Summer Loving (Heartwarming and Humorous Romance)

Barbara Freethy

Jul 2024 · Ocean Shores Book 2 · Fog City Publishing, LLC

About this eBook

"Ocean Shores is now my fictional happy place!" Goodreads Reviewer

In a vibrant southern California coastal town, sparks fly when Gabe Herrera, the charismatic owner of a beloved food truck, finds himself at odds with Alexis Baldwin, the meticulous chef of a prestigious fine dining restaurant. Their rivalry escalates when they both set their sights on the same coveted restaurant space, setting the stage for a culinary showdown that sizzles as much as their signature dishes.

For Alexis, food is a refined art, and each meal is a meticulously orchestrated symphony of flavors. She's determined to succeed in her first head chef position, but with Gabe's food truck parked across the street and stealing her potential customers, her dreams are at risk. Meanwhile, Gabe, a self-taught chef from an immigrant family, believes food is a celebration of life, meant to connect people and bring joy to everyday moments, but he needs more than a food truck to support his family.

As their rivalry intensifies, Alexis and Gabe find themselves competing head-to-head in a cooking competition for a prize that could change both their lives. But as the competition heats up, so does the attraction between them. Can they set aside their differences and blend their flavors to create a recipe for love? Or will their conflicting styles and opinions prove to be insurmountable obstacles? Find out in Summer Loving, a heartwarming tale of love, food, and the power of a good meal to bring people together.

SUMMER LOVING is the second book in the OCEAN SHORES series by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Barbara Freethy. In the sun-soaked paradise of Oceanside, California where the ocean pounds the shore, surfers ride the early morning waves, and the local military base sends roaring jets into the sky, sits a large apartment building filled with interesting and quirky tenants, possible love connections, and more than a few secrets! Once you come to visit, you'll never want to leave! Popular storylines include: grumpy sunshine, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, chef cooking competition, and second chance romance.

PRAISE FOR THE OCEAN SHORES SERIES…

"Absolutely loved this book! The Ocean Shores series is shaping up to be one of my favorites. Madison and Gabe’s story starts off with a rocky competitive relationship. But as the story unfolds, they become friends and then fall in love. Although this is only the second in the series, the friendships among the characters have proven to be so enjoyable that I cannot wait to read about each of the characters. Highly recommend! 5 STARS" Karen – Goodreads

 "Barbara brings a beautiful recipe for love with Madison and Gabe. Though both have stressful issues about their culinary future, their love for their art is heartwarming. The Ocean Shores family supports them both and pulls them into a cozy group of friends and family. Will Madison and Gabe’s future collide with their feelings for each other or will they find a way to move on together. Grab this sweet page turner to find out ❤️❤️" Cheryl - Goodreads

 "SUMMER LOVING is the perfect beach read! Ocean Shores is the new place to be and is inhabited by many wonderful characters. It an easy and fun read and I’m certainly looking forward to the next Ocean Shores story." Jill – Goodreads

 "Summer Loving is a complete delight. This is a sweet romance with a side of rivalry between two chefs each needing to win a cooking competition. Ms. Freethy does a wonderful job defining her characters, and as the hopes, dreams, aspirations and fears of self- taught Gabe and classically trained Madison and readers will find themselves rooting for both to win." Jane – Goodreads

Ratings and reviews

Summer Loving is book 2 in the Ocean Shores series by Barbara Freethy about two chefs who are totally opposite in the food world. Madison has trained in Paris, runs her own high end restaurant which recently opened and Gabe a self taught chef who owned a food truck. Sparks fly when they meet up at a bar, decide no names and just spend time together but the next day they discover she runs the restaurant he was trying to run… Competing against each other, sparks a plenty, enemies to lovers,

What a great beach/vacation read. Two competing chefs find their selves wanting more than a win. A good easy read. The second in the newest Ocean Shores series, which is turning into one of my favorites. Makes me want to live there. A must addition to your summer TBR list, don’t miss this one.

About the author

Barbara Freethy is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of 90 novels ranging from contemporary romance to romantic suspense and mystery thrillers. Thirty of her novels have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists.