Review: Great introduction to a new series!
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 06 29, 2014
*Received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*"Up to Me" is the first book that I've read written by Christi Barth. It's a good book. It's the first book in her "Shore Secrets" series and can be read as a stand-alone book. "Up to Me" takes place in the small town of Seneca Lake. There, we meet Ella Mayhew and Graydon Locke.Ella Mayhew inherited the Mayhew Manor after her parents passed away. She's having trouble keeping up with payments and maintaining the manor because it's getting expensive. Right from the start, you get sucked in to the story because hello! Ella and her friend are gawking at a shirtless Graydon Locke, who happens to be jogging outside the manor! Gray notices them and pays them a visit. Immediately, you can tell there was an attraction between Gray and Ella.Gray introduced himself to Ella by saying he was on vacation, but really, that's not the truth. His job, Ruffano & McIntosh, made him go there in an undercover assignment to see whether or not Mayhew Manor should be closed. Gray thought this would be like every other undercover assignment he's done, but he quickly realizes it's different. He cares about Ella. Their relationship quickly heats up, but how can Ella forgive him after she finds out that he came there on assignment to possibly take away the manor that meant so much to her parents?One thing I enjoyed about this book is the quirkiness of this town. You meet several of Ella's friends. Everyone knew everyone else's business and was looking out for each other. They always gave advice whether it was from Ella's friend texting all of her other friends asking whether or not Ella should go out with Gray to the Mailbox where you can write letters and the townspeople will respond back on it with their opinions."Up to Me" was endearing. It was a quick read for me, and it contained several funny moments and hot scenes. It was lighthearted. I would have rated it more, but I felt the story dragged towards the end. I do look forward to the next book in this series which will feature Wade and Piper!