Review: "Love on the Lake" by Helena Hunting

Congratulations to author Helena Hunting on the release of her latest novel, "Love on the Lake," book #2 of the Lakeside series. While it does work as a standalone, my personal belief is that this series is best read in order. There is a lot of context in the first book that is helpful for understanding female lead Teagan's journey in this book. 

 

I'm having trouble writing this review because my favorite thing about "Love on the Lake" was its ability to take me by surprise, and I don't want to say too much and accidentally ruin that experience for another reader. The story was constantly twisting and turning, changing and evolving, and every time I thought it was going to go one way, it went somewhere completely different. Protagonists Teagan Firestone and Aaron Saunders were both incredibly likeable, complex characters, and they faced more than their fair share of challenges on the way to their HEA. There were aspects of both characters that I found to be very relatable, but in general, what I most loved was their shared commitment to finding themselves and working to be better in the future. They weren't perfect, but they kept trying, and I couldn't help but admire them for it.

Overall, "Love on the Lake" was a perfect blend of funny, sweet, steamy, and emotional, and I absolutely adored it. The first book in the series was fantastic, but I think this one was even better. I highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans and look forward to Helena Hunting's next release. 

 

*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Love on the Lake"

From USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting comes the second installment in the Lakeside series, where a gutsy heroine confronts family secrets and personal struggles in the town of Pearl Lake.

Teagan Firestone has always been the dutiful daughter, especially since her mom died. But as her father finally begins to move on, it’s her turn to do the same. Her destination: Pearl Lake, a close-knit community with an entrepreneurial spirit and secrets of its own.

One of them is Aaron Saunders, who dropped out of college to work construction for Pearl Lake’s upper class. He’s a mystery and has a playboy reputation—that is, until he meets Teagan. Neither one of them is looking for love, but in a town this small, it’s hard not to let your heart get involved.

As their romance heats up, Aaron’s elusive past comes to light, and Teagan is there for him, bringing them even closer together. But when Teagan is forced to face her own demons, her inability to accept the support of friends and family threatens the life she’s worked so hard to build.

Can Aaron love her, even when she can’t love herself?