Under the Boardwalk

Under the Boardwalk, book one in the Costas Sister series, is a reissue of earlier stories written by Carly Phillips; it is an enjoyable read and one of the first books of hers that I read. This story has a humorous bend with a bit of intrigue and suspense; not quite the 2020, hot and sizzling books she writes. Learning that her twin sister was missing, Ariana Costas left Vermont and returned to Jersey to find her. Not knowing what to expect, Ari sensed danger everywhere she looked; especially after being shot at and getting saved by a handsome guy. Detective Quinn Donovan thought Ari wouldn’t come back after learning about her sister; but she surprised him. Working undercover was challenging enough, now he had to protect Ari from all the secrets that were going on. While being home and after her sister is found, Ari learned that she misjudged her twin, her family, and her place within it. Quinn learned that it was okay to love and be part of a family; an outrageous one, but still a family. The Costas family is full of antics in addition to sharing a lot of love. When they decide to become foster family for Samantha, they learn they have to clean up their act and find a new home for the monkey, Spank. You need to read this story just to enjoy Spank’s tricks. Ms. Phillips wrote a wonderful, humorous and sweet story that will pull at your heartstrings and is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, amusing banter, and charming characters who help Ariana and Quinn find their own happily ever after. I highly recommend Under the Boardwalk to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Ariana Costas has always thought her family was over the top, especially her twin sister Zoe so it was no surprise that Ari left New Jersey and headed to Vermont to be a college professor. When Zoe goes missing, Ari comes back home to try and find her sister and make peace with the way they left things. What Ari didn't expect to find was danger, someone shooting at her and the hunky Quinn Donovan who turns out to be an undercover detective. Quinn just wants to do his job and be done with this case but he finds himself drawn to Ari and her crazy family. Ari sees how much Quinn loves her crazy family and she slowly starts to realize that deep down she has missed them. Just when Quinn is about to break the case, all heck breaks loose. By pure luck and maybe a little of that crazy Costas' way of life, Ari is able to fix the situation and everyone gets their happy ending. I enjoyed this story. I read it years ago and just now again. I personally couldn't handle living the way the Costas' family does but I couldn't help laughing along with hi-jinks of Spank! Lots of fun laugh out loud moments. I also loved how this crazy family takes in an orphan named Samantha who just fits right in. Overall this was a fun, enjoyable read.

Under the Broadwalk is the first book in the Costas Sisters Duet, and it was a quick and fun read, that had me easily engaged throughout. Thanks to a boisterous and eccentric large Greek family, and an entertaining storyline that had some witty banter, a little suspense and plenty of chemistry between undercover cop Quinn and college professor, and Costas sister Ariana, whose returned to her hometown in the search of answers after it appears her twin sister Zoe has gone missing. Would happily recommend. **I was kindly provided with a free copy of Under the Broadwalk via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review**