This is the second Cloud Bay book. While you can read this as a standalone, it will be a better read if read in order.

Mina Harper is the youngest daughter of the deceased rock legend, Grey Harper, of Blacklight. Because of this, she is a very wealthy young woman. She volunteers full time with the local Search and Rescue team but wants to be recognized as an artist on her own merit, not riding on the wave of her dad’s fame. Therefore, she paints and sketches secretly. She married at 18 and was widowed two years later. For the last three years, she has been lost in her grief.

Will Fraser moved to the small island off California’s coast with his brother Stefan to start a whiskey distillery. They also own and run the local bar. Will has supposedly had a thing for Mina since he first set eyes on her five years ago, even though according to Mina, they’d only interacted a few times in all those years. He’s a nice guy who wants to settle down with a family of his own.

Will finds Mina unconscious, lying in the middle of a little traveled road and rushes her to the hospital to discover she has a concussion. Because her immediate family is out of town, Will volunteers to stay with her overnight to keep an eye on her. He then finds miscellaneous reasons to run into her or spend time with her. Since a drunk driver killed Mina’s husband, she refuses to get involved with someone who makes whisky and runs a bar for a living. She’s appalled by her attraction to Will. Will was willing to take any scraps she throws his way, so he agrees to her suggestion of a time limited affair.

This book moves very slowly. There was a lot of potential here that was not developed. Will and Mina spend a lot of time in bed and very little time talking. Their issues were not addressed just glossed over. I didn’t feel the heat or their connection. The whole Angie storyline felt unfinished and underdeveloped. And what about her art exhibit? For all the hoopla made over it, we never see it happen.

I’m assuming the next book will involve the absent brother. Not sure I’m invested enough in the series to look for it.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Let’s return once again to Cloud Bay, a unique island community – this time for Mina’s story. Mina is the daughter of a famous older rock star, sure her family may be considered a bit unique but she’s loved and loves them all in return. She’d been blessed to find love in her personal life and expected a long happy life with her husband… until a drunk driver stole a life and her dreams. Mina is now somewhat withdrawn, easing her pain through her artistic talents. She’s not looking for happy ever after ever again. But things can always change.

Will has loved Mina for years. He’s a firm believer in love at first sight because he knows what it’s like to be hit with that lightening bolt. The woman who has his heart was married, and he would never step in to cause her any harm so his love remained in his own thoughts and heart. When Mina’s husband was killed any other man might have thought “okay, here’s my chance” – but Will’s made of a different cloth. He hesitates because of his profession. And cannot see why Mina would ever want to be reminded of her loss by getting involved with him. They might have spent life apart lost in their own world except for one broken down car, a light in the darkness and a chance at the forever kind of love most of us dream of. There are risks involved. But anything worthwhile is worth a few risks along the way.

A Season of You brings two unique people together under unusual circumstances. Finding love a second time isn’t what Mina expected to happen. So yes, there is some angst in this story. Yet, it’s a natural feeling. Loving from afar and never expecting love again don’t always meet in the middle easily. I enjoyed Mina and Will’s journey of discovery very much. An interesting plot, quirky location and secondary characters, plus a message that love will find you no matter what you believe. I enjoyed my time here, and I’d recommend this story or the series for any Romance reader.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This is a book about having a second chance and with a little Christmas magic Will and Mina will get a chance to do just that. This was an emotional read and will pull on your heartstrings along with moments that had me smiling. If you are in the mood for a holiday story I recommend this book.

I received this book for an honest review.

mina harper had enough heartbreak to last a lifetime. so she wasn't searching out more. but when will fraser saves her after an unfortunate road accident, she finds herself noticing him in ways she never did before. a season of you finds mina and will indulging in the attraction between them. and mina, in particular, ignoring the very real fact that it's something more.

she already loved and lost, so to say she wasn't looking for love is an understatement. but will has been half in love with mina since he first saw her 6 years ago. he never approached her because she was married, and then because she was widowed and needed time to grieve. and then she developed an unreasonable hatred of alcohol and bars, and will happens to own a bar and a distillery.

but when she finally takes notice of will, she can't stop. it's not just his physical appearance, although that has her artist hands itching to draw him. it's his kindness. his patience with her. his steady presence in her life—never pushy, never aloof, just right.

it's pretty rare for the character required to make the grand gesture to be the female lead, but i liked that it happened here, especially in this case. mina did need to do something to make will know how special he is. because he's so good to her.

