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Shelter Bay #4
Moonshell Beach
He no longer believed in anything.
But she believed in him.
J.T. Douchett has returned home to shut out the world and escape the memories that haunt him from his final mission as a Marine. When he reluctantly agrees to provide security for a town event, the last thing he expects is to experience unbidden feelings for Irish movie star Mary Joyce. Mary has surprised everyone—including herself—by accepting an invitation to a film festival in Shelter Bay. The Oregon coastal town immediately charms her, and an even larger surprise is encountering the stoic man who could be everything she's dreamed of.
As J.T. struggles to keep Mary at arm’s length, she reminds herself that she’s never been attracted to the strong, silent type. And having known so much sorrow, he’s afraid to risk getting close to anyone. But in Shelter Bay, even the most strongly guarded heart is no match for love.
But she believed in him.
J.T. Douchett has returned home to shut out the world and escape the memories that haunt him from his final mission as a Marine. When he reluctantly agrees to provide security for a town event, the last thing he expects is to experience unbidden feelings for Irish movie star Mary Joyce. Mary has surprised everyone—including herself—by accepting an invitation to a film festival in Shelter Bay. The Oregon coastal town immediately charms her, and an even larger surprise is encountering the stoic man who could be everything she's dreamed of.
As J.T. struggles to keep Mary at arm’s length, she reminds herself that she’s never been attracted to the strong, silent type. And having known so much sorrow, he’s afraid to risk getting close to anyone. But in Shelter Bay, even the most strongly guarded heart is no match for love.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
206 people are currently reading
839 people want to read
About the author
JoAnn Ross
240 books799 followersNew York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross has written over a hundred novels for a bunch of publishers. Two of her titles have been excerpted in Cosmo and her books have also been published by the Doubleday, Rhapsody, Literary Guild, and Mystery Guild book clubs.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 19, 2012
FULL REVIEW POSTED
Between 2.5 and 3 Stars
The little engine is losing its steam. What started out as a promising series has suddenly taken a nosedive in my opinion. I really expected and hoped that the latest addition to the “Shelter Bay” books would be the best of the rest. However, J.T. and Mary’s story didn’t live up to those expectations.
My biggest problem with this installment is that the romance is mediocre and bland. The chemistry just doesn’t provide enough reaction for a believable and satisfying relationship between the H/H. I’m always up for a wee bit of the Irish influence and even that didn’t satisfy.
The secondary romance between Phoebe and Ethan from On Lavender Lane, was far more entertaining and drew more of my attention. There’s a big question concerning Phoebe’s ex that is yet to be confirmed. Because my curiosity is piqued, as I’m sure was the author’s intent, I’ll most likely be taking another trip to Shelter Bay in the next book.
Between 2.5 and 3 Stars
The little engine is losing its steam. What started out as a promising series has suddenly taken a nosedive in my opinion. I really expected and hoped that the latest addition to the “Shelter Bay” books would be the best of the rest. However, J.T. and Mary’s story didn’t live up to those expectations.
My biggest problem with this installment is that the romance is mediocre and bland. The chemistry just doesn’t provide enough reaction for a believable and satisfying relationship between the H/H. I’m always up for a wee bit of the Irish influence and even that didn’t satisfy.
The secondary romance between Phoebe and Ethan from On Lavender Lane, was far more entertaining and drew more of my attention. There’s a big question concerning Phoebe’s ex that is yet to be confirmed. Because my curiosity is piqued, as I’m sure was the author’s intent, I’ll most likely be taking another trip to Shelter Bay in the next book.
December 20, 2020
4 stelle abbondanti
Lettura scorrevole e piacevole, adatta a far passare un po' di tempo senza pensieri.
Lettura scorrevole e piacevole, adatta a far passare un po' di tempo senza pensieri.
July 8, 2012
I haven't enjoyed this series by this author much, I just haven't felt the romance that much, it has been way too mellow & this book seemed to go on and on about past characters and series of this author, so much so it felt like information dump and then there were way too many movie and surrounding discussion which felt extraneous to the story.
JT is a former marine whose time as a casualty notification officer drained him and even back at home he can't connect. The heroine Mary is a famous Hollywood actress and screenwriter for her Selkie series. She comes to town for a festival where JT is supposed to be her protection, she has been dreaming about JT for a few weeks now, she may have the sight from her Irish ancestors. I do know this heroine was part of this author's old series but I found the book bland. The romance comes very late and is not the satisfying also.
