Member Reviews
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Penguin Group
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Part 2 in an ongoing series
My Every Little Thing Review . . .
I knew I was going to love this book especially after reading the dedication.
We originally meet Vaughn and Bailey in the One Real Thing (Hart's Boardwalk #1). And from the moment we meet these two characters I felt their animosity towards one another.
"You're cold through and through. You haven't got anything real to offer a woman. Nothing but money. And sooner or later they'll realize not even money is worth a lifetime of nothing."
"I'm single because I want to be, Miss Hartwell. Unlike you I'm strong enough to be alone rather than settle for mediocre. But then like attracts like, doesn't it."
And then the gloves were off with these two.
However, we all know why their is such tension from these two, because both are harboring feels towards one another but both are trying to fight it. And it was quite a fight they put up. Until finally Vaughn couldn't keep fighting any more, especially since Bailey had some new threats towards her.
"Bailey doesn't need that. She just needs us to be there for her."
"I'm pretty sure putting my fist through that asshole's face counts as being there for her."
I love this community's love and loyalty towards Bailey. Because truly Bailey is the heart of this community and they all rally around her and support her whenever its needed. Even Vaughn.
"You didn't love her, Vaughn. And I need you to stop acting like your soul mate died and get on with your life."
There's generally a reason when someone's an asshole and for Vaughn he too had his demons of why it was easier to keep Bailey away then let her in.
" . . .. This is Bailey we're talking about. That woman practically invented the concept of loyalty. She's finished with him. I say good riddance."
Even though Bailey may not admit her feelings, they weren't hiding their true feelings from the others.
"That's not true at all." Jessica sounded exasperated. " I wish you and he would just admit you're attracted to one another and stop acting like children at recess."
Baily and Vaughn's banter and tension was palpable. You could feel it escaping from the pages.
"I was just wondering."
"What?"
"If its uncomfortable."
"If what's uncomfortable?"
"Having your head that far up your ass."
I loved Jess and Cooper in the One Real Thing. And I loved their guidance, support, honesty and friendship here to help aid Vaughn and Bailey sift through all their walls and bullshit reasons why they can't be together.
I fell for Samantha Young's writing in the On Dublin Street Series and my love for her writing continues with this Hart Boardwalk series. I can't wait for more. I'm torn if I want to find out Daliah's story next or to finally find out the mystery behind Jack's behavior and maybe see him and Emery together.
I love this community. It is a sweet yet suspenseful series and Vaughn and Bailey fought the fought until they finally gave in and then magic erupted from these two.
4 About time thumbs up!
Every Little Thing by Samantha Young
We return to picturesque Hartwell in this second installment of Young's Hart's Boardwalk series. It's the story of Bailey, the (co) owner of Hartwell's Inn and the town princess -not because she acts like one- and the arrogant hotelier, Vaughn.
Bailey's been in a comfortable relationship with her boyfriend of ten years and although it hadn't progressed as well as she'd have liked, she was content. Until she decides to surprise him one night and is given a surprise of her own. While most people would have been inconsolable, Bailey was more upset at having wasted her years rather than mourning the loss of her relationship.
Vaughn is the sexy, arrogant, icy-cold hotelier who has butted heads more than once with Bailey. He says he doesn't want her, but his occasional actions belie his words. From the get-go he's been attracted to Bailey but has refused to act on it for many reasons one of which being that she has a boyfriend. But with him out of the picture, Vaughn is still trying to suppress his feelings until things come to a head when Bailey is attacked.
I enjoyed this book though not as much as book one. I felt that much of the romance was lacking in this book and that's what I loved from the previous. Every Little Thing is packed with witty banter, pointed barbs, and a heroine that won't let anything break her. Add in supportive friends and some sexy good times and I was hooked. I definitely recommend this series and I'm dying to know who the next book will be about!
*arc received from publisher via Netgalley in exchange for honest review.
**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.
I already loved the dynamic between Vaughn and Bailey in The One Real Thing, so I was very happy they got their own story with Every Little thing. A classic hate to love story, though there never was any real hate. Quite the opposite actually, as Vaughn fell for Bailey the first time they met. Except she was in a relationship with another man, and Vaughn has some issues to let women in.
