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Carmel Cove #1
Beholden
Laurel Ocean knows loss like the sea knows the shore. When the loss of her grandfather brings her back to her hometown, unexpectedly inheriting the shambles of her family’s coffee shop, her first instinct is to run. After all, it’s just something else to lose.
So, Laurel makes a plan: fix up the business, sell it, and get out of town. And it would’ve been perfect… if the building hadn’t come with a condition: a stubborn, broody, and distractingly sexy contractor.
Eli Downing made a promise to look after Laurel, and offering to repair the coffeeshop is just the start. He’s not going anywhere whether she likes it or not. And for as many walls as she pays him to fix, he’s determined to tear down the same from around her hardened heart.
The longer she stays, the more Laurel finds herself beholden. To her family’s legacy. To her loyal hometown. And to the man healing her heart.
But when loss draws another line in the sand, will she flee from her fears or fight for her future?
So, Laurel makes a plan: fix up the business, sell it, and get out of town. And it would’ve been perfect… if the building hadn’t come with a condition: a stubborn, broody, and distractingly sexy contractor.
Eli Downing made a promise to look after Laurel, and offering to repair the coffeeshop is just the start. He’s not going anywhere whether she likes it or not. And for as many walls as she pays him to fix, he’s determined to tear down the same from around her hardened heart.
The longer she stays, the more Laurel finds herself beholden. To her family’s legacy. To her loyal hometown. And to the man healing her heart.
But when loss draws another line in the sand, will she flee from her fears or fight for her future?
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2020
About the author
Rebecca Sharp
63 books1,859 followers**Healing Heartaches One Alpha at a Time**
I’m a dentist by day and author by night!
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Happy reading!
I’m a dentist by day and author by night!
Want to know more? Connect with me (#stalkme) at one or all of the links below!
Mailing List: http://bit.ly/StaySharpSignUp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drrebeccasharp
Facebook Reader Group (My Sexy Sharpies): https://goo.gl/RrNZvT
Amazon Author Page: https://goo.gl/6wGFyV
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drrebeccasharp
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rebec...
Twitter: www.twitter.com/drrebeccasharp
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
January 5, 2023
DNFing at page 52
The writing is making my head hurt. It’s too wordy and isn’t flowing smoothly off the page into my brain — nothing has grabbed my attention so far to give me a single reason to want to keep going… and it’s hardcore instant attraction which I am very much not a fan of.
The writing is making my head hurt. It’s too wordy and isn’t flowing smoothly off the page into my brain — nothing has grabbed my attention so far to give me a single reason to want to keep going… and it’s hardcore instant attraction which I am very much not a fan of.
May 13, 2020
Dr. Rebecca Sharp takes us on a beautiful journey of loss, love, and forgiveness. This story starts off sad and stays that way for a while because Laurel has returned home to Carmel Cove for her grandfathers funeral, a man she loved and adored, a man that raised her after her parents were killed and her grandmother passed. Grief is something that Laurel has dealt with a lot in her life and no she finds herself in a place where she can't wait to escape again.
My full review along with an author giveaway can be found here: bit.ly/NBReviewBeholden
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
My full review along with an author giveaway can be found here: bit.ly/NBReviewBeholden
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
May 12, 2020
I loved Beholden so much. It spoke to me in so many ways. I lost an uncle in January and some of the things the characters go with, remind me so much of the things I’ve went through. Beholden is so deep and emotional compared to some of Rebecca’s most recent books. It’s beautiful. We see one character at their darkest, when they’re struggling so much and how they rise from that into someone so strong and fierce. It’s awe inspiring. It’s one of Rebecca’s best books and I’m anxiously awaiting the rest of the series.
April 7, 2021
So much grief and pain...
Laurel faces an emotional suffering, she already lost her parents and now the loss has happened all over again.
Unexpectedly she inherits her family’s coffee shop. She makes a plan of fixing it and running away. But there's Eli, he and the rest of the town have other ideas.
He promises to keep her safe, and at the end he gives her so much more.
I have to point this out: the story and the characters are amazing, but the way Rebecca writes... Truly beautiful.
Laurel faces an emotional suffering, she already lost her parents and now the loss has happened all over again.
Unexpectedly she inherits her family’s coffee shop. She makes a plan of fixing it and running away. But there's Eli, he and the rest of the town have other ideas.
He promises to keep her safe, and at the end he gives her so much more.
I have to point this out: the story and the characters are amazing, but the way Rebecca writes... Truly beautiful.
May 6, 2020
OMG, I am ashamed to say this is the first book I have read by Dr. Rebecca Sharp and boy was I MISSING OUT on so much goodness!
This book, whew, that prologue! I could picture, smell, and feel how the author described the scene. I could feel the bonds that tied the two family members together and it immediately drew me in. This book broke my heart and yet put me back together again with the chemistry and strength the two main characters portray. It is a fantastic story of how strength, love, and community will overcome the darkness.
This book, gah, I can relate to it so much because I grew up in a community similar and this book left me with a smile and anxious for the next in the series. This should be a must read on your TBR!
This book, whew, that prologue! I could picture, smell, and feel how the author described the scene. I could feel the bonds that tied the two family members together and it immediately drew me in. This book broke my heart and yet put me back together again with the chemistry and strength the two main characters portray. It is a fantastic story of how strength, love, and community will overcome the darkness.
