Spring Break with a Bass Player

by Alexandra Hale

Rules for when a rockstar moving to your

If you had a bad experience with a rockstar, steer clear of the one that moves to your hometownIf you can’t avoid him, don’t agree to go on a date with himIf you do agree to go out with him, you better hope he doesn’t ghost youIf he does ghost you, make sure he’s not your neighborIf the rockstar who moved to your hometown, asked you on a date then ghosted you and is actually your neighbor…skip the wine and grab the tequila because he’s about to flip the switch and not even the walls you built around your heart will be standing when this spring break is done.Saige Reiser is a woman on a mission and there’s no way she’s letting the handsome bass player next door change that. With a successful career and her family close by, she’s more than content with her life. But her new neighbor has a mission of his own and all bets are off when it comes to winning her over.

Will Saige finally get her shot at love? Or will history repeat itself and ruin them both?



Sunny days and steamy Catch the waves this spring with the heroes and heroines of Love Beach, a small town on the eastern shore where romance and happily ever after are guaranteed.

Genres: Small Town Romance, Novella

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2025

About the author

Alexandra Hale is a small town girl living with her family in Upstate New York. She routinely runs on caffeine, dry shampoo and thrives on procrastination.

A romance lover and reading enthusiast, Alexandra finally began putting pen to paper shortly after graduating college. An unobtainable dream has slowly become a reality with the love and support of her friends and family and the romance community.

She currently writes steamy, small town romance with a dash of lighthearted fun and happily ever afters that will make you swoon.

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPRING BREAK WITH A BASS PLAYER By Alexandra Hale

Saige is a real estate agent in small town Love Beach, she keeps to herself and mostly only interacts with her family.
Bridger is a bass player for a band that has found home in Love Beach.
He and Saige have a date but it doesn’t work out, that doesn’t mean he’s not gonna keep pursuing her until he gets her, may be easier when she’s his neighbor. Maybe not for her!

I’ve never felt more seen with a character that with Saige Reiser. I feel very similar to her, walls up, heart hidden and a little bit jaded by past experiences.
I enjoyed this story so much, all the exchanges they have, the banter, the growth and all that spice. They’re such a fun couple to read and I just breezed through this book in a day. As always Alexandra does a wonderful job with her characters and stories.

[Sarah McCord · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hit from Alexandra! Honestly this woman knows how to write a love story that will have you hooked from the first page!
Bridger is the most sunshine/golden retriever MMC I’ve read in a long time and Saige is the perfect grumpy/black cat FMC. I loved their dynamic. I also loved the little hints we’ve got for a certain best friend’s sister trope!

[Torey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great quick read. The main characters have great banter and I really enjoyed Saige's personality. All too often female characters are bubbly and happy and it's refreshing to see one like me.

[Nicole Scarborough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was freaking cute. I loved Saige and Bridgers story. I didn't like Saige at first but she grew on me. Bridger was everything. The chemistry was good and it was well written.

[Rose DeVault · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick steamy read and who doesn’t love a black cat x golden retriever vibe?
Bridger is down bad for Saige, but he messed up one time and Saige won’t give him the time of day. But she forgets the fact that he is this persistent hot rockstar that won’t take no for an answer. While she keeps saying no, internally she’s struggling not to give in.
I loved the close proximity and found family aspect throughout this book. It makes reading so much fun!
The banter and chemistry between Bridger and Saige is so good, and it’s even hotter in the sheets 🤤