The constant bickering is a form of foreplay, and oh so entertaining to read. When Bailey becomes a free woman again, the temptation becomes too much. It’s so easy for Vaughn to scare her away, though slowly Bailey sees what he’s hiding. He’s not as evil as he wants her to believe, quite the opposite. Vaughn is charming, and helpful to anyone but Bailey.
When things heat up between them, that’s when it gets really interesting. It’s a lot of push, and pull with some extremely hot scenes, charming men, and spirited women. Every Little Thing is everything I wanted it to be for Vaughn and Bailey. You’ll root for this couple from the first page, and they’ll leave you with a happy heart.
*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
"Princess of the Boardwalk."
Bailey might be the Princess of the Boardwalk, but in a good way. She's not mean, she's everyone's friend. Well, everyone that deserves her friendship. When they don't, her claws come out to protect her friends, family, and even herself. I got a taste of her sass when I read The One Real Thing. That's when my girl crush developed. She's friendly and funny and fierce. And let me tell you, when Vaughn showed up in the little town of Hartwell, invading her boardwalk, building his big fancy hotel, the fur flied. He was "Wearing a suit and a sexy-ass smirk." He wasn't one of them. He thought he was better than her. She hated him. Didn't she?
Vaughn has hotels all over the world. The newest one in Hartwell demanded his immediate attention when he first built it, but what nobody understood, was why he was still there. He was living in the penthouse, enjoying the view. And did I mention that his favorite view was the feisty redhead, Bailey? She pushed all of his buttons. She made him say things that he didn't intend to. His father taught him to be a gentleman, to treat women with respect. But when she pushed, he couldn't help pushing back. Her insults turned him on. He loved to see her flustered and enjoyed getting a rise out of her. He wanted her, but he didn't want to want her.
Bailey loved her friends, her hotel and her town. Hartwell was a, "Small town where everyone knows each other and we all play our part." Everyone except for Vaughn. He didn't get it. He was still an outsider. Her feelings toward him thawed a little bit when he supported Cooper when he was on the verge of losing his boardwalk business. This surprised and pleased her. But she still didn't trust him. He made her feel like she wasn't good enough for him. Like he was looking down at her. So that's why she continued to trade insults with him. Refusing to call him by first name, using his last instead. As he started to worm his way into her inner circle, her friends tried to convince her to give him a chance. She held out, fighting her attraction, until it happened. He showed his true colors, and it changed everything.
Every Little Thing charmed my socks off. I fell in love with the local residents of Hartwell and imagined myself walking the boardwalk and having a drink at Jacksons. But mostly I wanted to be part of girl's night at the book store/coffee shop. I have my eye on the shy girl and the secretly smirking Jack. They both have stories to tell that I can't wait to read. The line forms here...
I didn't read the first book about this small quaint little town, but that didn't stop me from falling in with Bailey and Vaughn and the whole town! I love Bailey who heads up the fame Inn and has had a hate/hate relationship with Vaughn a fellow hotelier who has a competing Inn in at the end of town! Fresh off the heels of a bad breakup she is determined to move on. Vaughn infuriates her but makes her insides tingle at the same time and she hates that he makes her feel that way! Vaughn does not want to get involved with a women but Bailey gets under his skin! After Bailey has a scare things turn up and that hate slowly dissolves into more, possibly into love? Must read! Sexy and spicy just the right combo!
I am hopelessly charmed by Samantha Young’s delightful town of Hartwell. Its idyllic setting and charismatic residents make for a wonderful accoutrement to a series that continues to enamour with every novel read.
Bailey Hartwell’s ancestry is woven into the fabric of the town. She’s fiercely protective of its heritage and the people in it. As the owner of the local Inn her competition and adversary is wealthy hotelier, Vaughn Tremaine. Their well-documented disdain for another stems from Bailey’s distrust in him and his intentions. As much as Vaughn may feign interest, he’s irritated that he can’t quite the feisty Inn keeper off his mind.
What could have been a straight forward enemies to lovers story is further characterised by a personal journey they both take. It’s fair to say there were some frustrating decisions made on both ends, but I felt it added to the angst in their story.
