A lovely summery read from a real feel-good author. Holly Martin always writes the loveliest stories set in the most perfect locations and full of the most wonderful characters. A definite must-read.

This was such a wonderful story. I loved it and still think about it now. I haven’t even read the first one in the set of 3 books as I didn’t realise at the time that there was one before it. That doesn’t matter though because I didn’t feel like I had missed anything by not reading that first.

I guessed in some part what was going to happen but that didn’t stop me from reading it as sometimes it doesn’t always work out that way and certainly wasn’t a given while I was reading it. I really loved Freya and Rome and felt like I was part of their world. I didn’t want the story to end and devoured every word.

It was an instantly engaging book that I didn’t want to put down. Holly writes so that you can imagine everything like you’re actually there in the story down to the place it is set and the feelings you get reading it. I want to move and live on Hope Island, I truly was encapsulated by the story.

Holly never fails to disappoint when it is one of her books you know you are in for a treat as the reader, I just never want her stories to end.

Loved this. Have read most of Holly's series and in fact, I am reading another now! Doesn't disappoint. Now one of my favourite authors. Keep them coming, please.

Another feel good romp from prolific author Holly Martin.

This story finds best friends Freya and Roman struggling with their obvious feelings for each other and their sweet romance. You can’t help but to root for them to be together. Steamy sex scenes, genuine emotion and heart balance well to give you a great romance.

Although some aspects of their conflict dragged, it didn’t stop me from tearing through the pages to get to their happy ending.

Stand out character was Roman’s Dad. Great comic relief and he was so sweet and bumbling. Loved him. Can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens to the next couple, Dougie and Eden.

After having read a few other Holly Martin books, I have discovered that her writing style and books are not for me unfortunately.

Unfortunately, this was not my favourite book by Holly Martin. I enjoyed the other Books set in Hope Island more. I feel like I didn’t connect with Freya and Rome and their story didn’t caught my attention. It was quite a romantic story but a bit too repetitive and not as magical as other books by Holly.

It has been two years since Freya left everything behind and started over at Buttercup Beach. She ended up in Rome's shop and he locked her in by accident. When Rome came back Freya had organized his store. He offered her a job and they became best friends. Freya is in love with Rome and lately she's started wondering if he feels the same about her. A miscommunication makes Freya doubt everything she's worked so hard for. Needing some space she pulls back from Rome and reconsiders her life. Freya has some difficult choices to make about Rome. Will the two best friends ever make it out of the friend zone?

Rome was engaged once, but his fiancée died in a tragic accident, which left him heartbroken. He never thought he would find love again. Rome feels so comfortable with Freya and spends every minute of every day with her. He needs her around and would do anything for her. Freya works at his shop and helps him create beautiful objects of glass. During a dinner at Freya's favorite restaurant he offers her the deal of a lifetime. He's flabbergasted when Freya storms out of the restaurant and refuses to talk to him. Rome has no idea what he has done wrong. Will he be able to make things right and get close to Freya again?

Freya and Rome have been best friends for a long time. They know everything about each other and being together feels natural. Both of them have been hurt before by very different circumstances. They've fought to be where they are now and are exploring the possibility of love. I'm a firm believer in fate and this is exactly what has brought Freya and Rome together. They both need healing and I liked it a lot that they were so comfortable with each other. Everybody in Buttercup Beach already knows that they belong together and they're pulling all strings to help them figure it out. I laughed out loud several times about the hilarious situations that the residents put them in because of this. 

Holly Martin always pulls me in immediately with her easy flowing writing style. I love to read small island romance novels and Summer at Buttercup Beach didn't disappoint. Freya and Rome are both so creative and the vivid descriptions of their beautiful glass work creations made me wish that Rome's store was real. I really liked this sweet romantic story with its kindhearted main characters. Freya and Rome deserve to be happy and the fact that destiny has brought those two together made Summer at Buttercup Beach a perfect romantic story.

I really liked reading about the relationship between the two main characters of this book, Freya and Rome (Rome.... he is the man of my dream! I want one like him!!!!), but I have to say that for the second time in a row I was a bit disappointed by a book by Holly Martin... I really like Holly Martin's stories and writing styles but I feel that the more I read books from her the more I feel like I am reading the same book over and over. Her last 3 or 4 books are very similar and that bothers me a little. Also I found that this book coud have been half shorter for what it had to say. The romance in this book is a bit "long" to set up. I really hope the 3rd part of this series will surprise me in a good way! Well anyway I will continue to read Holly Martin's books because I still love her stories...

It’s the second book in the Hope Island series and it focuses on Rome and Freya. Rome owns a stained glass business and Freya works alongside him. Freya came to the island after a bad break up and has stayed ever since. She has a great circle of friends, a good job, but unfortunately she has a crush on her boss Rome. Years after the accident with his fiancee he is still not ready to love again or at least that’s what he thought until he met Freya. Can they find a way to love together?

