She already left one fiancé. She didn’t need another.
When Bree Garrett’s former college roommate invites Bree to move to Starlight Ridge, a small tourist town on the Californian coast, she is all too happy to leave the deserts of New Mexico and the memories of her former life. She only has three conditions:
One- No one can find out about her fear of water—totally embarrassing when you live … water—totally embarrassing when you live next to the ocean.
Two- No seafood. She can’t stomach it. Yeah, she sees the irony of points number one and two.
Three- No blind dates. The last thing she needs is a relationship. Her ex-fiancé would agree.
Easier said than done when the only job available is at a surf shop and the owner, Caleb, is under the impression that Bree has applied to be a scuba instructor, and not a cashier, as she had intended.
Bree tries to clear up the misunderstanding, but it’s hard when she seems to lose her voice—and her breath—every time Caleb is near. How could she not when he happens to be attractive, single and, as it turns out, also doesn’t like seafood?
Bree and Caleb struggle against the pull of the tide that seems determined to bring them together. But, despite their differences, maybe this is one battle that is okay to lose.
Diving into Love is the first book in the Starlight Ridge romance series. If you can’t get enough of witty banter, moonlit strolls on the beach, and swoon-worthy kisses, you’ll love this sweet romance.
Buy Diving into Love and start this small-town romance series today!
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This was a good read. Bree was in town visiting her friend. She was wasn’t looking for love. However, that was exactly what she got. Of course her and Caleb had some issues. Thankfully in the end it all works out and they get their happy ending.
Trust on the Beach
This is one of those fun reads that is perfect for summer. The author has the ability to write both subtly humorous and emotional scenes. Our heroine takes her former college roommate up on an offer to stay with her on the beach in California. Life in New Mexico had not been going so well romantically or professionally, so it seemed like a perfect getaway. But of course, it becomes far more than that. I loved that she didn’t like seafood and had a strong fear of the water, or more precisely, of drowning. I lived on the coast for 10 years, and I didn’t like seafood either! But there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the beautiful scenery and refreshing breezes, even if you have some qualms and dislikes. Bree got to enjoy other things as well, like her budding romance with Caleb—and she even had to confront that fear. Both have believable, character-driven reasons for not wanting to pursue romance. But they certainly had chemistry that could not be denied. This story feels like it is about trust on several levels. The author did a good job of creating unique secondary characters as well. I sometimes found Bree’s friend to be a bit much at times, especially with her small “clever” manipulations, but I loved the rivalry between neighboring middle-agers Erwin and Jessie; they added so much humor. All in all, I recommend this book for a pleasant summer romance read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
This was a well-written, sweet and clean romance by a new author to me. I did find that I liked the end the best. In a culture where many people are only about their own wants and needs, it was refreshing that both characters were willing to leave everything familiar for the other to be happy. I am curious about the previous series set in Amor.
I received this audiobook from the author for review and all the thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the first book I have read by this author. I was very pleased with it. The author did a great job of developing the characters and the plot was well written. Such a cute, clean romance! I look forward to reading more by this author. I actually listened to the audio version of this book – I really enjoyed the narrator and the way she was expressive in portraying the characters.
*I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
Bree has come to little beach town Starlight Ridge to visit with her college roommate and to forget about her life in New Mexico and her almost wedding. She is not looking for love but when she meets Caleb they feel something special. Will they find the courage to be together? A sweet love story. The audiobook is great
Story: 4 stars
A sweet love story with only enough angst to make it interesting, but not cringe-worthy. The characters don’t play games and are only angsty in their insecurity of possibly feeling more than the other. Both character arcs are believable as are the character’s decisions.
It had some chuckle-worthy moments and was truly enjoyable book!
Narrator: 3 stars
Claire Duncan is the narrator and does a good job. Her expressions are good, her speed of reading isn’t too slow, and she does a believable male voice. I struggle with theft that she emphasizes different words than I would, so it takes some getting used to every time I listen.
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
This audiobook is the first story in the author’s series titled Starlight RIdge as well as the first book I read/listen to by this author. So I honestly, did not know what to expect.
It’s a sweet, clean romance about engineer Bree Garrett and scuba dive shop owner Caleb both in their twenties and still unsure of their futures and their lives.
When life throws Bree a few lemons, loss of a job, break up with her fiancee etc, she decides it’s time for a change of venue and travels from New Mexico to a small coastal California town to visit her college roommate. Never realizing that she would not only face her fears but that a young man would capture her heart.
The author’s description of the small town and it’s inhabitants reminded me of Key West, a place I have enjoyed visiting multiple times.
The story wasn’t without conflicts and complications and as you read it , you hope that not only Bree and Caleb find their HEA, but also that you’ll get a chance to revisit Starlight Ridge.
Lastly, the narration by Claire Duncan brought the story to life.
