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Someone Else's Ocean
The first time I met Ian Kemp in the sparkling blue waters of St. Thomas, I was six years old and we shared a summer beneath the stars.
The second time I met Ian Kemp, he was a shell of the boy I once knew. Turbulent and infuriating, he refused my friendship at every turn. Like me, he was a casualty of life’s cruelty, but we were planets apart.
We’d both sought refuge on the island, hoping to find our anchor. Instead, we found each other and managed to reclaim our stars...until we both got swept away.
The second time I met Ian Kemp, he was a shell of the boy I once knew. Turbulent and infuriating, he refused my friendship at every turn. Like me, he was a casualty of life’s cruelty, but we were planets apart.
We’d both sought refuge on the island, hoping to find our anchor. Instead, we found each other and managed to reclaim our stars...until we both got swept away.
362 pages
First published July 23, 2018
About the author
Kate Stewart
52 books21k followersUSA Today bestselling author and Texas native, Kate Stewart, lives in
North Carolina with her husband, Nick. Nestled within the Blueridge
Mountains, Kate pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as
well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate’s title, Drive, was
named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and
Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice awards
for best contemporary romance of 2017. The Ravenhood Trilogy,
consisting of Flock, Exodus, and The Finish Line, has become an
international bestseller and reader favorite. Her holiday release, The Plight
Before Christmas, ranked #6 on Amazon’s Top 100. Kate’s works have
been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, The New York Daily News,
Huffington Post and translated into a dozen languages.
Kate is a lover of all things ’80s and ’90s, especially John Hughes films and
rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for
necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.
Contact Kate- [email protected]
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/79348...
Newsletter signup:
http://www.katestewartwrites.com/cont...
Website-www.katestewartwrites.com
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/authorkatest...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en
North Carolina with her husband, Nick. Nestled within the Blueridge
Mountains, Kate pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as
well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate’s title, Drive, was
named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and
Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice awards
for best contemporary romance of 2017. The Ravenhood Trilogy,
consisting of Flock, Exodus, and The Finish Line, has become an
international bestseller and reader favorite. Her holiday release, The Plight
Before Christmas, ranked #6 on Amazon’s Top 100. Kate’s works have
been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, The New York Daily News,
Huffington Post and translated into a dozen languages.
Kate is a lover of all things ’80s and ’90s, especially John Hughes films and
rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for
necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.
Contact Kate- [email protected]
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/79348...
Newsletter signup:
http://www.katestewartwrites.com/cont...
Website-www.katestewartwrites.com
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/authorkatest...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,297 reviews
July 20, 2018
5 stars!!!
Kate Stewart is one of those authors that never disappoints. Her books are consistently good and have so much heart! Someone Else’s Ocean is no exception. I loved this story so much!!
Koti and Ian were childhood friends, but they haven’t seen each other in years. Both of their families own beach homes in St. Thomas and Koti has been staying and hers for a while now. Just as Ian’s life is imploding, he comes to his family home to have some time to get himself together. He never expects Koti. They don’t see each other coming, but they are exactly what each other needs. And this place is exactly where they are meant to be.
Ian and Koti have tons of chemistry. Even though there is a lot of push and pull with them, it’s apparent from the start that the connection they had as children is still there. It only grows with time. I loved both of these characters so hard! Ian has gone through something… I can’t even imagine. He is such an amazing man though, and the best father ever. Which is a truly endearing quality. Koti has her own issues, and they are issues I think a lot will relate to. I, for one, found her completely relatable. As much as I loved these two characters individually, they truly shined when they were together.
This story is the perfect summer read. It’s not super light, but it has some light moments and is definitely funny at times! Koti’s BFF is a hoot! And of course, it takes place on a beautiful island! Who doesn’t want to read a story in that location?! This is a truly stunning romance. It’s about true and unconditional love in many forms. It’s a breathtaking read. Someone Else’s Ocean is a special book to me. It’s one that made me laugh, love, and feel. Kate has written another book to go right on my favorites list! I highly recommend this one to all lovers of romance!
Kate Stewart is one of those authors that never disappoints. Her books are consistently good and have so much heart! Someone Else’s Ocean is no exception. I loved this story so much!!
Koti and Ian were childhood friends, but they haven’t seen each other in years. Both of their families own beach homes in St. Thomas and Koti has been staying and hers for a while now. Just as Ian’s life is imploding, he comes to his family home to have some time to get himself together. He never expects Koti. They don’t see each other coming, but they are exactly what each other needs. And this place is exactly where they are meant to be.
"I don’t have the answer to anything. But here, this place is where everything wrong can be made right.”
Ian and Koti have tons of chemistry. Even though there is a lot of push and pull with them, it’s apparent from the start that the connection they had as children is still there. It only grows with time. I loved both of these characters so hard! Ian has gone through something… I can’t even imagine. He is such an amazing man though, and the best father ever. Which is a truly endearing quality. Koti has her own issues, and they are issues I think a lot will relate to. I, for one, found her completely relatable. As much as I loved these two characters individually, they truly shined when they were together.
She was dangerous for me in every way. I was addicted to her warmth, her kiss, her body.
This story is the perfect summer read. It’s not super light, but it has some light moments and is definitely funny at times! Koti’s BFF is a hoot! And of course, it takes place on a beautiful island! Who doesn’t want to read a story in that location?! This is a truly stunning romance. It’s about true and unconditional love in many forms. It’s a breathtaking read. Someone Else’s Ocean is a special book to me. It’s one that made me laugh, love, and feel. Kate has written another book to go right on my favorites list! I highly recommend this one to all lovers of romance!
July 29, 2018
*****FIVE+++++++STARS*****
{Beta Read}
I found the one person in the world who understood me and loved me wholly as I was. Love stories aren’t always perfect. They can wreak havoc on the heart and distort the soul. I’d gotten lost in love and found the reality at the end of it where I now lived in the truth. Not all love stories come with happy endings.
Kate Stewart truly is one seriously talented author. At this point, I come to expect perfection from her and she has more than delivered that with ”SOMEONE ELSE’S OCEAN”! I am so in LOVE with this story and I know romance readers everywhere will feel the same! Ian and Koti just might be Kate’s HOTTEST couple to date. Their chemistry SIZZLES!!
Ian and Koti met many years ago on the island of St. Thomas, where their parents owned adjacent vacation homes. Even though there was an eight-year age gap between them, the two managed to become the best of friends. But life took them in different directions and it’s been nearly twenty years since they’ve seen each other--until now. Ian's world has been rocked to its core and he’s run off to St. Thomas to do some soul-searching.
Koti went through her own soul-searching journey the previous year and has made St. Thomas her home. When she sees Ian going through rough times, she tries to comfort her old friend, but Ian is angry at the world and behaves unbelievably rude towards Koti. The two spend a lot of time bickering and getting into heated arguments but little by little Koti is able to break through Ian’s barriers and old childhood friends start to become something more.
Ian has been hurt by his Ex’s deceitful actions and they share custody of a charming teenaged daughter. His life isn’t free of entanglements and his time on the island has a set expiration date. Home is where his daughter is. But while they both know that their time together is due to end they just can’t seem to stay away from each other.
No man has ever captured Koti’s heart until Ian came back into her life. She never believed in love until Ian showed her how beautiful life could be when you found your true soul mate. But her life is very much planted in St. Thomas. How can these two find happiness when there are thousands of miles between them?
The level of angst in this story nearly destroyed my heart. And I guarantee you’ll want to shake the hell out of both Ian and Koti for their stupid stubbornness. I’m so crazy about this story. Just when I think Kate can’t top her last book, she goes and proves me wrong. I am amazed at how her writing gets even more exquisite. I literally highlighted nearly 75% of this book! Her words touch my heart and soul!
Here are my overall ratings
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Plot: 5
Angst: 5
Steam: 5++++
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5++++
SOMEONE ELSE’S OCEAN releases on July 31st! Make sure you add this your TBRs! This is an absolutely perfect summer romance!!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2LwZEBC
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2LJAjDQ
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2LHYvGC
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2mQHtIj
{Beta Read}
I found the one person in the world who understood me and loved me wholly as I was. Love stories aren’t always perfect. They can wreak havoc on the heart and distort the soul. I’d gotten lost in love and found the reality at the end of it where I now lived in the truth. Not all love stories come with happy endings.
Kate Stewart truly is one seriously talented author. At this point, I come to expect perfection from her and she has more than delivered that with ”SOMEONE ELSE’S OCEAN”! I am so in LOVE with this story and I know romance readers everywhere will feel the same! Ian and Koti just might be Kate’s HOTTEST couple to date. Their chemistry SIZZLES!!
Ian and Koti met many years ago on the island of St. Thomas, where their parents owned adjacent vacation homes. Even though there was an eight-year age gap between them, the two managed to become the best of friends. But life took them in different directions and it’s been nearly twenty years since they’ve seen each other--until now. Ian's world has been rocked to its core and he’s run off to St. Thomas to do some soul-searching.
Koti went through her own soul-searching journey the previous year and has made St. Thomas her home. When she sees Ian going through rough times, she tries to comfort her old friend, but Ian is angry at the world and behaves unbelievably rude towards Koti. The two spend a lot of time bickering and getting into heated arguments but little by little Koti is able to break through Ian’s barriers and old childhood friends start to become something more.
Ian has been hurt by his Ex’s deceitful actions and they share custody of a charming teenaged daughter. His life isn’t free of entanglements and his time on the island has a set expiration date. Home is where his daughter is. But while they both know that their time together is due to end they just can’t seem to stay away from each other.
No man has ever captured Koti’s heart until Ian came back into her life. She never believed in love until Ian showed her how beautiful life could be when you found your true soul mate. But her life is very much planted in St. Thomas. How can these two find happiness when there are thousands of miles between them?
The level of angst in this story nearly destroyed my heart. And I guarantee you’ll want to shake the hell out of both Ian and Koti for their stupid stubbornness. I’m so crazy about this story. Just when I think Kate can’t top her last book, she goes and proves me wrong. I am amazed at how her writing gets even more exquisite. I literally highlighted nearly 75% of this book! Her words touch my heart and soul!
