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Surf Road
Eamon
A quiet life on Fire Island became the perfect way for me to pay penance.
Maybe the accident wasn’t my fault…but my choices changed the lives of people I loved. Forever. I’ll never be able to take that back.
The howling winter wind and cold temperature make me want to stay inside, drinking away my sorrows, but I promised my family and friends I’d change, or at least that I’d try.
So I drag myself to weekly therapy and keep my body busy remodeling my buddy’s house, and surfing in the frigid waves when I can, and that seems to be enough.
Until Sadie Baker moves in. She’s only going to be here for a few months, but she makes me laugh, she makes me think, and she makes me feel alive…almost like myself again.
That’s why I offered to pretend to be her boyfriend on a visit home to show her ex-fiancé that she’d moved on. But suddenly, nothing feels like pretending.
And I don’t know if I’ll ever be whole enough to share my heart again.
Sadie
The double mastectomy probably saved me from the same fate so many women in my family suffered, but it left me feeling more than different. It left me feeling less.
A few months after surgery I ran away from my cheating fiancé and my surfing oasis in Folly Beach. And I arrived on Fire Island in the middle of winter to start over.
But starting over is hard, when I don’t recognize myself at all.
Cold and lonely, I just have to make it through a few months here before I start a job in New York City. But when the pipes in my rental house burst, I have no choice but to move into the dusty and messy house my neighbor is remodeling across the way.
It turns out that Eamon McLeod isn’t what I thought at all. He’s been through his own share of loss, and in a strange way he seems to understand what I’m going through. He’s not afraid of my scars, and he makes me feel beautiful.
But when Eamon’s past comes crashing down around us, everything I thought we had is wrenched away. Though it hurts to watch, I know there are some battles he has to fight for himself.
And even though I think I love him, I know that maybe some demons are too strong for love to conquer.
Note: This is the third book in the Fire Island series, and is an interconnected standalone, though there will be some spoilers about other characters from Books 1 and 2. There is a HEA. No cliffhanger.
A quiet life on Fire Island became the perfect way for me to pay penance.
Maybe the accident wasn’t my fault…but my choices changed the lives of people I loved. Forever. I’ll never be able to take that back.
The howling winter wind and cold temperature make me want to stay inside, drinking away my sorrows, but I promised my family and friends I’d change, or at least that I’d try.
So I drag myself to weekly therapy and keep my body busy remodeling my buddy’s house, and surfing in the frigid waves when I can, and that seems to be enough.
Until Sadie Baker moves in. She’s only going to be here for a few months, but she makes me laugh, she makes me think, and she makes me feel alive…almost like myself again.
That’s why I offered to pretend to be her boyfriend on a visit home to show her ex-fiancé that she’d moved on. But suddenly, nothing feels like pretending.
And I don’t know if I’ll ever be whole enough to share my heart again.
Sadie
The double mastectomy probably saved me from the same fate so many women in my family suffered, but it left me feeling more than different. It left me feeling less.
A few months after surgery I ran away from my cheating fiancé and my surfing oasis in Folly Beach. And I arrived on Fire Island in the middle of winter to start over.
But starting over is hard, when I don’t recognize myself at all.
Cold and lonely, I just have to make it through a few months here before I start a job in New York City. But when the pipes in my rental house burst, I have no choice but to move into the dusty and messy house my neighbor is remodeling across the way.
It turns out that Eamon McLeod isn’t what I thought at all. He’s been through his own share of loss, and in a strange way he seems to understand what I’m going through. He’s not afraid of my scars, and he makes me feel beautiful.
But when Eamon’s past comes crashing down around us, everything I thought we had is wrenched away. Though it hurts to watch, I know there are some battles he has to fight for himself.
And even though I think I love him, I know that maybe some demons are too strong for love to conquer.
Note: This is the third book in the Fire Island series, and is an interconnected standalone, though there will be some spoilers about other characters from Books 1 and 2. There is a HEA. No cliffhanger.
434 pages, Paperback
Published December 8, 2023
11 people are currently reading
2400 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 3, 2023
Hazel Jacks had my heart the moment I turned the first page in Saltaire all those months ago. And now being back in Fire Island she has captivated once again with Eamon and Sadie's story of overcoming loss, learning to love yourself again and ultimately hope.
Eamon was such an enigma in Saltaire and then when reading Return to Saltaire there was visible change in the man who had had endeared me to him for the way he loved his friends and that beautiful heart he had.
With loss, comes change and for Eamon that loss changed him into somebody different than the man he used to be. While still pushing through with the day to day, regret was always a constant. While he wasn't to blame that doesn't stop him for believing that he is.
Enter Sadie, a woman who has had her fair share of heartbreak and loss. While her loss was different than Eamon's it doesn't mean that the loss was any less. For some running away is the answer and it would only be for a few months, but Sadie never expected to recognize the same thing in Eamon she saw in herself.
As life tends to do it can throw you a curve ball when you least expect it and just when Sadie starts to get comfortable however momentarily in what could be this new life something from Eamon's past comes back to shake the very fragile foundation that these two had started to build.
Hazel Jacks never fails at making me feel every emotion possible while reading one of her books. There was a recognition in Sadie that had my heartbreaking, there were tears for the insufferable loss they both shared and there were even gasps, giggles and just happiness before the book was over.
Surf Road really was like coming home and now that this book is over, I truly hope it isn't time to say goodbye to these characters for good. I am not ready. Here's to hope and coming home again.
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *
Eamon was such an enigma in Saltaire and then when reading Return to Saltaire there was visible change in the man who had had endeared me to him for the way he loved his friends and that beautiful heart he had.
With loss, comes change and for Eamon that loss changed him into somebody different than the man he used to be. While still pushing through with the day to day, regret was always a constant. While he wasn't to blame that doesn't stop him for believing that he is.
Enter Sadie, a woman who has had her fair share of heartbreak and loss. While her loss was different than Eamon's it doesn't mean that the loss was any less. For some running away is the answer and it would only be for a few months, but Sadie never expected to recognize the same thing in Eamon she saw in herself.
As life tends to do it can throw you a curve ball when you least expect it and just when Sadie starts to get comfortable however momentarily in what could be this new life something from Eamon's past comes back to shake the very fragile foundation that these two had started to build.
Hazel Jacks never fails at making me feel every emotion possible while reading one of her books. There was a recognition in Sadie that had my heartbreaking, there were tears for the insufferable loss they both shared and there were even gasps, giggles and just happiness before the book was over.
Surf Road really was like coming home and now that this book is over, I truly hope it isn't time to say goodbye to these characters for good. I am not ready. Here's to hope and coming home again.
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *
December 13, 2023
“Life is for the living and you’re not dead.”
*Review
After immersing myself in books 1 & 2, I anticipated Eamon’s story to be an emotional rollercoaster. What I didn’t expect was the profound impact of Sadie’s own journey through grief and healing.
A personal side note: Having experienced paralysis in a DUI crash on December 26, 2014, I became disabled at age 23, and life hasn’t been the same since. My introduction to this author's work was through sensitivity reading for book #2, Return to Saltaire. While I don’t have many triggers, these sensitive topics naturally affect me differently than most other romances I read. Even a couple of days after finishing, I'm still processing my own thoughts and feelings...
Both Eamon and Sadie's stories resonate deeply with themes of grief, healing, living, and finding love after loss. The narrative captures the nuances of guilt, burden, and isolation, intertwined with moments of happiness, small victories, and peace. As a disabled wheelchair user, I found echoes of my own experiences. Sometimes, we all need that extra push from loved ones to rediscover ourselves and start living again.
The author's portrayal of Eamon and Sadie’s individual pain, struggles, insecurities, guilt, and desires is heartbreakingly beautiful. I was an emotional mess throughout.
Without revealing too much, some of my favorite elements include:
* The unwavering support system — friends who never gave up, who kept pushing.
* Raw and honest conversations that were challenging but necessary.
* Vulnerability portrayed — the act of letting others in, forgiving oneself, and learning to love again.
Returning to Fire Island was an absolute delight! Snow on the beach? YES!! Blue’s breakfast sandwiches and Lindy’s homemade lasagna? ABSOLUTELY! Ferry rides to the city? A resounding YES!!
I'm even trying to convince Hazel to create a Fire Island map for readers to revisit the island on Eamon’s UTV! Who wouldn’t want a tour?
I swear on spades, you're going to need tissues, but it's worth the tears to reach their HEA!
P.S. Hazel has the best playlists to accompany her books. Currently listening and in my feels as I write this.
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.
*Review
After immersing myself in books 1 & 2, I anticipated Eamon’s story to be an emotional rollercoaster. What I didn’t expect was the profound impact of Sadie’s own journey through grief and healing.
A personal side note: Having experienced paralysis in a DUI crash on December 26, 2014, I became disabled at age 23, and life hasn’t been the same since. My introduction to this author's work was through sensitivity reading for book #2, Return to Saltaire. While I don’t have many triggers, these sensitive topics naturally affect me differently than most other romances I read. Even a couple of days after finishing, I'm still processing my own thoughts and feelings...
Both Eamon and Sadie's stories resonate deeply with themes of grief, healing, living, and finding love after loss. The narrative captures the nuances of guilt, burden, and isolation, intertwined with moments of happiness, small victories, and peace. As a disabled wheelchair user, I found echoes of my own experiences. Sometimes, we all need that extra push from loved ones to rediscover ourselves and start living again.
The author's portrayal of Eamon and Sadie’s individual pain, struggles, insecurities, guilt, and desires is heartbreakingly beautiful. I was an emotional mess throughout.
Without revealing too much, some of my favorite elements include:
* The unwavering support system — friends who never gave up, who kept pushing.
* Raw and honest conversations that were challenging but necessary.
* Vulnerability portrayed — the act of letting others in, forgiving oneself, and learning to love again.
Returning to Fire Island was an absolute delight! Snow on the beach? YES!! Blue’s breakfast sandwiches and Lindy’s homemade lasagna? ABSOLUTELY! Ferry rides to the city? A resounding YES!!
I'm even trying to convince Hazel to create a Fire Island map for readers to revisit the island on Eamon’s UTV! Who wouldn’t want a tour?
I swear on spades, you're going to need tissues, but it's worth the tears to reach their HEA!
P.S. Hazel has the best playlists to accompany her books. Currently listening and in my feels as I write this.
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.
December 5, 2023
Eamon (Ay-Munn) and Sadie…have my heart. Both struggling with their own battles end up coming together and realizing how much they need each other to get through them. Not in the way of putting your baggage on someone else, but someone to walk through these challenges with. Grief is heavy, mental health is heavy, drugs/alcohol to cope, body image struggles, self worth, friendship and family. This story has everything!!! Not only that but it has so much character development, watching these characters grow and become the people they are was just beautiful.
This story was absolutely stunning. Wonderfully written and just really inspiring. It is okay to have struggles; it is okay not to be okay, but let people in. Let people love you and learn to love yourself.
12.8 this book comes out and you guys need to pick it up!
Side note perfect winter story so I’d pick it up QUICK!
This story was absolutely stunning. Wonderfully written and just really inspiring. It is okay to have struggles; it is okay not to be okay, but let people in. Let people love you and learn to love yourself.
12.8 this book comes out and you guys need to pick it up!
Side note perfect winter story so I’d pick it up QUICK!
December 10, 2023
where can i find my eamon?!!🤩🤩🤩
sadie had eamon down bad throughout the entirety of the book. the book was easy to get into and a page turner at the beginning. this book was slightly predictable but the balance between sadie and eamons personal issues and how it affected their relationship was well done.
there was a third act break up which i personally dislike, but that’s just my personal preference.
OVERALL, it was a great holiday read 😍😍😍 it makes me want to visit fire island now.
Thank you for the arc!
-nat
sadie had eamon down bad throughout the entirety of the book. the book was easy to get into and a page turner at the beginning. this book was slightly predictable but the balance between sadie and eamons personal issues and how it affected their relationship was well done.
there was a third act break up which i personally dislike, but that’s just my personal preference.
OVERALL, it was a great holiday read 😍😍😍 it makes me want to visit fire island now.
Thank you for the arc!
-nat
December 9, 2023
Thank you, Hazel for sending me an ARC (advanced reader copy)!
If you haven’t read the other 2 books in the series, I highly recommend, however, you can totally read this as a standalone.
I loved this love story of Eamon and Sadie from the very first page. It captivated me and kept my interest the whole way through. I didn’t want it to end!
I love Hazel’s writing style and the story had just enough spice to keep me wanting more.
If you haven’t read the other 2 books in the series, I highly recommend, however, you can totally read this as a standalone.
I loved this love story of Eamon and Sadie from the very first page. It captivated me and kept my interest the whole way through. I didn’t want it to end!
I love Hazel’s writing style and the story had just enough spice to keep me wanting more.
October 16, 2023
I'm back in Fire Island but this time, WITH SNOW ON THE F*CKING BEACH!! Y'all the sweetest moments in this book brought me right back to Fire Island, reminding me what I've been missing. Eamon and Sadie's story is so heartwarming AND heartbreaking. Watching the two heal from heartbreak and trauma made me realize one thing: love can conquer all. Thank you, Hazel Jacks, for letting me get a glimpse of these beautiful characters. Peeling back their layers and learning who they are as individuals and as a couple made me see what true love can do for the broken hearted.
November 28, 2023
(I received an ARC for this book)
trigger warning information:
This book deals with heavy topics. Please be aware this is not a full list, but it is meant to give you an idea of what is included:
content involving death, anxiety, body shaming, and cancer play a large role in this story
I read this book nearly two months before I’m typing out this review, but the emotions in my heart and soul are still just as strong today as when I finished it. If you’ve read the first two books in this series, then you know how much Eamon deserved his happily ever after. And with this book, with Sadie, he got one. And it’s perfect. My heart ached from the start. My love for this found family is strong and truly indescribable. Sadie is a perfect addition. (But I learned that reading Return to Saltaire.) I've been attached to Eamon McLeod since Saltaire, but before even finishing this book, I was just as attached to Sadie! That's special! Sadie and Eamon needed to be in each other’s lives, and they needed each other just as much. I loved the way Eamon and Sadie dipped their toes in slowly, respecting themselves and each other. They became each other's priorities. Mentally and emotionally. And while the journey destroyed my heart, it was beautiful. I really thought nothing could make me cry harder than Penn and Rae. Boy, was I wrong.
TJ: 16
My Favorite Quotes:
• “I’m moving forward with life, and I need you to get on board and come with me.”
• “He gave you a nickname. It is exactly what I think.”
• “I know you like things clean, but there are so many dirty, dirty things I want to do to you.”
• “I enjoy seeing you get riled up and passionate about your things.”
• “I don’t tolerate you. I enjoy every fucking minute I’m with you.”
• “I feel like you may be my best friend.”
• “I’m all in this.”
• “You make me unhinged. I can’t f!cking think straight around you.”
• “But I need you to know that every time I touch you, I’m not pretending. This is real.”
• “Are you being naughty?”
• “I want you, like in the worst way.”
• “I want to be here, and I’m so happy to be the guy by your side.”
• “You are mistaken, because I’m not planning on being delicate.”
• “I’ll press that button to stop the world from spinning for just five minutes with you in this elevator.”
• “I’m eternally grateful to have met you.”
• “I’m a lonely mess without you.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
7/10 Forced Proximity
8/10 Friends to Lovers
8/10 Slow Burn
10/10 Tearjerker
10/10 Series
This is my review for Saltaire
This is my review for Return to Saltaire
trigger warning information:
This book deals with heavy topics. Please be aware this is not a full list, but it is meant to give you an idea of what is included:
content involving death, anxiety, body shaming, and cancer play a large role in this story
I read this book nearly two months before I’m typing out this review, but the emotions in my heart and soul are still just as strong today as when I finished it. If you’ve read the first two books in this series, then you know how much Eamon deserved his happily ever after. And with this book, with Sadie, he got one. And it’s perfect. My heart ached from the start. My love for this found family is strong and truly indescribable. Sadie is a perfect addition. (But I learned that reading Return to Saltaire.) I've been attached to Eamon McLeod since Saltaire, but before even finishing this book, I was just as attached to Sadie! That's special! Sadie and Eamon needed to be in each other’s lives, and they needed each other just as much. I loved the way Eamon and Sadie dipped their toes in slowly, respecting themselves and each other. They became each other's priorities. Mentally and emotionally. And while the journey destroyed my heart, it was beautiful. I really thought nothing could make me cry harder than Penn and Rae. Boy, was I wrong.
TJ: 16
My Favorite Quotes:
• “I’m moving forward with life, and I need you to get on board and come with me.”
• “He gave you a nickname. It is exactly what I think.”
• “I know you like things clean, but there are so many dirty, dirty things I want to do to you.”
• “I enjoy seeing you get riled up and passionate about your things.”
• “I don’t tolerate you. I enjoy every fucking minute I’m with you.”
• “I feel like you may be my best friend.”
• “I’m all in this.”
• “You make me unhinged. I can’t f!cking think straight around you.”
• “But I need you to know that every time I touch you, I’m not pretending. This is real.”
• “Are you being naughty?”
• “I want you, like in the worst way.”
• “I want to be here, and I’m so happy to be the guy by your side.”
• “You are mistaken, because I’m not planning on being delicate.”
• “I’ll press that button to stop the world from spinning for just five minutes with you in this elevator.”
• “I’m eternally grateful to have met you.”
• “I’m a lonely mess without you.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
7/10 Forced Proximity
8/10 Friends to Lovers
8/10 Slow Burn
10/10 Tearjerker
10/10 Series
This is my review for Saltaire
This is my review for Return to Saltaire
December 6, 2023
Disclaimer: This is an ARC and was provided by Author Hazel Jacks in exchange for an honest review. This is not a paid review and everything written is my honest, unsolicited, true thoughts of this book. For any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.
Hazel Jacks has written one heck of an inspiring tale of two individuals wandering through life, afraid of losing more than they already have.
Surf Road follows the story of Eamon McLeod and Sadie Baker. Opposites in every way, but both traveling in the same proverbial boat of tragedy and trauma. For Eamon, a tragic car accident claimed the life of his girlfriend and left his best friend paralyzed from the waist down. For Sadie, the loss of her mother due to breast cancer and the impending possibility that she too might succumb to the same fate.
As we all know, trauma affects us all differently, and that's one of the major reasons why I enjoyed this book so much. Not only does Jacks paint the picture of two wildly different personalities and tragic events, but she also deep dives into how each individual handles that trauma. Eamon gave up hope that things could be better because he believes that he was the direct cause of this accident, thus allowing guilt to weigh heavily on him. Once a passionate and lively person, he now sits in the darkness of "what ifs" and "what could be" rather than looking at life with new possibilities. Instead choosing to fill the void with cheap one-night stands, booze, and weed. On the other end, Sadie took her mother's passing as a sign to ensure that she lived life on her own terms by opting for a preventative double-masectomy to lower her chances of developing breast cancer as well. She also removed herself from a toxic relationship that made her feel less of a woman and uncomfortable in her own skin. Together, Eamon and Sadie navigate this new path that they are on, figuring out what it means to lean on another to heal while also learning how to live life without fear.
While this teetered on being more heartwarming, there were moments that were hard to read, especially when it came to Eamon finally sharing the past that led him to where he is now and the effects that it has on the small island community and his friends who also lived through the horrific accident.
There is no miraculous recovery with everything coming up roses in the end, which is another reason why I loved this so much. It ends with continuing to seek help through therapy, loving yourself, and embracing the fear of loss while turning it into something wonderful.
If you're on the hunt for something filled with more substance than a happy ending, Surf Road is the book for you!
Hazel Jacks has written one heck of an inspiring tale of two individuals wandering through life, afraid of losing more than they already have.
Surf Road follows the story of Eamon McLeod and Sadie Baker. Opposites in every way, but both traveling in the same proverbial boat of tragedy and trauma. For Eamon, a tragic car accident claimed the life of his girlfriend and left his best friend paralyzed from the waist down. For Sadie, the loss of her mother due to breast cancer and the impending possibility that she too might succumb to the same fate.
As we all know, trauma affects us all differently, and that's one of the major reasons why I enjoyed this book so much. Not only does Jacks paint the picture of two wildly different personalities and tragic events, but she also deep dives into how each individual handles that trauma. Eamon gave up hope that things could be better because he believes that he was the direct cause of this accident, thus allowing guilt to weigh heavily on him. Once a passionate and lively person, he now sits in the darkness of "what ifs" and "what could be" rather than looking at life with new possibilities. Instead choosing to fill the void with cheap one-night stands, booze, and weed. On the other end, Sadie took her mother's passing as a sign to ensure that she lived life on her own terms by opting for a preventative double-masectomy to lower her chances of developing breast cancer as well. She also removed herself from a toxic relationship that made her feel less of a woman and uncomfortable in her own skin. Together, Eamon and Sadie navigate this new path that they are on, figuring out what it means to lean on another to heal while also learning how to live life without fear.
While this teetered on being more heartwarming, there were moments that were hard to read, especially when it came to Eamon finally sharing the past that led him to where he is now and the effects that it has on the small island community and his friends who also lived through the horrific accident.
There is no miraculous recovery with everything coming up roses in the end, which is another reason why I loved this so much. It ends with continuing to seek help through therapy, loving yourself, and embracing the fear of loss while turning it into something wonderful.
If you're on the hunt for something filled with more substance than a happy ending, Surf Road is the book for you!
December 8, 2023
The perfect cozy read for winter break!
Eamon (30), still reeling from the loss of a lifetime, is given an ultimatum by his friends and family: get your sh*t together, or we’ll stop supporting you. They’ve been patient, but it’s been almost a decade and he has yet to move on. The terms of the ultimatum include fixing up his friend Theo’s property on Fire Island in the off-season, and starting therapy sessions with Dr. G. Reluctantly, he agrees.
As he’s banging away on the renovation late one evening, he gets a knock at the door. It’s Sadie (30), a substitute teacher brand new to the island, renting the place across the street, and she’s absolutely incensed that someone is preventing her from getting a good night’s sleep before a jam-packed day with elementary schoolers.
Eamon can’t help but take a liking to this girl who’s as fiery as her hair color, and after that first angry greeting, the two grow closer. Sadie is dealing with a different kind of loss, and both parties are trying to focus on themselves. Neither one of them is looking for intimacy. But a historic blizzard has other plans for them...
The book is as cozy as the Hallmark Movies Sadie constantly puts on in the background and as warm as the taco soup she makes as a struggle meal out of the only ingredients in the cupboard.
The setting--a vibrant beach town deserted for the winter--can only be described as the literary equivalent of the song “Snow on the Beach” (shoutout to Taylor and Lana). From getting food at Lottie’s market to drinks at the Sundowner to biking to work, I wanted to live inside every space of this novel. The first two books in this series, Saltaire and Return to Saltaire (if you haven’t read them yet, you MUST) are about a summer romance on Fire Island between Raegan and Penn. Surf Road takes place within the same canonic universe--Eamon and Sadie are side characters in the other two books, and chronologically, Surf Road takes place between the other two.
I was first introduced to Hazel Jacks after hearing her interview on the Something in the Wilderness podcast (about Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness). Her first two books featured pop-punk-inspired playlists to set the mood of the story, and Surf Road is no different. Jacks’ inspiration from music is clear, and bangers of yesteryear like All American Rejects’ “Dance Inside” set a cool, emo-tinged tone to the romance.
I’m not your typical romance reader, so I’m extra glad I found this series. It opened my eyes to a new genre that is both heartwarming and fun. I can’t wait to read more books by Hazel Jacks in the future.
Eamon (30), still reeling from the loss of a lifetime, is given an ultimatum by his friends and family: get your sh*t together, or we’ll stop supporting you. They’ve been patient, but it’s been almost a decade and he has yet to move on. The terms of the ultimatum include fixing up his friend Theo’s property on Fire Island in the off-season, and starting therapy sessions with Dr. G. Reluctantly, he agrees.
As he’s banging away on the renovation late one evening, he gets a knock at the door. It’s Sadie (30), a substitute teacher brand new to the island, renting the place across the street, and she’s absolutely incensed that someone is preventing her from getting a good night’s sleep before a jam-packed day with elementary schoolers.
Eamon can’t help but take a liking to this girl who’s as fiery as her hair color, and after that first angry greeting, the two grow closer. Sadie is dealing with a different kind of loss, and both parties are trying to focus on themselves. Neither one of them is looking for intimacy. But a historic blizzard has other plans for them...
The book is as cozy as the Hallmark Movies Sadie constantly puts on in the background and as warm as the taco soup she makes as a struggle meal out of the only ingredients in the cupboard.
The setting--a vibrant beach town deserted for the winter--can only be described as the literary equivalent of the song “Snow on the Beach” (shoutout to Taylor and Lana). From getting food at Lottie’s market to drinks at the Sundowner to biking to work, I wanted to live inside every space of this novel. The first two books in this series, Saltaire and Return to Saltaire (if you haven’t read them yet, you MUST) are about a summer romance on Fire Island between Raegan and Penn. Surf Road takes place within the same canonic universe--Eamon and Sadie are side characters in the other two books, and chronologically, Surf Road takes place between the other two.
I was first introduced to Hazel Jacks after hearing her interview on the Something in the Wilderness podcast (about Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness). Her first two books featured pop-punk-inspired playlists to set the mood of the story, and Surf Road is no different. Jacks’ inspiration from music is clear, and bangers of yesteryear like All American Rejects’ “Dance Inside” set a cool, emo-tinged tone to the romance.
I’m not your typical romance reader, so I’m extra glad I found this series. It opened my eyes to a new genre that is both heartwarming and fun. I can’t wait to read more books by Hazel Jacks in the future.
December 26, 2023
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒓?”
“𝑶𝒏 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔.”
Returning back to Fire Island is like coming home. This little small island brings forth beautiful love stories that capture your heart and never let go. So much growth, healing, and forgiveness happens on this island, but it also eternally always delivers happiness. 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘧 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘥 was a deeply resonating story that dealt with grief, survivor’s guilt, isolation, insecurities, struggles, pain, healing, finding love after loss, and eternal peace. Hazel never fails with bringing forth the emotions when reading her books. She discusses topics that are not often focused upon and handles them with the utmost care. Whenever I dive into one of Hazel’s books, I know it will be a resounding story that will stick with me for years to come.
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕.”
Eamon and Sadie definitely find themselves fighting their own battles and demons on a daily basis. Eamon’s grief is so heavy that he’s in a downward spiral of drugs and alcohol, and it’s taking a detrimental toll on his mental health. His friends and family have seen him suffer long enough and have decided enough is enough. So, they step in and basically tell him to shape up or ship out; tough love at it’s finest. What Eamon never could have expected is the fiery red head that moves in across the street.
Sadie has suffered immensely from her own fair share of heartbreak and loss. Losing her mother to breast cancer made her take precautions to avoid the same fate. However, it has left her with scars and made her feel less beautiful on the outside. With the belief she is “less” woman, and the fears of never finding true love left my heart breaking for the beautiful, kind, and tender soul. When Eamon learns of this, the ways in which he makes her feel gorgeous, whole, and even “more” woman left me with so much love and adoration for him. These two travel down a path of what may seem like perpetual darkness, but when together they are the saving grace and light, they need to move forward and heal.
Hazel makes me feel every motion when reading her books, and she now has a forever reader on her side. The recognition and awareness she embraces in her stories always leaves a lasting impression on my heart and soul. Her stories are wonderfully written and truly inspiring. And I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next on Fire Island.
“𝑶𝒏 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔.”
Returning back to Fire Island is like coming home. This little small island brings forth beautiful love stories that capture your heart and never let go. So much growth, healing, and forgiveness happens on this island, but it also eternally always delivers happiness. 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘧 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘥 was a deeply resonating story that dealt with grief, survivor’s guilt, isolation, insecurities, struggles, pain, healing, finding love after loss, and eternal peace. Hazel never fails with bringing forth the emotions when reading her books. She discusses topics that are not often focused upon and handles them with the utmost care. Whenever I dive into one of Hazel’s books, I know it will be a resounding story that will stick with me for years to come.
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕.”
Eamon and Sadie definitely find themselves fighting their own battles and demons on a daily basis. Eamon’s grief is so heavy that he’s in a downward spiral of drugs and alcohol, and it’s taking a detrimental toll on his mental health. His friends and family have seen him suffer long enough and have decided enough is enough. So, they step in and basically tell him to shape up or ship out; tough love at it’s finest. What Eamon never could have expected is the fiery red head that moves in across the street.
Sadie has suffered immensely from her own fair share of heartbreak and loss. Losing her mother to breast cancer made her take precautions to avoid the same fate. However, it has left her with scars and made her feel less beautiful on the outside. With the belief she is “less” woman, and the fears of never finding true love left my heart breaking for the beautiful, kind, and tender soul. When Eamon learns of this, the ways in which he makes her feel gorgeous, whole, and even “more” woman left me with so much love and adoration for him. These two travel down a path of what may seem like perpetual darkness, but when together they are the saving grace and light, they need to move forward and heal.
Hazel makes me feel every motion when reading her books, and she now has a forever reader on her side. The recognition and awareness she embraces in her stories always leaves a lasting impression on my heart and soul. Her stories are wonderfully written and truly inspiring. And I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next on Fire Island.
December 6, 2023
3.75 stars.
I really REALLY wanted to enjoy this more and I found the story compelling and moving and important. Eamon and Sadie’s growth in this book was incredible and their friends to lovers arc was wonderful to read. Hazel Jacks has an ability to write such moving stories and I loved being back on Fire Island and seeing all the locals (even if it was the off season). I loved being back in 2011 and 2012 (back when things were a little easier in the world😅).
I had two issues with this book that bumped it down in my eyes and I really wish it didn’t. The first is that while the book is long, the love story felt rushed when it didn’t need to be. I know forced proximity pushes folks together and feelings bubble up quickly, but their story could have been spread out over a longer period of time. When folks in the book would say “the poker game a few nights ago” I was like “wait, wasn’t that 100 pages ago?”
And my second issue, and it’s very much a me issue, is the editing. I found myself internally correcting dialogue and narrative because of a lack of contractions. The lack of contractions made the dialogue and narration stilted and I found it very distracting. I found it less so in the last 3rd of the book when things were moving quickly in the story, but with having to mentally change the words in the book to make it flow better really affected my ability to enjoy this.
