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Paradise Bay #2
Whisked Away
He’s a rich, famous writer. He doesn’t work or play well with others. He’s under an insane deadline. And I’m stuck on a private island with him for the next two months.
I was supposed to be taking my rightful place as head chef at one of my family’s resort restaurants.
Instead, I’m stranded on our new private island getaway, where I’ll be catering to
Pierce Davenport, an infuriatingly arrogant guest with a palate that’s about as adventurous as a plain boiled potato.
His personality leaves a lot to be desired, too—imagine if the Grinch and Oscar the Grouch had a baby.
That child would end up almost as grumpy as Pierce.
So when disaster strikes and he’s forced to rely on me to type for him, we wind up spending twenty-four hours a day together.
And when I have to transcribe a sexy time scene for him…well, let’s just say things heat up like a gas burner—fast and hot.
I can’t be falling for him, can I? I hate him. Like really hate him.
Only maybe I don’t…
Whisked Away is an irresistibly romantic, delightfully funny, enemies-to-lovers tale of passion, books, and food. It stars a writer who’s as talented as he is hot, a feisty chef who won’t put up with his crap, a ferocious iguana, and one of the most hilarious grand romantic gestures of all time. It can be enjoyed as a standalone. Strawberry daiquiris not included.
I was supposed to be taking my rightful place as head chef at one of my family’s resort restaurants.
Instead, I’m stranded on our new private island getaway, where I’ll be catering to
Pierce Davenport, an infuriatingly arrogant guest with a palate that’s about as adventurous as a plain boiled potato.
His personality leaves a lot to be desired, too—imagine if the Grinch and Oscar the Grouch had a baby.
That child would end up almost as grumpy as Pierce.
So when disaster strikes and he’s forced to rely on me to type for him, we wind up spending twenty-four hours a day together.
And when I have to transcribe a sexy time scene for him…well, let’s just say things heat up like a gas burner—fast and hot.
I can’t be falling for him, can I? I hate him. Like really hate him.
Only maybe I don’t…
Whisked Away is an irresistibly romantic, delightfully funny, enemies-to-lovers tale of passion, books, and food. It stars a writer who’s as talented as he is hot, a feisty chef who won’t put up with his crap, a ferocious iguana, and one of the most hilarious grand romantic gestures of all time. It can be enjoyed as a standalone. Strawberry daiquiris not included.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2019
About the author
Melanie Summers
42 books1,043 followersMelanie Summers is a multi-award-winning, Amazon best-selling author of romantic comedies and women’s fiction. She’s written over thirty books for people who have 'had it up to here' with the real world and need to laugh, feel good, and sigh happily. When she’s not writing or reading, she's usually out for a walk with her two adorable dogs, hanging out on the beach with her husband and their three teenagers, or curled up on the couch for family movie night. Melanie resides on Vancouver Island, Canada where her life goal is to become one of those fabulous people who take daily ice baths in the ocean. So far, she can get in up to her ankles, which is not awful, thank you very much.
Melanie Summers also writes under the name M.J. Summers
Melanie Summers also writes under the name M.J. Summers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
May 19, 2024
I’m so addicted to this author. Everything she writes makes me smile!
August 20, 2019
4.5 stars
This book blew me away with how enjoyable it was! I loved the story, I loved the individual characters, I loved the writing, and I loved the humour. All of those elements combined and created a novel that was way more than I expected.
As for the story, all I can say is this: think of a cynical polar opposite younger-hotter-dreamier-steamier George R. R. Martin who has isolated himself since rising to fame. This author then falls into a romance when escaping to a private island to finish writing the last instalment of his bestselling series. That is a simple description to a story that was more than incredible.
I found myself unable to put this book down. Whether it be because of the characters, the writing, the tension, or the chemistry--I'm not sure, everything was done perfectly. It was an amazing read that had me laughing in some instances and throwing my hands up in frustration the next.
If you like the writing styles of Sophie Kinsella, Sally Thorne, or Helen Hoang...check this novel out! I think readers who love those authors may be pleasantly surprised with this novel as well. It was a hit that caught me fully off guard and I know that whether it be in this series or not, I will be checking out more from this author.
***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
This book blew me away with how enjoyable it was! I loved the story, I loved the individual characters, I loved the writing, and I loved the humour. All of those elements combined and created a novel that was way more than I expected.
As for the story, all I can say is this: think of a cynical polar opposite younger-hotter-dreamier-steamier George R. R. Martin who has isolated himself since rising to fame. This author then falls into a romance when escaping to a private island to finish writing the last instalment of his bestselling series. That is a simple description to a story that was more than incredible.
I found myself unable to put this book down. Whether it be because of the characters, the writing, the tension, or the chemistry--I'm not sure, everything was done perfectly. It was an amazing read that had me laughing in some instances and throwing my hands up in frustration the next.
If you like the writing styles of Sophie Kinsella, Sally Thorne, or Helen Hoang...check this novel out! I think readers who love those authors may be pleasantly surprised with this novel as well. It was a hit that caught me fully off guard and I know that whether it be in this series or not, I will be checking out more from this author.
***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
November 23, 2020
Perfect Holiday Read for RomCom Lovers
📚 Series? Yes, can be read as a standalone.
📚 Genre? Adult > Contemporary Romance
📚 Reviewed for? #NetgalleyNovember #30DayReviewChallenge Day 9
⚠ Book Tags : Author Lead. Chef Lead. Island Romance.
⚠ This Book In Emojis: 👩🍳❤👨💻🏝🏖✒📖
Whisked Away is my first Melanie Summers read but I definitely adored her style. This book was about Pierce, a famous fantasy author, a la Game of Thrones fame, who escaped to an island for his series' epic conclusion. There he meets Emma, who is new to playing the role of head chef in her family's island getaway.