As it seems to be the trend in this series Samantha sets the scene for the supporting characters to receive the Hartwell treatment. I have my fingers and toes crossed for Emery and Jack. I’m already in love with Emery and I all but smell a redemptive story for Jack.
Every Little Thing is the second book in Samantha Young’s Hart’s Boardwalk series. When I finished the first book, I was so ecstatic to get a book about Bailey Hartwell and Vaughn Tremaine. I love that enemy to lovers story line and I could tell that their story would turn into an epic love.
Bailey Hartwell is the owner and operator of Hartwell’s inn and the town princess of sorts. She loves where she lives, her community, and takes pride in her boardwalk. When Vaughn Tremaine first came to town wanting to open a huge hotel and being from the big city, Bailey showed resistance. Although Tremaine proved he wasn’t the big city slicker wanting to disrupt their town, he’s still had some tension with Bailey ever since.
The tension between them is some straight up sexual tension just screaming to boil over. You could feel it with every quip they threw at one another.
I just loved these two so much! Bailey is a fantastic heroine. I loved how strong and independent she was. Vaughn is pretty amazing as well. He was a great hero and someone who is loyal and protective to those he loves. I’ve also got to shout out to Vaughn’s Dad- he was just wonderful! I loved the back and forth banter between Bailey and Vaughn. I also loved the connection they shared and how powerful it was once they gave into one another.
Samantha Young’s writing is enthralling and I didn’t want to put this one down. I love the small town vibe, charming characters, and sense of community. Vaughn and Bailey’s story was sweet, steamy, and fiery. It captivated me from the start and I loved the moments of humor woven in. I’m excited for more from the Hartwell bunch (especially Jack and Emery! I’m not sure if their story will be together, but I would LOVE books for both of them!)
4-4.5 STARS
"We were two people who were attracted to each other and didn’t want to be."
Firstly I have to say that I enjoyed this a lot more than the first book! I fell in love with Bailey and Vaughn's story. Samantha Young delivers a lovely, steamy and passionate romance.
description
"Vaughn looked at me like he wanted me. I knew there was power in my smile but wow."
The constant push-pull between Bailey and Vaughn made the story entertaining! They were intense and passionate when they were together. I have to admit that I didn't like Bailey at first but when I continued reading I understood her and liked her more! Vaughn intrigued me a lot and I liked him a lot!
"I've wanted you just like this.That smart mouth of yours sweet.That sexy body of yours mine to do with as I please."
This series just gets better and better! I can't wait for the next book!
A great enemies to lover story. I was looking forward to Vaughn and Bailey’s story after The One Real Thing and I wasn’t disappointed.
Although it is not necessary to have read Book 1 in order to read Book 2, we did get all the background set up in the first book for all the people who live and work on the boardwalk and the friendships and frenemies therein. Still, feel free to jump in with Every Little Thing and then decide whether you want to jump back.
Bailey Hartwell might be from the original founding family of Hartwell but she is quite down to earth. Keeping the Boardwalk a quiet fun retreat for families is what is most important to Bailey. That is why Bailey was so against Vaughn Tremaine opening his slick hotel and conference on the Boardwalk. She tried to stop the Board form approving his plans three years ago, and has just given him an all around hard time since he came to Hartwell.
But recently she had to, reluctantly, agree that Vaughn has been an asset to the Boardwalk community. He agrees with Bailey and the other shop owners about keeping the Boardwalk properties the way it has always been and he has no problem using his money or influence where he can. And he is behind them in their plans to keep Ian Devlin and he unpleasant plans for “improvements” off the boardwalk. Bailey has even, again reluctantly, given Vaughn some advice on how to get the town council and mayor to see his good side, even if he only shows that to everyone but Bailey.
Vaughn and Bailey have moved their antagonistic relationship into the murkier water of frenemies…frenemies who seem to really like swiping at each other.
Regardless of whether or not they agree on how to run their respective businesses, sparks always fly when Bailey and Vaughn are together. The types of sparks Bailey has never had with Tom in the 10 years they have been together. That makes it all the more confusing when Bailey catches Tom cheating and she isn’t that upset about the end of their long relationship.
