Even though this is book 4 in the series, it reads as a standalone. I haven't read the first three yet but after reading Evie and Pax's story, I'm definitely adding them to my TBR!

Evie is in Paradise Key seeking refuge from the bad press from her father's insider trading scandal. She's laying low until she can return to Philadelphia and her talk show. Pax is the mayor of Paradise Key, leading the quiet life and doing his best to raise his 12-year-old daughter.

Pax and Evie seem to be opposites but the more they get to know each other, and the more time Evie spends with Pax's daughter, the more they realize that they are not so opposite. Their experiences bonded them and their chemistry was palpable. I can't wait to go back and read the first three books!!

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

Sometimes we protect ourselves so well that we fail to see truthful reality when it stands right in front of us. The habit of not trusting, not sharing, keeping emotions tight and controlled works for a very long time – right up until something or someone causes us to take another look at our life. One of the most difficult things in life is making ourselves look at a situation from another person’s view point, to hear their truth even when it counters what we believed was the only truth. Right now that is a situation that Evie is facing and if she makes the wrong step, listens to her protective side and not the side that wants to believe that she is worth loving then she stands a good chance of losing two very precious, special people forever.

Pax is mayor of Paradise Key, a widower of five years, proud father of 12 year old Samantha and is in a new stage of parenthood… the dreaded little daddy’s girl is growing up and discovering make up, boys, and girly things. Yeah, he’s in trouble now. He’s also been holding on to the memory of his wife, not ready to truly move on and content to be Sam’s dad. Until Evie came back to Paradise Key in hiding and stirred up his safe and known world.

When Evie’s dad also comes to Paradise Key to hide out from the press until his trial he throws so many painful memories into the mix of Evie and Pax. Yet it’s here, with Finn in the mix that Evie finally has to face that listening to the other side perspective, and how she handles another side of truth will decide her own happy ever after.

Small Town Love is a compelling look at love, parents, memories and truth. Evie and Pax’s romance is sweet, steamy, full of contradictions and so very real that it, at times, hurts to read what they’re going through. Samantha is a charm, her exuberance at turning into a teen is contagious. Finn is many things, but he’s also a father who did what he thought was right for his little girl, even if it turned out all wrong. I loved this story, it felt so real and lifelike, full of humor, tears, anger, sadness and… reality. I’d definitely recommend this story and the entire Paradise Key series to any Contemporary Romance reader who enjoys a good, realistic love story and characters who bring the story to life.

I sincerely hope that one day the authors of this series will come together again and take us back to Paradise Key. I confess that I’m really not done with this small Florida town and would love a return visit soon.

*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.*

Small Town Love by Susan Meier
After her estranged father is indicted for insider trading, wealthy heiress and morning talk show personality, Evelyn Barclay, returns to Paradise Key. She takes a job with a friend, only to discover she’s now in charge of Paradise Key’s sexy mayor, Paxton James.
Pax wants nothing to do with the video Evie needs to produce for the town’s new website. But he can’t deny that every time he’s around her, sparks fly. Not only is she beautiful, but when Evie steps up to help his daughter, he sees another side of her.
Just as Pax and Evie grow closer, her dad’s appearance in Paradise Key threatens to send her into hiding again and ruin their budding relationship.
This is Paxton James and Evelyn Barclay’s story.
Two feet away from the entrance, Paxton James approached them, six feet of good looks and downhome charm, not to mention a syrupy Southern accent that seriously made Evie want to swoon. Which was why she’d all but avoided him. Two failed affairs and a very bad father had taught her she and relationships didn’t mix.
He nodded once as he passed them. “Ladies.”
Everybody greeted him except Evie.
Evelyn Barclay felt the pulse as she walked up the street to the Shutto Building, home of the offices of WKPP where she did a daily talk show. Taxi, bus, and car engines purred. High heels clicked. Conversations ebbed and flowed around her, as people bobbed along the sidewalk.
A few feet from her destination, she began inching to the right, easing out of the muddle of nine-to-fivers and into the cocooned doorway of her building. One quick push on the revolving door set it in motion. In three steps, she was in the lobby, waiting for an elevator with another group of people, this one quieter and impatient to get to their offices. The elevator came, she piled in, and the car began to ascend.
The woman beside her gave her a puzzled look, then her expression turned to one of recognition. Evelyn smiled at her. As the on-air talent for Philadelphia’s biggest talk show, she was on Live at Noon five days a week. Her picture decorated the sides of buses and the backs of park benches.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
read this book to find out.
Small Town Summer by Susan Meier is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Susan Meier.
Susan 's Books with Tule:
Small Town Summer
Paradise Key