Ugh I’m so bummed because I wanted to give this such a good rating and overall it’s such a good story and more importantly, such an IMPORTANT story to tell. I will still be reading more of Hazel Jacks and I’m looking forward to it.
I guess if you’re not like me and you’re able to get past the lack of contractions and it doesn’t bother you the way it bothers me, then you’re in for a treat with this book.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really REALLY wanted to enjoy this more and I found the story compelling and moving and important. Eamon and Sadie’s growth in this book was incredible and their friends to lovers arc was wonderful to read. Hazel Jacks has an ability to write such moving stories and I loved being back on Fire Island and seeing all the locals (even if it was the off season). I loved being back in 2011 and 2012 (back when things were a little easier in the world😅).
I had two issues with this book that bumped it down in my eyes and I really wish it didn’t. The first is that while the book is long, the love story felt rushed when it didn’t need to be. I know forced proximity pushes folks together and feelings bubble up quickly, but their story could have been spread out over a longer period of time. When folks in the book would say “the poker game a few nights ago” I was like “wait, wasn’t that 100 pages ago?”
And my second issue, and it’s very much a me issue, is the editing. I found myself internally correcting dialogue and narrative because of a lack of contractions. The lack of contractions made the dialogue and narration stilted and I found it very distracting. I found it less so in the last 3rd of the book when things were moving quickly in the story, but with having to mentally change the words in the book to make it flow better really affected my ability to enjoy this.
Ugh I’m so bummed because I wanted to give this such a good rating and overall it’s such a good story and more importantly, such an IMPORTANT story to tell. I will still be reading more of Hazel Jacks and I’m looking forward to it.
I guess if you’re not like me and you’re able to get past the lack of contractions and it doesn’t bother you the way it bothers me, then you’re in for a treat with this book.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 9, 2023
I've been patiently waiting for Eamon and Sadie's story since their relationship was introduced in Return to Saltaire. This is book three in the Fire Island series, it can be read as a standalone but to get the full emotional impact I would recommend reading books one and two.
Eamon is in a dark place...and his friends and family have had enough. They decided to pull an "intervention" type gathering where they introduce him to Dr. G, the psychiatrist he commit to seeing once a week and his new living arrangements. Eamon reluctantly agrees, and moves into Theo's latest rental property, it needs a lot of love and Eamon is the man for the job. The last thing he ever expected was a beautiful, firecracker to move in across the street..especially in winter on Fire Island.
Sadie is running away from her past, or more so starting over...or trying to. She takes a temporary teacher position on Fire Island and doesn't realize everything is about to change. Sadie has her scars, emotionally and physically and the last thing she ever expected was to find him...Eamon McLeod, her grumpy but hot next door neighbor.
I feel like I've said this a million times, Hazel is able to make her characters so raw and real...and sometimes that's not the case in a romance. Eamon is suffering from trauma and grief, and he is using drugs and alcohol to numb the pain...and surfing, while Sadie decides to hide behind her baggy clothes and struggle with accepting her "new" self. It's beautiful to see how Hazel can bring these two together and allow them to explore and openly discuss who they truly are...without judgement.
Eamon is in a dark place...and his friends and family have had enough. They decided to pull an "intervention" type gathering where they introduce him to Dr. G, the psychiatrist he commit to seeing once a week and his new living arrangements. Eamon reluctantly agrees, and moves into Theo's latest rental property, it needs a lot of love and Eamon is the man for the job. The last thing he ever expected was a beautiful, firecracker to move in across the street..especially in winter on Fire Island.
Sadie is running away from her past, or more so starting over...or trying to. She takes a temporary teacher position on Fire Island and doesn't realize everything is about to change. Sadie has her scars, emotionally and physically and the last thing she ever expected was to find him...Eamon McLeod, her grumpy but hot next door neighbor.
I feel like I've said this a million times, Hazel is able to make her characters so raw and real...and sometimes that's not the case in a romance. Eamon is suffering from trauma and grief, and he is using drugs and alcohol to numb the pain...and surfing, while Sadie decides to hide behind her baggy clothes and struggle with accepting her "new" self. It's beautiful to see how Hazel can bring these two together and allow them to explore and openly discuss who they truly are...without judgement.
June 2, 2024
The third instalment in the Fire Island series and Hazel did not disappoint. Again! Eamon, determined to live the life of penance after a car accident claimed the life of the woman he loved and consequences for his friends had life altering effects. Sadie, searching for the perfect place to teach and determined to pass the time she has waiting for the job of her dreams by teaching the next generation on Fire Island.
Her first night on the island gets off to a rough start when she meets her grumpy landlord. Although not technically the landlord, more the caretaker, Eamon is not the easiest to approach. After a burst water pipe, Sadie finds herself rooming with Eamon in his hardly renovated property.
Given a challenge of healing his demons in exchange for a job and a place to live, Eamon must see a therapist regularly, but when push comes to shove, can he move past the traumas of his past? Living in close quarters to each other, a love-hate relationship and both with different plans in the future, will they find themselves in a summer situationship? Or has the universe sent Eamon the answer to his prayers.
Sadie, a kind-hearted teacher who has had her battles in life. With the loss of a parent and testing for the BRCA gene, this story touches on so many important issues in today’s society and the decisions women have to make in order to try and preserve their life. Making a decision that so many of us couldn’t even fathom, although life saving, leaves her with a world of insecurities and feeling less than the woman she is deep down. What starts as a fake date situation to her surfer dad’s annual party could maybe blossom into full blown love.
Her first night on the island gets off to a rough start when she meets her grumpy landlord. Although not technically the landlord, more the caretaker, Eamon is not the easiest to approach. After a burst water pipe, Sadie finds herself rooming with Eamon in his hardly renovated property.
Given a challenge of healing his demons in exchange for a job and a place to live, Eamon must see a therapist regularly, but when push comes to shove, can he move past the traumas of his past? Living in close quarters to each other, a love-hate relationship and both with different plans in the future, will they find themselves in a summer situationship? Or has the universe sent Eamon the answer to his prayers.
Sadie, a kind-hearted teacher who has had her battles in life. With the loss of a parent and testing for the BRCA gene, this story touches on so many important issues in today’s society and the decisions women have to make in order to try and preserve their life. Making a decision that so many of us couldn’t even fathom, although life saving, leaves her with a world of insecurities and feeling less than the woman she is deep down. What starts as a fake date situation to her surfer dad’s annual party could maybe blossom into full blown love.
December 3, 2023
Thank you Hazel for the e-arc in exchange for honest review.
This book is Snow on the Beach coded. I loved being back on the island again at a different time of year. The vibes were great - you’ve got the seaside but then a snowstorm…having to bundle up warm, drape a blanket over your lap in the UTV. It felt so cosy!
It was lovely to see the cast back in action. It was also great to fill in a bit of time between FI1 & FI2. I loved Sadie so much and she felt like such a realistic person and I totally want to be friends with her. Her struggles were so emotional and I really was rooting for her happiness the whole way through. Eamon’s MH struggles were very well represented too.
Although I loved Sadie, I found it difficult to believe she and Eamon were both around the 30 mark. Their characters felt quite juvenile and more like people in their early 20s. The writing style was something that unfortunately affected my experience. The writing felt clunky because there was barely any use of contractions (I can’t, she wouldn’t etc) and it stunted the flow of the book. It honestly made me feel like I was struggling to read a bit. But I know this hasn’t been a problem for most other people so this is definitely just a preference of mine.
The other issue I had was that I think there are a few too many tropes, throughout this book it feels like it can’t quite decide what it wants to be.
In summary, would recommend for fans of the series - great vibes, snow on the beach coded, great MH and body dysmorphia representation and a sweet couple.
This book is Snow on the Beach coded. I loved being back on the island again at a different time of year. The vibes were great - you’ve got the seaside but then a snowstorm…having to bundle up warm, drape a blanket over your lap in the UTV. It felt so cosy!
