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Seal Cove #3
Windlass
Helping animals for a living? (check)
Having the best friends in the world? (check)
Falling in love with one of those friends? Um . . . (check)
Stevie has everything she wants, except the one thing that matters most: her friend and roommate, Angie. But the shadows of Angie’s past have a long reach, and even though everyone in the small town of Seal Cove knows Stevie and Angie have been in love for years, none of that matters if Angie herself isn’t willing to take the risk.
Risk, as far as Angie is concerned, equals loss. She once risked everything by telling the truth–and that ended badly. Very badly. Friendship is the only thing that has ever worked out for her. She can’t afford to lose Stevie–even at the expense of her own happiness.
However, when their other roommates move out of the house, each finds it harder and harder to resist their feelings. Angie must decide if the scars of her past will dictate her future, and Stevie will need to accept that sometimes, people need to save themselves.
Having the best friends in the world? (check)
Falling in love with one of those friends? Um . . . (check)
Stevie has everything she wants, except the one thing that matters most: her friend and roommate, Angie. But the shadows of Angie’s past have a long reach, and even though everyone in the small town of Seal Cove knows Stevie and Angie have been in love for years, none of that matters if Angie herself isn’t willing to take the risk.
Risk, as far as Angie is concerned, equals loss. She once risked everything by telling the truth–and that ended badly. Very badly. Friendship is the only thing that has ever worked out for her. She can’t afford to lose Stevie–even at the expense of her own happiness.
However, when their other roommates move out of the house, each finds it harder and harder to resist their feelings. Angie must decide if the scars of her past will dictate her future, and Stevie will need to accept that sometimes, people need to save themselves.
410 pages, Paperback
Published July 8, 2025
23 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Anna Burke
8 books1,061 followersAnna Burke enjoys all things nautical and generally prefers animals to people. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found walking in the woods with her dogs or drinking too much tea, which she prefers hot and strong—just like her protagonists.
She lives in Massachusetts with her wife, dogs, and too many houseplants. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College, where she now teaches in their Popular Fiction MFA program. She is also the Director of Education for the Golden Crown Literary Society.
You can follow her on Twitter @annaburkeauthor.
She lives in Massachusetts with her wife, dogs, and too many houseplants. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College, where she now teaches in their Popular Fiction MFA program. She is also the Director of Education for the Golden Crown Literary Society.
You can follow her on Twitter @annaburkeauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 16, 2025
Oof. This one like probably around a 2.5/3ish. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite do it for me.
Anna Burke has become one of my favorite authors, and a must read, and usually a must buy, for me. I enjoyed the other two books in this series, iirc, I liked the second one with Lillian and Ivy more than the first one. This one I think is my least fav, but that comes down to more personal preferences than a knock on the writing. I think others will enjoy this more than I did.
Stevie just isn’t the type of character I usually respond to much (super jokey/constant puns, etc) and some of the ways she was pining for Angie just left me a little more irritated with her rather than sympathetic (esp regarding the Lana situation, idk it just annoyed me). I had a lot more affection for Angie and connected with her a bit more, but I just wasn’t as into their dynamic and found myself skimming a bit through most of their sex scenes. I WANTED to like them more but I just didn’t. I also found it odd that the Jaq side storyline seemed to just get dropped. In general, I ADORE Anna’s other works, so I’m calling this one a fluke and a me thing.
Anna Burke has become one of my favorite authors, and a must read, and usually a must buy, for me. I enjoyed the other two books in this series, iirc, I liked the second one with Lillian and Ivy more than the first one. This one I think is my least fav, but that comes down to more personal preferences than a knock on the writing. I think others will enjoy this more than I did.
Stevie just isn’t the type of character I usually respond to much (super jokey/constant puns, etc) and some of the ways she was pining for Angie just left me a little more irritated with her rather than sympathetic (esp regarding the Lana situation, idk it just annoyed me). I had a lot more affection for Angie and connected with her a bit more, but I just wasn’t as into their dynamic and found myself skimming a bit through most of their sex scenes. I WANTED to like them more but I just didn’t. I also found it odd that the Jaq side storyline seemed to just get dropped. In general, I ADORE Anna’s other works, so I’m calling this one a fluke and a me thing.
August 3, 2025
5⭐️
The third part of the Seal Cove series is dedicated to Stevie and Angie. It makes sense to read the series in the correct order.
Despite all the banter and flirting, the book also deals with serious topics such as trauma, self-harm, self-esteem, learning to love and value oneself, trust, and the courage to confide in another person.
Angie has experienced a lot of bad things and lost even more, and this has had a profound effect on her. She finds it incredibly difficult to open up and love herself. Her instinct to run away is always overwhelming. Should she really risk her heart to love the person who means the most to her with all her heart, and allow herself to lean on this person? Or is the urge to run stronger when someone gets too close?
Stevie is the only person who sees Angie, and vice versa. Sweet and loving Stevie, the quirky and dorky person, always with a silly saying on her lips, is madly in love with Angie. But she believes that nothing more than friendship is possible, because Angie never really lets anyone get close to her, yet she always carries a small glimmer of hope in her heart that more might be possible. Her ever-present humor is her shield to hide her feelings.
Both characters immediately stole my heart. Stevie is a wonderful friend whom I only ever wanted to see happy. And Angie, who punishes herself for things she couldn't help. I just wanted to hug her and tell her that everything will be okay, and that it's perfectly okay to lean on someone and let them support and love you. I liked their banter but also their earnest conversations. The chemistry between Angie and Stevie was sizzling, and ohhh... the sex was so hot.
Another heartwarming story from the friends of Seal Cove. A group of women that anyone would want to have as friends. I loved how they help each other and support each other no matter what.
The third part of the Seal Cove series is dedicated to Stevie and Angie. It makes sense to read the series in the correct order.
Despite all the banter and flirting, the book also deals with serious topics such as trauma, self-harm, self-esteem, learning to love and value oneself, trust, and the courage to confide in another person.
Angie has experienced a lot of bad things and lost even more, and this has had a profound effect on her. She finds it incredibly difficult to open up and love herself. Her instinct to run away is always overwhelming. Should she really risk her heart to love the person who means the most to her with all her heart, and allow herself to lean on this person? Or is the urge to run stronger when someone gets too close?
Stevie is the only person who sees Angie, and vice versa. Sweet and loving Stevie, the quirky and dorky person, always with a silly saying on her lips, is madly in love with Angie. But she believes that nothing more than friendship is possible, because Angie never really lets anyone get close to her, yet she always carries a small glimmer of hope in her heart that more might be possible. Her ever-present humor is her shield to hide her feelings.
Both characters immediately stole my heart. Stevie is a wonderful friend whom I only ever wanted to see happy. And Angie, who punishes herself for things she couldn't help. I just wanted to hug her and tell her that everything will be okay, and that it's perfectly okay to lean on someone and let them support and love you. I liked their banter but also their earnest conversations. The chemistry between Angie and Stevie was sizzling, and ohhh... the sex was so hot.
Another heartwarming story from the friends of Seal Cove. A group of women that anyone would want to have as friends. I loved how they help each other and support each other no matter what.
September 10, 2025
Stevie: “Ladders are stable. Foundations are stable. Places where horses live are stable. People aren't stable. We're mostly liquid shoved into skin sacks.”
Angie: “You say the sexiest things to me.”
Elevated, emotionally intelligent, and very smutty, with a generous supporting cast of lovable humans, turtles, cats, horses, and dogs. Angie and Stevie’s brand of I-love-you-but-I’m-too-traumatized-to-admit-it-so-let’s-play-games-with-each-other drove me up the wall, but somehow I still enjoyed said games, mind and otherwise. And as the scale of said trauma came into focus, my heart broke a little. There are some hard-hitting, trigger-warning-worthy scenes snuck in here; it gets impressively intense. (The arc with Lana was particularly satisfying; the arc with Jaq gets weirdly dropped.) Probably my least favorite Seal Cove book, mainly because it’s kind of a lot—but still a five star read.
Angie: “You say the sexiest things to me.”
Elevated, emotionally intelligent, and very smutty, with a generous supporting cast of lovable humans, turtles, cats, horses, and dogs. Angie and Stevie’s brand of I-love-you-but-I’m-too-traumatized-to-admit-it-so-let’s-play-games-with-each-other drove me up the wall, but somehow I still enjoyed said games, mind and otherwise. And as the scale of said trauma came into focus, my heart broke a little. There are some hard-hitting, trigger-warning-worthy scenes snuck in here; it gets impressively intense. (The arc with Lana was particularly satisfying; the arc with Jaq gets weirdly dropped.) Probably my least favorite Seal Cove book, mainly because it’s kind of a lot—but still a five star read.
July 8, 2025
4.5 stars
This was Stevie and Angie’s book and the series is meant to be read in order.
This installment is very much about insecurities and self harm when people who you were supposed to be able to count on failed you. How does that affect your adult life? Your self esteem? Self love? And, ultimately, accepting real love when it comes your way.
Unless you remember Anna Burke’s last Seal Cove books really well, I’d suggest you go back and refresh. Windlass is a fine stand-alone, but I think you will appreciate it even more if you remembered the earlier books. I plan to go back and re/read them because I loved them so much!
Anna Burke is ridiculously talented. I love the diversity of what she writes! And my goodness, this is sexy!
There will be one more of this series to come. Lucky us!
I received an ARC from Bywater Books in exchange for an honest review.
This was Stevie and Angie’s book and the series is meant to be read in order.
This installment is very much about insecurities and self harm when people who you were supposed to be able to count on failed you. How does that affect your adult life? Your self esteem? Self love? And, ultimately, accepting real love when it comes your way.
Unless you remember Anna Burke’s last Seal Cove books really well, I’d suggest you go back and refresh. Windlass is a fine stand-alone, but I think you will appreciate it even more if you remembered the earlier books. I plan to go back and re/read them because I loved them so much!
Anna Burke is ridiculously talented. I love the diversity of what she writes! And my goodness, this is sexy!
There will be one more of this series to come. Lucky us!
I received an ARC from Bywater Books in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2025
I waited so patiently for the story of Stevie and Angie to be written. The need to know more about them was boiling in my head from the very first time I started reading Spindrift and losing myself in the greatness that the Seal Cove series is.
Every book is different, from tropes to psychology of the characters and this last one touches again some dark traumas, explaining why sometimes, opening up to someone, trusting them and relying on them can be so difficult.
For some "I love you" is easy to say, for others it is a double sided weapon that can come back like a boomerang at your heart, breaking it, when that love is not returned.
How you deal with fear of abandonment, fear of hurting yourself and others defines how you can find your way to happiness. Because, no matter what the unreal thoughts your mind produces, you too are worthy of finding happiness and love.
The physicality in Windlass is used as an instrument by Angie to keep her mind silent, and by Stevie to keep whatever part of her she can as close as possible to the person she cherishes the most. The mind will eventually surrender to what the body crave, and what the body needs to survive.
Angie and Stevie see each other for who they really are. They know the other even better than themselves.
Windlass is a beautiful friends to lovers novel, with so much spice in it that you will probably need several cold showers during this hot summer days. But it is also much more than that, it is how to break free from unhealthy copying mechanisms, and starting to trust that true friends will always have your back, no matter what.
I loved Stevie's dorky humor and her blanket of tenderness covering a feisty and ever burning want. She is fire, even if not many people would tell when meeting her.
And Angie... I so wanted to hug this character and tell her that it is okay to lean on someone else. Not everybody is a jerk. I know how shitty family members can be. Even your own blood. I am living that right now this year, but I am so thankful for the friends I found along the way. A friend. A true friend, is forever. A found family.
Seal Cove is an amazing family of resilient women, and I can't get enough of them. I'll patiently wait for Anna Burke to write more. Her writing style is always a pleasure to read.
Every book is different, from tropes to psychology of the characters and this last one touches again some dark traumas, explaining why sometimes, opening up to someone, trusting them and relying on them can be so difficult.
For some "I love you" is easy to say, for others it is a double sided weapon that can come back like a boomerang at your heart, breaking it, when that love is not returned.
How you deal with fear of abandonment, fear of hurting yourself and others defines how you can find your way to happiness. Because, no matter what the unreal thoughts your mind produces, you too are worthy of finding happiness and love.
The physicality in Windlass is used as an instrument by Angie to keep her mind silent, and by Stevie to keep whatever part of her she can as close as possible to the person she cherishes the most. The mind will eventually surrender to what the body crave, and what the body needs to survive.
Angie and Stevie see each other for who they really are. They know the other even better than themselves.
Windlass is a beautiful friends to lovers novel, with so much spice in it that you will probably need several cold showers during this hot summer days. But it is also much more than that, it is how to break free from unhealthy copying mechanisms, and starting to trust that true friends will always have your back, no matter what.
I loved Stevie's dorky humor and her blanket of tenderness covering a feisty and ever burning want. She is fire, even if not many people would tell when meeting her.
And Angie... I so wanted to hug this character and tell her that it is okay to lean on someone else. Not everybody is a jerk. I know how shitty family members can be. Even your own blood. I am living that right now this year, but I am so thankful for the friends I found along the way. A friend. A true friend, is forever. A found family.
Seal Cove is an amazing family of resilient women, and I can't get enough of them. I'll patiently wait for Anna Burke to write more. Her writing style is always a pleasure to read.
August 12, 2025
Anna Burke is such a versatile author. Whether she's writing about space pirates, vampires or stubborn people who need to just admit they love each other and get together already, Burke writes such engrossing books with relatable characters.
I have been waiting for Angie and Stevie's story since Spindrift. And I was not disappointed. These two crazy kids are meant for each other, and not even Angie's stubbornness and fear could stop the inevitable. This is my favorite of the series so far. It is beautiful, heartfelt and so damn sexy! Anna Burke delivers yet again!
I have been waiting for Angie and Stevie's story since Spindrift. And I was not disappointed. These two crazy kids are meant for each other, and not even Angie's stubbornness and fear could stop the inevitable. This is my favorite of the series so far. It is beautiful, heartfelt and so damn sexy! Anna Burke delivers yet again!
July 11, 2025
I think this might be my favorite book of the year. Anything I write would feel too personal, so I’ll just leave it at that.
Read
July 15, 2025Now THAT was a good romance. Anna Burke, doing the best contemporary romances hands down.
July 12, 2025
I've been waiting years for this book, so of course I bought this on release day and read it immediately. And, as expected, I couldn't put it down unless I absolutely had to (thanks, work). But I'm not sure how I feel about it, to be honest.
I think Anna Burke is a great writer and fans of this series won't be disappointed. But if you haven't read books 1 and 2 recently, you may want to go back to them for a refresh. And that is one small criticism about this book--that I don't think it fully stands alone. If you haven't read the first two books, I think you'll struggle a little bit with what's happening and how all the relationships intertwine. This isn't rocket science, so of course it can be done, but it's not what I would recommend. The good news here is that this whole series is worthy of a read.
Windlass is sexy--if you like a lot of spice, you're in for a treat. But it's also dark (and the sex and the darkness are sometimes intertwined). Anna Burke is touching upon themes that are not easy to read about, and the way she handles it... I think this work is brave and bold and Burke has my full admiration. I can't imagine how hard this was to write.
In terms of the romance, I was not at all disappointed. As I mention above, I've been waiting years for this payoff. And I will take the bonus scenes with Ivy since I adore her so much and love how well she slotted in friendship with Stevie, especially considering how different they are. But any and all moments form characters in past books were perfect, even though I wanted more.
Apart from the book not quite standing on its own, my one other criticism is how Burke doesn't close the loop on a side character who is introduced in this novel. I'm hoping she gets into this more in the 4th book (THERE IS GOING TO BE A 4TH BOOK!!!), but I have no idea how that will happen if that's her plan.
Anyway, I hope I don't have to wait another four years for the next book, but who knows. I'm still hoping for a book 3 in the Compass Rose series and Sea Wolf came out 4 years ago. I will work on my patience. :)
I think Anna Burke is a great writer and fans of this series won't be disappointed. But if you haven't read books 1 and 2 recently, you may want to go back to them for a refresh. And that is one small criticism about this book--that I don't think it fully stands alone. If you haven't read the first two books, I think you'll struggle a little bit with what's happening and how all the relationships intertwine. This isn't rocket science, so of course it can be done, but it's not what I would recommend. The good news here is that this whole series is worthy of a read.
Windlass is sexy--if you like a lot of spice, you're in for a treat. But it's also dark (and the sex and the darkness are sometimes intertwined). Anna Burke is touching upon themes that are not easy to read about, and the way she handles it... I think this work is brave and bold and Burke has my full admiration. I can't imagine how hard this was to write.
In terms of the romance, I was not at all disappointed. As I mention above, I've been waiting years for this payoff. And I will take the bonus scenes with Ivy since I adore her so much and love how well she slotted in friendship with Stevie, especially considering how different they are. But any and all moments form characters in past books were perfect, even though I wanted more.
Apart from the book not quite standing on its own, my one other criticism is how Burke doesn't close the loop on a side character who is introduced in this novel. I'm hoping she gets into this more in the 4th book (THERE IS GOING TO BE A 4TH BOOK!!!), but I have no idea how that will happen if that's her plan.
Anyway, I hope I don't have to wait another four years for the next book, but who knows. I'm still hoping for a book 3 in the Compass Rose series and Sea Wolf came out 4 years ago. I will work on my patience. :)
July 22, 2025
I remember being obsessed with this series in the moment. For some reason, I've read the second book first and then the first. And I thought, surely it's not going to take long for the third one to come out.
Then it did take long, I was so excited when it came out at last. Initially, I got so disappointed because I couldn't get into this one for days. I wasn't into how this story started at all, I had problems with the storyline and how uncomfortable it made me feel.
Then it just clicked, and I revaluated. I came to love both Stevie and Angie equally despite their imperfections. I once again got immersed in this universe.
While Night Tide still remains my most favourite in the series, this was very heartfelt. I've felt the chemistry to my very bones, if I'm being honest. Also, this was insanely hot, so!
Then it did take long, I was so excited when it came out at last. Initially, I got so disappointed because I couldn't get into this one for days. I wasn't into how this story started at all, I had problems with the storyline and how uncomfortable it made me feel.
Then it just clicked, and I revaluated. I came to love both Stevie and Angie equally despite their imperfections. I once again got immersed in this universe.
While Night Tide still remains my most favourite in the series, this was very heartfelt. I've felt the chemistry to my very bones, if I'm being honest. Also, this was insanely hot, so!
July 10, 2025
The trouble with returning to a story after 5 years is that much of the ‘story’ in this one had been told in books 1 and 2. We knew the ending before half way through book 1! This should have been a short story, a 2.5. Perhaps better reading it as a one off.
July 28, 2025
It's been a while since a book made me feel so much. Angie's character is one of the most complex and layered I have ever read, and I just love her. She is deeply affected by trauma; each day is a battle against her self-loathing and desire for self-inflicted pain. It's an unhealthy coping mechanism she developed through the years after a deep trauma. Her struggle was so palpable; Burke must have gone so deep for this one. Stevie is just perfect for her; behind her goofiness, she understands Angie like no one else, and seeing her treating Angie with such patience and care melted my heart. It's like she is the only one that holds the keys to the multiple cages Angie's built around her heart and mind, and she knows how and when to use those keys; even if it's hard, she sticks.The chemistry and the spice were really intense, and chapter 10 has made my brain melt. It's the kind of book that I don't want to put down as long as the characters aren't okay. I was expecting some big drama in the end that made Angie break before building herself back, but I am so glad Burke chose another path of no miracle solution: time, a solid support system, and love. I can't express how much I love this group of people. I was too lazy to reread the first two books right before and was a bit frustrated to not have memorized every detail of them. Windlass was just perfectly painful and full of love. Ice on the cake, the follow-up of my beloved Ivy and Lil. I will patiently wait for book 4 of this series and hope to see Jaq again.
July 11, 2025
Is this my favorite in the series? Definitely could be. It’s certainly the hottest. And Stevie cracks me up.
Can be read stand alone but better if read in conjunction with the other books.
Can be read stand alone but better if read in conjunction with the other books.
Read
July 19, 2025Read 40 percent but lost interest for now 😒
August 1, 2025
2,8. This book was not my thing. The story could have been very interesting and the trope of friends to lovers is one of my favorites.
It had too many details and irrelevant moments for my taste. I could easily remove 100 pages of discussions that I wasn't interested in knowing about.
The description of the couple's personal moments was also something I didn't like. It was very cheesy. It seems like the author was clearly trying to make it look sexy with the kinks and all that, but in my opinion she didn't succeed because the couple lacked chemistry.
Of course I'm talking about my personal taste. Someone else would consider this book perfect and by the ratings I assume a lot of people do find it perfect.
I have read the second book of the series “night tide” and it is one of my favourite books. I don’t know what is different with this one but I can’t compare them. In “night tide” I found everything that I like in a book and in this one I found a lot that I don’t.
One thing that I liked about this book is the tension between those two in the beginning of the book and their flirtation before they became friends with benefits.
Also Stevie’s humour is dorky and childish and sometimes it was really difficult for me to take her seriously.
Overall the characters are all likeable but kind of indifferent to me. One other thing that really didn’t make sense was the fact that a little girl seemed to be abused by her family and the main characters new but they never did anything to help her and although Angie had a difficult childhood too she never took action to help her. That’s why I rated it 3 stars and I was considering 2 but I figured I have read worst.
Average book with some good qualities and a lot of annoying ones.
It had too many details and irrelevant moments for my taste. I could easily remove 100 pages of discussions that I wasn't interested in knowing about.
The description of the couple's personal moments was also something I didn't like. It was very cheesy. It seems like the author was clearly trying to make it look sexy with the kinks and all that, but in my opinion she didn't succeed because the couple lacked chemistry.
Of course I'm talking about my personal taste. Someone else would consider this book perfect and by the ratings I assume a lot of people do find it perfect.
I have read the second book of the series “night tide” and it is one of my favourite books. I don’t know what is different with this one but I can’t compare them. In “night tide” I found everything that I like in a book and in this one I found a lot that I don’t.
One thing that I liked about this book is the tension between those two in the beginning of the book and their flirtation before they became friends with benefits.
Also Stevie’s humour is dorky and childish and sometimes it was really difficult for me to take her seriously.
Overall the characters are all likeable but kind of indifferent to me. One other thing that really didn’t make sense was the fact that a little girl seemed to be abused by her family and the main characters new but they never did anything to help her and although Angie had a difficult childhood too she never took action to help her. That’s why I rated it 3 stars and I was considering 2 but I figured I have read worst.
Average book with some good qualities and a lot of annoying ones.
November 29, 2025
Windlass
I have waited a long time for Stevie and Angie's story. Since book one, I felt their chemistry and kept willing them to get together...and it was so worth the wait!! With that said, I was not prepared for them. This was definitely a heavier story than the others - it kinda broke me and put me back together. There was so much standing in their way, but there was no doubt that they were perfect for each other. They each just had to take the leap.
Please let Stormy have a story!🤞🏼🙏🏼
I have waited a long time for Stevie and Angie's story. Since book one, I felt their chemistry and kept willing them to get together...and it was so worth the wait!! With that said, I was not prepared for them. This was definitely a heavier story than the others - it kinda broke me and put me back together. There was so much standing in their way, but there was no doubt that they were perfect for each other. They each just had to take the leap.
Please let Stormy have a story!🤞🏼🙏🏼
August 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Happy to revisit these characters. Well written as usual for this author, but I had a hard time connecting with the story and romance overall. May have helped if I had reread the first two since it’s been so long.
Happy to revisit these characters. Well written as usual for this author, but I had a hard time connecting with the story and romance overall. May have helped if I had reread the first two since it’s been so long.
November 8, 2025
*4,5🌟
oh stevie you perfect, perfect woman...
oh stevie you perfect, perfect woman...
July 16, 2025
Angie & Stevie deserve everything good.
August 7, 2025
This was okay, I guess, but compared to the other 2 books, it was a bit of a letdown. For one thing, the timeline was inconsistent in regard to the other books with who moved out when. Minor quibble, but something that bothered me. Additionally, this book kind of meandered and then was rushing all at once. Maybe it would have worked as a novella since a lot of ground was covered previously. Also, the whole subplot with an abused teen just kind of petered out? Why even bring it in just to let it dangle so unsatisfactorily? I liked Stevie, even with all her antics, but Angie was incredibly frustrating. I’m glad she finally got therapy. Maybe she’ll look into homeowners insurance next. Also, also as kink friendly as the two mains apparently were, we only got 1.5 spicy scenes with them; all other encounters were mentioned in past tense. With all the buildup between them, I expected more.
June 15, 2025
Oh I just LOVE every bit of it. It’s emotional, sensual, and so much love. This feels like a perfect romance.
July 9, 2025
Exciting sequel to the series I’ve been waiting for. Half way through I thought this was going in a direction I didn’t like, fortunately that didn’t happen. I really like how the ending was handled.
August 29, 2025
4.25 stars
November 16, 2025
This series of small-town sapphic romance stories are brilliant - each one following different characters from a close-knit group of friends 📚❤️
This instalment follows the dual perspectives of Stevie and Angie. Everyone has always assumed they’re into each other. Stevie is quietly yearning for her best friend and roommate, believing it’s entirely unrequited - but we readers can see from Chapter One that it’s very much a two-way crush. So why hasn’t anything happened?
We follow the tense dance between two best friends who fancy each other, fantasise about each other, want each other - but fear keeps them apart. With roommates moving out (thanks to the storylines of the first two novels in the series), the forced proximity and the unspoken mutual attraction becomes almost agonising.
Angie’s past trauma (SA, not on page) is handled with such tenderness, and Stevie treats her with so much love and care. The difficulty Angie has in asking for help, the sense of not feeling whole while falling in love - the nuance in her emotional journey is incredibly well written ❤️
Spoilers…
The sexual tension, the chemistry, the sheer pull between them becomes too much, and a friends-with-benefits situation begins. They circle around the fear of ruining their friendship, trying to keep things quiet while everything between them is clearly shifting.
The 🌶 is incredibly hot. As with 'Nighttide', the author builds foreplay, teasing and edging into their interactions, and then the intimacy itself is erotic, passionate - sometimes rough, sometimes soft - and honestly unforgettable (Chapter 10… 🫠).
The series as a whole is wonderful, so I also loved seeing what the other characters were up to throughout ❤️
Definitely check the content warnings, but following this romance left me feeling emotionally raw yet content by its end, and it’s written beautifully 📚🏳️🌈❤️
This instalment follows the dual perspectives of Stevie and Angie. Everyone has always assumed they’re into each other. Stevie is quietly yearning for her best friend and roommate, believing it’s entirely unrequited - but we readers can see from Chapter One that it’s very much a two-way crush. So why hasn’t anything happened?
We follow the tense dance between two best friends who fancy each other, fantasise about each other, want each other - but fear keeps them apart. With roommates moving out (thanks to the storylines of the first two novels in the series), the forced proximity and the unspoken mutual attraction becomes almost agonising.
Angie’s past trauma (SA, not on page) is handled with such tenderness, and Stevie treats her with so much love and care. The difficulty Angie has in asking for help, the sense of not feeling whole while falling in love - the nuance in her emotional journey is incredibly well written ❤️
Spoilers…
The sexual tension, the chemistry, the sheer pull between them becomes too much, and a friends-with-benefits situation begins. They circle around the fear of ruining their friendship, trying to keep things quiet while everything between them is clearly shifting.
The 🌶 is incredibly hot. As with 'Nighttide', the author builds foreplay, teasing and edging into their interactions, and then the intimacy itself is erotic, passionate - sometimes rough, sometimes soft - and honestly unforgettable (Chapter 10… 🫠).
The series as a whole is wonderful, so I also loved seeing what the other characters were up to throughout ❤️
Definitely check the content warnings, but following this romance left me feeling emotionally raw yet content by its end, and it’s written beautifully 📚🏳️🌈❤️
November 29, 2025
For the first time, an Anna Burke novel took me longer than a few days to complete. Once I got going, of course, I was hooked and could scarcely put it down, but the first couple chapters...I dunno...wrong headspace? Not sure.
There are definitely romances and/or rom-coms out there that are a series that you can still read as essentially standalone. This is not one of them. I've read the other 2 books, and still because it's been a couple years, for a little while I felt a little lost remembering who is who, who's involved with who, how the other two couples got together, Ivy's diagnosis, etc. This is definitely a book for already existing Seal Cove fans.
It's also at times a very heavy book. Not only do we have Angie's issues with self-worth and self harm, in this one we're introduced to Stevie's new stable hand, 14yo Jaq. As she always does, Anna manages to tackle these heavy topics honestly, and with heart, but it does go hard at times, and will not be for everyone. Some of the stuff that comes up hit pretty close to home, and so in some ways, I think I connected with this one more than either Spindrift or Night Tide (both of which I still loved). Is it my favourite of them? I dunno...I think maybe so, even with all that and my slowness connecting to it at the start.
Stevie and Angie are absolutely as lovely as protags as they were as supporting characters. I also loved how Anna kept the lives of our previous protags going (as opposed to falling into the background like some romance series) without ever taking away from this story of these two people who've been in love with one another for years, but haven't managed to do anything about it. I also appreciate that she never tries to imply that mental health can be solved in a day, or with like 1 session with a therapist, that it can last a long time, and that that doesn't make a person broken.
On top of all that, I think this is the spiciest, hottest, of the Seal Cove books to day. Like, holy fucking shit...these two, when they finally hooked up...you felt the years worth of pent up longing just pouring right off the page (insert wetness joke here). Anna never had problem with the sex scenes in the previous books, but something about this one hits different, beyond the mild BDSM aspect.
As usual, Anna knocks it out of the park. 4.5 stars only for the barrier for entry of needing the previous stories fresh in the mind, but rounded up.
One to go. What's she gonna do with Stormy's book? Who's her love interest gonna be?!
There are definitely romances and/or rom-coms out there that are a series that you can still read as essentially standalone. This is not one of them. I've read the other 2 books, and still because it's been a couple years, for a little while I felt a little lost remembering who is who, who's involved with who, how the other two couples got together, Ivy's diagnosis, etc. This is definitely a book for already existing Seal Cove fans.
It's also at times a very heavy book. Not only do we have Angie's issues with self-worth and self harm, in this one we're introduced to Stevie's new stable hand, 14yo Jaq. As she always does, Anna manages to tackle these heavy topics honestly, and with heart, but it does go hard at times, and will not be for everyone. Some of the stuff that comes up hit pretty close to home, and so in some ways, I think I connected with this one more than either Spindrift or Night Tide (both of which I still loved). Is it my favourite of them? I dunno...I think maybe so, even with all that and my slowness connecting to it at the start.
Stevie and Angie are absolutely as lovely as protags as they were as supporting characters. I also loved how Anna kept the lives of our previous protags going (as opposed to falling into the background like some romance series) without ever taking away from this story of these two people who've been in love with one another for years, but haven't managed to do anything about it. I also appreciate that she never tries to imply that mental health can be solved in a day, or with like 1 session with a therapist, that it can last a long time, and that that doesn't make a person broken.
On top of all that, I think this is the spiciest, hottest, of the Seal Cove books to day. Like, holy fucking shit...these two, when they finally hooked up...you felt the years worth of pent up longing just pouring right off the page (insert wetness joke here). Anna never had problem with the sex scenes in the previous books, but something about this one hits different, beyond the mild BDSM aspect.
As usual, Anna knocks it out of the park. 4.5 stars only for the barrier for entry of needing the previous stories fresh in the mind, but rounded up.
One to go. What's she gonna do with Stormy's book? Who's her love interest gonna be?!
July 7, 2025
Intense, rocky path to romance for mains in book 3 of Seal Cove series (4.5 stars)
This book is intense, from the steamy and far from vanilla se x scenes to the trauma aftermath and concomitant behaviors of one of the main characters. There's angst and drama with plenty of humor (not always enough to take the edge off) along with the romance so if that's your jam consider this book. Book three in the Seal Cove series, it's really best to read the other two books, in order, before this one so you're not wondering what you're missing. I read the other two books (Spindrift and Night Tide) around the time each was published but did not have time to re-read either of them before delving in to Windlass and had several moments while reading where I questioned what I was missing by not remembering details from those first two books.
Heads up that there is trauma, abuse, and PTSD that figure into the story to one degree or another and the messiness and ugliness of that is not shied away from which made for some tough reading at times, but it's necessary for the characters and realistic, so if you're wanting to read an air brushed type of fluff romance where characters have surface level issues resolved in one chapter or less, this is not that kind of book. It's also not the kind of book some would want to read in public or church if anyone might read over your shoulder during one of the hot incendiary NSFW scenes between mains Stevie and Angie; those two get creative and spicy when they cross over from being housemates to more than friends.
Characters are written distinctly, with the relationships clear between each of them so among the group of friends you learn who trusts who with what, who goes to who for advice, who they listen to etc. These friends are ride or die, no holds barred or punches pulled, with honesty and bluntness and so much love between them all expressed in a myriad of ways; the jokes and quips are chuckle worthy for sure. It's a decent sized cast but after a mass introduction of them in the first chapters, it doesn't take long to figure out who's who and if you're coming in to this book with Spindrift (book one) and Night Tide (book two) fresh in mind, few characters will be unfamiliar to you.
Windlass was tough reading at times for me because of the subject matter and not the quality of writing; it wasn't all heavy but you need to be in a certain headspace to take in parts Angie's and Stevie's story in my view. If unflinching drama and angst is your thing you'll love this book more than I did. While this is not my favorite by Anna Burke I liked the rest of this series (or I wouldn't have read this one) and look forward to reading book four in the Seal Cove series when it's available. Her other books are definitely worth a read as well; Nottingham: The True Story of Robyn Hood is a real favorite and turned me on to Burke's incredible writing in the first place.
This book is intense, from the steamy and far from vanilla se x scenes to the trauma aftermath and concomitant behaviors of one of the main characters. There's angst and drama with plenty of humor (not always enough to take the edge off) along with the romance so if that's your jam consider this book. Book three in the Seal Cove series, it's really best to read the other two books, in order, before this one so you're not wondering what you're missing. I read the other two books (Spindrift and Night Tide) around the time each was published but did not have time to re-read either of them before delving in to Windlass and had several moments while reading where I questioned what I was missing by not remembering details from those first two books.
Heads up that there is trauma, abuse, and PTSD that figure into the story to one degree or another and the messiness and ugliness of that is not shied away from which made for some tough reading at times, but it's necessary for the characters and realistic, so if you're wanting to read an air brushed type of fluff romance where characters have surface level issues resolved in one chapter or less, this is not that kind of book. It's also not the kind of book some would want to read in public or church if anyone might read over your shoulder during one of the hot incendiary NSFW scenes between mains Stevie and Angie; those two get creative and spicy when they cross over from being housemates to more than friends.
Characters are written distinctly, with the relationships clear between each of them so among the group of friends you learn who trusts who with what, who goes to who for advice, who they listen to etc. These friends are ride or die, no holds barred or punches pulled, with honesty and bluntness and so much love between them all expressed in a myriad of ways; the jokes and quips are chuckle worthy for sure. It's a decent sized cast but after a mass introduction of them in the first chapters, it doesn't take long to figure out who's who and if you're coming in to this book with Spindrift (book one) and Night Tide (book two) fresh in mind, few characters will be unfamiliar to you.
Windlass was tough reading at times for me because of the subject matter and not the quality of writing; it wasn't all heavy but you need to be in a certain headspace to take in parts Angie's and Stevie's story in my view. If unflinching drama and angst is your thing you'll love this book more than I did. While this is not my favorite by Anna Burke I liked the rest of this series (or I wouldn't have read this one) and look forward to reading book four in the Seal Cove series when it's available. Her other books are definitely worth a read as well; Nottingham: The True Story of Robyn Hood is a real favorite and turned me on to Burke's incredible writing in the first place.
July 20, 2025
*Spoilers ahead*
Was there any world in which I didn't love this book? Probably not, no. I've read every Anna Burke book, and there's only one that I didn't adore, so she's got a pretty great track record with me.
I'll admit there was a tiny bit of me that was nervous for this one - what if it wasn't as good as I was anticipating? What if it messed with any of my favourite characters? Would I still enjoy it with book 2 being my favourite or would I just be comparing it to that? I'm glad to say none of those were the case. This isn't my favourite of the trilogy (or tetralogy-to-be!), I think I knew Night Tide was always going to be my favourite for so many reasons, but wow was this one close.
I love getting to see into the minds of the characters you've until now only seen in the background, it's really fun learning about who they are to themselves rather than just who they're seen as to others. There are some dark/difficult topics, particularly in Angie's backstory, but none of it is explicit or unnecessary. I really enjoyed getting to know Stevie especially, since up until this book we mostly just see the exterior she puts on to fit in, and so we never really get any deeper than her puns and jokes until this book.
Sometimes when a story brings in a kid I dread it because it can completely change all the dynamics and not always in a good way, so I was a little worried that I would end up not enjoying this book because of Jaq, but thankfully that wasn't the case at all. It felt like Jaq brought in an extra layer to the story and some of the characters, and quite frankly I'm always going to feel an emotional connection with a depressed 14 year old girl. Been there done that etc. I really enjoyed Angie's connection with Jaq in particular, and the insight it gives us into her own life and backstory.
Also, this isn't exactly the main point of the book, but as a chronically ill person with deteriorating health, how could I not love seeing a bit more of Ivy.
The book had a great mix of painful and sweet and extremely hot, and the ending was so lovely. I'm almost guaranteed to love any Anna Burke book that comes my way, and this was no exception. I'd absolutely recommend it! You could technically read it as a standalone, as with the rest of the series, but honestly why would you deprive yourself of the other two books?
"There's one book left, after all..." Anna Burke are you TRYING to kill me? I need this book immediately even though I literally just finished the last one.
Was there any world in which I didn't love this book? Probably not, no. I've read every Anna Burke book, and there's only one that I didn't adore, so she's got a pretty great track record with me.
I'll admit there was a tiny bit of me that was nervous for this one - what if it wasn't as good as I was anticipating? What if it messed with any of my favourite characters? Would I still enjoy it with book 2 being my favourite or would I just be comparing it to that? I'm glad to say none of those were the case. This isn't my favourite of the trilogy (or tetralogy-to-be!), I think I knew Night Tide was always going to be my favourite for so many reasons, but wow was this one close.
I love getting to see into the minds of the characters you've until now only seen in the background, it's really fun learning about who they are to themselves rather than just who they're seen as to others. There are some dark/difficult topics, particularly in Angie's backstory, but none of it is explicit or unnecessary. I really enjoyed getting to know Stevie especially, since up until this book we mostly just see the exterior she puts on to fit in, and so we never really get any deeper than her puns and jokes until this book.
Sometimes when a story brings in a kid I dread it because it can completely change all the dynamics and not always in a good way, so I was a little worried that I would end up not enjoying this book because of Jaq, but thankfully that wasn't the case at all. It felt like Jaq brought in an extra layer to the story and some of the characters, and quite frankly I'm always going to feel an emotional connection with a depressed 14 year old girl. Been there done that etc. I really enjoyed Angie's connection with Jaq in particular, and the insight it gives us into her own life and backstory.
Also, this isn't exactly the main point of the book, but as a chronically ill person with deteriorating health, how could I not love seeing a bit more of Ivy.
The book had a great mix of painful and sweet and extremely hot, and the ending was so lovely. I'm almost guaranteed to love any Anna Burke book that comes my way, and this was no exception. I'd absolutely recommend it! You could technically read it as a standalone, as with the rest of the series, but honestly why would you deprive yourself of the other two books?
"There's one book left, after all..." Anna Burke are you TRYING to kill me? I need this book immediately even though I literally just finished the last one.
July 21, 2025
Windlass is hands down my favourite book in the Seal Cove series—and that’s saying a lot, because I genuinely loved them all. From the earlier books, we’d already caught tantalizing glimpses of Angie and Stevie’s dynamic, and I couldn’t wait to finally dive into their story. It absolutely did not disappoint.
I’m a sucker for the best-friends-to-lovers trope, and this was one of the best renditions I’ve read. The emotional depth is just outstanding. I felt like I was holding my breath the entire time—every glance, every brush of skin, every unspoken truth between them was so charged and meaningful, it went straight to my heart. Burke excels at writing high-angst novels with real, flawed, human characters, and while she doesn’t always offer the emotional payoff I crave, Windlass comes pretty close. The ending was lovely and left me with the kind of warmth I hoped for.
Stevie, in particular, stole my heart. Kind, brave, quietly strong—I fell a little in love with her myself. The way she loves Angie, so steadily and wholeheartedly, and patiently, is something truly beautiful. It’s the kind of love we all dream of finding. And Angie’s journey, her vulnerability, her fight—it was raw and real in a way that only Burke can write.
The pacing was pitch-perfect; I was fully invested from beginning to end. And yes—it’s wonderfully steamy, but what really made it shine was how deeply emotional the intimacy was. It wasn’t just heat; it was longing, connection, history. That makes it ten times better.
And of course, the wider Seal Cove world continues to be a joy. The dynamic between all the characters—Morgan, Emilia, Lillian, Ivy—is such a testament to the power of chosen family. Seeing them show up for each other time and time again was heartwarming and affirming.
Bravo, Anna Burke. Windlass was everything I hoped it would be and more.
I’m a sucker for the best-friends-to-lovers trope, and this was one of the best renditions I’ve read. The emotional depth is just outstanding. I felt like I was holding my breath the entire time—every glance, every brush of skin, every unspoken truth between them was so charged and meaningful, it went straight to my heart. Burke excels at writing high-angst novels with real, flawed, human characters, and while she doesn’t always offer the emotional payoff I crave, Windlass comes pretty close. The ending was lovely and left me with the kind of warmth I hoped for.
Stevie, in particular, stole my heart. Kind, brave, quietly strong—I fell a little in love with her myself. The way she loves Angie, so steadily and wholeheartedly, and patiently, is something truly beautiful. It’s the kind of love we all dream of finding. And Angie’s journey, her vulnerability, her fight—it was raw and real in a way that only Burke can write.
The pacing was pitch-perfect; I was fully invested from beginning to end. And yes—it’s wonderfully steamy, but what really made it shine was how deeply emotional the intimacy was. It wasn’t just heat; it was longing, connection, history. That makes it ten times better.
And of course, the wider Seal Cove world continues to be a joy. The dynamic between all the characters—Morgan, Emilia, Lillian, Ivy—is such a testament to the power of chosen family. Seeing them show up for each other time and time again was heartwarming and affirming.
Bravo, Anna Burke. Windlass was everything I hoped it would be and more.
July 10, 2025
hot, complex, touching, dark and hopeful f/f romance
The buzz-words for this romance would be kink, friends-to-lovers, roommates, found family. Thank goodness this romance is all that and so much more thanks to Anna Burke‘s genius.
When you read or rather savor this book you‘ll find very soon the „chewy“ passages where you have to stop and think and feel, deep beautiful thoughts to process and layers, so many layers - dark, hopeful, peaceful, disturbing.
So what‘s Windlass about? Heavylifting obviously … when their friends move out (having found the love of their lives in book 1 and 2) Angie and Stevie are left alone in the old farm house. Angie has baggage, dark baggage, Stevie has jokes, bad jokes. Both know that they are intrigued by, smitten even with each other but for reasons, very good reasons (at least so it seems) they avoid acting on it.
That‘s the first delightful round in this dance, second round: an agreement with rules (did I hear someone murmur: rules are there to be broken?), third round — if you think all bets are off, ahem. Nothing is easy, because scars run deep and the slow development is just right, real and so moving. Breathtaking. I had to sit with it after I finished the book.
This is part 3 of the Seal Cove series: if you haven‘t read the first two books or haven‘t refreshed your memory since Night Tide was published 2021, the start might be a bit bumpy because there are a lot of references, but once the new story is off this can be read as a captivating, very special romance with all the feels: hot, complex, touching, dark, hopeful.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
The buzz-words for this romance would be kink, friends-to-lovers, roommates, found family. Thank goodness this romance is all that and so much more thanks to Anna Burke‘s genius.
When you read or rather savor this book you‘ll find very soon the „chewy“ passages where you have to stop and think and feel, deep beautiful thoughts to process and layers, so many layers - dark, hopeful, peaceful, disturbing.
So what‘s Windlass about? Heavylifting obviously … when their friends move out (having found the love of their lives in book 1 and 2) Angie and Stevie are left alone in the old farm house. Angie has baggage, dark baggage, Stevie has jokes, bad jokes. Both know that they are intrigued by, smitten even with each other but for reasons, very good reasons (at least so it seems) they avoid acting on it.
That‘s the first delightful round in this dance, second round: an agreement with rules (did I hear someone murmur: rules are there to be broken?), third round — if you think all bets are off, ahem. Nothing is easy, because scars run deep and the slow development is just right, real and so moving. Breathtaking. I had to sit with it after I finished the book.
This is part 3 of the Seal Cove series: if you haven‘t read the first two books or haven‘t refreshed your memory since Night Tide was published 2021, the start might be a bit bumpy because there are a lot of references, but once the new story is off this can be read as a captivating, very special romance with all the feels: hot, complex, touching, dark, hopeful.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
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