Paradise Key
After the sudden death of one of their friends, four single women who spent their summers at a beachside resort with their families return to the resort to mourn that loss and reconnect. The place they loved when they were young is falling apart, as are the lives of the four women. They each have their own reasons for returning, and their own secrets to keep. But as they bond together to restore a bit of their past, they find love in the beachside town, and the happiness they have sought all their lives.
Book 1
Summer Love: Take Two
by Shirley Jump
Book 2
Love at the Beach Shop
by Kyra Jacobs
Book 3
Resort to Love
by Priscilla Oliveras
Book 4
Small Town Love
by Susan Meier

This is a wonderful story and one that's perfect for a relaxing day on the beach. Evie Barclay finds her world once again upended by her father. This time his actions have cost her the job she loves. To hide away from the press and her father she returns to Paradise Key. No way is she prepared for Paxton James or the feelings she's developing for him. When the father she's been estranged from for years shows up in Paradise Key she's once again ready to run but what she'll be giving up has her second guessing that decision. Is it possible to find a way to let go of her anger and claim the life she wants?

I highly recommend this one.

Evie escapes from Philly to Paradise Key when her boss puts her on leave because her estranged father has just been indicted for insider trading. When she gets there to hide and spend time with her friends, she meets the mayor, Pax and, the sparks fly. Pax is a widower with a 12 year old daughter and, the last thing he wants is a relationship. Evie only has short term, simple relationships with men and they are few and far between because, she doesn't trust ANY man.
What are two people, who are wildly attracted to each other but, have both been burned, supposed to do about this? Especially when Pax doesn't want his daughter to lose anyone else when she's already lost her mother and, Evie refuses to trust any man after what her father has put her through?

This is the fourth and final story in the Paradise Key series but they can each be read as a standalone . . . . All the stories feature young women who met whilst spent their summers in Paradise Key as teenagers and have kept in touch as best friends ever since. There were five of them but one of them, Lily, has tragically died. The remaining four meet up again whilst attending her funeral and each story focusses on one of the friends - in this case it is Evelyn Barclay.

Evie had returned home after the funeral, expecting to continue her role as a television talk show host but was instructed to go on vacation and try to keep out of the news herself as her father is accused of insider trading. The fact that she’s not seen him for years and they’ve been estranged for all that time makes no difference, so she returns to Paradise Key, hoping to hide out there till the furore dies down. However, she jumps at the opportunity to work with her friend, Lauren, on promoting the resort though when she discovers that involves filming the local mayor, Paxton James, she’s not quite as sure this is a great idea!

Get ready for fun, drama and more as Pax really doesn’t want to be filmed. However, the filming proves a great way to reconnect and develop his relationship with his beloved teenage daughter. He’s attracted to Evie, especially when she helps his daughter, and the sparks fly between them. The arrival of her father, however, threatens everything as far as Evie is concerned - should she run somewhere else to hide?

This is a lovely story of father/daughter relationships as well as a daughter trying to act as matchmaker for her Dad! It had some poignant moments, some that will have you laughing out loud and others that will have you reaching for a tissue! It is a heartwarming romance and a delightful conclusion to the series. Each book is written by a different author but they work well together and it is great to discover more about each of the earlier couples in this story. I have no hesitation in recommending this book and the whole series to anyone who enjoys reading heartwarming contemporary romance.