It’s a great summery book, perfect to read at the beach. I very much enjoyed the setting and the small town closeness as well the characters of course. I like how each book can be read as a standalone, but there’s enough background to the other characters lives and happenings, so it’s a great to get to know the new main couple as well as to hear about the other characters who were in the first book and will be in the next. As this was the perfect summer read, the next book in the series will be the perfect winter/Christmas story.

Back at Hope Island, which I first visited in Spring at Blueberry Bay, we are now familiar with the surroundings and some of the characters.

This time the story focuses on Rome Lancaster - having lost what he thought was his true love at an early age, grief is still running through his veins and he throws himself into his work and women.

Freya Greene found solace in Hope Island when she escaped from an unhappy relationship. Finding that Hope Island was the place she wanted to be, she became friends with Eden and her brother Rome, as well as Bella and Isaac the principal characters from the first novel.

Rome even offers her work at his workshop and the flat above as well. It seems that Freya has found a base at last, there is only one problem - she is in love with Rome.

Working together and laughing together are not enough for Freya, she wants more. And as Rome's behaviour changes towards her, is she perhaps reading far too much into innocent remarks, touches and looks?

Only Rome knows the truth and when he wants to resolve one problem between them, he seems to open up another lot of problems that they have to somehow solve.

Freya has the answer - leave the island and hope that her heart can forget Rome.

Rome has other ideas.

I thoroughly enjoyed going back to Hope Island and seeing how the relationship was forming between these two characters. I had my doubts, thinking it would simply be a carbon copy of the first book. Whilst of course, two people coming together and the setting is the same - the way they get there provided me with heart stopping moments, tears of joy and a lot of laughter too.

A book for the perfect escape, along with the wonderful setting and the beauty that can be seen not just in love but also in the surroundings and the art that can be created through the medium of glass. What a simple idea but sometimes I am sure the heat that is created in the book - could have melted more than just glass!

I look forward to the third novel and finding out all about Eden and Dougie and of course revisiting Hope Island at a very different time of year.

I am a fan of all things Holly Martin and was thrilled that Summer At Buttercup Beach was available to read. Bella and Isaac from Spring at Blueberry Bay feature in this latest book but the main stars of the show are Freya and Rome. Freya gave evevrything up and has ended up staing on Hope Island working alongside her best friend Rome. The only problem is that although they have been firm friends for 2 years, she has never told him that she is head over heels in love with him.

I liked Freya and Rome and they are certainly characters which are easy to read, as is the beautiful setting of Hope Island. When Rome starts to show signs that maybe he feels something different Freya wonders if she was imagining it. We also see some characters return (albeit briefly) from the last book and it's always lovely to see where everybody is with their lives. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I felt like there was maybe a little something missing from Holly's usual offerings. Maybe because the story solely worked itself around just Rome and Freya and their feelings it wasn't quite as engaing as her other books?

Thst small niggle aside the story has everything you would want from a book like this and is a perfect beach read. What I did love was the addition of Dougie and Rome's sister Eden featuring lining up what I hope is the synopsis for the next Hope Island book. Another great read by Holly Martin and I will look forward to reading the next one for sure!

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.

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.

I am seriously running out of words to review Holly's books with!

Summer at Buttercup Beach is the second novel in the latest
Hope Island series and features three siblings.

We've already met Bella in the first book, Spring at Blueberry Bay, and followed her romance with Issac, but we were also introduced to her siblings Rome and Eden.

Summer at Buttercup Beach is the turn of Rome's story although I must point out that each of the books can be read as stand-alone novels and in any order,

Rome and Freya have been working together for two years and have formed a strong friendship, however Freya's feelings have moved towards love which is a big step for her since having her heart broken, and although Rome won't admit it - it seems the feelings are mutual!

Over the course of a few weeks and a lot of flirting, Rome eventually takes Freya out on a date.
This of course should be all lovey dovey, however a proposal of the wrong kind sets Freya up for even more heartache.

What follows is a tale of finding your feelings and taking risks with your heart.

Summer at Buttercup Beach has lots of ups and downs, deep conversations, past ghosts and lots of sex talk!

As Freya and Rome get closer, something happens to jeopardise what they could have, until eventually Rome admits his feelings, but again things are taken out of context leaving Freya feeling the only choice is to flee the island - can Rome catch her in time?

Well you are just going to have to grab yourself a copy of this feel good romance story and find out for yourself.

What I will say though, is reading a novel by Holly Martin is sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. Despite the ups and downs of the sub plots her books will certainly whisk you away for a few hours!

