Sweet Spot Book Blog: Up to Me (Shore Secrets #1) by Christi Barth ~ ARC #Review #SummerReading

Title: Up to Me

Author: Christi Barth

Series: Shore Secrets #1

Release Date: June 23, 2014

Synopsis:

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

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

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

Four Stars

Small-town pride rules deep in the first book of the Shore Secrets series.

Graydon Locke really had no idea what he was in for when he went on assignment to check out Seneca Lake’s beloved hotel. He didn’t know he would fall head-over-heels for the hotel’s owner, which really puts him into a super complicated situation. Gray and this town have their secrets, and secrets always make themselves known eventually, don’t they?

I very much enjoy reading contemporary romances set in small towns. If done well the reader gets that feeling of being fully immersed into the setting, and that is what I got from Up to Me. I finished this book wishing and wanting to visit Seneca Lake. Christi Barth did an amazing job setting up the lovely scenery for this charming story. I also love it when an author spends the time coming up with something creative, like the unique way the townspeople ask for and offer advice to one another. I was left with just the right amount of interest to want to know more about the other characters. I’m hoping to see their own stories play out in the next books. Who is next? I truly hope it’s maybe Ward’s story!

Ms. Barth also made the quirkiness to the build up to Gray and Ella’s first date actually work for them. Their pairing had some pretty sweet tension and a unique factor as well, which I thought was very cute. Up to Me is my first time reading something from Christi Barth. She certainly swept me away to Seneca Lake! This is a delightful start to a new series.