Sunshine Sisters series. This can be read as a stand alone, but would be better enjoyed in the series. I loved getting to know Bella more in this book. Though she did drive me crazy at some points in this book. Gabe is the perfect romance hero that you would want in a book. I have been really enjoying reading this story and can’t wait for the third book. This book was a slow burn romance told in dual POVs. If you’re a fan of slow burn, small town romances, I highly recommend checking this series out!
Thank you Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5
Temptation on Ocean Drive is second book in the Sunshine Sisters series by Jennifer Probst. We've met the Sunshine sisters and the men in their lives. They are so different, but work together at the family business perfectly. Bella lost her husband years ago and she's raising her daughter by herself. She has her sisters for help and support and she's not interested in dating. Gabe has worked with Bella and her sisters for years. He's good at his job as a wedding planner and hiding his feelings for Bella. When they have to work on a wedding together things get a little tricky. Bella has tried not to work with Gabe. She thinks he's a player with a different girl ever weekend. Gabe hates that people think that about him. He's worked hard to get where he is and he's still trying to escape his painful childhood. But working together softens Bella a little. She sees a side of Gabe she didn't know was there. But it's dangerous to think about him other than as a friend. She has her daughter to think about and she already loves him. Gabe has had a thing for Bella for a long time and when he sees and in he's going to take it. She's leery of his supposed reputation and has trust issues. He has issues with people only seeing his attractiveness. If they want to be more than friends, Bella will have to learn to trust Gabe and he's going to have to give her time. I really enjoyed this addition to the series. I was a little frustrated with Bella's inability to believe in Gabe, but I understand where she's coming from. He was very clear about his feelings, and put his heart on the line and she just didn't believe in him. I hated that for him and it even made me cry! But it all worked out the way it needed to in the end! Looking forward to Taylor and Pierce's story!
Bella lost her husband a few years ago to a drink driver. Zoey was only a baby. She shut herself off to the world for a while until one day she realized she needed to get on with her life for her and her daughter. She still kept herself emotionally closed off from people other than her family.
Gabe started working for Sunshine Bridal just over a year ago. Everyone there loves him. However there is one Sunshine sister that he can not seem to get the attention of. He was drawn to Bella from the first time he met her. He has gotten very close to her daughter Zoey, but Bella keeps a very professional distance between them. They don't usually work together however when Gabe is asked to help out last minute with a wedding he quickly agrees. This wedding leads to a very high profile person asking for the 2 of them to plan her wedding. Bella does not want to do it at first as the deadline is very short and the theme is a little crazy. However with some coaxing from her sisters to take on the responsibility and that they are both ready for this, they take the job.
With Bella and Gabe working together on this wedding they are spending a lot of time together. Gabe has wanted to pursue Bella for sometime but she always shuts down his advances. He can see that she is attracted to him but she never acts on it. Bella is afraid that Gabe is going to leave Sunshine Bridal for bigger opportunities so she will not open up to him. When Gabe finally let's Bella know of his true feelings it scares her. If she gets involved and he leaves it will be like losing Matt all over again. With her head and heart telling her two different things will she ever be able to find happiness?
There's something about a Jennifer Probst book that guarentees you will be swept away on a wave of emotion. A small town, feel good romance.
Bella & Gabe a pair destined to be together if only would get on the same page!
4 star must read.
This is the second book in the Sunshine Sisters Series. This is Bella and Gabe’s story. Gabe has been attracted to Bella since he started working at Sunshine Bridal, the wedding planning business she owns with her sisters. Bella is a single mom, who has closed herself off since her husband’s death. At first, I didn’t like Bella - she came off as rude, judgmental, and unkind to Gabe. However, I got caught up in the push and pull of Bella and Gabe’s relationship. It seemed every time Gabe and Bella took one step forward, something would happen to make Bella gun shy and they would end up taking two steps back. Probst did a good job of detailing the work of a wedding planner with all the last minute hiccups and difficult members of the bridal party, while diving into Gabe and Bella’s bumpy relationship. This was an enjoyable love story. Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I swear Temptation on Ocean Drive needs to be a Hallmark movie! I can always count on Jennifer Probst for a sweet and swoon-worthy romance.
Bella is a wedding planner and works with her sisters and a man named Gabe. She is a widow and ever since she lost her husband she has completely focused on her daughter. Although she is a wedding planner, she believes that she had her one chance at a happily ever after and won't find it again.
