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Dauntless Island #1
Dauntless
Welcome to Dauntless Island, where nothing much has changed in two hundred years, and that’s just how the islanders like it.
Joe Nesmith leads a peaceful life as the lighthouse keeper on Dauntless Island, a small community off the coast of Australia where the occupants are proud of their mutinous history and have very long memories.
When graduate student Eddie Hawthorne comes to Dauntless, he brings with him a historical diary that throws everything the islanders have ever believed into disarray—and one of them may even resort to deadly measures to make sure that Eddie’s research never sees the light of day.
Unless Joe and Eddie can stop it, Dauntless’s bloody history is set to repeat itself. On the plus side, if they survive this, they might actually realise they’re falling in love.
Dauntless contains a taciturn lighthouse keeper, a cute history nerd, a dog who thinks she’s a seal, and a diary that’s apparently worth killing for. Also, watch out for the goats.
Joe Nesmith leads a peaceful life as the lighthouse keeper on Dauntless Island, a small community off the coast of Australia where the occupants are proud of their mutinous history and have very long memories.
When graduate student Eddie Hawthorne comes to Dauntless, he brings with him a historical diary that throws everything the islanders have ever believed into disarray—and one of them may even resort to deadly measures to make sure that Eddie’s research never sees the light of day.
Unless Joe and Eddie can stop it, Dauntless’s bloody history is set to repeat itself. On the plus side, if they survive this, they might actually realise they’re falling in love.
Dauntless contains a taciturn lighthouse keeper, a cute history nerd, a dog who thinks she’s a seal, and a diary that’s apparently worth killing for. Also, watch out for the goats.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2025
21 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Henry
104 books2,280 followersI like to tell stories. Mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters. They gotta work for it though. No free lunches on my watch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 20, 2025
2.5
I enjoyed this at first. I liked Joe and Eddie as characters. The historical element was interesting. I was looking forward to see how everyone would react on learning what really happened. Sadly, we don't get that. And the names were fun.
I didn't like the direction the story took after the diary was stolen – Eddie's sudden mistrust, the events that followed (very far-fetched), and how everyone thought Eddie was to blame and wanted to go after him. It felt creepy, to be honest. I'd never set foot on that island. The resolution and the ending were rushed. And so did the relationship between Joe and Eddie.
I enjoyed this at first. I liked Joe and Eddie as characters. The historical element was interesting. I was looking forward to see how everyone would react on learning what really happened. Sadly, we don't get that. And the names were fun.
I didn't like the direction the story took after the diary was stolen – Eddie's sudden mistrust, the events that followed (very far-fetched), and how everyone thought Eddie was to blame and wanted to go after him. It felt creepy, to be honest. I'd never set foot on that island. The resolution and the ending were rushed. And so did the relationship between Joe and Eddie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2025
I enjoyed this story so much!!
An isolated small community on an island in the Pacific where everyone knows each other, and no one ever locks their doors, is rocked by assault, theft and murder!!! I loved how everyone became a suspect, but I was also really entertained by how they treated Eddie, the outsider, and his volatile connection to their island's history.
Joe and Eddie are really sweet together, and although they're fairly instalove their story did feel complete. I am curious about some of the other islanders though, and I love how they have their own naming conventions but I feel like I need some kind of family tree diagram to keep track of the characters because they all have the same names!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Lisa Henry, and this is my honest review
An isolated small community on an island in the Pacific where everyone knows each other, and no one ever locks their doors, is rocked by assault, theft and murder!!! I loved how everyone became a suspect, but I was also really entertained by how they treated Eddie, the outsider, and his volatile connection to their island's history.
Joe and Eddie are really sweet together, and although they're fairly instalove their story did feel complete. I am curious about some of the other islanders though, and I love how they have their own naming conventions but I feel like I need some kind of family tree diagram to keep track of the characters because they all have the same names!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Lisa Henry, and this is my honest review
July 31, 2025
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2025
3.75 stars rounded up
This one is a expanded edition of previously released novella with the same name - I read that one few years ago and I called it as fluffy murder. Since I read that Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock decided to make this one a series - the next book is already been listed - I decided to read this new version. Of course, since I don't remember much from the novella anyway, it's like reading a new title! 😄
Dauntless Island folks are very proud of their mutinious history. I wonder if Henry was inspired from the mutiny of The Batavia a Dutch-owned ship that was wrecked in 1600s in Western Australia (I visited the Maritime Museum in Perth and read about it, how the survivors must suffered tyranny, madness, murder and rape). Anyway, yes, they are proud to be descendants of people who brought down Captain George Hawthorne - until one of the great-great-great-great grandsons of Hawthorne came to the island with a diary that probably will debunk that history.