Plus Phoebe the abused pregnant woman from the last book and the farmer Ethan make progress in their relationship. Kara and Sax finally tie the knot. I am not sure I will read the next book in the series since I am finding these books kind of boring.
I won't recommend this series by JoAnn Ross as a first read, she has much better works out there.
JT is a former marine whose time as a casualty notification officer drained him and even back at home he can't connect. The heroine Mary is a famous Hollywood actress and screenwriter for her Selkie series. She comes to town for a festival where JT is supposed to be her protection, she has been dreaming about JT for a few weeks now, she may have the sight from her Irish ancestors. I do know this heroine was part of this author's old series but I found the book bland. The romance comes very late and is not the satisfying also.
Plus Phoebe the abused pregnant woman from the last book and the farmer Ethan make progress in their relationship. Kara and Sax finally tie the knot. I am not sure I will read the next book in the series since I am finding these books kind of boring.
I won't recommend this series by JoAnn Ross as a first read, she has much better works out there.
August 16, 2012
This is a light hearted book about an ex-Marine who needs to get his life in order named J.T.Douchett and a screenwriter and actress named Mary Joyce who wants to get back to a simpler life. They meet at a film festival in the little town Jt grew up in and it is the sister city to The small Irish village that Mary Joyce grew up in. It is a great story of family,loss,and the great love that a couple can find without even trying. I recommend to all who love to read about Irish folklore and the healing power of life and love.
January 10, 2017
DNF.
I found an old copy of this so I thought I'd try it, even though it's not the first in the series. Looked like it could be cute. I was pretty disappointed. It wasn't well-written - too many refs to earlier books and characters I hadn't read, so I couldn't really call it a standalone. I kept waiting for the magic to happen between the h and H, but it was taking too long for me. I flipped ahead but it didn't look any better. I was bored. So I gave it up.
I like to try new authors, but I don't think JoAnn Ross is for me.
I found an old copy of this so I thought I'd try it, even though it's not the first in the series. Looked like it could be cute. I was pretty disappointed. It wasn't well-written - too many refs to earlier books and characters I hadn't read, so I couldn't really call it a standalone. I kept waiting for the magic to happen between the h and H, but it was taking too long for me. I flipped ahead but it didn't look any better. I was bored. So I gave it up.
I like to try new authors, but I don't think JoAnn Ross is for me.
March 23, 2012
I've been burned out on small town contemporary romance for a couple months, but Ross's novels are so well done I can't help but gobble them up. The heroine of this book is Mary Joyce, who was first introduced as a goth teen in the Castlelough trilogy. I don't think it's necessary to read that trilogy before reading this book, though it was fun having the two intermix.
February 24, 2018
This is the story of J.T. Douchett and Mary Joyce. J.T. is depressed and drinking so Kara gives him job, be security for movie star Mary. Both have ideas what the other will be like but learn that they are wrong. The story for the most part is set in Shelter Bay where J.T.has family that have had other books in this series. Another of my feel good reads. The book was a quick easy read.
July 15, 2020
Good love story. Though the main story was easy to follow, the secondary stories and characters were confusing because I haven't read the other books in the series. Also, there was no real resolution with Pheobe's ex-husband after they were swept into the water. Not sure if he's mentioned in the next book or if we're to assume he drowned but that's an unnecessary cliffhanger that bothered me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2012
Excellent book. JT is back home and still trying to escape the effects of his last job as a Marine. He isn't thrilled when Kara asks him to provide security for Mary Joyce, but he does it. He wasn't expecting to be attracted to her and did his best to ignore the feelings. Mary is in Shelter Bay, sister city to her Irish town, to participate in their film festival. She has been seeing JT in her dreams for several nights, and is stunned to see him in the flesh. As a writer she senses his inner turmoil, but has never before been attracted to his type. Over the next several days they spend together they grow closer and closer. I loved both JT and Mary. JT was so burned out from his last mission as a Casualty Officer that he felt numb to everything. The only things that made him feel better were running and drinking which helped him escape. He was in that dark place when he first met Mary and didn't make the best impression on her. I loved the way that she stood up to him and snarked back when he was being obnoxious. She had accepted the invitation to Shelter Bay because she was feeling a bit burned out herself. Once they get past their first impressions, they find that they actually like each other. JT finds that Mary is not the spoiled Hollywood type that he expected and Mary sees the man behind the pain that JT is still carrying with him. I really enjoyed the conversations between the two of them as they got to know each other. I also liked the way that JT was there for Mary when she needed him. I really liked the way that he got his life back on track before he went back to Mary in Ireland. I also loved seeing more of the previous characters, one of my favorite parts of ongoing series.
