The Inn at Crescent Bay

by Sage Parker

"Everyone deserves a second chance... unless they're a murderer." From Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author

Naomi Brennon is ready for a fresh start. After a career-ending scandal and a painful divorce, purchasing her aunt's charming beachside inn in Crescent Bay, Florida seems like the perfect escape. With contractor Ryan Hart by her side, renovating the property could be the distraction she desperately needs.

Until a neighbor's whispered warning changes "He killed his wife, you know."

What began as a peaceful new chapter quickly becomes a minefield of secrets and suspicion. The townspeople are convinced Ryan got away with murder 10 years ago, but something about him makes Naomi doubt their stories. As she digs deeper into his past—breaking a promise she made not to pry—she uncovers more questions than answers.

The closer Naomi gets to the truth, the harder it is to ignore her growing feelings for Ryan. But can she trust a man whose past is shrouded in mystery? And when Ryan discovers her betrayal, she may lose the one person who makes Crescent Bay feel like home.

This is Book 2 in the Southwest Florida series, a captivating beachside romance full of small-town secrets, second chances, and the courage to trust your heart even when everyone tells you not to...

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176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2025

Reviews

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good beach setting/contemporary women’s fiction story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary tame, starting over, second chance romance is a clean and wholesome women's fiction with a beach town with mystery. It is page-turning with exceptional world-building in southwest Florida at the inn at Crescent Bay, where there are magnificent sunrises and sunsets that are vibrantly painted across the sky that are breathtaking, and characters that are resilient, captivating, intelligent, an inn owner, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the inn at Crescent Bay where Naomi Brennon escapes from a failed marriage and her ruined journalism career, small town where gossip about Naomi is causing a minefield of cold stares and abruptly ended conversations because of some spreading the parts of her past she never wanted anyone to know, drama, suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, danger, deception, heartfelt emotions that will leave readers needing Kleenex to wipe the tears that are threatening to spill down their cheeks, Naomi settles into island life, her stranger husband appears trying to win her back, mysterious occurrences at the inn are evidence that someone is waiting for her to fail, doesn't know who to trust/or if she can trust, action adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the inn at Crescent Bay and a second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is engulfed with love and loss and unforgettable.


The moment Naomi Brennon stepped back into Crescent Bay, the whispers started. She'd bought her aunt's beachfront inn hoping to escape her failed marriage and ruined journalism career—a desperate attempt to rebuild her life among childhood memories and ocean waves.

But small towns have a way of finding out everything.

Someone's been talking, spreading the parts of her past she never wanted anyone to know, turning each local shop into a minefield of cold stares and abruptly ended conversations.

The only person seemingly unfazed by the rumors is Ryan Hart, the talented—and distractingly handsome—contractor working on her renovation. He knows a thing or two about being the subject of town gossip, though he keeps his own past carefully guarded. His understanding smile and unwavering belief in her plans for the inn offer Naomi a comfort she hadn't expected to find.

But as Naomi settles into island life, her estranged husband reappears, determined to win her back. And strange occurrences at the inn suggest someone is waiting for her to fail. Now, Naomi must decide who to trust in a town where everyone has something to hide.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue Negrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Florida, Crescent Bay.
Slow start to book. Ryan and Naomi working on house.
Naomi checks on her Aunt and finds her having breakfast with Heidi she thought that strange.
She is cornered by the old ladies telling her Ryan killed his wife and abused Heidi. Naomi couldn’t beat so she called her friend to get all recorded of what happened. She understands how it happened and that he should not have been found guilty.
Heidi comes over for them to clear the air between them. Heidi tells her she has been watching her aunt for 2 yrs and was with her when she went to the doc and confirmed she has Alheimers. Heidi is shocked and greatfull Heidi has been there for her.
But then Heidi told Ryan Naomi was asking about the hole wife thing. Naomi explained how it really was, they go for a walk on the beach and they see the old ladies there. Ryan asked if she ever asked the town people about him. She said no…but she had her friend get her info and he asked why didn’t you just ask me and walked off.😕

[June Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opens with Naomi trying to eat lunch at a local cafe, but instead being shocked by comments made to her by an older woman about her Contractor, Ryan who is helping her restore and remodel the Inn, The woman tells her Ryan is dangerous as he murdered his wife. Naomi is shocked and disturbed as she has welcomed this man into her home/business and now is unsure how safe she is, though it is difficult to believe that what the woman says could be true. Both Ryan and Naomi had told each other they had a past but would like to get to know each other without delving into the others past then they could discuss these things with each other later on if they both agreed to do so. Promise made, promises kept, or are they?

Very good book with a compelling story line and great character development. Makes me eager and excited to read the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan Hart continues to help Naomi remodel the inn. She is still unsure if Ryan is guilty of killing his wife but she is doing her own research. Naomi has Heidi over one day when the Inn is almost finished and ready to open for business. Naomi and Heidi are chatting mostly about her aunt and her health when Ryan's name comes up and his wife's death. Ryan comes over the next day , after talking to Heidi, looking very grim and then he tells Naomi the truth about his wife's death. They go for a walk on the beach the next night and Naomi confesses to Ryan that she looked into his case of his wife's death and he left her on the beach upset that she didn't ask him instead. I am really looking forward to the next book, it is an exciting series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inn at Crescent Bay book 2 by Sage Parker is taking readers deeper into finding out the answers to the questions Naomi has about Ryan Hart who is the contractor she is using to help fix up the Inn she owns.
The town residents have given Ryan the cold shoulder. He was accused of killing his wife and Naomi is wanting answers to all the questions she has about this. She is starting to get feelings for him which only complicates things for her.
As readers of any book series Sage Parker writes there is a cliffhanger at the end and this makes for a fantastic series. The cliffhanger at the end of this one is a doozy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone in town is telling her two watch out for the person she hired to help her get her aunt and uncles inn back in shape. It seems that everyone she meets tells her that he is dangerous. But the rumors don't bother her because she has already been the one talked about and once she set everyone straight things were better. But wait, her aunt is the one who told her about Ryan and Naomi trust her aunt fully.
But she can't help wondering what exactly she is up against and so with the help of her friend Chrystal she starts to investigate Ryan even though she promised him she would not. This can not end well, but now moving on to book 3, we will see how it goes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

gossip in a small town can be harsh, sometimes near lethal.

being a year round local and a summer season local are very different things jn terms of history, perception, and reception by the full timer old guard

locals known for brunch and family and community connections turn out to be exceptionally abrupt, and pretty prone to power plays.

as things develop, hidden agendas make small town struggles a complex challenge - and a fascinating read, as stumbling bloks pop up.

living in interesting times might be engaging for some, but coils prove more complex, annoying or hazardous for others.

compelling reading.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Inn at Crescent Bay: Book 2” by Sage Parker

-Naomi uncovers secrets and scandals in a town where gossip runs deeper than truth. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.

Murder rumors, a cursed festival, and family mysteries keep tensions high. Themes of love, faith, and trust are strong in this book. A compelling, twisty read—but beware, it ends on a cliffhanger.This is a series of books that need to be read in order to better understand the storyline.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have certainly found out a little about Ryan’s past in this book and why the town think he is guilty of killing his wife but something does not add up and Naomi is delving in to the trial records to know a little more about Ryan and why she was warned about him from some of the locals. Naomi and Ryan have made progress on the Inn and soon Naomi will be welcoming guests. And that ending, wowser! Cannot wait for the next book.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has so much to unfold. Naomi has to deal with her Ex and fixing her Inn and Ryan has to deal with the town and their back talk about unsavory things aimed his way. Heidi is giving out weird vibes, and Ashley needs to come out of denial when it come to her mom, Matilda's health concerns. So much to unpack and I hope Naiomi can unravel the mystery behind Ryan's late wife's passing. This is definately keeping me interested.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi is using her knowledge to look into Ryan’s court case, discreetly. After the gossip the old biddies told her, her faith is shaken, a little. Naomi is learning about herself, Ryan and her Aunt Matilda. I am enjoying how there is a little more information is given in bits. Ryan is a survivor, honest and he has a quiet strength. Naomi is reeling from her separation and pending divorce. She got a chance to tell her almost ex where to go🤗🤗😂. What is going to be revealed next?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Southwest Florida series by Sage Parker. It was refreshing to see the relationship start to bloom between Naomi and Ryan. I did not like the fact that she went behind his back to investigate the murder trial. She should have just asked him. After all her own aunt believed in his innocence. Now she must rebuild that trust that she destroyed with her betrayal. I highly recommend this book to all women's fiction readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series must be read in order.
Naomi is discovering that this small town has some major issues and things are not what she thought. A contractor that was accused of murder. Her aunt having an unusual friendship. A cursed festival and a town full of gossips that don't care about the damage caused by opinions and grudges. Who should she believe and what impact will it have on her plans?.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and heartwarming.

