REVIEW: Sail Away with Me by Susan Fox

In Sail Away with Me (Blue Moon Harbor #3) by Susan Fox, Julian Blake hates coming home to Blue Moon Harbor, especially after all he suffered at the hands of someone he should have been able to trust. However, the moment he meets Iris Yakimura, he finds himself intrigued and wanting to get to know her better, even if all they can ever be is friends. Will Julian and Iris get their shot at happy ever after or is the hero too haunted by his past to ever give forever after a chance?

“It seems to me that in every one of your songs there are tears. If not in the lyrics, then in the music.”
That was perceptive. “Name me a true story, even the happiest one, that doesn’t involve some tears. Even if they’re only due to a fear that the joy may end.”
“Yes.” Her eyes, a rich, dark brown fringed by long black lashes, didn’t drop this time. “Like yin and yang.”
He gestured to the basket where she’d tucked her book. “How about in romance novels?”

Having really enjoyed the first two books of this series, I couldn’t wait to read this third book of. Ms. Fox’s Blue Moon Harbor series and I’ve got to say that it is the best one yet. Really, this story was absolutely engrossing, fast-paced and emotionally-animating due to the hero’s back story and everything these two go through on their journey to happy ever after, as it isn’t easy for the hero to open up about his past. Will the heroine be able to help him heal?

The way this story started had me sympathizing with the hero since it isn’t easy for him to be back home after everything that happened to him in the past and it’s understandable why he rarely comes home. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really takes off, as the heroine puts the hero at ease with her gentle, kind and caring nature.

“Let’s talk about something more pleasant.”
The van was now bumping down the track to the commune. “If you’d been born in your father’s time,” she said, “and been a hippie like him, would you have worn those wide bell-bottom pants? Maybe orange ones, or printed all over with peace symbols?”
He rotated his shoulders for a few seconds, the tension relaxing. “Peace symbols for sure. And hair down to my waist, with a leather thong around my forehead.”
“I’d have worn floaty long skirts and bells around my ankles.” Mischief sparked. “And gone braless, of course.”

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the hero, since he’s suffered so much and discovering everything he’s been through made me shed a few tears because life isn’t fair. Really, abuse whether it be physical or verbal is something no one should have to endure, but to be just a boy and suffer what he did wasn’t fair. However, I liked that he finally opened up to those that cared about him and was ready to set things right, even if that added to his torment. Still, at least he wouldn’t feel so guilt-ridden by not having spoken up sooner anymore.

With the heroine, she’s the shy and quiet type, but being around Julian pushes her out of her comfort zone and gets her to realize that she’s ready for a relationship. Will she give Julian a chance or will she keep him in the friend zone? I also liked the tight relationship she shared with her family and how they support and offer Iris advice because Julian is good for her. While the hero, I really liked his character progression in the way he goes from tight-lipped about his past to finally opening up to someone about what happened to him. It shows strength and courage. Yet, what I liked most of all is how music saved him when he thought all hope was lost.

He paused and then said, “As you can imagine, I’m looking forward to the New Year, and to moving forward now that I’ve done my best to exorcise the demons from my past.” He glanced down at his guitar, played a couple more notes, looked back up. “This past year has also been the best year of my life, because of something that happened to me recently. I think you’ll understand what I mean when you hear this song.” He lifted his head and gazed straight toward where she sat. “It’s called ‘Iris’,” he said.

Overall, Ms. Fox has delivered a fantastic read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong and just keeps getting stronger, as these two go from friendship to more; the romance was special because Julian is the first man Iris has ever been with; and the ending had me loving the heroine’s determination to make things right with the hero after things go awry between them. Then again, she owes her aunt for the much needed advice she gives her that finally makes Iris realize the depth of her feelings for Julian. Yet, what I liked most of all about the ending was the surprise the hero had for the heroine that shows her how much he loves her. I would recommend Sail Away With Me by Susan Fox, if you enjoy the mysterious strangers trope, the friends to lovers trope or books by authors Donna Kauffman, Jules Bennett, Stacy Finz and Heather Heyford.
 

Book Info:

Publication: September 25th, 2018 | Zebra | Blue Moon Harbor #3

Christmas is coming to Blue Moon Harbor, a cozy dot in the Pacific Northwest where love shines bright . . .

Bookseller Iris Yakimura grew up on Destiny Island and it’s the only place where her painful shyness doesn’t cripple her. An avid romance reader, she believes that one day the right man will come along—one who loves her just the way she is. She never imagines that man will arrive in time for the holidays, like a gift. Or that he’ll be a celebrity musician with a bad boy vibe—and a warm heart . . .

Julian Blake spent most of his teens on Destiny Island, before fleeing a mentor turned abuser. Music saved him. He has avoided the island, but now his injured father needs him. Plagued by unsettling memories, Julian’s solace comes from surprising places—and from smart, stunning Iris. When he feels compelled to expose his abuser, will Iris find the courage to stand by his side in the spotlight that will ensue—much less embrace a love that might take her far from home? . . .