REVIEW: Part of Me by Kelly Elliott

In Part of Me by Kelly Elliott, Sutton Bradley’s life has changed in many ways over the past couple of years, but thankfully all for the better after a rough go of it. Since getting divorced from her no-good ex-husband, Jack, she’s gutting their house to start over and is now even planning to expand her offerings in her cute little boutique shop, Coastal Chic. Possibly even with some, ahem, more adult type items. Of course it’s just when things are looking up that things go sideways again. With word on the street that Jack is back in town, Sutton knows it’s only a matter of time until he begins harassing her again. So when Brody Wilson, her first love, offers to come to her rescue, not only with fixing things around her house and shop but also keeping her safe, Sutton should say no. But that’s one thing she’s always had a problem doing with Brody.

“I love you so much, Sutton. Sometimes I swear I feel like this is all a dream, and I’m going to wake up and none of it will be real.”
I reached behind him and pinched him on the ass, causing him to let out a little squeak.
“See? You’re not dreaming.”
He laughed, then rubbed his nose against mine.

Brody’s been keeping his real feelings for Sutton under wraps for so long that it should be like second nature to him. But his years in the Navy and working his rather dangerous job as an underwater welder has taught him that time is precious and should be spent with those you love. It just seems like every time Brody tries to admit things to Sutton, something interferes. But when her smarmy ex shows up in Seaside, Brody steps in, unwilling to leave Sutton in potential danger. If they can finally get out of their own way and fess up to their true feelings in the process? Even better.

‘I would love Sutton Bradley for as long as I lived, and I knew I’d do anything in my power to keep her happy, healthy, and safe.’

Part of Me was a passion-filled friends-to-lovers romance with some angst as well as domestic drama added in thanks to the heroine’s ex-husband resurfacing like a bad penny. Filled with missed opportunities, some chuckles, and pretty big changes for several characters, Kelly Elliott has me hooked on yet another divine series.

“I’d fall from the moon if it meant getting to love you every day for the rest of my life.”

I’m seriously enjoying the Seaside Chronicles books so far. They have that same small town, down home vibe with a fairly large intermingled cast like I’ve loved in Kelly Elliott’s other work. But the town of Seaside is wholly its own. And the dynamic between the Bradley siblings and the other locals is unique in the best of ways. I should also mention that these books need to be read in order–they’re not really standalones–where the timelines overlap and the couples’ stories are all intertwined over the years.

Sutton and Brody were the main focus in Part of Me. Their story wasn’t really a reunion romance, per se, where they never dated, but more of a playful friends-to-lovers with a slow burn. (There’s another trope that complicated matters but I won’t spoil the surprise!) I really did like both Brody and Sutton. They were the type of people you’d want to hang out with in real life, who would be loyal friends as well as entertaining to be around. It did feel like this was more focused on Sutton, her boutique shop Coastal Chic, and her problems with her ex-husband Jack more than it was about Brody (who I adored!) and his underwater welding career. But most of the changes taking place were in Sutton’s life so for me it worked.

The other thing I loved has actually been featured in both books and continues to be a source of amusement for the townsfolk in Seaside, as it will be for other readers, I’m sure: the mystery behind who writes the local newspaper’s gossip column. It almost feels like Elliott is giving a bit of a nod to Bridgerton’s Lady Thistledown, so I’m all for it. And while I have my suspicions who the writer is, we’ll have to see how it plays out in future books to be certain.

QOTD: The mystery of who writes the local gossip column has been a fun addition to the stories. Are you a fan of such columns or even celeb gossip magazines/TV shows?

Book Info:

Publication: September 6, 2022 | Pub: K. Elliott Enterprises, INC | The Seaside Chronicles #2

Fishing for the Truth

Seasiders,

News on the docks is Sutton Bradley may be adding new stock to her little boutique store, Coastal Chic, on the square. Now, I can neither confirm nor deny that it is sexy lingerie, but seeing as Ms. Bradley has been seen on more than one occasion in the company of Brody Wilson, who, let me remind you, was voted as the catch of the season. One can only come to a certain conclusion and that is…

Love is in the air.

I, for one, would love to see Sutton move on from that terrible first marriage of hers, and in my humble opinion, Mr. Brody Wilson would do a fine job of making her forget all about…what’s his name.

Next on my list of to do’s for today…stop by Coastal Chic! Stay tuned for more on Lingerie Gate!

Fair winds and following seas!