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Tanlines #1
The Sweet Spot
Wren
Summertime…and the living’s easy—at least, that’s what they say.
Me? I should be roadtripping with my best friend, living my best life while I count down the days to my freshman year of college. Instead, I’m broke as a joke and selling ice cream on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk for the millionth year in a row.
Did I mention I also randomly found my dad online? The dad I’ve never met?
But then, one day, the most gorgeous guy I have ever seen shows up on the boardwalk like an oasis in the freaking desert. And I realize that I'm desperately thirsty.
Luca
Living two lives is exhausting.
I’d rather just stay in Santa Cruz, going to school and surfing with my friends, but dear old dad keeps dragging me back to Brazil, insisting I learn the family business.
I’ve gone along with it for years, but I’m starting to feel the edges fray. Something’s gotta give.
But then I meet the perfect girl. The girl who gets me, and gives me a real reason to stay.
Sooner or later, I’m going to have to give something up, and when the house of cards that's been built for me finally comes crashing down, she’s the one thing I refuse to lose.
Summertime…and the living’s easy—at least, that’s what they say.
Me? I should be roadtripping with my best friend, living my best life while I count down the days to my freshman year of college. Instead, I’m broke as a joke and selling ice cream on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk for the millionth year in a row.
Did I mention I also randomly found my dad online? The dad I’ve never met?
But then, one day, the most gorgeous guy I have ever seen shows up on the boardwalk like an oasis in the freaking desert. And I realize that I'm desperately thirsty.
Luca
Living two lives is exhausting.
I’d rather just stay in Santa Cruz, going to school and surfing with my friends, but dear old dad keeps dragging me back to Brazil, insisting I learn the family business.
I’ve gone along with it for years, but I’m starting to feel the edges fray. Something’s gotta give.
But then I meet the perfect girl. The girl who gets me, and gives me a real reason to stay.
Sooner or later, I’m going to have to give something up, and when the house of cards that's been built for me finally comes crashing down, she’s the one thing I refuse to lose.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
328 pages, Unknown Binding
First published February 14, 2023
35 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Allison
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***
Born and raised in the sunny US Virgin Islands, Rochelle Allison has been making up stories since she was a little girl. Nowadays, Rochelle lives just outside of Atlanta with her one true love and their kids. When she’s not writing, she's reading, hiking, swimming, having coffee with friends, playing word games or taking pictures. She can almost always be found with a book…and, often, chocolate.
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Sign up for my newsletter-
https://rochelleallison.myflodesk.com...
Follow me on Bookbub -
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/roche...
And on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/author/rochell...
And on Facebook - www.facebook.com/rochelleallisonwrites
***
Born and raised in the sunny US Virgin Islands, Rochelle Allison has been making up stories since she was a little girl. Nowadays, Rochelle lives just outside of Atlanta with her one true love and their kids. When she’s not writing, she's reading, hiking, swimming, having coffee with friends, playing word games or taking pictures. She can almost always be found with a book…and, often, chocolate.
Subscribe to her newsletter - be the first to know about new releases, sales, early chapters & free short stories!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 23, 2023
I have been a fan of Rochelle Allison’s for almost 13 years! Her Twific was some of the best I’ve read and her current projects are along the same vein—- superb! Rochelle excels on giving us coming of age romance that gives us all those first love feels. Heart flutters and butterflies in your tummy, she always hits that sweet spot. She really paints a picture of the scene to where you can literally feel the sand between your toes or the sweetness of that churro that Luca ate. She’s a visceral writer and I love that about her. I could not get Mariah Carey’s Heartbreaker out of my head while reading. Damn you Luca! Why you gotta be so swoony, keeping me coming back for more and more. I’m invested in this series and I couldn’t be more proud of Rochelle.
February 16, 2023
🍭 4.5 STARS 🍭
I love the Santa Cruz beach /college town vibe of this story so much. It’s like a secondary character in the book. The tone for the story was palpable. I could picture the boardwalk, the surfers and the bohemian types so well.
Wren and Luca have a brief encounter one summer night, they share an immediate connection and attraction. Life separates them for awhile, this made for a unique, refreshing romantic story.
I liked that there were periods apart from each other, living their lives still remembering and longing for each other.
For Wren and Luca time is a bit of joker, they never seem to reconnect at the best time, that leads to bigger questions in their lives so maybe the timing is perfect…
I really like both characters so much. And together they are swoony.
Their journey to adulthood, passion’s versus career are a bit of winding road.
They are at the point in life where big decisions need to be made and that’s a tough place for Luca especially.
