From bestselling author, Dr. Rebecca Sharp, comes a steamy, small-town romance with a dash of suspense.Laurel Ocean knows loss like the sea knows the shore.The loss of her parents took her from Carmel Cove and the loss of her grandfather brought her back. Unexpectedly inheriting the shambles of her family’s coffee shop, her first instinct is to run. After all, it’s just something else to lose.So, … After all, it’s just something else to lose.
So, Laurel makes a plan: fix up the business, sell it, and get out of town. And it would’ve been perfect… if the building hadn’t come with a condition: a stubborn, broody, and distractingly sexy contractor.
Eli Downing made a promise to look after Laurel, and offering to repair the coffeeshop is just the start. He’s not going anywhere whether she likes it or not. And for as many walls as she pays him to fix, he’s determined to tear down the same from around her hardened heart.
The longer she stays, the more Laurel finds herself beholden.
To her family’s legacy. To her loyal hometown. And to the man healing her heart.
Unfortunately, Carmel has only given Laurel one outcome she can rely on. And when loss draws another line in the sand, will she flee from her fears or fight for her future?
Beholden is the first enemies-to-lovers standalone in the Carmel Cove series.
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Overall Rating – .5
Rebecca has done it again and swooped me up with her words making me fall in love with Carmel Cove all over again.
This time we have Laurel and Eli. Laurel is the granddaughter of Larry who was the heart and soul of Carmel Cove passing on wisdom to his customers at Roasters. Laurel left the town ten years previous, needing a fresh start as the town only brought her grief. Returning for Larry’s funeral only brings the memories back she’s tried to forget. She wants to attend the funeral and leave as soon as possible but there are a few things holding her back!
Eli, he’s such a big part of the town, he helped out Larry and is relied upon. When he meets Laurel, he knows there is something about her that he needs to know and sets of trying to help her heal and win her heart in the process.
I loved Laurel and Eli together. When Laurel first arrived back in Carmel Cove she was so sad and angry, however the more time she spent with Eli and being back, helped her heal and face her fears. Eli made her feel again and I loved that for them.
This is such an emotional book that really tugged at my feelings. I just love the way Rebecca writes, her words are so beautiful and completely pull you in. She gave us a story with all the good feels and another hero to swoon after. A must-read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Note – I loved Larry, what a wise old man. I loved his saying “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can”
ARC received for an honest review – thank you
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 58%
POV – Duel
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Steam –
Chemistry –
A page-turner that will pull you in and pull at every one of your heartstrings. Very well written, great character and a wonderful storyline. I immediately fell in love with story from the very first page, but Also grew to love each and every character, their pasts, their hardships, their growth, and their personalities along the way. A small town built on Love drove her away with great loss became a town that pulled her back in unexpectedly with that same great love that always surrounded her there. A beautiful story of loss, love and the unexpected.
Another 5 * from Rebecca Sharpe! A story of love, family, loss, legacy.
If you read Redemption, one would remember old man Larry. He brought out the best in those he met. The grandfather/ father figure people always want in their life.
Beholden, is the story of his granddaughter Laurel, who moved away to study and Eli, the young man Larry took in when he had nowhere to go. Larry has died, therefore Laurel returns to Carmel for the first time in years for his funeral. There she learns he has left everything to her. Carmel Cove is a place she does not think she can stay in.
Laurel and Eli have this chemistry that sizzles but neither wants to acknowledge it. She wants to leave and he wants her to stay. But can they get want they need?
Rebecca Sharpe writes in such a way that you are on the edge of your seat, waiting to know what will happen next. She captures the emotions of love, grief and lust in such a way that the reader feels as though they are part of the story.
The supporting characters all have interesting lines as well, I can wait to divide into more of this series!
Beholden is an incredibly emotional story of a woman who’s lost the connections most important to her and her struggle against the love that won’t let go.
Sharp has woven a tale where the town of Carmel Cove is a main character, so not only do we get to meet and explore the love story between Laurel and Eli, but we get to do it while savoring a cup of coffee at Roasters, enjoying a muffin from the bakery, and waving hello to the various townspeople as we pass by with the scent of salty ocean air lifting our spirits.
