They’re total opposites, and falling in love was not part of the plan. When fun-loving Elise Stevens lost her mother six years ago, she worked hard to score a job at the Royal Palm Resort—the job that would enable her to finish her mother’s bucket list. Now she’s working hard to get a shot at buying her childhood home back, but only if she can earn the money before they sell to someone else.… else.
Billionaire Merit Casselman pours all of his focus into running his business, or at least he does until his business partner decides that Merit needs to refill his creative well and thinks a vacation at The Royal Palm might do the trick. Merit would rather hide out and work, but his business partner also hired a personal activities director to make sure he doesn’t.
But after connecting with Elise over sand castles, an unplanned couples spa day, dancing at the Midsummer Ball, and spending every day with her, Merit discovers that there might just be more to life than work.
When Merit’s business partner offers Elise a bonus that’s large enough that she’d be able to put an offer on her childhood home, it feels like a gift dropped into her lap. But when their newfound love threatens each of their lifelong dreams, can their relationship survive?
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WHAT IT’S ABOUT
They’re total opposites, and falling in love was not part of the plan.
When fun-loving Elise Stevens lost her mother six years ago, she worked hard to score a job at the Royal Palm Resort–the job that would enable her to finish her mother’s bucket list. Now she’s working hard to get a shot at buying her childhood home back, but only if she can earn the money before they sell to someone else.
Billionaire Merit Casselman pours all of his focus into running his business, or at least he does until his business partner decides that Merit needs to refill his creative well and thinks a vacation at The Royal Palm might do the trick. Merit would rather hide out and work, but his business partner also hired a personal activities director to make sure he doesn’t.
But after connecting with Elise over sand castles, an unplanned couples spa day, dancing at the Midsummer Ball, and spending every day with her, Merit discovers that there might just be more to life than work.
When Merit’s business partner offers Elise a bonus that’s large enough that she’d be able to put an offer on her childhood home, it feels like a gift dropped into her lap. But when their newfound love threatens each of their lifelong dreams, can their relationship survive?
MY TAKE
I love Easton’s books. This one is extra fun because Elise is originally from Nestled Hollow, the location for her other series. I loved both her and Merit. They’re so different, yet so right for each other. Merit is funny in the beginning, addicted as he is to his job and his phone. Elise has some great life philosophy and he actually listens, especially once he learns to chill out. Their romance is fast but believable, and the ending is adorable.
This book was such a cute romance and I really enjoyed reading it. Meg Easton is quickly becoming a go to author for me when I am in the mood for a clean and swoony contemporary romance. I love how well developed her characters are and Merit and Elise are no exception. I enjoyed how Merit was reminded of how much more his life has to offer besides work and the cute way he and Elise fell in love through their various “date” activities. The characters were all so likable and fun; I love how much Graham cared about Merit to send him on this trip and that he knew Elise would be perfect for him. Great romance, definitely looking forward to reading more by this author.
Loved Elise and Merit’s story! There was quite a bit Elise needed to remind Merit of, and she did it in a great way! The main thing he needed to learn was that work is NOT the most important thing! Elise also had to learn a few things, and it took her a little longer. Once they both figured things out, it was time for their HEA.
I could only wish that someone was as concerned for me as Graham was for Merit. Elise is the perfect resort activities director. I enjoyed the interaction between the three of them. Meg Easton gives us a story of romance, fun, friendship, loyalty and entertainment.
Merit is all work and no play. Graham his business partner has found a balance with his wife and wants the same for his Merit. So to the Royal Palm Resort he goes – or is sent. Elise is his on land cruise director – loved her. They both need to learn how to play. Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan – but… A really sweet romance as well as learning how to focus on what is really important in life. Loved how they came to the same realization at about the same time. They had great friends.
This is a fun, romantic story set in Myrtle Beach at the Royal Palm Resort. I want to stay at the Royal Palm Resort. I enjoyed this story of a workaholic guy, Merit Casselman, who has forgotten how to have fun and enjoy what life has to offer. He needs to learn that all work and no play is not a very good way to live ones life. Graham and Merit are business partners and have been friends since college. Graham is worried about his friend, Merit. He knows Merit would like to own the controlling shares in the company so he devises a detailed plan that if Merit follows it will give him the extra 2% to control the company. Graham also chooses Elise Stevens to be Merit’s personal activity director. If she can get Graham to go out on five dates with someone at the resort she will get a $20,000 bonus and she will be able to buy her childhood home in Colorado.
It was fun watching Elise find ways for Merit to enjoy his four week required vacation with no access to his company’s email or website. Neither one knew they would both fall in love and have to figure out how their lives were going to work because Elise works in South Carolina and she is not allowed to date visitors at the resort and Merit lives in Colorado. It was interesting to see how this story would end. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Merit Casselman was so focused on work that life was passing him by. His business partner Graham has found work life happiness and is expecting his first child with his wife. He wants the same for Merit, so he dangles the carrot that if he takes a month completely off from work to go a vacation that he will allow him to purchase controlling interest in their company. Elise Steven activities director’s job is to make sure that the guest at her employer’s hotel The Royal Palm, Myrtle Beach enjoy their stay. She is tasked with personally taking care of Merit and planning his days. From their first meeting where he runs into her and spills coffee on her, it didn’t look they would get along. But she plans some pretty cool activities for him and he starts to enjoy himself and her company. I’ve always wanted to try parasailing. The older guests at the shuffle board tables were a riot. I thought it was great that the author tied in her Nestled Hollow series by making that Elise’s hometown.
Love this romantic story and the beach environment just really complimented the plot. Elise is great and has the perfect personality for her career with realistic goals and ambition. Merit is all business and no fun, way overdue for some relaxation as a reminder that life isn’t all about work. Love how they very seamlessly connect, build a friendship and are so supportive. Love and happiness abound. (I was just at Myrtle Beach a few weeks ago and it is a great beach to visit, this had me reminiscing.)
A fun sweet clean contemporary beach read!
This was a wonderful and sweet, beachy romance. I loved the little tie in to Nestled Hollow. These characters were great and I really liked watching Merit let life back into his life. I enjoyed reading through all of their activities too. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Merit is been focused in work for the past six years. He wants to be able to provide for his family and he works hard for it since he was eleven years old. When his friend and business partner Graham force him to a four weeks vacation to try relax he is not convinced that the can get through it. When he meets Elise, his personal fun coach, they feel an instant attraction. Can they have a future even if she can’t date guest and she made a promise to he recibido mother that she rather not break? A sweet love story.
I love fun clean romance reads.
Meg Easton writes wonderful stories that you just fall into the story along with the characters.
The plot was well written and entertaining to read.