Not a huge fan of stories where the couple spends so much time trying to avoid a relationship, for really no reason. Reminds me of the old Harlequin romances where a couple dislikes each other until they stop denying their attraction and then they are deeply in love. This book is a more modern, more physical version of those.

Zara was freshly heartbroken when she met Saint both of them spend one night of passion not expecting to ever see each other again. Now they're both in Catalina Cove and can't seem to stop running into each other and decide to fake date to keep the ladies off Saints back and keep Zara's good name. Never did they expect to fall for one another for real.

I do enjoy a good fake dating Romance and thought that this is a pretty good one. I don't feel like it was rushed at all feel like the pacing was good and I loved to see that attraction between the two. They had plenty of moments in and out of bed which made the romance of it all bit more believable I loved seeing how they communicated with each other when it came to the ups and downs of what was going and their lives in the past. Overall this is a pretty good book I really enjoyed it.

Brenda Jackson has delivered two more love stories in her seventh book of the Catalina Cove series. Although reading the other books in the series familiarizes you with the characters and dynamics of the small town of Catalina Cove, this book can serve as a standalone (I've read the first three books of the series). The main love story is between Zara and Saint, both of whom are coming out of romantic relationships that have decimated their faith in true love. Their first encounter is supposed to be a one night stand.....but they run into each other years later. Although their relationship starts out as raw sexual attraction, Zara and Saint start to develop an emotional attachment that leads to the trust that they thought they they would never have in a romantic relationship. In the other story, Levi and Margie have lost the loves of their lives. They have both acclimated themselves to being single and retired. However, they find love again in each other. Their story is sweet and is shows that you can have more than one true love in a lifetime. As usual, Ms. Jackson delivered with the character and relationship development. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I've been reading Brenda Jackson's Catalina Cove series since book one, Love in Catalina Cove. Though the books can be read as standalones, each new entry has felt like an enjoyable reunion with fictional friends where a few new people are added to the group. The sense of community is strong in this series and it's always fun to catch up with favorite characters while also taking a journey with the newest couple.

I was excited to learn the heroine of The Cottage on Pelican Bay would be Zara (sister of the hero of book 5, One Christmas Wish) and eager to discover what Jenkins had in store for her. I was not disappointed. The chemistry between Zara and Saint sizzles from the start but neither is looking for a relationship...for reasons. I appreciated the time Jenkins took with them, indulging their desires while allowing them to gradually grow emotions between them. It felt very realistic and gave me the confidence that their eventual relationship would stand the test of time. I really liked these two, individually and together, and was cheering for them the entire way while also cheering against certain family members (Saint's), a toxic ex (also Saint's), and a deluded husband hunter on the prowl. Happily, all of them are satisfactorily dealt with in the end.

This book also contains a sweet secondary romance between mature characters who are both widowed. I enjoyed it but would not have missed it if the focus had remained solely on Zara and Saint.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with Southern flavor, a strong sense of community, fully-developed characters, heartwarming romance, strong friendships, and happy endings, I recommend The Cottage on Pelican Bay...and the rest of the books in the Catalina Cove series too!

4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley

Set against the vibrant backdrop of South Louisiana, this cozy small-town romance has all the makings of a swoon-worthy love story with the charm and mystique of the bayou. The story centers around Zara Miller and Saint, two people with past heartbreaks who unexpectedly cross paths years after their initial encounter in New Orleans. What was supposed to be a fleeting night of passion and escape turns into a tangled, irresistible romance they both can't ignore.

The initial meeting between Zara (who introduces herself as Angel) and Saint is electric. The two strangers, both nursing wounds from failed relationships, find solace in each other for a night of passion. The anonymity and raw connection make this moment special, setting the foundation for their future.

Fast forward two years, Zara and Saint reunite in Catalina Cove, a small bayou community. Their paths cross at a mutual friend's event, and it's here they discover that their lives are more connected than they realized. The chemistry between them, which was undeniable in the Big Easy, resurfaces even stronger, leading to an encore of their fiery night at Zara's cottage on Pelican Bay.

The setting of Zara's cottage, nestled along the bayou, is a perfect metaphor for their romance—remote, cozy, and simmering beneath the surface. It's a place where their love continues to grow, starting from occasional meetups and transitioning into an arrangement that begins as "fake dating" to keep other women from chasing Saint. But as expected, the pretense can't contain the genuine emotions developing between them.

As they navigate their feelings, both Zara and Saint are wary of commitment. They’ve made a pact that this is nothing more than a no-strings-attached fling. Yet, love has a way of sneaking up when least expected. The story explores how two people who have sworn off relationships find themselves falling deeper, despite their best efforts to resist. Their emotional walls begin to crumble, forcing them to confront what they truly want—a future together.

