Hopelessly Romantic (A Heartwarming and Humorous Romance)

“Hopelessly Romantic" by Barbara Freethy is an enjoyable reading experience that is sure to lift your spirits. In this charming tale, Ava finds herself in an unexpected situation when her sister, Serena, persuades her to cat-sit at her and her new husband, Brad's, apartment while they're on their honeymoon. Ava's surprise turns to shock when she discovers that Liam, a friend of Brad's, has also been asked to stay at the apartment during the couple’s absence. Faced with a dilemma and bound by their promises, Ava and Liam must find a way to coexist peacefully. Barbara crafts a delightful story of unexpected roommates, turning a potentially awkward situation into a heartwarming exploration of compromise, friendship, and the possibility of romance. Adding another layer of charm to the story are the other residents residing in the Ocean Shores apartments. Each character adds depth and warmth to the book. Barbara has once again created relatable and endearing characters who enhance the overall charm of the book. I definitely recommend this book, and I look forward to the next installment of the series.

This was a good book and it was not boring at all!

Can opposites fall in love! Yes they can. Ava and Liam are such lovable characters. Beautifully written story about opposite outlooks on life. And Ocean Shores is just the place to help them get together. Magic happens at Ocean Shores. It’s a small community of interesting people. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Hopelessly Romantic is book 1 in the Ocean Shores series by Barbara Freethy about a workaholic woman and a Aussie surfer. 4.5 stars Ava comes to Oceanside to house and cat sit for her sister who’s getting married and leaving on her honeymoon, continuing to work remotely and ends up with Liam as her roommate. Such a fun read, opposites attract, friends interfering, opening up her heart and more..you don’t want to miss out on this read or this series, get a copy now! I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hopelessly Romantic is Book 1 of the new series of Ocean Shores. Barbara Freethy, has once again proved great writing skills with this series. Ava and Liam are the first of the characters to discover how to heal from past hurts to find love in their journey through each other and their surroundings I strongly recommend this book and look forward to the next book in this series. Enjoy.

Hopelessly Romantic is the first book in a new series by 5 star author Barbara Freethy. It introduces quite a few new characters in the setting of a wedding but focuses on the brides sister Ava. Ava was very stoic, careful and anxious. She was concerned for her sister as from meeting to marriage only 8 months had passed. While Serena is on her honeymoon Ava apartment sits. But unbeknownst to her so does Liam, an outgoing Aussie. I could hear his accent in my head while reading. As you can imagine some issues arise. As they get to know each other the reader also gets to see that Ava is so much more than expected. Can Liam bring her out of her rigid actions? I loved watching these characters bloom. Kudos to Barbara Freethy on this new series as she sets us up for wanting to know more of the characters at Ocean Shores.

Time flew as I read enjoying this captivating plot in a new series. A winner for the author that I recommend. Given arc for my voluntary review

WOW! Barbara Freethy has done it again! I absolutely loved Hopelessly Romantic, the first book in her new Ocean Shores series! I can truly say that Hopelessly Romantic is an incredible love story, which filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions, and was impossible to put down. I loved every moment on every page. Barbara Freethy continues to deliver incredibly written love stories that I LOVE to read and continues to be one of my favorite authors to read. Barbara Freethy definitely does not disappoint her readers with all the feels in Hopelessly Romantic and has once again delivered an amazing story filled with everything that I have come to love about and expect from her books. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, big loving families, and caring friends, who always support each other? Hopelessly Romantic is an incredible enemies to lovers love story between Ava Campbell, financial analyst for a venture capital company in Los Angeles and Liam Nash, professional surfboarder from Australia hoping to settle in Oceanside with the goal of purchasing the Beach Shack from John Peterman. Ava came to Oceanside for the wedding of her younger sister, Serena, to Brad Morrison. Serena asked Ava to stay in the apartment in Ocean Shores to pet sit her cat, Miss Daisy while she and Brad honeymoon in Paris, Ava would work remotely while they were away. Meanwhile Brad gave a key to his friend Liam so that he could stay at their apartment after the wedding to finalize his purchase of the Beach Shack. Neither Ava nor Liam knew the other was staying at the apartment. Ava and Liam meet when Liam uses the key from Brad to open the apartment door and enter after midnight. Liam missed the wedding because of flight delays. I love that Ava defended herself with a broom. Immediately, Ava does not like Liam and wants him to stay somewhere else. Miss Daisy seems to prefer Liam over Ava As Ava and Liam begin to spend time together as roommates, things change between them starting with stolen kisses. Conversation between Liam and Ava flows so easily, I love their playful banter. I love the chemistry between them. I love the ways that Liam and Ava spend time together, especially when Liam teaches Ava to ride a surfboard and the lessons that he taught her changed her life. I love that they open up to one another and Ava shares how she always felt that she was responsible for Serena’s happiness following the death of their parents in a car accident when Ava and Serena were teenagers. The ultimate challenge of their relationship is that Liam is planning on staying in Oceanside and the Ava was leaving. Liam experiences an obstacle in his purchase agreement with John, because of John’s separation from his wife Maggie. Ava reviews the financial records of the Beach Shack and informed Liam that his offer was more than generous. An unexpected plot twist puts their relationship in jeopardy, but Ava puts her trust in Liam. Ultimately, Ava runs away back to Los Angeles when she realizes that she feels more than friendship for Liam and gets concerned about losing someone else she loves during a surfboard competition. I love the changes the Liam was willing to make to have a relationship with Ava. I love the changes that Ava made in her life and how she stands up for herself at work, because of the lessons she learned on a surfboard. So glad that Liam used his knowledge that he learned from Ava in his negotiations with John for purchase of the Beach Shack and how his future is in Oceanside. Another favorite part is the epilogue and Liam’s proposal and the location of the proposal. I love how Barbara develops her characters in such a way that you fall in love with them and care about them much like a good friend. I love how Barbara Freethy always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. Barbara Freethy continues to deliver all that and so much more. I am not sure how she does it, but Barbara Freethy has once again given her readers another remarkable book. Hopelessly Romantic is filled with all the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments and plot twists, that I have come to love and expect in a Barbara Freethy love story, I especially loved the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Barbara Freethy continues to prove that she is an incredible storyteller. I love that she writes her stories from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. My favorite part is how Barbara Freethy incorporates the title of the book into the love story. Hopelessly Romantic was an amazing love story; I am so glad that Ava and Liam got the happily ever after. I loved all the surprises that filled the pages of this love story. I loved meeting all the residents in the Ocean Shores apartment complex and cannot wait to read their stories. I enjoy all the interactions among the residents, it feels like real family love. I love the descriptions of the Oceanside, California setting in Hopelessly Romantic. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I loved every moment. I cannot wait to read the other books in the series. Highly recommend this beautifully written story. Received an advanced copy from the author.

First in a new series and a sweet romantic story. Ava and Liam are two very different people who find themselves thrown together and in spite of those differences, spin toward each other finding a true balance. Do not miss this newest romance, a relaxing read.