Synopsis

Bennett Browning has spent his life planning for success, but nothing prepares him for fatherhood—especially when he learns of his daughter’s existence only after his ex’s tragic passing. A politician on the rise, Bennett’s carefully curated life is thrown into chaos as he struggles to care for an infant he never knew existed.

Emma Kuan is no stranger to secrets, but discovering her late sister had a baby she kept hidden even from her is a devastating blow. Determined to step in, Emma offers to become her niece’s nanny, even if it means moving in with the enigmatic and ambitious Bennett.

As they navigate sleepless nights, unexpected chemistry, and the looming threat of political scandal, Bennett and Emma find themselves drawn together in ways neither anticipated. But when heartbreaking news about the baby forces them to make impossible choices, they’ll have to decide whether love can truly heal the wounds of the past—or if some secrets are too big to overcome.

Book three in the Love is a Beach series but can be read as a standalone.

Trigger Warning: This novel explores themes of mental health and suicide.

Amazon

Praise

“If you enjoy romantic women’s fiction with solid, realistic characters and an emotional core, I highly recommend Scandalous in Huntington Beach. It’s a story that reminds us of the importance of love, family, and resilience.” – N.N. Light’s Book Heaven

“Scandalous in Huntington Beach is a tender story of finding hope in loss and building a future against the odds. It is a deeply moving, must-read romance.” – Gina Rae Mitchell

Excerpt

Heavy rain allowed Bennett’s anonymity as he kept his distance from the mourners beneath the tent at Rachel’s graveside service, his emotions a tight ball in his chest. When the service concluded, the mourners dispersed through the soaked cemetery, leaving him alone at the casket with a woman. Her resemblance to Rachel drew him. Was this the older sister he’d heard about? She was shivering, so he edged closer to share his umbrella.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” he said and, against his will, found himself intrigued by the face she directed at him—the faint, upward slant of her eyes, the slash of high cheekbones.

“Thank you for coming.”

He caught himself then. “I’m Bennett Browning.”

“I know,” she responded with quiet emphasis. “You’re the senate hopeful.”

“And you must be Emma?”

She raised her chin, luminous mahogany hair blowing back from her exotic features. “Emma Kuan. Rachel and I had different fathers.”

“Emma, like in the Jane Austen novel.”

“Right,” she said with a trace of sarcasm.

Had she detected his unease? Appalled, he dropped his stare to his wristwatch. “I’ve got an” “appointment with Child—”

“Child Protective Services,” she finished for him after he’d tactlessly dropped that bombshell. “The judge awarded you Rachel’s baby.”

“I didn’t know—before, I mean.” The words came out gruffer than he intended. “I didn’t know she was pregnant. She never said.” And he believed she had taken precautions.

“If it makes you feel any better, my sister didn’t tell me either.”

***

Bennett had that do-gooder thing going for him—she’d give him that. His kindness at her sister’s burial service wasn’t lost on her. She’d noticed, too, that he was handsome, but he seemed unaware of it. His dark hair went all curly in the rain, and his sultry brown eyes were at once sympathetic and then suddenly full of something she couldn’t quite name.

She respected him for all he’d done for LA’s troubled youth. He’d built a rec center, organized youth sports teams, and for a short time practiced law—working mostly pro bono. Before he became a senatorial nominee, he’d mentored small businesses. True, his accomplishments impressed her. Who wouldn’t be? But all this didn’t mean he welcomed becoming a single dad.

Then, unexpectedly, he pulled something from a shopping bag.

“Aww,” she couldn’t help but say at the sight of the snuggly teddy bear.

“I had a moment this morning and saw this in a shop window.” A helpless expression spread over his face. “Do you think Madelynn will like it?”

Emma’s chest felt as if it would burst. Still, she’d just composed herself when someone knocked at the door. A thick-figured woman introduced herself as Riley Morgan while trying to contain the squirming baby in her arms.”

Emma’s heart melted at the sight of her niece.

“Fingers that reminded Emma of her sister’s extended from the sleeves of a ruffly pink dress. Eyes, the same chocolate brown as her daddy’s, thickly lashed and alert, took in her new surroundings, her thumb in her mouth.”

***

“Bennett was having a hard time believing any of this was real. But it was, and his baby girl would depend on him for everything. He leaned against the chair and did what Emma told him. “Better?”

She nodded and handed over the wiggly Madelynn Grace. Bennett tried his hardest to hold on, afraid he’d drop her. With that in mind, he let Emma readjust his position with a nudge of his arms that had been too far apart and a lift of his right elbow to tilt her head a little. He intuitively lowered his face and sweet-talked the baby. In turn, she blew bubbles at him.

“I think she likes me.” He allowed her to poke him in the nose.

“Looks that way.”

His heart swelled. “I promise to give you the best life I can.”

When he glanced up, all smiles, he noted Emma’s quivering lower lip. Was she thinking of Rachel? Something in the hunch of her shoulders and lowered chin made him realize he knew so little about her.”

About the Author

Melody DeBlois writes heartfelt romance that explores love, redemption, and second chances. Inspired by her love for the ocean and her time spent in picturesque coastal towns, she brings warmth and emotional depth to every story. When she’s not writing, Melody enjoys poetry, coffee, and the simple joys of life that make each day special.

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