I liked both Red Joe Nesmith and Eddie Hawthorne. Joe was one of those "silent-type" introvert guys who was very solid. Plus he didn't immediately jumped into defending the history of the mutiny, like the rest of the islanders. He was willing to listen to Eddie's part of the history. Eddie was bubbly, in a way. Eddie was so passionate about the history (though he didn't realize that the islanders would be willing to kill him for it) and he was rather cute to read 😄. So together, they made a nice couple
Even if the whole relationship came LIGHTNING FAST - like few days only. But okay, I don't mind it so much this time. I enjoyed the story as a whole.
This one is a expanded edition of previously released novella with the same name - I read that one few years ago and I called it as fluffy murder. Since I read that Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock decided to make this one a series - the next book is already been listed - I decided to read this new version. Of course, since I don't remember much from the novella anyway, it's like reading a new title! 😄
Dauntless Island folks are very proud of their mutinious history. I wonder if Henry was inspired from the mutiny of The Batavia a Dutch-owned ship that was wrecked in 1600s in Western Australia (I visited the Maritime Museum in Perth and read about it, how the survivors must suffered tyranny, madness, murder and rape). Anyway, yes, they are proud to be descendants of people who brought down Captain George Hawthorne - until one of the great-great-great-great grandsons of Hawthorne came to the island with a diary that probably will debunk that history.
I liked both Red Joe Nesmith and Eddie Hawthorne. Joe was one of those "silent-type" introvert guys who was very solid. Plus he didn't immediately jumped into defending the history of the mutiny, like the rest of the islanders. He was willing to listen to Eddie's part of the history. Eddie was bubbly, in a way. Eddie was so passionate about the history (though he didn't realize that the islanders would be willing to kill him for it) and he was rather cute to read 😄. So together, they made a nice couple
Even if the whole relationship came LIGHTNING FAST - like few days only. But okay, I don't mind it so much this time. I enjoyed the story as a whole.
September 20, 2025
If you like cosy mystery stories and witty characters, this is great. There was a murder to solve as well, some twists thrown in, and a cute dog called Hiccup! What's not to like! It's also full of humour and made me smile so much. The various names of the Dauntless islanders really tickled me 😄 The romance of Eddie and Red Joe bordered on insta love, which isn't usually my thing, but it fitted in well with the plot here. And don't get me started on Short Clarry, the mayor! Who'da thought? I read it in a few hours, and it kept me thoroughly entertained. It's a great bit of escapism, I heartily recommend it. Can't wait for Natty Harper's book. 4.5 stars.
July 15, 2025
**ARC, honest review**
I read this in its original incarnation and liked it, but I didn't connect with it as much as I did this time. I do have to say this is more mystery than romance, but they intertwine well. I also have to say that I can not understand choosing to live somewhere so isolated. It's so not something I can relate to, but I do like that this life choice is treated respectfully. The mystery is good, I didn't figure it out immediately, but I would have liked a little more explanation of the motivation, it's implied, but I wanted a little more. But it is very suspenseful. I do like that the romance is a bit of Romeo and Juliet vibe without so much killing. I also adore Hiccup because there really can't be too many dogs. Joe and Eddie are sweet together, and I look forward to seeing how they are doing in the next book.
I read this in its original incarnation and liked it, but I didn't connect with it as much as I did this time. I do have to say this is more mystery than romance, but they intertwine well. I also have to say that I can not understand choosing to live somewhere so isolated. It's so not something I can relate to, but I do like that this life choice is treated respectfully. The mystery is good, I didn't figure it out immediately, but I would have liked a little more explanation of the motivation, it's implied, but I wanted a little more. But it is very suspenseful. I do like that the romance is a bit of Romeo and Juliet vibe without so much killing. I also adore Hiccup because there really can't be too many dogs. Joe and Eddie are sweet together, and I look forward to seeing how they are doing in the next book.