Vaughn is more upset about the breakup since having Bailey with Tom was the one real roadblock which was keeping Vaughn from making a stupid move on Bailey himself. And when Ian Devlin makes a move on Bailey’s Inn and Vaughn steps in, their friends finally take notice of Vaughn’s interest in everything Bailey. After mistakes in his past, Vaughn’s plan is to remain a confirmed bachelor and Bailey is the type of woman who wants a husband and family. So giving in to his desire to kiss Ms. Hartwell senseless during her next tirade would not be good for anyone. If only he can keep convincing himself of that.
These two gave off strong sexual vibes since we started. While it takes a while for Vaughn and Bailey to make the leap from enemies to lovers, once they finally give in they don’t disappoint.
My biggest concern after reading The One Real Thing was the similarities in the characters in that book to the relationship dynamics of Joss and Braden in On Dublin Street and I worried that this series would just be rehashing of the prior series in a new location. Thankfully, I did not get that same feeling with book 2.
I'm ADDICTED to enemies-to-lovers romances. There's just something about that spark between two feuding protagonists – that shiver-inducing mix of loathing, reluctant attraction, and overwhelming sexual tension – that's undeniably enthralling. A great author can make your heart race, make you crazy with impatience as you wonder will they/won’t they, and set your emotions awhirl. Samantha Young does all this and more with Every Little Thing, the second installment in her delightfully charming Hart’s Boardwalk series. With its small-town charm-y feel, characters that’ll frustrate you even as you’re falling in love with them, and a romance that’s both feel-good and gut-wrenchingly emotional, I loved every little thing about Every Little Thing.
After The One Real Thing introduced us to Vaugh Tremaine and Bailey Hartwell, two characters whose interactions were tinged with hostility and more than a hint of desire, I was DYING to dive in to their story. I knew theirs wouldn’t be a simple, obstacle-free road to happily ever after, but what I didn’t expect was the extent to which their personal journeys would put me through the emotional wringer. Theirs is a process of letting go, starting over, and learning to trust – a process that happens to begin with an intense dislike of each other…which makes it all the more fun when that initial aversion transforms into a different kind of heat.
In almost every aspect of their lives, Bailey and Vaughn are polar opposites. They two are fire versus ice, in-your-face versus reserved, open versus standoffish. Bailey is a fiery, unapologetically unfiltered redhead with a penchant for wearing her heart on her sleeve while Vaughn shutters his emotions, presenting an unruffled, stoic façade. Bailey yearns to settle down while Vaugh is a commitment-phobe. See what I mean about polar opposites? What they have in common is a singular ability to get under each other’s skin. Their push-and-pull dynamic was riveting, making me laugh one chapter, cry the next, then repeat the process again and again.
The romance between Vaughn and Bailey is an emotional roller coaster that left me mentally drained in the best possible way. My heart raced from start to finish and I lived for the moments when Vaughn and Bailey were together, whether they were trading angry barbs or giving in to their innermost desires. The sparks flying and the pure, unadulterated need that flared between them had my emotions whirring all over the place. All. Over. The. Place. The back-and-forth progression of their relationship kept me on my toes and I loved every minute of it.
For me, the best thing about the Hart's Boardwalk series (aside from the swoon-worthy romances, of course) is the tight-knit, loyal bond between the eclectic cast of characters. It's impossible not to fall in love with these characters and become invested in their individual stories, as I did with Vaughn and Bailey’s story. I'm impatiently awaiting Dahlia and Emery's books but I'd gladly return to Hartwell, Delaware as long as Samantha Young continues to create heartwarming romances that’ll tug on your heartstrings like she did with Every Little Thing.
*complimentary copy provided by publisher for an honest review
"you take my breath away."
Every Little Thing was wonderful! It made my romantic heart very happy.
This is the second novel in the Hart's Boardwalk series but I think it can be read as a standalone. The book takes us back to the small town of Hartwell, where everyone in the boardwalk knows each other's business.
We met both of the main characters in the first book: Bailey and Vaughn.