This book, gah, I can relate to it so much because I grew up in a community similar and this book left me with a smile and anxious for the next in the series. This should be a must read on your TBR!
May 12, 2020
5 BEHOLDEN STARS!! Amazing storytelling by this phenomenal author. I read this book was read in one sitting, I could not put it down. Laurel and Eli have a beautiful story to tell you and believe me you want to hear it. The story has all the feels with some suspense that will keep you glued to your seat. This series is going to be amazing.
August 3, 2022
While I usually love this author's books this one did not work for me.
I read all the other books in this series with the exception of Cammie and Bennys only because it had triggers and that is why I skipped it over.
The heroine was just too mired in grief, sense of loss,and was just too much of I can't let myself love and loose again that it just overpowered the story and romance for me.
The hero was the saving grace in this story and I liked him a lot,her not so much.In her defense, I did like her in other books of this series.
I read all the other books in this series with the exception of Cammie and Bennys only because it had triggers and that is why I skipped it over.
The heroine was just too mired in grief, sense of loss,and was just too much of I can't let myself love and loose again that it just overpowered the story and romance for me.
The hero was the saving grace in this story and I liked him a lot,her not so much.In her defense, I did like her in other books of this series.
November 9, 2020
↠#1Beholden —3 stars
↠#2Bespoken —tbr
↠#3Besotted —tbr
↠#4Befallen —tbr
↠#5Beloved —tbr
A sweet with so much grief and pain, heartfelt small town story.
As much as Laurel wanted to start over to a different place, far from the hometown and memories that haunt her everyday. But a tragedy strikes again and she has to go back to the town where everyone is a stranger and the only feeling she can have is sadness until she meets the protective, stubborn, sweet guy named Eli.
There's insta-lust between them in their first meet which I don't really like and keep praying that this book isn't going what I was thinking and thank goodness, it didn't! Their feelings towards each other might be installing too fast eventhough they didn't know each other but even after they've talked they didn't jump right into bed. There’s a lot of build-up, and we get to see lots of these two trying to open up to each other. They have such a gorgeous friendship, and you can see how much Eli care for Laurel and it’s so freaking sweet.
Eli is there for her just like he always is, and they start to become a whole lot closer than ever before. It becomes impossible to ignore the feelings they’ve had for so long, and soon everything changes.
I shivered as a different kind of heat flushed my body.
“I’m s—”
“Don’t,” he commanded even more harshly this time, rubbing a hand over his mouth. “That was my fault. I shouldn’t have done that, especially because you were upset.”
So, instead of more of anything, I was left with nothing. Again, my heart whispered.
It's been a slow burn, and such a long time coming. Their feelings are already so strong for each other, and I loved watching them finally give in to it all. There is some drama on their way to finding their happy ending, and though some might find it’s frustrating because of Laurel constantly playing push and pull but it is handled well. Laurel has some pretty big walls around her and Eli is so amazing through it all - truly devoted to Laurel, and he had me swooning hard with his honest and open declarations.
It took even longer before I was finally breathing rather than choking in air. Too much sadness for such a small person, it seemed. Truthfully, I wasn’t even sure it was all out or if my body just ran out of tears to continue.
But however long it was, Eli was there when it ended. However long it took for me to let go of it all, he would still be there when I was done. He was the rock who withstood my storm of sorrow. He was still there, holding me. Comforting me. Never leaving.
Just like he promised.
“Thank you,” I murmured thickly.
“You never have to thank me for this,” he replied raggedly. “I want all of you, Laurel. Every last beautiful piece.”
“Even if they’re broken?”
“Then I want every last broken piece. They’re all beautiful to me,” he insisted with a small smile. “You should know by now that broken doesn’t bother me. Broken is just a chance to build something new.”
I enjoyed the story, but I didn’t feel the butterflies that I was hoping to. I feel like I just needed a bit more, but I can’t pinpoint exactly what more I wanted. But it was gorgeous watching these two come together, and it’s definitely a sweet read.
There’s other stories waiting to be told for some of the side characters, and I’d be keen been to read those especially Laurel's cousin story, Jules. Because she has been through a lot and it was mentioned vaguely in this book.
A good read. 3 stars.
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➵i own the edits,not the pictures
May 4, 2020
Oh my Goodness what another Spectacular read by the wonderful writing of Rebecca Sharp.
Her words always take my breath away, and fill me with so much emotion and Awe.
I Loved every single moment I spent in Carmel cove with Laurel,Eli and all the towns folk we get to know.
After her grandfather's untimely death, Laurel is struggling to be back in her home town where she feels like she lost so much,so young.So all that she wants to do is leave as soon as possible,but there always seems to be hurdles in the way stopping her and one of those obstacles is in the form of dependable, protective,and hotter than sin Eli Downing .He always seems to be there when she needs him most.
Eli finds himself drawn to Laurel like a moth to a flame and he makes it his mission to help her move through her grief and hopefully stay in town...the attraction between these two is electrifying and no matter how much they resist the chemistry gets stronger.
I was so hooked by this story and it kept me on my toes as there is a suspenseful element to this book along with the Romantic side. So it has everything you could possibly want in a good story that will entertain you throughout.Sexy,sweet and Emotional it will totally captivate you until the end.
This is a phenomenal start to a great series,I love the characters in this town they all intrigue me,and I am already eager for the next book .
