My fan-girl obsession with contemporary romance author, Claire Kingsley began a year ago, after I found her debut novel, Must Be Love on Amazon. It's the first book in the very popular Jetty Beach Romance Series, and I immediately fell for Nicole and Ryan. Their story is both romantic and heartwarming; everything I expect from a light contemporary romance. Not too much drama--just real people, in real adult relationships, trying to handle everyday real life and the setbacks that could jeopardize a happily ever after. The characters are strong and beautiful and lovable, but not so perfect that readers can't identify with them.
Nicole Prescott has just dumped her cheating, long-time boyfriend and comes home to Jetty Beach to figure things out. While out drinking away the pain with her best friend, Melissa, she practically stumbles into Ryan Jacobsen, a childhood friend. Nicole, however, is not too intoxicated that she can't see how much Ryan has changed over the years. The geeky kid is now a hot and successful photographer. Ryan, being in the right place at the right time, prevents Nicole from landing face-first onto the ground. She's grateful and obviously can't help herself when she blurts out, "Thanks. You're beautiful. I mean...wait, what?" Her cute factor just went up a couple of points. Just when I think that this little exchange between the two of them couldn't have been more adorable, Ryan inwardly calls her a "beautiful drunk angel." It's quite evident that sparks do more than just fly between these two.
My mind drifts back to Nicole, tear-streaked and despondent. I know what it feels like to have your heart crushed . . . Yet there was something in her eyes--a fire in her. I felt it in her gaze when she looked at me. And the way her skin felt when I grabbed her so she wouldn't fall . . . I want to touch her again--wrap her in my arms and feel her body melt against mine.
Even if they didn't have this one drunken night, their reunion is inevitable. Somehow they have been volunteered, or voluntold, as both characters put it, to work on the art festival together. This gives them a reason to hang out and really get to know each other. Things progress naturally, and they seem to be so comfortable and relaxed around one another. Soon, Nicole and Ryan both realize that they are opening up to each other in ways they haven't before with anyone else. I'm always a sucker for a love story where childhood acquaintances reconnect after so many years, and discover that they have something special.
However, in the midst of this sweet romance, Claire Kingsley takes on the subject of depression. When Nicole tells Ryan it's time for her to return to Seattle, the sadness that overpowered him years ago makes a reappearance. Through the imagery of Claire's words, you feel Ryan's struggle with his depression. He's immediately thrust into an emotional battle that threatens to break him again. He's falling in love with Nicole, but the sadness is still present and unshakable. Ryan is desperately trying to understand how this is even possible. He's with Nicole Prescott. The Nicole Prescott. He does his best to hide his pain from her, but it's not working. He only becomes more angry and frustrated with himself as he sinks lower into the depths of despair.
I should have seen my relapse coming. I know the signs--what to look for. But that's the thing about depression. It sneaks in and waits, hiding in the shadows. When it senses weakness, it doesn't pounce. Instead of hitting hard and fast, out in the open, it slithers in through the cracks. It lodges itself in your vulnerable places and takes root. Before you know it, you're slogging through its depths, and it can be hard as f*** to pull yourself out.
Ryan's character gives a real voice to depression and what it feels like for him. It's a brilliant example of personification and a testament to Claire's talent as a contemporary romance writer. Even more so, depression is attributed qualities related to that of a snake, weeds overgrowing a beautiful garden, or a vine sprouting up and choking a tree. But Nicole is just as smart and capable as she is beautiful. She knows there's more to Ryan's mood swings, and recognizes the sadness hiding behind the intensity in his eyes:
What's going on with you? Every time I drive down, I don't know who I'll see when I get here. Will it be sweet, sensitive Ryan? Will he kiss my fingertips and tell me how much he missed me? Or will it be grumpy, a**h*** Ryan, the guy who snaps at me for no reason and can't be bothered to get out of the bed in the morning . . . You need to just tell me if you're feeling bad . . . I can see it, you know. I'm not blind.
Nicole is an unselfish heroine. She doesn't come off as weak, or a pushover, but she's a loving woman who is genuinely concerned for her boyfriend. As expected, Nicole deals with Ryan the only way she knows how--with understanding, support, and a little bit of tough love. But even she has her breaking point; especially when Ryan's hurtful words declare that their relationship is nothing but a mistake. However, she refused to cower or let it take to her a place of self-pity. Like a true heroine, Nicole summons her inner strength. "I'll pick up the pieces and forge ahead, making my own way." I admire Nicole's determination to keep it together, her willingness to be open and true to herself. Through it all, she discovers for herself the person she really is--an amazing, brave, and strong woman who will no longer be afraid to take risks.