I requested and was given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

The final book in the multi author series Paradise Key. Small Town Love brings us the forth of five friends who went to Paradise key as teenager and return when one of them loses her life in a car accident. I liked Evie and Pax, I enjoyed their story and felt it was a good way to conclude what has been a really enjoyable series.

What a delightful story! The characters are remarkable and have great interactions throughout. New friendships, truths uncovered, reconciliations as well as new found love all happen in Paradise Key. Loved this story and am looking forward to reading more from this author.

This is the fourth in the Paradise Key Series and it is just as good as the other three! I love the setting on an island in Florida and the interaction of previous characters with the two in this book. I loved how Evie could relate to the trouble Paxton was having with his twelve year old daughter because of Evie's sad experiences with her own father after her mother died. Evie can see how Paxton want to relate to Samantha but is at a loss as to how to do it. But, Paxton also sees a way to get Evie to finally just talk to her father and clear up all the messes that their lack of relationship caused. You can see how lots of care and understanding went into writing the book through all of the interactions of the characters and through Paxton's struggle to continue to connect with Sam as she grows into teenage territory.

Evie is getting ready for her noon show, when her boss calls her in and suggests that she take some time off to escape the scandal of her father's arrest. Heading back to Florida, she meets up with her friends, and gets talked into a part time job to pass the time. One of the perks is filming the hunky Mayor Pax once a week, and his 12 year old daughter Sam. Naturally sparks fly, and the three make a connection. When her dad shows up tensions rise, and a lot of hurt feelings from the past are hard to put away. Overall I liked the story, and it was an easy summer read. The only thing I found a little tiresome was her obsession of going back to Philadelphia, since it didn't sound like she had much going on there besides a job. Highly recommend this book.

The last installment of the Paradise Keys series, about four friends who come together for another friend’s funeral, is Evie’s story. Evie is a talk show host who is on leave from her job after her father was arrested for insider trading. She is hiding out from the press and helping her friend Lauren with Paradise Key’s website to pass time. Her main job is filming the town’s mayor, Paxton James, while he talks about the weekly events on the island. Evie instantly feels a pull towards Pax but she fights it. She isn’t looking for a man and none of her relationships ever work out.

Pax lost his wife five years ago and is raising their daughter on his own, but he doesn’t know the first thing about raising a pre-teen girl. That’s where Evie becomes handy. She helps Sam with things like makeup and clothes and gives her someone to talk to. Watching Sam and Evie’s friendship grow makes Pax to want more than just friendship with Evie. They eventually give into to their attraction and start seeing each other.

There is also another twist to this story. Evie’s estranged father has arrived in Paradise Key to lay low until his court date. But Finn has another reason for being there as well. When Pax tries to bring Evie and Finn together to talk through their problems, Evie flips out. Will Evie and Pax’s new relationship be able to stand up to Pax’s interference in Evie’s life?

This book was the perfect ending to this series. It was like several stories rolled into one. I liked how Evie and Pax had more in common than they realized. I also liked Sam. She totally stole some of the scenes and kept things fresh. I thought it was a little quick how Evie and Finn made up, but it made a sweet ending to their drama and helped wrap up the story.

I would like to live in Paradise Key. Evie thinks her time in Paradise Key is done, but then her father gets himself arrested and she has to lay low. She goes back to Paradise Key. Then her father follows her there. She hasn't spoken to her father in 10 years and she doesn't intend to start now. Pax is the mayor and knows everything that goes on in Paradise Key. He also knows everyone. He doesn't want to be attracted to Evie, but the more he gets to know the real her, the more he likes her. She is also very good with his daughter. Evie is trying to help Pax and Sam so they don't end up like she and her father did. Pax has to lay his wife to rest in his heart and Evie needs to lay the past to rest before they can be together.

Small Town Love by Susan Meier is the fourth in the series of the four girlfriends who have returned to Paradise Key. A tragic lost has brought these four back together causing each one to re-examine their life. This is Evie’s story. It includes a video for a new website to be made of a sleepy beach town that includes the mayor Payton James.

Through these books has been the theme of revitalizing the resort and town. This has caused a major bit of the conflict since sides are drawn in favor and against. It has been difficult for the characters to not lose the best parts of a small town while providing the needed tourist revenue for the town’s survival. None would feel the pressure of that more than the mayor.

Evie is a caring person and upright citizen, but it takes a while for Payton to see all of her virtues. The story includes family issues as well as their relationship and growing romance. It is an entertaining read that rounds out the series well.

I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher, via netgalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

I did not realize that this was the 4th in a series, each book written by different author, when I requested this book. While I have often jumped into the middle of a series, the authors usually provide enough background from the previous books to read the book as a stand alone. Not this one. It wasn't until I finished the book and read the description of the series at the back of the book to understand what happened previously. Four single women who had spent summers in Paradise Key, a beachside resort, became life long friends, and returned there after their other friend suddenly dies. This is a romance series, so of course, they all find love.

In this book, wealth Evelyn Barclay, is a top host on Philadelphia's biggest talk show, Live at Noon. Returning to Philadelphia from Paradise Key, she is eager to return to work, but is instead told by her producer that her estranged father has been arrested for and as company policy is "Talent cannot be the story" she is off the air until her father is out of the news. She is advised to go back to Paradise Keys. Unfortunately, her father also decides to disappear there. One of her friends offers her a temp job at her PR firm, producing a weekly video of the town mayor giving the weekly town events among other tasks. She is already attracted to Paxton James, former child star, business owner, mayor, widower and single father. She doesn't trust men and he still is in love with his wife. But Evie sees herself in Pax's daughter Sam and doesn't want Pax to make the same mistakes her father, so steps in to help. With the same fear, Pax talks to Evie's father Finn. Can Evie overcome her fears and mistrust to find a home in Paradise Key?

The author took the characters that she was assigned (?), developed them into endearing people and created an appealing story. I would suggest reading the series at the begining, though.

Small Town Love by Susan Meier, book four in the Paradise Key series. Another great addition to the series. A sweet small town romance. i've enjoyed the characters and storyline. I've enjoyed each of the books in this series and this one hasn't disappointed me. A sure recommend in my opinion.

The fourth book in the Paradise Key series, each by a different author.

Enjoyable short read, centred around Eve, a TV star who is hiding out in Paradise Key after her father is arrested. To kill time while she is there she agrees to help make weekly videos with Pax, the local mayor. They are attracted to each toher, but he is the mayor of town, single parent to his teenage daughter, and Eve will be heading back to the city as soon as she can - unless he can convince her otherwise...

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 4 in the Paradise Key series. Each book is written by a different author and tells the story of one of the four friends that returned to say goodbye to thei fifth bestie who was killed in an accident. In the final installment we see Evie Return to Paradise Key after her TV studio in Philadelphia tells he she has to take a break because of legal problems her dad is facing. Evie has become attracted to the mayor, Pax and become friendly with his daughter Sam. Pax is a widow and rents out beachfront homes. Both Evie and her dad who also turns up in Paradise Key and rent homes from him. Both Evie and Pax are skittish about their romance, she’s scared from her issues with her dad and he’s feeling uneasy after losing is wife 5 years earlier. This is a wonderful love story. I’m happy to recommend it and give it 5 Stars.

"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

Great writing, likable characters, interesting story. The father/daughter relationships added depth to an otherwise sweet romance. Kudos. I enjoyed this a lot. Was hard to put down so I could make supper!

In Small Town Love, Paxton and Evie both struggle against loss and fear of trust. Evie struggles with having lost her mother as a child, while Pax struggles with having lost his wife and raising a preteen daughter alone. Evie starts to trust Pax after bonding with his 12-year old daughter. However, Evie feels betrayed by Pax when he tries to help Evie and her father work out their differences. It was nice catching up with the other couples who also found love in the earlier books in the series.