5 Brilliant Stars .
Her words always take my breath away, and fill me with so much emotion and Awe.
I Loved every single moment I spent in Carmel cove with Laurel,Eli and all the towns folk we get to know.
After her grandfather's untimely death, Laurel is struggling to be back in her home town where she feels like she lost so much,so young.So all that she wants to do is leave as soon as possible,but there always seems to be hurdles in the way stopping her and one of those obstacles is in the form of dependable, protective,and hotter than sin Eli Downing .He always seems to be there when she needs him most.
Eli finds himself drawn to Laurel like a moth to a flame and he makes it his mission to help her move through her grief and hopefully stay in town...the attraction between these two is electrifying and no matter how much they resist the chemistry gets stronger.
I was so hooked by this story and it kept me on my toes as there is a suspenseful element to this book along with the Romantic side. So it has everything you could possibly want in a good story that will entertain you throughout.Sexy,sweet and Emotional it will totally captivate you until the end.
This is a phenomenal start to a great series,I love the characters in this town they all intrigue me,and I am already eager for the next book .
5 Brilliant Stars .
May 12, 2020
Once again Rebecca Sharp owns my bookish heart and reminds me why I wait on bated breath for each of her novels to release!
Beautiful writing, a romantic story, an amazing hero, and a small town I never wanted to leave are just some of the things that made BEHOLDEN another five star read.
Beautiful writing, a romantic story, an amazing hero, and a small town I never wanted to leave are just some of the things that made BEHOLDEN another five star read.
May 14, 2020
What a sad but lovely story this was .This story was all about love forgiveness and so much grief and sadness and starting over.This was one emotional tale that tugs on the readers heart strings that is for sure and Laurel and her grief even touched the reader so much so that it felt like you were experiencing everything this poor girl was going through personally.
I loved the little town this story took place in and we loved the characters as they were all so amazing that they made it easy to love them all.I have to say that the story had us wishing we had a Roasters and a family like the Ocean's running it in our small town because we loved what that coffee shop stood for and it was so much than just making a buck it was about changing peoples lives that came in there to commune together and a safety net to others and life changing to so many others.We felt the love that those same people had for Laurels grandfather and how many lives he impacted just being the loving and generous man he was.
Eli was one of our favorite characters he was so thoughtful and so loving and generous and so understanding when it came to Laurel and how she was dealing with so much loss and in a small way he only wanted to help her wade through all the grief and for her to start to heal once again.
We loved the chemistry and the instant pulled that Eli and Laurel had between them.
Overall we really enjoyed this story even though it was so sad but, it was mostly about healing and forgiving oneself and it had so many love-able characters and it had a bit of drama added into the mix but, it also made you think is the grand-father still working his small miracles from his grave ?
I loved the little town this story took place in and we loved the characters as they were all so amazing that they made it easy to love them all.I have to say that the story had us wishing we had a Roasters and a family like the Ocean's running it in our small town because we loved what that coffee shop stood for and it was so much than just making a buck it was about changing peoples lives that came in there to commune together and a safety net to others and life changing to so many others.We felt the love that those same people had for Laurels grandfather and how many lives he impacted just being the loving and generous man he was.
Eli was one of our favorite characters he was so thoughtful and so loving and generous and so understanding when it came to Laurel and how she was dealing with so much loss and in a small way he only wanted to help her wade through all the grief and for her to start to heal once again.
We loved the chemistry and the instant pulled that Eli and Laurel had between them.
Overall we really enjoyed this story even though it was so sad but, it was mostly about healing and forgiving oneself and it had so many love-able characters and it had a bit of drama added into the mix but, it also made you think is the grand-father still working his small miracles from his grave ?
May 12, 2020
My love for Dr. Rebecca Sharp is definitely solidified after this amazing novel! I am in awe at the beauty of her writing!
Laurel and Eli’s story is one about healing after loss, healing when you think there’s nothing left in the world but pain! Both have hurts from the past and as Eli helps Laurel find her way he finds a way to heal his lonely heart! As their friendship morphs into more laurel has to decide if she has the strength to stay because another loss would throw her over the edge!
I love how Sharp writes such strong heroines! When you feel that hope is lost and that you want to shake them and scream why Sharp shows the resilience of women and just how strong we can be! Laurel is a woman who has faced devastating losses and even when she feels she can’t do it she finds the strength to do what needs to be done! She does it knowing that even though it hurts she’s one step closer to finding her way, to finding the peace she needs in life!
What really had me falling head over heals for this story was Eli! He is such an amazing man! A good friend and most importantly a man who has so much love to give! He pushed Laurel when she needed but he also gave her space when she needed in order to grow! He didn’t force her hand. He showed her the strength she has always had and he helped her see the beauty in finding and accepting help when needed!
I have to also gush about the amazing town! The people and places make you feel at home! As a small town girl myself I love all the pieces that make Carmel Cove feel like home!
Laurel and Eli’s story is one about healing after loss, healing when you think there’s nothing left in the world but pain! Both have hurts from the past and as Eli helps Laurel find her way he finds a way to heal his lonely heart! As their friendship morphs into more laurel has to decide if she has the strength to stay because another loss would throw her over the edge!
