Turning the Tide (Eastern Shore Swingers, #5)

I loved this book! One of the things I love about this author’s books is how she is able to pull me into the story, make me feel as if I am part of the story and this story is no different. This is a well written, creative story that kept me engaged until the end. In this book we get to see Luke and Connie’s story. They bring drama, action and of course steam. They have a great connection, I wanted them to find their HEA. I loved seeing characters from previous books as well. A must read!

As always Phoebe delivers a fantastic story that is unique, thought provoking and sexy. One of the things I love most about this author is that she never gives us cookie cutter characters. She develops characters that could be us or our friends. The characters have flaws, maybe says the wrong thing by accident and have realistic fears that I think are really relatable.

Casey’s sister Connie decided to move to Ocean City after she helped Casey battle cancer in CA. Divorced and guarded when it come to men she is ready to try new things. Luke has known Cap for years as his nose, ears and throat doctor. Luke’s marriage which personally I do not really consider it a marriage is toxic. We see abuse through the eyes of a man. It’s an important perspective.

Cap invites Luke to The Factory the same night that Casey brings Connie. I wonder if The Factory should have a side business of match making. Sparks fly between these two and not just at The Factory. I enjoyed the dynamics and the realistic hesitation they both had in getting to involved. Both also discovering an enjoyment in aspects of BDSM. The book does not go heavy on the BDSM. It’s a introduction of two people learning a little bit about it and what works for them.

We also get some suspense and mystery. Utilizing the talents and skills of their new friends Luke and Connie discover what Barbra Luke’s wife and his business partner are up to. Phoebe writes some of my favorite strong female characters and Connie is one fierce lady. I really loved the ending I don’t want to give it away but I did say “That-a girl”.

I really, really enjoyed this book. The romance between two older people who have seen a lot of life was a very refreshing break from the usual 20-something year-olds who pledge undying love in romances. Both Luke and Connie knew what they wanted and didn’t stand for games. The suspense part of the plot was well thought out and gave depth to Luke’s decisions. The man was certainly justified in his actions – it’s been a while since I found a character as loathsome as his wife. I especially liked how the author didn’t rely on the draw of the lifestyle to determine the arc of the story. The scenes of the lifestyle were interwoven seamlessly with the suspense plot, and I appreciated that the author presented the characters as normal, every-day people instead of focusing on the darker side like many other novels. This was the fifth in a series, but the first one that I have read. I liked the style of writing and the characters enough to go find the first four in the series. I definitely recommend this book. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release copy.

ONE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE!!!
Oh baby! Talk about hit and run. Pheobe doesn’t hesitate to put it out there and shake things up a bit. Just to let ’em fall. She continually brings her imagination and insight to the edge and then jumps. Can’t get any better than that. Her eye and mind for detail just blows me away. This baby grabs your attention and holds it from start to finish. Just when you think it can’t get any worse. Wrong! This little gem will keep you in a tail spin and on a razors edge throughout the entirety of this juicy little number. Phoebe’s take no prisoners and no turning back attitude really set the stage for this incredible storyline and thrilling plot. Action packed, fast paced, hard hitting, page turning bombshell brings this bad boy roaring to life beautifully. Throw in all the drama, doubt, uncertainty, intrigue and suspense make for one wild experience. The characters are complex, believable and so realistic you feel like you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are so graphically detailed you have no trouble picturing each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Amazing job Phoebe, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.

I do believe this was my favorite Eastern Shore Swingers story yet. Phoebe Alexander has a way of writing that truly brings you INTO the story. You can see pieces of yourself in the characters. She never demeans anyone. She is truly #sexpositive and #bodypositive. She has characters from all walks of life in every shape, size, color, age and nationality. These are people who protect those they care about even if they’ve just met you. Don’t be ruled by societal rules of how you should or should not act or what you should or should not enjoy in life. These are the values she imparts with ever book she writes. This one is no different. You may hear a specific storyline that may not be your cup of tea but I say give it a chance-you won’t be sorry. This is truly real life and sometimes, real life is off kilter and doesn’t go exactly the way you thought it would or that others think it should. Be open and be real. This is what Luke and Connie taught me through this story. It is filled with steamy moments of course but it is filled with learning to trust-not only yourself but your gut. This story also has plenty of suspense that has you turning page after page chasing that final moment…that moment when the person you dislike most in the story finally gets theirs…and let’s face it, there are a few despicable characters in here. Luke could have been me in another life — maybe not all the suspense part…but other parts of his life. I could go on and on of course but you need to read this and immerse yourself in the world that Phoebe has created!