Beholden is more than a romance. It’s a story of a town recovering from a tragic loss. Together, they confront their grief and keep lit their beacon of hope. Their story begins with deep sadness but carries on with love and a satisfying HEA for our hero and heroine.
laurel hasn’t been home after tragedy struck and she lost her parents, but now she is brought back home due to another that has literally broken her and what she thought would be a quick visit turns into so much more. Your heart breaks for Laurel cuts deep and you just want to wrap her up in big hug and tell her it will be ok. Once you get to know Eli you understand why he is so passionate about keeping the Cafe and why he is loved in the town, so with sparks flying between him and Laurel, a town of amazing people, a coffee house and heart of the town to fix, a break-in to solve, weird acting relatives and an unexpected danger you have the perfect book to immerse yourself in and want the next one as soon as its over!!
Carmel Cove Series is set to be a runaway success.
The characters are beautifully damaged and wonderfully written. The storyline is an amazing rollacoaster of emotions.
You will cry for the heartache, the betrayal and the feelings of hopelessness surrounding Laurel Oceans.
Laurel has had a tragic life already. The loss her parents in a terrible car crash then raised by her grandfather Larry.
Laurel left town to outrun her heartbreak in the hope of leaving the memories behind.
After the sudden death of her grandfather she returned to Carmel Cove only to pay her respects to her only remaining relatives her aunt and cousin Jules then leave.
Inheriting her grandfather’s run down coffee shop. The plan was simple. Fix and repair the coffee shop sell it and her grandfather’s house that was left to her and leave.
What happens next will grip your emotions constantly leave you captivated by the suspense of the small town. The people determined to show Laurel the love that was always shown to them by her grandfather Larry.
Eli Downing seems to be the glue that holds the love shown by Larry in Carmel Cove and when he discovers Laurel plans to repair and run.
That’s when you need to grab a comfy chair a box of tissues and discover the strength of love and what it is capable of. I thoughly enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait for the series to continue.
Rebecca Sharp is a new to me author, so I was excited to read something different and new. ‘Beholden’ is the first book in the Carmel Cove series. It is about Laurel, a girl who is going through the journey of grief.
When Laurel returns home for her Grandfather’s funeral, she is lost, empty and she associates Carmel Cove as a place that always takes something from her. She has had a lots of loss in her life, and her Grandfather was the man who raised her when her parents and Grandmother has passed, and she feels broken and also responsible.
She finds herself left with Roasters the coffee shop belonging to her Grandfather. Initially she is eager to sell, wanting badly to cut ties and leave. However, the coffee shop is pivotal to some of the residents and they are keen to remind Laurel of how special her grandfather was.
Amongst one of those eager to help Laurel is Eli Downing, a handsome contractor who owes a lot to Laurel’a grandfather. He was taken under the mans wing when he had nothing. He is determined to repay some of the debt he feels he burdens by looking out and helping Laurel anyway he can.
This book was very well-written. From a perspective of someone who has suffered grief, the emotional journeys of the characters is spot on. I love the energy between Eli and Laurel, and how she becomes stronger than she gives herself credit for.
Worth a read if you love romance, and I will definitely be exploring more books by this author.
I have been anxiously waiting for this story and it was more than I could have hoped for. When it appeared on my kindle I shrieked for joy.
Carmel Cove has been dealing with the unexpected loss of coffee shop owner, mayor and father of lost souls Larry Ocean. His granddaughter Laurel returns to home to bury her grandfather.
Carmel Cove has represented loss for her with her parents, grandmother and now grandfather. She wears her loss with a silent cloak and hopes to get in and out of the town that she used to call home before suffering any further damage.
Eli is one of the men that Larry took under his wing. He is the one who found Larry and is determined to fix the coffee shop and Laurel.
Eli is my new book boyfriend. He is all that and more.
This series and characters become a part of your heart. This story is so well written, original and emotionally fulfilling. Grab the tissues and find a nice spot to read this amazing story. Ma. Sharp has a gift for storytelling and I can’t wait for more.
Dr. Rebecca Sharp takes us on a beautiful journey of loss, love, and forgiveness. This story starts off sad and stays that way for a while because Laurel has returned home to Carmel Cove for her grandfathers funeral, a man she loved and adored, a man that raised her after her parents were killed and her grandmother passed. Grief is something that Laurel has dealt with a lot in her life and now she finds herself in a place where she can’t wait to escape again.
Laurel has inherited the family business “Roasters” which is the towns coffee shop but it’s actually more than that, it’s a place where people gather and tell stories and share their lives with one another. Roasters is in serious need of repairs so Laurel is determined to fix the shop and sell it, even if it is her families legacy. Eli is the contractor working on the repairs and he is determined to make things right for Laurel, he feels he needs to. But Laurel doesn’t make it easy for him at all.
There is a constant push and pull between Eli and Laurel which I enjoyed and their chemistry was really good. I personally wouldn’t really call this an enemies to lovers story although it’s listed as one because Laurel doesn’t hate him she hates the situation she is in and Eli doesn’t hate her at all, she just gets under his skin sometimes.