It was lovely to see the cast back in action. It was also great to fill in a bit of time between FI1 & FI2. I loved Sadie so much and she felt like such a realistic person and I totally want to be friends with her. Her struggles were so emotional and I really was rooting for her happiness the whole way through. Eamon’s MH struggles were very well represented too.
Although I loved Sadie, I found it difficult to believe she and Eamon were both around the 30 mark. Their characters felt quite juvenile and more like people in their early 20s. The writing style was something that unfortunately affected my experience. The writing felt clunky because there was barely any use of contractions (I can’t, she wouldn’t etc) and it stunted the flow of the book. It honestly made me feel like I was struggling to read a bit. But I know this hasn’t been a problem for most other people so this is definitely just a preference of mine.
The other issue I had was that I think there are a few too many tropes, throughout this book it feels like it can’t quite decide what it wants to be.
In summary, would recommend for fans of the series - great vibes, snow on the beach coded, great MH and body dysmorphia representation and a sweet couple.
December 8, 2023
“Swear on spades?” ♠️ 💕
“Yeah. Swear on spades.” ♠️ 💕
I absolutely adored this book. I rarely cry reading books, but this book had me bawling - like break my heart and put it back together crying. I finished this book two days ago and keeping thinking about it and I have to say - it is one of my favorite books of the year (just in time!)
Eamon and Sadie are both broken people in their own ways, each struggling with a devastating loss. They meet at a time when both of them are not looking for a relationship - Eamon is trying to rebuild his life, at the insistence of his friends and family, while Sadie is trying to move on from the hurt and loss of recent experiences.
However, when circumstances cause them to be neighbors and then roommates, they begin to build a friendship that blossoms and grows into so much more. I loved watching Sadie and Eamon learn to trust and open up with one another, sharing the parts of themselves that they are afraid to talk about.
What I love most about this book was that, despite all the things in their past, Eamon and Sadie never tried to “fix” one another, instead they encouraged each other to work at their own paces, each addressing their proverbial baggage in their own time and without judgment.
If you have read the Saltaire duet, you will be familiar with Eamon’s background, as well as other characters mentioned in this book, however I think this can be read as a standalone. I would encourage you to look at CW, as this book deals with heavy and difficult topics that some readers may be sensitive to.
Thank you to the author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
“Yeah. Swear on spades.” ♠️ 💕
I absolutely adored this book. I rarely cry reading books, but this book had me bawling - like break my heart and put it back together crying. I finished this book two days ago and keeping thinking about it and I have to say - it is one of my favorite books of the year (just in time!)
Eamon and Sadie are both broken people in their own ways, each struggling with a devastating loss. They meet at a time when both of them are not looking for a relationship - Eamon is trying to rebuild his life, at the insistence of his friends and family, while Sadie is trying to move on from the hurt and loss of recent experiences.
However, when circumstances cause them to be neighbors and then roommates, they begin to build a friendship that blossoms and grows into so much more. I loved watching Sadie and Eamon learn to trust and open up with one another, sharing the parts of themselves that they are afraid to talk about.
What I love most about this book was that, despite all the things in their past, Eamon and Sadie never tried to “fix” one another, instead they encouraged each other to work at their own paces, each addressing their proverbial baggage in their own time and without judgment.
If you have read the Saltaire duet, you will be familiar with Eamon’s background, as well as other characters mentioned in this book, however I think this can be read as a standalone. I would encourage you to look at CW, as this book deals with heavy and difficult topics that some readers may be sensitive to.
Thank you to the author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2023
Another amazing book from Hazel Jacks! Eamon and Sadie are perfection and I loved seeing all the gang from the previous two books in the Fire Island Series.
These two characters are just perfect for each other both healing from something that has happened to them and they are exactly what each other needs. I loved the banter between them from the very first moment they met. The nicknames Eamon gave Sadie because he was being a butt, so funny! I knew going in that Eamon’s story was going to be sad he suffered a tragic loss before he met Sadie and he was struggling. But something about Sadie helped pull him out, he would never forget his first love who he loss but he had Sadie to help him through until he didn’t. He definitely mess up after their trip to New York and while I don’t blame him for his reaction, I was sad he didn’t lean on Sadie instead of just shutting her out. And even though I wish he would have handled his meltdown differently I loved every minute of this book, I didn’t want it to end! Plus we got to see everyone we met from Book 1 & 2!
Hazel’s way with words and her characters are what keep me coming back and I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
These two characters are just perfect for each other both healing from something that has happened to them and they are exactly what each other needs. I loved the banter between them from the very first moment they met. The nicknames Eamon gave Sadie because he was being a butt, so funny! I knew going in that Eamon’s story was going to be sad he suffered a tragic loss before he met Sadie and he was struggling. But something about Sadie helped pull him out, he would never forget his first love who he loss but he had Sadie to help him through until he didn’t. He definitely mess up after their trip to New York and while I don’t blame him for his reaction, I was sad he didn’t lean on Sadie instead of just shutting her out. And even though I wish he would have handled his meltdown differently I loved every minute of this book, I didn’t want it to end! Plus we got to see everyone we met from Book 1 & 2!
Hazel’s way with words and her characters are what keep me coming back and I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
December 7, 2023
Surf Road is book 3 in the Fire Island series, but it's so well written that you can easily read this as a standalone. It is an emotional slow burn where you learn about Sadie and Eamon who both have been through a lot and both want nothing to do with love anymore. Eamon is pushed into therapy by family and friends so he can finally face the tragic accident he was involved in 7 years before. Sadie is still healing from emotional and physical scars from her past as well. Sadie temporarily moved to Fire Island for a teaching opportunity moving across from Eamon. Eamon is too full of grief to even care for Sadie, but Sadie's house flooding forces them to stay together. A snowstorm doesn't help either when it forces them to talk more. Will they both finally be able to work through their past and take a second chance at love? Will Sadie move past the physical scars?
Potential triggers include:
Accident resulting in death of a loved on (depicted on page in detail)
Body image anxiety
Discussion of cancer
Grief
Internalized body shaming
Potential triggers include:
Accident resulting in death of a loved on (depicted on page in detail)
Body image anxiety
Discussion of cancer
Grief
Internalized body shaming
December 9, 2023
I read this book as an eARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the third book in the Fire Island series, but can be read as a standalone which is how I read it. I really, really loved this book! It was so touching and heartwarming and all of the characters were so complex, dynamic and beautiful. I really enjoyed how well it dealt with dealing with loss and coping as being a survivor in more ways than one. The relationship between Eamon and Sadie was wonderfully portrayed and eamon’s mental health and the therapy he received to help him with his recovery was done very well. I don’t want to say more than that and spoil the story, but everything is handled beautifully and this story is truly a love letter to how you can come out of the other side of a tragedy and get better by doing the work on yourself and with the help of friends and loved ones. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys second chance romance, close proximity, and found family tropes as well as dynamic and well written characters and world building.
December 10, 2023
Surf Road is technically the third book in a series and though I didn’t read the first two, reading this one makes me want to go back and read the first two and see if there is anything I missed that would help me understand the characters more. This is also my first read from this author and I am hooked. I slowly fell in love with Fire island because of the deep character development and what they were going through. This story delicately addresses mental health struggles and how everyone works through grief differently. Sadie continues to work through grief while trying to start over after a leaving a toxic relationship. Eamon doesn’t think he deserves a second chance after such a tragic event. After being forced together, they navigate what the future might bring. This also has all of the wintry vibes are perfect for this time of year. I loved this story and can’t wait to go back and read more about Fire Island!
Before you read - please check trigger warnings!
Thank you the author for the eARC, this is a voluntary honest review.
