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Fair Winds
Rudy Haas dreams of becoming an "old goat," a sailor who's completed twenty-five races from Port Huron to Mackinac. But when his crew throws him off the team for being gay, Rudy has to find another boat and crew to have any chance of making his dream come true. Blind luck leads him to the men of Devlin's Due and a test run where Rudy's toughest battle isn't winning his place on the team--it's fighting his attraction to team captain Ike Ujarka.
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First published January 1, 2009
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About the author
Chrissy Munder
48 books47 followersChrissy Munder writes light and sometimes erotic contemporary LGBTQ+ romance filled with everyday people and extraordinary passion to transport readers into their personal world of love, laughter, and desire
She is an avid reader, a wanderer of Michigan’s wilderness, and, while not in any particular order, a lover of lists, legally blind, and a certified crazy cat lady. There are those who might tell you she started writing as a way to justify her office supply addiction, but shhhhh! don’t listen to them.
After too many jobs in too many states she’s eagerly awaiting her chance to become a full-time Lake Michigan beachcomber. Until then, she’s excited to share her love of romance, laughter, and happy-ever-afters.
She is an avid reader, a wanderer of Michigan’s wilderness, and, while not in any particular order, a lover of lists, legally blind, and a certified crazy cat lady. There are those who might tell you she started writing as a way to justify her office supply addiction, but shhhhh! don’t listen to them.
After too many jobs in too many states she’s eagerly awaiting her chance to become a full-time Lake Michigan beachcomber. Until then, she’s excited to share her love of romance, laughter, and happy-ever-afters.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 28, 2012
That was it? O.O
You can`t write a story, cut it off in the middle and then forget
to write the sequel!!
I really liked it, damn....
You can`t write a story, cut it off in the middle and then forget
to write the sequel!!
I really liked it, damn....
October 2, 2009
3.5 stars.
This is an entertaining and intriguing shorter novella with a real flair for atmosphere and sexual tension. While not wholly successful, the story does shine in the details and characters leaving you wanting more, especially with the hanging ending. The solid writing and descriptive prose bring the energy and excitement of sailing alive from repetitious drills to stormy rescues. Although there are several problems with the story, I enjoyed reading the book and hope there are more in the future.
The premise of the story revolves around the main character Rudy as he struggles with the repercussions of being kicked off his previous racing team for the unforgivable sin of being gay and finds an unexpected harbor in a rough and tumble crew known for their excellence. It’s a rather basic premise but works well with the fun and interesting cast that makes up the crew of Devlin’s Due. Unfortunately beyond that basic premise, there isn’t much to the story although there are several action scenes added in to give more weight to the story, but even these scenes felt disconnected and their purpose questionable. That’s not to say such scenes as the rescue and subsequent bar fight were not entertaining, but they seemed very much filler scenes to flesh out and lengthen the story than essential to the premise or characters.
There are quite a few men in the book from Rudy’s first crush Justin to the five men making up the crew and each are interesting, perhaps more so than Rudy himself. The good-hearted, friendly personalities wrapped in strength, power, and ability make for a group of striking and riveting men that fairly beg for stories of their own. However, each crew member moved in and out of scenes too fast and was virtually indistinguishable from one another for much of the story. Just as each began to have a solid presence, the short story ended and left me wanting more. Although Ike is arguably an important character as the attraction between he and Rudy is a central part of the story, his personality is very much left a mystery other than his interest in Rudy and capability and passion for sailing. Additionally, Ike’s vague responsibilities and relationship to the boat owner were only hinted at and never resolved. This left a wide hole in the potential relationship between Rudy and Ike, creating uncertainty if these two should even be together.
The character of Rudy was problematic as well as he simply wasn’t very strong of a character. He admits early on that he’s never encountered much discrimination before and although his financial situation causes him slight hardship, even this is easily glossed over. He seems to work hard and drift along but he rarely takes much initiative and displays a considerable amount of insecurity. An example is Rudy’s continued worry about his position on the boat and even making plans for his exit. This comes after he overhears the crew speaking positively about him on numerous occasions ~ even to the point the crew all vote for him to stay ~ yet his insecurity persists. Another example is Rudy’s approval seeking from the crew over whether he makes Ike happy. Considering he’s known these men less than a few days and Ike even less than that, Rudy still weakly seeks reassurance where none is conceivable. These are just two examples where the lack of a strong, decisive personality was at odds with the story.
Altogether, this reads as an introduction to characters and a story line rather than a fully developed book. The ending feels cut off with considerably more to address from all involved and I can’t help but ask for more from the author. The solid writing and clear research of sailing created a great backdrop to the story and has an authentic feel of the weather and passion for sailing. Fans of Munder’s will want to read this story for the eccentric and scene-stealing crew, which is enough to recommend the book, flaws and all. I just hope there are more installments to come instead of leaving these characters dangling.
This is an entertaining and intriguing shorter novella with a real flair for atmosphere and sexual tension. While not wholly successful, the story does shine in the details and characters leaving you wanting more, especially with the hanging ending. The solid writing and descriptive prose bring the energy and excitement of sailing alive from repetitious drills to stormy rescues. Although there are several problems with the story, I enjoyed reading the book and hope there are more in the future.