February 22, 2015
Shelter Bay #4
JT has gotten out of the Marines and come home. He is not adjusting well. His last job in the Marines was as a man that tells families their loved one has died. It took a lot out of him. Kara makes him be the bodyguard to a visiting movie star, Mary Joyce. His first glimpse of her awakens some part of him. She is not what he expected.
Mary has been having dreams about a man. Then her sister's best friend tells her that she will meet someone. JT is the man from her dreams. He asks her to come to his brother's wedding. She says yes and is very excited about it. They get closer and closer. Will this lead to love ?
I loved this story.
JT has gotten out of the Marines and come home. He is not adjusting well. His last job in the Marines was as a man that tells families their loved one has died. It took a lot out of him. Kara makes him be the bodyguard to a visiting movie star, Mary Joyce. His first glimpse of her awakens some part of him. She is not what he expected.
Mary has been having dreams about a man. Then her sister's best friend tells her that she will meet someone. JT is the man from her dreams. He asks her to come to his brother's wedding. She says yes and is very excited about it. They get closer and closer. Will this lead to love ?
I loved this story.
October 28, 2016
3.5 stars
December 13, 2017
I gave up on page 259 after reading literally the worst erotica that's probably ever been written. Including 50 Shades.
Like, just. As far as the whole book goes, the plot itself is fine. The characters are fine. But oh my Jesus lord almighty, the WRITING. Like, I tried, ok? I really tried. And I understand this is a brain-check-out book. I know it's not Shakespeare. I was trying to be patient. But there's literally paragraph long sentences that go nowhere, like:
"Although Sax had told him that the Dungeness crab roasted in butter the Crab Shack specialized in was seduction on a plate, he decided that the two of them getting all greased up eating it might be sexy as hell, but since Mary was in the movie business, it'd probably remind her of that sex-drenched food-eating scene where Albert Finney's Tom Jones and Mrs. Waters give a new meaning to the word "appetite.""
Was there an editor for this book? What? The whole passage is about how he got takeout from the Crab Shack, why is it so difficult to say what he ordered and move on???
And like. Yes. I know I'm knit-picking.
But then we get to the erotic portion of the novel.
Ladies, gentlemen, I present to you:
"As he slid into her, she opened to him, taking him in, enfolding him. He moved slowly, in... out... in again as his rhythmic strokes went deeper, until he felt her contractions as she came again. With the sound of the surf roaring in his ears, swamped by what felt like a tsunami of sensation, J.T gave into his own release, which went on. And on. And on."
That.
I repeat: That.
I had to read 256 pages for "in... out... in again" ???? For his ejaculation to go "On. And on. And on."
What in the name of clitoral stimulation did I read?
I.
I'm not finishing this book, I'm just done.
Like, just. As far as the whole book goes, the plot itself is fine. The characters are fine. But oh my Jesus lord almighty, the WRITING. Like, I tried, ok? I really tried. And I understand this is a brain-check-out book. I know it's not Shakespeare. I was trying to be patient. But there's literally paragraph long sentences that go nowhere, like:
"Although Sax had told him that the Dungeness crab roasted in butter the Crab Shack specialized in was seduction on a plate, he decided that the two of them getting all greased up eating it might be sexy as hell, but since Mary was in the movie business, it'd probably remind her of that sex-drenched food-eating scene where Albert Finney's Tom Jones and Mrs. Waters give a new meaning to the word "appetite.""
Was there an editor for this book? What? The whole passage is about how he got takeout from the Crab Shack, why is it so difficult to say what he ordered and move on???
And like. Yes. I know I'm knit-picking.
But then we get to the erotic portion of the novel.
Ladies, gentlemen, I present to you:
"As he slid into her, she opened to him, taking him in, enfolding him. He moved slowly, in... out... in again as his rhythmic strokes went deeper, until he felt her contractions as she came again. With the sound of the surf roaring in his ears, swamped by what felt like a tsunami of sensation, J.T gave into his own release, which went on. And on. And on."
That.
I repeat: That.
