One summer has the power to change everything.
One night, one choice, can alter life’s trajectory — cause the heart’s debris to slip and slide down the mountain. After graduating college, rising photographer Annie Baxter relocates to South Beach, Florida.A new start. ONE CHOICE. A chance to leave behind her anxiety, her grief, and prepare her photographs for display in an art gallery. Annie is … chance to leave behind her anxiety, her grief, and prepare her photographs for display in an art gallery. Annie is determined to mend her heart in the sand and breathe, commune with the stars and beach and old friends.
Then Cal Prescott steps in front of her lens — a man twenty years her senior. An understated, sexy puzzle who may not wish to be solved. Cal is quiet. Strong. Eyes like the tides. Coming in, going out. Pulling her under.
They meet at a party.
ONE NIGHT.
The chemistry cannot be denied.
But they only have the summer.
ONE SUMMER.
One unforgettable connection.
But every June, July, and August must come to an end.
Landslide is the first book in The South Beach Connection Trilogy
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The tension, the trauma, the taboo, the tantalizing temptation! A.R. Hadley is a master wordsmith who has brought to life an all-consuming tale of loss, love, and lust and I am completely consumed by her Landslide!
AR Hadley is a new to me author and I was really excited to start Landslide. Unfortunately, I was really underwhelmed by so much that I agonized over the rating for the book and in the end rated it much lower than I anticipated. I can see an emerging author that shows potential for sure. And I would never want my review to be the sole reason someone didn’t read a book. Afterall, we all have things that draw us into a book. So, this review is going to critically critique a book that another reader will absolutely love. In regard to Landslide, I really struggled with so much that I came close to not finishing it at all. Furthermore, it took me almost 3 weeks to read it to begin with. As a reader, it is completely unheard of for me to spend any length of time on a book… heck, even more than a single day is abnormal for me. The writing of this book was unique and that in itself is never a bad thing. Authors absolutely need to develop their own way of telling their stories. However, in the case of this particular story, the writing style predominately is why I almost DNF’ed the book entirely. It’s extremely slow paced, and while brilliant word choices are utilized, the author’s repetitious use of words and phrases grew tiresome very quickly.
Another challenge I had while reading Landslide was the change of perspectives between the characters. I found it extremely challenging throughout the entirety of the book. Landslide is written in a way that nearly all the characters in the story, primary and secondary, have their perspectives as the storyteller, some more briefly than others. Yet, they are not annotated before these changes take place and within a single page, the perspective can change multiple times, with multiple characters. It’s not a small amount, it’s extreme and it got rather confusing. See where I am going with this? I was constantly having to reread something or assume things until I could determine who’s voice I was reading. Duel Perspective is by far my favorite POV in contemporary romance. Therefore, it wouldn’t be hard for me to embrace the secondary characters having their perspectives provided in the same manner as the Hero or heroine. It’s just that method that was delivered with Landslide that I could not enjoy.
The characters in Landslide did not draw me in or endear themselves to me. Other than the hero, Cal, I believe everyone just traded off drinking. And let me be clear, alcohol consumption in no way bothers me, personally or within the scope of a story I am reading. Where this became a problem for me, was in having a heroine, Annie, whose mother is an alcoholic and yet she was constantly drinking as if it was a sprint to the bottom of a bottle as well. Obviously, as Landside has two more books which follow it, A.R. Hadley could be intending readers to pick up on this and weaving a case of the apple not falling far from the tree. I haven’t gotten that far yet, but it was a character flaw that I wasn’t behind. Annie’s honorary mother and father, Maggie and John, were much the same. Another example of why I struggled with Landslide lay in the lack of growth I saw in Cal or Annie as a whole throughout the book. The characters felt very flat to me as well. While I thought I would develop a fondness for Cal as I genuinely love a hero that’s alpha and an asshole, Cal is just too harsh and rigid. His perspective as you read it is how drawn to Annie he is, perhaps more so than he’s ever been in his past relationships, and yet, he refuses to divulge anything substantial about himself. How do you build a relationship with someone, as Cal’s thoughts would indicate, if he could not hold any type of conversation that focused on more than Annie specifically? From the first instant of Cal’s perspective until the last, he was telling himself it was more than a fling, but that’s not what actions and words indicated to the woman who only wanted to know him. Annie is twenty years younger than Cal, naive and inexperienced with relationships, and she’s irrevocably drawn to Cal. Her fascination with him was so extreme that she allowed him to treat her like a doormat in her quest to understand who he is. My lack of connection with Annie was just as profound as it was with Cal. As someone who has endured loss herself, I initially expected to identify more with Annie’s character after I learned that she lost her only brother. Yet, her responses to her loss presented itself as bizarre. She also projected a front of experience and maturity while maintaining her inexperience like a shroud. Annie was too much the opposite of Cal with her high anxiety, flightiness and complete dreamer personally for me to find her more than annoying by the end of the book. And while I wanted the answer to Cal’s secrets, I am not sure if I finished the book to discover them or because I am just very committed to the books I start. In this case, Landslide ended in a cliffhanger and I am not a fan, but I am going to attempt the second book to see if the author overcomes the character issues.
