This novel was previously published.Return to beautiful Crescent Cove in the fourth installment in this sexy, tender series… friend and current pen pal, Skye Alexander, who manages the beachside properties. Though the last time they’d met in person they’d been kids, her communications over the years have kept him in touch…and sometimes saved him from his dark demons. But upon arrival, Skye doesn’t seem all that happy to make his re-acquaintance…
Skye knows it’s nuts not to be eager to spend time with the hard-bodied, ultra-sexy Gage. But it’s clear he sees her as just a friend and she might be thinking of him in a little more…uh, intimate terms. And then there’s the subject of secrets. Clearly he’s holding one back and she has them of her own. But the way he smiles at her…then the way he kisses her…can she open herself up to him in order to discover just how close to Paradise the two of them might come?
Get the whole series!
Almost Wonderful
Almost Always
Almost Everything
Almost Paradise
About the Author
Christie Ridgway is the author of over 60 novels of contemporary romance. All her books are both sexy and emotional and tell about heroes and heroines who learn to believe in the power of love. A USA Today bestseller, Christie is a six-time RITA finalist and has won best contemporary romance of the year and career achievement awards from Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A native of California, Christie now resides in the southern part of the state with her family. Inspired by the beaches, mountains, and cities that surround her, she writes tales of sunny days and steamy nights.
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Almost Paradise is book four in the Almost series. This book was previously published under the Beach House series. Gage decides to surprise his long-time pen pal, Skye. When he shows up, Skye isn’t so enthused. They both have secrets, and Skye can’t help but want more than Gage does. But things do go exactly how either one of them planned. Will they find more than they expected? I really enjoyed this story, and I definitely recommend this book.
I really enjoyed reading Almost Paradise by Christie Ridgway, the fourth book in her Almost series. This story is a re-issue from her Beach House series with updates. Photojournalist and world traveler Gage Lowell returns to Crescent Cove for some R & R, where he spent many summers as a kid. Beach House No. 9 seems like a great place to relax after his latest harrowing adventure and he plans to surprise old friend and current pen pal, Skye Alexander, manager of these beachside properties. The last time they were together in person they had been kids. Over the years her letters kept them connected and they gave him hope while he was photographing war torn areas. Yet once he arrives, Skye doesn’t seem very happy to see him again. Skye knows she’s crazy to not be excited to spend time with the sexy Gage, but she believes he sees her as just a friend while she might actually be thinking of him in more intimate ways.
Secrets seem to be a theme for throughout this book as both Gage and Skye seem to have some. These two need to open their hearts up to each other and share their secrets so that they can help each other heal from the past. This is the only way they can find the happiness they need in their lives. This is a heartwarming romantic story about not letting the past stand in the way of future happiness. As an added bonus we also get the story of Skye’s friend Polly who has been in love with her best friend Teague for years but he has only had eyes for another.
Ms. Ridgway is a wonderful story teller, making me feel as if I was right there and making me want to spend time in Crescent Cove. Her books draw me in, making me forget the world around me, not wanting to put the book down until I turned the last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Favorite Quotes:
‘I hate that word,’ Polly said, suddenly looking as if she’d swallowed something sour. ‘Cute. I think it’s preventing me from having a fulfilling love life.’ ‘I thought it was the word perky that was to blame. At least that’s what you told me last week.’
And by the way, if you insult Jane in any way, shape or form, I’ll kick your ass. And then she’ll do it all over again, only harder. And with sexier shoes.
He was glad he stopped himself from saying that, too, because she was staring at him as if she was trying to remember where she’d left her favorite butcher knife.
His niece, Rebecca, had apparently left childhood for adolescence like a small-town girl heading for the big city—on speedy transport and with little luggage…
He’s actually Stunning Sex Man… A superhero. A yet-undiscovered one. I may take up writing comic books just to chronicle his greatness for the world’s appreciation.
My Review:
This installment in the ongoing series featured two couples. One couple consisted of best platonic friends, although one was secretly pining for the other, and the other couple had been childhood friends that spent summers together and later became adult pen pals as he traveled the world as a serious photojournalist and she stayed at her beloved cove tending to tourists and her family business. All four hid dark and traumatic events/secrets/stressors. The characters were enticing and the storylines were intriguing and interesting although slowly paced and heavy with angst. I looked forward to and reveled in the welcomed infusions of humor and gasp-worthy steamy bits as their statuses shifted from friends to lovers territory.
This is the 4th book in the “Almost” series which is a re-release of the Beach House No. 9 series.
After being MIA, photojournalist Gage Lowell returns to Crescent Cove for some R&R and his twin brother’s nuptials. He is also eager to see his childhood friend and pen pal Skye Alexander. Her letters have kept his balanced while he was globe trotting the world. But he finds that something is wrong with Skye and while he tries to find out what happened to her, he has his own secret that he is keeping from her and his family. Meanwhile, Skye’s friend and neighbor, Polly has been in love with her best friend, firefighter Teague White, but he has only had eyes for Gage’s married sister, Tess. Now he suddenly realized that he has romantic feelings for his “best friend who was a girl”, just has she has given up on him and tells him to get out of her life.
All four of these people have trust issues to overcome. Will the power of Crescent Cove and especially Beach House No 9 help them open to the other, or will they all blow their chance at love?
I received a free advanced copy as part of the author’s Facebook group.
If wishes were rainbows, they’d turn into fireworks and light up the sky. Gage and Skye could use a little of that fairy dust. When did simple become so complicated? Perhaps when life got in the way. Almost Paradise is about rebuilding faith in times of hopelessness and finding happily ever after in the most surprising of places. Christie Ridgway knows how to claim a heart while keeping it close for safe keeping.
Gage has come back to the peaceful place of his childhood, the Cove. He needs the peace to help him recover his zest for life & photography. His brother Griffin’s discussions about how much being at the Cove had helped him, made Gage hope it would do the same for him. Plus, Skye would be there. Skye was a childhood friend that had been corresponding with him for years. He couldn’t wait to surprise her.
Skye has had a secret for years and another secret for a short time. She has harbored a secret love for Gage since they were kids. Sending letters was safe since he was halfway across the world. He just thought she was being a good buddy. After all, he could have any woman he wanted
This story concentrates on Gage & Skye but a second couple is also working for their HEA. Both Gage & Skye have terrors they aren’t willing to discuss with anyone. I like how neither of them made the other feel weak or insignificant but managed to help the other deal with everything. The characters have many sides/faces & they both have to work on their fears. The interactions between the characters are realistic & in many cases, emotional. The plot moves at a perfect pace & sets up the ending nicely. Another great read by Ms. Ridgway!