Summer had returned. The nightlife lit up the coastal town of Sea Breeze, Alabama with scantily clad sun-kissed bodies, live music, the smell of fresh cooked seafood. Taking it all in, he wondered if coming back had been the best thing. He wasn’t the same man who had driven out of town a year ago on the motorcycle he’d bought after his best friend’s wedding. From the messy blonde curls he’d let … let grow out, to the tattoos now covering his arms, part of his chest and even the side of his neck, it all represented a part of his journey. Eli Hardy was back, but he didn’t plan on staying for long.
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Best I’ve Ever Had by Abbi Glines was a sweet, sexy and heartbreakingly emotional romance that captivated my heart. When I heard that Eli Hardy was FINALLY getting his happily ever after I was beyond excited because he definitely deserves one, I just was not expecting Ophelia Finlay to be his one true love! Their journey to HEA took readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I think my heart broke for him even more than it had in the previous two books in the Sea Breeze Meets Rosemary Beach series because of the tragedy he experienced in the year he was away.
This was almost EVERYTHING I crave from a Abbi Glines romance, except for the fact that it felt too short, but that’s probably because I loved these two so much that I never wanted their story to end. Eli and Ophelia’s chemistry was undeniably raw and passionate. This story was filled with witty banter, perfectly humorous moments, and just the right amount of steamy scenes that left me satisfied. I cannot freaking wait to find out the next couple to get a book in this series and I totally look forward to seeing glimpses of these two in future books because I could never get enough of them!
Eli took me on an incredible journey. He’s the guy who hasn’t gotten the girl so he sets off to experience life but when he returns to Sea Breeze a year later, well, he’s a different man. The shadows that lurk in his eyes show a man that experienced life and ended up shattered. Being home to support his Gran is more important but he’s not really ready to face his family. Ophelia recognizes a kindred spirit in Eli and provides a few rescues for him with his family. These two strike up an unlikely friendship yet find intense chemistry that neither expected. The challenge for both is letting anyone truly in to know their deep and dark secrets that allows them to embrace love. I devoured their intense, thoughtful, sexy romance needing them both realize they are worthy and can be loved.
Eli left on the night of his best friends wedding to live life. He wanted more than what he had and he got it but he got more than he bargained for. The man that came back looked different, acted different and you could see the pain in his eyes.
Ophelia had noticed him before and now that he had the bad boy vibe going on she wanted an even closer look. Than she looked in his eyes and knew that he’s seen a lot in his time away. Will she be able to get him to open up to her?
Can these two somehow get over what has happened in their pasts to give themselves a real chance at a relationship? Will they be able to let each other into their hearts or will Eli leave again before they have a real chance?
I’m a firm believer in Epilogues because I would have LOVED to have seen one for this book.
*WARNING* contains explicit adult sexual situations
Eli Hardy has always been the good guy. Eli thought he found the girl for him twice, but they fell for someone else. When Eli Hardy of Seabreeze was told to leave and live a little, get into trouble, experience life, that’s just what he did. His family never thought he’d be gone a whole year, and they never thought he would come back totally different.
Ophelia Finley remembers talking to Eli at her brother’s wedding and being intrigued, but he left on a harley right after. The Eli that Ophelia sees now is the same man, but damaged.
This is a true Abbi Glines book with all the feels. My heart broke for Eli, but true to the Abbi Glines style, there was a twist to Eli’s story. I would have like to heard why Ophelia needs her walls, but the story was amazing without and it was an after thought for me. I love seeing Seabreeze and Rosemary Beach connect so i can see how all of the original character’s children turn out. Thank you Abbi!