Pepper Langley, an unemployed preschool teacher with a fear of flying and boating, hopes a vacation to remote Key Lime Island will bolster her confidence and salvage her relationship with her rogue boyfriend. From tiny Nowhere, Arkansas, she scrimped all year to afford the lavish trip, but a deadly storm changes everything. Gorgeous Elvis impersonator Ty Townsend flees to Key Lime Island between … Island between gigs. During this hiatus, he reevaluates his profession after twice forgetting the King’s lyrics. He craves the isle’s solitude—far away from social media haters—where he shares beach life with a cursing parrot. The last thing on his mind is a woman, especially one who isn’t supposed to be there.
Will their secrets tear them apart or will they find happiness on the sand and stage?
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Who doesn’t love Elvis! Reading this book was a fun journey to two different locales I thoroughly enjoyed. Although light-hearted to begin with, this story kept the reader wanting to know more not only about the main characters but about all the characters that were woven into this beautifully written story. It is a fun read and poignant at the same time. While it includes sad moments and references to abuse, it still brings the reader to a thoughtful, entertaining, enjoyable conclusion.
I read this book after reading another book by the author. I was expecting a light, maybe comedic, story. Something to just pass the time. I was surprised with so much more.
I was surprised with the storyline of a young woman in an abusive relationship. I was astonished to find a character that I could relate to. I was in an abusive relationship for many years, some of those years involved me being a domestic violence liaison. I knew about the circle of violence and the reasons why one should leave. I, oddly, never felt that I was anywhere in there. What was going on at home didn’t resemble the circle. I started reading books that had DV as a theme. I was looking for me. I finally found someone who resembled me a bit. I really understood Pepper. I was excited to see a character that represented women like me and didn’t downplay it or sugarcoat it or make her a superhero. Pepper was flawed and she was caught in the web that guys like Derek cast so well. Before you start thinking this is a triggering, dramatic story, let me assure you it is not. Only one instance of physical violence was mentioned and Pepper was questioning whether or not she should mention it. I often downplayed my injuries, sometimes outright lying about them. Most of Pepper’s abuse was emotional/mental. Balancing that was Pepper’s thoughts about leaving and a vacation coming up. She had to face some fears with that, too. She meets a few men who help her in her journey to escape. I adored George. The story had dramatic times but also had fun times. Saylor was absolutely a favorite character and I think everyone wants Ty.
A lot of times, when reading books that have DV as part of the story, I have to stop and read something else, color, watch a movie, listen to music or hike. I just need breaks to breathe and soothe myself. I didn’t need that with this book. Whenever I had to put it down, I was itching to get back to it. I wished I had blocked out time to read it with no interruptions. I was hooked by flawed but courageous Pepper. I understood her weak moments. I knew why she was hesitant and easily led to believe appearances. I cheered every time she was fearless or faking it. This book that I chose just because I enjoy Elvis and I liked the author’s book Babies at Coconuts, became a story that touched me deeper than I expected. I recommend the book and hope you take the chance on reading it. If you are uncertain, ask your library to get it or borrow it through KU.
An easy read with a happy ending. Can’t get much better than that.
Fun, warm, witty and with a saucy parrot to boot! Author, Beth Carter, had me from the first page. When Pepper an Derek set their sites on a much needed vacation on Key Lime island, there is anything but romance in Pepper’s plan. After scrimping and saving all year, Pepper is on the fence about facing her fears to fly and boat her way to vacation bliss. Her loser boyfriend doesn’t help her feel secure and actually feeds her anxiety with his bad behavior. The recently out of work preschool teacher has nothing to stay in Nowhere, Arkansas for and could really enjoy a little sand and sun. After arriving in Paradise with the one ball and chain that you can’t wait for her to break free of, she finally goes ashore by herself to explore. What she finds is handsome, Ty, and he is trying to break free of a different nuisance. Pepper is the breath of fresh air he desperately needs. I love that this is not a formula romance. The author introduces characters that have real problems and make real mistakes. Though the book is a fun beach read, I hope it will send a message to women in terrible relationships that there is a way out, even if they don’t get to sleep with Elvis. Cute, charming and funny, I look forward to reading more from this author.
I really loved this book. Was uncertain by the title but was definitely pleasantly surprised how much I loved it. It takes you through hatred, love, uncertainty and future. First book by Beth that I read, definitely not the last.