I had to read 256 pages for "in... out... in again" ???? For his ejaculation to go "On. And on. And on."
What in the name of clitoral stimulation did I read?
I.
I'm not finishing this book, I'm just done.
June 27, 2023
i know to you it might be silly but for me ... i book cover does it ...and for the reasoning of this ...the lighthouse wins ... lol!! it can be as simple as that ...you gotta pick your favorite ...we are all human and it is sometimes as simple as that. enough said. lol!! good GOD ...what the hell is going on with Goodreads today ... geez!! such a pain ...i wonder if authors know what readers go through when reviewing their books ...the website is not acting right and keep getting an error code ...i don't have all damn day for this ... sorry to complain but you gotta understand. so, through my local library leaning program ...i got several books from JoAnn's collection ... 6 total ...these first four from this series ...and 2 from other series' ... so which will i pick as much favorite .... this is not the book cover i read ...i rather prefer the one i did. what a pain ...i always look for the one i read but don't often find it on Goodreads.
January 10, 2021
This was a fairly enjoyable read. I do enjoy reading romances like this where it is kinda chill, laid back, but still gripping. Kinda had to be, all the men are former Marines. ;) The main romance plot certainly kept me intrigued and I do like how the author has a couple of sub-plot romances going as well, in this case one was very gripping as it was high stakes whereas the other one was much more relaxing since it focused on wedding planning. A pretty good romance read, it certainly has kept my interest in the rest of the series.
May 21, 2020
I enjoyed the story and the tie in with Ireland. Irish folklore is so fun to hear. This is the story of Mary - actress and writer and JT former marine. There is another story in the book about a battered wife that I think could have been a stand alone story but it was not. Mary dreams of a man to come into her life then meets JT who is the same guy. Hard to believe dreams and but read the story and see if dreams come true.
May 2, 2023
Moonshell Beach is book 4 in the Shelter Bay series. I haven't read the other books in the series, so I wasn't familiar with the other characters from the earlier books. This book bounces between 2 romances: J.T. and Mary, and Phoebe and Ethan. I would just be getting into the story of one couple, when the other couple's story would take over, and this really interrupted the flow for me. Overall, I enjoyed this small town romance. 3.5 stars.
May 13, 2018
Good simple love story.
March 30, 2019
Entertaining read. Typical love story. Irish movie star goes to film festival at Moonshell Beach, Oregan. Bodyguard is ex Marine trying to get his life back together. Fall in love.....
February 2, 2020
This was a really nice book that had a touch of magic, an unlikely romance, and loving respect for small town and their beliefs. It moves slowly with and carefully but a sweet story worth reading.
April 21, 2020
A typical, fun 'happy ever after' romance.
May 29, 2020
Irish Movie Star meets PTSD Marine. Very Hallmark like with added sex scenes.
April 18, 2021
Nice romantic story
Read
September 21, 2021Good book. Recommended
October 20, 2025
I enjoyed this story. Nothing earth shattering. Just a good take me away story.
September 3, 2013
Shelter Bay, Oregon is like so many women's fiction-inspired towns: The locals -- family and friends -- are in each other's business, mostly in a good way; love flows as freely as the tap water; and strangers end up seamlessly woven into the fabric of the society.
In this fourth installment of JoAnn Ross' latest contemporary romance series, the youngest Douchett brother, J.T., has come home to Shelter Bay to try to shut out the sorrowful memories of his last assignment with the Marines. His brooding and drinking have his family worrying about his well-being.
So it seems more than a tad inexplicable that Kara Conway, the town's sheriff, who readers will remember from "The Homecoming," would ask her future brother-in-law to be the unofficial bodyguard for Mary Joyce, an Irish-born movie actress and screenwriter who somewhat surprisingly agrees to come to town to headline Shelter Bay's inaugural film festival.
Readers might remember Mary as a secondary character in Ross' Castlelough Irish trilogy. Mary is the younger sister of Nora, the female lead of the trilogy's first book, "A Woman's Heart."
Mary is startled to realize that J.T. is the man she's been having erotic dreams about since before they met. J.T. spends the first half of the novel acting like he'd rather be anywhere but with her. But Mary isn't the Hollywood diva he was expecting, and her down-to-earth demeanor and sensual screen presence inspire J.T. to cast her in a starring role in his own sexual fantasies.
When they end up acting on their mutual attraction, the sparks fly, the earth moves and both are left wondering how to turn a flash fire into an eternal flame.