This book is such a fun enemies-to-lovers romance and I definitely went crazy over the banter. They have their sweet moments, too, and I especially love when Emma was helping Pierce write his novel.
Perhaps it was my mood that time, or the author just writes so good, that I read this so quick and time just flew by. Everything was just so charming. I fell in love not only with the two leads, but with everyone in the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read. Very reminiscent of Sophie Kinsella or Helen Hoang, perhaps. Will definitely check out the other two books of the series!
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌼 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Main Character:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Significant Other: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Romance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Unputdownability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
☁FINAL VERDICT: 4.55/5 ☁
Much thanks to Netgalley and Indigo Group for this complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own. Also, all quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
📚 Blog ♡ Booktube ♡ Bookstagram ♡ Facebook ♡ Twitter 📚
📚 Series? Yes, can be read as a standalone.
📚 Genre? Adult > Contemporary Romance
📚 Reviewed for? #NetgalleyNovember #30DayReviewChallenge Day 9
⚠ Book Tags : Author Lead. Chef Lead. Island Romance.
⚠ This Book In Emojis: 👩🍳❤👨💻🏝🏖✒📖
Whisked Away is my first Melanie Summers read but I definitely adored her style. This book was about Pierce, a famous fantasy author, a la Game of Thrones fame, who escaped to an island for his series' epic conclusion. There he meets Emma, who is new to playing the role of head chef in her family's island getaway.
This book is such a fun enemies-to-lovers romance and I definitely went crazy over the banter. They have their sweet moments, too, and I especially love when Emma was helping Pierce write his novel.
Perhaps it was my mood that time, or the author just writes so good, that I read this so quick and time just flew by. Everything was just so charming. I fell in love not only with the two leads, but with everyone in the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read. Very reminiscent of Sophie Kinsella or Helen Hoang, perhaps. Will definitely check out the other two books of the series!
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌼 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Main Character:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Significant Other: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Romance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Unputdownability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
☁FINAL VERDICT: 4.55/5 ☁
Much thanks to Netgalley and Indigo Group for this complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own. Also, all quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
📚 Blog ♡ Booktube ♡ Bookstagram ♡ Facebook ♡ Twitter 📚
June 2, 2019
I don't know how Melanie Summers keeps topping herself with each new book, but she manages to do it every single time and her stories never fail to surprise, impress, and delight me! Whisked Away is a follow-up to The Honeymooner and mostly takes place in Paradise Bay, a gorgeous tropical locale where there's a resort owned by the Banks family. In Book One, readers were introduced to eldest brother, Harrison, and this time around we meet and delve into the character of his younger sister, Emma, a recent graduate of culinary school, who has big plans to set the world on fire with her fusion cuisine.
Imagine Emma's disappointment when she finds herself stuck out on an isolated island cooking for just one finicky person who has absolutely no appreciation for her skills. She's there because she wants to pay back her brother for all he did to help her achieve her culinary school dreams, but it's a steep price to pay. Her difficult client is none other than famed fantasy writer, Pierce Davenport, who needs solitude in order to finish the last book of his incredibly popular series, Clash of Crowns. It's do or die for him because his publisher and legion of fans have been waiting not-patiently for this book for years and if he doesn't turn over a finished product by the deadline, the writers of the CoC series will crank out something, which is sure to be sub-par. Too bad Pierce is suffering from major writer's block and his change in scenery doesn't seem to be alleviating that. (I have to give major kudos to the author for the way she handled the CoC aspect of this book. It was clearly an affectionate spoof of the whole Game of Thrones phenomenon and she just nailed the whole thing, including how hardcore the fans are. She also did some incredible world-building with the CoC series and its characters. If these books actually existed, I would be one-clicking them right now!).
When something unfortunate happens to Pierce on this island paradise (one of the funniest scenes in the book!), he ends up needing Emma's help to complete his book. She makes a deal with him that will benefit the resort and soon they are working very closely together, revealing different sides of themselves to each other and connecting on a new level. Will a romance develop along with the plot of The Fire of Knights?
The burgeoning relationship between Emma and Pierce has A LOT of complications as they both have emotional hang-ups and they live halfway across the world from each other! So, there's some good, juicy stuff in the book with the two of them not always being on the same page and not communicating well. This all comes to a head toward the end of the book in another scene that had me laughing so hard I had to put aside the book for a few minutes to collect myself! But this is what Melanie Summers does best--bring heart and humor in equal measure to the climactic moments of her stories.
I enjoyed this book and its characters so much that I was sorry to see it end, but the good news is that the stage was set in Whisked Away for future books about Pierce's ne'er-do-well sibling, Leo, and Emma's adrenaline junkie brother, Will. I eagerly anticipate reading both of their stories and hope the author continues to write this series for a very long time!
I highly recommend this book and series to RomCom fans everywhere!
Imagine Emma's disappointment when she finds herself stuck out on an isolated island cooking for just one finicky person who has absolutely no appreciation for her skills. She's there because she wants to pay back her brother for all he did to help her achieve her culinary school dreams, but it's a steep price to pay. Her difficult client is none other than famed fantasy writer, Pierce Davenport, who needs solitude in order to finish the last book of his incredibly popular series, Clash of Crowns. It's do or die for him because his publisher and legion of fans have been waiting not-patiently for this book for years and if he doesn't turn over a finished product by the deadline, the writers of the CoC series will crank out something, which is sure to be sub-par. Too bad Pierce is suffering from major writer's block and his change in scenery doesn't seem to be alleviating that. (I have to give major kudos to the author for the way she handled the CoC aspect of this book. It was clearly an affectionate spoof of the whole Game of Thrones phenomenon and she just nailed the whole thing, including how hardcore the fans are. She also did some incredible world-building with the CoC series and its characters. If these books actually existed, I would be one-clicking them right now!).