July 14, 2025
DAUNTLESS is the first in JA Rock and Lisa Henry’s Dauntless Island series, set on a remote island off the coast of Australia. The small population is quite proud of its heritage, and they are a tight-knit community. Lighthouse keeper and medic Joe Nesmith leads a peaceful life, and appreciates the town he helps oversee. That quiet existence seems turned on its head when graduate student Eddie Hawthorne comes to visit, bringing a diary whose contents might cause more upheaval than a violent storm.
JA Rock and Lisa Henry's story moves along at a page-turning clip as Joe and Eddie scramble to respond to physical dangers and the neighbors' opinions on their ancestors and what they all mean for their island and their future. I enjoyed the balance of their romance and the suspense and look forward to more in the series.
JA Rock and Lisa Henry's story moves along at a page-turning clip as Joe and Eddie scramble to respond to physical dangers and the neighbors' opinions on their ancestors and what they all mean for their island and their future. I enjoyed the balance of their romance and the suspense and look forward to more in the series.
July 17, 2025
Short and sweet. I feel like I’ve read this book before but it’s new so that seems unlikely. Joe and Eddie are both likeable characters. Also, I’ve just read another review that said this is an expanded novella so mystery solved. I have read it before and enjoyed it again!
September 11, 2025
A Diary's existence threatens the past and two men end up dead
The writing duo of Lisa Henry and JA Rock has created some incredible stories, and Dauntless is a captivating mystery and love story. Dauntless is an island off the Australian coast where about 300 locals are mostly descendants of a mutiny on the "Dauntless" that happened 200 years ago. When a descendant of the villain in the story arrives with a diary that challenges that story, things start to become uncomfortable for those who want to stick to the original tale.
Joe Nesmith is the lighthouse keeper and the only male direct descendant of the hero in the story told by the islanders. Graduate student Eddie Hawthorne comes to the island hoping to find confirmation for a diary belonging to one of the men involved in the mutiny, which reverses the roles as told by the islanders. He protects the diary and falls for the kind, gentle lighthouse keeper, who in turn falls for Eddie.
Their romance is sweet, but Joe has hardly been off the island, having returned to care for his sister after his widowed father’s unexpected passing. As the lighthouse keeper, he has official duties, and as the direct descendant of the hero side of the story, he's considered nearly royalty, and his opinion is highly valued.
Eddie and Joe develop a meaningful relationship until the diary disappears. Without revealing too much, the islanders believe Eddie is the murderer of an island storyteller, and they want him found.
Of course, the story has a happy ending, but not without two men meeting their fate, and two very different men falling in love. I'm now onto Lawless, the next book in what is expected to be a fantastic series.
As a note, I started this book, but could not put it down... I finished it in about 2.5 hours. It was that compelling.
The writing duo of Lisa Henry and JA Rock has created some incredible stories, and Dauntless is a captivating mystery and love story. Dauntless is an island off the Australian coast where about 300 locals are mostly descendants of a mutiny on the "Dauntless" that happened 200 years ago. When a descendant of the villain in the story arrives with a diary that challenges that story, things start to become uncomfortable for those who want to stick to the original tale.
Joe Nesmith is the lighthouse keeper and the only male direct descendant of the hero in the story told by the islanders. Graduate student Eddie Hawthorne comes to the island hoping to find confirmation for a diary belonging to one of the men involved in the mutiny, which reverses the roles as told by the islanders. He protects the diary and falls for the kind, gentle lighthouse keeper, who in turn falls for Eddie.
Their romance is sweet, but Joe has hardly been off the island, having returned to care for his sister after his widowed father’s unexpected passing. As the lighthouse keeper, he has official duties, and as the direct descendant of the hero side of the story, he's considered nearly royalty, and his opinion is highly valued.
Eddie and Joe develop a meaningful relationship until the diary disappears. Without revealing too much, the islanders believe Eddie is the murderer of an island storyteller, and they want him found.
Of course, the story has a happy ending, but not without two men meeting their fate, and two very different men falling in love. I'm now onto Lawless, the next book in what is expected to be a fantastic series.
As a note, I started this book, but could not put it down... I finished it in about 2.5 hours. It was that compelling.
October 31, 2025
3-⭐
I have to admit I've been a bit stricter with my reviews lately, and maybe in a more sour mood in general, but I cannot give this book the basic nice 3.5 stars even though there were bits that I liked. The two leads managed to feel like two different people and they had moments, but overall I didn't enjoy this one that much.
The book's trying to give me a cosy mystery on an island full of eccentric people. Lanyon's Secrets & Scrabble series isn't perfect, but if you want what I just described, read that instead. This one has a sort of funny and interesting premise with the historical mutiny and stubborn islanders who don't treat the past as past. But there are many many characters and we only get glimpses. I barely remember any of them after I was finished.
I was bored several times. This author pair has been way more hilarious in other books. I don't know if the book would be better if it was wackier? Or maybe if it had a better built mystery? The mystery sort of tries to actually come alive at some points but then fizzles out. The books feels half cooked overall, very much including Eddie's whole idea to pop into the island with just camp gear and a valuable historical book. Uhh.
I noticed a mention that this was expanded from a shorter story. I don't know if I would have enjoyed it more or less. Maybe this was expanded at the wrong bits? It feels simultaneously like many promising things were left untapped and the book was also too long.
I have to admit I've been a bit stricter with my reviews lately, and maybe in a more sour mood in general, but I cannot give this book the basic nice 3.5 stars even though there were bits that I liked. The two leads managed to feel like two different people and they had moments, but overall I didn't enjoy this one that much.
The book's trying to give me a cosy mystery on an island full of eccentric people. Lanyon's Secrets & Scrabble series isn't perfect, but if you want what I just described, read that instead. This one has a sort of funny and interesting premise with the historical mutiny and stubborn islanders who don't treat the past as past. But there are many many characters and we only get glimpses. I barely remember any of them after I was finished.
I was bored several times. This author pair has been way more hilarious in other books. I don't know if the book would be better if it was wackier? Or maybe if it had a better built mystery? The mystery sort of tries to actually come alive at some points but then fizzles out. The books feels half cooked overall, very much including Eddie's whole idea to pop into the island with just camp gear and a valuable historical book. Uhh.
I noticed a mention that this was expanded from a shorter story. I don't know if I would have enjoyed it more or less. Maybe this was expanded at the wrong bits? It feels simultaneously like many promising things were left untapped and the book was also too long.
September 28, 2025
Book one in the Dauntless island series.
An island made and caught up in myth, lore and mutiny from 200 years before, is disturbed by the arrival of Eddie, the decendant of the evil captain, or was he. Eddie a history geek wants to put the record straight and bumps into Joe the descendant of the leader of the mutiny. The islanders don't trust outsiders especially Eddie Hawthorn. however Eddie worms his way into Joe's heart and visa versa.
The book deals with an island population who will do anything to keep the status quo, even assault, murder and more murder.
Looking forward to thus series. Read it and enjoy.
An island made and caught up in myth, lore and mutiny from 200 years before, is disturbed by the arrival of Eddie, the decendant of the evil captain, or was he. Eddie a history geek wants to put the record straight and bumps into Joe the descendant of the leader of the mutiny. The islanders don't trust outsiders especially Eddie Hawthorn. however Eddie worms his way into Joe's heart and visa versa.
The book deals with an island population who will do anything to keep the status quo, even assault, murder and more murder.
Looking forward to thus series. Read it and enjoy.
September 30, 2025
I like the authors.
I liked Eddie and Red Joe.
I liked the whole scenario.
And yet, this fell a little bit flat for me.
The romance is lukewarm with very little relationship development, the mystery is the least mysterious I’ve read in a while, and we never find out the ‘truth’ about what happened in the past. Maybe the latter will materialize in following books, but I’m not sure if I'll be there for that.
This was a nice enough read, but totally underwhelming.
Blooming shame.
Best thing is actually the link to the ‘Dauntless Tourist Board Website.’
Fabulous idea, and very funny! I probably enjoyed this more than the book.
I liked Eddie and Red Joe.