A few days of carnal pleasure aren't usually a strong enough foundation for a lasting real-life relationship. But in the romance novel game, the strength of the attraction and commitment can't be measured by elapsed time.
As do other writers of popular book series, Ross infuses "Moonshell Beach" with characters and story lines picked up from earlier Shelter Bay books. Fans of Kara and fiance Sax Douchett, for example, will be pleased to see their love story advance to its expected conclusion.
Likewise, readers will enjoy catching up with Maddy and Lucas, and Phoebe and Ethan from "On Lavender Lane," the predecessor to "Moonshell Beach."
The compelling side plot featuring domestic violence survivor Phoebe gets a major development in the latest novel. But it almost gets buried in the wrap-up to the main love story. (Thankfully, Ross tells readers in a follow-up novel more about Phoebe, new love Ethan and her homicidal, estranged husband, Peter.)
Conversely, the centerpiece romance of "Moonshell Beach," that of J.T. and Mary, accelerates unnaturally when the Irish screen siren is called home to Castlelough for a family emergency. Their happily ever after comes together far too easily to be totally satisfying.
Ross' small-town sagas, like similar series by other writers, have become formulaic and, for me, not as memorable as her earlier works, such as the Callahan Brothers and Stewart Sisters trilogies.
Maybe that's to be expected when you've written as many of these contemporary romances as Ross has and read as many of them as I have.
Still, there's something to be said for passionate sex, charismatic characters and happy endings, which is as good a reason as any to keep coming back for more.
In this fourth installment of JoAnn Ross' latest contemporary romance series, the youngest Douchett brother, J.T., has come home to Shelter Bay to try to shut out the sorrowful memories of his last assignment with the Marines. His brooding and drinking have his family worrying about his well-being.
So it seems more than a tad inexplicable that Kara Conway, the town's sheriff, who readers will remember from "The Homecoming," would ask her future brother-in-law to be the unofficial bodyguard for Mary Joyce, an Irish-born movie actress and screenwriter who somewhat surprisingly agrees to come to town to headline Shelter Bay's inaugural film festival.
Readers might remember Mary as a secondary character in Ross' Castlelough Irish trilogy. Mary is the younger sister of Nora, the female lead of the trilogy's first book, "A Woman's Heart."
Mary is startled to realize that J.T. is the man she's been having erotic dreams about since before they met. J.T. spends the first half of the novel acting like he'd rather be anywhere but with her. But Mary isn't the Hollywood diva he was expecting, and her down-to-earth demeanor and sensual screen presence inspire J.T. to cast her in a starring role in his own sexual fantasies.
When they end up acting on their mutual attraction, the sparks fly, the earth moves and both are left wondering how to turn a flash fire into an eternal flame.
A few days of carnal pleasure aren't usually a strong enough foundation for a lasting real-life relationship. But in the romance novel game, the strength of the attraction and commitment can't be measured by elapsed time.
As do other writers of popular book series, Ross infuses "Moonshell Beach" with characters and story lines picked up from earlier Shelter Bay books. Fans of Kara and fiance Sax Douchett, for example, will be pleased to see their love story advance to its expected conclusion.
Likewise, readers will enjoy catching up with Maddy and Lucas, and Phoebe and Ethan from "On Lavender Lane," the predecessor to "Moonshell Beach."
The compelling side plot featuring domestic violence survivor Phoebe gets a major development in the latest novel. But it almost gets buried in the wrap-up to the main love story. (Thankfully, Ross tells readers in a follow-up novel more about Phoebe, new love Ethan and her homicidal, estranged husband, Peter.)
Conversely, the centerpiece romance of "Moonshell Beach," that of J.T. and Mary, accelerates unnaturally when the Irish screen siren is called home to Castlelough for a family emergency. Their happily ever after comes together far too easily to be totally satisfying.
Ross' small-town sagas, like similar series by other writers, have become formulaic and, for me, not as memorable as her earlier works, such as the Callahan Brothers and Stewart Sisters trilogies.
Maybe that's to be expected when you've written as many of these contemporary romances as Ross has and read as many of them as I have.
Still, there's something to be said for passionate sex, charismatic characters and happy endings, which is as good a reason as any to keep coming back for more.
June 16, 2012
I feel like I waited forever for this one.