The charm of this romance lies in the rich setting of South Louisiana, from the lively streets of New Orleans to the quiet, romantic shores of Pelican Bay. The bayou community feels alive with local culture, close-knit friendships, and the warmth of small-town living. These elements offer a comforting atmosphere, contrasting the intense emotions Zara and Saint feel for one another.

What makes this romance stand out is the way it portrays vulnerability and healing after heartbreak. Zara and Saint's relationship is built not only on physical attraction but on their shared understanding of pain and the need to move on. The pacing allows their love to unfold naturally, with sizzling chemistry that doesn't rush but steadily grows.

If you're a fan of second-chance romances, the "fake dating" trope, and heartwarming love stories in idyllic small towns, this book delivers. It's a cozy, spicy read with characters you’ll root for, and a love story that proves sometimes, even when you don’t want it, love finds its way into your life.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was cozy and heartwarming!

I enjoyed this book so much! It was so good to revisit Catalina Cove again. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I also enjoyed the characters journey to love. I couldn't put my kindle down.

This was the first book I ever read by this author, and I loved it. Zara and Saint were so fun to read about. They hook up one random night, and can’t seem to stop meeting up. He’s still hurting from a past relationship, and she’s simply not interested in anything serious either.

They don’t take their hook ups too seriously and know where each other stands. But small town rumors force them to turn their trysts into something more, and their feelings bloom from lust to the most sensual, tender love. Their fake relationship-with-benefits (yes ma’am!) shows how compatible they are between the sheets, but will they match well when faced with the pressures of all eyes on them?

There’s a side relationship that I didn’t quite understand why it was part of the story. Maybe because this is book 7 in an ongoing series? Either way, it was a cute little love story between two widows that was told alongside Zara and Saint’s romance.

Highly recommend to anyone who wants something sweet yet sexy.

What a lovely romance novel this story is. The characters are easy to love and their story is very heartwarming. It has exactly what you are looking for in a light romance. I did not realize this book was part of a series and after listening to this book, I will go back and listen to all of the other books in the series as I enjoyed this one so much. The narrator had a great voice which is important to avid audiobook listeners. Definitely a great book to pick up to read if you are looking for an easy to read romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

This was a delightful beach read perfect for fans of Susan Mallery, Elin Hilderbrand and Mary Kay Andrews. I am probably not the target audience for this book since I am only in my twenties, but this was a fun beach read nonetheless.

I was granted access to this book because I am a member of the Harlequin Hive Influencer program.


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Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This is the 7th book in the series but can completely be read by itself. Zara Miller never expected when she returned hometown and encounter Saint, her one-night stand from two years ago. I love a second chance love!

From one night stand to forever. The story opens two years earlier than the main story. Zara is stranded in New Orleans while she waits for a storm to pass before traveling to Catalina Cove, nursing a broken heart and swearing off men. But the sparks between herself and a sexy stranger at the bar are too much to resist, and she and "Saint" spend a passionate night together.

Fast forward two years and Zara is back in Catalina Cove to visit her brother and some friends. She is stunned when she walks into a gathering of friends and sees the man she hasn't been able to forget. Saint is equally shocked to discover that Zara is his boss's younger sister. The chemistry between them is still off the charts, and they can't stay away from each other. Neither is interested in a relationship. Zara is not ready to risk her heart again, and Saint is still recovering from his own disappointing love life. They are content to hook up whenever Zara visits the Cove.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Zara and Saint develop. It starts as purely physical and casual, as they agree that emotions will play no part in their encounters. But over several months, they find themselves enjoying time spent together outside of the bedroom. When Zara comes for a more extended stay in the Cove, she and Saint begin spending much more time together. It is easy to see that they develop feelings for each other but are wary of confessing them. Their avoidance of talking about the future frequently frustrated me. Matters became more complicated when Saint's ex showed up looking to rekindle their relationship. I liked those scenes between Zara and Mia and Saint and Mia. I liked the ending, seeing them face and share their fears and look to the future with open hearts.

There was also the beginning of a secondary romance between two of the older characters. I loved Levi's patient pursuit of Margie as she became accustomed to the idea of falling in love again after her husband's death. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books, as well as some of the other new arrivals in Catalina Cove.

I enjoyed this book! Characters were well developed with a good story throughout the book. I will need to check out the other books in the series.
Thank you to the Publisher, author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. My review is voluntary and my own opinions.

It was supposed to be a one-night stand, an opportunity to forget a painful past and begin afresh for each of them. An opportunity to forget about the storm that was raging outside.
Then suddenly they are in the same place at the same time, even worse he works for her brother and the chemistry between them is as strong as ever. Can they sneak around and become friends with benefits?
I didn't realize when I picked up this book that it was the seventh book in an ongoing series. Most of the characters were new and unknown to me but I still enjoyed this wonderful second chance at love story between Saint and Zara.

Saint and Zara meet in a casual way. Little do they know they are connected in more ways than one. In the Cottage on Pelican Bay, Ms. Jackson allows us to visit with some new and some old friends. The Cottage on Pelican Bay is a sweet and enduring story. A quick and easy read.

Zara Miller never expected when she returned hometown and encounter Saint, her one-night stand from two years ago. As Zara learns Evans Toussaint grew up in Cataline Cove as she did, left home and returned to be close to his aging parents. When these two encounter each other again at a party, the chemistry is still apparent and they can’t stop staring at each other. Try as they might the pull is too strong and they engage in a “fake affair” to stifle the gossip of the townsfolk. Little do they realize as they spend more time together, feelings develop and fake become real. Both are scarred and afraid to confess their true feelings and know their time is limited as Zara is only in town for a few weeks. Can these two overcome past fears, meddling family and nosy townsfolk to see a future together in Pelican Bay, readers will need to download to find out.

I enjoyed Zara and Saint’s story and Mrs. Jackson’s ability to develop her characters where readers can sense their emotions. She keeps with the theme of Jean Lafitte’s founding of Catalina Cove and the historic find Zara and Saint uncover at the cottage. Loved reading about the secondary characters Margie and Levi’s storyline. Overall good read and would recommend this installment of the Catalina Cove series.

I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately it was just not for me. I couldn't connect with this book at all and felt the main characters had little to no chemistry.

Overall this wasn't a bad book but it wasn't right for me. Others might enjoy it more!

Overall, I liked the story of Zara and Saint, but I didn't realize this was book 7 in the Catalina Cove series. As with some small town series I've read such as Virgin River by Robin Carr, they're best read in order. The story of previous characters is continued in parts throughout this book, and since this is the first book I've read, they didn't add much to the story for me. I will probably start the series over from the beginning eventually as I'm interested in some of these characters stories and I really did enjoy most of the book.
Thanks to ..... through Netgalley for the advance copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own and given voluntarily.

THE COTTAGE ON PELICAN BAY – Brenda Jackson
Catalina Cove, Book 7
Canary Street Press
ISBN: 978-1-335-47497-1
August 20, 2024
Contemporary Romance

Catalina Cove, Louisiana – Present Day

On a stormy night, Zara Miller found herself stranded in New Orleans and ran into a sexy stranger named “Saint” at a hotel bar. They agreed to a one-night stand, without exchanging last names. Two years later, Zara returns home for a six-week stay in her hometown of Catalina Cove. She had already discovered that Saint works with her brother after she ran into him while on a weekend visit home. What a coincidence! Zara and Saint reconnected six months ago and ended up in bed together. Will it lead to more encounters now that she will be around longer?

Evans Toussaint goes by the nickname Saint, and he never expected to see the sexy, beautiful woman he shared a night with. While he is all for them resuming their off-and-on-again affair, he is worried about getting too involved since Zara only returns to Catalina Cove for visits. Yet, the more they see one another, the deeper they become attracted. Will their summer fling lead to heartbreak, or can they try to work out a future together?

Zara comes from a wealthy family that helped found Catalina Cove. While she could stay at the family mansion, she prefers to stay at THE COTTAGE ON PELICAN BAY. It’s a poignant reminder of the mother she lost years ago. Her brother, Vaughn, and Zara plan to finally go through their parents’ things to give the mansion to the local historical society. That is why she plans to spend six weeks here. Meanwhile, Saint is trying to keep the local ladies at bay as his mother is doing some matchmaking. Since Saint and Zara are already circling each other like animals in heat, why not go public with an affair that they both agree will end when she leaves? But are they playing with emotional fire?

THE COTTAGE ON PELICAN BAY is an enjoyable tale that focuses on Zara and Saint, though we do get a few interactions with family and friends. There is also a secondary story about an older couple, Levi and Margie, who meet and start as friends, but soon are more than that. Readers will love the interactions between the two couples. While Levi and Margie’s relationship is platonic, Zara and Saint experience the fiery passion that first brought them together in New Orleans. THE COTTAGE ON PELICAN BAY is part of the Catalina Cove series which I have not read before, but I had no trouble understanding the connections between various characters.

Romance is in the air in the sizzling and emotional THE COTTAGE ON PELICAN BAY. Don’t miss picking up this entertaining tale.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

I can not even begin to explain how much I adored this fun book! The main characters were just so real and relatable! I loved their sweet story unfolding. Wonderfully done!