I liked the whole scenario.
And yet, this fell a little bit flat for me.
The romance is lukewarm with very little relationship development, the mystery is the least mysterious I’ve read in a while, and we never find out the ‘truth’ about what happened in the past. Maybe the latter will materialize in following books, but I’m not sure if I'll be there for that.
This was a nice enough read, but totally underwhelming.
Blooming shame.
Best thing is actually the link to the ‘Dauntless Tourist Board Website.’
Fabulous idea, and very funny! I probably enjoyed this more than the book.
September 13, 2025
What a great story!!! I've read these authors before. This is a MM contemporary story, set in NSW Australia on a small off shore Island called Dauntless. The main characters are Joe the lighthouse Keeper and Eddie a university student doing his thesis on the history of the island. This book has suspense as well as some romance. Page turning details, but ends in a HEA.
September 23, 2025
Cute and Sweet with a dash of mystery
This was a mm romantic mystery. Very cute and fluffy romance, even though there was a bit of a murder mystery too.
I loved Red Joe and Eddie, and the residents of Dauntless Island were a hoot.
Both Joe and Eddie were sweet, young and earnest.
Cute and enjoyable story.
This was a mm romantic mystery. Very cute and fluffy romance, even though there was a bit of a murder mystery too.
I loved Red Joe and Eddie, and the residents of Dauntless Island were a hoot.
Both Joe and Eddie were sweet, young and earnest.
Cute and enjoyable story.
September 8, 2025
A great start to a new series.
I enjoyed every page of this book. Joe and Eddie are adorable, and their story set the scene for this new series beautifully, plus introduced us to the many wonderful characters that live on the island of Dauntless. Their story had intrigue, light moments and dark and I loved it. Highly recommended.
I enjoyed every page of this book. Joe and Eddie are adorable, and their story set the scene for this new series beautifully, plus introduced us to the many wonderful characters that live on the island of Dauntless. Their story had intrigue, light moments and dark and I loved it. Highly recommended.
October 1, 2025
Great story and very well written. But that can be said about all of Lisa Henry's stories.
November 15, 2025
(3,25 stars rated down)
August 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this cozy murder mystery, the eccentric islanders and the interesting main characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next books in this series and to hopefully see Joe and Eddie again in them as side characters.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
August 15, 2025
I read the original novella when it came out but I didn't remember much from that read. I enjoyed the expanded edition and pretty much read it in one sitting. I found I didn't mind the insta-love as much as I sometimes do. It felt more like 'insta-connection' which works for me.
July 13, 2025
I'd originally read this as a novella a few years back, but I honestly didn't remember much of it. (Not the author's fault; this happens to me more often than not.) It was nice to rediscover this one in a co-written, updated, and extended version that's now a series starter.
Dauntless takes place on Dauntless Island, a small and isolated place inhabited by descendants of mutineers. They're set in their ways, with handed-down names and histories - including Red Joe Nesmith, the lighthouse keeper and direct descendent of the island's most celebrated historical hero.
Enter Eddie Hawthorne, a direct descendent of the villain of the island's storied past, who has a diary that threatens to disprove everything the residents of Dauntless have always believed to be true. This obviously doesn't go well, and Eddie soon finds himself targeted by an unknown assailant who wants both him and the diary gone. He goes to Joe for help, and together, they try to figure out who tried to attacked Eddie, while also trying to navigate the growing attraction between them. The romance in this one moves pretty quickly, despite the fact that Joe and Eddie should be mortal enemies, if the island's history is to be believed.
I liked that Joe was level-headed and listened to Eddie's story instead of immediately getting defensive. The island and its backstory was fascinating, and as a fan of lighthouses, I enjoyed that it was almost a character itself. I wouldn't have minded seeing some more relationship development, but the situation didn't necessarily lend itself to that.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read that's even better this time around, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
Many thanks to the authors for giving me a chance to read this one in advance. This is my honest review.
Dauntless takes place on Dauntless Island, a small and isolated place inhabited by descendants of mutineers. They're set in their ways, with handed-down names and histories - including Red Joe Nesmith, the lighthouse keeper and direct descendent of the island's most celebrated historical hero.