Ryan, the poor soul, feels lost, and desperately incomplete without Nicole. The kind of person he becomes in his depressed state is all the proof he needs to show that he doesn't deserve her. However, Ryan is not the whiny, woe-is-me type. He's truly suffering and honestly believes that Nicole deserves much better than him. Thank God for family because a lot of times they have some good advice to offer. One of his brothers, Hunter, leaves him with something to think about: "You know, sometimes a person comes into your life who is worth fighting for...even if that fight is with yourself." I couldn't have said it better myself.
Deep down, Ryan wants to heal so that he can be the man Nicole deserves. In order to do that, he knows he has to first work on himself. Kudos to Claire for having his character come to that realization. It was interesting to see the direction she took Ryan in and the tools he used so that he could get better. Not everyone deals with their depression the same, but the process Ryan goes through is inspiring. Honestly, I was pleased that Claire chose to include Ryan's ongoing recovery in the story, rather than have him one day wake up and be miraculously healed. Ryan's past and current struggles are both touching and heartbreaking, yet so believable. It's hard to hate him for letting his depression seep into his relationship with Nicole, and my heart truly hurt for Ryan while he's suffering without her. Emotionally, and physically, I was left holding my breath, waiting and hoping that they would find a way to get through this together.
It takes me a while before I get the courage to process the photos I took of her. Seeing her on my computer screen, breathtakingly beautiful, makes my chest tight . . . If I have any chance at getting her back, I need to be prepared to be honest with her . . . stop hiding the worst parts of me . . . I just hopes she loves me enough to forgive me, and accept me for the mess I am.
From the first word to the last, I was totally invested in this couple, 100 percent. There was no way I could put this book down, and even read with more urgency to see what would become of them. However, when I finally reached the end of Must Be Love, it felt a little bittersweet. While I was relieved and so happy with the way things turned out for Nicole and Ryan, I wanted more. I was very impressed with Claire Kingsley's writing style and her take contemporary romance. Suddenly, I was on a mission and very determined to find more books by the lovely Claire. As luck would have it, Claire had written more books to add to the Jetty Beach Romance Series. I couldn't wait to dive page-deep into these other books. Let me just add, I was not disappointed.
For those who may not know Claire, or have never read any of her works, (I highly doubt that's the case though), here's a brief breakdown of the other three books that complete the Jetty Beach Romance Series:
Book 2, Must Be Crazy focuses on Nicole's best friend,
Melissa Simon and Jackson Bennett. Melissa is a middle school teacher in her hometown of Jetty Beach, and Jackson is a rich playboy businessman from Seattle, who also happens to have a very popular Twitter following. He's visiting Jetty Beach in search of the next business opportunity. Jackson meets Melissa one night at the local bar, and is thrown just slightly off-kilter by her straight-up honesty and sassy potty mouth. By the way, her character is still is as no-holds-barred as she is in Book 1. She shocks Jackson by offering her unsolicited advice on his drink order.
"'Hold on Danny. He doesn't want the Highland Park Thirty'... she purses her pretty lips and shakes her head. 'Nope. just because something's f**ing expensive, doesn't always mean it's better.' " And Jackson, oh boy--he just can't help himself. Melissa has now piqued his interest. He finds it fascinating that this woman knows so much about good Scotch, and has the mouth of a sailor, or as she properly corrects him, fisherman. He is so sure that she's going home with him that night, but is left feeling stunned when she turns him down flat. However, Melissa is not quite as unaffected by Jackson's charms as she would have him to believe. Naturally, Jackson can't stop thinking about Melissa so he makes her an offer she couldn't possibly refuse. Before long, Melissa is thrown headfirst into Jackson's crazy celebrity world, and she's not sure if she can handle it. Then something unexpected happens, and Melissa pushes him further away. She's very set on doing what she believes is best for all involved. Jackson, however is not to be deterred, and pulls out all the stops to prove to her that he can be the man that she needs him to be.
We then follow Ryan's older brother, Dr. Cody Jacobsen and free spirit Clover Fields in Book 3, Must Be Fate. Cody is comfortable with his routine and is clearly focused on his career as a doctor, but Clover does everything on a whim and isn't used to staying in one place too long. After being fired for the umpteenth time, Clover reads in the paper what she believes to be a sign (possibley fate calling?) and heads to Jetty Beach, or at least in that general direction. Not long after arriving there, she unfortunately needs a little medical attention from the good doctor. You could say that the first time she sees Cody, she is knocked off her feet?
