This is a shorter work, and in some ways, it felt rushed. I enjoyed the writing style and the characters. But the pacing felt like it was missing some steps. it was good, but it could have been better, like a song you like, on a record that skips. ( )

Typical L.B. Gregg book, though I would have liked a bit more time spent on the MCs coming back together rather than the slightly too abrupt turnaround. ( )

I'm impressed with the Bluewater Bay series so far. The worst thing about this book is that it's so short. It is probably half the length as the first book in the series, and there is so much depth to these characters that the story could have been 4x as long. The characters are really interesting.

Buck is the kind of leading man I'm drawn to. He has been taking care of his younger brother for the past five years since their parents died when Buck was 18. He and his brother seem to have a great relationship. His boss at the coffee shop Buck has worked at since he was a teenager is his only other friend and confidant. Buck reminisces about his childhood best friend Ari, who seemed to be the polar opposite of our quiet leading man. Ari was a gregarious and hyper kid. Buck's feelings for his best friend turned in high school and he began avoiding Ari so that his feelings wouldn't show. Ari is back in town and Buck's feelings are in turmoil.

These characters are a 5 for me, but the length of the story is a 3. This book would have been SO GOOD if we were dropped into the story from the beginning with more chapters as kids, teens, young adults, and then the reunion of these friends. There is just a tiny bit of Book 1 brought into this story, so it's not necessary to read the first book at all, but it was a nice touch. ( )

4.5 stars.

Fans of L.B. Gregg and the Bluewater Bay series are going to love There's Something About Ari. This second installment in the series is a fast-paced and engaging novella that is quite engrossing. Intensely emotional, it is a very heartwarming and sometimes poignant second chance at love romance between two reunited friends.

Buck Ellis and Ari Valentine's close childhood friendship abruptly ended when Ari left Baywater Bay just before their high school graduation. His departure coincided with Buck's mother's death and this double loss hit Buck hard as his future forever changed. Buck abandoned his college plans to care for his younger brother Charlie and while he gladly sacrificed his future for Charlie's sake, Ari's unexpected return brings a few regrets to the surface. While their lives have gone in very different directions, one thing still quickly becomes clear: Buck's longtime attraction to Ari burns hotter than ever, but it remains to be seen whether he will find the courage to act on it.

Buck and Ari are absolutely wonderful characters and their pasts are absolutely heartbreaking. Ari's childhood was incredibly dysfunctional due to his mother's erratic behavior but he eventually triumphed over his chaotic past. Ari is finally at a good place in his life and he has mostly come to terms with the baggage from his past.

For the most part, Buck has made peace with a lot of his past as well, but he still harbors a lot of anger toward Ari. Barely keeping his head above water, Buck is still working the same job he did in high school and his dreams of college remain out of reach until Charlie is on his own. He has no desire to pick up where he and Ari left off, and his continued attraction to the seemingly unattainable Ari is definitely part of the reason why. A shocking revelation leads to a surprising encounter, but will Buck fully let Ari back into his life?

L.B. Gregg's There's Something About Ari is a short read, but the storyline and characters are fully developed. Written in first person from Buck's perspective, readers fully experience his often turbulent emotions as he comes to terms with the changes in his life. It is the perfect contribution to the fabulous Bluewater Bay series and while it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the entire series. ( )

The relationship in the book initially had some progression but then just jumped so that all issues were resolved. I honestly thought my book was missing chapters because the resolution happened so quickly. Literally in the last 10 pages, the issues are magically resolved and the book ends. Very disappointing. ( )