Enter Eddie Hawthorne, a direct descendent of the villain of the island's storied past, who has a diary that threatens to disprove everything the residents of Dauntless have always believed to be true. This obviously doesn't go well, and Eddie soon finds himself targeted by an unknown assailant who wants both him and the diary gone. He goes to Joe for help, and together, they try to figure out who tried to attacked Eddie, while also trying to navigate the growing attraction between them. The romance in this one moves pretty quickly, despite the fact that Joe and Eddie should be mortal enemies, if the island's history is to be believed.
I liked that Joe was level-headed and listened to Eddie's story instead of immediately getting defensive. The island and its backstory was fascinating, and as a fan of lighthouses, I enjoyed that it was almost a character itself. I wouldn't have minded seeing some more relationship development, but the situation didn't necessarily lend itself to that.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read that's even better this time around, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
Many thanks to the authors for giving me a chance to read this one in advance. This is my honest review.
August 1, 2025
Defintely a good start to a new series with an island and it's inhabitants as side characters.
I would call it a cozy mystery but actually, there is not much "cozy" in it. The island is harsh, the weather is brutal, the life more simple and the people ....well, special.
The main characters are great, the stoic, silent, responsible and honorable type and the more impulsive and talkative but a bit naive guy. They pair extremly well and I enjoyed how the romance is just working.
I would call it a cozy mystery but actually, there is not much "cozy" in it. The island is harsh, the weather is brutal, the life more simple and the people ....well, special.
The main characters are great, the stoic, silent, responsible and honorable type and the more impulsive and talkative but a bit naive guy. They pair extremly well and I enjoyed how the romance is just working.
August 2, 2025
I felt like I had read this before. And now I have done my due diligence, I realise I have.
But I would reread this author's work any day of the week.
Looking forward to more.
But I would reread this author's work any day of the week.
Looking forward to more.
July 18, 2025
Joe & Eddie
I knew to expect some mystery with the story, but I certainly wasn't expecting to have heart palpitations because of it. 🙃
Dauntless was quite the story to get a handle on. I can't say I was super surprised by the villain take, but I was pulled in and captivated all the same. I loved the sweet romance that befalls Joe & Eddie as they try to figure out why their ancestors' history seems to continue to be so controversial and tense.
I love that all this drama unfolded on a small island where no one can truly escape or hide.
The best part about this for me was the story/plot doesn't really match the colorful and beautiful cover the book has been given. It's another layer of intrigue and mystery. And for readers who may look for books without inspecting all the tropes listed in a blurb, I think they will be surprised by the outcome, hopefully satisfyingly so.
Dauntless is fantastic mystery to begin a new series from Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock. I'm excited to see how the rest of the series unfolds, and how each story will incorporate a new level of mystery to their mutinous island.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I knew to expect some mystery with the story, but I certainly wasn't expecting to have heart palpitations because of it. 🙃
Dauntless was quite the story to get a handle on. I can't say I was super surprised by the villain take, but I was pulled in and captivated all the same. I loved the sweet romance that befalls Joe & Eddie as they try to figure out why their ancestors' history seems to continue to be so controversial and tense.
I love that all this drama unfolded on a small island where no one can truly escape or hide.
The best part about this for me was the story/plot doesn't really match the colorful and beautiful cover the book has been given. It's another layer of intrigue and mystery. And for readers who may look for books without inspecting all the tropes listed in a blurb, I think they will be surprised by the outcome, hopefully satisfyingly so.
Dauntless is fantastic mystery to begin a new series from Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock. I'm excited to see how the rest of the series unfolds, and how each story will incorporate a new level of mystery to their mutinous island.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
June 22, 2025
Great start to a new series.
Eddie sure does cause a stir when he disembarks onto Dauntless Island. Not only is he the great, great, lots of greats grandson of the island’s historical villain, he also challenges the centuries old local understanding of the mutiny that the island was founded upon. This of course causes more that’s just ripples of discontent. Circumstances have Eddie coming into the orbit of Joe the great, great, lots of greats grandson of the “hero” in the historical tale. They soon form a close relationship but all is not smooth sailing as there’s not only foul weather to negotiate but also a modern day mystery where the past and the present collide before they get their heartwarming HEA.
