The island citizens rally around two outsiders who need sanctuary more than they realize. Quirky fun awaits you in the third book of this entertaining series.
Series: Sanctuary Island, Book 3
Category: Contemporary Small Town
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press (March 3, 2015)
ISBN: 978-1250018380
Rated 4 out of 5
Format: Print read as eBook
Sheriff Andie Shepard loves the law which doesn’t leave much room in her life for personal relationships. This is why she is confused by her attraction to the lawless Sam Brennan. The way the man moves, the way he looks at her, everything about him shouts “danger” and yet, Andie can’t resist the magnetic pull of their mutual attraction.
Sam Brennan knows it’s a mistake to draw the attention of the law when he has so many secrets to hide, but he can’t resist Sheriff Andie Shepard. It doesn’t help that he recognizes his own childhood pain within eight-year-old Caitlin, so he easily connects with Andie’s brother’s child after a tragedy places Caitlin indefinitely within Andie’s care.
Can two loners compromise their individual love and hate of the law?
I get such a kick out of visiting Sanctuary Island. It’s the kind of place where it’s acceptable for a quirky politician to dress up his bulldog in a sailor costume, as well as where the sheriff will search for that same bulldog when he’s lost. The islanders take care of their own, and anyone else who wants sanctuary, including the wild horses that run free on the island.
Sam and Andie are cute together, especially when they’re trying to deny their mutual attraction. Both being strong individuals, in stubbornness and physical strength, their sensual pull is easily predicted as being explosive. What I didn’t expect was their sensitive side that came out whenever they were together and how they both handled Caitlin’s issues. Horse rescue is also highlighted, as well as Jo Ellen’s horse therapy stables, so animal lovers will enjoy the underlying theme.
If you haven’t read any of the SANCTUARY ISLAND series yet, then you can certainly start with HEARTBREAK COVE as a standalone novel, but I think you’ll enjoy it much more if you start with book one, SANCTUARY ISLAND, then continue on to book two, SHORELINE DRIVE, both recommended reads, which will get you in the mood for this third book, HEARTBREAK COVE, and increase your anticipation for book four coming in the fall of 2015. The SANCTUARY ISLAND series contains the type of reader magic that entices you to happily devour the books back-to-back, with that sappy smile on your face all the way through them. They’re happy books layered with heartfelt emotion, but it’s the quirks I love the most.
Author Lily Everett’s talent shines when layering this series with interesting characters who make the reader feel heart wrenching emotion before granting everyone the happy-ever-after they deserve. My favorite part of HEARTBREAK COVE is the heart and soul that is Andie and Sam together. They burn so bright, collectively, because their personalities meld and they smoke up the pages with their passion for each other and for the horses they rescue. I am on pins and needles waiting for HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, coming out in the fall of 2015, after reading the epilogue. Talk about stoking the curiosity—can’t wait!
Overall, the SANCTUARY ISLAND series is feel-good, contemporary fun that’s like coming home to the quaint 1960s imaginary town of Mayberry RFD, with some modern day eccentricities to mix it up. Great, wholesome, laugh-out-loud entertainment that’s sure to please small town or island contemporary fans. Grab the series and settle in for a pleasant weekend of reading pleasure. I highly recommend it as one of the best contemporary series available.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies. ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley.
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