Before you read - please check trigger warnings!
Thank you the author for the eARC, this is a voluntary honest review.
December 11, 2023
4.5 stars
This is a refreshing, emotional romance with real life issues and many swoon worthy moments. It’s poignant, heartbreaking and inspiring.
I love enemies to more romance and the banter that comes with it, this book has it in 𝚜𝚙𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚜♠️!
The character’s are both on the extreme side of excess in their behavior in the beginning, as the story progresses things come to light, things change and it’s a wonderful character journey.
I really enjoyed the writing style, the pace was a tad slow at times, but in retrospect it made the story and the characters more realistic and relatable to me.
I love the way the relationship develops, it’s realistic in many ways and it’s dreamy.
The secondary characters add so much heart, advice and community.
There’s a couple of really important issues that are so central to the characters stories.
I love this book, characters and the writing style. I’ll definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
It’s a really low drama, slightly angsty romance with so much intelligence. I loved it!
This is a refreshing, emotional romance with real life issues and many swoon worthy moments. It’s poignant, heartbreaking and inspiring.
I love enemies to more romance and the banter that comes with it, this book has it in 𝚜𝚙𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚜♠️!
The character’s are both on the extreme side of excess in their behavior in the beginning, as the story progresses things come to light, things change and it’s a wonderful character journey.
I really enjoyed the writing style, the pace was a tad slow at times, but in retrospect it made the story and the characters more realistic and relatable to me.
I love the way the relationship develops, it’s realistic in many ways and it’s dreamy.
The secondary characters add so much heart, advice and community.
There’s a couple of really important issues that are so central to the characters stories.
I love this book, characters and the writing style. I’ll definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
It’s a really low drama, slightly angsty romance with so much intelligence. I loved it!
December 15, 2023
I received an ARC in return for an honest review (and I'm sorry its late!)
I really enjoyed Surf Road, Saltaire just hit me different though. This was a particularly slow burn, I enjoyed the banter between the characters and how they navigated being in the same space. I thought that the mental health side of things was handled sensitively and realistically. It was nice to see how both characters grew/emotionally healed throughout the book.
I liked the strong support network that Eamon had and how Sadie slotted in to island life. What I liked about Saltaire (Book 1) was the reference to "heart songs" and how it provided a conscious soundtrack to the book. Although a playlist is included with Surf Road, songs aren't really referenced so I kind of forgot about it.
I find Hazel Jacks' writing style easy to get on with. I can easily picture myself in these places and get inside the characters heads. Good ol' comfort reading! I am keen to read any further books in the series as I'm really enjoying them
I really enjoyed Surf Road, Saltaire just hit me different though. This was a particularly slow burn, I enjoyed the banter between the characters and how they navigated being in the same space. I thought that the mental health side of things was handled sensitively and realistically. It was nice to see how both characters grew/emotionally healed throughout the book.
I liked the strong support network that Eamon had and how Sadie slotted in to island life. What I liked about Saltaire (Book 1) was the reference to "heart songs" and how it provided a conscious soundtrack to the book. Although a playlist is included with Surf Road, songs aren't really referenced so I kind of forgot about it.
I find Hazel Jacks' writing style easy to get on with. I can easily picture myself in these places and get inside the characters heads. Good ol' comfort reading! I am keen to read any further books in the series as I'm really enjoying them
December 8, 2023
Surf road by hazel jacks
“𝘛𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦? 𝘚𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘦.” 𝘌𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦. “𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘐’𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
★ ★ ★ ★.5
Tropes
- Fake dating
- Love after loss
- Close proximity
- Body positivity
- Slow burn
- Small island town
Can I go to Fire Island and hang with the gang at the Sundowner, play cards and have a party at the boys of summer?
I loved going back and getting Eamon’s story. But god did it break my heart. He really struggled with life and reading him come out the other side made my heart so happy.
Sadie also was struggling with stuff from her past and reading how they help each other and love each other through all their flaws was something special. These two have been my favourite to read so far.
Thank you so much to Hazel for the arc I have truely loved all the Fire Island gang.
𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘸, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘴𝘴, 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴. 𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦.
“𝘛𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦? 𝘚𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘦.” 𝘌𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦. “𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘐’𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
★ ★ ★ ★.5
Tropes
- Fake dating
- Love after loss
- Close proximity
- Body positivity
- Slow burn
- Small island town
Can I go to Fire Island and hang with the gang at the Sundowner, play cards and have a party at the boys of summer?
I loved going back and getting Eamon’s story. But god did it break my heart. He really struggled with life and reading him come out the other side made my heart so happy.
Sadie also was struggling with stuff from her past and reading how they help each other and love each other through all their flaws was something special. These two have been my favourite to read so far.
Thank you so much to Hazel for the arc I have truely loved all the Fire Island gang.
𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘸, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘴𝘴, 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴. 𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦.
December 15, 2023
Let me start off by saying thank you again for gifting me an arc of this beautiful book.. & also a sorry it’s taken me so long to read/review… I’m undeserving but when one gets sick it becomes a domino effect and idk about y’all but I get slumpy.
HOOOOOWWWEEEVVVVEEERRRRR. To make it up I’m giving surf road 5 stars and Eamon is officially my new book boyfriend I swear I spades. 😉
Saltaire & return to saltaire I read both within two days and hazel has done it again where she creates these storylines that sink you in and all you want to do is read and read and read. Her first two books broke me and put me back together after hitting me with some life turning events that also intertwine with Eamon story.
(If you haven’t read the first two… what are you waiting for.. this is your sign! )
In surf road we follow Eamon journey of grief, forgiveness & fear. It’s a daily battle that he was on the losing side and our girl Sadie was able to spark a much nerd flame under his ass while also healing from betrayal, self love and also fear.
Hazel jacks has figured out a way to write beautiful love stories with real traumas and just life. It’s not always pretty and you don’t always get a flawless HEA story. Sometimes it’s dark, heartbreaking and messy. Sometimes you need to breakdown and try and find the pieces to glue yourself back together.
This book was just beautiful.
I fell in love with these characters from fire island in the first book and we meet new people and fall in love a bit more.
On a brighter note, I want a snow day on the beach with some homemade lasagna please!
HOOOOOWWWEEEVVVVEEERRRRR. To make it up I’m giving surf road 5 stars and Eamon is officially my new book boyfriend I swear I spades. 😉
Saltaire & return to saltaire I read both within two days and hazel has done it again where she creates these storylines that sink you in and all you want to do is read and read and read. Her first two books broke me and put me back together after hitting me with some life turning events that also intertwine with Eamon story.
(If you haven’t read the first two… what are you waiting for.. this is your sign! )
In surf road we follow Eamon journey of grief, forgiveness & fear. It’s a daily battle that he was on the losing side and our girl Sadie was able to spark a much nerd flame under his ass while also healing from betrayal, self love and also fear.
Hazel jacks has figured out a way to write beautiful love stories with real traumas and just life. It’s not always pretty and you don’t always get a flawless HEA story. Sometimes it’s dark, heartbreaking and messy. Sometimes you need to breakdown and try and find the pieces to glue yourself back together.
This book was just beautiful.
I fell in love with these characters from fire island in the first book and we meet new people and fall in love a bit more.
On a brighter note, I want a snow day on the beach with some homemade lasagna please!
December 8, 2023
Surf Road is Eamon and Sadie’s story. It takes place years after Saltaire, when tragedy has already struck.
Sadie is the new substitute teacher that comes to the island for a few months. From the first moment, Eamon does not make a good impression, but who cares. He already lost the love of his life, so the beautiful girl next door should not be his concern…
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. First with the tragedy that Eamon and his friends went through, I still get tears in my eyes while writing this.
But Sadie also has her baggage, and it’s not something that she will easily share with other people. Her trust has been hurt enough in the past. And add on the insecurities she has right now, I could feel every emotion she went through.