This is a very entertaining and engaging read with two wonderful main characters and an isolated island full of local identities. The mystery element is well balanced with the romantic side of the story and I can’t wait for more in the series.
Eddie sure does cause a stir when he disembarks onto Dauntless Island. Not only is he the great, great, lots of greats grandson of the island’s historical villain, he also challenges the centuries old local understanding of the mutiny that the island was founded upon. This of course causes more that’s just ripples of discontent. Circumstances have Eddie coming into the orbit of Joe the great, great, lots of greats grandson of the “hero” in the historical tale. They soon form a close relationship but all is not smooth sailing as there’s not only foul weather to negotiate but also a modern day mystery where the past and the present collide before they get their heartwarming HEA.
This is a very entertaining and engaging read with two wonderful main characters and an isolated island full of local identities. The mystery element is well balanced with the romantic side of the story and I can’t wait for more in the series.
July 31, 2025
I really loved the premise of this. I don't read too much mystery romance, but this sounded so good, so I was looking forward to it. When I was reading I couldn't help but think I was reading an episode of Doc Martin, which is a British drama I love. Just something about the way it's treating heavy subjects with a sense of humour was really familiar to me, although sadly it didn't work quite as well. The initial mystery of who tried to kill Eddie was buried in the subsequent events, and I found the mystery was quite predictable. The relationship could have been developed more, they were very instalovey, and clearly didn't know each other well. There wasn't much in the way of a romantic reconciliation, just the climax to the plot, and I'd have really liked to see more on the romantic side of things. Despite that, it was a short book and entertaining, and I read it straight through. I love the setting and the characters, and hope the island can be developed further.
July 15, 2025
This is book one of the author’s new Dauntless Island series and features the residents of a small island in the Pacific, off the Australian coast, for whom their ancestors’ reputation was zealously defended—descendants of mutineers from the late 1800s ship, The Dauntless, as well as a visiting descendant of the supposedly cruel captain who had met his demise at the hands of the mutineers looking to clear his ancestor’s name.
This was a cute book containing not only a suspenseful murder mystery but also several humorous moments as well, especially with the resident’s wild names and their descriptions. To me, it was fairly low heat but I know that’s a preference for a lot of readers so it may be exactly what you’re looking for. For me, 4 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a cute book containing not only a suspenseful murder mystery but also several humorous moments as well, especially with the resident’s wild names and their descriptions. To me, it was fairly low heat but I know that’s a preference for a lot of readers so it may be exactly what you’re looking for. For me, 4 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2025
Dauntless Island, located off the east coast of Australia, is exclusively populated by the decedents from the mutiny of the HMS Dauntless. The islanders have a proud history, and they don't appreciate interference from outsiders. Eddie Hawthorne is about to shake things up. He has arrived on the island to do research for his thesis. A diary has surfaced that will upend everything the islanders hold near and dear. Someone is willing to commit assault and theft to keep the secrets buried, and maybe even murder. Will Red Joe and Eddie be able to escape with their lives and their budding romance intact.
July 5, 2025
If I had to describe the romance between Joe and Eddie, I'd definitely call it 'cosy'. They were both sweet, likeable characters and they had a connection from their first meeting. I enjoyed the world building of Dauntless Island and it was definitely the stand out memory of the book! There wasn't any high level angst, it was a bit of a cosy mystery/romance with a believable HEA for them that wasn't rushed. It definitely leaves it so there's more to be explored on the island and the secondary characters are quirky enough that I'm looking forward to seeing them all again (and more!) in book 2. Overall, a good start to a new series.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
July 14, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Dauntless was first released in 2019; the book has been expanded and is now the first in a series. Dauntless is a small island in Australia with a small number of residents where everyone knows each other. There are no major shopping stores, and there are no police or doctors on the island. Joe is a leader of sorts, as he is a descendant of the Nesmith family and that carries a lot of weight in Dauntless.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Dauntless was first released in 2019; the book has been expanded and is now the first in a series. Dauntless is a small island in Australia with a small number of residents where everyone knows each other. There are no major shopping stores, and there are no police or doctors on the island. Joe is a leader of sorts, as he is a descendant of the Nesmith family and that carries a lot of weight in Dauntless.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
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