Will an ex-wife and a spoiled teenager ruin any chance of happiness for Breanna and Calvin?Breanna Murphy has been planning her wedding for years so when her fiancé runs off with a hula dancer, she is forced to realize her destination wedding is nothing more than an exotic vacation for one.Trying to escape the embarrassment and disappointment of being jilted at the altar, Breanna answers an ad … the altar, Breanna answers an ad for a job clear across the country. When the voice on the other end offers her the job, she’s excited about what awaits her in California.
Builder Calvin Comstock must make right on his daughter’s mistake regarding the nationwide advertisement and hiring of Breanna. He doesn’t know what to expect, but when Breanna walks into his office with her infectious smile, peaches and cream complexion not to mention her sexy southern drawl, Calvin is happy for his daughter’s error.
Breanna is drawn to Calvin’s mature movie star good looks, charming personality, soft voice, and strong hands. She’s trying to stay focused on the job and not the overwhelming lure she feels pulling her in to test the waters. But when the two realize the attraction is mutual they throw caution to the wind and give in to the undeniable desire to be together.
Can an ex-wife and a teenage daughter spoil their happiness or will it make them stronger than ever?
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California Crush is the third book in Debbie White’s Romance Across State Lines series. This is the story of Breanna Murphy and Calvin Comstock. Breanna was jilted at the altar by her fiancé in Hawaii. She had dreamed about and planned every detail of this destination wedding. Back at her parent’s house and alone again she answered an advertisement for an interior designer in California. Eager for a change she goes to work for Cal. Cal is a builder of new homes. The attraction is immediate but Cal has baggage in a very demanding ex-wife and a teenager who antagonizes the attraction between Bree and Cal. Time works out the rough patches for a happily ever after.
Breanna Murphy lives in New Orleans. She is part Creole and part Irish. She is a interior decorator and close to her family. Breanna’s dreams are coming true. A destination wedding to her love and new beginnings. But she gets stood up at the alter by her fiance`. He decided to take off with a hula dancer. Now homeless and in search of work she accepts an ad in the paper for a job in California. What better way to escape the embarrassment that is her life now.
Calvin Comstock is a 44 year old builder in California. He is embarking on a new business adventure. The only problem is his ex wife is sucking him dry. He has not dated since his divorce and does everything in his power to take care of his ex and his 17 year old daughter. Imagine his surprise when a young and beautiful 30 year old woman shows up as his new employee. The ad was not clear and there was some miscommunication. But he will make it work.
Together these two begin a very complicated relationship. Will age be their downfall? Or will his daughter and ex-wife ruin it all before they can?
This was a great story. I did feel as though the delivery and execution of the story was lacking in some areas, making the story feel a bit choppy, instead of smooth. There was a lot thrown in that the transition lacked that smoothness. I enjoyed the characters and found them relatable, especially being a step-mother myself. It really showed some of the trials and errors of that type situation.
Overall the book had a wonderful story-line, even though it was a bit choppy in places, it still was a great read. The characters were wonderful and interesting. Some fell a tad bit flat and were either unnecessary or should have been explored a bit more. Breanna herself was a tad childish in some ways and I found that annoying a bit. Leaving me feeling sorry for Calvin, whom I really liked. Also some of the Breanna found herself in….some fell flat and could have had more depth to them. I did enjoy the book, but it is not one of my favorites. It is a clean, sweet romance with a great story-line base and some interesting characters. It can be read as a standalone, even though it is a series. If you are looking for a sweet, clean romance then this book is for you.
*ARC provided by Loving the Book Reviews & Debbie White