SAIL AWAY WITH ME – Susan Fox
Blue Moon Harbor , Book 3
Zebra
ISBN: 978-1-420-14598-4
September 25, 2018
Contemporary Romance

Destiny Island, British Columbia – Present Day

Bookseller Iris Yakimura grew up on Destiny Island and figures that is where she'll remain, especially since she is shy and feels safe there. No one knows that this romantic at heart has a secret crush on rock musician Julian Blake, so when she runs into Julian one day, she's nervous. Julian and Iris both went to the same school on Destiny Island, and certainly they should have things in common. One thing leads to another, and the two are soon friends. But can it turn into something more?

No one knows Julian's dark secret of being sexually abused as a child, not even his father. He thought he'd put the past behind him once he left Destiny island, but now that his father needs his help after an accident, he's back to care for his father and stepmother. Of course, this means running into his demon. Iris is beautiful and sweet, and Julian finds himself attracted to her. After they start out as friends, Julian realizes that he wants more than friendship. But he can only promise her that he'll stay until the holiday's end because he can't be around the man who nearly destroyed him psychologically.

In SAIL AWAY WITH ME, Susan Fox pens an emotional and gripping tale of a man dealing with the horrible abuse that happened to him as a child, and how it still has a hold on him as an adult. Iris also grew up on Destiny Island, but she has no inkling of what happened to Julian. Iris is painfully shy and has tried to overcome it, which is why she didn't run away when he started talking to her that day they ran into one another. Friendship builds, which feeds their mutual attraction. But the inexperienced Iris feels overwhelmed by the idea of Julian being her lover. Will she overcome her trepidation?

Music has always been a big part of Julian's life; his father plays in a band, and it led to father and son moving to Destiny Island. Julian is now a star in Canada, having won numerous awards. His stardom and music lifestyle is a bit overwhelming to Iris. How can she compete with all the pretty women who throw themselves at him? She has no plans to leave the island and he can't give up his music. Is there any chance of a future together?

A deeper part of SAIL AWAY WITH ME is the subject of child sexual abuse. It's a dark, deep secret that can destroy its victims. Julian's abuser is a prominent man in town who has managed to keep his pedophilic tendencies from being found out. Julian suspects there are more victims, but how can he find out? If he goes to the police, will they believe him or side with the abuser? For readers, this might be a tough subject to tackle in a romance, but Ms. Fox has done an excellent job. Julian soon realizes that part of his healing will be confronting the past.

While SAIL AWAY WITH ME is part of the  Blue Moon Harbor  series, it can easily be read as a standalone. As Julian tackles his demons, he's also finding love—and a possible future—with Iris. Will it include a happily-ever-after for them? Readers are taken on a phenomenal journey as Julian and Iris tackle their path to love. Grab a copy today.

Patti Fischer