I love how Sharp writes such strong heroines! When you feel that hope is lost and that you want to shake them and scream why Sharp shows the resilience of women and just how strong we can be! Laurel is a woman who has faced devastating losses and even when she feels she can’t do it she finds the strength to do what needs to be done! She does it knowing that even though it hurts she’s one step closer to finding her way, to finding the peace she needs in life!
What really had me falling head over heals for this story was Eli! He is such an amazing man! A good friend and most importantly a man who has so much love to give! He pushed Laurel when she needed but he also gave her space when she needed in order to grow! He didn’t force her hand. He showed her the strength she has always had and he helped her see the beauty in finding and accepting help when needed!
I have to also gush about the amazing town! The people and places make you feel at home! As a small town girl myself I love all the pieces that make Carmel Cove feel like home!
May 12, 2020
Dr Rebecca Sharp is a new author to me and I absolutely loved the first book in the Carmel Cove series. Beholden is filled with mystery, love, loss and so much more.
Laurel Ocean left Carmel Cove after the death of both her parents, but the death of her grandfather brought her back. She wanted to leave direct after the funeral. Nothing is keeping her in Carmel Cove. Her grandfather left her the family’s coffee shop and more. She didn’t expect it.
Selling everything seems like the only option to Laurel. She just wants to leave ASAP. The coffee shop needs to be fixed because her grandfather didn’t do any repairs the last few years and there was an incident. Laurel will be staying in Carmel Cove a bit longer.
Eli Downing fell in love with Laurel the moment he met her. He promised to protect her and to be there for her if she needs him. He offered to get the coffee shop fixed and get it ready to be sold. The feeling of knowing that she doesn’t want to stay hurts him, but he respects her decision.
Will Laurel change her mind or will she leave Carmel Cove for good? Can Eli convince her to stay?
The loss of a family member is not easy. Appreciate the people that you love before it’s too late. I loved the whole idea of the story and in some parts I could relate.
It is a MUST READ.
Official release date: 12 May 2020 – Preorder Now.
Laurel Ocean left Carmel Cove after the death of both her parents, but the death of her grandfather brought her back. She wanted to leave direct after the funeral. Nothing is keeping her in Carmel Cove. Her grandfather left her the family’s coffee shop and more. She didn’t expect it.
Selling everything seems like the only option to Laurel. She just wants to leave ASAP. The coffee shop needs to be fixed because her grandfather didn’t do any repairs the last few years and there was an incident. Laurel will be staying in Carmel Cove a bit longer.
Eli Downing fell in love with Laurel the moment he met her. He promised to protect her and to be there for her if she needs him. He offered to get the coffee shop fixed and get it ready to be sold. The feeling of knowing that she doesn’t want to stay hurts him, but he respects her decision.
Will Laurel change her mind or will she leave Carmel Cove for good? Can Eli convince her to stay?
The loss of a family member is not easy. Appreciate the people that you love before it’s too late. I loved the whole idea of the story and in some parts I could relate.
It is a MUST READ.
Official release date: 12 May 2020 – Preorder Now.
May 12, 2020
Dr. Rebecca Sharp has written another 5 Star book, Beholden!! This is the second book of the Carmel Cove Novels and was just as sweet and spicy as the first book, Redemption.
Beholden is Laurel and Eli’s story. Laurel was a small-town girl gone big city after attending college, while Eli came to the small town for a second chance at a successful life. When they meet, there are immediate fireworks. Like most really great love stories, there were many speed bumps along the way (that you’ll just have to read about), but in the end it is beautiful and the story was SO worth reading!!!!
The writing was beautiful and, even more importantly, believable. I felt like I could close my eyes and be right inside the town's staple, Larry’s coffee shop....’Roasters’.
Beholden is a definite 5 STAR ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Book. I loved every second, so don’t miss out.
~Lynne💜
Beholden is Laurel and Eli’s story. Laurel was a small-town girl gone big city after attending college, while Eli came to the small town for a second chance at a successful life. When they meet, there are immediate fireworks. Like most really great love stories, there were many speed bumps along the way (that you’ll just have to read about), but in the end it is beautiful and the story was SO worth reading!!!!
The writing was beautiful and, even more importantly, believable. I felt like I could close my eyes and be right inside the town's staple, Larry’s coffee shop....’Roasters’.
Beholden is a definite 5 STAR ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Book. I loved every second, so don’t miss out.
~Lynne💜
May 2, 2020
Words cannot even describe how incredible of a story this is. The story literally took my breath away. So much so that I cannot even begin to put into words the emotional turmoil I felt and rollercoaster I went on. The characters have flaws and suffered so much, yet they strive to get back a sense of normalcy and heal. In the process healing one another. This is one of her best stories yet and I cannot wait for more of this series to release.
July 28, 2022
DO NOT RECOMMEND
Inane storyline with so much word vomit I almost died of boredom at 6% therefore DNF.
Inane storyline with so much word vomit I almost died of boredom at 6% therefore DNF.
May 14, 2020
Overall Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Rebecca has done it again and swooped me up with her words making me fall in love with Carmel Cove all over again.
This time we have Laurel and Eli. Laurel is the granddaughter of Larry who was the heart and soul of Carmel Cove passing on wisdom to his customers at Roasters. Laurel left the town ten years previous, needing a fresh start as the town only brought her grief. Returning for Larry’s funeral only brings the memories back she’s tried to forget. She wants to attend the funeral and leave as soon as possible but there are a few things holding her back!
