Welcome to The Oyster Bar: a story of love & death

by Beth Sorensen

Tula Yates wasn’t prepared for the phone call that Dawson, her cousin, had been murdered. Paul Reed wasn’t prepared to learn his business partner willed his part of the Oyster Bar & Grill to his cousin from Key West, over eleven hundred miles away.

She’s independent, headstrong, and unbelievably private. He’s head over heels in love with her at first sight. However, Tula is determined to hold back her desires. She’s been burned by love and relationships one too many times and refuses to torture herself like that again. Even if Paul might be Mr. Right.

But Dawson’s death isn’t the only strange thing happening at The Oyster Bar. When one partner
goes missing and a second partner turns up dead, can Tula continue to trust the one man who’s had her back since the day she arrived in Jett’s Landing or will she become the next partner to face a killer?

262 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2023

Reviews

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.75 stars*

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Tula heads back to her hometown for her cousin’s funeral the last thing she expects is to become the owner of his shares in his restaurant. The other shareholders/owners are hesitant at first to welcome her into their circle, but she is determined to do what is best and what her cousin would want. Tula and Ryan may have instant chemistry that has them curious about each other, but circumstances and their pasts keep them at arm’s length. The more time Tula spends back home with her family and at the bar the more mysteries start to happen, her attraction to Ryan can’t be stopped, and things seem to be spiraling in all sorts of directions. The suspense in this, while “the who” can be predictable from the beginning, is still interesting and keeps you guessing how it will all play out. Ryan was such an amazing guy from the way he stood up for Tula in many ways (even to her sisters), to the way he was ready to lay his heart out there for her to have. Tula’s past defined so much of her present that it started to affect her future, but can Ryan help her see that not everyone wants to break her heart or will the person out to get them take them down before he gets the chance? This was such an interesting read because it had so many elements that kept me glued from the mystery to emotions, I really enjoyed this ride and could tell the author did an amazing job detailing small beach town life. Would definitely read more!!!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and the ARC was provided by Hidden Gems. The story opens with Tula Yates being called to Jett's Landing for her cousin's funeral. It is not until she gets there that she learns that he has left her his stake in the Oyster Bar. Then she meets the bar's partners, in particular, Paul Reed and there is instant attraction between them. But Tula has been burned before and is not sure if she wants to stay or will return to her life in Key West. As she gets more involved with the business, her cousin's death becomes more suspicious and her ownership could put her life in danger.

[Amanda Krause-Maurer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author. Would read another book by this author.
The "whodunit" was too predictable but the tension between Tula & Ryan made up for it.
Just the right mix of romance & mystery - could have used a little more spice (but that's just because that's what I'm used to reading).
I was sent a free copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Heidi Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved this as an ARC, and was not disappointed. Such a really good read!