This was a cute holiday book that follows Mina who is still mourning her husband. She doesn't imagine she will ever be in a relationship again yet this season that is what seems to be in the stars.



** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

This one just didn't work for me and I think part of it was that I never connected with Mina and the other part is that I am so tired of the friends with benefits or fling with an end date and then they fall for each other but one won't admit due to some hang-up or another. This story is exactly that and while I sympathized with Mina and understood why she didn't like alcohol her reasons for not wanting to be with Will were silly. In the end I felt like Will gave way more than Mina and her gesture at the end was too little for me. Also the pacing on this book was very slow and I found myself just wanting to get to something/anything exciting.

This is a great book; this book is the second book in the Cloud Bay series written by Emma Douglas. Will Fraser has believed in love at first sight since the day he first laid eyes on Mina Harper five years ago. There was only one problem: She was happily married. Then, when Mina's husband was killed by a drunk driver, Will figured she'd want nothing to do with a guy who owns a whiskey distillery. So he's kept his feelings locked away, knowing that not even a Christmas miracle would be enough to melt Mina's heart. Mina believes her days of true love are behind her. Since losing her husband she's kept to herself, content to do her own painting and stay out of the limelight that comes with her famous family. But when, after a freak accident, Will comes to her rescue, Mina can't quite get him out of her mind. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Will Frazier has only lived on Cloud Bay for a few years, but he’s had a deep crush on Mina Harper from the beginning. Unfortunately, she was already married at the time and then tragically she was made a widow. When he rescues Mina after an incident with her car, he finally starts to get some much wanted interactions with her.
Overall this was a cute book. My big, and only, problem, unfortunately, is Mina’s biggest issues. Her husband has been dead for three years, but she is still as emotional about it as if it just occurred. This bugged me (which sounds really mean). I went through similar circumstances and after two years, things weren’t nearly as raw for me or other widows I’ve met. While it didn’t really deter from the overall story, it did make me give it 4 stars instead of 5. I very much liked Will’s character and thought the author wrote his hidden love at first sight well. I liked seeing other characters from the first book in this series too. Overall, I recommend.

First time reading a book from this author, I don’t usually read contemporary romance, but I’ll admit that the blurb intrigued me.

Secretly in love with Mina Harper Will Fraser never revealed his feelings, after all Mina was happily married. A cruel drunk driving accident takes Minas happiness away. A widow with a broken heart and broken memories Mina isn’t looking for romance. When her car brakes down in the middle of a snow storm literally brings her in Wills path he doesn’t miss the opportunity to try and win her heart. Hoping that the ghosts of the past will be laid to rest for a chance at happiness and love.

An enjoyable heartwarming story of healing and second chances.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion.

A Season of You is book two of the Cloud Bay Series by Emma Douglas. The first book, Need You Now had Faith Harper was the main character. Her sister Mina has suffered a tragic loss. Now A Season of You centers on Mina, her willingness to move forward and risk loving again. It is a second chance at love if she will grab hold of it.

Will, the male main character, is endearing, thoughtful and patient. He did not seem to believe he would ever have a chance with Mina but loved her from afar. Their journey to togetherness is not without doubts, guessing themselves and healing from loss. A sweet romance between two characters who take their time to get to know each other better, become friends and slowly explore love.

A Season of You is my favorite of the two books in the series so far.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

A Season of You, written by Emma Douglas, is the second book in the Cloud Bay series. This book is a wonderful continuation of the series...perfectly blending together romance and the family dynamic during the wonderful holiday season. It can be read as a standalone, however, I also highly recommend reading the first book in the series, Need You Now.

