Oooo this was was SUCH a fun read! Declan Tudor is this grumpy, super-rich guy who comes to town to fix up the old Pink Hotel, and Emma Crane is the bartender who’s not afraid to stand up to him. Say less, right? Their arguments are hilarious, and you can totally feel the chemistry between them even when they’re mad at each other. I was really touched by Emma's relationship to her grandpa and I Declan’s relationship with his daughter, Amelia. The whole mystery about the Pink Hotel and the pink pearl made the story even more exciting. It’s got humor, romance, and a little bit of suspense, which is al I ever want. Oh, and A++++ banter! Loved.

I really enjoyed this first book in the series, the characters, the romance and the mystery. Emma Crane has been working as a waitress and assisting with the management of her grandfather’s Tiki Bar in Laketown. She loves and cares for her grandfather who had taken her in after the death of her parents at the Pink Hotel. The hotel has been vacant since it was badly damaged in the fire. Businessman Declan Tudor is not thrilled to be in Laketown, but his father purchased the Pink Hotel and he is to decide whether it is worth restoring or in his mind, tear it down and rebuild. He doesn’t understand the communities’ attachment to the hotel or to the rainbow pearls that are said to be found in the lake, especially the famous pink pearl. The clashes between Emma and Declan started from his first visit to the bar, but soon turn to an unexpected attraction for both of them. He believes that someone is sabotaging his efforts with the hotel, but who and why? When their safety is threatened as well, will they finally solve the mystery surrounding the hotel and the pink pearl? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Always Be An Us takes place in Lakewood, a small community that's on the "Ten Most Wondrous Towns in America" list because it's the only place to find Rainbow Pearls. Declan, a real estate developer from NYC, has come to town to rebuild the Pink Hotel, a local landmark for over a hundred years. He meets Emma when he comes into her bar for dinner. (Declan returns his order five times and Emma needs to Google calming phrases.) This is definitely a case of opposites attract. While Declan avoids emotional engagements and prizes control, he's drawn to Emma's warmth and spontaneity. She's attracted to his strength and alpha qualities.

The romance is enhanced by parallel mysteries and legends involving the pearls. As Emma, her grandfather and Declan's teenage daughter investigate a long ago mystery about the hotel and theft of a famous Pink Pearl, someone is attempting to sabotage efforts to restore the hotel in the present.

I read an advance copy. This is an honest review.

Loved reading the engaging and engrossing romance story. When Declan continues to find something wrong with his burger, Emma refuses to send for a fifth burger and accidentally bumps the tray, the burger ends up in Declan's lap, Emma apologizes, and is glad she won't have to see the wealthy, handsome arrogant man again except Declan is in charge of making the Pearl Hotel like new again. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting love story by the fabulous author, Summer Hunter.

Always Be an Us is a fiery and fun romance with a twist of danger and plenty of heart. Watching sparks fly between the sassy bartender and the brooding outsider made for a story I couldn’t put down. The mix of witty banter, a little town lore, and undeniable chemistry between the characters kept me hooked. Plus, Declan’s relationship with his daughter added so much warmth—it’s impossible not to root for them. If you love romance with humor and a dash of suspense, this book delivers.

OMG, this book is a riot! Declan Tudor struts into town like he owns the place (spoiler: he kind of does), and our girl isn’t having it… until she totally is. The Pink Hotel has secrets, the bar has sass, and their chemistry is HOTTER than my flat iron on max heat. Also, Declan’s kid? Adorable chaos. I laughed, I swooned, and I yelled at the pages (in a good way). If you’re looking for a romance with steam, snark, and some seriously mysterious vibes, don’t sleep on this one! 🍸🔥🏨

I enjoyed Hunter's book about The Pink Hotel and the stories that came with it. Always Be an Us was a good book to get lost in for me in between heavier subjects. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.