Title: Scandalous in Huntington Beach
Author: Melody DeBlois
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Book Blurb:
Politician and senate hopeful Bennett Browning knows nothing about babies. When his former girlfriend dies and leaves him with a daughter he knew nothing about, he’s left scrambling until he meets Emma Kuan, his daughter’s aunt, who volunteers to be the nanny. Emma is used to keeping secrets. She and her sister have always hidden their tragic past, but she’s stunned her sister hid the baby even from her. Meeting her niece captures her heart, and she would do anything to be with her, even living with a stranger. Worried about potential scandal, Bennett and Emma juggle jobs, living arrangements, and parenting until a doctor gives them bad news about their baby girl. Then their priorities change drastically.
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My Review:
Melody Deblois delivers a heartfelt, beautifully written story in Scandalous in Huntington Beach, blending women’s fiction with romance. From the first page, I was drawn in by the political backdrop of the main character, Bennett Browning—a senate hopeful suddenly thrust into fatherhood. The premise alone was intriguing, but it’s the depth of the characters and the emotional journey that held my attention.
I especially enjoyed Bennett’s character. His journey from clueless single dad to a devoted father is heartwarming.
Emma Kuan, the baby’s aunt and unexpected nanny, is a vibrant and opinionated character whose strong views often add spark to her interactions. While her convictions occasionally made me pause, it only served to deepen her character and keep the story engaging.
The setting of a charming inn on the beach adds a lovely touch. The cozy, intimate setting of the B&B perfectly complements the emotional and romantic elements, enhancing the characters’ relationships.
The narrative is richly detailed, and the pacing keeps you hooked. There’s a mid-story twist featuring one of my favorite romance tropes, which was an unexpected yet delightful surprise.
Deblois’s talent for creating relatable characters shines throughout the book. She doesn’t shy away from tackling serious themes, including the sacrifices and vulnerabilities of parenting, as well as the complexities of love and trust. The ending is heartfelt and satisfying, leaving me still thinking about the characters long after I closed the book.
If you enjoy romantic women’s fiction with solid, realistic characters and an emotional core, I highly recommend Scandalous in Huntington Beach. It’s a story that reminds us of the importance of love, family, and resilience.
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it Now:
Barnes&Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scandalous-in-huntington-beach-melody-deblois/1146492135?ean=9781509259489
Author Biography:
Melody lives in Sacramento (the City of Trees). She writes Romance and Women’s Fiction. She’s partial to poetry, sun, rain, strong coffee, and her writing room surrounded by books. Besides California, she and her late husband lived part-time in a condo in Oregon overlooking the Pacific. That gave her a love for beach towns and whale-watching and sunsets—all the things that inspire the Love is a Beach series. The writing process fascinates her, the alchemy of layering and developing characters, the tinkering with language. There’s so much to treasure in the world: family, friends, and those random, everyday moments that make life grand. She hopes to give her readers all of that. Visit Melody's website at https://www.melodydeblois.com/ where you will find links to all of her books and her blog. Please do sign up for her newsletter.
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Reviewed by: Lana