Will Fraser has secretly been in love with Mina Harper for the past five years. He initially had to keep his feelings hidden because when he first saw her, she was married. Since then, she has become a widow...after her husband was killed by a drunk driver. Considering his chosen occupation, he figured his chance to be with Mina would never happen...Will is co-owner of the Salt Devil Distillery, and Mina has a negative view on anything that relates to alcohol.

Will is working late one stormy night and he notices something isn't quite right when he looks out of his office window. It appears that someone has stopped by the side of the road. Initially, he noticed a flashlight bobbing up and down, and then it suddenly stopped moving. He rushes out to see if someone is hurt, only to find Mina Harper unconscious and lying on the ground.

Mina Harper is the daughter of music legend Grey Harper. She has not had the easy life some would expect...she lost her husband to a drunk driver and also has to constantly live in the shadow of her deceased father. She is the only child of Grey Harper that has not chosen music as a career. Mina's passion is art, specifically painting. She keeps her identity hidden from the real world because she wants recognition because people truly love her work, not just because she is Grey's daughter. She also volunteers her time at the island marine seach and rescue. She is on her way to work the overnight shift at search and rescue when her Jeep gets a flat tire. She contemplates calling for help, but she knows she can change the tire quicker than any help would arrive, especially at that time of night. What she didn't know is that she would slip and fall and be knocked unconscious. When she wakes up, she sees Will Fraser by her side.

The story that unfolds is perfectly paced and well-written. Having Grey Harper as a father has made all of the Harper siblings skeptical and weary of true love. Mina is still holding on to the memories of a husband that was taken from her too soon, so she is reluctant to get involved with Will. Will, on the other hand, is persistant...not willing to walk away from this chance to finally be with Mina. Will is a wonderful character with a world of patience, and you truly want to see him finally get his chance with Mina. I also was fascinated by the way the author described Mina's artistic drive. There is a scene in which Mina wants to draw Will. That urge is so strong and the sudden need for her to draw is perfectly captured through amazing detail. Through her words, the author enables perfect visualization of the process. This is something that this author excels at doing...whether it's her portrayal of the characters or the setting of the town...she pays attention to every detail that is an important part of the story.

The one thing I love about reading a series is the opportunity to revisit with the characters from the previous books...it is like that feeling you get when you go home after being away for some length of time. It was great catching up with Faith and Caleb, the main characters from the first book in the series, Need You Now. I love the continuous interaction between the Harper family and the community because it gives the reader insight into each character. Emma Douglas has written characters that are realistic and down-to-earth, making this series a joy to read.

Overall, I have to admit that I am now completely invested in this series. Both books have had a storyline that is not only interesting, but also plausible. I am hoping that a future release in the series will tell the story of Will's brother, Stefan. He seems a bit quiet and even somewhat mysterious, and I would love to learn more about him. I hope anyone reading this will give this book/series a chance...it is truly a wonderful and heartwarming series!

I would like to thank St Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

An enjoyable heartwarming and healing story just right for Christmas

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and voluntarily leave my opinion

What is it about the Christmas season that makes people let down their defenses? Albeit, in Mina Harper’s case, temporarily. Mina Harper, a member of Cloud Bay’s famous Harper family, is a reclusive widow. Her one activity, outside of painting furiously and privately, is being a reliable member of the island’s marine search and rescue squad. Will Fraser and his brother own a whiskey distillery and run a bar. That fact alone is enough, in Will’s mind, to keep Mina from ever looking in his direction since her beloved husband Adam was killed by a drunk driver.

Mina’s night is heading south. As she tells Stewie, her yellow Lab, while glaring at the back of her Jeep, “Not to misquote Monty Python or anything, but that is an ex-tire.” But she already knew the night was doomed when she turned on the radio.

She’d turned off the radio when they’d started playing “This Time of Year,” an old Blacklight song. The holidays were hard enough without hearing her dead father sign about them.

