Violet Caliendo escorts couples into the illusion of “happily ever after” as wedding coordinator at Willow Valley’s five-star Caliendo Resort. But Violet doesn’t believe in love or “happily ever after” anymore. She’s guarded herself from love so deeply since her divorce that some even call her the “Ice Queen.” When she has to plan her ex-husband’s wedding, even her Ice Queen persona takes a … hit.With her emotions in high gear, she takes out her frustrations by having sex with her ex’s best man, Ryder Carlex. Ryder is a playboy type and Violet figures it’s a simple one-time fling. But Ryder actually is attracted to Violet in a way he’s never known before. Neither of them ever imagines that the sparks between them will ignite a fire hotter than anything they’ve ever encountered – slowly breaking down both their walls. Will Violet be able to let go of her past and embrace a possible future with Ryder? Will Ryder let Violet into his own deep, dark secrets? Or will their trust issues forever doom them both from achieving their own “happily ever after”?This book can be read as a stand alone, but for more enjoyment read them in the order of the series, as all the characters appear in future books. Read the full BY THE LAKE SERIES: MCADAMS SISTERS BOOK 1: Lakeshore Secrets BOOK 2: Lakeshore Legend BOOK 3: Lakeshore Love BOOK 4: Lakeshore CandyBOOK 5: Lakeshore LyricsTHE CALIENDO RESORT:BOOK 1: Sunset ThunderBOOK 2: Sunset RivalryBOOK 3: Sunset SaleBOOK 4: Sunset FlareBOOK 5: Sunset Shelter
more
This was a very good book, I enjoyed the storyline but I feel her ex husband should have been brought down a few pegs for the way he treated his children, no matter what he felt about Their mom he should have been a better dad.
I just love how the main characters Violet and Ryder have insecurities and the need to keep their lives private as it makes them so real, I also really liked how they both had pre conceived ideas of what the other was like as well that’s what life can be like. There are plenty of emotions you go through while reading including happiness, surprise, shock and anger and to me this makes this such a great book as it hows how hooked on what was going on. I can not wait to read the next book in this series!!
I had absolutely no idea what to expect when I started reading Sunset Thunder. It was my first book by the author and not a storyline I would normally choose to read. I can now honestly say that I regret not having read it sooner and cannot wait to find my way through the rest of this series!
Thrown together, while Violet plans her ex-husband, Joel ’s wedding to his current fiancé, Ryder who is best man and also Joel’s best friend cannot deny his attraction to Violet. What unfolds is drama, some hilarious situations, serious sparks and two people that are trying really hard to make sense of their sudden attraction. The interference by Violet’s irritating ex-husband as well as secrets between Ryder and Violet does nothing to help an already awkward situation.
Violet and Ryder’s relationship is one that does not get off on the right foot. To say what unfolds between the two is an enormous surprise to both of them, is a major understatement. Violet believes that Ryder is nothing but a shallow playboy and, Ryder, who has nicknamed Violet the Ice Queen, believes her to be shallow and conceited. How very wrong they both are about each other and watching their story unfold and them both reaching that moment of clarity about what is going on between them, is what made the book an absolutely awesome read.
The writer has a way of pulling you into the story, there were a few scenes in the book where I literally wanted to climb into the pages to console Ryder, slap Joel and shake some sense into Violet.
The book is easy to read and the author has written the story in a way it is easy and fun to follow. The story, the characters and the anticipation of what is to come, keeps you absorbed in the lives of the characters. The funny situations, the drama, the emotional journey and the impact of finding love when you least expected it, is why I most definitely recommend!
This is book one in The Caliendo Resort series and it features Violet Caliendo and Ryder Carlex. Their situation is a sticky one and sometimes feelings creep up on you and make a mess out of everything. Secrets are revealed and some people are not who you thought they were. Sometimes they’re worse and sometimes they surprise you and are better.
This is a great “falling for your ex’s best friend” romance with fantastic characters and a well written story line. I can’t wait to read the next book in this fantastic series.
Somehow Violet Caliendo is conscripted to plan her ex-husband’s wedding to his new bride! And on top of that, the best man is Ryder Carlex! He’s a womanizer and she is the ice princess. Violet can’t stand Ryder, but he’s perfect for a one-time hookup! But why is her ex trying to stop them from connecting at a deeper level?
This is a well written book with lots of wonderful characters plot twists, secrets, heat and HEA. My main issue with this book is the poor editing. Unfortunately, I find this distracting from the story as I notice spelling and grammatical errors throughout the book. One or two, you can ignore, but there are numerous editing issues here.
HOT CHA MAMA!!!
Talk about chemistry with double dipped chocolate. Nah, I’m just messing with you. If you like a read with humor, steamy, sexy, smoking hot hunks with twists and surprises galore, great news. You’re here. The characters and scenes were spot on realistic with vivid detailed descriptions I was fascinated watching the characters and their personalities transform and blend. Shannyn hit gold with this hit right here. Talk about tossing in your chips, winner! Fabulous job bringing this read to life. Thanks for sharing with us.
This was a book in a series but can be read as a stand alone. After reading it, I want to read more books in the series. I really enjoyed the storyline but I thought there was a little too much sex and discussing/dreaming/thinking about it as well. If you aren’t into that, you are not going to enjoy the book.
This is about Violet Caliendo a single, divorced mom of two who is the wedding coordinator at her families 5-star resort. Now she is setting up for her ex-husband’s wedding to someone he had an affair with while married. She is going to get through this wedding even with the playboy, Ryder Carlex, as best man. He is a delight to look at and seems to have changed in the last 10 years The story goes on with all the issues Ryder and Violet each have and if they can really make it work and be happily ever after.
This is a page turning, hard to put down, want to know more..5 star read! This is the story of Violet Caliendo the wedding planner, and Ryder Carlex rich businessman type. Both are incredible characters to get to know throughout the story. Both are stubborn and really want to be loved and love in return. If you want a book you can’t put down this is certainly it! This book can be a standalone read but you’ll want to know more about the Caliendo clan after this book!
In my review, I will not restate the premise of this book (you can read the author’s description) nor will I include spoilers. This is the first book by Shannyn Leah that I have read. The story was well organized and captured my interest. There is a definite beginning, middle and ending for this book. I liked the fact that there is an alternate ending, which I liked better than the original. To me, the alternate ending was more realistic and in keeping with the overall tone of the characters. Each ending has its HEA, so you can choose the one you like best.
This book should have been 4 stars. However, the editing was so badly done that I had to drop 1 star. There were typographical and writing errors that were flagrant and annoying. I hate when a book is filled with so many errors that it is a major distraction to this story. That being said, I
will read another book by this author. She writes a good story, but editing needs fine-tuning.