Bella Key by Scarlet Chastain
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance
Novella
Overview from Barnes & Noble:
Maddie Jacobs must be crazy. At least that’s what her mother thinks. Professionally, she’s confident and secure; personally, she’s a hot mess. Not even a marriage proposal from a man who adores her can quell her search for something more.
In need of an escape, Maddie flees to Key West’s most southern island, Bella Key, to rest and recharge at Casa Bonita. She almost gives up on weekend retreat when the Bed & Breakfast is closed for repairs until Sunny Rojas, the inn owner, extends an offer of friendship, sweet tea and a room. Still reeling from a breakup with her longtime partner, Sunny is thankful for the diversion from her own broken heart.
The arrival of a fierce storm forces the women’s emotional journey to a head and leads them into each other’s arms. But can Maddie throw her hangups to the wind and go with her heart? The magic of Bella Key teaches her that passion cannot be placed neatly into boxes labeled right and wrong, because love knows no boundaries.
Review: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
First let’s be clear: this is a novella and approximately 75 pages in length. The positive side of that is that it’s a nice easy read that can be completed during a lunch break, or two. The downside, you might be left wanting more. Typically I am not a huge fan of erotica but the sex scenes in this story are very well written and don’t feel forced.
Then there is the quirky yet likable character of Sunny who brings out the adventurous side of Maddie while essentially reminding her that what happens in Bella Key stays in Bella Key.
Despite the brevity of the story I found that I was satisfied with the ending and didn’t feel as if I was let down or something was missing. I would recommend this to anyone who has a couple of hours that they want to fill, preferably while sitting on the beach or beside the pool.