Another fun summer beach read from Holly Martin. Written in an idyllic beachy location, this novel will have you wanting to be somewhere warm where you can dip your toes in the water. The main characters are artists that create works of art with glass and their it’s beautiful to watch their art come to life on the pages of this book. Their imminent budding romance was sweet and it was funny watching their friendship blossom with a few bumps along the way.

This novel has a theme of learning from past relationships and moving on after failed relationships. Sometimes the person that’s right for you is right under your nose, even if it takes you years to realize. When you’re in a relationship with the right person, you should truly be able to 100% be yourself, warts and all. Those that matter should love everything about you because you’re you. Friendship is the perfect base for a romantic relationship and often times a relationship without that is doomed to fail.

A feel good, totally romance filled book which made me feel like smiling most of the way through.

Nothing like a light, easy to read story to recover from a hectic week.

Holly Martin returns with yet another charming summer read. Summer at Buttercup Beach is perfect for those lazy sunny days in the garden, lounging on a deck chair by the pool or relaxing on the beach on holiday.

I first met Freya Greene and Rome Lancaster in Spring at Blueberry Bay and found out enough about them to want to know even more. I was eager to find out if they would eventually get together, as they both seemed to want that in book one, they just didn't know how to go about it. Nor did they want to ruin the strong friendship they had built over the last two years. Their own story Summer at Buttercup Beach, delves deeper into their pasts and why they are both anxious about taking their relationship to the next level. We find out more about Rome's ex and his nightmares that everyone he loves will be taken away. We learn about Freya's ex and her desire to be loved truly for who she is. Both Rome and Freya find it hard to conceal their feelings towards each other, but that doesn't make things any easier. Freya wants to jump into a relationship with both feet, while Rome takes longer to realize what he really wants. Will Freya wait as long as it takes Rome to find out or will she leave Hope Island and the man she's loved for two years?

This was such a fun, easy going, holiday read. Being on Hope Island with Freya, Rome and his family felt like home. I love that there is a huge sense of family in this series. The sibling love between Rome, Eden and Bella was lovely to witness. The way they interacted with each other and how they were always there for each other was easy to relate to and I found myself laughing out loud when they were in the same room together. Speaking of laughing out loud, Rome's Mum and Dad bring a lot of comic relief to this book. In particular, the scene where Rome's Dad find's Rome and Freya in a rather intimate position on the beach was hilarious!

Another fun element to Summer at Buttercup Beach, was Rome and Freya's business. I know I have mentioned this before, because it's one of my favourite things about Holly Martin's books, but I have to mention it again. Holly always gives her characters the most interesting jobs and goes into so much detail about them, that I come away from her stories feeling like I have learnt so much about jobs I would have otherwise never considered. Rome has a glasswork business and Freya works with him, together they make the most beautiful, intricate glass pieces that I can picture in my head so clearly. It was incredibly interesting reading about how to fuse glass and what materials they used to make their fantastic pieces. Now I can add glass maker to ice carver, wood carver, hotel reviewer and marine biologist, to the list of jobs I want to try from Holly's stories! :)

Even in the midst of Freya and Rome trying to figure out what their future held, I adored their friendship. From experience, I know what it feels like to not want to loose someone as a friend, even if that means putting your feelings for them aside. It's not easy to do and I think Holly got that across perfectly. What made Rome and Freya's relationship extra special, was also what made it so difficult to move forward. This made for one bumpy roller coaster ride that was definitely worth the wait in line.

You will laugh, swoon, flush and smile while reading Summer at Buttercup Beach, so what are you waiting for? Get your copy today! :)

I love chick-lit women's fiction, but tend to read them very rarely, as some I can find quite far-fetched. Although it's nice to immerse yourself in a 'happily ever after' book, it can sometimes lose its novelty if the book seems to be too unrealistic. Summer at Buttercup Beach however, ticks ALL the boxes of a good chick lit. A realistic story, with very likeable main characters, and a story that gradually builds to a climax at the end, leaving you invested in the characters' happiness and eventual happy ending. I loved Holly's writing style and the way she sets the scene. I have absolutely nothing to fault with her writing, the plot was great, it was believable and enjoyable, and was an all-round 5/5. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

Whats not to love. Fantastic summer read that whisk you up and takes you to an iydilic location. lovely characters and a great storyline to keep you reading. Perfect for this time of year

I have to rate this between 3-4 stars as much as I'm a huge fan of Holly Martin I felt this as a book 2 of a set seemed to take a little while to warm to. I loved book one and had been anticipating this ones release so was surprised it took me a while to respond to the characters in the book. I'd say somewhere between 25% and 30% into this one it suddenly clicked from that point on I enjoyed Rome and Freya's story which helped to boost my overall rating. I am looking forward to Eden and Dougie's story though so roll on September and book 3 release