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my with a satisfied sigh….Alexandra Hale ,you never fail to satisfy not one jot . This awesome book has the lot! An up tight Bass player with a heart so deep wants to make the Realty next door lose some sleep. Well here we are back in Love Beach ,it’s Spring Break and Bridger Cole is here with his band TCA - Tin Can Aficionados is their name in full , they’re actually quite a pull ,playing at Love Beach Brews , although they’re not exclusive they play at Sandy Sipper too. Saige Reiser works at Love Beach Realty .The Brewmaster at Love Beach Brews , Wells is Saige’s cousin ,he has a cute ,head screwed on daughter called Haven aged eight , who is as sassy as she is cute ,isn’t she great ?.…. She could be a weapon belonging to Saige in her arsenal or is that a glitch? Or is Haven an in ,a way to get Saige to notice Bridger? Well she did just snitch you know about the TCA band t shirt in the bottom of her closet buried low . Well it’s worth a try he does sigh… you know. Saige you see quite likes the band TCA , just not Bridger the bass player ,he lives next door and while she can’t avoid him there ,show up on their date? He was anywhere but there and late! She still won’t forgive him for his no show , give him what for she might . Saige Reiser ,the girl next door “Saige.” “Save it, Band Camp. I told you I don’t date musicians, but you kept asking and I thought maybe he’ll prove me wrong—maybe he’ll be different.” That told him…right? She has him all enamoured, but no matter how she deters,he wants to show her he cares. She’s tried , hammered it home ,in no uncertain terms ,he won’t listen nor stay away ,he’s clingy like germs on her skin but she won’t give in to him…He has it bad, he’s no cad ,just misunderstood and you got to admit Saige he is a bit of a stud…is it he so bad ? He’s not the loser who did you wrong so long ago, he’s trying to win you over through song. Can’t you let it go? His fingers strum the strings of his guitar ,sweet music in a fashion ,if only her heartstrings he knew the chords to, the key to unlock her passion… her heart. But where would he start? He can’t get her out of his head thinking ,bet she’d be wild in bed. That kind of thought just has his eyes blinking so hey Bridger I’m thinking as I read , take a deep breath instead. But he bides his time and tries to weaken her opposition. So he can move right in ,take his position ,his stance to start his romance dance .Well it’s a start before he unlocks her heart. His messy blond hair and his grey blue eyes ,they do have her mesmerised but she acts all cool. All he can do is drool like a fool .She thinks he’s such a scamp, even calls him band camp. She is in denial ,all can see. More importantly so does he…They have a lot to offer each other if they follow their hearts ,even a child of eight can see that it is in their charts. This story is so beautiful and great and not even the surface I’ve scratched at any rate , with all these words of mine . Just let me tell you . This book is divine central ! it’s sweet and it’s got some heat ,it’s sentimental which is pretty neat. A child so sweet and crafty with it and all those addition characters to love in it. Very well written love story that had me reading with ease it’s so easy flowing and light . An amazing book ,you’ll soon discover . Loved it all , front cover to back as a matter of fact.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning to Love Beach we now get to watch the successful real estate agent Saige Reiser, cousin to Wells Reiser and aunt to adorable Hannah Reiser from Merry with a Brewmaster, get her chance at love but she turns down the hot handsome bass player, Bridger Cole, standing and begging at her front door because he’s late for their date. She gave Bridger a chance even after saying she would never date a band member again and Bridger had just messed up his one and only shot…oh, but no Saige is about to find out that Bridger doesn’t give up that easily.
I loved how these two played off each other even when she wouldn’t give him a second chance and when they finally came to terms there was no holding back. I did think the issue with Bridger getting upset over Saige categorizing him like her ex needed a little more fleshing out. I felt the one scene of him being so elated, then getting jealous, then feeling rejected, then being so totally offended that he was walking away needed to have played out better. It was like he just all of a certain realized she only saw him being like her ex and although he had pursued her so diligently this one issue she had made him not want to have anything to do with her…seemed out of character for him to do that. That cause for change of pursuit confused me but the rest of the storyline played out wonderfully although fairly expectedly. Maybe not the best Alexandra Hale book I’ve read but still a good enjoyable steamy romance with a MMC falling first and very determined to win the FMC taking every action he could think of to do so and then the tables turned but don’t worry…there’s a HEA coming.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Courtney Tani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
- Novella
- Small Beach Town
- He’s in a Band
- Neighbors to Lovers
- Mild Black Cat x Golden Retriever Vibes
- Slow Burn
- Delicious Tension + Banter
- No 3rd Act Break Up

Synopsis:
Get ready to escape to the sun-kissed shores of Love Beach with "Spring Break with a Bass Player" by Alexandra Hale.

Meet Bridger, the charismatic bass player for the band Tin Can Aficionados (TCA), who has just made Love Beach his new home. When he becomes the neighbor of Saige, a beautiful and driven local real estate agent, their paths keep crossing in unexpected ways.

