Seaside Christmas by Stacy ClaflinHe can’t stand her. She thinks he’s crazy. Will their feelings stay etched in permanent ink? Cruz Hunter has always stuck out in his small hometown. Now that he’s covered in tattoos, the residents peg him as even more of an outcast. It seems like the whole world is against his dream of opening a local tattoo parlor. When he finally finds the perfect place for his new business, Cruz discovers a pastor and his daughter have already bought it. The only thing more irritating than the change in his plan is Talia, a beautiful and feisty argument in a dress. Cruz would like nothing more than to have her out of his life and his mind, but for some reason, she’s the only thing he can think about. If Cruz and Talia can stop arguing long enough, opposites may do much more than attract.
4.5 Stars
I've followed this series from the beginning and have fallen in love with this family of five boys. I should say "men," I suppose, since they are all grown now and are all gradually making their way back home to their hometown of Seaside. Each book in the series can stand alone.
Each brother is so different from the next and bad boy, Cruz, has always intrigued me. Tatted up and ready to open his own tat parlor, he's a rough and tough kind of guy. When a building promised to him is sold from underneath him, he intends to talk the new owners out of using it for their church, but comes to find one of the nicest girls he's ever met--and her preacher father. How can this diamond in the rough be good enough her this family? Once Cruz's tough exterior is cracked open, a soft, gooey inside is found. I really liked him and how he would do anything for anyone. Appearances sure can be deceiving!
This story has a slight Beauty and the Beast feel to it, which is one of my favorite fairy tales. Talia is a darling girl, with a love of cleaning and books. I really liked her character and her zest for life. I love how she is able to accept people for who they truly are. Her father is an amazing man and I really love the way he is able to wrap everyone around him in wisdom and love.
The setting is fun--a small, touristy town that is now a bit more quiet with the summer season over with and the Christmas snows flying.
I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and the series wrapped up a little too quickly (I guess I wanted more), but I did enjoy the journey and loved seeing bits of the other brothers' lives. I'm looking forward to the spin-off series with the cousins.
Content: some mild violence (fighting); no language; some religious elements (it revolves around setting up a church and a preacher's daughter, but isn't preachy at all); mild romance (kissing). Clean!
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Excerpt:
The
three of them sat at the freshly cleared table while Talia’s dad set up
the game. Cruz sat back in the spot where he’d had dinner and pulled
his sleeves up above his elbows, almost to his shoulders.
He
had one tattoo near where his sleeve rested that was a heart and a
flower with the word Mom. A black and white dragon wrapped around the
lower part of that same arm, and its tail looped around the neck.
Cruz glanced Talia’s way, and caught her staring.
“Interesting tattoos,” she said.
He gave her a funny look. “You like them?”
Talia shrugged. “How does your mom like that one?” She gestured to the heart.
Cruz flexed as he peered down at it.
Her own heart nearly jumped into her throat.
“It’s growing on her,” he said. “Her tears are down to a minimum now.”
The corners of Talia’s mouth twitched. “That’s a good thing?”
He crossed his arms over his chest, flexing them—on purpose or was that just natural? He nodded and smiled.
“So, she likes them?” asked Talia.
“Yeah.
She likes my dragon—she says he’s cute. Not quite what I was going for,
but whatever.” He rubbed the top of the dragon’s head almost like it
was a pet.
Talia had never been one for tattoos, but she kind of liked his. The artwork was really impressive.
Her dad cleared his throat. “You two ready to start this game?”
"Yes,” Talia exclaimed, embarrassed by her staring.
“Let’s get this party started.” Cruz leaned forward.
Meet the Hunter brothers of Kittle Falls…
The Seaside Hunters novels are a series of contemporary sweet romances. They’re set in the beach town of Kittle Falls, following the Hunter brothers as they make their way back to their hometown and find the loves they couldn’t elsewhere. Each book is a standalone.
Author Stacy ClaflinI don’t stick to a single genre in my writing, reading, or viewing. My favorite shows include Supernatural, The Walking Dead, Pretty Little Liars, Lost Girl, Vampire Diaries, and Once Upon a Time. I've been writing and telling stories for as long as I can remember. As a kid, my story telling would get me into trouble because I would try to convince others that my stories were real. When I'm not busy writing, I like spending time with my family and friends. I also educate my kids from home.
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Thanks so much for taking part in the tour, Katie! I'm glad you enjoyed the book!
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