In this first book in the Seaside Cove series from Kerri Carpenter, social media strategist Lauren Wallace comes home to Seaside Cove. When she meets her old high school nemesis Ethan McAllister as an adult, things sure look different for her when they end up unexpectedly in bed together.

And that has consequences. Like an unexpected baby. I love the unexpected baby trope and this is a good one.

There's some cute conflict between the main characters as Ethan and Lauren are very different in their approach to life. I liked that they showed each other a different side of things. Lauren also has two sisters that provide some sisterly type loving bickering. I did like the family aspects of this romance and situation very much.

There's plenty of flirting and the banter is light and fun. I could have liked a little more steam with this one but it was a bit tame in this regard, which was okay and didn't detract from the story. It's just sweet and cute and can be read quickly, which I liked about it. This story had me smiling and I liked that too.

This is a new to me author, while I was not a huge fan of this book I would plan on giving this author another shot. I have to say one of the things I dreaded was the start of the book the author stated off with the pandemic and honestly I am so over hearing, reading or even thinking about the pandemic at this point and everything Pandemic related. I just with the author would have found maybe another way to handle situations around that or just left it out completely. I did like Ethen a lot he was such a down to earth free spirit who just lived his best life the way he knew how, and did not let anything stop him. He cared for those close to him and he had a big heart. I loved Rose and Gabby they are spite fires and will tell it like they see it. I was not a huge fan of Brooke of Lauren I know being sisters you fight/argue but they felt like they had more of a Love to hate each other relationship it just didn't seem to fit sisterly love. I felt in the end this book was just not for me.

Kerri is a new author for me. But since I’m always on the lookout for new authors, I accepted the arc. And Kerri has written a wonderful, cute and cozy romance. the story is about Lauren, who comes back to her hometown. After being raised by her grandmother (grams, the most wonderful character in the whole story), she has moved away. But when her youngest sister, Gabby is in (money) trouble, she decides to return home for a few months. Together with her other sister, Brooke, they plan to help Gabby back on her feet. Whilst back in town, Lauren runs into one of her high school friends: Ethan.

Ethan did always have a crush on Lauren. But since she was dating his best friend, she was off limits. And now she is suddenly back in Seaside Cove! When one night of fun results in an unexpected pregnancy, Lauren and Ethan have no choice but to figure out their new relationship status. One of the reasons Lauren didn’t want to date Ethan back in high school, was that he was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy, whereas Lauren is a stick-to-the-plan kind of girl. And a baby was certainly not yet on any of Lauren’s to-do lists.

The story flows wonderfully and the fact that Lauren wants to keep the pregnancy a secret from her grand- mother, leads to some hilarious conversations. Furthermore, you can feel that there is a story behind Gabby’s financial issues. And what’s up with Brooke’s fiance?

I expect those answers in the next parts of these series. I’ll keep an eye out. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Lauren is a successful businesswoman who has mapped out every aspect of her life. She has returned to her hometown to be there for her but when she decides to escape for the evening she reunites with Ethan, a man from her past. She expected that one night would be all they would share but fate had other ideas.

Ethan has recently returned to his hometown as well and now owns the local pub. After his last relationship ended he wasn’t looking for love or a relationship but he wasn’t expecting to reunite with Lauren either. There is no denying the chemistry between them but when life throws them a curve ball will it bring them closer or tear them apart?

Humorous banter and an enchanting romance as despite the fact that their personalities and visions for the future couldn’t be more different they find the perfect balance in each other.

Small town endearing love story.
Three sisters return to their hometown where their grandmother lives.
Overall, a very cute and an easy read.
It was a very quick and easy read and I’d definitely recommend for anyone who loves small town romance story with lots of gossip!
All opinions expressed are my own.

The first lesson we should all learn is that when Grams tells you to do something, it's a trick and she wants you to do the total opposite! Haha! Lauren threatened to get on my nerves but Ethan, in all his male dumbness, was pretty great. Though I will say, this is one of those books in desperate need of some communication between characters, so if that frustrates you, sorry. I would also consider this a clean romance, we don't get any steamy scenes, though they are clearly implied (I mean, she ends up pregnant, so.... the birds met the bees, let us just say that).