When something unfortunate happens to Pierce on this island paradise (one of the funniest scenes in the book!), he ends up needing Emma's help to complete his book. She makes a deal with him that will benefit the resort and soon they are working very closely together, revealing different sides of themselves to each other and connecting on a new level. Will a romance develop along with the plot of The Fire of Knights?
The burgeoning relationship between Emma and Pierce has A LOT of complications as they both have emotional hang-ups and they live halfway across the world from each other! So, there's some good, juicy stuff in the book with the two of them not always being on the same page and not communicating well. This all comes to a head toward the end of the book in another scene that had me laughing so hard I had to put aside the book for a few minutes to collect myself! But this is what Melanie Summers does best--bring heart and humor in equal measure to the climactic moments of her stories.
I enjoyed this book and its characters so much that I was sorry to see it end, but the good news is that the stage was set in Whisked Away for future books about Pierce's ne'er-do-well sibling, Leo, and Emma's adrenaline junkie brother, Will. I eagerly anticipate reading both of their stories and hope the author continues to write this series for a very long time!
I highly recommend this book and series to RomCom fans everywhere!
August 9, 2019
4.5 stars this was one of the funniest romcoms I’ve read I burst out laughing numerous time causing all kinds of people to stare at me when I was reading at the Doctors office 🤣 Melanie’s sarcastic sense of humour is so much like mine it made this book so enjoyable and I stayed up until 2am to finish it because I couldn’t get enough! Even my husband laughed at some of the lines I read him!
Have you ever read a book that’s steamy without actually being steamy? The sexual tension is just so hot that you don’t need all the dirty talk because the author has done such a great job making you feel the emotions of the characters! This was that book! My only complaint is I felt a couple parts were drawn out a bit longer then needed but I didn’t mind because they still made me lol. I highly recommend this book for the rom com lovers out there
Thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Publishing for a copy of this book I’m exchange for my honest review
Have you ever read a book that’s steamy without actually being steamy? The sexual tension is just so hot that you don’t need all the dirty talk because the author has done such a great job making you feel the emotions of the characters! This was that book! My only complaint is I felt a couple parts were drawn out a bit longer then needed but I didn’t mind because they still made me lol. I highly recommend this book for the rom com lovers out there
Thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Publishing for a copy of this book I’m exchange for my honest review
February 17, 2020
Cute
Here are some of my thoughts:
• For this whole series in general, I love the strong family and friendship themes.
• It is funny how Pierce is a famous author of Clash of Crowns, the equivalent of Game of Thrones. I love how Emma has helped him with the typing and she gets to experienced his story-telling of the conclusion to his series.
• Emma is a chef and I appreciate that she has her own dreams and wants to commit to helping her family. She is also not afraid to fight back against Pierce and put him in his place when he is being arrogant.
• The love-hate relationship starts off really fun and humorous. I really like how they learn to get along and help one another. She helps him with the typing (and food) and he helps her to promote the resort. I have overall enjoyed their relationship. The part that I’m not a fan of in their relationship is the last third of the book.
Overall, I have enjoyed this book – with the romance and strong family and friendship elements. However, the progression of the story is perhaps not as good as the 1st. I would have given it a higher rating, but the last third is too much waiting and dawdling. 3 stars
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
Here are some of my thoughts:
• For this whole series in general, I love the strong family and friendship themes.
• It is funny how Pierce is a famous author of Clash of Crowns, the equivalent of Game of Thrones. I love how Emma has helped him with the typing and she gets to experienced his story-telling of the conclusion to his series.
• Emma is a chef and I appreciate that she has her own dreams and wants to commit to helping her family. She is also not afraid to fight back against Pierce and put him in his place when he is being arrogant.
• The love-hate relationship starts off really fun and humorous. I really like how they learn to get along and help one another. She helps him with the typing (and food) and he helps her to promote the resort. I have overall enjoyed their relationship. The part that I’m not a fan of in their relationship is the last third of the book.
Overall, I have enjoyed this book – with the romance and strong family and friendship elements. However, the progression of the story is perhaps not as good as the 1st. I would have given it a higher rating, but the last third is too much waiting and dawdling. 3 stars
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
February 24, 2023
DNF 27%
Maybe it would have helped to read the frist book in the series, maybe it would not have since this seems to be a standalone. But i just did not like the characters at all, bland and boring...and the writing felt a little all over the place, trying to be sexy, trying to be funny, trying to be as if we read it how the characters thought... Nothing really worked, sadly.
I got this eARC from Netgalley
Maybe it would have helped to read the frist book in the series, maybe it would not have since this seems to be a standalone. But i just did not like the characters at all, bland and boring...and the writing felt a little all over the place, trying to be sexy, trying to be funny, trying to be as if we read it how the characters thought... Nothing really worked, sadly.
I got this eARC from Netgalley
June 8, 2019
I would like to thank the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Clever and funny!
Clever and funny!
August 23, 2020
3.5 Stars
*A fun beach read with a humorous romance*
I’ve been craving some armchair travel since it seems like my passport sadly won’t be getting stamped any time soon. The Caribbean setting of Whisked Away caught my eye. And it certainly delivered on the light beach read front.
I enjoy the enemies-to-lovers troupe. And it made for some entertaining moments. The veiled references to the eternal wait for the end of A Game of Thrones to finish were comical and right on the nose. Emma and Pierce had good chemistry although the steamy moments are fade to black, so the story is pretty cozy overall. My main critique is that the ending dragged on too long. But this fun and amusing read was exactly what I was looking for, so it certainly succeeded in that regard.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
*A fun beach read with a humorous romance*
I’ve been craving some armchair travel since it seems like my passport sadly won’t be getting stamped any time soon. The Caribbean setting of Whisked Away caught my eye. And it certainly delivered on the light beach read front.
