Loved this book start to finish. So cute and beautifully written. Story flowed so well, the characters were relatable and I didn't want to put it down. The ending had me in tears I wasn't expecting

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:

As a cali girl who moved to the PNW a few years ago this book was a warm hug from home. I loved being transported to the sunny beaches of cali and hanging with this found family. It was everything I want from a sweet romance, I loved it. If you’re looking for a cute read and all the sunshine vibes this one’s for you!

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:

Britta put her dreams on hold to care for her mom. After she passed she’s holding on to her memory instead of following her own. So when she goes to CA for a vacay and comes across the perfect coffee shop for sale she has to decide if she wants to move forward or hold onto the past.

Dex is a pro surfer and he’s hoping to make it onto the Olympic team, but due to his age his window is closing. To make it on team USA he has to marry an American. Then Britta walks into his life and he can help her buy her dream coffee shop if she agrees to three years with him.

Can they both make their dreams come true? Will the insta attraction they felt grow into more or can they keep this a strict business deal. Guess you’ll have to read to find out.

𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:

“I want Britta by my side through every up and down. Through every rogue wave that may pummel us. Through the next three years and beyond. I want Britta forever, but I promised her I wouldn’t fall in love. I’m in so much trouble.” - Dex

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* Australian Pro Surfer MMC
* Barista & Coffee Shop Owner FMC
* Marriage of Convenience
* Small Town Girl Meets Big City
* Forced Proximity - Living Together
* Finding Yourself After Loss of Parent - Grief & Healing
* Strong Family & Friend Relationships
* Sweet Romance - Kissing Only
* Dual POV

☀️🏄‍♂️🌊🇦🇺☕️☀️🏄‍♂️🌊🇦🇺☕️☀️🏄‍♂️🌊🇦🇺☕️☀️

Thank you NetGalley and Brittany Larsen for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this book, especially the characters. Britta was one of the best female characters in a book I have read in a long time, I loved watching her character development and her relationship with Dex throughout the novel. I also enjoyed the overall plot of the book! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a classic romance book.

This was a funny, lighthearted, kissing only romance that had me laughing, feeling all the feels and enjoying the cameos from other characters in the same world as the author's other books. Recommended if you like sweet, small town love stories with charm and heart or authors like Courtney Walsh and Juliana Smith. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC; the review is my own.*

3.5 stars (UPDATED to 4 stars, see UPDATE at bottom)

I was ready to give this book a solid 4 stars until I got to the end, and then I found myself . . . disappointed. This book very much appeared to be a fluffy cotton candy book, which is exactly what I was in the mood for. (Btw, the only reason this took so long is because I was co-reading a book with my husband at the same time, so I had to split my time.) And, for the most part, it was a cute, fun, lighthearted book with a side of difficult personal history for each main character. But then a couple chapters before the end, it was like being viciously pummeled against rocks by a massive wave. I had hoped for a more definitive happy ending, but what I was given was more of a glimpse of the shore and a hope that I might make it there someday. I don't mind having a wrench thrown into the plot, but I do want a concrete HEA.

I liked both Britta (26) and Dex (29), but I couldn't help being irritated by the two of them. Choosing to enter into a marriage with someone you obviously like and are attracted to while also insisting that it must remain strictly a no-attachments business deal despite the potential for a real marriage . . . Well, I can't help viewing that as just plain stupid. I understand their intentions (for Dex to get citizenship, for Britta to have money to buy Annie's, and to prevent them from being distracted by others), but they were delusional for thinking that it would be less distracting than actually being married for real. So there's that. But I get that there needed to be some kind of obstacle to cause angst and prevent them from fully developing their relationship early on. Still, it bothered me. That and their constant back and forth about following all of Britta's rules.

Despite my complaints, I really did enjoy reading it. Britta's and Dex's voices were distinct enough that I could tell whose chapter it was even if I started in the middle of it. I loved the supportiveness of Britta's family, as well as the protectiveness of her brothers Adam and Bear. Even though I was frustrated that Britta and Dex thought the best way forward was to prevent themselves from having a real relationship, I did appreciate their care for each other and decision not to jump in physically just because they were legally married and attracted to each other.

Will I pick up another book by this author? Perhaps. It's nice to find closed-door romances.

Note: Maybe a little innuendo.

UPDATE:

At the end of my copy of this book, the author offered a bonus epilogue through BookFunnel/email. Let me say that reading it is an absolute must and made all the difference in my opinion. It took me from a somewhat sad feeling of "I hope things are eventually okay" to "Yes, I'm happy with how this ended." Finally. My question is this: Why on earth did someone decide not to include that bonus epilogue as a second epilogue in the actual book? That was a poor decision, and it should be reconsidered immediately. Bonus scenes are fantastic and fun, but this "bonus" is a vital part of the story itself. And I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially after what I was left with. (For the recored, it wasn't a bad ending--but it wasn't satisfying, either.) So yes, if you read this book, click the link and read the bonus epilogue.

ARC Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Coffee, family, and Paradise, Idaho have been the three main pillars in Britta’s life. Despite all of them being thrust upon her, she managed to find pleasure in her day to day life. But when her reasons for staying put are stripped away she must decide if the life she has, is the one she really wants.

Dex is a professional surfer. While he was born in Australia, he has since put roots down in Los Angelas, California. His life might appear carefree, but in actuality it is very rigid. After finding success on the circuit, he has one final goal to achieve, making it to the Olympics.

In a twist of fate, Britta and Dex’s lives intersect. Will they be the key to each other’s happiness, or the downfall they have been trying to avoid?

Britta and the Beach Boy by Brittany Larsen is the first book in the Love in LA series. It features Britta, the youngest Thomsen sibling. Readers were first introduced to the Thomsen family in the Love in Paradise Valley series.

I wish I could say that I have read the entire Paradise Valley series. Unfortunately, I cannot. Thankfully, Brittany Larsen is an incredibly talented writer. She effortlessly wove in pertinent background information I needed to fully understand enjoy Britta’s story.

This book features:
-dual POVs (Britta/ Dex)
-marriage of convenience
-forced proximity
-opposites attract
-and is a clean, sport romance

Simply put, I adored this book. Britta and Dex were kind characters, making it easy to root for their happiness as individuals and a couple.

I am excited to see where the story goes next when Mitzi a side character in this story gets her own book. Until then I will be binging all of Larsen’s previous works!!!

Special thanks to Netgalley and Brittany Larsen for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I've seen Brittany Larsen's books all over Instagram, but I never had the opportunity to pick up one. Until I saw Britta & the Beach Boy advertised. I knew I wanted to read it! This is the first book in her Love in LA series. This story has the sweetest marriage of convenience between an Olympic surfer who needs American citizenship and a coffee shop owner who needs money. I loved watch Britta and Dex learn about each other and fall in love more and more. This had the best beachy vibes all throughout the story. I can't wait to read more of this series!

Britta has not allowed herself to process and grieve the death of her mom. Instead, she's thrown herself into working at the coffee shop she ran with her mom, until renovations force her on a much-needed vacation to LA, the city she almost moved to before her mom got sick. She is neighbors with a surfer who visited her shop in the summer, leaving her with happy memories and an unforgettable kiss.
Learning more about her neighbor and his passion, while also exploring what life might look like if she decided to leave Paradise, Idaho are bringing up all kinds of feelings--feelings she'd rather avoid. When Dex, her hot surfer friend, offers up a proposal that could help her finally start living the life she wants, Britta's forced to decide if she's willing to bet on herself.
It is a very fun story with a lot of heart. Not as light-hearted as the cover might have you believe, but very engaging and entertaining.

Britta & the Beach Boy by Brittany Larsen is a delightful romantic comedy with all the right ingredients for a heartwarming, feel-good read! The combination of Britta's journey to rediscover herself in Los Angeles and Dex's pursuit of his Olympic dream makes for an intriguing plot filled with personal growth, romance, and a bit of adventure.

*Britta: She goes from a woman unsure of her place in the world to someone who is willing to take chances, embrace change, and put her heart on the line. Her journey of self-discovery and her willingness to stick by Dex as they navigate unexpected challenges makes her an easy character to root for.

* Dex: Although he’s a successful, world-class surfer, Dex is also dealing with the emotional weight of his dreams and the barriers keeping him from achieving them. His growth comes from realizing that love can be just as important as ambition and that sometimes, life’s unexpected turns can bring the most rewarding experiences.

Britta & the Beach Boy is a perfect read for fans of light romantic comedies with a bit of an emotional depth. The characters are lovable, their journey is inspiring, and the chemistry between Britta and Dex makes for a heartwarming story that leaves readers with a smile on their face. The way they stick together and make their marriage work, even when things don't go according to plan, really drives home the idea that true love isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, trust, and growth together.

Rating: 4 /5 Stars

Tropes:
- small town
- marriage-of-convenience
- Kissing ONLY

I received a copy from NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions in this review are my own. I also want to thank the Author.

I loved this book but also have a love hate relationship with its structure. The epilogue should've been a more in depth ending rather than how it actually ended. It was definitely a page turner, and a decent pace, and I loved the characters

This book was amazing! If you are looking for a summertime marriage of convenience book. Than you should definitely read this book!

Dex & Britta were absolutely adorable. I loved the surfing storyline & of course, i love a marriage-of-convenience story. Not only was it enjoyable to watch them fall in love, but it felt real. It didn't happen weirdly fast. But at a normal pace. I look forward to reading more in this series.
*it is a closed-door read but in my opinion, it toes the line just a little bit.

This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions! I don’t even know where to start! I feel like Larry on Veggietales...”I laughed. I cried. It moved me, Bob.”

When I started this book I thought it was going to be a light, fluffy read with sun, surf, and some love but as I got into it I realized both Britta and Dex had some big issues to deal with. I could relate with Britta in how she just wanted to keep working on anything in order to not have to deal with them.

Dex was a great MMC and I loved all the things Aussie. 😍 I loved the banter between Dex and Britta and how they encouraged one another just when they needed that extra boost. I also enjoyed seeing each of the MCs families with the couple and how there were flaws in each family but they learned to work through them with love. ❤️

The last third of the book about wrecked me and the marriage of convenience trope really came into play in a way I wasn’t expecting. 😭 I can’t say any more! 🫢

If you like sun, surf, coffee and a great story of learning how to support another through thick and thin you will love this book. I know I did!

Thanks @brittanylarsen.books and @netgalley for the copy of this awesome book!

I love feel good books that help you escape the pressures of every day and this is definitely one of those. I will admit that Britta got on my nerves a bit with all the back and forth of should she/shouldn't she. Also, she has always wanted to see the world but doesn't like flying in planes? I couldn't wrap my head around that one. The chemistry was great and I loved learning about surfing. The epilogue was great with a nice satisfying end. I am glad I read it but it is not one of my favorites by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Wow. Britta & the Beach Boy was such a fun story to read. At first it seems like a lighthearted romance, which it is, however it covers some intense topics. I enjoyed reading this book and loved how the end was handled.

Thank you netgalley for an arc of Britta & the Beach Boy by Brittany Larsen

Britta and the Beach Boy is the perfect blend of heartwarming romance, lighthearted humor, and a beach setting that sweeps you off your feet. This story had me laughing, tearing up, and daydreaming of sandy shores all at once.

The plot revolves around Britta, a small-town barista with a down-to-earth personality, and Dex, an Australian pro-surfer with a carefree spirit. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their romance is full of “aww” moments and emotional depth. From their chance encounter to a spontaneous Vegas wedding, it’s the perfect recipe for a rom-com. One of the highlights of this book is how it captures that quintessential beachy vibe. There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about a romance that unfolds by the ocean, and even though I wasn’t reading it on a beach (I wish!), it definitely made me feel like I was there.

And can we talk about the cover? Absolutely gorgeous! The bright, inviting colors and the laid-back vibe of the artwork match the tone of the book so well. It’s the kind of cover that makes you want to drop everything and dive in.

Overall, Britta and the Beach Boy is a sweet, feel-good romance that has everything you need for a perfect weekend read: love, laughter, and the magic of an unexpected connection. If you’re looking for a rom-com with a heart and soul, this book is a must-read!

🩷 Closed door romance
🌊 Fish out of water
🏄 Surfer boy
🩷 Marriage of convenience
🌊 Small town in a big city
🏄 Protective MMC
🩷 One bed

Quote:
“With the taste of Britta’s lips still on mine, I feel the same disconcerting sensation of being pummeled by a wave. There’s no up or down. Nothing else exists outside the pounding in my chest and my lungs grasping for air… But wiping out has never felt this good.”

Thank you to the author Brittany Larsen and NetGalley for the copy of the book.

I originally gave this book a 3.5 stars. But then I found a bonus chapter on Brittany Laron's website. That sealed the deal for me. It was the perfect way to finish the book! Not only was this a fun romance, but I found myself trying to learn more about surfing. We recommend this book if you are looking for a light hearted read that keeps you cheering for the main characters the whole time!

Britta & the Beach Boy was a cute read. Dex is a professional surfer and Britta owns a coffee shop. The trope marriage of convenience is used in this book, but not in the traditional sense in that once they were married, they didn't spend much time together at all. One of the things that makes the marriage of convenience trope work is the forced proximity, but that was missing in this book. I really like Brittany Larsen books and I am glad that I read this one, but to me it wasn't one of her best. It flet like the characters never had a real connection and then the ending was unsatisfying. If you read the bonus epilogue from her website, it has a more satisfying ending. I suggest you read that as well.

The writing style in this book is superficial and doesn’t appeal to me. I’m sure others will enjoy it.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Britta needs money to buy a coffee shop, Dex needs an American wife to gain US citizenship and surf in the Olympics. They both need to avoid the distraction of a real relationship, but can they fake it without falling in love for real?

I was looking for a light, fun read with Britta & The Beach Boy, but enjoyed the depth of how much they cared for each other as they tried to navigate this complicated arrangement.