Thirty minutes before shift time. As she went to “switch on the hazards, her foot slipped.” Cue the universal expletive before Mina’s head hits the side of her Jeep. Fortunately, fellow islander Will Fraser spotted a bopping and weaving flashlight from his office at the Salt Devil Distillery. More expletives as Will jumps in his car and discovers an unconscious Mina Harper. He takes her to the clinic and all’s well.

Mina’s sister Faith takes this as a sign that perhaps her sister should concentrate less on her damaged car and take a good long look at her rescuer instead.

“Maybe but I’m the one who gets to decide my priorities. And dating isn’t one of them.”

“Will’s a good guy. And he’s . . .” Faith trailed off, biting her lip.

Alive. Mina’s gut tightened. That was probably what her sister had just stopped herself from saying.

Pronouncements to a concerned sister are all very well but what about the promptings of Mina’s head and heart? What led her to visit Will’s distillery, package in hand?

“Mina, hi,” he said, trying to sound unsurprised she was there.

She nodded, smiled tentatively, and help up a square Tupperware container. “I wanted to say thank you. For the other night. I made you cookies. Chocolate chip. I hope you like chocolate?”

“Um, yes.” She’d made cookies. That was . . . kind of adorable.

Does Mina seem somewhat inarticulate? Watch her ask Will to Thanksgiving. And his brother Stefan.

Will shook his head, still looking kind of stunned. “No. We close for Thanksgiving.”

“Then come to ours. Faith’s, I guess. At the big house.”

For a second she saw disappointment in his hazel eyes. Crap. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings. But better to be clear about things about front.

Clarity is in short supply, it seems when Mina explores her evolving feelings for Will. He stayed with her the night she was released from the clinic after her concussion. She tries to sort out her complicated reactions to Will while sinking into her sofa at home. Shake it off time.

Tried to think of something else. Breathed deep.

And smelled something unexpected. Something warm and almost smoky clinging to the wool of the afghan. The smell of Will Fraser. The smell of a man. Left over from the night he’d spent on her couch.

She wasn’t used to that anymore. To the reminder of a man in her house.

Adam had always liked an aftershave that was kind of woodsy. Fresh and green. But Will’s was different. Thank God. She didn’t need scent memory complicating every thing else when her brain was trying its best to fuck with her.

Brains are funny things—try to tell it to NOT THINK about something and that subject is the only game in town. Will is a “safe haven” for Mina but she’s wanting more: “What if she kissed Will Fraser?” What if she asked Will Fraser to sit for her because all of a sudden, seascapes are losing their appeal. Mina blurts out, “Can I draw you?” and they’re off to the races. Spending time together inexorably leads to an intimacy they both want—Will forever, Mina to get her through Christmas (she thinks). It’s a Cloud Bay Christmas courtship that heralds a sweet, sizzling HEA.

I'm really enjoying this series set on Cloud Island. This book is about Mina, one of the children of Grey Harper, lead singer of the group Blacklight, who died a couple of years ago. It was quite a chaotic life, flying all over the world on tour, popping in and out of his childrens lives as they grew up, and he loved it and was quite a character, although maybe not the best Father in the world, although it was certainly never boring!
Mina married very young at 18, probably looking for a more stable life, but unfortunately her husband died in a car accident a couple of years ago and after both deaths she just retreated into herself a bit, living in one of the properties Grey owned on the island, now passed on to his children, the lighthouse with attached cottage.
Will and his brother Stefan own a whiskey distillery and bar on the island and Will has held a torch for Mina since the day they arrived on the island, before knowing she was married. Then one night Mina's car broke down in bad weather and Will spotted her from his office and went to investigate as it looked a bit odd. As it turned out Mina had slipped over and knocked herself out, which meant a trip to the hospital. From then on they were thrown together a bit with various events, Mina initially thanking Will for rescuing her, then getting caught up on the committee together for the Christmas Festival on Cloud Island, and started to get closer.
Mina was quite an introverted person considering, or maybe because of, her Dad's completely opposite personality, but she started to come out of her shell a bit as the story went on and she worked through issues she had.
There was a very intriguing bit at the end where, whilst still sorting out Grey's numerous storage units scattered across the world that they keep coming across, it was found out that Grey had paid half a million dollars to an unknown person not long before his death. I definitely have my suspicions about where/who this went to, so I can't wait for the next book in the series now to see if I'm correct. If I am then it's certainly going to be a very interesting book - there will be fireworks! Very enjoyable series.