I enjoy the enemies-to-lovers troupe. And it made for some entertaining moments. The veiled references to the eternal wait for the end of A Game of Thrones to finish were comical and right on the nose. Emma and Pierce had good chemistry although the steamy moments are fade to black, so the story is pretty cozy overall. My main critique is that the ending dragged on too long. But this fun and amusing read was exactly what I was looking for, so it certainly succeeded in that regard.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
April 7, 2019
I received a free ebook copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to post a review
Have you ever felt frustrated that you couldn't just sit down and read a book from start to finish in one go? I'm pretty sure you have. Then you know exactly how I felt about reading Whisked Away.
Granted I received my copy in a very hectic, crazy and happy time in my life, but I still wanted to read it so much it hurt to know I couldn't.
I absolutely loved what Melanie Summers did with this book.
We get to follow Emma Banks, Harrison's little sister, and aspiring chef-extraordinaire and Pierce Davenport, the young, handsome Goerge R.R. Martin equivalent of Avonia.
Pierce has been stuck trying to write the conclusion to his worldwide best selling fantasy series Clash of Crowns for two years without a hint of success. Now he has been given a final deadline of two months before the TV network adapting the books pushes him aside and finishes it without him.
Pierce decides a secluded and secrets writers retreat to the Benavente Islands is what's going to help him out of his writers' block. He just didn't count on meeting Emma. Assigned to be Pierce's private chef on Eden Island, Emma never thought she would become Pierces' greatest distraction and the key to saving the Clash of Crowns universe.
In a true Melanie Summers fashion, Whisked away is a hilariously romantic rom-com. Filled with great anecdotes, sexy times, beautiful places and adorably funny side characters it makes for a fantastic read that will whisk you away from reality into the beautiful Caribbeans.
I know I didn't want this book to end and I will be (again) eagerly awaiting book #3. The fact that our main character is going to be Leo Davenport (Pierce's little brother and the black sheep of the Davenport family), is only guaranteed to make the wait feel that much longer.
Thank you so much to Melanie Summers for including me in your VIP readers club and for providing me with the copy of the book to review.
Have you ever felt frustrated that you couldn't just sit down and read a book from start to finish in one go? I'm pretty sure you have. Then you know exactly how I felt about reading Whisked Away.
Granted I received my copy in a very hectic, crazy and happy time in my life, but I still wanted to read it so much it hurt to know I couldn't.
I absolutely loved what Melanie Summers did with this book.
We get to follow Emma Banks, Harrison's little sister, and aspiring chef-extraordinaire and Pierce Davenport, the young, handsome Goerge R.R. Martin equivalent of Avonia.
Pierce has been stuck trying to write the conclusion to his worldwide best selling fantasy series Clash of Crowns for two years without a hint of success. Now he has been given a final deadline of two months before the TV network adapting the books pushes him aside and finishes it without him.
Pierce decides a secluded and secrets writers retreat to the Benavente Islands is what's going to help him out of his writers' block. He just didn't count on meeting Emma. Assigned to be Pierce's private chef on Eden Island, Emma never thought she would become Pierces' greatest distraction and the key to saving the Clash of Crowns universe.
In a true Melanie Summers fashion, Whisked away is a hilariously romantic rom-com. Filled with great anecdotes, sexy times, beautiful places and adorably funny side characters it makes for a fantastic read that will whisk you away from reality into the beautiful Caribbeans.
I know I didn't want this book to end and I will be (again) eagerly awaiting book #3. The fact that our main character is going to be Leo Davenport (Pierce's little brother and the black sheep of the Davenport family), is only guaranteed to make the wait feel that much longer.
Thank you so much to Melanie Summers for including me in your VIP readers club and for providing me with the copy of the book to review.
August 4, 2019
Thank you Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for sending me a digital arc of this book.
I always love a book that makes me up all night. I was up until 5 am last night finishing this one. Twenty seven years old, Emma Banks recently graduated from culinary schools and can't wait to be the head chef in one of their family resort restaurants where she can experiment with her cooking as she likes and build her dream career. However, upon her arrival to Paradise Bay, her brother sends her off to their new resort in a private island where she has to work alone in a small boat house kitchen with three tiny burners and duct taped cabinets. That's not even the worst part of it. The worst part is she has to serve the arrogant, insufferable, ridiculously handsome rich brat Pierce Davenport who seems to be rude to her right from the beginning. Pierce Davenport is one of the most prestigious author of the time.. His books Clash of Crowns has been adapted to world's most watched tv show and now he is on a deadline to finish the final installment of his grand fantasy series. The only problem is he has no idea how to finish his series However, once he moves to the paradise bay, inspiration strikes. but due to an unexpected disaster, he needs the help of the gorgeous chef, Emma, to finish his novel on time even though he can't seem to think of anything else other than her when she is around.
This is such a fantastic and wonderful book. Melanie Summers did such a great job with balancing comedy with romance. It made me giggle and laugh so many times. I adore each and every character in this book. I liked Pierce's pov a little more than Emma's just because he was funnier and it was hilarious seeing him deal with real emotions. Emma and Pierce has such a great chemistry and made me swoon so much. Pierce high on pain killers is my favorite version of him. The ending scene was so cute! I am literally squealing while typing this review.
This book is the perfect summer read for all the romcom lovers out there. I highly would recommend this book to everyone. I also looked at the other books in this series and am so excited to read them.
I always love a book that makes me up all night. I was up until 5 am last night finishing this one. Twenty seven years old, Emma Banks recently graduated from culinary schools and can't wait to be the head chef in one of their family resort restaurants where she can experiment with her cooking as she likes and build her dream career. However, upon her arrival to Paradise Bay, her brother sends her off to their new resort in a private island where she has to work alone in a small boat house kitchen with three tiny burners and duct taped cabinets. That's not even the worst part of it. The worst part is she has to serve the arrogant, insufferable, ridiculously handsome rich brat Pierce Davenport who seems to be rude to her right from the beginning. Pierce Davenport is one of the most prestigious author of the time.. His books Clash of Crowns has been adapted to world's most watched tv show and now he is on a deadline to finish the final installment of his grand fantasy series. The only problem is he has no idea how to finish his series However, once he moves to the paradise bay, inspiration strikes. but due to an unexpected disaster, he needs the help of the gorgeous chef, Emma, to finish his novel on time even though he can't seem to think of anything else other than her when she is around.
This is such a fantastic and wonderful book. Melanie Summers did such a great job with balancing comedy with romance. It made me giggle and laugh so many times. I adore each and every character in this book. I liked Pierce's pov a little more than Emma's just because he was funnier and it was hilarious seeing him deal with real emotions. Emma and Pierce has such a great chemistry and made me swoon so much. Pierce high on pain killers is my favorite version of him. The ending scene was so cute! I am literally squealing while typing this review.
This book is the perfect summer read for all the romcom lovers out there. I highly would recommend this book to everyone. I also looked at the other books in this series and am so excited to read them.
March 28, 2020
This was a cute, quick read with two feisty leads that led to a lot of great tension, humor, and drama. I haven't read any of the author's other books (all her series have overlap), but I was totally fine and any previous relationships that mattered were quickly and nicely explained. This novel can totally be enjoyed as a standalone.
I really liked that there was a lot more to this book than just the fiery romance. Both Emma and Pierce were very focused on the future of their careers and moving past current setbacks in their lives. The descriptions were on point in this book. (I'm disappointed there wasn't a moped involved - curse you for lying to me, cover!) And the not-so-subtle digs at GRRM and Game of Thrones were hilarious. Overall though, it simply wasn't very memorable.
I will definitely be reading the book about Emma's younger brother, Will. He was sassy and really funny!
I really liked that there was a lot more to this book than just the fiery romance. Both Emma and Pierce were very focused on the future of their careers and moving past current setbacks in their lives. The descriptions were on point in this book. (I'm disappointed there wasn't a moped involved - curse you for lying to me, cover!) And the not-so-subtle digs at GRRM and Game of Thrones were hilarious. Overall though, it simply wasn't very memorable.
I will definitely be reading the book about Emma's younger brother, Will. He was sassy and really funny!
August 10, 2019
Oh my giddy Aunt. I am so in love with these hilarious novels by Melanie Summers, she manages to keep you smiling and audibly laughing even through those teary pages.
I need to read the third installment and find out where this amazing group of people and up.
I received this book for free from Netgalley I'd return for my honest opinion. And in all honesty it was brilliant.
I need to read the third installment and find out where this amazing group of people and up.
I received this book for free from Netgalley I'd return for my honest opinion. And in all honesty it was brilliant.
April 9, 2020
Whisked Away was such a nice and enjoyable read.
It is the second book in the Paradise Bay series and even if it could be read as a stand alone I suggest you to start from the first story because Melanie Summers did a great job creating this carrabean island and all these characters.
I'm now off to get the third novel because I'm so curious to know what happens next.
April 26, 2019
Insanely great, comedic antics abound, grouchy nit picky Pierce and sassy chef Emma clash on the islands of Paradise Bay! This is run for the bathroom to avoid any accidents funny so be warned!
There aren't enough ways to describe how much I loved this story and everything about it! It's hilarious, warm, witty, romantic and totally snarky! My kind of book! Add to that my all time favorite author and I fell so hard and fast for this one.
Emma has finished Culinary school in NY, one amazing chef and anxious to return to Paradise Bay to show her family her skills in the kitchen. In part too, for being grateful to them for sending her and looking after her. Pierce is an author who is stuck in a moment and he can't get out of it and his publisher is hounding the best selling writer to meet his deadline for his next book, a little past due.
The man's got nothin', absolutely nothin'. He's a cranky, demanding pain in the backside and decides to flee home and head to an isolated oasis, Paradise Bay. They've just opened the newest and most expensive private estate on a small island. He's the first guest there and he's paying top dollar for it.
The island and resort is still recouping from the hurricane the season before and the success of this newest addition along with the guest is pretty important to the business.
Emma arrives home, a tad disappointed that there is no one greeting her, she totally underwhelmed when she learns that she won't be afforded a role in one of the top kitchens and add to that, she's now relegated to a tiny houseboat which she'll not only live on but with a less that adequate kitchen even for one person, much less preparing the meals her guest expects. Her sole job is to cater to this totally miserable grouch of a man, who gets on her last nerve. Her inner dialogue is over the top snarky, she takes no prisoners this girl. Pierce is a spoiled arse and couple him with the house staff that's living in the little houseboat next to her, she's over the whole situation. Pierce however is smitten with Miss Emma and again the dialogue is insanely good. Throughout this well woven story, we get to meet again a few of the islands residents, a couple new ones and Emma's charming family. A brother who is none too happy that when he learns that the two are now living under the same roof due to a happy little mishap that Pierce has with an iguana. Yep... only one of the scenes I found myself making a made dash to the bathroom so I didn't wet my britches. He needs her mad typing skills and his attraction to her helps him get his mojo back, he's well on his way into this next book. I'm going to leave you hanging because it's what I do, what you should do is read this book! Absolutely must read! Melanie writes a heck of a romance story, but wowza can she ever write romantic comedy. Right down to her mad map making skills, this is a place you want to visit again and again. Two amazing characters, a romantic fun filled tale and an ending you just have to read. It will have you packing your bags and booking your next vacation to Paradise Bay!
Far more than a 5 star read for me! Stellar read and I anxiously await the next book! I do believe we'll be seeing ladykiller Leo! Be still my crazy heart!
There aren't enough ways to describe how much I loved this story and everything about it! It's hilarious, warm, witty, romantic and totally snarky! My kind of book! Add to that my all time favorite author and I fell so hard and fast for this one.
Emma has finished Culinary school in NY, one amazing chef and anxious to return to Paradise Bay to show her family her skills in the kitchen. In part too, for being grateful to them for sending her and looking after her. Pierce is an author who is stuck in a moment and he can't get out of it and his publisher is hounding the best selling writer to meet his deadline for his next book, a little past due.
The man's got nothin', absolutely nothin'. He's a cranky, demanding pain in the backside and decides to flee home and head to an isolated oasis, Paradise Bay. They've just opened the newest and most expensive private estate on a small island. He's the first guest there and he's paying top dollar for it.
The island and resort is still recouping from the hurricane the season before and the success of this newest addition along with the guest is pretty important to the business.
Emma arrives home, a tad disappointed that there is no one greeting her, she totally underwhelmed when she learns that she won't be afforded a role in one of the top kitchens and add to that, she's now relegated to a tiny houseboat which she'll not only live on but with a less that adequate kitchen even for one person, much less preparing the meals her guest expects. Her sole job is to cater to this totally miserable grouch of a man, who gets on her last nerve. Her inner dialogue is over the top snarky, she takes no prisoners this girl. Pierce is a spoiled arse and couple him with the house staff that's living in the little houseboat next to her, she's over the whole situation. Pierce however is smitten with Miss Emma and again the dialogue is insanely good. Throughout this well woven story, we get to meet again a few of the islands residents, a couple new ones and Emma's charming family. A brother who is none too happy that when he learns that the two are now living under the same roof due to a happy little mishap that Pierce has with an iguana. Yep... only one of the scenes I found myself making a made dash to the bathroom so I didn't wet my britches. He needs her mad typing skills and his attraction to her helps him get his mojo back, he's well on his way into this next book. I'm going to leave you hanging because it's what I do, what you should do is read this book! Absolutely must read! Melanie writes a heck of a romance story, but wowza can she ever write romantic comedy. Right down to her mad map making skills, this is a place you want to visit again and again. Two amazing characters, a romantic fun filled tale and an ending you just have to read. It will have you packing your bags and booking your next vacation to Paradise Bay!
Far more than a 5 star read for me! Stellar read and I anxiously await the next book! I do believe we'll be seeing ladykiller Leo! Be still my crazy heart!
December 16, 2021
This book was very much better than the first book in the series. its the story with Harrison's sister, Emma she is just out of culinary school and she expected to work in Harrison's new Resort but she is a she is appointed as the personal Chef to Pierce, the world famous writer of clash of thrones,who is now suffering from writers block.
he is in his tropical Getaway to get some inspiration on his writing, after an initial disagreement Emma and Pierce strikes up an arrangement where she will help help him write the story as he has had an accident with his hand and they had a casual relationship.
but after completing the story and they parted they both realise that they have something much more serious than a casual relationship but Pierce was held up on his securities that he tried to fit Emma into his own personal circle by uprooting her completely from her home.
Obviously that was not happening,surely not what she wanted after some grovelling from from both parties they end up together.
this book was very much better than the first book,the first book was a bit of cliché but I love the struggling writer part of this book, that was very entertaining.
In this book we find Harrison And Libby getting married and that they are pregnant,the epilogue of the book also have you know that they have a baby girl.
I was actually kind of disappointed by the first book but by the second book I am actually getting interested in reading the next book in the series it is about Pierce's brother Leopold.
he is in his tropical Getaway to get some inspiration on his writing, after an initial disagreement Emma and Pierce strikes up an arrangement where she will help help him write the story as he has had an accident with his hand and they had a casual relationship.
but after completing the story and they parted they both realise that they have something much more serious than a casual relationship but Pierce was held up on his securities that he tried to fit Emma into his own personal circle by uprooting her completely from her home.
Obviously that was not happening,surely not what she wanted after some grovelling from from both parties they end up together.
this book was very much better than the first book,the first book was a bit of cliché but I love the struggling writer part of this book, that was very entertaining.
In this book we find Harrison And Libby getting married and that they are pregnant,the epilogue of the book also have you know that they have a baby girl.
I was actually kind of disappointed by the first book but by the second book I am actually getting interested in reading the next book in the series it is about Pierce's brother Leopold.
June 11, 2020
Oh my gosh! That is one of the funniest things I’ve ever read. It fed my snarky, sarcastic nerd-girl soul. I loved everything about Emma, even though her piss-y judgemental attitude occasionally made me a little batty. Peirce was a tougher nut to crack. He very successfully hid his vulnerabilities behind a stoic aristocratic reserve that made him difficult to like at times. It was easy to see why that behavior sent Emma into furious harpy mode. But, oh boy, did I love laughing at their clashes. The things this pair does to and for one another are pretty remarkable – in both good and bad ways. This book had me in tears. Most of the time it was because I was laughing so hard, but there were some moments that came close to bringing out the ugly-cry in me. I can’t wait to see what the author gives us next.
March 14, 2022
This book was a solid 3 for me up until the last 25%. This is when it went so sideways and I was honestly tempted to throw my eReader across the room.
1) the author went with the "I made decisions on your behalf and assumed you would love it but didn't. So because of that you are ungrateful" it is REAL hard to redeem the main male character after making them say and think horrible things.
2) the authors descriptions of "poor, pathetic loser nerds who attend comic conventions" was honestly rude af. I can't even excuse the author because this was written post game of thrones and the increase popularity of comic cons.
For what was meant to be a "laugh out loud" romantic comedy, it did not make me laugh, but instead left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
1) the author went with the "I made decisions on your behalf and assumed you would love it but didn't. So because of that you are ungrateful" it is REAL hard to redeem the main male character after making them say and think horrible things.
2) the authors descriptions of "poor, pathetic loser nerds who attend comic conventions" was honestly rude af. I can't even excuse the author because this was written post game of thrones and the increase popularity of comic cons.