Mary Joyce started our writing her selkie books because she needed to tell the stories. Coming from a long line of storytellers in the old Irish tradition she sought to carry it on through her writing. When her books began to be made into movies, it only made sense the lovely Irish actress would play the part of the Selkie queen. Now, a famous Hollywood actress Mary longs for the simpler days but if this is how she must teller her stories, she will. When the town council of Shelter Bay, Oregon invite her to their film festival she immediately says yes. How would she not when her home town in Ireland is the sister city to Shelter Bay.
In preparation for Mary’s visit the town Sheriff, Kara Conway enlists her soon to be brother-in-law, J.T. Douchett to stand as Mary’s bodyguard. J.T. isn’t interested. Not in the least. While his tours of duty in the Middle East as a Marine were emotional, his stateside last duty is what eats away at him. To cope with the emotions he will not let himself feel he runs and run and runs…and drinks. But rather than let his family and older brother Sax’s fiancé down, he agrees.
When J.T. first lays his eyes on Mary he buries his feelings even deeper, tell himself she is nothing more than a spoiled Hollywood starlet. Mary, likewise has few pleasant thoughts about the enigmatic Marine. But she is an actress and can make all see just fine. More than that, she is a writer and part of her writing is to find out what makes people tick. Mary’s biggest problem with J.T., however, isn’t so much his attitude toward her career. No, it’s that before her visit to Shelter Bay she has been having dreams, dreams of a warrior, a warrior who comes to her from the grit, smoke and destruction of a battle. When she looks into J.T.’s eyes her world is turned on its axis.
I felt like I waited for years instead of months for MOONSHELL BEACH, the latest in Joann Ross’s Shelter Bay series. The problem is that because I love this series I immediately dug into MOONSHELL BEACH and read it cover to cover in two days. I just couldn’t put it down. I’ve enjoyed each book in the series, but this one is definitely the best so far.
We have a chance to catch up with Kara, Sax, Maddy and the rest of the Douchett clan as well as some of the other secondary characters that really deserve their own story. I liked Phoebe and Ethan in ON LAVENDAR LANE and was hopeful for their story. For a few pages there I thought I was going to have it in MOONSHELL BEACH, kind of a double romance story. Don’t get me wrong, there definitely is more than one romance in this story and we do witness the growing relationship between Ethan and Phoebe, but something happens. At first I thought “oh no” and then I realized Ms. Ross was tempting her readers to read on. Well done!
Ms. Ross has some really fun references to other movies and events and I have to admit after J.T. talks about eating an oyster po’ boy sandwich I had to go out and have some oysters for dinner. Shelter Bay is the kind of town I’d love to live in myself.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series and to see just what is in store next for Mary’s movies, Maddy’s television show, Ethan’s romance and just what those Douchett boys will do next.
Mary Joyce started our writing her selkie books because she needed to tell the stories. Coming from a long line of storytellers in the old Irish tradition she sought to carry it on through her writing. When her books began to be made into movies, it only made sense the lovely Irish actress would play the part of the Selkie queen. Now, a famous Hollywood actress Mary longs for the simpler days but if this is how she must teller her stories, she will. When the town council of Shelter Bay, Oregon invite her to their film festival she immediately says yes. How would she not when her home town in Ireland is the sister city to Shelter Bay.
In preparation for Mary’s visit the town Sheriff, Kara Conway enlists her soon to be brother-in-law, J.T. Douchett to stand as Mary’s bodyguard. J.T. isn’t interested. Not in the least. While his tours of duty in the Middle East as a Marine were emotional, his stateside last duty is what eats away at him. To cope with the emotions he will not let himself feel he runs and run and runs…and drinks. But rather than let his family and older brother Sax’s fiancé down, he agrees.
When J.T. first lays his eyes on Mary he buries his feelings even deeper, tell himself she is nothing more than a spoiled Hollywood starlet. Mary, likewise has few pleasant thoughts about the enigmatic Marine. But she is an actress and can make all see just fine. More than that, she is a writer and part of her writing is to find out what makes people tick. Mary’s biggest problem with J.T., however, isn’t so much his attitude toward her career. No, it’s that before her visit to Shelter Bay she has been having dreams, dreams of a warrior, a warrior who comes to her from the grit, smoke and destruction of a battle. When she looks into J.T.’s eyes her world is turned on its axis.
