Return to Hope Island for the second story in this series. The first book saw Bella, the adopted sibling in the Lancaster family, find love in Isaac and now we read about Rome's story. Rome is the oldest sibling and came into a lot of money when his fiancee was killed in a roller coaster accident. He opened his own stained glass business and Freya Greene works with him. Freya showed up on Hope Island two years earlier after a disastrous breakup and has never left. She has found a home on the island, best friends with the Lancasters, a job with Rome and unfortunately for her, she has fallen in love with her boss. Rome is still afraid of love after the loss of Paige four years earlier, but sees Freya as his best friend. Can these two wounded souls realize that their love can heal them? Both Freya and Rome have feelings for one another but their fear of being hurt, their issues with communication about those feelings and the misunderstanding of each other's words and actions almost tears them apart and destroys their "best friend" status.

This was another easy read from Holly Martin and one that fit perfectly into a sunny summer day. Freya and Rome are extremely frustrating at times and the drama in their story is very high school like at times. The interference of the siblings, friends and townsfolk is to be expected in a small town and adds some humour to the story. There is one part of the story when Rome's father happens to stumble upon them on the beach that had tears in my eyes. When they finally get together there is a lot of sizzle. I love the characters in these books, they love each other and will do anything for each other. The small town atmosphere is nice, although the townsfolk are not in this book as much as the last. The only problem I have is having to wait for Eden's and Dougie's story when it comes out in December. I am looking forward to another visit to Hope Island. A great read for any romance lover. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

Published by: Bookouture (27th June 2017

ISBN: 978-1786812018

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 5*

Synopsis:

For two years Freya Greene has hidden the fact that she’s totally and utterly in love with her best friend Rome Lancaster. It’s not been easy – they work together in his glasswork business, she lives above his workshop and, he’s completely gorgeous. But Rome has never shown any sign of returning those feelings. Until now…

Lately they’ve shared affectionate touches and words heavy with meaning. Yet Freya knows Rome has a damaged heart. After losing his fiancé in a tragic accident, he’s not allowed himself to fall in love.

Freya has already had her heart broken by a man who couldn’t let go of a past love. Can she risk it happening again? Rome and Freya have a friendship that could blossom into something more. Are they both brave enough to take that chance?

Review:

I needed a touch of summer sunshine to break through the miserable rainy weather and cloud that had stolen my reading mojo - and Holly Martin seems to have provided the perfect prescription in Summer at Buttercup Beach!

The two main characters create gorgeous works of art together and have been friends for a long time. The ideal couple who just haven't got together - Freya is someone who I'd want to be friends with. She's the sort of person you could talk to about anything without fear of being judged. Rome would be your ideal best friend and boyfriend combined...kinda like my hubby if I'm honest! I was just itching for them to stop pussyfooting around and get together!

The setting of Buttercup Beach is gorgeous. The descriptions are lovely, makes you fall in love with the place and the people. I want to go and live on Hope Island right now! It's so beautifully written, it really was a dream to read and I just couldn't put it down, I started reading it at midnight and read it all through the night!

I feel I've really missed out as I've not read enough of Holly's books...I will be rectifying that straight away! This is such a feel good warm read, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a comforting, uplifting read that will transport them to another place. ( )