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
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A fun read!
I have to say I almost stopped reading this book when the first chapter immediately went into a situation in a bathroom. Luckily, I did continue to read it all the way through and it actually had a good story line -once you got past that. The editing and spelling was really awful (is anyone proofreading these books??) and there was a bit of too much get together and then breaking apart over and over-it got tedious. It would have gotten 5 stars from me if the editing and constant drama were minimized. The characters were interesting and kept my attention. I would have like it better if there was less drama and more character development.
Poorly drawn characters, predictable .
This has some twists I wasn’t expecting. Feel good ending.
Interesting characters with complex relationships
I had a hard time connecting to the characters in this book. Yes, they were flawed but I just couldn’t connect with them. This is part of a series regarding the Caliendo family. I won’t be reading the others.
I really enjoyed the story, but the romance of the main characters was on and off so many times, it got tiresome.
Very interesting plot and characters. Good for the romantic.
Really enjoyed the book didn’t want it to end
Sunset Thunder is the story of Violet Caliendo and Ryker Carlex’s romance. Violet is Ryker’s best friend, Joel’s ex-wife. She is the mother of Joel’s two children. Joel is bitter about his marriage and calls Violet the ‘Ice Queen’ and never has a good word about her.
After a private encounter with Violet, Ryker figures all of what Joel says is bull. A second day spent with Violet and her children when Joel didn’t show up for the planned fishing trip with his kids shows Ryker another side of Violet, a fun loving, caring and passionate side that he can’t resist. Violet had many misconceptions about Ryker, thanks to more of Joel’s blabbering about his playboy ways.
Ryker and Violet have trouble learning to trust one another and see the real person under the filters they present to the world. They both have secrets and have pasts with bad experiences that make trust extremely difficult for them to trust each other, their own feelings and the feelings of each other.
I enjoyed the emotional ups and downs of both main characters. I enjoyed the influence and antics of Violet’s children. The interference of the family was sometimes funny, sometimes sweet and helpful and sometimes added to the stress in the budding relationship between Violet and Ryker. The difficulties caused by Joel made Sunset Thunder a great romance with a antagonist that added another difficulty to overcome to find Ryker and Violet’s ‘Happy ever after’ life they are searching for.
This one really held my attention. Loved it!
This read was a real page turner.. I was so irritated at some of the obvious turmoil caused by the ex… but until the end I didn’t know what was going to happen. I thought this cannot possibly be happening to Violet. Once everything was laid out and all the cards were on the table.. I was warm and squishy!
Silly romance.
Not very good. Lost interest half way through.
A good read… enjoyed the characters.
Love these characters!
Wow, these Caliendo’s take messed up to a whole new level and I can’t wait to see what else they have in store. Book one of this spin off series is amazing. These characters bring out such strong emotions, some you love and some you hate but they are never dull. The storyline is intriguing and unique while the writing and pace of the story are perfect.
Violet was forced into a loveless marriage when her father discovered she was pregnant. Now after nine years of marriage she’s divorced and crazy of all crazy planning her ex’s wedding for the resort (see never a dull moment). Trying to get her out of control emotions in check she stumbles into a washroom and finds herself face to face with the one man she loathes as much as her ex. Ryder Carlex is a womanizing dog. Then why oh why does he excite her like no one else? And is she crazy or does him seem as attracted to her as she is to him?
You definitely want to go on this wild journey with these two as they struggle their way to a HEA. I highly recommend this one.
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was solid, although the resolution as presented was not believable as written. But do not let that stop you from reading this book. The author provides an alternate ending that is more in keeping with the characters personalities. Additionally I appreciated that the sex in this book was NOT as graphic as many authors use in a gratuitous manner. Thanks Shannyn for an enjoyable read.
Sunset Thunder begins with a main female character who is a Wedding Planner at her wealthy family’s exclusive resort. Violet’s challenge is to help her ex and his fiancee plan their wedding at the resort. Ryder is the best man who is cornered by Violet in the men’s room during her panic attack at thought of her upcoming
wedding planning appointment. After spontaneous consensual sex, they both sneak into the meeting. There is a continuous repetitive thread of misunderstandings. This should have been an entertaining read but instead I thought it to be incredibly boring.
Great double, double chance story. Violet is a contradiction of strength and weakness. Ryder is loyal to a fault. There are many, powerful, emotional scenes. Even a wonderful, steamy one.