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing a copy for review!

While accidental pregnancy is my least favorite trope, at least the two MCs were cute together. I love that Ethan was in love with Lauren for so long even if they both didn't know or admitted it.
I really liked how strong Ethan was and how excited he was about the baby.

I think my favorite character was Grams. She had such a spunk about her. She was super knowledgeable and could ascertain details about her granddaughters without their knowledge. I would love to see her (in one of the next books) get her ultimate happy ending

This is a fun, romantic comedy full of relatable, real life moments, along with some fun adventurous antics along the way.
It delivers what you expect from this style and genre of story, well done to the author!
Definitely makes me want to seek out other books from this author.
Thankyou to Author Kerri Carpenter, Netgalley and Entangled Publishers for the opportunity to read this book before release date!

I would also post this on Amazon as my review, but amazon.ca is not allowing me to post a review for this book for some reason.

I am grateful to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is my first Kerri Carpenter book and the first book in the Seaside Cove series. Come What Maybe is an ode to social media enthusiasts and strategists if I may say so myself. Firstly Lauren's grandmother is every grandmother who just meddles.

Come What Maybe tells the sister of Lauren who heads back to her childhood home where she has to deal with her meddling , calls you out and is a lot but loves you grandmother. One day she needs a break and goes to the local bar owned by high school frenemy. Nothing ever goes right when you are both attractive and there is beer involved. This book is perfect for fans of small town romances . I enjoyed the book and had some laugh out moments with a couple of oops and sighs.

I really liked this book I can’t wait to read more by this author, Kerri writes amazing small town reads! I adore the cover too.

Three sisters return to their childhood home
They've been apart as they did roam,
But the youngest is in need of support and care
So the other two sisters join her back there.

Lauren is a planner, a strategist with lists
Ticking things off so nothing is missed!
But she's also independent and stubborn, too,
Usually doing the opposite of what her Grams says to do!

That's how she found herself in the local bar
Meeting again her teen crush who has travelled far.
The chemistry is there and neither and resist
But they'll be consequences from this night that will persist!

A small town where everyone shares what is anyone might do
You really could be people living in a zoo!
However, each sister has their problems they're reluctant to share
And now Lauren is pregnant she's not sure that she dare!

A story of community, teen love and secrets, too,
With plenty of family drama and discoveries all the way through.
With romance growing between these opposites now
Can they trust love to help them through somehow?

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

To be honest this was the first time I can think of that I've read a book where an accidental pregnancy ended up being a good thing.

Lauren is the kind of character I love, one of those that depending on what part of her you see she's either all there or a complete mess, it gives her such depth as a character and that's what makes me want the very best for her.

Ethan.... well what can we say about him except he's exactly what Lauren didn't know she wanted... no needed when she walked into that bar.

Through a series of ups and downs, we get the highs and lows of going back to a small town and having everyone know everything about everyone. In some ways, it can be helpful and amazing, and in others well not so much.

This book is cute and charming and perfect for a cozy book night in, I can't wait to read more about Gabby, and I'd love more with Nana Rose.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled for providing an advance copy of this ebook, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

A fun book that was easy to read. Lauren has returned home, a small coastal town in Maine to help her sisters. They are all living with their grandma, who helped raise them. Lauren goes to the local bar to only find out the owner is Ethan. Her once frenemy from high school, only to find out that they really crushed on each other. A one night stand leads to so much more, but can they make this relationship into forever.

Loved this small town, everyone knows everything about everyone. The grandma is a hoot, sound tough but has a heart of gold. Loved Lauren and Ethan, great chemistry, banter and emotions. I can't wait to read the next book of the sisters. I highly recommend.

