by
Mae Clair
Blurb
Can an ancient leviathan work magic between a practical man and an idealistic woman?
Rylie Carswell is an amateur cryptozoologist in search of a mythical creature, the Sea Goliath. In order to reach Solstice Island, a location the ancient leviathan is rumored to haunt, she’s forced to hire charter boat captain, Daniel Decatur.
Initially, Daniel wants nothing to do with the trip or the fool woman waving double payment in his face. Convinced she’s yet another loony treasure hunter looking for gold on the remote island, he reluctantly agrees. An embittered neighbor wants to have his charter license yanked, so the extra cash will help him stay afloat.
It doesn’t take long for Daniel to realize Rylie is after the same beast his parents were tracking when they mysteriously vanished ten years earlier. He’s avoided all links to cryptozoology ever since, but the smart and sexy cryptid hunter has him second-guessing his oath and wondering what he’s signed on for.
Warning: A family legacy, glowing plankton and rough waters.
Blurb
Can an ancient leviathan work magic between a practical man and an idealistic woman?Rylie Carswell is an amateur cryptozoologist in search of a mythical creature, the Sea Goliath. In order to reach Solstice Island, a location the ancient leviathan is rumored to haunt, she’s forced to hire charter boat captain, Daniel Decatur.
Initially, Daniel wants nothing to do with the trip or the fool woman waving double payment in his face. Convinced she’s yet another loony treasure hunter looking for gold on the remote island, he reluctantly agrees. An embittered neighbor wants to have his charter license yanked, so the extra cash will help him stay afloat.
It doesn’t take long for Daniel to realize Rylie is after the same beast his parents were tracking when they mysteriously vanished ten years earlier. He’s avoided all links to cryptozoology ever since, but the smart and sexy cryptid hunter has him second-guessing his oath and wondering what he’s signed on for.
Warning: A family legacy, glowing plankton and rough waters.
My Review
Brilliantly
written and plotted. The author has an amazing way with words. I was
hooked from the first page by both the storyline and Mae Clair’s fantastic
writer's voice. The author grabs hold of her reader’s emotions at the story’s
beginning and she doesn’t let go until the last page. Solstice Island will enchant aficionados of romance with a twist of
mystery and intrigue as it combines adventure and warm-heating romance. This
novella is a perfect read for young adult and adult as well. A fast-paced
adventure, a perfect read for an afternoon near the crackling fire now in
winter, or by the window on a rainy afternoon. It leaves you with a pleasant
feeling. The heart-stopping adventures are believable and gripping, but best of
all is the empathy and understanding you'll feel for the well developed characters. I found just
the right amount of action, suspense and romance in Solstice Island along with a few
twists.
Daniel Decatur inherited his
parents’ unusual interest in cryptozoology, along with a fanatical love for the
water, but life scarred him in many ways. Is Rylie Carswell just a gorgeous
blonde that stepped from the pages of a yachting magazine in search for
adventure? What is behind her request for a hire charter on his boat Sea Wraith
II? Is the Sea Goliath, the ancient leviathan responsible for the disappearance of
his parents, real or just a figment of people’s imagination? Will Gus Claremont
manage to accomplish his threat against Daniel, as revenge for his son’s death?
You’ll find the answers to these questions only after reading this lovely
novella. I regret it ended too soon. The adventure captured me and the twists
and turns kept me guessing till the last page. I also enjoyed the way chapters
ended in a cliffhanger, keeping me glued to the page and curious to see what
happened next. The story left me wanting more and after reading the last
sentence I went and searched everything about cryptozoology. I’m hooked now on the topic and will follow
the author’s blog where she posts captivating articles related to cryptids. My rating
Five stars.
I'd like to add that it is the first book I read on 2015.
ReplyDeleteIt gave me so much pleasure and I'm glad as it means I will read only good books all along the year.
Hi, Carmen. Thank you for your lovely review of SOLSTICE ISLAND. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story, especially the unusual blend of adventure, romance and sea beasties, LOL. I do love cryptozoology and I'm glad the book intrigued you about cryptids in general. SOLSTICE ISLAND was so much fun to write. I'm honored to be your first read of 2015!
ReplyDeleteI have to thank you for offering me the chance to read your captivating story! A pity it was to short.
DeleteI hope to start soon Weathering Rock.
YAY! And you are most welcome! :)
DeleteThis review makes me even more excited for Solstice Island to get to the top of my TBR! If it's anything as wonderful as Mae Clair's other books, it will keep me on the edge of my seat.
ReplyDeleteThis is her first book I read but I can tell you it will give you pleasant moments. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteHi, Flossie. I really enjoyed writing SOLSTICE ISLAND, being able to weave all those elements together in a story. It was my first attempt at a novella, and I was pleased to have it come together so nicely. When you have a chance to read it, I hope you enjoy the tale!
Delete