Very likeable and relatable characters with a story that flowed very well!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Although I liked both of the main characters, I am rating it a 3.5 Stars on Amazon, The struggles were real for both Will and Mina but the story didn't quite grip me as much as I would have liked. At times I did feel bad for Will because he has loved Mina for so long and is facing an uphill battle. One that he's not sure he can win, Mina is still recovering years after her father and husband died. She felt that she already HAD the one man in her life that she loved. And she wasn't so sure that would happen again or if she even wanted to go there if there was another chance at love. I do have to say that it felt like the story bogged down a few times especially before the 50% mark. And this issue is one of the things that were repeated quite a few times. Also the alcohol issue and the fact that Will and his brother are involved in the making and selling of it.
There were some good characters who were secondary to the story including Mina's family members. There was a good family feel to the story, as well as the Christmas Festival on the Island. There were also some F bombs in the story.
There is a hard fought for H.E.A, along with a question that is not answered about Mina's dead father.

A beautiful coastal town is the home to an aging rock band and their families. Grey had three children, Faith, Mona and Zach. This is Mina's story, a young widow with a wonderful artistic talent finding love and independence. Very easy to fall in love with this tight family, although a bit dysfunctional, and quaint little town. I received an early copy through Netgalley, my review written voluntarily. Even though this is book two of a three book series each story is independent of the others.

Title: A Season of You
Author: Emma Douglas
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Series: Cloud Bay #2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"A Season Of You" by Emma Douglas

My Thoughts....

This author gives the ready quite a interesting story in "A Season of You" [the second in this series] who dealt with Mina Harper who had lot her father and her husband. How will Will Fraser play in all of this? Well, he had be very fond of Mina from afar for five years, however, she was married so that was that. Now, that things were different would Mina ever be interested in Will who owned a whiskey distillery and bar with his brother and since the death of Mina's father and husband had been due to alcohol related causes. Would Mina [the widow] be able to get pass that? However, after a accident would Mina be able to see things different and overcome this apprehension that she had regarded of Will's career? Be ready for a little of 'drama, humor, second chances, love, spice and holiday hope.' Will Will be able to win Mina's heart during this holiday season in this good story of 'overcoming ones fear and allowing one to love once again?' To find out all of the answers to these questions you will have to pick up "A Season of You" to see how well this author brings it out so well to the readers in this Christmas novel.

Mina Harper is the youngest daughter of a deceased rock star. She was married young & a widow in her twenties. She's determined to protect her heart from the pain & loss. She's just started to paint again & is actually looking forward to the future. Then Will Fraser rescues her one night. Can she find the courage to try again?

Will Fraser has been in love with Mina Harper since the first time he saw her. First she was married, then a widow. Finally she is free & is starting to live again. He is a partner with his brother in a bar & in a distillery. She blames alcohol for her father & her husbands deaths. Can he convince her to try again with him?

This book is the second in the series but can easily be read as a stand alone. The characters are well developed & realistic. The reader's sympathies are engaged from the beginning with Mina being a young widow. The give & take of Mina & Will's interactions are interesting & have you reading on. There are some unexpected twists that add drama. Overall, a very enjoyable read.

'A Season of You' by Emma Douglas is Book Two in the Cloud Bay" series. This is the story of Will and Mina. I have read the previous book but feel this is easily a standalone book. When will first spotted Mina he instantly fell in love with her. But she was already married so he just worshiped her from afar. Then she became a widow after her husband was involved in a drunk driving accident. So Will still feels that Mina would not be open to his feelings. When Mina gets hurt, Will is there to help her which opens Will up to the chance for Mina to get to know him.
This was another sweet romance that you won't want to put down! Loved it!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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