The Ivy House by Drea Stein

The Ivy House (A Queensbay Novel)
Synopsis:

Phoebe Ryan is Hollywood royalty, the grand-daughter of Savannah Ryan, a screen legend. All her life she’s been a Californian golden girl. But all that glitters isn’t gold. When Savannah dies, Phoebe’s troubles have only just begin. Before she knows it, she’s been dumped, fired and evicted. All of sudden the glamour of LA is starting to wear a little thin. So when she discovers Savannah has left her a small house in Queensbay, more than three thousand miles away, Phoebe eagerly hops on a plane.

Savannah had always told her that the Ivy House was magical, but the rundown cottage that faces her isn’t what she expected. And neither is Chase Sanders, the grandson of the with whom Savannah once had a torrid affair. Is Phoebe meant to relive the past? Or can Phoebe and Chase find their own magic in the Ivy House?

Review:

The Ivy House is the third book in the Queensbay Novel series. I read the first one yesterday and once I realized I already had this one I quickly started reading it. I know I skipped Rough Harbor, and while you do get to see the results of that book it is not necessary to read these books in order. 

Even though the basic structure of the story is the same as Dinner for Two, the same basic plot points with different characters, I really enjoyed The Ivy House. I don't know what it is exactly, but whatever it is I really enjoy it. The attraction between the two people is always amazing. The people are instantly attracted to each other, but it take a little bit to fall in love. Something happens to upset the girl, they both care for the other but don't think it is reciprocated. and then everything works out. I liked the resolution in this book better than the first. It seemed more realistic and not as rushed. 

Phoebe comes to Queensbay after her grandmother who raised her died. She left Phoebe the house, and when she gets there she is not quite sure what she wants to do with it. It needs work, and Phoebe doesn't have anything else pressing so she decides to stay and fix it up and start her own design line. 

Chase is known to be a ladies man, but he really uses that for a business advantage. He has always wanted Phoebe's house, and when he learns that it might be for sale again he immediately goes up there to try and buy it from her. Of course things don't go as planned, they don't hit it off right away. They both think the other wants to destroy the house, when the both really just want to save it. 

Slowly they start to get to know each other and fall for each other. They both still think the other has ulterior motives, or doesn't want the same things they do. Things between them are very hot and it is great to read how things progress. I don't know what it is, but it is great. The chemistry is tangible and you really just want everything to work out. A great, fun, hot read. 

Rating: 4/5