The relationship Wren develops with her biological dad is a really lovely part of the story as well. I enjoyed that development a lot.
Both characters have strong family ties and they add a lot to the story as do their friends. The secondary characters have big personalities and bring a lot of heart and fun.
This was a refreshing, entertaining and thoughtful romance. The characters are immensely likable, their connection is emotional and physical. They have a deep connection that is also full of fun, sweet moments.
I’ll definitely be reading this new to me author again.
I love the Santa Cruz beach /college town vibe of this story so much. It’s like a secondary character in the book. The tone for the story was palpable. I could picture the boardwalk, the surfers and the bohemian types so well.
Wren and Luca have a brief encounter one summer night, they share an immediate connection and attraction. Life separates them for awhile, this made for a unique, refreshing romantic story.
I liked that there were periods apart from each other, living their lives still remembering and longing for each other.
For Wren and Luca time is a bit of joker, they never seem to reconnect at the best time, that leads to bigger questions in their lives so maybe the timing is perfect…
I really like both characters so much. And together they are swoony.
Their journey to adulthood, passion’s versus career are a bit of winding road.
They are at the point in life where big decisions need to be made and that’s a tough place for Luca especially.
The relationship Wren develops with her biological dad is a really lovely part of the story as well. I enjoyed that development a lot.
Both characters have strong family ties and they add a lot to the story as do their friends. The secondary characters have big personalities and bring a lot of heart and fun.
This was a refreshing, entertaining and thoughtful romance. The characters are immensely likable, their connection is emotional and physical. They have a deep connection that is also full of fun, sweet moments.
I’ll definitely be reading this new to me author again.
January 30, 2023
The Sweet Spot by Rochelle Allison, the first book in the Tanlines series, is just the right mix of sweet and steamy, with a great balance of heartwarming and heart-aching moments for both of the main characters. As the summary states, Wren Angelos had planned on an ordinary summer of working before she headed off to start her freshmen year at UCSC. What she ended up with was a chance meeting with a guy whose smile was “like the sun coming out to play on an already gorgeous day.” Not to mention a random email from someone who may actually be her biological father. Luca, on the other hand, has his life moving on a fast track to begrudgingly become part of his father’s business—which just so happens to be based in Brazil, so he doesn’t quite have time for a cute girl with a dimple and captivating eyes, no matter how much she intrigues him. As I read this story, I kept thinking about how timing is everything. You can meet the right person at the wrong time, and all you can do about it is keep moving forward, hoping that if this is what the universe has in store for you, your paths will cross again, and then ultimately align. However, you can’t live your life in neutral. You have to keep going. Keep being brave. Learn from your mistakes.
Rochelle’s descriptions of the sights, sounds, and emotions are so visceral that it’s nearly impossible not to feel like you’re right there with them, not to get swept up in all the summertime memories, being engulfed in the reminder of what it is to fall in love hard and fast and deep all the while being scared of saying it, for fear that the bubble will burst.
The things I enjoyed about this story were the palpable tension between the main characters, the fact that this was less about “will they or won’t they?” but rather about “when will they?” The snippets shared about the secondary characters had me just as intrigued as the arc the protagonists were on.
I’m not sure I could pick anything to criticize other than never wanting the glimpse into these characters’ lives to end. Thankfully, with this being tagged as #1 of the Tanlines series, I’m hopeful that we’ll be graced with more words from Rochelle in the future.
This story was one that kept me up, reading late into the night, that feeling of “just one more chapter” going strong. It kicked up those butterflies in my belly, made my breath hitch, and tears gather in the corners of my eyes. I adore any story that can make me feel and so strongly.
It’s easy for me to give this a 5-star rating. This story is a fantastic example of how while you should trust the universe to have your best interests at heart, you still need to have the courage to make decisions and go after what you want, learning to trust along the way. Give this one a read to decide for yourself whether Luca is the Nice Guy or the Heartbreaker, or maybe just maybe, a little bit of both.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’d like to thank the publisher and the author for the opportunity.
Rochelle’s descriptions of the sights, sounds, and emotions are so visceral that it’s nearly impossible not to feel like you’re right there with them, not to get swept up in all the summertime memories, being engulfed in the reminder of what it is to fall in love hard and fast and deep all the while being scared of saying it, for fear that the bubble will burst.
The things I enjoyed about this story were the palpable tension between the main characters, the fact that this was less about “will they or won’t they?” but rather about “when will they?” The snippets shared about the secondary characters had me just as intrigued as the arc the protagonists were on.
I’m not sure I could pick anything to criticize other than never wanting the glimpse into these characters’ lives to end. Thankfully, with this being tagged as #1 of the Tanlines series, I’m hopeful that we’ll be graced with more words from Rochelle in the future.
This story was one that kept me up, reading late into the night, that feeling of “just one more chapter” going strong. It kicked up those butterflies in my belly, made my breath hitch, and tears gather in the corners of my eyes. I adore any story that can make me feel and so strongly.
It’s easy for me to give this a 5-star rating. This story is a fantastic example of how while you should trust the universe to have your best interests at heart, you still need to have the courage to make decisions and go after what you want, learning to trust along the way. Give this one a read to decide for yourself whether Luca is the Nice Guy or the Heartbreaker, or maybe just maybe, a little bit of both.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’d like to thank the publisher and the author for the opportunity.
April 16, 2023
Chemistry at first sight in this coming of age story. What happens when you can’t get the timing right? Missed connection and learning to live and love along the journey. This was a great beach read!
February 17, 2023
This is a great start to a new adult series. Wren Angelos is about to start college, but life has always been limiting as far as opportunities go so she's eager for her chance to finally explore what's out there in the world. For starters, she might have found her father through a DNA match. I really loved the subplot between Wren and Arlo and watching them develop a father-daughter relationship. As for Luca, his life is all about possibilities between his potential and his father's ambition to push him even further. Then there's that initial chemistry between Wren and Luca, which started with a spark, but didn't have time to grow into more because of the different directions their lives were taking them in. Once they do have a chance to consider a relationship, there are challenges that could still keep them apart. I liked how the timing was often off and they had to work around it, not to mention Wren's worry about abandonment and Luca's issues with trust. It's obvious how their past experiences and upbringing shaped them into who they are, but yet what they shared was unlike anything else before and was worth fighting for. The author does a good job of exploring those insecurities and helping the characters move forward. I'll be curious to see how things pan out for Wren's roommates as they, too, will likely have their own storylines.
February 13, 2023
I devoured this book in one sitting!! I just couldn't put it down and it is short enough that the world was fine without me for a few hours!!
Wren and Luca have such a great story and I loved them so much. The instant connection they felt and the chemistry between the two of them is fire..
But their story is right person, wrong time and you will be engrossed in their story to see if they can find the sweet spot!
Wren and Luca have such a great story and I loved them so much. The instant connection they felt and the chemistry between the two of them is fire..
But their story is right person, wrong time and you will be engrossed in their story to see if they can find the sweet spot!
March 25, 2023
Thanks Rochelle for another great read! I loved this story of coming of age and the struggles of separating from family and finding your true identity.
The book sends an important message that you have to keep moving in life and make choices that are hard! You can’t stay in neutral. My favorite quote!
“It’s having the serenity to accept what you can’t change and the courage to change what you can. What you’re talking about is going into neutral. That doesn’t work. You still have to make decisions, to go for what you want.”
If you love, romance and the beach and a plot and characters that keep you reading The Sweet Spot is for you!
The book sends an important message that you have to keep moving in life and make choices that are hard! You can’t stay in neutral. My favorite quote!
“It’s having the serenity to accept what you can’t change and the courage to change what you can. What you’re talking about is going into neutral. That doesn’t work. You still have to make decisions, to go for what you want.”
If you love, romance and the beach and a plot and characters that keep you reading The Sweet Spot is for you!
February 14, 2023
Well that was a fun start to a new series! Wren is a soon to be freshman in college working her summer job on the boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Luca is a soon to be junior enjoying his summer before doing an internship in Brazil. Luca and Wren hit it off instantly and have an undeniable connection. I really enjoyed this book that takes place though several seasons and tells a great story about young love. Luca has choices to make about his future and he is definitely getting pressure from his father. Wren is learning who she really is and is truly enjoying the experience. Together these two are growing and helping each other. Together they faced the everyday challenges of relationships, friendships and family drama. I enjoyed this well layered story and I’m really excited about this series. The characters were well developed and had great stories to tell. I’m excited about getting to know the other characters better. I’m ready for book two in this series!
February 16, 2023
THE SWEET SPOT by Rochelle Allison.
This was a first for me from this author. It is Wren and Lucas’s story. These two meet on a summer and they have a great connection but a fight separates them with neither of them getting the others phone numbers or a way to communicate. They both go their own way but never stop thinking of the other. Wren and Lucas keep missing each other aleyas just inches away but keep missing each other. Until they find each other again at a party but it’s at the wrong time. Wren is kinda with Dallas and Lucas doesn’t want to be in the way of that. This story is of two people trying to find who they are and what their future holds for them. Wren is trying to find who she is and she is on the journey of connecting with the father she never knew. Lucas is trying to follow his heart yet trying to please his father at the same time he is trying to figure out what he wants to really do. It was a cute story and would recommend.
