As kids, Emily Quinn and Matt Malone were thick as thieves in the tightly knit community of Cassabaw Station. Then Emily's world crumbled into tragedy, and she was sent away. She's just returned to run a beachside café she now owns. A free spirit…with a guarded heart.
But while this town still feels like home, Matt is nothing like the boy she remembered. He is a man lost to shadows and doubt. As he helps Emily restore the café, however, their childhood bond reignites and unfurls into bittersweet longing. Now they face the greatest test of friendship…love.
My Review
Those Cassabaw Days is a lovely book. I love the friends to lovers trope and this even has a little bit of a second chance romance thrown in there.
Emily and Matt were best friends growing up, but when her parents died when she was 12 years old, Emily and her sister had to move away. The two lost touch and now it is 15 years later and Emily has returned to Cassabaw Station to run her Aunt's cafe. She isn't even in town for an hour before she runs into members of the Malone family and most importantly, Matt.
A lot has changed since Emily left town and the most interesting thing to her is the man Matt has become.
Emily needs help renovating the cafe and Matt is the guy for the job. The two spend a lot of time together and grow close again, but Matt keeps Emily at an arm's length. Matt mentions numerous times that he is only home temporarily. Now that is he no longer in the military, he just needs to figure out what he wants to do with his life. Eventually Matt gives in to his attraction to Emily and just when they seem to be on the path to happiness, thing go awry.
I loved Matt & Emily together. She had this wonderful, personality that rubbed off on everyone she met. She was always so upbeat and tried to see the best in everyone. You can't help but like her. And despite Matt's initial gruffness, Emily manages to find the boy she once knew. The two of them complement each other and are able to build on their past friendship. Below is a little example of what I loved so much about Emily. It's almost impossible to read it without smiling.
And speaking of Reagan. I am guessing we are going to see Emily's sister in a future book. At least I hope we do. I mean, I have some thoughts. ;-)
Amazon buy link: http://amzn.com/B00OYCW4RM
Emily and Matt were best friends growing up, but when her parents died when she was 12 years old, Emily and her sister had to move away. The two lost touch and now it is 15 years later and Emily has returned to Cassabaw Station to run her Aunt's cafe. She isn't even in town for an hour before she runs into members of the Malone family and most importantly, Matt.
A lot has changed since Emily left town and the most interesting thing to her is the man Matt has become.
Then, she backed up and couldn’t help but stare some more. Matt Malone had really, really changed quite a lot in fifteen years.
Well over six feet, with broad shoulders and narrow hips, Matt loomed over her. He had the same long dark lashes that framed those trademark Malone eyes. Although his hair was shorn, the cowlick remained just off the center of the hairline near his forehead, and was as obnoxious and untamed as ever. The gash through his brow still stood out, like a brilliant bolt of lightning, just as fresh as the day Emily had given it to him when she tripped him during a race to jump off the dock. It now gleamed silver, intriguing. Gangly had turned into lean. Confidence, maybe arrogance, wafted off him in waves.
His black T-shirt was just snug enough that she could see his chiseled chest and biceps. Muscles flexed at his unshaven cut-in-stone jaw as he studied her. How had her prank-playing, skinny little childhood friend turned into this man.And while she appreciates that man he is today, Emily senses a darkness within him that wasn't there when they were children. Matt is quiet. Gives one word answers. And kind of grumpy. Emily takes his new personality in stride, but is determined to bring him back to the boy she once knew.
Emily needs help renovating the cafe and Matt is the guy for the job. The two spend a lot of time together and grow close again, but Matt keeps Emily at an arm's length. Matt mentions numerous times that he is only home temporarily. Now that is he no longer in the military, he just needs to figure out what he wants to do with his life. Eventually Matt gives in to his attraction to Emily and just when they seem to be on the path to happiness, thing go awry.
I loved Matt & Emily together. She had this wonderful, personality that rubbed off on everyone she met. She was always so upbeat and tried to see the best in everyone. You can't help but like her. And despite Matt's initial gruffness, Emily manages to find the boy she once knew. The two of them complement each other and are able to build on their past friendship. Below is a little example of what I loved so much about Emily. It's almost impossible to read it without smiling.
Owen gave her a gentle squeeze. “I’m glad you’re home, Emily,” he said. “And you’re welcome over here anytime.”
Emily liked his sincerity. Owen Malone was indeed a gentle soul. “Thanks, Mr. Malone.” She cocked her head. “I really like your skin.” She looked up at him and smiled wide. “Reminds me of a perfectly aged copper penny.”
Owen laughed. “Is that so?”
She nodded. “It is.”
“Do you always do that?”
Her eyes moved directly to Matt’s—he was intently watched the interaction. For a split second, his face softened.
She knew exactly what he was talking about. “Yes, I do. I like to find something right off the bat appealing about a person and let them know what it is.” She shrugged. “I find it a rather useful bonding agent. Plus, it lets people know I pay attention to them.”
Nathan laughed, and Owen gave her a gentle hug. “I think it’s a fine quality, Emily.”
“Thank you.” She looked at Matt. Just as she could see sadness in Nathan’s eyes, there was something altogether different in Matt’s. Almost feral. Yet she also felt like he saw completely inside of her.
“Let’s head to the kitchen, then,” Owen said, and tugged on Emily’s shoulders. “Eric will be home any minute with supper.”
Emily allowed Owen to lead her through the foyer and into the wide-open kitchen, where Jep stood in front of an enormous white enamel stove, stirring something in a big white enamel pot. Still wearing those baby blue coveralls, he now donned a red apron. Jep had to be all of eighty years young, and although his hair was now silver throughout, he had plenty of it.
“I like your hair, Jep,” she announced. “The way it flips up by your neck and over your ears. Reminds me of the feathers of a snowy owl.”
Jep stared at her from the stove. “An owl, you say?”
She grinned and nodded. Nathan again laughed.I loved Matt's family. Matt's grandfather, Jep, was hilarious and had no problem calling Matt out on his grumpy attitude. I also really liked Matt's brothers and I'm looking forward to future books in this series. But best of all they brought Emily back into their family as though she never left. Emily's only remaining family is her sister Reagan, so it meant a lot to her that they were so welcoming.
And speaking of Reagan. I am guessing we are going to see Emily's sister in a future book. At least I hope we do. I mean, I have some thoughts. ;-)
Amazon buy link: http://amzn.com/B00OYCW4RM
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