Here are my overall ratings
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Plot: 5
Angst: 5
Steam: 5++++
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5++++
SOMEONE ELSE’S OCEAN releases on July 31st! Make sure you add this your TBRs! This is an absolutely perfect summer romance!!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2LwZEBC
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2LJAjDQ
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2LHYvGC
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2mQHtIj
August 23, 2018
4.5 stars
Witty, confrontational banter Gets! Me! Every! Single! Time!
When a story can have me laughing out loud, I know I have hit pay dirt ;)
To escape unbearable, personal hell’s, Ian and Koti find themselves on the island of St. Thomas to heal.
Koti arrived on the island a year ago, pretty much a basket case. Having learned to come to terms with the hand she has been dealt, she is taking life one day at a time. One thing is for sure, she will never return to her so called “perfect” life in NYC.
Ian has just arrived on the island madder than a hornets nest, embroiled in bitterness and an emotional wreck. His stay in St. Thomas is only temporary. His one and only responsibility back in the states, trumps anything and everything and everyone.
Devastation. It was clear as day. Anyone who looked at the man could never question what he felt.
Living on the beach, Ian and Koti are next door neighbors. Trying to ignore the attraction they have for one another is simply not working. Lust is definitely winning out. Their chemistry is smokin’ scorching hot, but they can’t seem to get on the same commitment page causing angst and frustration.
I was weeks away from thirty years old, and had just found my first love.
And my soulmate.
But not my forever.
Kate Stewart delivers again with an unputdownable, hypnotic romance!
She was my golden shore after the shipwreck that was my life and she loved me with her whole heart, only to let me break it.
Gah!!!!
March 12, 2021
3 stars out of 2,5
It took me so many days to finish this book, which shows how little I was attached to it.
I see most readers are loving this book but this is my 3rd (and definitely last) book from Kate Stewart and I decided she is a wrong writer for me. I had to dnf “Drive”, which is another book adored by so many readers. And I gave another book of hers 3 stars. Well, not all books and all writers are for everyone, right?
***
"Someone Else’s Ocean" has a philosophical touch in it. It is a book that sometimes gives you a valuable insight into human life and some quotes are like inspirational self-improvement quotes. Those parts, I liked!
“What’s inside of you is a heart that is dying to live, and your head is too afraid to let you do it fully, the way you deserve. It’s the most tragic thing I’ve ever seen. You’re a prisoner of your own making.”
***
What I disliked is both characters (hero & heroine) and their relationship – which is the more important part of enjoying a reading process. And my dislike for the characters and their relationship made my reading experience a “mediocre” one.
***
At the begininng of the book, the hero, Ian, learns that his daughter of 14 years was not his biological daughter. He is devastated and angry. He goes to his family’s summer house on St Thomas Island. There, he meets a friend from his teenage years, Koti. She was a child of 7 years when they met and Ian was 14 at that time. Despite the age difference, they became good friends. Later, each had their separate ways and led their separate lives, having no communication whatsoever until they met again on the island now when Koti is 30 and he is 38.
***
Koti is there as she seeked refuge when the hectic life of New York became too much for her and her panic attacks increased. The peace and beauty of the island has been good for her health.
***
When they meet again now, Koti has been on the island for a while and she is feeling better but Ian is too angry, too unhappy, too destructive and too damaged... too angry to say hello to her, too angry to act civil. He is too rude, too cruel and the epitome of an as*hole towards her!
***
Koti is one of those people who still try to help someone even if they are treating them like sh*t. I happen to dislike “too good to be true” people. She sounds as if “too good” for her own good! So, she definitely is not my person. Ian doesn’t deserve her goodness. At least at the beginning of the book up until the last quarter of the book, he doesn’t deserve her. However, as she feels attracted to him, she lets Ian use her. (Well, one might think that if she is that stupid, maybe they both deserve each other.)
***
At the beginning, Ian just ignores her. He treats her badly and as he is pissed at his ex-wife, he hates all women at the moment.
One night he comes home drunk and he lets Koti watch him while he is devouring another woman against his house’s wall. He feels happy when she is jealous of him.
***
What made me give this book 3 stars but not more is the fact that it didn’t make me feel at all. I didn’t feel their love.
I didn’t even get how they started sleeping together; there wasn’t enough build-up to it. And everything happens so suddenly and with minimum conversation.
Until the last quarter of the book, no one confesses any feelings. It is all about sex.
They become “friends with benefits” all of a sudden and until the day they are separated, it is sex sex sex!
And I really have no idea why the writer needed to make the heroine suffer from endometriosis (wasn’t panic attacks enough?). I hated it because every time they had sex, I hated to go on reading to learn if she suffered from it or not, if she was hurting or not. You know it is a condition that makes intercourse something painful during & after most of the time. Even though she said their sex was worth the pain afterwards, I hated that she had to suffer from it sometimes. And he was no gentle lover, he was harsh and she wanted him to be like that. Hmmm, still not getting it – sorry!
What is worse, I didn’t like the majority of their intimate scenes as it was “emotionless.” and he wasn't a lover I would appreciate. He barked orders like, "Come here & suck it..." And the bast*rd dares to add, “Do a good job, and I’ll make sure you benefit.” - Totally yikes! So I hated majority of their sex scenes, as well!
Also, I disliked Ian's reactions every time he realized their "friends with benefits" agreement was becoming something more: "I didn’t want this! I don’t want to care about your feelings more than my own. I don’t want to be responsible for your moods. I just wanted some damned freedom!” He, very frequently, made me say, "Go f*ck yourself!" - pardon my French!
Shortly, Ian makes sure Koti understands whatever they are doing won’t last as he is going to go back to the States (to his daughter) at the end of the summer, but still Koti agrees to it despite feeling something for him already… He is selfish, she is stupid. Nope, not my type of romance, nope…
***
So, the last quarter of the book was the only part of the book that I liked 😊 And actually, it is the only part where I felt they loved each other. Well, better late than never…
*********************************************
You can follow my Instagram page from here
It took me so many days to finish this book, which shows how little I was attached to it.
I see most readers are loving this book but this is my 3rd (and definitely last) book from Kate Stewart and I decided she is a wrong writer for me. I had to dnf “Drive”, which is another book adored by so many readers. And I gave another book of hers 3 stars. Well, not all books and all writers are for everyone, right?
***
"Someone Else’s Ocean" has a philosophical touch in it. It is a book that sometimes gives you a valuable insight into human life and some quotes are like inspirational self-improvement quotes. Those parts, I liked!
“What’s inside of you is a heart that is dying to live, and your head is too afraid to let you do it fully, the way you deserve. It’s the most tragic thing I’ve ever seen. You’re a prisoner of your own making.”
***
What I disliked is both characters (hero & heroine) and their relationship – which is the more important part of enjoying a reading process. And my dislike for the characters and their relationship made my reading experience a “mediocre” one.
***
At the begininng of the book, the hero, Ian, learns that his daughter of 14 years was not his biological daughter. He is devastated and angry. He goes to his family’s summer house on St Thomas Island. There, he meets a friend from his teenage years, Koti. She was a child of 7 years when they met and Ian was 14 at that time. Despite the age difference, they became good friends. Later, each had their separate ways and led their separate lives, having no communication whatsoever until they met again on the island now when Koti is 30 and he is 38.
***
Koti is there as she seeked refuge when the hectic life of New York became too much for her and her panic attacks increased. The peace and beauty of the island has been good for her health.
***
When they meet again now, Koti has been on the island for a while and she is feeling better but Ian is too angry, too unhappy, too destructive and too damaged... too angry to say hello to her, too angry to act civil. He is too rude, too cruel and the epitome of an as*hole towards her!
***
Koti is one of those people who still try to help someone even if they are treating them like sh*t. I happen to dislike “too good to be true” people. She sounds as if “too good” for her own good! So, she definitely is not my person. Ian doesn’t deserve her goodness. At least at the beginning of the book up until the last quarter of the book, he doesn’t deserve her. However, as she feels attracted to him, she lets Ian use her. (Well, one might think that if she is that stupid, maybe they both deserve each other.)
***
At the beginning, Ian just ignores her. He treats her badly and as he is pissed at his ex-wife, he hates all women at the moment.
One night he comes home drunk and he lets Koti watch him while he is devouring another woman against his house’s wall. He feels happy when she is jealous of him.
***
What made me give this book 3 stars but not more is the fact that it didn’t make me feel at all. I didn’t feel their love.
I didn’t even get how they started sleeping together; there wasn’t enough build-up to it. And everything happens so suddenly and with minimum conversation.
Until the last quarter of the book, no one confesses any feelings. It is all about sex.
They become “friends with benefits” all of a sudden and until the day they are separated, it is sex sex sex!
And I really have no idea why the writer needed to make the heroine suffer from endometriosis (wasn’t panic attacks enough?). I hated it because every time they had sex, I hated to go on reading to learn if she suffered from it or not, if she was hurting or not. You know it is a condition that makes intercourse something painful during & after most of the time. Even though she said their sex was worth the pain afterwards, I hated that she had to suffer from it sometimes. And he was no gentle lover, he was harsh and she wanted him to be like that. Hmmm, still not getting it – sorry!
What is worse, I didn’t like the majority of their intimate scenes as it was “emotionless.” and he wasn't a lover I would appreciate. He barked orders like, "Come here & suck it..." And the bast*rd dares to add, “Do a good job, and I’ll make sure you benefit.” - Totally yikes! So I hated majority of their sex scenes, as well!
Also, I disliked Ian's reactions every time he realized their "friends with benefits" agreement was becoming something more: "I didn’t want this! I don’t want to care about your feelings more than my own. I don’t want to be responsible for your moods. I just wanted some damned freedom!” He, very frequently, made me say, "Go f*ck yourself!" - pardon my French!
Shortly, Ian makes sure Koti understands whatever they are doing won’t last as he is going to go back to the States (to his daughter) at the end of the summer, but still Koti agrees to it despite feeling something for him already… He is selfish, she is stupid. Nope, not my type of romance, nope…
***
So, the last quarter of the book was the only part of the book that I liked 😊 And actually, it is the only part where I felt they loved each other. Well, better late than never…
*********************************************
You can follow my Instagram page from here
July 29, 2018
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author/ Wordsmith Publicity)
-I know this island and it's magical healing powers.
-"This place is where everything wrong can be made right."