This was a first for me from this author. It is Wren and Lucas’s story. These two meet on a summer and they have a great connection but a fight separates them with neither of them getting the others phone numbers or a way to communicate. They both go their own way but never stop thinking of the other. Wren and Lucas keep missing each other aleyas just inches away but keep missing each other. Until they find each other again at a party but it’s at the wrong time. Wren is kinda with Dallas and Lucas doesn’t want to be in the way of that. This story is of two people trying to find who they are and what their future holds for them. Wren is trying to find who she is and she is on the journey of connecting with the father she never knew. Lucas is trying to follow his heart yet trying to please his father at the same time he is trying to figure out what he wants to really do. It was a cute story and would recommend.
February 20, 2023
I’ve been a fan of Rochelle for many years. In those years it always uprises me just how much I love her stories.
She pulls you in and has a way of making you love her characters just so much.
Tanlines is one of those.
From the beginning, I loved Wren and Luca. It was filled with just the right amount of heartache. The side stories; Luca and his dad, wrens parents, Logan… just amazing.
I can’t recommend this story enough.
If you’re looking for steam; this has the perfect amount, too.
She pulls you in and has a way of making you love her characters just so much.
Tanlines is one of those.
From the beginning, I loved Wren and Luca. It was filled with just the right amount of heartache. The side stories; Luca and his dad, wrens parents, Logan… just amazing.
I can’t recommend this story enough.
If you’re looking for steam; this has the perfect amount, too.
February 17, 2023
5 Sweet Stars
All of the feelings! Rochelle is amazing at drawing you into the world she’s created where you fall in love with every single character. Wren and Lucas were no different. I was so invested in their love story. Their friends and families were so great. I really loved Arlo. I didn’t want the story to end. The California setting brought back so many memories. I want to book a flight and explore. The Sweet Spot was a perfect read and I’m excited for more.
All of the feelings! Rochelle is amazing at drawing you into the world she’s created where you fall in love with every single character. Wren and Lucas were no different. I was so invested in their love story. Their friends and families were so great. I really loved Arlo. I didn’t want the story to end. The California setting brought back so many memories. I want to book a flight and explore. The Sweet Spot was a perfect read and I’m excited for more.
February 17, 2023
“Eu quero estar com você para sempre.”
No one writes about the beach, friendship, boys and love like Rochelle. It’s so breezy and yummy. *happy sighs*
No one writes about the beach, friendship, boys and love like Rochelle. It’s so breezy and yummy. *happy sighs*
April 2, 2023
Original review
The Sweet Spot is the first book in the Tanlines series and tells the story of Wren and Luca.
The Sweet Spot is the first book in the Tanlines series and tells the story of Wren and Luca.
The Sweet Spot is the first book I’ve read by Rochelle Allison, so I didn’t know what to expect. The synopsis sounded interesting, and I was looking for a good Romance. The Sweet Spot was a fun Beach Romance/College Romance about love, friends and family. There’s a mix of romance and some spice, and the story itself was quick to read and enjoy. The only thing that I didn’t really like was the time jumps, to me there were a few too many? It’s not a deal-breaker, but I didn’t really think they were necessary. But besides that, I really enjoyed the story and the characters.
The Sweet Spot is a Romance book about Wren and Lucas. They meet one day but they forgot exchanging contact details or even last names. They have no way of contacting each other, but they still met each other a few unplanned times. On top of that, both characters deal with family and friend stuff. I really liked Wren and Luca’s story, how they met and how they ended up seeing each other when it was not planned. I really enjoyed their romance slowly growing into more.
The Sweet Spot was a good and easy Romance read, and I really enjoyed it! Wren and Luca are lovely characters, their story was nice to read about, and I’m happy with their ending. If you’re looking for a cute Romance, then I highly suggest picking up The Sweet Spot. I liked the Romance part, but also the subplot part of Wren and her father. Although The Sweet Spot is the first book in the Tanlines series, this book can be read as a standalone. I’m excited for the next book in the Tanlines book series!
July 19, 2024
Transported to a different time and place by the realism of Ms Allison’s writing, she made it easy to become engrossed in this story.
I was invested from the very start, waiting until Wren and Luca could finally align their life journeys.
Wonderful, sweet characters, beautiful location, fun banter, heartache and tears from the unfairness of bad timing, a little intrigue, lots of self discovery but ultimately a brilliant, perfect ending.
I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
I was invested from the very start, waiting until Wren and Luca could finally align their life journeys.