Bailey Hartwell and her siblings inherit her family's Inn when their parents moved to Florida. Bailey is a hard-worker, strong minded, passionate and trustworthy individual. She would do anything for her town or her friends. She has been in a relationship with Tom for a decade but things are not moving forward. When she discovers his infidelity, she is more affected by losing him as her friend than as her boyfriend. It doesn't help that for the last few years she has been attracted to Tremaine, the hotel owner. She has always thought he was hateful but he was there for Cooper and Jess, so he might not be as bad as she thought.
Vaughn Tremaine is a powerful business man. He moved from NYC and open a five-star hotel in Hartwell's boardwalk. He has made the town his home. He knows they don't consider him part of the town yet although it seems things are changing now that he has become Cooper's friend. He is also aware that Bailey doesn't like him and in a way, Bailey terrifies him. He's attracted to her and her personality. He knows she's loyal and determined. He knows Tom doesn't deserve her but he's not sure he does either. Instead, he wants to keep her at arm's length. Disagreeing and fighting with her, is the only defense he has and yes, sometimes he goes too far but she gives it right back without delay.
I love novels depicting enemies falling in love and this pair did a great job at hating each other in order to mask their attraction for each other. It took Bailey's friends and her own family/relationship ordeal to realize Vaughn was a good man. For his part, Tremaine needed a little nudge from his father and his friend Cooper to realize what he had in front of him and not to let it go.
Bailey said whatever was on her mind. She had no filter and this made their interactions very refreshing.
Every Little Thing is full of great scenes. There's romance, excellent banter, and tons of passion. It's a magnificent addition to this town's love stories.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars!
“Vaughn Tremaine may have been a pompous, smug, wealthy, arrogant businessman who thought he was better than me, but he could also kind of be honorable when he wanted to be.”
Bailey is a successful inn owner in Hartwell, Delaware, a small and charming boardwalk town. Bailey has always had a comfortable and safe relationship with her boyfriend of ten years, until she walks in on him having sex with a younger woman. And while Bailey is upset, she’s more dismayed that she wasted so much time on the wrong man.
Vaughn Tremaine is the sexy businessman who moved to Hartwell and got on Bailey’s bad side right away. For years the two have had a contemptuous banter that had a strong sexual undertone. When something bad happens to Bailey at her inn, Vaughn is there to help her. The attraction between the two is strong, it’s just a matter of whether or not they’ll admit it to each other.
“I wish you and he would just admit you’re attracted to one another and stop acting like children at recess.”
Samantha Young is one of my all-time favorite authors, I’ll read anything the woman writes. The Hart’s Boardwalk series is a change of pace for her, but a delightful and sweet series many readers will enjoy. Bailey and Vaughn were a couple I was intrigued by when they were introduced in the previous book, and the heat between them in this book did not disappoint. There was a lot of push and pull, and some frustrating moments, but this couple is made up of two very strong people and it was wonderful seeing them fight for what they wanted.
I think one of the strengths of this series is the side characters, you really get a sense of community when you read about these people. I am dying for Emery’s book, and the books of other characters mentioned in this novel. The pacing was a bit off in this book, some very slow moments like the first book. Usually with a Samantha Young book I am able to devour it within a few hours, but this one took me a couple of days.
If you want a romance with complex and powerful characters, this is the book for you. I cannot wait to read more about this small town and all of the people in it.
“I never dreamed it could be like this between us.”
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
3.75 stars
I continue to have mixed feelings about this series, although I liked Every Little Thing more than I did One Real Thing, the first book in the series. I found Bailey Hartwell annoying, but she grew on me. She constantly reminds us that she “has no filter”, except when it comes to running her inn, and her interactions with guests. My biggest issue with the no filter is I found her to be a little mean at times. I know she isn't a mean person, and it isn't her intention, except with Vaughn Tremaine. Books where the H/h constantly bicker and snipe at one another aren't my favorite, but I'm willing to allow for it up to a point. Bailey and Vaughn skirted right up to edge of my tolerance level.This is where Bailey's lack of a filter came in handy--she's pretty upfront and blunt, so the dancing around their feelings was kept to a minimum. I loved learning their backstories, it helped me deal with their self-protection mechanisms. Bailey isn't just blunt with everyone around her, she's pretty honest with herself. That trait, and her loyalty to her friends, endeared her to me. At times I thought she was very hard on herself, but decided that was an accurate depiction of most women. Vaughn’s backstory and reasons for steering clear of personal commitment was a little cliche, but not too much so. His interactions with the other characters, especially his relationship with his father and his friendship with Cooper, revealed a side of him I found very appealing. Ms. Young always does an excellent job of showing a character’s vulnerability, without being overly sentimental or sickeningly sweet.