For what was meant to be a "laugh out loud" romantic comedy, it did not make me laugh, but instead left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2019
Why is it over??? WHY???
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I just loved this book. I laughed so much and when I wasn’t laughing, I was chuckling.
Pierce and Emma have quickly become one of my favorite couples.
I love the way this author writes. Some books are slow to start or drag at some point but here... I didn’t notice and I was half-way through. That is some great writing.
It was great visiting paradise island again and catch up with the characters from The Honeymooner.
I can’t wait for book #3. Please get here soon.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I just loved this book. I laughed so much and when I wasn’t laughing, I was chuckling.
Pierce and Emma have quickly become one of my favorite couples.
I love the way this author writes. Some books are slow to start or drag at some point but here... I didn’t notice and I was half-way through. That is some great writing.
It was great visiting paradise island again and catch up with the characters from The Honeymooner.
I can’t wait for book #3. Please get here soon.
April 15, 2019
Ms. Summer’s books are so fun to read. I love the humor in the books. I think it must be hard being the baby of the family or Emma, getting most of what you want, and then feeling like you owe your family. Of course Emma had high hopes of being a great chef at her family’s resort island. I love all she had to go through to prove herself and help the family. Of course this is where she meets Pierce. I felt bad with the kind of parents he had growing up. I can understand why he felt he was better off being alone. And if you are rich and have all the money you could ever want, you can do what you want! Emma and Pierce’s relationship was up and down, and so funny at times. I enjoyed the book and encourage you to read it. I was given the book, read it, and voluntarily wrote a review.
January 17, 2020
She has just finished college and she expects to take her place as head chef but she is sent to the island resort instead. She has to pamper to the rich and she is not happy about it. He has written a popular series and now he needs to write the ending but he just cannot come up with it. They will clash. Can they help each other? Will it all end in disaster? See how it goes
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2020
4 1/2 stars
Emma and Pierce had quite a turn of events, which started with the two pretty much despising each other. Once that changed, the sparks quickly flew.
While I didn’t necessarily care for the big bump in their relationship, I loved every other aspect of their story, including their happily ever after.
Emma and Pierce had quite a turn of events, which started with the two pretty much despising each other. Once that changed, the sparks quickly flew.
While I didn’t necessarily care for the big bump in their relationship, I loved every other aspect of their story, including their happily ever after.
January 24, 2021
Me encantó el personaje de Emma en la primera parte, y tenia muchas ganas de leer esta porque ella era la protagonista.
La historia me ha encantado, ella es divertida y patosa como nadie, pero también valiente y no se deja amedrentar por nadie, ni siquiera por el famoso y multimillonario escritor Pierce Davenport.
Melannie sabe como escribir comedia romántica y nos lo vuelve a demostrar en esta segunda parte de Paradise Bay.
Lo único que le reprocho son tantas idas y venidas entre Emma y Pierce, que al final se me ha hecho un poquito pesado y por eso no se lleva las 5 estrellas.
La historia me ha encantado, ella es divertida y patosa como nadie, pero también valiente y no se deja amedrentar por nadie, ni siquiera por el famoso y multimillonario escritor Pierce Davenport.
Melannie sabe como escribir comedia romántica y nos lo vuelve a demostrar en esta segunda parte de Paradise Bay.
Lo único que le reprocho son tantas idas y venidas entre Emma y Pierce, que al final se me ha hecho un poquito pesado y por eso no se lleva las 5 estrellas.
October 13, 2019
One of my all-time favorite lines from a book: "And there's a feisty edge to her that I'm drawn to like a Kardashian to a camera lens."
May 19, 2020
I really enjoyed the story line and the author witty writing.
June 23, 2020
Quite a charming little book. Lots of fun sly references and good characters. Kept me turning the pages.
December 16, 2021
I can not wait to finish this series! These books are so good. I love the characters. I will be reading more of Melanie Summers.
June 27, 2020
First thoughts: Two very interesting MCs. Fun plot. Just throw in a little Game of Thrones! Nice touch. Rather fun.
December 19, 2023
This is Book 2 in the Paradise Bay Series. I gave the first Book (“The Honeymooner”) 4 stars. It featured Harrison Banks falling in love with Libby, a resort guest. This book focuses on Harrison’s sister Emma. She and her brothers used to live in Valcourt, Avonia, a fictional location in the United Kingdom (“east of England and north of Belgium”). They moved with their Uncle Oscar to Santa Valentina island after their parents both died in a car accident when Emma was 7 years old. When Oscar died, Harrison became responsible for his younger siblings and took over running the resort. It’s not clear whether they all inherited a third. Eventually, Emma’s brother Will left to pursue a different career and Emma went to culinary school (paid for by Harrison despite a cash flow problem at the resort).
As the book begins, Emma has graduated and heads back to Paradise Bay to begin her career and, she hopes, eventually become a famous chef. Emma is hard to take if you’ve read Book 1. She and her brothers presumably all inherited an island resort but only Harrison managed it and he did that while raising his siblings. When the resort was devastated by a hurricane (2 years earlier) Harrison took out bank loans to pay for the repairs and renovations. Following Book 1, Harrison and Libby come up with a last ditch effort to save the resort from bankruptcy by turning a private island (“Eden”) into a high end luxury retreat. “If the launch of Eden fails, the bank will own everything by the end of the year.” And yet Emma is constantly complaining about her role at the resort despite having contributed nothing since Oscar died.
Pierce Davenport was born to extraordinary wealth, raised by nannies, and then became even more “disgustingly rich” after writing a “gory sex filled” blockbuster fantasy drama series called “Clash of Crowns”. The books sound like “The Game of Thrones” and he sounds like a young handsome version of George R. R. Martin. Like the real George R. R. Martin, Pierce is driving his fans crazy with his long delay in writing the latest sequel. In order to prevent the producers of the “Clash of Crowns” “NBO” TV show from hiring other writers to write new (subpar) episodes of the show, Pierce has rented Eden for two months to finish the sequel before others do it for him and it’s “FUBAR.”