This was a great start to the series but if you would like to get a peek into a couple that introduces us to the sweet town of Carmel Cove you should check out Redemption: A Surprise Pregnancy Romance , I loved this book and rated it five stars.
Happy Reading!!!
I love Dr. Rebecca Sharp books because they are always a great mix of emotions and great romance. I was immediately hooked from the very beginning. Absolutely love the characters from this story. I loved every moment in Carmel Cove with the characters. This had little suspense, steamy scenes, love and a great group of side characters. This story has everything you could possibly love about a small town romance. This book will entertain you and have your emotions all over the place. The story was filled with heartbreaking and emotional scenes, so much love between the characters and a beautiful love story.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thought-provoking, compelling, intense journey to coping with loss and finding your heart. Laurel loved her hometown of Carmel Cove until it took too much away from her. She left, never looking back until the final piece, her grandfather, dies. Returning for his funeral, she wants to get in and get out as quickly as she can but inheriting the family coffee shop and her grandfather’s home creates a road block. The business needs to be repaired following a break-in delaying the sale. As she works to restore the business, can this town that she once loved, restore her spirit and heart? Eli was blessed the night he met Larry, Laurel’s grandfather. He found a home in Carmel Cove where the community is more like one big family. Doing what comes naturally, he helps Laurel rebuild Roasters but finds himself losing his heart to her. Knowing all she has lost and the grief she hasn’t faced, he knows he might not convincer her to stay but he has to try. Beautiful journey to finding hope and love as it restores your soul. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
~~TOP 10 RECOMMENDED~~
In one word for the latest by Dr. Rebecca Sharp is WOW. Coming to Carmel Cove is nothing like your regular town but instead it is a place full of people that look out for one another through the good, the bad and in this case through death. Seeing this town loose one of their own is tough but seeing Laurel coming back and trying to push them away is tough. Even though she left this place years ago the people still love her and family never turn their backs on one of their own. I loved that no matter how determined she is to leave this place it is the memories and love that make her open her eyes. Dr. Rebecca Sharp brought me to tears in this book and opened to love seeing everybody in this book unite with Laurel never giving up on her. This is not just your regular coffee shop but one filled of love and good memories like a Hallmark movie coming to life. Can definitely see this book into a movie full of love, hope and second chances even when you think everybody has given up on you. Loved it.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
5 BEHOLDEN STARS!! Amazing storytelling by this phenomenal author. I read this book was read in one sitting, I could not put it down. Laurel and Eli have a beautiful story to tell you and believe me you want to hear it. The story has all the feels with some suspense that will keep you glued to your seat. This series is going to be amazing.
Beholden is an emotional story that tugged at my heart and I couldn’t put it down. This book is heartbreakingly beautiful that deals with loss and new beginnings. Laurel has been through so much loss that going back to Carmel Cove was the last thing she wanted to do. But the last person in her life is gone and she has to go back to say goodbye. This book gave me chills. It’s raw, emotional and heartfelt and you’ll everything Laurel went through.
Well I have just returned from my first ever trip to Carmel Cove and let me tell you, I am itching to return! Beholden was one heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride of a journey, but I clung to it, and gladly, for its entirety. Dr. Rebecca Sharp has woven the most endearing and intricate story, with beautiful and evocative language. She’s written about loss, about love, about trust, about family, about living, about death, about fear, and so much more, all perfect components of the recipe that is this book.
Laurel has known loss, and hurt, and pain, and grief is a longstanding companion. Yet, it still brings her back to the place she’d left as soon as she could, tying her to it with invisible strings and knots she can’t decide whether to tighten or sever.
Eli has known loss, and hurt, and pain, and grief is a longstanding companion. Yet, he strives to live to the fullest, to be there for everyone, and, to perhaps put together the pieces of the woman that could become his home.
In a town where the main currency is love, some shocking and difficult events take place, making the memories ever more a burden and a relief as they remind everyone of what is truly important and why.
And, another reason I want to return to this seaside cliff town? Well, the secondary characters of course! The cast here is phenomenal and I cannot wait for Bespoken about Jules and Mick! And then hopefully the next one about maybe Eve and Miles…and the next and the next and the next!
Eli is strength personified, and that pillar is exactly what Laurel needs whether she wants to accept it or not.
Beholden is a beautiful and intricate story about loss, about letting go, and about learning to love, and be loved in return. It is poignant. It is captivating. You won’t regret picking this up, and I’m sure you’ll be buying a ticket there right along side me!