The premise of the story revolves around the main character Rudy as he struggles with the repercussions of being kicked off his previous racing team for the unforgivable sin of being gay and finds an unexpected harbor in a rough and tumble crew known for their excellence. It’s a rather basic premise but works well with the fun and interesting cast that makes up the crew of Devlin’s Due. Unfortunately beyond that basic premise, there isn’t much to the story although there are several action scenes added in to give more weight to the story, but even these scenes felt disconnected and their purpose questionable. That’s not to say such scenes as the rescue and subsequent bar fight were not entertaining, but they seemed very much filler scenes to flesh out and lengthen the story than essential to the premise or characters.
There are quite a few men in the book from Rudy’s first crush Justin to the five men making up the crew and each are interesting, perhaps more so than Rudy himself. The good-hearted, friendly personalities wrapped in strength, power, and ability make for a group of striking and riveting men that fairly beg for stories of their own. However, each crew member moved in and out of scenes too fast and was virtually indistinguishable from one another for much of the story. Just as each began to have a solid presence, the short story ended and left me wanting more. Although Ike is arguably an important character as the attraction between he and Rudy is a central part of the story, his personality is very much left a mystery other than his interest in Rudy and capability and passion for sailing. Additionally, Ike’s vague responsibilities and relationship to the boat owner were only hinted at and never resolved. This left a wide hole in the potential relationship between Rudy and Ike, creating uncertainty if these two should even be together.
The character of Rudy was problematic as well as he simply wasn’t very strong of a character. He admits early on that he’s never encountered much discrimination before and although his financial situation causes him slight hardship, even this is easily glossed over. He seems to work hard and drift along but he rarely takes much initiative and displays a considerable amount of insecurity. An example is Rudy’s continued worry about his position on the boat and even making plans for his exit. This comes after he overhears the crew speaking positively about him on numerous occasions ~ even to the point the crew all vote for him to stay ~ yet his insecurity persists. Another example is Rudy’s approval seeking from the crew over whether he makes Ike happy. Considering he’s known these men less than a few days and Ike even less than that, Rudy still weakly seeks reassurance where none is conceivable. These are just two examples where the lack of a strong, decisive personality was at odds with the story.
Altogether, this reads as an introduction to characters and a story line rather than a fully developed book. The ending feels cut off with considerably more to address from all involved and I can’t help but ask for more from the author. The solid writing and clear research of sailing created a great backdrop to the story and has an authentic feel of the weather and passion for sailing. Fans of Munder’s will want to read this story for the eccentric and scene-stealing crew, which is enough to recommend the book, flaws and all. I just hope there are more installments to come instead of leaving these characters dangling.
March 14, 2010
Love to see a sequel ....
June 11, 2010
This book has just one BIG mistake, damn it's to SHORT!!!
I LOVED THE BOOK ~~
I LOVED THE BOOK ~~
December 15, 2011
Fair Winds is a short story, but it doesn't read like one. The characters are fully formed, the plot didn't feel rushed, and I was drawn into the story from the beginning. My only complaint is that I would like the book to be longer so we could get to know some of the secondary characters better.
Fair Winds is a nice read and I give it four stars.
July 18, 2017
It was a lovely beginning to a story, but it ended in midsentence, figuratively speaking. Even short stories must have some sort of resolution, if only hope for the future. With no continuation in sight after 2 years of it being published, I have to concede there would never be any. It's a real pity to give two stars where there could have been 4 or 5.
January 28, 2013
This was an excellent first third of a book. I loved the feeling of the book, the atmosphere.
Now I want to read about Rudy developing a bit, I want to know about the owner of the ship and his relationship with Ike. Who is Ike anyway? And I want to spent a bit more time with the crew, now that I just got to know them a bit.
Huh, but an excellent start.
Now I want to read about Rudy developing a bit, I want to know about the owner of the ship and his relationship with Ike. Who is Ike anyway? And I want to spent a bit more time with the crew, now that I just got to know them a bit.
Huh, but an excellent start.
August 20, 2009
What I like about her writing is the way she creates a whole setting and bunch of characters apparently so effortlessly, while still developing a well-layered, plausible, sexy romance between two of them. I loved the sea theme in this, though I could definitely do with more from these characters.
September 12, 2014
Originally read: Prior to 2010 - before I was on GR.
15/Jul/2014 (Re-read for the 2014 Re-Romancing Favorites Challenge) - I remember this book as being much steamier. What can I say... I was really new to M/M and just about everything seemed "steamy"! :)
15/Jul/2014 (Re-read for the 2014 Re-Romancing Favorites Challenge) - I remember this book as being much steamier. What can I say... I was really new to M/M and just about everything seemed "steamy"! :)
July 16, 2015
This was a refreshing book in every way...from, the MCs and their backstories, to the behind the scenes glimpse into the politics and rigorous training for a regatta, and finally, the glory and regalia associated with the event.
A slow-burn read with a very sexy undercurrent.
A slow-burn read with a very sexy undercurrent.
June 27, 2010
Very good m/m romance about a guy who's supposed to be part of a sailboat's crew during a big race, until the other crewmembers find out he's gay. I'd really like to see a sequel to this one!
February 13, 2021
I love this book! Love all the protagonists, too. It's a pity that it's too short because I really really want to read more about the characters.
July 27, 2015
While short, sweet and hot, this needs either a part 2 or a detailed epilogue.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews