Sweet Beginnings

by Melissa McClone

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He’s a former quarterback seeking redemption. She’s a betrayed artist hiding from the world.

Hope Ryan dreams of seeing her work displayed in top galleries again, but after a devastating betrayal destroyed her career, she retreated to her hometown of Indigo Bay. Now, she spends her days safely creating unique items for tourists and wedding couples, refusing to venture out of her comfort zone to protect her guarded heart—even if she secretly longs for more.

Sportscaster and former quarterback Josh Cooper never overcame the bitterness of a career-ending football injury. Finding solace in alcohol only made matters worse until he finally hit rock bottom. Now, he is determined to make amends. When a cross-country trip to right a past wrong leads him straight to Hope, she finds an unexpected kindred spirit in him. Josh’s journey to sobriety inspires Hope to take charge of her own life, something she has put off for far too long.

As their connection straddles the line between friendship and romance, the emotional stakes are high. Hope and Josh must find the strength to overcome their painful pasts and trust each other, or let the fear of repeating old mistakes drive them apart forever.

Tropes & Themes:

Small Town Romance

Wounded Souls / Healing

Former Athlete

Friends to Lovers

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Book Details

Genre

Contemporary Romance

Subgenre

Beach, Small Town

Series

Indigo Bay Sweet Romance • Book 3

Audience

Adult

Bell Peppers

🫑🫑

Profanity

1 None

Violence

1 None

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

3 Moderate

Publication Date

May 14, 2018

Language Versions

English

Narration Type

Human

Fiction Form

Novella

Sensitive Themes

Abuse (physical, emotional, or verbal), Addiction or recovery themes, Divorce or marital separation

Editorial Reviews

"This book touched me in so many ways....Even though this is part of a series, you can totally read it as a stand-alone. The other characters mentioned don't take away from this story at all and just add more depth to it." -Janine's Cool Cats and Reviews

"This is a sweet, clean romance which clearly shows the determination it takes for a recovering alcoholic to learn to stay sober. I compliment the author for her insight and compassion expressed for alcoholics in this book. Very well written." -Amazon Reviewer

"Loved this sweet romance of finding love when least expected." - Goodreads Reviewer

"This is such a wonderful sweet and tender romance with characters so relatable you feel like you know them and share their emotions as the story unfolds." -Amazon Reviewer

Easy reading

Easy to read and couldnt put it down

... life which have left them reticent to fall in love, but the pull between them is too strong

Hope the artist and Josh the sports broadcaster have faced obstacles in life which have left them reticent to fall in love, but the pull between them is too strong. Each must find their inner strength in order to allow their love to be enough to keep them together.

Sweet Beginnings

I really liked this story. The characters have some serious things they are dealing with, more like how life really is. I loved their interactions, the story line, and the mess ups that made them believable. And, of course, loved the ending! Thanks for another great book, Melissa McClone!

Two people not looking for love find the love and support they need.

Hope Ryan enjoys her life as it is. Josh Cooper is just trying to do a favor for a friend. Neither one wants r needs a relationship, but they help each other. This book made me cry a few times I really felt like the characters were real. And I love a happy ending.

Sweet Beginnings

This was an exceptional storyline with characters that were battling circumstances that made them very believable. Your storytelling explained that the pain and happiness they intertwined throughout this. Sweet Beginnings was the captivating and compelling learning to be a whole person and sharing your inner selves to complete what was important to each other. Thoroughly enjoyed your style and storytelling.