Hopelessly Romantic (A Heartwarming and Humorous Romance) - Barbara Freethy

Hopelessly Romantic (A Heartwarming and Humorous Romance)

By Barbara Freethy

  • Release Date: 2024-04-02
  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 172 Ratings

Description

Welcome to OCEAN SHORES in the sun-soaked paradise of Oceanside, California where the ocean pounds the shore, surfers ride the early morning waves, and the local military base sends roaring jets into the sky. Just steps from the sand sits a large apartment building filled with interesting and quirky tenants, possible love connections, and more than a few secrets! Once you come to visit, you'll never want to leave…

In HOPELESSLY ROMANTIC, Ava Campbell, a pragmatic and fiercely independent woman, is housesitting for her newlywed sister Serena, whom she practically raised. Struggling with the void left by her sister's departure and the feeling that life is passing her by, Ava's solitude is shattered by Liam Nash, a laid-back Australian surfer with a smile as captivating as the waves he rides.

Liam is clearly someone with absolutely no boundaries, and he insists that he has the green light from Serena's hubby, Brad, to crash at the apartment. With no room for negotiation, these two opposites are forced into a shared living arrangement, further complicated by the antics of Miss Daisy, a feisty feline with a knack for mischief.

As Ava's grumpy, cynical attitude clashes with Liam's sunny optimism, sparks fly, and an unexpected connection blooms. Can Liam's infectious charm thaw Ava's very well-guarded heart? Will Ava discover that the best things in life often arrive when you least expect them?

Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions in this humorous and heartwarming tale that proves love can sneak up on you in the most unexpected places, leaving you breathless and yearning for more.

HOPELESSLY ROMANTIC is the first book in the utterly charming and irresistibly appealing Ocean Shores Series from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy. For fans of Robyn Carr, Susan Mallery, and Lucy Score!

PRAISE FOR BARBARA FREETHY NOVELS…

"A fabulous, page-turning combination of romance and intrigue. Fans of Nora Roberts and Elizabeth Lowell will love this book." — NYT Bestselling Author Kristin Hannah on Golden Lies

"A warm, moving story of the power of love." — NYT Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber on Daniel's Gift

"Freethy's zesty storytelling will keep readers hooked, and the sisters' loving but prickly interactions will make anyone with a sibling smile." Publishers Weekly on Summer Secrets

"Gifted author Barbara Freethy creates an irresistible tale of family secrets, riveting adventure and heart- touching romance." — NYT Bestselling Author Susan Wiggs on Summer Secrets

"This book has it all: heart, community, and characters who will remain with you long after the book has ended. A wonderful story." — NYT Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber on Suddenly One Summer

"From the rocky isolation of Alcatraz to the haunts of California's historic North Beach, this intricately plotted story has more twists and turns than Lombard Street as it takes its characters on a dangerous adventure with roots in a deadly past. Romance sizzles between the wary protagonists in this riveting page-turner ..." — Library Journal on Taken

"Hooked me from the start and kept me turning pages throughout all the twists and turns. Silent Run is powerful romantic intrigue at its best." — NYT Bestselling Author JoAnn Ross

Reviews

  • 5⭐️

    5
    By MomMom56
    A very enjoyable read!!!
  • Loved it!

    5
    By 1 ExBanker
    Loved the book. Loved the characters. LOVED the setting
  • Hopelessly Romantic

    5
    By pudge48
    Loved this story. Can’t wait for the next one. I haven’t read a book of yours I didn’t like. Pudge48
  • Good Book!

    5
    By LoveDachshunds
    “Hopelessly Romantic" by Barbara Freethy is an enjoyable reading experience that is sure to lift your spirits. In this charming tale, Ava finds herself in an unexpected situation when her sister, Serena, persuades her to cat-sit at her and her new husband, Brad's, apartment while they're on their honeymoon. Ava's surprise turns to shock when she discovers that Liam, a friend of Brad's, has also been asked to stay at the apartment during the couple’s absence. Faced with a dilemma and bound by their promises, Ava and Liam must find a way to coexist peacefully. Barbara crafts a delightful story of unexpected roommates, turning a potentially awkward situation into a heartwarming exploration of compromise, friendship, and the possibility of romance. Adding another layer of charm to the story are the other residents residing in the Ocean Shores apartments. Each character adds depth and warmth to the book. Barbara has once again created relatable and endearing characters who enhance the overall charm of the book. I definitely recommend this book, and I look forward to the next installment of the series.
  • Hopelessly Romantic

    5
    By mgilbert10
    This was a good book and it was not boring at all!
  • Highly Recommend

    5
    By cmatinale
    Can opposites fall in love! Yes they can. Ava and Liam are such lovable characters. Beautifully written story about opposite outlooks on life. And Ocean Shores is just the place to help them get together. Magic happens at Ocean Shores. It’s a small community of interesting people. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
  • JennieF

    4
    By Jen G F
    Hopelessly Romantic is book 1 in the Ocean Shores series by Barbara Freethy about a workaholic woman and a Aussie surfer. 4.5 stars Ava comes to Oceanside to house and cat sit for her sister who’s getting married and leaving on her honeymoon, continuing to work remotely and ends up with Liam as her roommate. Such a fun read, opposites attract, friends interfering, opening up her heart and more..you don’t want to miss out on this read or this series, get a copy now! I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
  • To find love once more

    5
    By jilsc
    Hopelessly Romantic is Book 1 of the new series of Ocean Shores. Barbara Freethy, has once again proved great writing skills with this series. Ava and Liam are the first of the characters to discover how to heal from past hurts to find love in their journey through each other and their surroundings I strongly recommend this book and look forward to the next book in this series. Enjoy.
  • Great start to new series.

    5
    By Grinandstampit
    Hopelessly Romantic is the first book in a new series by 5 star author Barbara Freethy. It introduces quite a few new characters in the setting of a wedding but focuses on the brides sister Ava. Ava was very stoic, careful and anxious. She was concerned for her sister as from meeting to marriage only 8 months had passed. While Serena is on her honeymoon Ava apartment sits. But unbeknownst to her so does Liam, an outgoing Aussie. I could hear his accent in my head while reading. As you can imagine some issues arise. As they get to know each other the reader also gets to see that Ava is so much more than expected. Can Liam bring her out of her rigid actions? I loved watching these characters bloom. Kudos to Barbara Freethy on this new series as she sets us up for wanting to know more of the characters at Ocean Shores.
  • Hopelessly Romantic

    4
    By ewhite2003
    Time flew as I read enjoying this captivating plot in a new series. A winner for the author that I recommend. Given arc for my voluntary review