The conflicts between both Vaughn and Bailey, as well as other characters were telegraphed early, and thus not very believable for me, but since Jack Devlin was involved, I'm willing to cut Ms. Young some slack. Jack continues to be the most fascinating resident of this small beach community. His father and brothers are basically stereotypes of small town villains, but there is something intriguing going on with Jack that I am dying to know.
Every Little Thing is a pleasant, enjoyable read in spite of a few minor flaws. I look forward to more in this series.
Reading a Samantha Young book is always such a pleasant experience. She has yet to disappoint me, and with Every Little Thing, she was written another strong romance novel with some fantastic characters. I love that I can always count on her to deliver a swoony read.
I have been waiting for Bailey and Vaughn’s story ever since we met them and their antagonistic chemistry in The One Real Thing. I just knew that their story would be explosive and it certainly was. I really adored both Bailey and Vaughn as characters here. Bailey, especially, was the perfect blend of feisty and vulnerable. I loved how passionate and driven she was about her inn. And her absolute loyalty to her friends was the sweetest. While Bailey was vivacious, Vaughn was more on the quiet, stoic side. We get to see a lot of him here, and being inside his mind was quite the experience. He was a lot more emotional than I expected, and I liked that a lot. He had his moments where I wanted to slap some senses into him, but for the most part, Vaughn was a spectacularly sexy hero, who sure knew how to make a girl weak in the knees.
The antagonistic chemistry between Bailey and Vaughn was terrific as expected. I will say that their relationship was a bit on the bumpy side at first, but it wasn’t the annoying kind because these two had to grow to trust each other. Their romance was slow, but oh my goodness did it have a lot of achy tension that had my heart racing. I loved watching them become comfortable and finding solace with one another. As much I love the steamy scenes in any romance novel, it’s always the emotional connection that hooks me into the story and Bailey and Vaughn form a strong one with a ton of depth. I couldn’t help but be invested in this ship.
I also loved the beachy setting of Hartwell. There’s just something about small town romances that I find very cozy. This series also has a terrific secondary cast, and I especially enjoyed all the female friendships – these girls know how to have fun and to be there for each other. It was also exciting to see sneak-peeks at the next couples. I am seriously hoping that Emery and Jack aren’t just a couple that I ship, but that Samantha Young will actually write their story. I NEED it to happen.
Samantha Young is a favorite author of mine, and she has yet to disappoint with her books. Fans of romances with a large cast, sexy romances and a lot of feels should definitely consider reading Every Little Thing. Trust me, it’s an enthralling read in every way.
I was hesitant about this book as I had a hard time with the first book in the series. But I am glad I kept going and picked up book 2, because I was really curious about Vaughn and Bailey’s story. These two have been antagonistic since the moment Vaughn arrived in town to run a competing hotel and I was willing to jump in again in the hopes of loving the love/hate thing these two had going on.
Bailey Hartwell is from one of the founding families of Hartwell and runs her family’s inn. She is small town through and through, and is proud of her inn, her town, and absolutely loyal to the people she loves. Her snarky wit keeps things interesting, and she is one of those women who has everything together nearly all the time.
Vaughn Tremaine is new in town, owing a competing hotel on the Boardwalk. He is suave, confident, and rich. He also keeps himself rather aloof when interacting with locals, even keeping his New York residence in addition to his Connecticut house.
