Bayside Desires (Bayside Summers, #1)

by Melissa Foster

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Bayside Desires is the first book in the new series, Bayside Summers by Melissa Foster. I went into this story expecting a fun, flirty, sexy and emotional read and Melissa did not disappoint. This book makes for the perfect summer read.

This instalment tells the story of Rick Savage and Desiree Cleary. Rick is a co-owner of Bayside Resorts and he operates a thriving partnership in Washington DC. He is staying in the Cape for the summer but beyond that; he has no plans to stay, as being there stirs up painful memories. However, he would rethink that decision when Desiree came into his life.
Desiree, a pre-school teacher, found herself stuck in the Cape for the summer after being conned by her mother. She was not amused as she found herself spending time with a sister she barely knew and having responsibility for running an art gallery. However, she never expected that this would be a life-changing journey.


What I Enjoyed.
The story was fun, engaging, sexy and romantic. It held me captive from the first page and I could not wait to find out why Desiree’s mother tricked her into coming to the Cape. It ended the way it began sweet and endearing.
I liked both Desiree and Rick. They were characters whom I had no problem connecting with. They both had experienced pain in the past, which they have not dealt with, and it prevented them from living their life to the fullest. They are both successful in their respective careers but the pain from the past held them back. Rick’s issues lay in the fact that he has not been able to come to terms with his father’s death. He has difficulty with spending time with his family and taking part in activities; he used to share with his dad.


Desiree had mommy issues, which was understandable as she grew up believing her mother did not love her enough to stay with her. Her mother is an artist and a free spirit. She was never around when Desiree needed her. Desiree tried hard not to be like her mom, which led to her giving on art, for which she had a talent, and living a life free of spontaneity.
I loved the secondary characters. Characters from the Seaside series made an appearance. My favourite was Desiree’s sister Violet. She was the opposite of Desiree. She lived for spontaneity. She was not afraid to speak her mind. I enjoyed watching the development of the sisters’ relationship. Initially, it was hard, but the more time they spend together the closer they got.


The romance was sweet, sexy and hot. I enjoyed their initial meeting, which was funny and sweet. Their attraction to each other was clear from that moment. Their love for each other developed over the summer. What was meant to be a summer fling became something more meaningful. They were perfect for each other. Spending time with Rick brought out a side of her she never knew existed. Watching her move from a woman who prefers to err on the side of caution to one who was willing to take chances was delightful. They helped each other to work through their past hurt and overcome the obstacles they now faced.


What I did not like
The predictable ending. The HEA was expected, but I felt that the decision they made, in the end, to be together was rushed. The outcome of their decision was clichéd. I figured that was what would happen, but secretly I was hoping that I would be wrong. No such luck.

Verdict
Bayside Desires is a beautiful story of love, family, forgiveness and healing. If you love sweet romance that is packed with, heat and sizzle, then you will enjoy this book.