Eli, he’s such a big part of the town, he helped out Larry and is relied upon. When he meets Laurel, he knows there is something about her that he needs to know and sets of trying to help her heal and win her heart in the process.
I loved Laurel and Eli together. When Laurel first arrived back in Carmel Cove she was so sad and angry, however the more time she spent with Eli and being back, helped her heal and face her fears. Eli made her feel again and I loved that for them.
This is such an emotional book that really tugged at my feelings. I just love the way Rebecca writes, her words are so beautiful and completely pull you in. She gave us a story with all the good feels and another hero to swoon after. A must-read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Note - I loved Larry, what a wise old man. I loved his saying “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can” ❤️
ARC received for an honest review - thank you
____________________
Overall Ratings;
First Sex Scene - 58%
POV - Duel
Hero - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heroine - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chemistry - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Download your copy now or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heareadsrev... 😁
Rebecca has done it again and swooped me up with her words making me fall in love with Carmel Cove all over again.
This time we have Laurel and Eli. Laurel is the granddaughter of Larry who was the heart and soul of Carmel Cove passing on wisdom to his customers at Roasters. Laurel left the town ten years previous, needing a fresh start as the town only brought her grief. Returning for Larry’s funeral only brings the memories back she’s tried to forget. She wants to attend the funeral and leave as soon as possible but there are a few things holding her back!
Eli, he’s such a big part of the town, he helped out Larry and is relied upon. When he meets Laurel, he knows there is something about her that he needs to know and sets of trying to help her heal and win her heart in the process.
I loved Laurel and Eli together. When Laurel first arrived back in Carmel Cove she was so sad and angry, however the more time she spent with Eli and being back, helped her heal and face her fears. Eli made her feel again and I loved that for them.
This is such an emotional book that really tugged at my feelings. I just love the way Rebecca writes, her words are so beautiful and completely pull you in. She gave us a story with all the good feels and another hero to swoon after. A must-read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Note - I loved Larry, what a wise old man. I loved his saying “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can” ❤️
ARC received for an honest review - thank you
____________________
Overall Ratings;
First Sex Scene - 58%
POV - Duel
Hero - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heroine - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chemistry - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Download your copy now or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heareadsrev... 😁
May 4, 2020
I absolutely loved this story, I have read all of Rebecca Sharps, books and this one does not disappoint. The clever way she weaves the characters past and new is amazing and this is one well written book. The book further explains what happened in the book Redemption to Larry Ocean and why he was the way he was! I loved it!
Poor Laurel Ocean has returned to Carmel Cove to bury her grandfather and she meets the town and all those who love her and those amazing memories that she fights. She is determined to leave quickly but Eli and the town have other ideas.
Will Laurel and Eli find their happy ever after or will the beast in town who wants her café get to her like he did her Pap? Eli promised to keep her safe, you’ll have to read this book to find out if he does. Or will they end before they even get started. This book will take you on an emotional roller-coaster, but you will love the ride all the way.
Bravo again Rebecca. I cannot wait for the sequel and Mick and Jules story.
This is a must read, I read this book as an ARC promising to give my honest review for joandisalovebooks blog.
Poor Laurel Ocean has returned to Carmel Cove to bury her grandfather and she meets the town and all those who love her and those amazing memories that she fights. She is determined to leave quickly but Eli and the town have other ideas.
Will Laurel and Eli find their happy ever after or will the beast in town who wants her café get to her like he did her Pap? Eli promised to keep her safe, you’ll have to read this book to find out if he does. Or will they end before they even get started. This book will take you on an emotional roller-coaster, but you will love the ride all the way.
Bravo again Rebecca. I cannot wait for the sequel and Mick and Jules story.
This is a must read, I read this book as an ARC promising to give my honest review for joandisalovebooks blog.
May 15, 2020
A beautifully written story about grief, loss guilt and love. With one woman’s journey through them all.
Poor Laurel has only ever known loss in her life and so she has learnt to lock her heart away and refuses to let anyone in. When she has to return to her home town after her grandfathers death she is adamant that she won’t be staying.... only she hadn’t bargained on the place capturing her heart again or for the unwavering strength and support of ‘model magic’ Eli.
Dr Sharp doesn’t cut any corners as we are immersed in Laurel’s heartbreak.... her journey through her pain and out the other side was a delight to read with a few tears shed on the way. ...With lots of heat, heartbreaking moments and some mystery and suspense thrown in too.. this is a fantastic read.
Another new author for me... I am looking forward to following the residents new and old of Carmel Cove in this exciting new series.
Poor Laurel has only ever known loss in her life and so she has learnt to lock her heart away and refuses to let anyone in. When she has to return to her home town after her grandfathers death she is adamant that she won’t be staying.... only she hadn’t bargained on the place capturing her heart again or for the unwavering strength and support of ‘model magic’ Eli.
Dr Sharp doesn’t cut any corners as we are immersed in Laurel’s heartbreak.... her journey through her pain and out the other side was a delight to read with a few tears shed on the way. ...With lots of heat, heartbreaking moments and some mystery and suspense thrown in too.. this is a fantastic read.
Another new author for me... I am looking forward to following the residents new and old of Carmel Cove in this exciting new series.
May 2, 2020
Beholden is an incredibly emotional story of a woman who's lost the connections most important to her and her struggle against the love that won't let go.