Wonderful, sweet characters, beautiful location, fun banter, heartache and tears from the unfairness of bad timing, a little intrigue, lots of self discovery but ultimately a brilliant, perfect ending.
I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
February 14, 2023
Don't start this book until you have a nice block of time to read as it is nearly impossible to put down! I fell into this story from the first paragraph and the whole book was like a mini vacation spent on the beach and falling in love, with a little mystery thrown in for some added drama. The backdrop for Wren and Luca's story is Santa Cruz, California and in particular, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. From the author's well chosen words you can feel the sunshine, hear the teens and families laughing as they order greasy, sugary, amazing food, and shriek on the amusement park rides. You can see the gorgeous sunsets and in the background, there is always music. This is Rochelle Allison's super power!
The story starts with Wren working at snack shop called "The Sweet Spot" on the Boardwalk during the summer between high school and college. Wren is a native of Santa Cruz, raised by her yoga instructor single mom to embrace all that is artistic and quirky. Between dipping ice cream cones and pouring icees she reads a letter from her birth father who she has never met but who she has been trying to find - this is where the mystery starts. That same afternoon she meets Luca (so swoony) when he descends on The Sweet Spot with a group of college friends who are (of course) hungry.
Luca is at a crossroads. He is heavily influenced by his family and his Portuguese background. His father, who lives in Brazil wants him to follow in his footsteps and become a software developer (something Luca has an innate talent for). Luca isn't sure if this is the future he wants though and is also pulled toward architecture and staying in the states. Meeting Wren at such a tumultuous time is both a blessing and a curse for Luca.
I'm going to stop my review here to avoid spoilers and just urge you to read this first book in the Tanlines series. You need to see for yourself if Wren and Luca find the "Sweet Spot" on the road that leads to an HEA!
The story starts with Wren working at snack shop called "The Sweet Spot" on the Boardwalk during the summer between high school and college. Wren is a native of Santa Cruz, raised by her yoga instructor single mom to embrace all that is artistic and quirky. Between dipping ice cream cones and pouring icees she reads a letter from her birth father who she has never met but who she has been trying to find - this is where the mystery starts. That same afternoon she meets Luca (so swoony) when he descends on The Sweet Spot with a group of college friends who are (of course) hungry.
Luca is at a crossroads. He is heavily influenced by his family and his Portuguese background. His father, who lives in Brazil wants him to follow in his footsteps and become a software developer (something Luca has an innate talent for). Luca isn't sure if this is the future he wants though and is also pulled toward architecture and staying in the states. Meeting Wren at such a tumultuous time is both a blessing and a curse for Luca.
I'm going to stop my review here to avoid spoilers and just urge you to read this first book in the Tanlines series. You need to see for yourself if Wren and Luca find the "Sweet Spot" on the road that leads to an HEA!
February 15, 2023
𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
⭐️ 5/5
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔
✔️ Soul mates
✔️ Contemporary Romance
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. It was a really sweet love story. Their meet-cute was adorable ☺️. I liked the plot it was so good. Their friends were also really nice and enjoyable to read about. Wren possibly finding her father and Luca trying to find a balance was a new read for me.
Wren is such a great person, she’s sacrificed a lot and has never complained about it . I enjoy reading about her and what she does before and after she goes to college. I liked her friendship with Saira it was heartfelt. I liked how Luca’s feelings towards Wren were expressed and the sweet things he did when he went on his trips earlier on in the book. Luca and his close group of friends was enjoyable to read about . Wren and Luca’s relationship was remarkable , their chemistry was always sizzling 🔥. I recommend this book for those who love reading about finding your way back to someone ✨
#chroniclesofabookprincess
⭐️ 5/5
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔
✔️ Soul mates
✔️ Contemporary Romance
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. It was a really sweet love story. Their meet-cute was adorable ☺️. I liked the plot it was so good. Their friends were also really nice and enjoyable to read about. Wren possibly finding her father and Luca trying to find a balance was a new read for me.
Wren is such a great person, she’s sacrificed a lot and has never complained about it . I enjoy reading about her and what she does before and after she goes to college. I liked her friendship with Saira it was heartfelt. I liked how Luca’s feelings towards Wren were expressed and the sweet things he did when he went on his trips earlier on in the book. Luca and his close group of friends was enjoyable to read about . Wren and Luca’s relationship was remarkable , their chemistry was always sizzling 🔥. I recommend this book for those who love reading about finding your way back to someone ✨
#chroniclesofabookprincess
February 27, 2023
❤️❤️❤️
I always know a book from Rochelle Allison is going to be a phenomenal read. She has such a talent for capturing those initial feelings of attraction and infatuation and then love. It’s so relatable and really takes you back to those first days of a new relationship or even just a crush.