Koti Vaughn is a 29 yr. old single woman who left the corporate world behind for sunsets and a slower pace. She left her toxic life in Manhattan and went to the one place that always brought her peace, her parents beach house in St. Thomas. She created her own piece of paradise and loved her life on the island. She lived on a private beach, and her amazing ocean view would never grow old. Done with expectations and pretending to be someone she wasn’t, Koti finally chose herself. Her home was now her haven, and she had a job she enjoyed as a property manager of vacation rentals.
Ian Kemp is in his late 30’s, divorced, and lives in Dallas. He was recently blindsided and feels betrayed and broken. With his life turned upside down he runs away to his family’s vacation home in St. Thomas to give himself the summer to get himself together. He needs to do some soul searching and figure out what truly makes him happy.
Koti is stunned when she realizes her new unexpected neighbor is her childhood friend Ian. She hasn’t seen him since she was seven, and he’s a complete mystery to her. It’s clear he’s unhinged and going through a tough time. He’s angry, standoffish and rude, but she can see the pain in his tortured gray eyes. She knows he’s hurting and in the middle of some sort of crisis, and wants to show him compassion. She knows what it’s like to feel devastated, lost, and like your drowning in darkness. She not so long ago also arrived on this island in ashes, and a complete mess. She’s finally gotten herself together, and wanted the same for Ian. She felt the island has the power to heal, free people, and give them a fresh start.
After their initial clashing, Ian & Koti begin to spend time together, and rekindle their friendship. Soon lines get blurred and they become friends with benefits. It’s like they’re in their own little universe, and they quickly become addicted to one another. Ian isn’t in a place right now where he can get involved with anyone, and decides things will remain simple if he just leaves his heart out of the equation. Unfortunately that’s easier said than done. The heart wants what the heart wants, and soon things have become more complicated than either of them ever planned. The heart doesn’t know timing or distance, only love. 💜
-She had to be the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen in my life.
-From what I could tell she hadn’t a clue of just how attractive she was.
-I wanted him in every way.
-He understood me like no one else in my life ever had.
-He knew me intimately and touched me in ways I needed.
-He was the perfect man to steal my heart, and I had zero doubts once he was done with it, it would never be the same.
.
This was a beautiful story about second chances and soulmates. That it’s never too late for love or happiness, and that it’s ok to chose yourself and take your happily ever after. I loved the strong character of Koti, and that she chose to live her best life. I really enjoyed this book and continue to adore Kate Stewart’s unique stories and beautiful words. Just loved this couple, and I can’t wait for Jasmine’s book!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2vdoviV
(ARC provided by author/ Wordsmith Publicity)
-I know this island and it's magical healing powers.
-"This place is where everything wrong can be made right."
Koti Vaughn is a 29 yr. old single woman who left the corporate world behind for sunsets and a slower pace. She left her toxic life in Manhattan and went to the one place that always brought her peace, her parents beach house in St. Thomas. She created her own piece of paradise and loved her life on the island. She lived on a private beach, and her amazing ocean view would never grow old. Done with expectations and pretending to be someone she wasn’t, Koti finally chose herself. Her home was now her haven, and she had a job she enjoyed as a property manager of vacation rentals.
Ian Kemp is in his late 30’s, divorced, and lives in Dallas. He was recently blindsided and feels betrayed and broken. With his life turned upside down he runs away to his family’s vacation home in St. Thomas to give himself the summer to get himself together. He needs to do some soul searching and figure out what truly makes him happy.
Koti is stunned when she realizes her new unexpected neighbor is her childhood friend Ian. She hasn’t seen him since she was seven, and he’s a complete mystery to her. It’s clear he’s unhinged and going through a tough time. He’s angry, standoffish and rude, but she can see the pain in his tortured gray eyes. She knows he’s hurting and in the middle of some sort of crisis, and wants to show him compassion. She knows what it’s like to feel devastated, lost, and like your drowning in darkness. She not so long ago also arrived on this island in ashes, and a complete mess. She’s finally gotten herself together, and wanted the same for Ian. She felt the island has the power to heal, free people, and give them a fresh start.
After their initial clashing, Ian & Koti begin to spend time together, and rekindle their friendship. Soon lines get blurred and they become friends with benefits. It’s like they’re in their own little universe, and they quickly become addicted to one another. Ian isn’t in a place right now where he can get involved with anyone, and decides things will remain simple if he just leaves his heart out of the equation. Unfortunately that’s easier said than done. The heart wants what the heart wants, and soon things have become more complicated than either of them ever planned. The heart doesn’t know timing or distance, only love. 💜
-She had to be the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen in my life.
-From what I could tell she hadn’t a clue of just how attractive she was.
-I wanted him in every way.
-He understood me like no one else in my life ever had.
-He knew me intimately and touched me in ways I needed.
-He was the perfect man to steal my heart, and I had zero doubts once he was done with it, it would never be the same.
. This was a beautiful story about second chances and soulmates. That it’s never too late for love or happiness, and that it’s ok to chose yourself and take your happily ever after. I loved the strong character of Koti, and that she chose to live her best life. I really enjoyed this book and continue to adore Kate Stewart’s unique stories and beautiful words. Just loved this couple, and I can’t wait for Jasmine’s book!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2vdoviV
August 1, 2018
4.5 STARS
Someone Else's Ocean will not be a book you read, it'll be a book you experience. It's a book that'll take you on an emotional journey filled with heartbreak, hope, and second chances. It will tug at your every heart string, it'll make you feel, it will break you, and it will put the broken pieces back together again. It was a beautiful romance that was brimming with emotion and I loved every heart wrenching page of it.
Koti moves to the beautiful island of St. Thomas to escape; escape a life she had but where she wasn't really living. But even though she's now in paradise, it doesn't mean that she's moved on.
Ian goes to St. Thomas for an escape of his own. Reeling from a devastating discovery, he's full of rage and scorn. While Koti and Ian grew up together and were childhood friends, there's nothing left of that connection now. Koti sees the heartbreak in his eyes and tries to soothe the pain he feels, while Ian pushes her away with hard words and cold stares at every chance he gets.
The somewhat enemies to lovers start that Ian and Koti have definitely whet the appetite for the slow burn romance that begins to form between them.
The pacing of the romance was absolute perfection! What starts as bitter neighbors, leads to an almost unwilling friendship, and soon to something so much bigger. The story is character driven and incredibly written. Set on the gorgeous backdrop of St Thomas, these two go through plenty of up and downs both together and individually. Ian and Koti are both fighting their own demons but in different ways. Their romance is doomed from the start. They live different lives and while St Thomas is an escape for Ian, it's become Koti's salinity. They know that they don't have a future, but their connection is simply too fiery to resist.
I loved watching them heal each other's wounds. I loved watching their romance blossom into something much more that the fling they thought they were having. I loved the emotionally charged story and the wonderful secondary characters. But what I loved even more is the INCREDIBLE epilogue. It was, hands down, one of my absolutely favorite epilogues I've read. Kate Stewart never disappoints, and she's delivered once again with a gripping romance that was full of feels and plenty of sizzle.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
We’d become magnetic and inseparable and I let it happen in my selfish haze knowing it would rip us to shreds to lose it.
Someone Else's Ocean will not be a book you read, it'll be a book you experience. It's a book that'll take you on an emotional journey filled with heartbreak, hope, and second chances. It will tug at your every heart string, it'll make you feel, it will break you, and it will put the broken pieces back together again. It was a beautiful romance that was brimming with emotion and I loved every heart wrenching page of it.
Koti moves to the beautiful island of St. Thomas to escape; escape a life she had but where she wasn't really living. But even though she's now in paradise, it doesn't mean that she's moved on.
Ian goes to St. Thomas for an escape of his own. Reeling from a devastating discovery, he's full of rage and scorn. While Koti and Ian grew up together and were childhood friends, there's nothing left of that connection now. Koti sees the heartbreak in his eyes and tries to soothe the pain he feels, while Ian pushes her away with hard words and cold stares at every chance he gets.
The somewhat enemies to lovers start that Ian and Koti have definitely whet the appetite for the slow burn romance that begins to form between them.
The pacing of the romance was absolute perfection! What starts as bitter neighbors, leads to an almost unwilling friendship, and soon to something so much bigger. The story is character driven and incredibly written. Set on the gorgeous backdrop of St Thomas, these two go through plenty of up and downs both together and individually. Ian and Koti are both fighting their own demons but in different ways. Their romance is doomed from the start. They live different lives and while St Thomas is an escape for Ian, it's become Koti's salinity. They know that they don't have a future, but their connection is simply too fiery to resist.
I loved watching them heal each other's wounds. I loved watching their romance blossom into something much more that the fling they thought they were having. I loved the emotionally charged story and the wonderful secondary characters. But what I loved even more is the INCREDIBLE epilogue. It was, hands down, one of my absolutely favorite epilogues I've read. Kate Stewart never disappoints, and she's delivered once again with a gripping romance that was full of feels and plenty of sizzle.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
July 31, 2018
★ 2 stars!!! ★
Este é o primeiro livro que leio da autora. Confesso que a capa me atraiu logo de cara e estava muito ansiosa para lê-lo. Porém, infelizmente, não funcionou pra mim. Eu não consegui me conectar com os personagens e nem com a história...
Eu tentei muito sentir alguma simpatia pela Koti, mas a sua personalidade dificultou qualquer tentativa. A achei forçada demais, não pareceu autêntica. Deixo claro que não estou desmerecendo os problemas que ela tinha e nem as suas lutas. Porém, boa parte dos capítulos com o pov dela eu me vi entediada principalmente com seus pensamentos internos.
Pra ser honesta, senti muita dificuldade durante a leitura, achei a narrativa cansativa e arrastada. Passei boa parte da história me sentindo entediada e tentando encontrar alguma emoção ou algo que se destacasse, que me fizesse realmente “sentir”. O enredo em si é bem comum, com alguns elementos diferentes aqui e ali, mas nada que o tornasse especial ou único.
Creio que isso seja o famoso caso de: “sou eu e não você”. Ansiava por algo que me emocionasse e marcasse. Consequentemente criei expectativas e no final me decepcionei porque o livro não foi o que eu imaginava ou esperava.
“I don’t have the answer to anything. But here, this place is where everything wrong can be made right.”
Este é o primeiro livro que leio da autora. Confesso que a capa me atraiu logo de cara e estava muito ansiosa para lê-lo. Porém, infelizmente, não funcionou pra mim. Eu não consegui me conectar com os personagens e nem com a história...
Eu tentei muito sentir alguma simpatia pela Koti, mas a sua personalidade dificultou qualquer tentativa. A achei forçada demais, não pareceu autêntica. Deixo claro que não estou desmerecendo os problemas que ela tinha e nem as suas lutas. Porém, boa parte dos capítulos com o pov dela eu me vi entediada principalmente com seus pensamentos internos.
Pra ser honesta, senti muita dificuldade durante a leitura, achei a narrativa cansativa e arrastada. Passei boa parte da história me sentindo entediada e tentando encontrar alguma emoção ou algo que se destacasse, que me fizesse realmente “sentir”. O enredo em si é bem comum, com alguns elementos diferentes aqui e ali, mas nada que o tornasse especial ou único.
Creio que isso seja o famoso caso de: “sou eu e não você”. Ansiava por algo que me emocionasse e marcasse. Consequentemente criei expectativas e no final me decepcionei porque o livro não foi o que eu imaginava ou esperava.
July 22, 2021
** reread 07/17-07/21/2021
Love this emotional and romantic story.❤
Fabulous reread. 👍
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for this heavenly and inspirational vacation romance.
I have wanted to get my sticky little fingers on this book from the moment I heard about it's upcoming release.
Not only because it's a release from a stellar author that consistently "wows" me with all her work but also because I was so interested and intrigued from the teaser below.
The first time I met Ian Kemp in the sparkling blue waters of St. Thomas, I was six years old and we shared a summer beneath the stars.
The second time I met Ian Kemp, he was a shell of the boy I once knew. Turbulent and infuriating, he refused my friendship at every turn. Like me, he was a casualty of life’s cruelty, but we were planets apart.
We’d both sought refuge on the island, hoping to find our anchor. Instead, we found each other and managed to reclaim our stars...until we both got swept away.
..... also I admit to being unashamedly jealous of all my goodread friends who were lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book and posted their reviews or comments.
My review will be short and concise, I hope.
I loved this book from page one to the very last page.
Epilogues were perfection.
So easy to read, the writing flowed off the pages for me.
Beautiful story and location, all the right feels with enough humor to balance out the angst.
Ian and Koti (crocky and puffer fish), I fell for you.
Ella and Jasmine, I adored you.
St. Thomas, you are now my dream vacation.
and you Kate Stewart are an awesome and talented writer.
Love this emotional and romantic story.❤
Fabulous reread. 👍
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for this heavenly and inspirational vacation romance.
I have wanted to get my sticky little fingers on this book from the moment I heard about it's upcoming release.
Not only because it's a release from a stellar author that consistently "wows" me with all her work but also because I was so interested and intrigued from the teaser below.
The first time I met Ian Kemp in the sparkling blue waters of St. Thomas, I was six years old and we shared a summer beneath the stars.
The second time I met Ian Kemp, he was a shell of the boy I once knew. Turbulent and infuriating, he refused my friendship at every turn. Like me, he was a casualty of life’s cruelty, but we were planets apart.
We’d both sought refuge on the island, hoping to find our anchor. Instead, we found each other and managed to reclaim our stars...until we both got swept away.
..... also I admit to being unashamedly jealous of all my goodread friends who were lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book and posted their reviews or comments.
My review will be short and concise, I hope.
I loved this book from page one to the very last page.
Epilogues were perfection.
So easy to read, the writing flowed off the pages for me.
Beautiful story and location, all the right feels with enough humor to balance out the angst.
Ian and Koti (crocky and puffer fish), I fell for you.
Ella and Jasmine, I adored you.
St. Thomas, you are now my dream vacation.
and you Kate Stewart are an awesome and talented writer.
July 5, 2018
I feel like I’ve been on a vacation to St. Thomas thanks to Kate Stewart ‘s beautiful writing. Her imagery is spectacular and I could easily picture this island before me. It was so vivid to me. The ocean, the people and the weather. The scenery was portrayed effortlessly that there was no doubt that I was on St. Thomas.
Koti and Ian have history together. They were kids but that doesn’t make it less memorable. When she was six and he was thirteen a friendship was formed. Now many years later they’re standing in front of one another on St. Thomas. Both with a whole lot of baggage in tow. Their first meeting is haunting and intense. Minimal words are spoken but it’s captured so poignantly because of Stewart’s flawless prose.
Ian is a mess because of a divorce and takes it out on Koti. It’s causes a lot of tension with so much heat and chemistry. Their bantering is fabulous and fun. I couldn’t stop smiling.
Koti has also been running from something like Ian. Thanks to the island and their slowly growing friendship they start to find their way back. Back from being or feeling lost to a new life. One they start enjoying with each other.
Koti suffers from anxiety. The island has a profound impact on Koti. She finds herself and starts living her life for her and not what her parents wants and expects of her.
Ian is one moody and angry guy when he first shows up on St. Thomas. Isolating himself but Koti and her wonderful ways slowly breaks Ian’s walls down. A cute dog Disco helps too.
Their friendship is incredible with them going down memory lane when they were kids. At the same time they’re trying to fight the sizzling attraction cause Ian is only on St. Thomas for a limited time. When they finally give in it’s a relief and a beautiful release for the both of them. Their connection is freaking captivating and so intense giving me all the feels. I knew it was going to hurt later on cause their time together was limited. They find comfort and solace in one another. A lot of soul searching too given their current circumstances.
Someone Else’s Ocean hit close to home for me. I could easily relate to feeling lost and just needing an escape. For Koti and Ian St. Thomas is the perfect escape. Their blooming relationship is a beautiful journey. Not only do they fall in love but they also find themselves and their true desires in life.
Someone Else’s Ocean is truly the perfect summer read. Full of laughs thanks to Koti’s fabulous friend Jasmine, a heartwarming bond between Ian and his daughter Ella and two soul mates finally finding each other on an Island. What more can a reader ask for in a romance.
5+ BadAssDirtyCrockyAndPufferFishStars
My honest review thoughts are based on a beta-copy generously provided by the author.
Koti and Ian have history together. They were kids but that doesn’t make it less memorable. When she was six and he was thirteen a friendship was formed. Now many years later they’re standing in front of one another on St. Thomas. Both with a whole lot of baggage in tow. Their first meeting is haunting and intense. Minimal words are spoken but it’s captured so poignantly because of Stewart’s flawless prose.
Ian is a mess because of a divorce and takes it out on Koti. It’s causes a lot of tension with so much heat and chemistry. Their bantering is fabulous and fun. I couldn’t stop smiling.
Koti has also been running from something like Ian. Thanks to the island and their slowly growing friendship they start to find their way back. Back from being or feeling lost to a new life. One they start enjoying with each other.
Koti suffers from anxiety. The island has a profound impact on Koti. She finds herself and starts living her life for her and not what her parents wants and expects of her.
Ian is one moody and angry guy when he first shows up on St. Thomas. Isolating himself but Koti and her wonderful ways slowly breaks Ian’s walls down. A cute dog Disco helps too.
Their friendship is incredible with them going down memory lane when they were kids. At the same time they’re trying to fight the sizzling attraction cause Ian is only on St. Thomas for a limited time. When they finally give in it’s a relief and a beautiful release for the both of them. Their connection is freaking captivating and so intense giving me all the feels. I knew it was going to hurt later on cause their time together was limited. They find comfort and solace in one another. A lot of soul searching too given their current circumstances.
Someone Else’s Ocean hit close to home for me. I could easily relate to feeling lost and just needing an escape. For Koti and Ian St. Thomas is the perfect escape. Their blooming relationship is a beautiful journey. Not only do they fall in love but they also find themselves and their true desires in life.
Someone Else’s Ocean is truly the perfect summer read. Full of laughs thanks to Koti’s fabulous friend Jasmine, a heartwarming bond between Ian and his daughter Ella and two soul mates finally finding each other on an Island. What more can a reader ask for in a romance.
5+ BadAssDirtyCrockyAndPufferFishStars
My honest review thoughts are based on a beta-copy generously provided by the author.
August 20, 2018
Beautiful writing, as always. Well though out plot :) I just didn't connect to this one as much as to some of the other books by Kate Stewart. Still loved it, though! Recommend!
July 21, 2018
“Kissing you feels like a free fall, touching you makes me ache, and being inside you is so damn addicting.”
Kate Stewart's books are my favorite. I honestly can't get enough. Every time I read her words, I'm pulled in and shaken up. She has such a way of grabbing you by the heart, of devastating you with her unforgettable characters. Her writing is rich and pure, layered and beautiful, and there’s a tangible realness to her stories I can’t even fully describe. This author digs deep and it shows in her well thought and detailed chapters that force you to live the heart wrenching moments in full clarity. Someone Else's Ocean is another angst-filled ride that completely consumed me. It's not Drive angst (super brutal), but it is an angst that stings and bruises, the kind where thick tension, heart stopping push and pulls, and turbulent ups and downs kill you one potent word at a time. It wrecks you, but it also makes you swoon and fall in love, and I just absolutely adored it. Without a doubt another Kate Stewart fave to add to the bookshelf.
Ian Kemp is a 38 year old divorcee. He’s spent years chained to his ex-wife for the sake of his daughter. Fresh off that breakup, he learns a devastating truth which sends him into a downward spiral. Koti Vaughn's been living on Saint John for a year now. After a devastating blow in New York, she needed a fresh start and is just getting herself together. But when Ian—a childhood friend—shows up on the Island, a hurricane out of control, Koti is more than a little concerned. The man she once thought of as friend is a mess, a catastrophic disaster that threatens to ruin the calm she’s so meticulously worked to find. Koti’s intuition tells her she should probably stay away, but when she looks into Ian’s eyes she sees herself a year before and can't help but want to be his safe spot.
Koti and Ian are broken people who find solace and respite in each other. It's breathtaking, unbelievably sexy, downright unforgettable. Every moment these two have together is taut with chemistry, hot with the burn of attraction. It had me on edge, stuck to my Kindle, desperate for more. I read this in a day. Found myself wanting and hurting and longing for these characters. Someone Else’s Ocean is a story I related to. The hero is South African (like me) and God, did I absolutely love that. I loved the way he talked, his quirks and mannerisms. It gave me a little glimpse of home. On top of that, Ian is a big, broody, cocky, arrogant alpha who is so damn filthy in the bedroom. He had my pulse thrashing. Add in Koti who deals with some heavy issues, things I most definitely feel smothered by on the daily, and I just got this story. I understood this couple. I FELT it all.
Overall, what more can I say?! This was incredible. It’s a love story that makes you hurt but also swoon and smile. It’s a story about love and heartbreak, about second chances, about putting yourself first, about understanding personal limitations, about being kind and compassionate, about living free and happy. I absolutely adored it, devoured and obsessed over it, and just couldn't get over the slow-burn, friends to lovers romance that unfurled. I honestly can’t wait for you to read this. It's so so so sooooo good. And once again, I think Kate Stewart nailed it. Another epic read.
“You grew up beautiful, Koti Vaughn.”
Our eyes met before I gave him a lopsided grin.
“And you grew up so handsome, Ian Kemp.”
His smile was a sledgehammer to my chest.
Thank you to Wordsmith PR for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review!
Kate Stewart's books are my favorite. I honestly can't get enough. Every time I read her words, I'm pulled in and shaken up. She has such a way of grabbing you by the heart, of devastating you with her unforgettable characters. Her writing is rich and pure, layered and beautiful, and there’s a tangible realness to her stories I can’t even fully describe. This author digs deep and it shows in her well thought and detailed chapters that force you to live the heart wrenching moments in full clarity. Someone Else's Ocean is another angst-filled ride that completely consumed me. It's not Drive angst (super brutal), but it is an angst that stings and bruises, the kind where thick tension, heart stopping push and pulls, and turbulent ups and downs kill you one potent word at a time. It wrecks you, but it also makes you swoon and fall in love, and I just absolutely adored it. Without a doubt another Kate Stewart fave to add to the bookshelf.
Ian Kemp is a 38 year old divorcee. He’s spent years chained to his ex-wife for the sake of his daughter. Fresh off that breakup, he learns a devastating truth which sends him into a downward spiral. Koti Vaughn's been living on Saint John for a year now. After a devastating blow in New York, she needed a fresh start and is just getting herself together. But when Ian—a childhood friend—shows up on the Island, a hurricane out of control, Koti is more than a little concerned. The man she once thought of as friend is a mess, a catastrophic disaster that threatens to ruin the calm she’s so meticulously worked to find. Koti’s intuition tells her she should probably stay away, but when she looks into Ian’s eyes she sees herself a year before and can't help but want to be his safe spot.
Koti and Ian are broken people who find solace and respite in each other. It's breathtaking, unbelievably sexy, downright unforgettable. Every moment these two have together is taut with chemistry, hot with the burn of attraction. It had me on edge, stuck to my Kindle, desperate for more. I read this in a day. Found myself wanting and hurting and longing for these characters. Someone Else’s Ocean is a story I related to. The hero is South African (like me) and God, did I absolutely love that. I loved the way he talked, his quirks and mannerisms. It gave me a little glimpse of home. On top of that, Ian is a big, broody, cocky, arrogant alpha who is so damn filthy in the bedroom. He had my pulse thrashing. Add in Koti who deals with some heavy issues, things I most definitely feel smothered by on the daily, and I just got this story. I understood this couple. I FELT it all.
Overall, what more can I say?! This was incredible. It’s a love story that makes you hurt but also swoon and smile. It’s a story about love and heartbreak, about second chances, about putting yourself first, about understanding personal limitations, about being kind and compassionate, about living free and happy. I absolutely adored it, devoured and obsessed over it, and just couldn't get over the slow-burn, friends to lovers romance that unfurled. I honestly can’t wait for you to read this. It's so so so sooooo good. And once again, I think Kate Stewart nailed it. Another epic read.
“You grew up beautiful, Koti Vaughn.”
Our eyes met before I gave him a lopsided grin.
“And you grew up so handsome, Ian Kemp.”
His smile was a sledgehammer to my chest.
Thank you to Wordsmith PR for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review!
August 14, 2018
**4.5 stars!**
August 2, 2018
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
Kate Stewart could write an instruction manual on filling out tax return forms and she'd make it enticing and entertaining. That is not to say that Someone Else's Ocean is boring. No. Fucking. Way. What we get with this her new release is a little bit of everything - a romantic feel-good story with an enemies-to-lovers trope, friends-to-lovers, a little light angst, lots of smiles, all packed into a captivating summer read that feels like a balmy breeze on your dream vacation or the chocolate and caramel sauce on your ice cream.
The story starts with a gripping prologue in which Ian's life collapses with one sentence. His soul has taken quite a beating and he retreats to the one place he thinks he will find a little peace to put himself back together: his parents' house in the Caribbean Sea. But no, childhood friend and irritating neighbor Koti is also there and she doesn't take a no for an answer when he asks her to leave him alone.
We were both matches on an island of fire and couldn’t be helped. For us, our ashes were all there was left to work with.
Koti returned to her home on the sparkling gem amidst the Virgin Islands a year ago when her body and mind botched a billion dollar deal. She walked in Ian's shoes, being at the end of the rope, exhausted, her life falling apart. On St. Thomas she found herself, peace of mind and good friends. When her old friend and teenager crush Ian moves in next door again she doesn't recognize this tortured, hollow, cold man for her smart, lively best friend.
Despite Ian being a complete jerk from the start you could feel their connection almost instantly. I was pulled into the story right from the beginning - Ian and Koti's little push-and-pull game was entertaining to watch, their blazing attraction oh so delicious, which only got better when I found out what a filthy bastard Ian is. Holy moly. The guy can dirty-talk with the best of them.
“And even though I’ve had you, I’ve touched your skin, and buried myself so far inside you that you won’t forget, you’re still a dream for me, so beautiful it hurts.”
I loved both main characters so much - Ian for his unshakable love for his daughter who he was guiding with love, support and humor but also with rules Ella had to follow. She was his life and it was sweet to see that both women in Ian's live didn't have to compete for his attention. I adored that he called her "little woman." It felt like a gesture of respect for his daughter which is rare.
“Look at me, little woman. I’m your father, your Dad, forever. Don’t be afraid of this change, of this baby, or of losing an ounce of my love. Don’t be afraid of anything, because you are mine.”
While he was a douchebag in the beginning he soon shows remorse toward the woman who has been nothing but kind to him. His inability to commit to anything but a summer fling was understandable but it was only a matter of time until the avalanche of feelings for each other burries them under it.
Koti has such a sunny and kind disposition, despite the lot she has been dealt. But her sass and wit, her strength, backbone and sweetness are what make her stand out. She doens't let Ian get away with his attitude but also feels compassion and looks for ways to help Ian with soft force.
Koti was a safe haven, and I drank with greed from her never-ending fountain of beauty and warmth.
Toward the end I had an "Oh sh*t" moment and worried if the author had broken her character but let's not forget, this is Kate Stewart and I should have trusted her. In the end it was all good.
Again, Ms. Stewart has swept me away with her wonderfully eloquent, brisk writing style packed in a sweet, enchanting and emotional story that will make you swoon, laugh and get your eyes a tiny bit glassy. I had so much fun with this book! We are left with one of the sweetest epilogues I've read and everything is tight up neatly with a bow. There are hints of how Koti's best friend, Jasmine, will have her own turbulent path to her HEA. I can't wait to find out who it's going to be. And now? I'll be waiting for the next story this favorite author has in store. I bet it'll be, again, different from everything I've read before.
July 24, 2018
MY REVIEW can also be found on my blog:
KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
Koti was a safe haven, and I drank with greed from her never ending fountain of beauty and warmth.
Someone else’s ocean: Is a full length Romance Novel by Author Kate Stewart. In this we meet ‘Ian Kemp’ and
What I enjoy the most about this authors writing is she she writes real stories, stories that we can all relate to, connect with on all levels, there’s no need for added drama or twists and turns and that’s what made this book so magical because you could see it unfolding in real life, that’s why I loved this one so much, just for it’s simplicity, these two characters made the perfect sense. A slow burn that got it's hooks into me so early on.
Koti and Ian made a connection when she was six and he was thirteen, though many years have gone by since they last saw each other, their parents both owned beach houses in St. Thomas, though it has been many years since these two have seen each other.
Who knew the insane man with the shitty accent and bubble butt, would turn out to be Mr. wonderful.
Koti now resides in St. Thomas full time after suffering a break down in a high powered job in New York and now works as a property manager
She hasn’t seen Ian since she was seven years old though through his mother she knew he’d been married and has a daughter. Now he’s back on home soil in St. Thomas with a whole lot of hurt under his belt which he unleashes on Koti, Koti hopes her island can weave it’s magic on Ian and heal him like it healed her.
Koti was such a unique character, she wasn’t perfect, she had her quirks, and a ticking time bomb to boot, loved her wine but her heart was what cemented me to her, I loved her take on the world, even down to her gold sandals. I connected with her on such an emotional level. She was like a breath of fresh air.
Ian had struggles of his own, though nothing as deep seated as Koti, his scars would heal with time and island magic, a bitter divorce, a heartbreaking secret which unfolded in the ‘Prologue’ which cut him to the core.
* Teasers used are off the authors facebook page *
August 7, 2018
5 'Stars and miracles' Stars!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I mean.. who is even surprised about this? If you know me at all, you know I am a massive fan of Kate Stewart. I love everything about her stories. I love how different they are from everything else I read and I love how they make me feel. Someone Else's Ocean is another of her epic love stories, another romance that checked all my boxes and that gripped me from the very start. Kate's writing and marvelous characters just do it for me, every single time. I can't help but love everything this extremely talented woman writes!
So, Someone Else's Ocean is Kate Stewart's newest standalone contemporary romance novel and it is an absolutely beautiful piece of writing that you don't want to miss, trust me. Koti Vaughn is recovering from her past experiences in the tranquility of St. Thomas and very far away from her previous life in New York. Enter Ian Kemp, a recently divorced man who has a daughter he absolutely adores and he just discovered something that has destroyed him. He escapes his reality on St. Thomas and there he reconnects with his childhood friend, Koti. Yes, he is decided to be an asshole to her and to keep her away but, of course, they will end up giving us another beautiful and grand love story.
“This place,” he said low before shifting his gaze to mine, “I never really appreciated how beautiful it was until now.”
I really don't know how Kate does it. Seriously. The stories she writes are so fresh, exquisitely written and full of emotions. Her characters are deep and complex, with plenty of layers and you just want to peel all of them to get to the bottom of everything. Koti and Ian have a long story together. They were childhood friends, they had a especial connection but now it doesn't feel that way (not at the start). Both have many issues to recover from. Will they find themselves again? Will they do it together or apart? Of course, when chemistry and love gets in the way..
“I’m sorry.”
I took a step back as he caged me on my porch. “For what?”
“For what I’m about to do to you.”
Yes, here is the thing about Kate's characters. Besides having all those wonderful layers, when it comes to chemistry between the main couple it's just combustible. Ian keeps fighting against that chemistry and the new feelings he is starting to feel towards Koti. Obviously, in the end, that connection is impossible to stop. These two together are absolutely mind-blowing. Their scenes are passionate, intense, smoking hot and extremely emotional. I loved seeing their relationship grow, I love how they have to keep fighting for it (because they love each other so much) and I really adored the bond they share with Ella (Ian's daughter). Also, that ending! Gah, I cried so much but it was so worth it!
Sometimes what’s meant to be isn’t written in the stars, instead it’s a journey on the path less traveled without a map of guidance, without certainty.
Therefore, my rating for Someone Else's Ocean is 5 STARS because, again, Kate Stewart delivered another excellent love story that will get you hooked from start to finish. Ian and Koti are such a beautiful characters and just outstanding people on their own too. Their connection will make you melt all over the place and you'll feel every emotion with them too because their love story is just that epic! And yes, I am so excited Kate is writing Jasmine's story because I am definitely curious to see who steals her heart! So, congrats to Kate for another unique and outstanding love story that, of course, I highly recommend reading.
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ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I mean.. who is even surprised about this? If you know me at all, you know I am a massive fan of Kate Stewart. I love everything about her stories. I love how different they are from everything else I read and I love how they make me feel. Someone Else's Ocean is another of her epic love stories, another romance that checked all my boxes and that gripped me from the very start. Kate's writing and marvelous characters just do it for me, every single time. I can't help but love everything this extremely talented woman writes!
So, Someone Else's Ocean is Kate Stewart's newest standalone contemporary romance novel and it is an absolutely beautiful piece of writing that you don't want to miss, trust me. Koti Vaughn is recovering from her past experiences in the tranquility of St. Thomas and very far away from her previous life in New York. Enter Ian Kemp, a recently divorced man who has a daughter he absolutely adores and he just discovered something that has destroyed him. He escapes his reality on St. Thomas and there he reconnects with his childhood friend, Koti. Yes, he is decided to be an asshole to her and to keep her away but, of course, they will end up giving us another beautiful and grand love story.
“This place,” he said low before shifting his gaze to mine, “I never really appreciated how beautiful it was until now.”
I really don't know how Kate does it. Seriously. The stories she writes are so fresh, exquisitely written and full of emotions. Her characters are deep and complex, with plenty of layers and you just want to peel all of them to get to the bottom of everything. Koti and Ian have a long story together. They were childhood friends, they had a especial connection but now it doesn't feel that way (not at the start). Both have many issues to recover from. Will they find themselves again? Will they do it together or apart? Of course, when chemistry and love gets in the way..
“I’m sorry.”
I took a step back as he caged me on my porch. “For what?”
“For what I’m about to do to you.”
Yes, here is the thing about Kate's characters. Besides having all those wonderful layers, when it comes to chemistry between the main couple it's just combustible. Ian keeps fighting against that chemistry and the new feelings he is starting to feel towards Koti. Obviously, in the end, that connection is impossible to stop. These two together are absolutely mind-blowing. Their scenes are passionate, intense, smoking hot and extremely emotional. I loved seeing their relationship grow, I love how they have to keep fighting for it (because they love each other so much) and I really adored the bond they share with Ella (Ian's daughter). Also, that ending! Gah, I cried so much but it was so worth it!
Sometimes what’s meant to be isn’t written in the stars, instead it’s a journey on the path less traveled without a map of guidance, without certainty.
Therefore, my rating for Someone Else's Ocean is 5 STARS because, again, Kate Stewart delivered another excellent love story that will get you hooked from start to finish. Ian and Koti are such a beautiful characters and just outstanding people on their own too. Their connection will make you melt all over the place and you'll feel every emotion with them too because their love story is just that epic! And yes, I am so excited Kate is writing Jasmine's story because I am definitely curious to see who steals her heart! So, congrats to Kate for another unique and outstanding love story that, of course, I highly recommend reading.
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August 7, 2018
“Sometimes what’s meant to be isn’t written in the stars”
Every year there are these books, you know the ones, with all the hype attached to them and you’re left wondering if it can possibly be as good as everybody is making it out to be? Can this story really live up to the hype and deliver what it has promised? I personally thought Someone Else’s Ocean sounded amazing and like every other romance reader on the planet, I could not wait to get my hands on a copy. Well… it’s as good, if not better than I could have ever expected. Every book of Kate Stewart’s I have read I have loved immensely, her words are so powerful and profound, her characters always intriguing and her stories always pull on my heartstrings.
Whilst reading Someone Else’s Ocean, I had this monumental desire to pack up my bags and head to St. Thomas. Wow what a place! It’s the perfect island backdrop to the perfect story. Kate’s vivid storytelling really made me believe I was there, taking in every bit of this breathtaking setting. I was in my own personal island home, just soaking it all up.
Ian and Koti have been friends since childhood. They met on the island of St. Thomas where both of their parents owned vacation homes. As they grew up, life happened and took them in opposite directions; they haven’t seen each other in twenty years; that is, until now.
Koti has been through so much turmoil in the past year and as a result has returned to her sanctuary, St. Thomas, which is a place she now calls home. It was exactly what she needed, a place to get her head on straight and re-group. This is why she had been living there for the past year.
“She was my golden shore after the shipwreck that was my life and she’d loved me with her whole heart, only to let me break it.”
Ian’s life as he now knows it is completely falling apart and he too has returned to his family’s home in St. Thomas in order to try to get his head and emotions in check. He has returned full of fury and is angry at the whole world. While Koti has been through something similar the previous year, she wants nothing more than to be there for her childhood friend. Ian has a massive chip on his shoulder and wants nothing to do with Koti or their friendship and acts in a very surly, impolite manner towards her.
Koti and Ian spend a lot of time arguing and are at each other’s throats, but Koti has faith and a belief that, given time, she will break down Ian’s harsh exterior and have him believe in her and the friendship they once shared many years ago. Perseverance and patience is the key when it comes to Ian and soon Koti is able to see her old childhood friend emerge from the anger once more; soon they start to develop feelings that go well beyond friendship.
“He was the perfect man to steal my heart, and I had zero doubts once he was done with it, it would never be the same.”
Ian and Koti have such a profound and intense connection that even while they were in the midst of heated disputes, you could feel the chemistry shine through. While they have both been through so much pain and suffering, together they have a chance to start to heal. Maybe that is what they both needed, each other. While they have grown so much closer during their stays in St. Thomas, how will they cope if they are forced to be a part again?
Someone Else’s Ocean is phenomenal and probably my favorite Kate Stewart story to date. Her writing is positively flawless and the plot captured my heart and soul. It is an angsty and romantic story about loving that one special person who completes you in every sense of the word. One of many words I use to describe this book is epic and I could not recommend it enough.
July 30, 2018
<3 4 stars <3
" Love stories aren’t always perfect. They can wreak havoc on the heart and distort the soul.”
Such a beautiful story,Kate Stewart has a way with her words that her stories touch your heart and you feel so full of emotions.This is what happened with me and this story.My heart was aching.Someone Else's Ocean is a heartwarming,intense and steamy story.
“Kissing you feels like a free fall, touching you makes me ache, and being inside you is so damn addicting.”
Koti and Ian’s story has it all.It has anagst,it was romantic and steamy at the same time.The chemistry between them was sizzling and full of tension.
Another fantastic read from Kate Stewart, if you are looking for a story that will captivate you for the first pages and keep your interest till the end with a romance that will make you ach and swoon this is perfect!
" Love stories aren’t always perfect. They can wreak havoc on the heart and distort the soul.”
Such a beautiful story,Kate Stewart has a way with her words that her stories touch your heart and you feel so full of emotions.This is what happened with me and this story.My heart was aching.Someone Else's Ocean is a heartwarming,intense and steamy story.
“Kissing you feels like a free fall, touching you makes me ache, and being inside you is so damn addicting.”
Koti and Ian’s story has it all.It has anagst,it was romantic and steamy at the same time.The chemistry between them was sizzling and full of tension.
Another fantastic read from Kate Stewart, if you are looking for a story that will captivate you for the first pages and keep your interest till the end with a romance that will make you ach and swoon this is perfect!
July 20, 2018
I've been on the lookout for the quintessential beach read this summer and THIS. IS. IT!! Someone Else's Ocean sweeps you away to an island paradise and into a whirlwind romance full of steamy scenes and complicated emotion. This story is light and breezy but perfectly peppered with just the right amount of sultry attraction and delicious drama. Kate Stewart's writing in this story is as beautiful and lush as the romance itself on these pages and the more I think back on it, the more I fall in love.
Ian and Koti are castaways. Or maybe runaways is a more apt term. Childhood friends, they haven't seen each other in years. That is, until they find themselves unsuspecting neighbors on the island of St.Thomas, both running far from their mainland troubles straight into an intense dynamic that complicates their lives even more.
Someone Else's Ocean exudes a much different vibe than the last two books I've read from Kate Stewart. I went in anticipating some of that high angst that was so prominent in The Real and Drive... spoiler alert: it's not in there. What is there though is an intense attraction between two magnetic characters who truly find themselves in the right place at the wrong time. Neither are mentally prepared for the complicated emotional entanglement that runs beneath their physical attraction and that messy dynamic allows for a whole lot of steam and an equal amount of heartache. But the vibe of this book is much sweeter. This is a story of friendship and acceptance layered seamlessly with humor and sensuality all set against the sultry backdrop of ocean waves and sandy beaches.
Grab a cocktail and a hammock and prepare to be swept away on an island adventure of the heart right along with Ian and Koti. This story is a little bit enemies to lovers, a little bit friends with benefits, and it's all on a gut wrenching timeline where the clock is ticking down painfully. The journey these characters take together is an unforgettable, tender, heartbreaking one and, I swear, it is the perfect summer read. I tasted the ocean air as clear as I could taste the delicious romance on these pages and I think readers are going to just devour this story. I really enjoyed this refreshing storyline and I think Kate Stewart fans, new and old alike, are in for a light and sexy treat with his book.
Ian and Koti are castaways. Or maybe runaways is a more apt term. Childhood friends, they haven't seen each other in years. That is, until they find themselves unsuspecting neighbors on the island of St.Thomas, both running far from their mainland troubles straight into an intense dynamic that complicates their lives even more.
Someone Else's Ocean exudes a much different vibe than the last two books I've read from Kate Stewart. I went in anticipating some of that high angst that was so prominent in The Real and Drive... spoiler alert: it's not in there. What is there though is an intense attraction between two magnetic characters who truly find themselves in the right place at the wrong time. Neither are mentally prepared for the complicated emotional entanglement that runs beneath their physical attraction and that messy dynamic allows for a whole lot of steam and an equal amount of heartache. But the vibe of this book is much sweeter. This is a story of friendship and acceptance layered seamlessly with humor and sensuality all set against the sultry backdrop of ocean waves and sandy beaches.
Grab a cocktail and a hammock and prepare to be swept away on an island adventure of the heart right along with Ian and Koti. This story is a little bit enemies to lovers, a little bit friends with benefits, and it's all on a gut wrenching timeline where the clock is ticking down painfully. The journey these characters take together is an unforgettable, tender, heartbreaking one and, I swear, it is the perfect summer read. I tasted the ocean air as clear as I could taste the delicious romance on these pages and I think readers are going to just devour this story. I really enjoyed this refreshing storyline and I think Kate Stewart fans, new and old alike, are in for a light and sexy treat with his book.
July 30, 2018
Unfortunately this book never managed to click with me. While I appreciated the thought that went into it, and absolutely loved some of the scenes, I didn't feel any connection to any of the characters. They felt hollow in most cases and boring in others.
The story felt solid in its beginning, middle and end motion, and never disjointed, but the characters didn’t feel believable to me.
It kept my attention most of the time. I did set it down now and then, but finally finished it.
In short:
Hero 3/5 | Heroine 2/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 2/5 | Romance 3/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 3/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 3/5
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
The story felt solid in its beginning, middle and end motion, and never disjointed, but the characters didn’t feel believable to me.
It kept my attention most of the time. I did set it down now and then, but finally finished it.
In short:
Hero 3/5 | Heroine 2/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 2/5 | Romance 3/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 3/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 3/5
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2018
For me, getting lost in a book is unmatched in its ability to soothe and excite. It was a joy to read Someone Else’s Ocean from cover to cover in one sitting. The story sucked me in from the emotional prologue and I was a goner.
Kate Stewart seamlessly blends a fond childhood acquaintances storyline with an enemies to lovers twist. Set the stage in St. Thomas, with a man and woman each seeking an escape from turmoil, and you have the basis for a winning romance.
The pages are filled with a variety of compelling characters – some of whom are struggling with serious baggage. It was easy for me to fall madly in love with Koti and Ian. Their push and pull and scorching attraction fanned my addiction to the plot. The secondary characters are remarkably well developed and they enrich the story with humor, conflict, and warmth. Koti’s best friend/boss Jasmine and Ian’s daughter Ella are particularly appealing.
I love the idea that a specific place can heal deep wounds and give people a renewed outlook. I recently returned from vacationing in St. Thomas, and this book could have been my travel journal. The sights described are so vivid and accurate that I was transported back to that amazing island. If you love beaches and are in the mood for a virtual getaway, this book has you covered.
Koti and Ian’s journey toward love is a passionate one, and I was there for every tumultuous step along the way. The epilogue turned me into one big puddle of emotional goo and left me pleading for more. “More” is just what we’ll be getting when Jasmine’s journey unfolds in Falling Over Forty. I can’t wait!
Recommended for fans of:
Beach reads
Enemies to lovers stories
Single fathers
Kate Stewart seamlessly blends a fond childhood acquaintances storyline with an enemies to lovers twist. Set the stage in St. Thomas, with a man and woman each seeking an escape from turmoil, and you have the basis for a winning romance.
The pages are filled with a variety of compelling characters – some of whom are struggling with serious baggage. It was easy for me to fall madly in love with Koti and Ian. Their push and pull and scorching attraction fanned my addiction to the plot. The secondary characters are remarkably well developed and they enrich the story with humor, conflict, and warmth. Koti’s best friend/boss Jasmine and Ian’s daughter Ella are particularly appealing.
I love the idea that a specific place can heal deep wounds and give people a renewed outlook. I recently returned from vacationing in St. Thomas, and this book could have been my travel journal. The sights described are so vivid and accurate that I was transported back to that amazing island. If you love beaches and are in the mood for a virtual getaway, this book has you covered.
Koti and Ian’s journey toward love is a passionate one, and I was there for every tumultuous step along the way. The epilogue turned me into one big puddle of emotional goo and left me pleading for more. “More” is just what we’ll be getting when Jasmine’s journey unfolds in Falling Over Forty. I can’t wait!
Recommended for fans of:
Beach reads
Enemies to lovers stories
Single fathers
*I read an early version of this book. It does not affect the content of my review.*
August 15, 2018
“Decades of life separated the two of us and I was more curious than ever of what his years held.”
I simply loved this. Kate Stewart is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Last year, Drive was in my Top 5 reads of the year and this year she has already written 2 other wonderful stories in The Real and now Someone Else’s Ocean. Someone Else’s Ocean is another great story that totally brings in the feels. It will keep you hooked from beginning to end and has a great combination of romance and hotness.
“Ian Kemp was beautiful at fourteen. He was gorgeous when he was twenty-five and stood on his parent’s porch waving at me before he left me with a crush. At thirty-eight, he was devastating, sitting next to me watching me inhale my dessert.”
Kate is wonderful at writing very likeable heroines and super tortured and angsty heroes. She’s also amazing at describing things where it makes you feel you’re there. This story is set in St. Thomas and you could completely picture the place while reading the story. I love that she writes about day to day regular folk stories, which are way more appealing to me than the typical alpha macho billionaire.
“The point is—I don’t believe in miracles, but I’m falling for mine.”
As far as the story goes, I’m normally not one to retell the story on a review. This is a very interesting story about childhood friends who find each other after many years and after going through some trying times. Koti still struggles with her issues, while Ian has just been through an unimaginable situation that has him questioning everything he believed in for the past several years. With the island as their background, the angst level with these two is through the roof. And the sexual chemistry is just so freaking hot!!
“You are a right mess, Miss Vaughn. I suppose it’s good fate we ended up on this island together.”
Overall, this was a great story that brought me tons of feels. Loved the characters, their story and how everything turned out. Absolutely amazing and totally recommend!
“Doesn’t matter how much time has passed, we’re still in love. I felt it the minute I walked through the door, I’m not playing the denial game with you or any game ever for that matter. That isn’t who we are. We’re closer than two people could ever be. I still love you, probably now more than I ever have. And I have loved you. Maybe in different ways and in different degrees over the years but I have loved you. You want to know what I’m doing here? I came to tell you that you’re worth it. And I’ve been stupid and selfish, and I want to spend my life with you.”
I simply loved this. Kate Stewart is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Last year, Drive was in my Top 5 reads of the year and this year she has already written 2 other wonderful stories in The Real and now Someone Else’s Ocean. Someone Else’s Ocean is another great story that totally brings in the feels. It will keep you hooked from beginning to end and has a great combination of romance and hotness.
“Ian Kemp was beautiful at fourteen. He was gorgeous when he was twenty-five and stood on his parent’s porch waving at me before he left me with a crush. At thirty-eight, he was devastating, sitting next to me watching me inhale my dessert.”
Kate is wonderful at writing very likeable heroines and super tortured and angsty heroes. She’s also amazing at describing things where it makes you feel you’re there. This story is set in St. Thomas and you could completely picture the place while reading the story. I love that she writes about day to day regular folk stories, which are way more appealing to me than the typical alpha macho billionaire.
“The point is—I don’t believe in miracles, but I’m falling for mine.”
As far as the story goes, I’m normally not one to retell the story on a review. This is a very interesting story about childhood friends who find each other after many years and after going through some trying times. Koti still struggles with her issues, while Ian has just been through an unimaginable situation that has him questioning everything he believed in for the past several years. With the island as their background, the angst level with these two is through the roof. And the sexual chemistry is just so freaking hot!!
“You are a right mess, Miss Vaughn. I suppose it’s good fate we ended up on this island together.”
Overall, this was a great story that brought me tons of feels. Loved the characters, their story and how everything turned out. Absolutely amazing and totally recommend!
“Doesn’t matter how much time has passed, we’re still in love. I felt it the minute I walked through the door, I’m not playing the denial game with you or any game ever for that matter. That isn’t who we are. We’re closer than two people could ever be. I still love you, probably now more than I ever have. And I have loved you. Maybe in different ways and in different degrees over the years but I have loved you. You want to know what I’m doing here? I came to tell you that you’re worth it. And I’ve been stupid and selfish, and I want to spend my life with you.”
August 9, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this book! I highly recommend it!
August 5, 2018
I can't believe I waited so long to read my first Kate Stewart novel 😱 I absolutely loved Koti and Ian!! And that ending was beautiful! 😍😍 I'm excited to read KS's other books 💙
August 2, 2018
4.5 Stars!
After taking about a month off from reading to deal with some health issues, I FINALLY felt ready to get back to my beloved e-reader. And what a nice surprise to have a new Kate Stewart book to dive into! Honestly, with each of her books she solidifies her position as one of my favorite authors, and Someone Else's Ocean was no exception.
I loved almost everything about this book. Let's start with the setting: a gorgeous tropical island, beachfront. How can a romance novel go wrong with such a perfect backdrop? And I loooved the story so much. I always love me a hate-to-angst-to-sexy times-to-love plotline, and this one really delivered.
