I received an eARC of this book from I Am a Reader as a part of a blog tour. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Seaside Christmas by Stacy Claflin is a sweet, contemporary romance about a very unlikely pairing. When Talia and her father buy the old church out from under the unsuspecting Cruz, Cruz will stop at nothing to get them to leave. But something about the preacher’s daughter has Cruz second guessing his game plan and he finds himself helping the pair get the old, nearly condemned church in working order just in time for Christmas.

I REALLY enjoyed this book! Talia is sweet, a bit naive, and fully devoted to her father. But she’s also grieving. Her mother’s gone and this is their first Christmas without her. I could easily relate to Talia (even though my mother is living) as she tries to be the strong one for her father and she throws everything she has into this church.

Cruz has this reputation as being the bad boy. He even tries to make himself sound gangster (really his “yo” and incorrect grammar are hardly what I’d call gangster, more annoying really). His dream is to open a tattoo parlor in his little hometown. He’s an amazing artist and definitely has the skill. But the town is against it and sells the building promised to him to the Talia and her father. He’s angry and rightfully so. I’d be angry too! At first I thought Cruz was selfish, his motives focusing on what he wanted instead of figuring out other avenues to start his business. He even goes as far as asking them to leave!!! BUT the preacher and his daughter quickly win him over and if I’m being honest I think Cruz is a bit of a teddy bear under all that ink.

The plot of the story focuses on the fledgling relationship between Cruz and Talia and also on the church. It really is no surprise that these two begin a relationship. The fun part of the story and what really drives the plot is the antagonism between the two main characters. They both want such different things, and their attraction towards one another drives them crazy. BUT it really is sweet and most definitely swoon-worthy!

Overall, I really liked the book! I personally haven’t read any of the other books in the Seaside Hunters series so I can vouch for it being read as a standalone and still making sense. However after reading it, I plan to go back and read the others. It is THAT good! If you enjoy contemporary romance (bonus it is clean!) or you’re looking for a quick holiday read, than look no further.