A beautiful story that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at times. I love how Naomi is moving on with her life and how Ryan is a stable, supportive friend. But challenges emerge and questions arise that impact their friendship. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the next book in this series.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #2 in the Southwest Florida series by Sage Parker.

Naomi Brennon is having lunch and is given disturbing information about Ryan. She struggles with wanting to investigate him despite her agreement not to. Does she trust what she feels about him or listen to the rumors? Another enjoyable installment in the series.

I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inn at Crescent Bay, Book Two, continues the growing romance between Naomi and Ryan as they finish the renovations to the Inn. As the townspeople accuse Ryan of a past crime, Naomi begins to investigate him which he feels is a betrayal when learning what she was doing. Naomi and Crystal use their investigative skills to try to uncover the community's secrets. Book Three will conclude this saga.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi decides to investigate Ryan even though she agreed not to. She finds some articles but realizes that the town is turning on him like they did her. Her aunt has an unexpected friendship and when Ryan realizes she looked into his past, he leaves. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Booksprout, and this is my honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not only a wonderful romance book that will keep you turning the pages, but it is also very heartfelt and full of second chances and emotions. I absolutely LOVED reading this book by Sage. I had this book finished really quickly because the storyline as well as the characters are FANTASTIC to read and it kept me entertained on my day off.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi certainly has her hands full.
Working with Ryan to remodel the Inn, looking into his past (which she promised not to do...), helping Crystal gather information about the curse of the Town Festival.

Wow, what's next Sage?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and interesting story with twists I'm not altogether sure i'm ready for. An entertaining, emotional and heartfelt read. I want good things for Naomi but there are so many questions about Ryan... This series has me on the edge of my seat. This is definitely a page turner that does not disappoint, I'm so hooked. I need book 3!!!.

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inn at Crescent Bay book 2 continues deeper into finding out the answers to the questions Naomi has about Ryan Hart, the contractor who is helping fix up the inn. The town gossips think he killed his wife and Naomi is investigating this. She is reluctant to continue working with him if it is true. It has a cliffhanger ending and the rest will have to wait until Book 3 comes out.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi is slowly getting the inn renovated to open for business. She hears something that makes her look at Ryan differently. She wonders how safe she is. She starts to look into these rumors about Ryan. What will happen if the rumor is true?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two and Naomi is starting to find her feet with the renovations in the inn and her blossoming friendship with the handyman Ryan. Of course nothing is ever going to be that easy and the locals soon start gossiping about how Ryan has a temper and actually killed his wife! Mystery, suspense, friendship and trust, this is a wonderful addition to this incredible series!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

She’s made a promise to the hunky helpful carpenter and he’s made the promise. They both have negative history and the people on this snotty island are extremely judgmental.
FYI this is only part of the story. You’ll need to get the next books to follow the story if you can stand to.
After getting into the second book I quit.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very good but I don't like the ending. It ended with a cliffhanger. Cliffhangers are not my favorites.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Happy Happy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt so much excitement to see this book was finally available. The only bad thing about this book is that it has to end. Oh my goodness...Let's talk about cliffhanger!!
Another great book about family, love, honesty, faith and trust.
So excited for the next book!!!
Thank you

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noemi is a smart, hardworking, caring and curious woman. Ryan is a smart, creative and genuine man. Noemi's story has some suspense with a twist.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judith A. Maddox · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book 3

#3 not available until May 30. So frustrating to not b able to finish storyline. One of the reasons I dislike series book. They should not be released until complete series is available.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi is shocked to hear from a neighbor that her contractor Ryan is a murderer.They agreed not to question each other’s past, but is she safe?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.