I love love love Luca and Wren’s love story. I also love how it’s a multifaceted story that includes their family and friends , and their part in their journey as well. 10/10 would recommend😊❤️
I always know a book from Rochelle Allison is going to be a phenomenal read. She has such a talent for capturing those initial feelings of attraction and infatuation and then love. It’s so relatable and really takes you back to those first days of a new relationship or even just a crush.
I love love love Luca and Wren’s love story. I also love how it’s a multifaceted story that includes their family and friends , and their part in their journey as well. 10/10 would recommend😊❤️
March 14, 2023
When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I cannot wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.
April 18, 2023
This was a good book. I enjoyed how this story showed how they kept missing each other only to end up still connecting at the right time. I would have enjoyed seeing more of an ending but maybe that will carry over into the next books in the series.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
February 19, 2023
What I think I love most about Rochelle Allison’s stories is that her words make you fall in love at the same time as the characters. You get to feel the cute first moments of finding your crush looking at you, the first dates, etc. Loved Wren and Luca’s story!
November 2, 2023
The sweet spot is a romance novel by Rochelle Allison.
This is the first book that I have read by the author and it definitely won't be the last.
The novel was easy to follow and the main characters chemistry was off the charts. A great novel that I highly recommend.
💖 Thank you to vorious readers only and the author, Rochelle Allison for my ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book that I have read by the author and it definitely won't be the last.
The novel was easy to follow and the main characters chemistry was off the charts. A great novel that I highly recommend.
💖 Thank you to vorious readers only and the author, Rochelle Allison for my ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2024
‘The Sweet Spot: Tan Lines’ is the first novel in a series of three from American-based author, Rochelle Allison. It is written in the first person and present tense with Wren and Luca as the main protagonists.
Wren has lived in Santa Cruz all her life is about to start college. She has abandoned her summer travel plans and has a job in The Sweet Spot, an ice cream stall on the boardwalk, to help bail her mother out of financial difficulties. Luca is a slightly older college student who has a software internship lined up in Brazil, arranged by his father. During her shift one day, Wren meets Luca along with some of his friends. The attraction is mutual and the story advances with meetings, misgivings and enforced separations.
At 422 pages, the story does its best to keep the reader interested with a diversion from the main narrative, as Wren develops a tentative dynamic with her biological father, Arlo. However, I found the timeline confusing; Wren and her mother, Lily, both meet and spend time with Arlo but several chapters later, Wren tells Luca she is looking forward to her birthday when she will meet her biological father for the first time. The chapters have little to differentiate them and it’s not always clear how much time has elapsed between scenes. It could be that I have reviewed a proof copy and these issues were addressed before publication.
The author has a direct writing style and cutting out the explicit content would make it suitable for a young adult audience. The story makes few demands of its readers and would be an enjoyable book to take to the beach. A bolder secondary thread along with fewer, but stronger foils, would have added depth. There was a significant amount of superficial dialogue and formulaic sex-scene padding which bulked up the word count but added little to the plot. Nonetheless, for those who enjoy a light-heated, uncomplicated read in the time-honoured boy-meets-girl scenario, it may well appeal. There are some humorous moments along the way as Wren and Luca negotiate the minefield of their first serious relationship.
Those who enjoyed this first outing will no doubt be looking forward to the next instalment in the trilogy. I wish this author every success for the future and award three stars.
Wren has lived in Santa Cruz all her life is about to start college. She has abandoned her summer travel plans and has a job in The Sweet Spot, an ice cream stall on the boardwalk, to help bail her mother out of financial difficulties. Luca is a slightly older college student who has a software internship lined up in Brazil, arranged by his father. During her shift one day, Wren meets Luca along with some of his friends. The attraction is mutual and the story advances with meetings, misgivings and enforced separations.
At 422 pages, the story does its best to keep the reader interested with a diversion from the main narrative, as Wren develops a tentative dynamic with her biological father, Arlo. However, I found the timeline confusing; Wren and her mother, Lily, both meet and spend time with Arlo but several chapters later, Wren tells Luca she is looking forward to her birthday when she will meet her biological father for the first time. The chapters have little to differentiate them and it’s not always clear how much time has elapsed between scenes. It could be that I have reviewed a proof copy and these issues were addressed before publication.