Pierce is famous, arrogant, misanthropic, antisocial and abhors the concept of marriage as “a monumental misstep. There’s no such thing as lasting love, just temporary insanity followed either by divorce or 50 years of waiting for your spouse to kick off so you can get beck to watching what you want on the telly.”
Emma thought she was returning to become the head chef at one of her family’s resort restaurants. Instead, Harrison has appointed her to be Pierce’s private chef on Eden. The plan is to rent the island for $25,000 a night and use that income to get out of debt and return the resort to profitability. Before that can be done, however, Harrison has set up a “soft launch” for $12,500 per night with the hope that Eden’s first guest will help spread the word about the high end private island experience. And the $750,000 that their first guest will pay for 2 months will definitely help the bottom line.
That first guest is Pierce and the future of the resort will likely depend on whether he is pleased with the experience. Unfortunately, Emma is snarky, defiant, and outright rude with Pierce, unhappy about the assignment, annoyed that she has to cook and live offshore on a houseboat, and frustrated by the distance between the villa and the houseboat. She barely hides the fact that she “hates” Pierce despite how crucial it is that he be happy. Although the limited contact with him was too much contact for Emma, an accident forces her to stay with him round the clock in order to type for him. Fortunately, Pierce is drawn to the “beautiful” and “feisty” Emma and this becomes a classic and enjoyable enemies to lovers romance.
But it was shocking how poorly prepared Harrison and Libby were for the arrival of their make or break guest. The houseboat is woefully unsuitable for cooking epicurean dishes, the path to the Villa is difficult to traverse, and they failed to set up a way to get Emma and the food to the Villa in the rain. Emma gets virtually no time to settle in, skips taking a shower after a long flight, smells bad for the guest, and wears a uniform that doesn’t even fit, resulting in her pants splitting without anything underneath. With such terrible planning, I was almost rooting for them to fail. And, for $12,500-25,000 night, the Villa only has one bed???
I also don’t share the author’s love of “Edward Scissorhands”. In fact, I hated it and wasn’t clear why it needed to be in the book.
Still, this was a fun story. The pairing was beyond unlikely, and I didn’t like Emma or Pierce at first, but I got sucked in and enjoyed their growing attraction to each other.
As the book begins, Emma has graduated and heads back to Paradise Bay to begin her career and, she hopes, eventually become a famous chef. Emma is hard to take if you’ve read Book 1. She and her brothers presumably all inherited an island resort but only Harrison managed it and he did that while raising his siblings. When the resort was devastated by a hurricane (2 years earlier) Harrison took out bank loans to pay for the repairs and renovations. Following Book 1, Harrison and Libby come up with a last ditch effort to save the resort from bankruptcy by turning a private island (“Eden”) into a high end luxury retreat. “If the launch of Eden fails, the bank will own everything by the end of the year.” And yet Emma is constantly complaining about her role at the resort despite having contributed nothing since Oscar died.
Pierce Davenport was born to extraordinary wealth, raised by nannies, and then became even more “disgustingly rich” after writing a “gory sex filled” blockbuster fantasy drama series called “Clash of Crowns”. The books sound like “The Game of Thrones” and he sounds like a young handsome version of George R. R. Martin. Like the real George R. R. Martin, Pierce is driving his fans crazy with his long delay in writing the latest sequel. In order to prevent the producers of the “Clash of Crowns” “NBO” TV show from hiring other writers to write new (subpar) episodes of the show, Pierce has rented Eden for two months to finish the sequel before others do it for him and it’s “FUBAR.”
Pierce is famous, arrogant, misanthropic, antisocial and abhors the concept of marriage as “a monumental misstep. There’s no such thing as lasting love, just temporary insanity followed either by divorce or 50 years of waiting for your spouse to kick off so you can get beck to watching what you want on the telly.”
Emma thought she was returning to become the head chef at one of her family’s resort restaurants. Instead, Harrison has appointed her to be Pierce’s private chef on Eden. The plan is to rent the island for $25,000 a night and use that income to get out of debt and return the resort to profitability. Before that can be done, however, Harrison has set up a “soft launch” for $12,500 per night with the hope that Eden’s first guest will help spread the word about the high end private island experience. And the $750,000 that their first guest will pay for 2 months will definitely help the bottom line.
That first guest is Pierce and the future of the resort will likely depend on whether he is pleased with the experience. Unfortunately, Emma is snarky, defiant, and outright rude with Pierce, unhappy about the assignment, annoyed that she has to cook and live offshore on a houseboat, and frustrated by the distance between the villa and the houseboat. She barely hides the fact that she “hates” Pierce despite how crucial it is that he be happy. Although the limited contact with him was too much contact for Emma, an accident forces her to stay with him round the clock in order to type for him. Fortunately, Pierce is drawn to the “beautiful” and “feisty” Emma and this becomes a classic and enjoyable enemies to lovers romance.
But it was shocking how poorly prepared Harrison and Libby were for the arrival of their make or break guest. The houseboat is woefully unsuitable for cooking epicurean dishes, the path to the Villa is difficult to traverse, and they failed to set up a way to get Emma and the food to the Villa in the rain. Emma gets virtually no time to settle in, skips taking a shower after a long flight, smells bad for the guest, and wears a uniform that doesn’t even fit, resulting in her pants splitting without anything underneath. With such terrible planning, I was almost rooting for them to fail. And, for $12,500-25,000 night, the Villa only has one bed???
I also don’t share the author’s love of “Edward Scissorhands”. In fact, I hated it and wasn’t clear why it needed to be in the book.
Still, this was a fun story. The pairing was beyond unlikely, and I didn’t like Emma or Pierce at first, but I got sucked in and enjoyed their growing attraction to each other.
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