Annie and Cal so different. But, still they are drawn to each other even if it’s just for a summer. Annie a photographer and having a gallery down in Florida where her two friends live and meets Cal at their party and they both can’t keep there eyes off of each other. They soon start to spend time together and they both question everything as they begin to get to know each other. I love this book it was great and well written story.
This is the first book that I’ve read by A.R. Hadley. She is definitely a talented author. I loved this book and the little poems she had on the pages too. This was such a touching story and gave me all of the feels.
It took me a while to get into this book. It was drawn out in places and took a long time to get to the point. I am glad I finished it, and it will be interesting to see where the next 2 books in the series go!!
This was my first book by AR Hadley and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I can say I was not disappointed. The chemistry between Cal and Annie was amazing and the emotional angst from this book will carry you through the trilogy. I loved how two broken souls find each other and struggle to stay together. This book catapulted me into the rest of the series and I loved it.
I’m glad this is a trilogy because I don’t feel like I know Cal or Annie yet. I want to know about their backstories. I can see why Annie has fallen for Cal, but he seems to be holding her at arm’s length. I have so many questions that I hope get answered. On to book number 2…
I received an Advanced Reader Copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is Book 1 of a trilogy plus a novella. Annie came out to visit her 2nd parents in Miami after she finished school in NYC. Annie is carrying a lot of emotional baggage and she is hoping that this visit will help her. She meets Cal, a man 20 years her senior, at a party. Cal comes with some baggage of his own. Annie is an over-thinker. I can really relate to her. The story is emotional, steamy and has hints of Domination and submission. I found it a little distracting that the POVs changed midstream sometimes, but the story kept me interested. This ends on a cliffhanger.
This is a new author for me and I did enjoy the book. There were some drawn out places in the book but all in all a good. read. Beware that the book does end in a cliff hanger. Will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
Annie Baxter is 25 years old and after college she decides to spend her summer in Florida where she hopes to have some of her photographs displayed in a local gallery. She is staying with family friends Maggie and John Allen who helped raise her when she was a girl. Annie is also trying to heal from the past and deal with her panic attacks.
Cal Prescott is mesmerized by Annie the moment he meets her but he is also 20 years older than her. He knows he wants Annie and is planning on going after her knowing she is leaving at the end of the summer.
But will a summer fling fix Annie or will it leave her more broken-hearted?
I liked this book but I had a hard time warming up to Cal and really didn’t want Annie with him.
I thought Annie was a good character and we learned more about her past as the book went on and you could almost understand why she was attracted to an older man after everything she went through. I loved that she was following her dreams of being a photographer and was taking advantage of the situation with the gallery.
I really did not like Cal as I found him so closed off and aloof unless it was to his advantage. He was not very open and when Annie would talk to him he would close off and end whatever they were doing. I found that hard to take and for me it took away from the story for sure.
I knew something had to be up between Maggie and Cal from the past with the way they were to each other and I still think there is more to come as they were both so “weird” around each other.
The end leaves you wondering what will happen with Annie’s heart and I really hope personally she finds someone else!
My Rating:
3.5
Favorite Quotes:
She hated labels, but the complacent doctor had slapped her with one anyway. Two awful words encompassing a mess of complications: Panic. Disorder. It sounded like knots tangled up inside a dirty throw rug.
Like how old? George Clooney old? Or like, Father Christmas, white-beard old?