I’ve read a couple of books by Dr. Rebecca Sharp and enjoyed my time spent in her worlds, so it was no wonder I decided to dive into her new Carmel Cove series with Beholden. It’s a contemporary, small-town romance with a HEA.
If you guys have read my reviews before, you’ve seen me admit that when my head’s not in the right place, it can sometimes color my views regarding the books I’m reading. And during this pandemic, I’ve struggled to really lose myself in many books. My list of must re-read books is growing by leaps and bounds during this time. All of this to say, I really wanted to love this book, but I found my mind wandering too often. The writing was good. So, it wasn’t that. This author is a very descriptive writer and right now, books with more dialogue hold my interest for longer periods of time, so I’m hoping that’s just a quirk that had me having to re-read paragraphs over and over. With that in mind, I give you my rating.
NICUnurse’s Rating: Like I said, I honestly can’t find fault with Dr. Rebecca Sharp’s writing. And since I’ve enjoyed her works in the past, I’ll repeat that I’m hoping the reason it didn’t hold my interest well is just the crazy times we’re living in. I have had that issue with several books since this all started, so I’m not going to have much feedback to give this go around. The story flowed, but at times it felt like it was dragging. My heart quite literally broke for Laurel. But I felt as if something was missing in the build-up in her relationship with Eli. I will say that the world-building and character-building were pretty great because I really do want to read book two now. The teaser at the end was done well enough that it piqued my interest which was very pleasantly surprising. At some point in the future, when our fears over this pandemic are no longer at the forefront, I do want to read this book again to see if it really was just me. If I feel like it was, I will definitely update my review. So, I’m going to give Beholden the benefit of the doubt.
I give Beholden by Dr. Rebecca Sharp 3.5 out of 5 stars.
This is the first book for The Carmel Cove series and it is a standalone one. The books I’ve already read from Rebecca they were almost all inclined towards comedy and fun romance, with little angst. But Beholden? It’s a wonderful drama romance from start to end, it’s beautiful, heart breaking story that make you think about your life and how to overcome and move on (or forward) from grief.
The book tells the story around the Ocean family, more specific, the last one standing Laurel. Within four years, Laurel was ripped from her cousin/bff, both parents died and her grandma also died. She left Carmel because she couldn’t handle the amount of loss. But now, years later she was back to Carmel for her grandpa funeral. Another loss. But now she has to deal with her family business and a town who wants her to stay. To feel the love they have for her and her family.
It’s a really beautiful story and Laurel an amazing rich character, she was broken from grief and loss and was fully intended to never love again because she always lose the ones she love. I can’t express how much I loved her and her road to move forward and find love again.
The good thing, she had Eli, or as she called him Model Magic. He was certain that he could glue the pieces of her heart, by supporting, loving and protecting Laurel at all times. Helping her heal and accept a life full of love and family, not the blood type but the one you choose.
I loved Eli as well, he was so persistent and patient, never loosing sight of his goals toward Laurel or the city who become home. Their love story was beautiful and with a great HEA.
I wasn’t expecting the suspense towards the ending and I wish I’ve got to know what really happened behind the curtains, who was involved with whom and close the angst I felt. Even though this book is a standalone, I think I will only feel like the story is complete with Jules book. Until then I’ll have plenty of theories!
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“Grief is the other side of love, Laurel. Like sunrise and sunset. You can’t have one without the other.” Ishkey.
I adored this book!!! Rebecca has given us a beautifully designed story full of all the feels!! This book is raw, emotional and so week written. You can feel Rebecca’s heart and family in this book. I cannot wait for the rest of the series!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved Beholden so much. It spoke to me in so many ways. I lost an uncle in January and some of the things the characters go with, remind me so much of the things I’ve went through. Beholden is so deep and emotional compared to some of Rebecca’s most recent books. It’s beautiful. We see one character at their darkest, when they’re struggling so much and how they rise from that into someone so strong and fierce. It’s awe inspiring. It’s one of Rebecca’s best books and I’m anxiously awaiting the rest of the series.
Beholden is just, to simply put it amazing.
I was blown away with the amount of emotion that was poured into this book.
The amount of emotion at which it envokes from it’s reader, is powerful.
It’s a beautiful start the fantastic new world of Carmel Cove.
Sharp, never ceases to amaze with her words. I felt like I was smack dab in the middle of her world, watching the events unfold. Sharp’s attention to detail is spot on. I literally could smell the coffee from the description alone. And, now all I want to do is find my own Roasters.