Gabe works with Bella and her sisters at their family business, Sunshine Bridal. He is a ladies man according to people in town. He can catch the attention of any woman in town but only has eyes for one Sunshine sister.
Bella and Gabe are working on a wedding together and it allows them to spend more one on one time together. Bella starts to see the real Gabe and she realizes that he isn't how everyone portrays him. Town gossip can be both good and bad and one rumor threatens to come between their new romance.
I give Temptation on Ocean Drive 5 stars. It is such a swoon-worthy romance that gave me Hallmark vibes. Bella and Gabe are so amazing and their love story is beautiful and whimsical. I highly recommend this book!
Welcome back to Cape May and Sunshine Bridal for Bella’s story! I loved Avery’s story when I read it a few months ago so I was excited for this one. And it did not disappoint. Now, I’ll be up front. One of my favorite parts of the story was Zoe, Bella’s daughter. She just brought a smile to my face!
As for Bella and her Gabe, they were coworkers and did not have the best relationship. Gabe had mostly worked closely with Bella’s sister Avery but ended up planning a very interesting Dr. Seuss themed wedding together with Bella. As they plan, we all know what happens. Gabe has had a thing for Bella for a while but the forced proximity helped Bella realize he was someone she wanted to spend a lot of time with and get to know. Gabe might be known as a “playboy” around Cape May and Bella was still dealing with the tragic death of her husband years before but that didn’t stop this love story!
This book was written in 3rd person which isn’t my favorite but it was also dual POV which I’m all for. You can read this one as a standalone but, just like with most series, I suggest starting from the beginning.
Now I just can’t wait for Taylor’s story to come out in April!
Thank you to @authorjenniferprobst and @valentine_pr_ for an e-ARC of this book. It is available now!
This is the 2nd book in the Sunshine Sisters series. I loved the first one and was excited for the 2nd one! Bella and Gabe did not disappoint. Gabe had been attracted to the single mom Bella since he started working there. She had always ignored him. Their chemistry was on the charts. He was absolutely sexy, swoony and any other adjective you think for gorgeous guy that is absolutely in love with you and your daughter! My only issue was how long it took her to see that and get on board she had hot cold thing goin too long. I was happy Gage was patient enough to see her through it but it was frustrating at times. They make an awesome team and were absolutely fabulous together. As with all Jennifer Probst books she manages to make you laugh, swoon, fan yourself and cry sometimes all in the same scene! Tnis is a fun series and I loved the book overall! Can't wait for the next one! Enjoy!
Sigh... I adored this second chance at romance story.
Bella. The woman is lost-- but who wouldn't be in her shoes? She does everything she can to take care of her daughter and help her sisters at their shop. Despite it all, Bella is a darn good wedding planner/designer. I loved seeing her ideas and especially her brilliant ideas while working with Gabe.
OH Gabe... Gabe. Total book boyfriend. Sweet, kind, loving, an amazing wedding planner- despite all the ladies in town wanting him. LOL LOL (Even tho the one he wants... can't see it)
If you're looking for a devoted mom, amazing story, phenomenal characters filled love and amazing friendships this is the book for you.
I look forward to reading book 3 in this amazing series!
5 tree stars from me.
Bella was heartbroken when her husband died & she became a young widow with a young child. She was thankful for her job working in the family business. She enjoyed working with Gabe and was attracted to him but closed herself off from romantic feelings. Gabe has worked hard to overcome all the names, etc his father gave him over the years. As much as Bella liked Gabe, he had a reputation on the island as a playboy & not the kind of person Bella wanted to spend a lot of time with nor have around her young child. They had to work hard to overcome their obstacles.
Oh man, I’ve been so excited for Gabe to finally get his girl!! Gabe and Bella are ion such different levels. I originally had this impression that Gabe was so much younger than Bella and that would be their main issue. I never would have guessed this man would LEVEL UP to be so charming, so romantic, and lay his heart on his sleeve!! He’s epic book boyfriend material. Bella, hmmm girl, we gotta talk, because her wishy washy non-sense for this man was driving me bonkers. She wants love, he loves her, she doesn’t know what to think, she makes things wayyy more complicated than need be. Going around in circles just proves that Gabe has a heart of gold!!
Bella and Gabe are truly perfect for each other, their journey is of healing and opening up to new possibilities. Growing from co-workers, to friends to lovers, they bring out the best in each other. Surrounded by their friends and family, and Bella’s super cute daughter Zoe, these two can finally find their way to a heart warming HEA! Jennifer Probst captures my heart with every book, this series certainly doesn’t disappoint ♥️