I felt like I waited for years instead of months for MOONSHELL BEACH, the latest in Joann Ross’s Shelter Bay series. The problem is that because I love this series I immediately dug into MOONSHELL BEACH and read it cover to cover in two days. I just couldn’t put it down. I’ve enjoyed each book in the series, but this one is definitely the best so far.
We have a chance to catch up with Kara, Sax, Maddy and the rest of the Douchett clan as well as some of the other secondary characters that really deserve their own story. I liked Phoebe and Ethan in ON LAVENDAR LANE and was hopeful for their story. For a few pages there I thought I was going to have it in MOONSHELL BEACH, kind of a double romance story. Don’t get me wrong, there definitely is more than one romance in this story and we do witness the growing relationship between Ethan and Phoebe, but something happens. At first I thought “oh no” and then I realized Ms. Ross was tempting her readers to read on. Well done!
Ms. Ross has some really fun references to other movies and events and I have to admit after J.T. talks about eating an oyster po’ boy sandwich I had to go out and have some oysters for dinner. Shelter Bay is the kind of town I’d love to live in myself.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series and to see just what is in store next for Mary’s movies, Maddy’s television show, Ethan’s romance and just what those Douchett boys will do next.
November 1, 2015
A 4 1/2 star book, and characters you'll love and root for. J.T. Douchett has returned to his hometown of Shelter Bay after leaving the Marines. His last assignment was emotionally draining, and he's numb. The only things that seem to break through the numbness are running and drinking, so he's been doing a lot of both. His brothers' attempt at intervention ends with them throwing him in the bay to sober him up; the sheriff, his future sister-in-law, has another idea: he will provide security for the movie star who will be attending the town's first film festival.
Mary Joyce was born and raised in Castlelough, Ireland, Shelter Bay's sister city. She visited Shelter Bay once, many years ago, after her older sister married Quinn Gallagher. Mary is an actress, a screenwriter, and a storyteller. She stars in the selkie series she wrote, and the only man she's seen lately is the battle-hardened warrior who has appeared in her dreams for the past five nights. The trip to Shelter Bay is a last-minute one, but she's looking forward to seeing the town again...and she's hoping the change of locale will provide a few nights respite from her dream man.
Mary and J.T. are intrigued as soon as their eyes meet across the tarmac. Mary is far more interesting than the stereotypical movie star J.T. imagined; Mary is finding that J.T. has more layers than an onion. The more they learn about one another, the more interested they are. But how can a man who has nothing left to give and a woman who dreams of the sort of happy ending her sister discovered find common ground?
Ms. Ross's stories, especially her women's fiction and her Shelter Bay series, never disappoint. She always gives readers interesting characters they can relate to and stories that will tug their heartstrings. Brava, Ms. Ross! Moonshell Beach is a keeper!
Mary Joyce was born and raised in Castlelough, Ireland, Shelter Bay's sister city. She visited Shelter Bay once, many years ago, after her older sister married Quinn Gallagher. Mary is an actress, a screenwriter, and a storyteller. She stars in the selkie series she wrote, and the only man she's seen lately is the battle-hardened warrior who has appeared in her dreams for the past five nights. The trip to Shelter Bay is a last-minute one, but she's looking forward to seeing the town again...and she's hoping the change of locale will provide a few nights respite from her dream man.
Mary and J.T. are intrigued as soon as their eyes meet across the tarmac. Mary is far more interesting than the stereotypical movie star J.T. imagined; Mary is finding that J.T. has more layers than an onion. The more they learn about one another, the more interested they are. But how can a man who has nothing left to give and a woman who dreams of the sort of happy ending her sister discovered find common ground?
Ms. Ross's stories, especially her women's fiction and her Shelter Bay series, never disappoint. She always gives readers interesting characters they can relate to and stories that will tug their heartstrings. Brava, Ms. Ross! Moonshell Beach is a keeper!
May 18, 2016
This is the story of a Irish-turned-Hollywood actress who finds herself in the small coastal town of Shelter Bay, Oregon to promote her new film. Before arriving in Shelter Bay, Mary Joyce has visions of a man coming into her life. Meanwhile, J.T. Douchett has recently returned from service in the Marines to his hometown of Shelter Bay and finds himself with nothing much to do, except to drink beer and run. So, his well-meaning soon-to-be sister-in-law and town sheriff assign him to act as personal security to Miss Joyce.