I’m glad I found out about this author with her first book. She won me over already with that duet, but with each new book, she makes sure she keeps me in her corner.
Sadie is the new substitute teacher that comes to the island for a few months. From the first moment, Eamon does not make a good impression, but who cares. He already lost the love of his life, so the beautiful girl next door should not be his concern…
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. First with the tragedy that Eamon and his friends went through, I still get tears in my eyes while writing this.
But Sadie also has her baggage, and it’s not something that she will easily share with other people. Her trust has been hurt enough in the past. And add on the insecurities she has right now, I could feel every emotion she went through.
I’m glad I found out about this author with her first book. She won me over already with that duet, but with each new book, she makes sure she keeps me in her corner.
December 1, 2023
ARC
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
♠️Small island town
♥️Close proximity
♠️Love after loss
♥️Body appearance angst
♠️Fake dating
♥️Slow burn
I stumbled upon Author, Hazel Jacks, Fire Island Series. This and I HAD TO READ IT. It’s based in 2011.
I devoured this book. Eamon and Sadie took my heart and squeezed it. I laughed so hard a few times and definitely whipped tears away. I stayed up too late reading it and did not regret it.
There were so many different parts to this book that made it amazing as a Long Island girl that grew up where the book took place.
Scene that lives rent free: Batman, rooftop, surfing, snow day
Favorite quote : “I swear on Spades”♠️
Surf Road is the third book in the Fire Island series and is an interconnected standalone, though there will be some spoilers about other characters from Book 1 & 2.
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
♠️Small island town
♥️Close proximity
♠️Love after loss
♥️Body appearance angst
♠️Fake dating
♥️Slow burn
I stumbled upon Author, Hazel Jacks, Fire Island Series. This and I HAD TO READ IT. It’s based in 2011.
I devoured this book. Eamon and Sadie took my heart and squeezed it. I laughed so hard a few times and definitely whipped tears away. I stayed up too late reading it and did not regret it.
There were so many different parts to this book that made it amazing as a Long Island girl that grew up where the book took place.
Scene that lives rent free: Batman, rooftop, surfing, snow day
Favorite quote : “I swear on Spades”♠️
Surf Road is the third book in the Fire Island series and is an interconnected standalone, though there will be some spoilers about other characters from Book 1 & 2.
December 10, 2023
3.5/4 stars
(i received an arc)
surf road had some very interesting characters: sadie and eamon. i especially liked the representation of their struggles, which made the story feel more real and raw. their personal struggles were incorporated well into the book, adding more depth to the plot.
i enjoyed the storyline, and found myself wanting to know what happens next. however, some scenes were a little cringey for me, which i why i bumped down a star in my rating. i also feel like sadie and eamon’s relationship was slightly rushed, resulting in an inevitable conflict, but regardless, i did enjoy the novel and found them cute as a couple.
i would recommend this book, especially for those who sometimes want a change from fluffy romcoms and instead read something with a bit more character complexity.
(i received an arc)
surf road had some very interesting characters: sadie and eamon. i especially liked the representation of their struggles, which made the story feel more real and raw. their personal struggles were incorporated well into the book, adding more depth to the plot.
i enjoyed the storyline, and found myself wanting to know what happens next. however, some scenes were a little cringey for me, which i why i bumped down a star in my rating. i also feel like sadie and eamon’s relationship was slightly rushed, resulting in an inevitable conflict, but regardless, i did enjoy the novel and found them cute as a couple.
i would recommend this book, especially for those who sometimes want a change from fluffy romcoms and instead read something with a bit more character complexity.
November 30, 2023
In true Hazel Jacks fashion this book is amazing! I wasn’t sure that it could compare with Saltaire and Return to Saltaire, but it’s right up there with them.
I could not put this book down and literally read it in a day and a half because the book just flows and it so well done.
The banter between Eamon and Sadie is sooo good. I was laugh so much during this book! They both have their own hardships and I think that’s what makes this story so great!
Definitely a slow burn but when you read the book you will see why and that it is done perfectly! “I swear on spades.” ♠️
This is one of my top books I have read this year.
I could not put this book down and literally read it in a day and a half because the book just flows and it so well done.
The banter between Eamon and Sadie is sooo good. I was laugh so much during this book! They both have their own hardships and I think that’s what makes this story so great!
Definitely a slow burn but when you read the book you will see why and that it is done perfectly! “I swear on spades.” ♠️
This is one of my top books I have read this year.
December 7, 2023
This book was so incredibly beautiful 😭
I fell in love with the Fire Island series right from the first page of Saltaire and when I found out Eamon was getting a book I was so excited and completely nervous about the amount of grief and pain this one would hold.
Hazel Jacks took that pain and made it into something so incredibly beautiful! I was not prepared for Sadie’s story! While my heart hurt for both these characters, I found such beauty in their story and am so glad Eamon and Sadie found each other.
Surf Road was real, raw and so healing.
Thank you to Hazel Jacks for the Ecopy to read and review :)
I fell in love with the Fire Island series right from the first page of Saltaire and when I found out Eamon was getting a book I was so excited and completely nervous about the amount of grief and pain this one would hold.
Hazel Jacks took that pain and made it into something so incredibly beautiful! I was not prepared for Sadie’s story! While my heart hurt for both these characters, I found such beauty in their story and am so glad Eamon and Sadie found each other.
Surf Road was real, raw and so healing.
Thank you to Hazel Jacks for the Ecopy to read and review :)
December 10, 2023
Hazel Jacks knows how to write a heart warming book making you fall in love with both characters immediately. Eamon and Sadie both have traumas and battles they need to overcome.
Reading the first two books of the Fire Island series I knew I would fall in love with Eamon immediately. He built walls up and was closed off for a heartbreaking reason. Watching Sadie come in and melt his frozen heart and slowly chip away to bring him back to his “pre accident” self was magical to watch.
Eamon and Sadie’s banter was captivating. I LOVED Lottie and Blue and how charming they are. I truly wish Fire Island and these characters were a real place. I would definitely visit!
Hazel Jacks brings an awareness and reality to mental health issues. She writes with passion and reality of what a traumatic situation can do to a person. Please read the trigger warnings prior to reading. Honestly, this book was written with compassion and will really warm your heart.
Reading the first two books of the Fire Island series I knew I would fall in love with Eamon immediately. He built walls up and was closed off for a heartbreaking reason. Watching Sadie come in and melt his frozen heart and slowly chip away to bring him back to his “pre accident” self was magical to watch.
Eamon and Sadie’s banter was captivating. I LOVED Lottie and Blue and how charming they are. I truly wish Fire Island and these characters were a real place. I would definitely visit!
Hazel Jacks brings an awareness and reality to mental health issues. She writes with passion and reality of what a traumatic situation can do to a person. Please read the trigger warnings prior to reading. Honestly, this book was written with compassion and will really warm your heart.
December 10, 2023
Favorite quote/line: "You are worth the fear I have, and I want to wake up everyday with that fear, because if I don't have it, then that means you aren't the most important thing in my life. And, Sadie, you are my beautiful world."
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶
This story was absolutely amazing. It sucked me in completely, and had me feeling all the emotions. From laughing at Sadie and Eamons banter to getting choked up by their trials they have both faced and were continuing to face.
It's a very slow burn, very low on the spice level. But still such a beautiful story that had me in its clutches.
Thank you for this amazing book that gave me all the feels
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶
This story was absolutely amazing. It sucked me in completely, and had me feeling all the emotions. From laughing at Sadie and Eamons banter to getting choked up by their trials they have both faced and were continuing to face.
It's a very slow burn, very low on the spice level. But still such a beautiful story that had me in its clutches.
Thank you for this amazing book that gave me all the feels
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