Determined to steer clear of the charming musician, Saige tries to resist Bridger's advances, but he has other plans in mind.
Will Saige give in to her attraction to Bridger, or will she stick to her plans to avoid him? Dive into this sultry, small-town romance to find out.

Review:
I know I can always count on Alexandra for a quick steamy read. She knows exactly how to give enough information to provide the perfect story without leaving questions in the end. I absolutely loved Bridger and Saige! Saige is a feisty, badass woman whereas Bridger is a complete oxymoron. Being a bass player can give you a bad reputation but his is a complete golden retriever. His dedication to win Saige over was like nothing else. There was no way for Saige to fight their connection. It was so powerful, both in their chemistry and playful banter.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘢 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy when authors I like to read are part of a collection project!
As part of the Love Beach multi-author collection, this book complements the others nicely.
This was an entertaining story featuring a sassy heroine and a sweet, persistent guy. Black cat vs golden retriever? Yes, please. I loved the found family aspect throughout this book. It makes the pages so easy to flip, and I was at the end too soon for my liking!

Saige has shut Bridger out after one slip-up, despite his unwavering dedication. She forgets that this determined and alluring rock star is not easily ignored. I loved how Bridger just kept coming back, and showing up for her, despite her reluctance to accept his affection. Despite her denials, she’s fighting a losing battle against her own desires. The connection between Bridger and Saige is electric, both in their playful exchanges and in their passionate moments. Such sizzling chemistry.

I recommend reading this one, and others from this talented and creative author.

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book (thank you), and happily leave my review.

[Melissa Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridger & Saige were so perfect together!

It doesn't matter if it's a full length novel or a novella that I'm reading from Alexandra Hale because I know without doubt that I am absolutely going to love it.

Bridger & Saige were so much fun to read, and Alexandra Hale gave us so much banter, chemistry, passion and love (and let's not forget the spice) in this novella. Bridger was an absolute gem and I loved how persistent he was. He was definitely not your stereotypical musician and I loved that about him. He wanted Saige from the moment he met her and there was nothing that was going to stand in his way - expect maybe her.

Saige had walls up so high I didn't think Bridger was going to climb them, and just when it appeared he was giving up the fight she finally came around. Only it was her turn to chase him, and let's be honest, he deserved the chase after how long she put him through it. I was so happy when they were finally on the same page, and I adored Saige realizing the error of her ways and giving him a chance. Those two were perfect together.

I highly recommend Spring Break With a Bass Player is you love short, sweet and spicy romance!

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Dare to Take a Chance!**

"Spring Break with a Bass Player" is the fifth book in the Love Beach Spring Break Collection, a multi-author mini-series. After a past break-up, Saige is hesitant to give her new neighbor, who is the bass player at the local bar, a chance. However, Bridger is persistent and refuses to give up on asking Saige out. It's clear that there's mutual attraction between them, and their banter is both funny and engaging.

Bridger respects Saige's boundaries and doesn't try to change her, but he knows his worth and isn't willing to wait forever for her to realize he is not like her ex and won't hurt her. When Saige finally lets her guard down and allows Bridger in, their chemistry becomes palpable.

This "instalove" story is a slow burn that is well-written and fast-paced, with just the right amount of spice to be read in one sitting. Another great happily ever after (HEA) in this collection!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally endearing quick read with a sexy rockstar that has the patience of a saint and his neighbor who has no time and a whole lot of disdain for every little thing about him! It’s a little enemies to lovers with Bridger and his rockstar ways being enemy number one for Saige, a whole lot of scathing comebacks and hell no’s, plenty of humor, and an absolute blast as Bridger’s heart of gold starts getting under Saige’s skin, melting her from the inside out, and winning her over against her will.
Just super cute! Bridger is a man with no shame, asking Saige out over and over, loving every snarky comment, and burrowing under her skin until she can’t take it. It kind of has that vibe of Saige secretly loving that he won’t quit and not realizing it until he mentions maybe it’s time and then it just gets cuter, better, and all kinds of steamy as Saige tries to overcome her past relationship fears and Bridger is just his happy go lucky self and even more intent on being the guy Saige falls in love with.

[Dani (dtieds_allbookedup) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to @authoralexandrahale for the #gifted copy of this book.

"It's a moment I'll never give up, the intimacy and love woven into every beat of our hearts and every breath in our lungs."

My Thoughts: Ahhh Alexandra has done it yet again! I have been waiting for Saige and Bridger's story since Merry with a Brewmaster and it was soooo fun (especially to read at the start of spring break for my boys). Bridger was the most adorable golden retriever very slowly breaking down the walls Saige had built up around her heart. But what I loved most was even though Saige was the best boss babe who DID NOT want to fall in love with anyone (especially a band member)...she also had such a sweet spot for Bridger. She will do anything for those she loves and that's exactly what she did to show Bridger she was all in (I mean flying his parents down to visit was top-notch).

Read if you love:
💖Neighbors to Lovers
🔥Slow Burn
🐶🐈‍⬛Golden Retriever/Mild Black Cat Vibes
🎸He’s in the Band
✨Small Town Romance
🌶️🥰Spice + Swoon

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my this is such a fantastic ebook. I loved it. This extremely talented author will have you laughing with the witty back and forth banter between all of the characters in this delightful ebook. Saige has had enough of men not doing what they say. Bridger is late for his date with Saige once again. He tries to explain though Saige knows he's telling the truth she distances herself. Bridger hasn't given up on having a relationship with Saige so he gets a house next door to her. Their chemistry is unbelievably hot and they give off so many sparks. Will Saige and Bridger believe that working for love is fun or will they start to think it's too much work? Can Saige overcome her disastrous last relationship and be with Bridger and can she trust Bridger inspite of his notoriety? Does Bridger finally get Saige to give him a chance and does he tell Saige what's in his heart for her? I really encourage you to get this witty spicy 5⭐️ hit. You won't want to miss it. You will love it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lindsay Schofield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare I say this is my favorite novella by Alexandra? I’m pretty sure I say that about every one but they just so dang good.
I’m always hooked from the first page. They’re the perfect mix of what you want in a novella.

I loved the twist on Bridger and Saige’s story. It’s your favorite boy meets girl, boy falls for girl story but with a twist. Saige has some past traumas with musicians and Bridget knows his worth. He knows who he is as a person and isn’t going to be lumped in with the assholes in her past. He just has to wait for her to realize that. I loved the dynamic of this.

I’m such a sucker for a good slow burn and this hit every single mark. Not too fast, not too drawn out. The chemistry between them was so obvious even when Saige was fighting it. When she finally lets her guard down and lives in the moment things fall into place. It was beautiful.

5⭐️
2🌶️

If you like:

-small town
-musician
-hate to love
-he falls first
-man obsessed

You’ll love this

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Break with a Bass Player is phenomenal romance written by Alexandra Hale. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was completely blown away by the storyline. The book has a fabulous plot, outstanding characters and a breathtaking ending for the main characters. The story is phenomenally written, exceptionally balanced and perfectly executed. I will most certainly be checking out more of Alexandra Hale’s work in the future. Spring Break with a Bass Player is the story of Bridger and Saige. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these two characters as well as seeing the feelings they have for each other grow stronger as the story progressed. The chemistry between Bridger and Saige is smoking hot and undeniably irresistible. I would gladly recommend this rock star romance for anyone to checkout and give it a read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Break with a Bass Player is part of the multi-authored Love Beach: Spring Break Collection. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, reverse grumpy-sunshine, girl gets her musician romance. Saige is a prickly, grumpy, real estate agent with a heart of gold. Bridger is a charming, hunky musician and ray of sunshine. He lives next to Saige and has wanted her from day one. But he let Saige down once and has been working for his second chance ever since. Saige is attracted to him but hurt in the past. When she pushes him away one too many times, he decides that he is done pursuing her. She realizes she pushed too hard and realizes she needs to pursue him. Will she convince him that she is all in? These two had great chemistry, hilarious banter, and a happy ending after all the drama. I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[mkm_bookloverarchivistreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Break with a Bass player by Alexandra hale is a stellar and complex novella. The MMC Bridger
is lovable yet stubborn. While the FMC Saige who is his love interest is stubborn but in the sense of being strong willed. This character driven narrative based novella has a prefect plot which supports the narrative. Alexandra Hale’s brilliant writing is fast making her one of my favorite authors to read. This book dives into the tropes of small town romance, neighbors to lovers, open door romance, slow burn and beach read. Saige ignores and attempts to exclude Bridger from her orbit due to a past that has nothing to do with him. Bridger’s a rockstar who just happens to be a musician which is a job of an ex of hers who destroyed her ability to trust, as blurb hints. I highly recommend picking up spring break with a bass player by Alexandra Hale, it releases march 20th.

[Lindsey Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra Hale has infused a novella with heart and heat and so much depth you feel like you have just devoured a novel.

It is so easy to fall in love with Bridger and Saige. Their banter is wonderful and adds to the chemistry that sparks between them.

Bridger is gently persistent in his pursuit of Saige, trying to make up for the one time he messed everything up. His quiet acts of service definitely made me swoon!
Saige is prickly! I adore that she is prickly. She's once bitten by a musician, twice shy so she fights hard against her attraction to Bridger. I loved that in the end she chased him; it's not often that a heroine pursues a hero and it's a refreshing change.

These two mark the end of Alexandra Hale's time in Love Beach and I am going to miss it; hopefully we see these characters pop up for a cameo in other books in the future.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. I am so happy that I found this multi-author series. It allows me to be introduced to a lot of different authors. Ms. Hale is one that I will definitely revisit. I really enjoyed this book. Love Beach has a lot going on. Saige Reiser does not date musicians. Bridger Cole, the bass player for the Tin Can Aficionados, is set on proving her wrong. Saige was hurt by her previous boyfriend who was a musician and vowed never to go down that path again. Bridger knows that this is going to be a hard battle to fight, but he also knows that Saige is worth the fight. Will Saige make the fight a struggle that Bridger is not willing to continue? Saige's hard-to-get act is working a little to well. When Bridger finally decides to back off, Saige figures out that dating a bass player may not be all that bad. Can Saige now convince Bridger to take a chance on her?

[Jen Starkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something about second chance romances where it's usually the guy putting in extra effort to try and win the girl back that makes my heart so happy, especially when little kids are involved by making them extra happy. The thing I love about these types of romances is you know the girl what's to really be wooed and be shown that her first impression to cause the denial wasn't who the guy really is overall. But what makes this one extra extra special is that it was written by the incredibly talented Alexandra Hale who knows how to play with your heartstrings and make it impossible not to love her characters, while also bringing her world to life more and more with each new book we get. It always makes me so excited for the next one and to see who's next on the list to find their true happiness.

[Amanda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridger and Saige

I'll be the first to admit I didn't like Saige at the beginning. Her attitude sucked but the more I read, the more I learned about her and her past. She was protecting herself. She knew there was feelings developing between her and Bridger but was scared of being hurt again. By the end of the story, I was rooting for her to get her happily ever after.
Bridger was so sweet and I was so sad for him when he talked about how he found someone but he realized she didn't feel the same way. He was happy go lucky most of the time.
Can Saige show Bridger that she wants to try to make a relationship work or is it too late? Will Saige go all in or hold herself back?
I really enjoyed the small town and neighbors to lovers tropes but what I liked the most was the reverse grumpy/sunshine trope because we don't see alot of it.
4⭐
2🌶

[Confessions of a Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I should’ve known you’d be wild after being so put together and polished every day.”

I love a reverse grumpy/sunshine and Ms. Hale delivers in her latest novella with Saige and Bridger.

Bridger is very much smitten with the prim and proper girl next door, Saige. He had his chance at a date with her and blew it (to be fair it wasn't his fault). He is relentless though and I loved that about him. He doesn't let her constant answer of "no" get to him, he just continues to try again and again until he realizes things aren't meant to be.

Saige has been hurt by musicians in the past and therefore has lumped Bridger in with her experience. Constantly turning down his attempts at taking her out it kind of becomes second nature. Then she realizes she does have feelings for him and the tables turn with her pursuing him. It isn't long before she sees the good guy that he truly is.

As with all of her other novellas, Alexandra managed to give us so much in a short number of pages. The banter with these two, the determination that Bridger has when it comes to Saige. The way that she shows Bridger she truly cares for him (it is a grand gesture for sure). The connection they have and how much they crave each other is written in true Alexandra style!!!

