Review: Christi Barth does it again with another sweet charming small town romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 12, 2014
Up to Me by Christi Barth is the first book in her new Shore Secrets series.  I have read most of Christi’s books, as she is a master at writing sweet lighthearted romances, with wonderful couples, friendships and great secondary characters. Up To Me is no different. I really enjoyed this fast fun relaxing read that takes place in a small town, with all of its charm.Ella Mayhew is our heroine, and you immediately find yourself caring very much for her.  Ella is the masseuse in the hotel she owns, since she prefers working in her spa, rather then running the hotel, Mayhew Manor, which was left to her by her deceased parents.  I really love these books that take place in small towns, where everyone knows everyone’s business.  After the tragic death of her parents, Ella went into a shell, doing her work and meeting with friends (the whole town loves her), with no ambition to take control of her life.  Instead, she would always follow whatever her friends or townspeople advise her to do in a unique way that you have to read to understand.  Cute.Gray Locke is our hero, and he has a secret.  He is at the resort spying to get information and help institute a hostile takeover of Mayhew Manor, with Ella losing everything, and the town going down with it.  But the moment Gray meets Ella, and she puts her hands on him and gives him a quickie (massage  lol), he is lost.  Gray begins to try to romance Ella, though he knows he will be there only two weeks, and soon he begin to have second thoughts about hurting her.  Gray hates his job, but he needs the money to take care of his ill mother. What follows is a sweet charming romance, with a sprinkle of humor along the way. What happens when Ella finds out why Gray is really there? Will Gray do his job and help take away the hotel from Ella?This was a beautiful romance that was slow to build.  Though both had lustful feelings for one another from the start, they decided to go slow and learn about each other. Christi did this so well, not rushing the sex, and allowing this romance to grow. Gray helps Ella become more confident and sure of herself, thereby becoming the leader that she was meant to be. But will she forgive him?I really enjoyed Ella’s friends, though many of them were a little too quirky for me.  However, it was nice that they all stood by Ella, which is what real friendship is all about.  This also added to the humor of the story.  As the romance built to where they both finally succumbed to their lust, it left me anxious to where it would end.  I loved both Ella and Gray, and to Christi Barth’s credit, I could not put down the book, as I needed to know what would happen.  I wholly recommend you to read Up To Me, as it is a very nice romance, small town atmosphere, good storyline, great friends, and a great couple.