Diving Into Love is a sweet and clean romance appropriate for tweens and up. It has a delightful storyline and great dialogue that is easy and flows. I love how the author uses humor and the emotions of the characters are natural and realistic. I adore the characters. The H/H have a nice chemistry and their problems are something most people can relate to. I can’t wait to read more of this series. The narrator gives a wonderful performance without being overly dramatic or distracting from the story.
This is my first time reading something by Ms. Bellemore and I really enjoyed it. This is a clean, sweet, and fun read – perfect for summer reading. I always like a good smalltown romance, and this one certainly fits the bill. The characters were very well-portrayed and had realistic and relatable qualities and were very easy to fall in love with. Caleb is happy in his small town of Starlight Ridge. Bree comes here to forget her past and start over. Both have a lot of baggage to deal with and past issues to overcome. The journey to a HEA for them is a slow and cautious one, but well worth it. This was a very charming and delightful story and I really enjoyed Ms. Bellemore’s writing style. I am looking forward to reading more books by her!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this charming story. The characters were so fun and engaging. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book went straight onto my wish list as soon as it’s release was announced! When I was given the opportunity to read an ARC, I had to jump at the chance! I am in no way disappointed, this story met every expectation I had. It was a delightful and entertaining read that has me filled with anticipation for the next episode in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve read several books written by Kat Bellemore; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this storyline. The characters are well developed and engaging and full of chemistry. I enjoyed the smooth flow of the storyline. Kudos to the author for delivering a great storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bree was just supposed to be in Starlight Ridge for two weeks, but when she loses her job she decides to stay longer. She was brave to take a chance on a temporary job and a romance with Caleb and to learn to scuba dive when she’s afraid of drowning. She could have taken the safe route and started looking for a another engineering job even though she wasn’t happy doing that work. Caleb was brave too taking on a career where the income is mostly season and heavily dependent on tourists and risking his heart for a woman who might not stay longer than the summer. I loved read about Starlight Cove, how welcoming the residents are, and all the beautiful ocean views. It made me want to visit this fictional town. This was a clean romance with plenty of quirky characters, funny, and sweet moments.
Bree comes to Starlight Ridge to visit Adeline, her good friend and college roommate. Last month, she left her fiance on their wedding day, and now she needs time to regroup. While there, she’s treated to the quirky characters and nuances of small-town living. When she’s laid off from her job in New Mexico, she decides to stay for the tourist season, an odd choice to be in a coastal town for someone who hates seafood and is afraid of the water. She starts working for Caleb; they also begin dating, and he wants her to learn to dive. This is my first read from this author, and it’s a terrific introduction to her writing. Caleb and Bree have great chemistry, and wonderful conversations together. They’re taking a chance with this relationship, and they both have to face their fears and trust each before they can truly work as a couple. The rivalry between Jessie and Erwin is hilarious. Bree’s friend Adeline – what a little sneak she is (in a good way).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading Diving Into Love. Bree is a very interesting character. I admire her decision to find herself and to overcome her fear of water. Caleb is another interesting character who is very happy remaining in his small coastal town. They both have past issues to overcome. I also fell in love with Starlight Ridge. The town and its welcoming inhabitants add a lot to this sweet, well written romance. THis is a journey to treasure.
Book one in the Starlight Ridge series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Bree moves to Starlight Ridge when a friend asks he to she meets dive shop owner Caleb. I liked seeing their story come together. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Diving into Love by Kat Bellemore. I found this to be a nice paced contemporary drama that was easy to read and enjoyable. Bree and Caleb will give you a story full of heartwarming drama, heat, compatible banter, and HEA that you will not want to miss. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Running away from Amor, NM, to the California coast village of Starlight Ridge is reasonable if you aren’t afraid of the water and don’t hate seafood. Bree does not fit that description. Caleb is the owner of the local dive shop and a life long resident of Starlight Ridge so it makes perfect sense that Adeline, best friend to both Bree and Caleb, should try her hand at matchmaking. Kat Bellemore brings us an enjoyable story of two people facing their fears and finding a life together. I enjoyed this book.
After she and her fiancé break up, Bree visits her friend, Adeline, who lives near the beach. Bree loves the beach but has a fear of the water and avoids seafood. When Bree needs a job, she applies to manage the surf shop for Adeline’s friend Caleb. But Caleb, the scuba diver instructor, thinks she wants that job instead.
Caleb is immediately and unexpectedly attracted to Bree. When he works with her on how to dive, he builds her confidence and she learns to trust him. But when her ex-boss calls her and offers her engineering job back to her, what choice will she make? Return to her well-paying job? Or stay here in this lovely beach town where it has started feeling like home? And what about Caleb?
This was a really great story with characters so well-depicted that they felt real and comfortable to be with! The dialog and interactions among them also made it real for the reader, and the emotions and friendship felt right. So when Bree gets the offer to come back to her job, the reader will sit up and also wonder what the right choice will be! Grab your copy and find out what the future holds.