Sharp has woven a tale where the town of Carmel Cove is a main character, so not only do we get to meet and explore the love story between Laurel and Eli, but we get to do it while savoring a cup of coffee at Roasters, enjoying a muffin from the bakery, and waving hello to the various townspeople as we pass by with the scent of salty ocean air lifting our spirits.
Beholden is more than a romance. It's a story of a town recovering from a tragic loss. Together, they confront their grief and keep lit their beacon of hope. Their story begins with deep sadness but carries on with love and a satisfying HEA for our hero and heroine.
Sharp has woven a tale where the town of Carmel Cove is a main character, so not only do we get to meet and explore the love story between Laurel and Eli, but we get to do it while savoring a cup of coffee at Roasters, enjoying a muffin from the bakery, and waving hello to the various townspeople as we pass by with the scent of salty ocean air lifting our spirits.
Beholden is more than a romance. It's a story of a town recovering from a tragic loss. Together, they confront their grief and keep lit their beacon of hope. Their story begins with deep sadness but carries on with love and a satisfying HEA for our hero and heroine.
May 10, 2020
We meet Laurel a.k.a. Ishkey, a nickname given to her by her pap. Laurel is home from school with the flu which she caught from her friend, Jane. While hanging out with her Pap, Laurel and he go outside to get fresh ocean air near Big Sur and her Pap tells her that her legacy doesn’t need to be the coffee shop that has been in her family for generations. Laurel was supposed to have a sleepover with her cousin, Jules. Jules has decided that she wants to be a nurse and she tried to convince Laurel to commit to it even though they’re only in ninth grade.
I absolutely loved this book. I recently lost my aunt in February so this book was amazing. I’ve never cried so much while reading a book but I loved all the characters especially Laurel & Eli
I absolutely loved this book. I recently lost my aunt in February so this book was amazing. I’ve never cried so much while reading a book but I loved all the characters especially Laurel & Eli
May 12, 2020
Beholden is just, to simply put it amazing.
I was blown away with the amount of emotion that was poured into this book.
The amount of emotion at which it envokes from it's reader, is powerful.
It's a beautiful start the fantastic new world of Carmel Cove.
Sharp, never ceases to amaze with her words. I felt like I was smack dab in the middle of her world, watching the events unfold. Sharp's attention to detail is spot on. I literally could smell the coffee from the description alone. And, now all I want to do is find my own Roasters.
I was blown away with the amount of emotion that was poured into this book.
The amount of emotion at which it envokes from it's reader, is powerful.
It's a beautiful start the fantastic new world of Carmel Cove.
Sharp, never ceases to amaze with her words. I felt like I was smack dab in the middle of her world, watching the events unfold. Sharp's attention to detail is spot on. I literally could smell the coffee from the description alone. And, now all I want to do is find my own Roasters.
May 12, 2020
Once again Dr. Sharp had me hooked from page one. The push and pull between Laurel and Eli was intense; infuriating at times.
The story includes some valuable insights - about remembering lost loved ones, working through grief and creating your own family, your own future.
I really enjoy all the similes and metaphors that are weaved throughout the narrative, it helps to create a poetic feel to the book.
And I loved how it incorporated build up to the next book near the end- it's going to follow on so well!
The story includes some valuable insights - about remembering lost loved ones, working through grief and creating your own family, your own future.
I really enjoy all the similes and metaphors that are weaved throughout the narrative, it helps to create a poetic feel to the book.
And I loved how it incorporated build up to the next book near the end- it's going to follow on so well!
Read
May 14, 2020This one was emotional. Laurel has lost a lot of people, and the loss of her grandfather is what brings her back to her hometown. Eli's character is really wonderful and the chemistry is really enticing, which helped because Laurel isn't exactly lovable in her grief at times (which is totally understandable). I think this is a beautiful journey of life, loss, and grief. Sharp weaves a alluring tale with depth and feeling.
Thank you to Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2020
I've read many books by Author Rebecca Sharp, this is definitely one my favorites!!
Laurel has returned to her home town due to the death of her pap.
What she wasn't prepared for was to find love!
Will Laurel and Eli find their happily ever after or will the monster in town be the end before they even get started?
Laurel has returned to her home town due to the death of her pap.
What she wasn't prepared for was to find love!
Will Laurel and Eli find their happily ever after or will the monster in town be the end before they even get started?
Read
February 14, 2024really kicking myself for reading the 3 separate series that are all connected out of order. This is book 1 of series 1 & I goofed by reading so much before this
September 11, 2022
What a sad but lovely story this was. This story was all about love forgiveness and so much grief and sadness and starting over. This was one emotional tale that tugs on the reader's heart strings that is for sure and Laurel and her grief even touched the reader so much so that it felt like you were experiencing everything this poor girl was going through personally.
I loved the little town this story took place in, and we loved the characters, as they were all so amazing that they made it easy to love them all. I have to say that the story had us wishing we had a Roasters and a family like the Ocean's running it in our small town because we loved what that coffee shop stood for and it was so more than just making a buck it was about changing people's lives that came in there to commune together and a safety net to others and life changing to so many others. We felt the love that those same people had for Laurels grandfather and how many lives he impacted just being the loving and generous man he was.
