By the bestselling author of the Three Wise Men box set (USA Today bestseller list, November 2016).Blue Penguin Bay Book 1: As Deep as the Ocean“Marry me,” Mac said. “To save the vineyard. It’ll be strictly business.”He’s right, Winifred Cartwright thought. It was just a contract, a way to access the money tied up in her inheritance. It didn’t mean anything.Fred knew she mustn’t think about his … anything.
Fred knew she mustn’t think about his broad shoulders. About the intriguing tattoo that curled around his arm, how his muscular body gleamed when he worked in the warm sunshine, or how his ocean-blue eyes heated her from the inside out.
She mustn’t think about the stolen kiss, the way he’d slipped his arm around her waist to pull her against him. The soft touch of his lips on hers.
“It’ll be strictly business,” he repeated.
Yeah, right.
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I liked this book but not enough to read the 2nd in the series.
Enjoyable start to a new series; three sisters who were cheated out of their inheritance go to New Zealand to recover it. Blue Penguin Bay estate consists of a vineyard, B&B and restaurant and each sister plans to be responsible and make a success of these businesses. Without the vineyard being a success though the other two businesses will fail. Winifred Cartwright has read up on viniculture but is far from being an expert, Mac however is and he informs the sisters that a large investment in new machinery and barrels is required, money that the estate doesn’t have……..
There wasn’t a lot of plot but the characters were likeable and the descriptions of the estate certainly made me want to live there.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Read 2017
Great plot and family ties!
I enjoyed this book. The hero and heroine both had depth and it was fun watching them grow and, yes, make mistakes. The only thing that bothered me about this book–and it’s probably just me–but the heroine was called Fred and I kept getting confused when scenes changed and I read ‘Fred’. Why would you give your heroine a male name, albeit a nickname? It tended to throw me. Still, I would recommend this book. It is well developed, both plot and characters and had a great conflict.
Three sisters leave their English lives anticipating an inheritance in New Zealand from the father that they barely knew. Much more, and less awaits them. A new desire to explore New Zeland will erupt from readers if you’re anything like me. The beautiful descriptions of Blue Penguin Bay left me with a keen desire to put this place on my bucket list. The story is about the sisters inheriting a bed and breakfast resort complete with a restaurant and winery. An interest for each of them and a chance to start over, they each have ample reason to want fresh starts. For ‘Fred’ there is a bonus find in a man, but she fights the impulse because his father was the cause of all their problems in her eyes. Can she remove her blinders. Of course. There is always a HEA.
2.5 stars
Maybe it was me but the story drug on. Not that is was long just that the writing was not enticing.
Characters were just alright, I did not really feel the chemistry or passion between them. I did enjoy learning a little about New Zealand but I am not interested in reading about the other sisters.
I liked the book very much and wish that book bub would offer the other 2 books that are in the series. Curious to see how the other sisters find romance and how their adventure on their property goes.
As Deep as the Ocean by Serenity Woods
Blue Penguin Bay Book #1
Heartwarming wonderful contemporary romance set in New Zealand – great characters, story and introduction to a new series – I loved it!
When Mac meets the three sisters who have inherited the vineyard, restaurant and B&B that their father owned, and Mac’s father was the estate manager for, he was not sure what to expect. And the Cartwright sisters were equally unsure what they would find upon their arrival. Winifred, “Fred”, took the lead focusing on the vineyard and winery, Ginger’s interest was in the restaurant and Sandi would concentrate her energy on the B&B – if they decided to stay and make a go of it. Mac wants to do right by the women and would love for the estate to thrive again for a number of reasons.
Mac and Fred were instantly interested in one another but with the backstory that unfolds it won’t be easy for the two to find a HEA. Communication, soul searching, secret sharing, and a whole lot of work would is necessary by both of them if they are to ever end up if working side by side as true partners at Blue Penguin Bay.
I loved the interaction between Mac and the sisters when he was telling jokes and sharing information about the types of wines made on the estate – I wanted to be with them tasting and learning and enjoying their company. I felt that Mac was a keeper…perhaps he had been hibernating for a while but he sure knew what to do when he woke up again! Fred had more twist and turns and emotional issues to deal with than Mac did but eventually, with her sisters’ help, she did wake up and smell the roses…or were they lemons 😉
Anyway, I am eager to read the other two stories in the series. I have a feeling that the sister who cooks just might end up with the friend of Mac’s who is a baker but have not a clue who the B&B manager will end up with.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Good read
too easy to predict but entertaining
Believable characters, nice plot
Different locale for a change. Realistic characters.
Unrealistic
To much so for me
sex, sex, sex
A sad but romantic entertaining story with a happy ending. Good read
I would recommend this book!!!
A sweet and captivating story. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
I highly enjoyed this book. Loved the wine info.
Great fast read. Very likable characters. Enjoyed learning about the wine making process.