Something else I really appreciated was how the inevitable "conflict" wasn't something stupid like a misunderstanding that could easily be solved by a conversation. I can't stand it when that happens! I really felt like everything that should have been said was said. I felt the situation was REAL. I felt their reactions were REAL. And speaking of characters, I really adored Koti and Ian. They are both dealing with some serious stuff: Ian goes to the island to deal with some unimaginably heartbreaking news, while Koti is there attempting to work through her own inner struggles. But despite dealing with some very real issues, they weren't JUST their issues, if that makes sense. They were well developed characters individually, with personalities and interests. And together they had some cute banter and some really steamy chemistry.
The only *slight" negative was the attention given to Koti's best friend Jasmine's story. And this could just be me. But when I'm reading a romance I really couldn't care less about the love lives of background characters. I kind of felt like maybe the author was setting it up to write a story for Jasmine? I don't know. I just found I skimmed a lot whenever Jasmine's life was being discussed. And during one really emotional, pivotal scene towards the end, out of nowhere, the two main characters take a break from their very serious discussion to talk about Jasmine's many suitors. I was kind like...ummm, wtf?! I don't care! Get back to the good stuff! But truly that is such a small part of this book and I can easily overlook it since I enjoyed the rest of the story so much.
Overall this is another win for Kate Stewart and a definite recommendation if you are looking for a steamy beach read this summer.
After taking about a month off from reading to deal with some health issues, I FINALLY felt ready to get back to my beloved e-reader. And what a nice surprise to have a new Kate Stewart book to dive into! Honestly, with each of her books she solidifies her position as one of my favorite authors, and Someone Else's Ocean was no exception.
I loved almost everything about this book. Let's start with the setting: a gorgeous tropical island, beachfront. How can a romance novel go wrong with such a perfect backdrop? And I loooved the story so much. I always love me a hate-to-angst-to-sexy times-to-love plotline, and this one really delivered.
Something else I really appreciated was how the inevitable "conflict" wasn't something stupid like a misunderstanding that could easily be solved by a conversation. I can't stand it when that happens! I really felt like everything that should have been said was said. I felt the situation was REAL. I felt their reactions were REAL. And speaking of characters, I really adored Koti and Ian. They are both dealing with some serious stuff: Ian goes to the island to deal with some unimaginably heartbreaking news, while Koti is there attempting to work through her own inner struggles. But despite dealing with some very real issues, they weren't JUST their issues, if that makes sense. They were well developed characters individually, with personalities and interests. And together they had some cute banter and some really steamy chemistry.
The only *slight" negative was the attention given to Koti's best friend Jasmine's story. And this could just be me. But when I'm reading a romance I really couldn't care less about the love lives of background characters. I kind of felt like maybe the author was setting it up to write a story for Jasmine? I don't know. I just found I skimmed a lot whenever Jasmine's life was being discussed. And during one really emotional, pivotal scene towards the end, out of nowhere, the two main characters take a break from their very serious discussion to talk about Jasmine's many suitors. I was kind like...ummm, wtf?! I don't care! Get back to the good stuff! But truly that is such a small part of this book and I can easily overlook it since I enjoyed the rest of the story so much.
Overall this is another win for Kate Stewart and a definite recommendation if you are looking for a steamy beach read this summer.
July 27, 2018
Five Beautiful Stars*****
A standing ovation to author Kate Stewart for writing this phenomenal story. The beautiful beach setting, the lovely and multidimensional characters, and the intense passion in almost every chapter make Someone Else’s Ocean an epic summer read.
Koti Vaughn comes from an important family in New York. She used to be part of the high ranks in society, complete with a high powered job, and a killer wardrobe. From the outside anyone could see she had it all, but at what price?
After one faithful event, Koti was done with that New York life, she packed one suitcase, and left everything and everyone behind. She moved to the one place where she remembered being happy last, the beautiful island of St. Thomas.
Her life didn’t magically change, but she has the life she truly wants. Candles and wine, ocean view, and a best friend that is also her savior.
Koti works with her best friend Jasmine managing a vacation rental company. Her neighbors house is one of the homes she manages and when she notices that their son shows up unannounced ruining all the previous rental agreements , she’s ready to move him to a hotel. All that before she sees the utter devastation in his eyes.
Ian is recently divorced, his pride and joy is his daughter Ella, everything he does is for her. He was married for fourteen years to a woman who made him sacrifice a lot in his life for her, and now he discovers that she’s been hiding the most awful secret that might destroy him for once and for all.
Like Koti, Ian too fled to the island looking for peace, for answers, for clarity. They knew each other when they were kids and spent one summer by the beach, but now the only thing they have in common are , heavy emotional baggage.
Their friendship rekindles once again, and quickly new feelings are born between them. The beach, the moon and the stars will be the witnesses for a passionate affair that they both know can have no future. But the heart wants what it wants, and even if these two characters fight it, love and heart break will light up the beaches of their beloved island.
My favorite thing about this story was the father/ daughter aspect. Ian was not only sexy, tormented, brooding and dirty mouthed, but he was also the most caring father to his daughter. Like Koti he wasn’t perfect, and I loved that too. Kate Stewart created these characters with as many flaws as beauty, humanizing them in such a way that the story felt raw and real at every turn. What a magnificent story. Another thing I loved while reading this book was Koti’s and Jasmine’s friendship, it added the perfect amount of humor and sensitivity to an already great plot, and let’s not forget about cute Disco, the puppy, she was the star of the book, LOVE HER!!!!
A standing ovation to author Kate Stewart for writing this phenomenal story. The beautiful beach setting, the lovely and multidimensional characters, and the intense passion in almost every chapter make Someone Else’s Ocean an epic summer read.
Koti Vaughn comes from an important family in New York. She used to be part of the high ranks in society, complete with a high powered job, and a killer wardrobe. From the outside anyone could see she had it all, but at what price?
After one faithful event, Koti was done with that New York life, she packed one suitcase, and left everything and everyone behind. She moved to the one place where she remembered being happy last, the beautiful island of St. Thomas.
Her life didn’t magically change, but she has the life she truly wants. Candles and wine, ocean view, and a best friend that is also her savior.
Koti works with her best friend Jasmine managing a vacation rental company. Her neighbors house is one of the homes she manages and when she notices that their son shows up unannounced ruining all the previous rental agreements , she’s ready to move him to a hotel. All that before she sees the utter devastation in his eyes.
Ian is recently divorced, his pride and joy is his daughter Ella, everything he does is for her. He was married for fourteen years to a woman who made him sacrifice a lot in his life for her, and now he discovers that she’s been hiding the most awful secret that might destroy him for once and for all.
Like Koti, Ian too fled to the island looking for peace, for answers, for clarity. They knew each other when they were kids and spent one summer by the beach, but now the only thing they have in common are , heavy emotional baggage.
Their friendship rekindles once again, and quickly new feelings are born between them. The beach, the moon and the stars will be the witnesses for a passionate affair that they both know can have no future. But the heart wants what it wants, and even if these two characters fight it, love and heart break will light up the beaches of their beloved island.
My favorite thing about this story was the father/ daughter aspect. Ian was not only sexy, tormented, brooding and dirty mouthed, but he was also the most caring father to his daughter. Like Koti he wasn’t perfect, and I loved that too. Kate Stewart created these characters with as many flaws as beauty, humanizing them in such a way that the story felt raw and real at every turn. What a magnificent story. Another thing I loved while reading this book was Koti’s and Jasmine’s friendship, it added the perfect amount of humor and sensitivity to an already great plot, and let’s not forget about cute Disco, the puppy, she was the star of the book, LOVE HER!!!!
September 17, 2021
Re-read, still 4 stars.
4 stars, multiple re-read, still liked it.
One of my favourite re-reads! That's all.
Rereading and loving it again!!
BEAUTIFUL story!!
I loved it!
Heart wrenching, overwhelming, delightful book!
I will re read it no doubt
4 stars, multiple re-read, still liked it.
One of my favourite re-reads! That's all.
Rereading and loving it again!!
BEAUTIFUL story!!
I loved it!
Heart wrenching, overwhelming, delightful book!
I will re read it no doubt
August 10, 2018
Brilliant! I'm not surprised Kate Stewart has created another spectacular book. The story is like nothing else you will read. Someone Else's Ocean is one of a kind. Unique, edgy, heartbreaking and hilarious.
Koti and Ian's chemistry is off the charts. So hot and not just because the setting of the book is in St. Thomas.
One second I'm getting fired up due to injustices the characters have experienced the next second I'm choking on my sip of water because I read a line that was so outrageous and I couldn't hold in my laughter. This book is a true gem.
Before I forget I have to say Jasmine is the best supporting character ever! The quirky best friend. She was flawless and the book was even more wonderful due to her character.
Add it to your library and I hope you thoroughly enjoy the book as much or more than I did.
Koti and Ian's chemistry is off the charts. So hot and not just because the setting of the book is in St. Thomas.
One second I'm getting fired up due to injustices the characters have experienced the next second I'm choking on my sip of water because I read a line that was so outrageous and I couldn't hold in my laughter. This book is a true gem.
Before I forget I have to say Jasmine is the best supporting character ever! The quirky best friend. She was flawless and the book was even more wonderful due to her character.
Add it to your library and I hope you thoroughly enjoy the book as much or more than I did.
August 13, 2018
***3 STARS***
I didn't hate it.
I didn't love it.
I felt nothing.
RTC. . .
I didn't hate it.
I didn't love it.
I felt nothing.
RTC. . .
August 5, 2018
I think Kate Stewart is becoming a favourite author of mine.
I just love her writing!
I absolutely loved reading this, I was quite addicted to it if i'm being honest.
I love love love the feeling of reading a good book.
I'm looking forward to reading about Jasmine.. in the next book. I found Jasmine hilarious!
A five stars from me!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
:D
I just love her writing!
I absolutely loved reading this, I was quite addicted to it if i'm being honest.
I love love love the feeling of reading a good book.
I'm looking forward to reading about Jasmine.. in the next book. I found Jasmine hilarious!
A five stars from me!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
:D
Read
July 29, 2018Someone Else's Ocean is L I V E Early and FREE with Kindle Unlimited!!
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