Eli was one of our favorite characters he was so thoughtful and so loving and generous and so understanding when it came to Laurel and how she was dealing with so much loss and in a small way he only wanted to help her wade through all the grief and for her to start to heal once again.
We loved the chemistry and the instant pulled that Eli and Laurel had between them.
Overall we really enjoyed this story even though it was so sad but, it was mostly about healing and forgiving oneself, and it had so many love-able characters, and it had a bit of drama added into the mix but, it also made you think is the grandfather still working his small miracles from his grave ?
I loved the little town this story took place in, and we loved the characters, as they were all so amazing that they made it easy to love them all. I have to say that the story had us wishing we had a Roasters and a family like the Ocean's running it in our small town because we loved what that coffee shop stood for and it was so more than just making a buck it was about changing people's lives that came in there to commune together and a safety net to others and life changing to so many others. We felt the love that those same people had for Laurels grandfather and how many lives he impacted just being the loving and generous man he was.
Eli was one of our favorite characters he was so thoughtful and so loving and generous and so understanding when it came to Laurel and how she was dealing with so much loss and in a small way he only wanted to help her wade through all the grief and for her to start to heal once again.
We loved the chemistry and the instant pulled that Eli and Laurel had between them.
Overall we really enjoyed this story even though it was so sad but, it was mostly about healing and forgiving oneself, and it had so many love-able characters, and it had a bit of drama added into the mix but, it also made you think is the grandfather still working his small miracles from his grave ?
May 15, 2020
It's so tempting to read a book by Rebecca Sharp, because you know it will change you forever.
Rebecca's writing style is so powerful that you can't help yourself to be consumed by this story.
“Sometimes, to get better, you have to risk getting worse.”
For Laurel, living in her hometown was synonymous of pain. After she lose another family member, she decides to start over in a different place, far from the memories that haunt her every day. But tragedy strikes again and she has to go back to the town where everyone is a stranger and the only feeling she can have is sadness. But that's what she believes until she meets the protective and stubborn Eli. She has to decide if running away is the best option or facing her fears.
I honestly admire Laurel. It's never been easy to deal with the loss of someone you love. It's not something you can recover from that easily. It takes time and willpower that most of us lack of. But we also cope with those loses in different ways. Laurel decided she couldn't handle the pain and tried to have a new life far for everything but deep down she knew her heart was in her home.
I understood she was afraid to let anyone in because just the idea to lose someone else AGAIN caused her so much suffering, it was impossible for her to handle. But she forgot that love, can also cure even the most broken hearts of all.
From the first night I held her in my arms, when she begged to not lose anything else, I knew that I’d do anything to give this woman anything she ever asked of me. Any f*cking thing.
Oooh, Eli❤️
It's pretty clear I love the man 😂 He is loyal, caring and protective. He feels he could have done more for Larry and wants to make sure, Laurel gets the help and guidence she needs after everything that happened to her. However, as much as he wants to be there for her, in order to convince her, he needs to show her that she still can find happiness in the same place she found sadness.
The relationship between Laurel and Eli is beautiful to read. It's heartbreaking from day one but also so rewarding.
The plot, the pace, the characters development and the delicate writing, are the perfect combination to have an unforgettable story.
It's inevitable to feel happiness without feeling sadness at some point of our lives, and Rebecca Sharp excelled in showing us that with her beautiful prose and poetic words.
This is, without a doubt, a must read.
Rebecca's writing style is so powerful that you can't help yourself to be consumed by this story.
“Sometimes, to get better, you have to risk getting worse.”
For Laurel, living in her hometown was synonymous of pain. After she lose another family member, she decides to start over in a different place, far from the memories that haunt her every day. But tragedy strikes again and she has to go back to the town where everyone is a stranger and the only feeling she can have is sadness. But that's what she believes until she meets the protective and stubborn Eli. She has to decide if running away is the best option or facing her fears.
I honestly admire Laurel. It's never been easy to deal with the loss of someone you love. It's not something you can recover from that easily. It takes time and willpower that most of us lack of. But we also cope with those loses in different ways. Laurel decided she couldn't handle the pain and tried to have a new life far for everything but deep down she knew her heart was in her home.
I understood she was afraid to let anyone in because just the idea to lose someone else AGAIN caused her so much suffering, it was impossible for her to handle. But she forgot that love, can also cure even the most broken hearts of all.
From the first night I held her in my arms, when she begged to not lose anything else, I knew that I’d do anything to give this woman anything she ever asked of me. Any f*cking thing.
Oooh, Eli❤️
It's pretty clear I love the man 😂 He is loyal, caring and protective. He feels he could have done more for Larry and wants to make sure, Laurel gets the help and guidence she needs after everything that happened to her. However, as much as he wants to be there for her, in order to convince her, he needs to show her that she still can find happiness in the same place she found sadness.
The relationship between Laurel and Eli is beautiful to read. It's heartbreaking from day one but also so rewarding.
The plot, the pace, the characters development and the delicate writing, are the perfect combination to have an unforgettable story.
It's inevitable to feel happiness without feeling sadness at some point of our lives, and Rebecca Sharp excelled in showing us that with her beautiful prose and poetic words.
This is, without a doubt, a must read.
May 12, 2020
This is the first book for The Carmel Cove series and it is a standalone one. The books I’ve already read from Rebecca they were almost all inclined towards comedy and fun romance, with little angst. But Beholden? It’s a wonderful drama romance from start to end, it’s beautiful, heart breaking story that make you think about your life and how to overcome and move on (or forward) from grief.
