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Jamie Johnson is going to sea for the first time in his life. Atlantic Star is one of the most luxurious cruise ships in the world, and a two-week trip to Iceland offers Jamie the perfect escape. His life has been on hold since the death of his husband and a working holiday onboard a state-of-the-art ship is an opportunity to explore the world he’s been hiding from. A chance to think about his future and decide what he wants to do with the rest of his life.
When Dexter Fordyce steps onboard, all he wants is a good time. The cruise is his first holiday in years, and workaholic Dexter is ready to relax and enjoy himself. If he can manage a little fun with someone like Jamie, even better. Jamie is flattered by the attention. Dexter is handsome, charming and great fun and proves impossible to resist.
Jamie’s hopes of romance died with his husband. The prospect of a shipboard passion is attractive, but Jamie’s heart has been broken for too long and he can’t take the risk of falling in love. With stormy weather ahead, the two men are set for a voyage they will never forget.
Jamie gazed at Dexter again. From his expression, bemused embarrassment, he appeared to share Jamie’s feelings on the matter. Their eyes locked, lingering for a long moment. Jamie looked away before any of the others noticed the exchange.
Maybe Dexter wasn’t as young as he first thought. There were lines around his eyes, suggesting maturity, which put his age in his thirties rather than twenties. Was there just a hint of grey at the temples of his otherwise jet-black hair? Jamie couldn’t be sure in the soft light of the restaurant. There were seductive shades of hazel and amber in his eyes, very like his mother. He didn’t know what his father looked like, but Rachel was right about Dexter inheriting some of Davina’s striking looks.
Whatever his background, Dexter didn’t share Davina’s accent. There was no trace of America in his voice. The soft, southern delivery suggested an upbringing exclusive to England, most likely a posh area of London.
It was impossible for Jamie to keep his eyes off him. Dexter was the most attractive man he’d met in years.
3 out of 5 (good)
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
For the most part, I enjoyed this book, it was a nice (and yes, I mean that here!) and easy read.
Both Dexter and Jamie have a say, in the third person, and both voices are clear and distinctive. I just kinda felt a bit . . . disconnected i think . . from them both. They both have had difficult childhoods, losing one/both parents at young ages (although Jamie's parents loss was very different to Dexter's) but none of it really comes across. I only really felt Jamie's guilt at sleeping with Dexter when he was in the shower scrubbing himself raw.
I did NOT like what Dexter does, both before and after he sleeps with Jamie. I understand the why, I just didn't like it.
Very much an insta-love, but for me, it's too soon, and doesn't quite work.
What threw me the most, though, wasn't anything about Jamie and Dexter, it was the epilogue! I mean, what was the point in that? If that had been worked into the story, maybe it would have worked better, but just chucking it on the end was a bit mad, I thought.
I think this will be one of those books that every else loves, but one I can't see the reason why. Sorry!
3 stars
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
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Thom Collins is the author of Closer by Morning, North Point and the Anthem Trilogy. His love of page turning thrillers began at an early age when his mother caught him reading the latest Jackie Collins book and confiscated it, sparking a life-long love of raunchy novels.
He is currently working on a new series.
Thom has lived in the North East of England his whole life. He grew up in Northumberland and now lives in County Durham with his husband and two cats. He loves all kinds of genre fiction, especially bonk-busters, thrillers, romance and horror. He is also a cookery book addict with far too many titles cluttering his shelves. When not writing he can be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes. He’s a keen traveler but with a fear of flying that gets worse with age, but in 2013 he realized cruising is the best way to see the world.
Check out his website for news updates and a free ebook The Night
Links:
Website: www. thomcollins.co.uk
Twitter: @thomwolf
Instagram: ThomCollinsAuthor
Email: thomcollinsauthor@aol.com
Tour hosted by: Goddess Fish Promotions
