Friday, June 20, 2014

[Kame's Review]: "Up To Me"

Up To Me by Christi Barth
Publisher: Carina Press (June 23, 2014)
Series: Shore Secrets, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Ella Mayhew's always appreciated the beautiful view of Seneca Lake from the spa window of her family's hotel.But the view improves dramatically when a hot stranger runs across the grounds—shirtless. He's the first man to kickstart her hormones in the three years since she lost her parents, and she doesn't even know his name.

Graydon Locke's on his umpteenth undercover assignment. The routine's always the same: assess a business, recommend it for closure, then roll out before anyone discovers his decisions impact hundreds of lives. He's always believed nothing good comes out of small towns. Why would this one be different? Then he makes two classic rookie mistakes—falling for the sweet, sexy girl who owns the very business he's on the verge of axing. And letting the town's residents get involved in both his life, and his relationship with Ella.

Ella's the best thing to ever happen to Gray, but he's lied to her from the start. If he pulls the plug on Mayhew Manor, the entire town may crumble. Ella couldn't save her parents, but it's up to her to save their hotel. Even if that means turning her back on true love.



Where to Buy*:
More Info:

Reviews of Barth's Previous Books:

Friends to Lovers (#3) -- TBQ


Kame's Review:



What a great first book in a series.


Ella lives in a small town; a small town that has taken being her support system very seriously. When Ella stretched her wings and decided to make some decisions for her own horrible things happened and when she had a hard time coping the town was there to help her find her way. Gray has come to town to secretly evaluate if the town's resort was perfect for a take over. He travels a lot and never really makes a point to get to know anyone at the locations he travels to; but something is different about Ella.


I love this small town, it is quirky but warm; and I enjoyed that they welcomed a stranger with such open arms. Gray is all kind of hunky but he has a vulnerable side too. He has a past that is hard to put behind him and he is dedicated to make his mother's life easier. I liked how Ella was on the final stages of healing. She is a strong character. 


Book centers around a resort and the running of it which I thought was interesting. This is more than just a backdrop we actually see Ella and Gray discuss resort issues. The town was great with all the traditional small town characters. I am hoping that means there are lots of books in this series to come. No real cliff hanger and we know there will be an HEA. Future books will likely also see Ella and Gray make an appearance which adds to the appeal.


It is safe to say I want book 2 NOW instead of waiting until Feb 2015!



5 STARS! 

~ * ~ * ~

Kame received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for her honest opinion.

~ * ~ * ~


Thanks for the review, Kame! :) I'm so glad you loved this one, it sounds great, so it's going on my list! I so enjoyed reading Barth's Friends to Lovers book last year. 

Have you read Chrisit Barth before? Do you have a favorite book of hers? 






Enjoy!


Until Next Time,


Photobucket

  *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

2 comments :

Sophia Rose said...

I love the sound of this one. Small Town romances are so appealing to me. Oh boy does he have a lot of 'splaining to do and more to make up for what he plans to do.

The_Book_Queen said...

LOL :) It does sound good, doesn't it?