The drama between these two was established from their first interaction in The One Real Thing. They do not like each other; they try to get barbs and the last word whenever possible. But when it comes to standing up to the Devlin family, these two are on the same side. Just don’t ask them to admit that. Those antagonistic feelings create steam that builds throughout this book, particularly while they are trying to stay away from each other. Or rather, Bailey is trying to stay away from Vaughn.
Both characters narrate the story, but I noticed that her portions were told in first person, while the portions that began with his heading were written in third person. This shift made it hard at times to connect with both characters equally. It also made it hard for me to keep straight who was narrating, since his chapters felt more detached with the third person narration.
This was an angsty, dramatic enemies to lovers story with some depth I wasn’t expecting. There were some teasers about potential feelings between a certain painfully shy barista/bookstore owner and a quasi-villain (who is acting like he has split personalities: villain one moment, hero the next, to the point I don’t know what to think about him).
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Every Little Thing warmed my heart. The perfect love story with a fierce heroine in Bailey Hartwell and the sexy alpha in Vaughn Tremaine. Two stubborn souls who figure out they can somehow 'tame' the other while simultaneously driving each other to distraction.
I loved how connected I felt to the characters. Bailey and Vaughn were a joy to read. I adore a strong heroine and with Bailey you get the real deal. She truly is the heart of her beachside town of Hartwell and she'll stop at nothing to protect it and the loyal residents. With Vaughn, she lets down her guard and it's a push and pull between them from the start. After finding her longtime boyfriend in a compromising position and still nursing a scar on her heart from when she was just a teen, she isn't sure she'll ever be able to trust a man again. But with Vaughn, there is no ignoring such a strong presence and even though he gets under skin like no other, the chemistry between them is scorching hot!
There are a few subplots going on at the same time as the unexpected but very torrid affair between Bailey and Vaughn and I liked that. This was not just their story but one that has continued a bit from the first book in the series, also a standalone, involving some less than stellar characters threatening Bailey's inn. I adored the members of this close-knit community and they add just the right touch showing small town activities and many provided a ton of comic relief when needed.
There is plenty going on but at the forefront are two stubborn souls not sure how to proceed with the other.
Yet they can't seem to go a day without somehow making contact and often they results in either angry sex, a fight and on more than one occasion, a tender moment.
It's written in the style Samantha Young is known for: thoughtfully crafted characters who love intensely and often need a push or two to find their way to happiness.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and happily give it a solid 5 stars. A good old-fashioned frenemies to lovers kind of story is always a wonderful thing.
I was happy to return to Hart's Boardwalk. Bailey and Vaughan's relationship intrigued me in book one. I liked their developing romance although Vaughan angered me when he said some harsh things to her. I am also eager to hear more about Jack, Emery, and other characters. I am hoping there is more to Jack than what we know.
EVERY LITTLE THING is the second book in the Hart’s Boardwalk series by Samantha Young. I used to enjoy Young’s writing before but I’ve come to realize that may her books are now missing that magical element that ON DUBLIN STREET had. I just can’t get into her characters anymore. She seems to have a thing for unlikeable characters because the opening scene is of the hero who has just finished sleeping with some no-name redhead but is thinking/looking at another woman. He then promptly goes back to the woman in his bed and tells her “it’s time to leave.” Ugh. Now unattractive.
I persisted though, hoping that there would be so redeeming quality about Vaughn. When he encounters the heroine for the first time, he picks up her lingerie and teases her about it. Then he says something rude that she obviously is offended by. The next scene is from his POV where he thinks about apologizing but doesn’t. As you can tell, I’m over asshole heroes. I don’t like them in real life and I don’t like them in my books. Sadly, this isn’t the first hero that Young had written like this and I didn’t like that book either. So if this is something that will continue in the series, I’m out. Sorry but I just can’t deal.
Another thing that really annoyed me is the fact that all the hero’s POVs are written in third person while the heroine’s is in first. I know this author isn’t the first person to do this, but while other people have pulled it off, I just couldn’t get on board with it. It makes Bailey’s POVs seem so juvenile in comparison like she is a small child while Vaughn is much more mature and sophisticated.
Sadly, I didn’t enjoy this book. The backdrop of the beach would’ve been nice if it actually had more significance in the book. So I don’t think I will be continuing on with this series or this author.