A woman always knew where he stood. Even if it was on the fence.
My Review:
I struggled valiantly with this one. The pacing and writing style were unusual with an abundance of short staccato sentences and incomplete thoughts, which kept me questioning and wanting the rest of the sentence yet was also quite frustrating at times. I was intrigued by the premise, storylines, and deeply flawed characters, but exasperated with their constant waffling – they were both often locked in inner debate and ran hot and cold with each other. Both seemed riddled with personal turmoil and tension. I know many of my fellow reader friends disagree but I don’t find high angst or constant conflict an enjoyable state or an entertaining read. However, their sensual chemistry was off the charts.
Despite my frustration, I remain consumed with curiosity about the character of Cal. He was far too aloof, contradictory, and a total enigma; yet oh, so alluring and hard to resist. Perhaps if I knew his shady secrets this would no longer be a problem. My greatest consternation was with the character of Annie whom I found more than a bit tedious and not all that endearing with the scattiness, daydreaming, high anxiety and overthinking every – little – thing. She was a hot mess and even her inner musings were scattered and often fractured thoughts that were difficult to follow. And then there is the issue of a cliffhanger. Sigh. So, I’m intrigued yet remain conflicted.
It took me a little longer than normal to get through the first chapter. So much emotion! But, it was well worth it! Unbelievably good, deep. The author writes very well to the anxieties of life. The tragedy and hardships of life that change us. The emotions in this book rocked me. It’s definitely not a quick wham-bam-thank you-ma’am kind of romance.
The main characters, Annie and Cal, meet a party and seem to be awestruck with each other. They’ve decided to spend as much time as possible with each other, enjoying their summer in Miami. But they spend most of their time running away or hiding their true selves.
Looking forward to the rest of their summer.
Cal is a busy man in his 40’s he has been around a bit but when he sees Annie. Everything changes. Annie a 25 year Old who’s life hasn’t been easy since she can’t get past her Peter’s passing. She isn’t the same anymore. Going to stay for the summer with John and Maggie is the perfect get away and start a fresh chapter. Annie meets Cal at a party that Maggie and John host. The thing is cal and Annie click like they know what each other needs with out talking about it. It does end on a cliff hanger but it’s worth it. I will say that Annie is back and fourth on a few things but a lot of that is because she can’t trust as easily as she would like or want.
This is my first book by this author. It flowed but was unclear on parts. Annie just graduated feom college and has lost her way. She moves to Florida to work on her photography and herself. She meets an older gentleman, Cal. Cal doesn’t give to much away. Even though they were told to stay away from each other. Their was chemistry and they agreed to just the summer then go on with their lives. I hated that it ended on a cliffhanger. And a sad one at that. I really want to see what happens next.
The start of the book was a tough one and panic attacks are a real issue with people and I feel the author really explained it happening very well. Summer and figuring out what your going to do. Needing to get out of were you came from and totally loose yourself. This book will bring you through the eyes of 2 different characters with two different back grounds who find out they need each other but life has its ways of letting know just because you might want something doesn’t mean you will always get it or that it will come easy. I really enjoyed this book.
This book resonated, poetry and stream of consciousness addressing sorrow, loss, pain. Annie’s need to soar after the losses she felt was touching. Cal felt like I had known him. Very well written, characters fleshed out, complete. Recommended sexy read.
The instant attraction made the story hook you. You wanted to see how it went. Cal is kinda frustrating at times and I wanted to know more about him. He’s so closed off. I’m excited to see what come in Wanderlust. I’m diving right in!
This is book 1 of this triology we meet summer and learn the background of her life and she goes and spends the summer with her fathers old friends that she grew up with after graduation from college, they introduce her to a gentlemen named cal he was older than her and they didn’t approve will summer go and be with that guy and will this just be a summer fling?
Reading the first few pages, I was not sure I was going to like this book. But the more I read the more it pulled me in. It was a bit frustrating that this book ended in an a cliffhanger and you still don’t know part of the story. It does leave me wanting to know what happens to these characters.
Emotional landslide
The title is exactly that of the book. Emotional landslide is a great description. The writing is unique and the story line keeps you reading. This book is about overcoming a powerfully gripping grief from the loss of a loved one but also find romance as well. It does end in a cliff hanger.