The book tells the story around the Ocean family, more specific, the last one standing Laurel. Within four years, Laurel was ripped from her cousin/bff, both parents died and her grandma also died. She left Carmel because she couldn’t handle the amount of loss. But now, years later she was back to Carmel for her grandpa funeral. Another loss. But now she has to deal with her family business and a town who wants her to stay. To feel the love they have for her and her family.
It’s a really beautiful story and Laurel an amazing rich character, she was broken from grief and loss and was fully intended to never love again because she always lose the ones she love. I can’t express how much I loved her and her road to move forward and find love again.
The good thing, she had Eli, or as she called him Model Magic. He was certain that he could glue the pieces of her heart, by supporting, loving and protecting Laurel at all times. Helping her heal and accept a life full of love and family, not the blood type but the one you choose.
I loved Eli as well, he was so persistent and patient, never loosing sight of his goals toward Laurel or the city who become home. Their love story was beautiful and with a great HEA.
I wasn’t expecting the suspense towards the ending and I wish I’ve got to know what really happened behind the curtains, who was involved with whom and close the angst I felt. Even though this book is a standalone, I think I will only feel like the story is complete with Jules book. Until then I’ll have plenty of theories!
.
“Grief is the other side of love, Laurel. Like sunrise and sunset. You can’t have one without the other.” Ishkey.
The book tells the story around the Ocean family, more specific, the last one standing Laurel. Within four years, Laurel was ripped from her cousin/bff, both parents died and her grandma also died. She left Carmel because she couldn’t handle the amount of loss. But now, years later she was back to Carmel for her grandpa funeral. Another loss. But now she has to deal with her family business and a town who wants her to stay. To feel the love they have for her and her family.
It’s a really beautiful story and Laurel an amazing rich character, she was broken from grief and loss and was fully intended to never love again because she always lose the ones she love. I can’t express how much I loved her and her road to move forward and find love again.
The good thing, she had Eli, or as she called him Model Magic. He was certain that he could glue the pieces of her heart, by supporting, loving and protecting Laurel at all times. Helping her heal and accept a life full of love and family, not the blood type but the one you choose.
I loved Eli as well, he was so persistent and patient, never loosing sight of his goals toward Laurel or the city who become home. Their love story was beautiful and with a great HEA.
I wasn’t expecting the suspense towards the ending and I wish I’ve got to know what really happened behind the curtains, who was involved with whom and close the angst I felt. Even though this book is a standalone, I think I will only feel like the story is complete with Jules book. Until then I’ll have plenty of theories!
.
“Grief is the other side of love, Laurel. Like sunrise and sunset. You can’t have one without the other.” Ishkey.
May 12, 2020
Small town romance, someone who doesn't really want to stay, a man who wants to change that? Sign me up this really sounds like my cup of tea.
Unfortunately, the enthusiasm with which I started this book was soon gone again .... I found the book a bit slow and I did not really get the small town vibe.
What I always love about small town romance books is that everyone knows each other, there is also a lot of gossip, but also the main character knows everyone in the town. And I missed that here! She had lived in the town for a long time, her parents and grandparents had a coffee shop where she was often and yet she hardly recognized anyone.
I understand that she didn't like having to go back again, that she really wanted to leave this place behind her. But it felt like she was really a stranger, and she hadn't been gone that long. I noticed that irritated me because I really wanted a small town romance vibe.
Her love interest was also not someone who had lived there for a long time and yet all the inhabitants of the town were completely happy and in love with him. My experience with Small town stories is that they often do not like outsiders and that they really have to fight for their place. I don't know it felt a little weird.
I thought the story was really slow, I understand that there had to be a build-up and that you had to be able to bond with the main character a bit and I really think there are people who think this is fantastic, unfortunately I do not.
It was not a very bad book, there were certainly very nice things in it and it is all described very nicely, it was just not a book for me.
Because the story moved really slow, I noticed that I was quickly distracted and found it difficult to get into the story. But for people who love the whole slow burn romance story I hiighly recommend this book!
Unfortunately, the enthusiasm with which I started this book was soon gone again .... I found the book a bit slow and I did not really get the small town vibe.
What I always love about small town romance books is that everyone knows each other, there is also a lot of gossip, but also the main character knows everyone in the town. And I missed that here! She had lived in the town for a long time, her parents and grandparents had a coffee shop where she was often and yet she hardly recognized anyone.
I understand that she didn't like having to go back again, that she really wanted to leave this place behind her. But it felt like she was really a stranger, and she hadn't been gone that long. I noticed that irritated me because I really wanted a small town romance vibe.
Her love interest was also not someone who had lived there for a long time and yet all the inhabitants of the town were completely happy and in love with him. My experience with Small town stories is that they often do not like outsiders and that they really have to fight for their place. I don't know it felt a little weird.
I thought the story was really slow, I understand that there had to be a build-up and that you had to be able to bond with the main character a bit and I really think there are people who think this is fantastic, unfortunately I do not.
It was not a very bad book, there were certainly very nice things in it and it is all described very nicely, it was just not a book for me.
Because the story moved really slow, I noticed that I was quickly distracted and found it difficult to get into the story. But for people who love the whole slow burn romance story I hiighly recommend this book!
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