Total escapism! A fun romance between a Hollywood heartthrob mega-star and a feisty small-town girl.
In her small town of nine thousand people, the last person Keri Ann ever expected to meet was Jack Eversea. THE Jack Eversea. But there he was, in person, the world most famous Hollywood mega-star actor sitting in her bar.
Turns out he was escaping his life, so to speak. Between the drama of a bad public break up and the non-stop spotlight on his life, he just needed a break. An escape.
“Suddenly, my heart started going a mile a minute and I was breathing hard. Jack Eversea was in my house! I willed myself to calm down and catch my breath. He was just a person. A human being. Right? I bent down for a moment and stuck my head between my knees, hoping my blood would circulate normally again.”
I loved that despite the fact that Keri Ann was actually a big fan of his movies, she was able to separate them from him as a person and realize that underneath the whole Hollywood persona was really just this sweet, charming (and maybe even a little lonely) guy.
They hit it off and despite wanting to keep his presence in the town a secret, he trusted her and proposed a trade — he’d help her fix up her house if she’d agree to do things like getting him groceries and supplies (which he couldn’t do without being recognized)… and so began their flirtation-filled friendship.
Meanwhile though, quite literally the whole world was wondering where on earth their top favorite movie star had gone!
But things weren’t that simple. Jack was literally bound by contract to be in a relationship with a high profile movie actress (who he had actually dated in the past).. this was a signed deal, set in stone, no way out. Needless to say, that put more than a little hitch in any potential relationship between him and Keri Ann. There were so many questions that popped up — I mean, it was wonderful that he was in her town now, but he couldn’t stay forever so… what would happen when he went back? Would he get back together with his ex? Would he have to leave soon? Could the spark between them realistically go anywhere?
I think there’s just something thrilling about the idea of a romance with a Hollywood star. But despite that there was a definite undertone of angst because throughout the whole book, you just KNEW that at the end of it, he would have to return to Hollywood and would have to go back to at least pretending to be with another woman.
“What do you want me to say? I’m sorry I’m so fucked up I sold my life, my soul and my future to the devil?”
His hand left mine, and he pressed it palm down in the centre of my chest.
“If I’d know you were in my future, I would have chosen differently.”
Despite this having some more serious elements to it (including Jack’s backstory), there were still some really cute funny moments scattered throughout that kept me smiling for a lot of the book.
“Jack tensed, and puling away from me, turned to the edge of the pool. After several moments of mumbling something that sounded suspiciously like “dead puppies, dead puppies, dead puppies”, he lifted himself out.”
I have to say I really loved that Keri Ann was mostly very up front about her feelings and I really felt for her. I mean, how would YOU feel if the person you were crushing on slash falling for “had” to be in a public relationship with someone else?
But I liked that even though she was a small town girl and he was a big shot movie star, they really went toe-to-toe on everything.
“Did anyone ever tell you how arrogant you are?”
“Not arrogant. Confident. There’s a difference.”
I enjoyed watching them fall for each other despite their situation. The progression of drama felt very natural – nothing that made me ill with worry but at the same time, I did really want everything to get sorted out.
“Do you think it’s normal for people to feel like this,” he motioned between us, “whatever this is that happens when we are in the same room with each other? Maybe you have no idea, but I do. It. Doesn’t. Happen. At least not to me.”
The ending was a cliffhanger. Buuuuut, I knew that going into the book. At least it was more of a “positive” cliffhanger though – the kind where you’re left with the knowledge like it’s all going to work out in the end as opposed to one where everything is blown to hell but still… I need book #2. Like now. Right now. Dammit.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was light and engaging with a dash of angst, a smattering of serious, and a swoon-worthy hero. I liked the characters and the story and while it didn’t pull any huge range of emotions from me, I’m really glad I read it and I’m definitely looking forward to the next one, FOREVER JACK, which will be out on November 30, 2013 🙂
4+ stars
** SERIES READING ORDER **
#1 — EVERSEA
Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback
#2 — FOREVER JACK
Buy for Kindle
angela says
Seriously loved this book. Great summer read and love the lowcountry details. This is sooo much better than any Nicholas Sparks novel set in that area. Let’s not forget THE Jack Eversea!! I mean who wouldn’t love this guy?!!? Can’t wait for the sequel to come out in the fall.
Nanc says
Your review talked me into buying this on my Kindle. Thank you for warning me that it has a “to be continued” ending. I would have been frustrated had I not known that. Now I’m psyched to go read it!
Lisa Karafa says
Eversea is a delightful summer read. Natasha Boyd did an outstanding job of really bringing the lowcountry feel to this story. The backdrop she create allows the reader to truly imagine this lovely place. With as well written as this story is, it is hard to imagine it being her debut novel. Loved the characters, the storyline and waiting, waiting, waiting for November to get here!
Julie says
I want to read this just based on the lovely cover!
mimi says
Reeeally Loved this book! Jack is to die for 🙂