My Delightful Dimples looks up right when I walk out. My eyes lock with his, and he draws his eyebrows together, making a sexy little furrow between his eyebrows. My heartbeat speeds up and I gasp in a little breath. He doesn't look away. Should I smile? Should I say hello? I take a step forward and slam into something solid. Blinding pain shoots through my head, and my legs crumple as my vision goes dark . . . My eyes flutter open. A circle of faces looks down at me, but the only one I can focus on is Mr. Delightful Dimples . .
. . . 'Listen, I want to take you my clinic and check you out, okay? I need to make sure you're all right before I let you go' . . .
I gaze into his gorgeous hazel eyes. 'I'll go anywhere with you' . . .
I tell myself it's only so I can check up on her, make sure she's okay. While that's true, I know I'm kidding myself. That isn't the only reason. It's going to be a long night.'
These two equally lovable characters may be total opposites, but as it wouls seem, their chemistry is undeniable.
Book 4, Must Be Home is a second chance romance for the Jacobsen's adopted brother, Hunter Evans, and his first love, Emma Parker. This is the last book of The Jetty Beach Series. In Book 1, we find out he left home right after high school without a word, only a brief letter that didn't really explain where he was going or even why he thought he had to leave.
After serving nine years as a Marine, Hunter returns home to Jetty Beach when he is injured in an IED explosion. He's suffering from PTSD, and also has the responsibility of taking care of the little boy of a close friend he lost in the same explosion. A year after he has returned home, he learns that the love of his life, Emma is now divorced. After almost a decade apart, he knows that has never stopped loving her.
"I loved Emma Parker the first time I saw her. We were ten years old, and her family had just moved to Jetty Beach . . . By junior year . . . I finally gathered up enough courage to ask her out . . . After that, we were inseparable. Emma was my first everything. First real date. First kiss. We lost our virginity together . . . She was my first love . . . My only love . . . And yes, I'm the one who screwed it up . . . I left to join the Marines, knowing it would hurt her. At the time, I thought it was my only choice."
Emma has always felt deep in her heart that she was the reason Hunter left Jetty Beach in the middle of the night, and she has never been able to get over it. But later, she finds that things weren't exactly what she thought. Even so, can Emma bring herself to trust Hunter again? After all, he has a lot of explaining to do--starting with why he left, and where has he been all these years?
What a wonderful heroine Claire Kingsley creates in Emma. She knew it was a young and dumb mistake to marry Wyatt, the abusive husband who isolated her from her friends and family. After six years, Emma decides enough is enough. She finds the strength and courage to walk away from her marriage. "I wanted nothing from him--not the car, the housewares, the furniture. He could keep it all, as far as I was concerned. All I wanted was my freedom. I wanted my name back, and a chance to have a life without walking around on eggshells, tiptoeing around a moody bastard all the time." Returning to Jetty Beach gives Emma just the start she needs in putting her life back together. From the moment she runs into Hunter again, this couple takes the second chance life has given them.
And that's how Claire draws you into her world. She imagines what real life people would do in these situations, and then she writes about it. Friends to lovers, opposites attracts, second chances--all of the things real people face in daily life, and all the things I love about contemporary romance. I don't have to imagine what I would do if I was in a situation like Nicole and Ryan, or Hunter and Emma because I suspect that Claire might be sort of a mind reader. Or it could be that she just really writes straight from her big human heart. Or maybe its' both. Yes, I think it's both. Anyway, with Claire Kingsley, you will definitely get a bit of wit and humor, just the right amount of drama, smart and strong heroines, swoon worthy heroes, and a whole lot of sexy and steamy romance. What's not to love?
But you don't have to take my word it. By all means, pick up any of CK books and see for yourself. Don't be shy! Stop in and check out some of Claire's other characters in the Back to Jetty Beach Romance Series. You'll love Finn and Juliet in Could Be Forever, Lucas and Becca in Could Be the One, and one of my personal favorties, Gabe and Sadie in Could be the Reason.
**And if you like bad boy romances, you will definitely fall in love with the bad boy himself, Braxton Taylor from Always Have, the first book in the Always Bad Boy Romance Series.
Each one is a standalone with an HEA, and can be found on her amazon author page or you can visit her website@http://www.clairekingsleybooks.com
**Don't forget to check out my reviews for the latest on Claire's recent releases, Book Boyfriend and Cocky Roommate.