This is my first book from this author, and I must say I really enjoyed it. I love a matriarch grandmother who knows her family. Throw in her three granddaughters who all have their personal challenges and you've got the makings for a pretty good story. Ethan and Lauren were high school frienemies, but when they meet again years later the sparks really fly. The story eludes to sex filled nights, I for one like my books a bit steamier, but it honestly worked for me. Loved Grams, Gabby and Brooke, and Joe was awesome. Ending was perfect, but I hope to get the update on these two unlikely characters in the future series. Well-written and worth the read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre/tropes: fiction, romance, family, small town, dual POV
CW/TW: unexpected pregnancy, mention of parent death (due to cancer)

Lauren’s the oldest of three sisters who’s returning to the coastal town she grew up in to help her youngest sister get her life back on track. Returning to her childhood home and facing her stern but loving grandmother is daunting, and when Lauren can’t take anymore of her grandmother’s needling, she heads off to the local bar to discover her high school frenemy and inconvenient crush, Ethan owns it. Now in their 30’s, they do away with any of the awkward pretense of their teen years. One thing leads to another, aided by alcohol, they spend the night and, oops!Surprise pregnancy!!

I’m new to Kerri Carpenter’s writing and I liked that she wrote a story that felt well-roundedK. Through a few subplots she shows us different sides of Lauren - the successful business owner, loyal sister, granddaughter, and hesitant girlfriend. Ethan’s the impulsive type that’s contrary to her Type A personality. Their communication is great mostly, but the conflict arises out of my least favorite trope - miscommunication. Sadly, Lauren’s the cotton-headed ninimuggins in this scenario.

I liked it and I’m looking forward to reading the next one in this series, especially since by the end of this book we learn that there’s more to the grandmother (sneaky, sneaky) than we initially thought.

My thanks to @netgalley & @entangled_publishing for my review copy. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 is out tomorrow 1/24.
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Come What Maybe by Kerri Carpenter, book one in her Seaside Cove series, is a small town love story, focusing on the oldest of three adults sisters who return a small coastal town in Maine near Kennebunkport, to help her youngest sister through her troubles. They are staying with their tough but loving grandmother who practically raised them after their mother’s death. On her first night back in Seaside Cove she visits the local bar. She is surprised to find it owned and run by her childhood frenemy Ethan McAllister. They crushed on each other as kids but she ended up dating his best friend, became the antagonizing third wheel. Ethan has traveled and lived by the seat of his pants before returning home and buying the bar. Ethan had a bad marriage that left him cautious about relationships, but the connection he and Lauren have is different, it sizzles and sparks; drawing them together. Unfortunately, there are consequences to their time together, freaking out Lauren, the perfectionist. The dilemma for Lauren, who lives for over-planning, is if she can handle being with someone totally her opposite, someone who never plans beyond the present. Except, suddenly they start to agree on everything; which is totally unfamiliar territory for them. They begin to like each other more and disagree less; it's almost as if them being together was meant to be. Or is it?

Ms. Carpenter wrote a sweet, humorous, and endearing love story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, attraction, chemistry, clever banter, bickering and supportive sisters, and a cast of secondary characters helping Lauren and Ethan find love as well as the place where they belong, together. I highly recommend Come What Maybe to other readers and look forward to Brooke and Gabby’s, Lauren's sisters, stories.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Three sisters return to Seaside Cove. Lauren, the eldest, throws caution to the wind and has a one nighter with old pal Ethan. Except, oopsie, she becomes preggers.
Lauren is so organized her planner has a planner. Ethan’s plan is to never have one. Those two bumble around each other whole trying to hide her pregnancy from her Grandmother and arguing with her sisters.
I liked the story and the gossipy little town. I even changed my mind about cranky Grandma Rose who has more depth and stories than Lauren ever realized.
I look forward to the next book.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy this was a fun and light reading, it felt good for a nice drama in post covid era.

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO READ THE NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES.

3.8 stars.

This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I have to say I was hooked right from the first chapter. I loved the small, coastal, New England town setting and the fun camaraderie between Lauren and her sisters. The scenes in Ethan’s bar were a lot of fun and I pretty much smiled the whole way through the book. It was sweet, wonderfully romantic, slightly quirky and with such a lovely sense of community that I wish it was a real place I could visit! I hope that Lauren’s sisters each get their own story as I can’t wait to find out what fate has in store for them (- keeping my fingers crossed for Gram and Cap too, though!).

3.5 Stars

3.5 Stars

This was an easy, low-angst read and a perfect "palate cleanser" book to pick up between emotional reads.