[Preet K · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
Spring Break With A Bass Player by Alexandra Hale
5/5 stars

A.Hale has done it again with a great and fun novella that will have you swoon and laugh from the start to finish! I really enjoyed the main characters and showing how these characters go from the past into the future. The blend of a whole cast of characters, old and new in the background provide a good momentum for the main characters and I love it!

Saige and Bridger's chemistry and banter were lovely to see and just the building of their relationship was a delight. I can't wait to see more of these two in future books to come!

Catch these two on March. 20!

A huge thank you to @authoralexandrahale and her team for an eARC copy for review!

[Kylie Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfect little read from Alexandra ❤️

Saige is determined that bass player Bridger is not going to invade her heart, she did that once before with a musician,Saige let all her inhibitions go, but not this time, nope not letting him near her heart… that’s until Bridger gives up the chase and now Saige is the chaser !

Bridger was such a golden retriever, scrumptious and swoons. Just how I like them, this was the perfect little read, this pair are magnetic once the push and pull proved fruitless and they just fall ❤️ Saige is a badass independent girl who just wants the love, someone who is all in … love thy neighbour Saige 😆😍

Thank you Alexandra and team for the ARC, much appreciated and never disappointed ! ❤️❤️

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saige has a past that leaves her feeling like she is not able to be who she once was. Being burned by an ex-boyfriend tends to do that to a person. So, when Bridger makes it known that he wants to get to know her, she refuses to budge on the no musician and no relationships ban she is on. That is until something shakes her thoughts up. Watching these two as they work though the ups and downs of what could be such a fun read. They had struggles, but they also had a friendship and watching as Saige managed to break down that wall she built around herself was so perfect. There was so much more to both these two than meets the eye and let’s be honest this was a great reverse grumpy/ sunshine that just makes you smile!

[Liberty Munson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Alexandra Hale, and, just WOW. It was a quick, fun heartfelt romance that had me rooting for Bridger from the beginning. I was pulled into this story from the first page and immersed in the universe that is being built around this town. I love the reverse grumpy/sunshine trope, and it's well done here. The pacing of the story was perfect. I sometimes get exhausted when the grumpiness over stays its welcome but that didn't happen in the story. No third act breakup, he falls first... a great combination of the best tropes. Just well done.

I will definitely be reading the stories that come before this one and will be grabbing a copy of Lettie and Corbin's story as soon as it comes out.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridger knows that he has his work cut out for him if he is going to convince Saige to go out with him after the date that didn’t happen. Now that he is back in town and that she is his neighbor he is determined in his pursuit of her until he finally concedes defeat.

Saige has been hurt in the past which has made her cautious and has her rebuffing all Bridger’s attempts to become closer. When he backs away she decides to take matters into her own hands but that means acknowledging that Bridger is unlike any man she has ever known.

Bridger was all in with Saige from the beginning and I enjoyed seeing the strides Saige makes and the ways she tries to show Bridger that she feels the same.

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
Spring Break With A Bass Player
A Novella Written By Alexandra Hale
Fiction - Romance
Published March 20, 2025
124 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This novella is one of 13 books in the Love Beach Spring Break Collection. It is a quick cute novella that can be read in a day.

Bridget and Saige have met before. He is smitten with her and wants a second chance. He is the bass player in a band. She does not want to get involved with another musician. A bad past relationship has left her protecting herself by being closed off and suspicious. It was fun watching these two try to resist each other. Especially when they are neighbors.

“… you can’t live your life in the lines when all you want is to color outside them.”

[Beth Zaragoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️

• enemies/neighbors to lovers
• small beach town novella
• slow burn
• he’s in the band
• no third act breakup
• reverse grumpy/sunshine

Bridger and Saige were supposed to go on a date but he had some car troubles and was late. She gave him zero chances to make it up to her because she was burned by another musician in the past.

He tries so hard to keep trying to get her to go on a date with him and she keeps turning him down. After talking to her cousin and his girlfriend, they kind of helped her see that maybe she should give him a chance.

And she does - she jumps in and lets him know it. But then Saige messes up.

Will Bridger forgive her? Make her work for it?
(This was my least favorite part of the book but the rest was great!)