Aaron
When I’m running on fumes while driving on what feels like the loneliest stretch of road in California, I worry I’m in trouble. Luckily, I happen upon Aqua Vista, a sleepy coastal town with the only pump for miles, and the grumpy owner who is more gorgeous than he has any right to be. When I’m told I’ll need more than fuel to disable the check engine light on my dash, I figure there are worse places to be stuck while my car gets needed repairs.
Jack
After driving the handsome city dweller to a local motel, the last thing I expect is the hot hookup that happens afterward. As soon as his car is ready, he’s on his way home, so imagine my surprise when he shows up a couple of months later with an offer to buy my business. No way I want an out-of-towner to own part of what my family has built here. Even if I’m not always fulfilled by it. Besides, it belonged to my parents, and it’s all I have left of them.
When Aaron decides to spend several days in town, I figure it’s to soften me up to his proposal. I shouldn’t hook up with him again. Or spend time showing him around…but I do. Before I know it, the charming, attractive visitor starts to feel familiar, almost like he belongs here. Like he’s woven himself into the very fabric of Aqua Vista. I’m fooling myself, of course, and it’ll certainly sting when he hits the road. Outsiders never stay, and though I secretly wish he would, I’m no stranger to heartache.
Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions
I love a small town romance. I really loved that this small town is a fictional enclave on the California coast. I spent 10 years living in Northern California and through my travels have seen similar little towns.
Aaron and Jack are the main characters in the book, but I hazard to say the town of Aqua Vista is a character as well. Artsy, quirky, families that go back generations and residents who are fiercely loyal to their town and keeping it the way it is.
Of course Aaron stumbles on the town when his car needs service and being a real estate developer, can’t help but see dollar signs. Jack, who owns the service station, shuts him down quickly.
And while Jack and Aaron play a bit of cat and mouse with each other, Aaron’s business partner wants him to tighten the screws and get Jack to sell. But after spending time in the town, and with Jack, Aaron knows it’ll never happen.
There’s heartache in the town as well. Jack’s parents and brother in law were lost at sea and presumed dead a few years ago. They were a huge presence in the town and their loss is felt by many.
I really enjoyed having a story with more mature, grown men as the focus. The older I get, the older I want the leading men to get. They are only in their 30’s, if I recall correctly, but there is wisdom in years. With that maturity and wisdom comes no silly fights, no ultimatums, no generated drama for drama’s sake.
There were obstacles to overcome, but the author didn’t take the easy way out. Instead, well thought out decisions by the characters were made.
And since this is book 1, I cannot wait to revisit Aqua Vista for book 2.
4 pieces of eye candy