Not one for Hollywood starlets, the reticent Marine soon finds himself opening up to this gorgeous, talented, smart, and down-to-earth gal. Though she's hesitant to be around this surly, silent military type, she quickly begins to see hints of a decent man, who's nursing war-time wounds. The combination of her writer's intuition and the experience of dealing with a family member who nursed similar wounds allow her to innately understand him. The two fall in love rather quickly. And that's it!
It's sweet story and an easy, but enjoyable read. The amount of history and geography could be annoying for some, but I found it interesting. Also, the characters could use some less formal language. Really, most people don't speak like that -- unless they're English professors. Even so, it didn't detract much from my enjoyment. It was more distracting than anything, but it wouldn't prevent me from reading another one of her novels or recommending this one to others.
Not one for Hollywood starlets, the reticent Marine soon finds himself opening up to this gorgeous, talented, smart, and down-to-earth gal. Though she's hesitant to be around this surly, silent military type, she quickly begins to see hints of a decent man, who's nursing war-time wounds. The combination of her writer's intuition and the experience of dealing with a family member who nursed similar wounds allow her to innately understand him. The two fall in love rather quickly. And that's it!
It's sweet story and an easy, but enjoyable read. The amount of history and geography could be annoying for some, but I found it interesting. Also, the characters could use some less formal language. Really, most people don't speak like that -- unless they're English professors. Even so, it didn't detract much from my enjoyment. It was more distracting than anything, but it wouldn't prevent me from reading another one of her novels or recommending this one to others.
December 4, 2012
Even the beauty of Shelter Bay cannot dispel the black cloud hanging over J.T. Douchett’s head. He has come home to regroup and come to grips with the grief he has delivered to those left behind.
Storytelling is as much a part of Mary Joyce as her Irish soul. Her ability to get those stories on the big screen has made her a star, which means she is often far from the home she loves.
J.T. is having a hard enough time shaking off the depression of his last duty as a Marine, so the last thing he needs or wants is a babysitting job for a spoiled celebrity. But Mary turns out to be nothing like he expects, shattering every ounce of control he has relied on for so long. Mary also feels totally out of her element when her mysterious dreams become reality in the form of J.T. Douchett. If she is lucky, he could be hers for a week. Anything more is improbable if not impossible.
The men of Shelter Bay are just as rugged and breathtaking as their surroundings, and J.T. is no exception. His intelligence and empathy are the keystones of his personality, which makes him a perfect pairing for a woman like Mary. Her character is a woman whose heritage has made her a marketable commodity, but it is her love for tradition that makes her so special. Mary and J.T. have a connection that goes far beyond the physical, easily drawing the reader into their story from the very first scene.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Storytelling is as much a part of Mary Joyce as her Irish soul. Her ability to get those stories on the big screen has made her a star, which means she is often far from the home she loves.
J.T. is having a hard enough time shaking off the depression of his last duty as a Marine, so the last thing he needs or wants is a babysitting job for a spoiled celebrity. But Mary turns out to be nothing like he expects, shattering every ounce of control he has relied on for so long. Mary also feels totally out of her element when her mysterious dreams become reality in the form of J.T. Douchett. If she is lucky, he could be hers for a week. Anything more is improbable if not impossible.
The men of Shelter Bay are just as rugged and breathtaking as their surroundings, and J.T. is no exception. His intelligence and empathy are the keystones of his personality, which makes him a perfect pairing for a woman like Mary. Her character is a woman whose heritage has made her a marketable commodity, but it is her love for tradition that makes her so special. Mary and J.T. have a connection that goes far beyond the physical, easily drawing the reader into their story from the very first scene.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
May 5, 2024
A romance full of hope and healing, as well as love. The main story here is J.T. and Mary Joyce--a recently discharged Marine trying to find himself again and a screenwriter/actress who doesn't really believe in the love she writes about. But just as heartwarming is the ongoing love story of Phoebe and Ethan--a battered and abused wife trying to hide from her husband but find herself once more and a farmer who thought he had lost his one chance at love when his wife and son were killed. But together, they both learn to hope and love again. We first met Phoebe and Ethan in an earlier story, but their relationship begins to blossom in this one (though sadly, Phoebe's not done with her evil ex yet). Ross shows the true beauty and strength of love in these two budding romances as well as through the already strong marriages of their family members--including J.T.'s grandparents who still exhibit the passion and strength of their affection in spite of their years together. They are a shining example for all the characters in Ross's books as well as all of her readers.
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