The author has a direct writing style and cutting out the explicit content would make it suitable for a young adult audience. The story makes few demands of its readers and would be an enjoyable book to take to the beach. A bolder secondary thread along with fewer, but stronger foils, would have added depth. There was a significant amount of superficial dialogue and formulaic sex-scene padding which bulked up the word count but added little to the plot. Nonetheless, for those who enjoy a light-heated, uncomplicated read in the time-honoured boy-meets-girl scenario, it may well appeal. There are some humorous moments along the way as Wren and Luca negotiate the minefield of their first serious relationship.
Those who enjoyed this first outing will no doubt be looking forward to the next instalment in the trilogy. I wish this author every success for the future and award three stars.
July 21, 2023
This story is part of a college coming of age romance series, with this first book featuring the character of Wren and Luca. There is instant attraction between them when they meet, but the burn is slow for them getting together. Many obstacles get in their way on the path to love, including distance, other lovers, family, and some lack of communication.
The things I really enjoyed about this book were many. I did enjoy the relationship built between Wren and Luca. One of the best issues it deals with, though, is that between children and parents. Wren has found out through a genealogy DNA site who her sperm donor father is. The initial contact and build up of her relationship with him is very well done. Another conflict is Luca's difficult relationship with his own father and trying to decide his pathway in life between America and Brazil. The conflict he feels stuck in felt very real and I enjoyed how it played out. There were a few steamy scenes in this book, but overall it did not feel too spicy.
There is lots of language used by the characters, as well as a lot of mentions of marijuana usage. The later is very prevalent throughout the book. While I would expect some of this in a story set in college, the amount of times it is mentioned was a little off-putting. The characters have other physical relationships before getting together, as well. Overall, the romance was very sweet and I enjoyed them coming together and how the characters communicated with each other and their friends and family.
For those who enjoy a college age setting, please check out this book. There are two other books at this time beyond this book in the series that seem to feature characters from the first book. While I enjoyed aspects of the story, I probably will not be continuing the series just from my own preferences. For those who enjoy this, though...read on!
I received this free book in return for a fair review.
The things I really enjoyed about this book were many. I did enjoy the relationship built between Wren and Luca. One of the best issues it deals with, though, is that between children and parents. Wren has found out through a genealogy DNA site who her sperm donor father is. The initial contact and build up of her relationship with him is very well done. Another conflict is Luca's difficult relationship with his own father and trying to decide his pathway in life between America and Brazil. The conflict he feels stuck in felt very real and I enjoyed how it played out. There were a few steamy scenes in this book, but overall it did not feel too spicy.
There is lots of language used by the characters, as well as a lot of mentions of marijuana usage. The later is very prevalent throughout the book. While I would expect some of this in a story set in college, the amount of times it is mentioned was a little off-putting. The characters have other physical relationships before getting together, as well. Overall, the romance was very sweet and I enjoyed them coming together and how the characters communicated with each other and their friends and family.
For those who enjoy a college age setting, please check out this book. There are two other books at this time beyond this book in the series that seem to feature characters from the first book. While I enjoyed aspects of the story, I probably will not be continuing the series just from my own preferences. For those who enjoy this, though...read on!
I received this free book in return for a fair review.
February 20, 2023
A chance meeting one summer leads to a romance that changes both over the course of years. Lucas meets Wren while she is working at the boardwalk ice cream shop. Instantly there is a strong attachment. The two do not see each other for several years due to the demands of family and school. Once they are reconnected sparks again fly, but new headaches and obstacles lay in the way. When they are finally able to be together will the demands of family obligations be too much for them?
Do you love angst filled book? Do you love a slow burn? If so this is the book for you. Wren and Lucas over come several obstacles to find each other. As they do they learn about themselves and what they truly want from life. These two make mistakes but are honest and open with it. They love deeply.
Wren is a strong independent woman. She is learning about herself and her past throughout the book. She knows her worth and isn’t afraid to ask for what she wants. As she grows closer to Lucas she grows stronger and more brave.
Lucas spends most of the book trying to live up to his fathers incredibly high standards and expectations. He knows what he wants, but struggles with being firm in it. As he grows with Wren and their relationship changes she challenges him unlike anyone else.
This was such a good read. The characters are so well thought out. As the beginning of a series it starts off with a bang. I am invested in all the characters, not just Wren and Lucas.
Do you love angst filled book? Do you love a slow burn? If so this is the book for you. Wren and Lucas over come several obstacles to find each other. As they do they learn about themselves and what they truly want from life. These two make mistakes but are honest and open with it. They love deeply.
Wren is a strong independent woman. She is learning about herself and her past throughout the book. She knows her worth and isn’t afraid to ask for what she wants. As she grows closer to Lucas she grows stronger and more brave.
Lucas spends most of the book trying to live up to his fathers incredibly high standards and expectations. He knows what he wants, but struggles with being firm in it. As he grows with Wren and their relationship changes she challenges him unlike anyone else.
This was such a good read. The characters are so well thought out. As the beginning of a series it starts off with a bang. I am invested in all the characters, not just Wren and Lucas.
February 18, 2023
Wren & Luca meets as teenagers, one in college and one on the way to college. A series of right person, wrong time keep them apart for a year. And once they reconnect, they definitely connect on a deep level.
There’s a meeting and connection between Wren and her sperm donor daddy that develops into a real relationship, as well as her biological parents becoming more than sperm donor and donee which kind of throws Wren for a loop at first.
But as Wren and Luca mature and evolve in their relationship, they admit it’s love.
I didn’t like the abrupt ending, and definitely felt like it required at least another couple of paragraphs or a true epilogue, but it was a happy for now ending all the same.
There’s a meeting and connection between Wren and her sperm donor daddy that develops into a real relationship, as well as her biological parents becoming more than sperm donor and donee which kind of throws Wren for a loop at first.
But as Wren and Luca mature and evolve in their relationship, they admit it’s love.
I didn’t like the abrupt ending, and definitely felt like it required at least another couple of paragraphs or a true epilogue, but it was a happy for now ending all the same.
November 27, 2023
‘The Sweet Spot’ is a contemporary romance story about Wren and Lucas meeting in an odd situation but then connecting
in such a deep way. As luck has it, they separate from each other, and ways to communicate back again become a hurdle, increasing the intensity of the story. The dynamic between the characters, scenes, and the way the story develops is very enjoyable to read. It is one of those literature that you do not wish to put down until you have read until the end.
The pace of the story is steady, and the author chooses to describe the scenes in a way that you feel and are able to envision in your mind.
The cultural diversity and the way the scenes are intertwined made the story entertaining to read. I recommend this book to those who like romance stories.
in such a deep way. As luck has it, they separate from each other, and ways to communicate back again become a hurdle, increasing the intensity of the story. The dynamic between the characters, scenes, and the way the story develops is very enjoyable to read. It is one of those literature that you do not wish to put down until you have read until the end.
The pace of the story is steady, and the author chooses to describe the scenes in a way that you feel and are able to envision in your mind.
The cultural diversity and the way the scenes are intertwined made the story entertaining to read. I recommend this book to those who like romance stories.
April 25, 2023
This is the first in a series and this is Luca and Wren’s story. Wren is counting down the days until colleges start, while she slings ice cream over the summer. Luca and Wren meet, and the sparks fly, and they spend one summer night together, before going their separate ways. Wren may have found her father by doing a DNA search. This is a well written story which has family, friendships, humor, witty banter, trust, romance, emotions, and is a sweet, fun, and entertaining page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
July 18, 2023
*I snagged this book for free from the stuff your Kindle sale in 2023*
"Eu quero estar com você para sempre. I want to be with you forever."
3/5🌶
Likes:
• Dual POV
• Easy to read. The words are simple and flow together quickly.
• FMCs name. (Wren)
Dislikes:
• man buns
• The book talks about cities as if we're already supposed to know how far away they are.
• They act more like high-school students who drink too much than college students.
• Timelines aren't very clear. I never knew how much time had passed between one scene to the next.
"Eu quero estar com você para sempre. I want to be with you forever."
3/5🌶
Likes:
• Dual POV
• Easy to read. The words are simple and flow together quickly.
• FMCs name. (Wren)
Dislikes:
• man buns
• The book talks about cities as if we're already supposed to know how far away they are.
• They act more like high-school students who drink too much than college students.
• Timelines aren't very clear. I never knew how much time had passed between one scene to the next.
February 23, 2023
This is the first book that I have read by Rochelle Allison. I will now be diving into her backlist.
Fun, unique and a real feel good book. There are so many books being written that are the same story with the same expected plot twists. That is not the case with Tan Lines. It is sweet, spicy and a coming of age story. It is well written with unique elements and exceptional writing.
Fun, unique and a real feel good book. There are so many books being written that are the same story with the same expected plot twists. That is not the case with Tan Lines. It is sweet, spicy and a coming of age story. It is well written with unique elements and exceptional writing.
April 25, 2023
I enjoyed these characters. This book is an easy and sweet read. The main characters have instant chemistry, but it’s not an easy road to starting their relationship. It’s a right person, wrong time sorta situation, but they eventually get it worked out. The writing style for this book was also extremely well done.
I received an arc for my honest review.
I received an arc for my honest review.
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