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Life Aboard Runner - A Smugglers Tale: Part I & 2 Complete
Written in a deeply personal and atmospheric voice, the story blends reflective narration, maritime realism, and emotional suspense.
Frankie has spent most of his life alone at sea.
A skilled sailor and smuggler operating throughout the Caribbean, he trusts no one and survives by instinct, secrecy, and distance. Aboard his beloved sailboat Runner, Frankie moves cargo quietly between islands, staying one step ahead of storms, rival crews, and federal investigators.
Then Rachel appears.
What begins as an undercover operation quickly becomes something neither of them expected. Rachel, a young detective assigned to infiltrate Frankie’s world, soon discovers the quiet, guarded man beneath the criminal reputation. And Frankie—hardened by years of isolation and danger—finds himself falling for the one person he should never trust.
Together they embark on a dangerous voyage through the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands while being hunted by determined federal agent Daniel Mercer and shadowed by violent criminal organizations far more ruthless than either of them imagined.
But the greatest danger may not come from the sea, the law, or the smugglers closing in around them.
It may come from learning how much they are willing to risk for each other.
Filled with vivid maritime realism, tense Caribbean intrigue, storms at sea, hidden identities, and an emotionally charged love story, this novel is ultimately about escape—not just from the law, but from the lives we leave behind and the people we once were.
At its heart, it is the story of two damaged souls trying to outrun the darkness long enough to find safe harbor in one another.
Frankie has spent most of his life alone at sea.
A skilled sailor and smuggler operating throughout the Caribbean, he trusts no one and survives by instinct, secrecy, and distance. Aboard his beloved sailboat Runner, Frankie moves cargo quietly between islands, staying one step ahead of storms, rival crews, and federal investigators.
Then Rachel appears.
What begins as an undercover operation quickly becomes something neither of them expected. Rachel, a young detective assigned to infiltrate Frankie’s world, soon discovers the quiet, guarded man beneath the criminal reputation. And Frankie—hardened by years of isolation and danger—finds himself falling for the one person he should never trust.
Together they embark on a dangerous voyage through the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands while being hunted by determined federal agent Daniel Mercer and shadowed by violent criminal organizations far more ruthless than either of them imagined.
But the greatest danger may not come from the sea, the law, or the smugglers closing in around them.
It may come from learning how much they are willing to risk for each other.
Filled with vivid maritime realism, tense Caribbean intrigue, storms at sea, hidden identities, and an emotionally charged love story, this novel is ultimately about escape—not just from the law, but from the lives we leave behind and the people we once were.
At its heart, it is the story of two damaged souls trying to outrun the darkness long enough to find safe harbor in one another.
845 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 26, 2026
I bought this because I am a sailor and I enjoy mysteries, the Caribbean, and romance.
I believe this is the authors first and only book, and he attempts an interesting style of short sentences broken up by unusual formatting. His descriptions of sailing and marina life are accurate and enchanting, and in one scene thrilling. He minimizes the smuggling aspects (until the end) and focusses on the romance. The rapid infatuation is nuts, but I went with it as they both fell hard and fast.
By the second half of the story, the formatting became cumbersome, and certain phrases were repeated often. There were even some nautical errors. One more pass from an editor or beta reader would have made a difference.
However, the smuggling plot took a clever turn, which resulted in a satisfying ending.
If you're looking for spice, this one is strictly PG.
I believe this is the authors first and only book, and he attempts an interesting style of short sentences broken up by unusual formatting. His descriptions of sailing and marina life are accurate and enchanting, and in one scene thrilling. He minimizes the smuggling aspects (until the end) and focusses on the romance. The rapid infatuation is nuts, but I went with it as they both fell hard and fast.
By the second half of the story, the formatting became cumbersome, and certain phrases were repeated often. There were even some nautical errors. One more pass from an editor or beta reader would have made a difference.
However, the smuggling plot took a clever turn, which resulted in a satisfying ending.
If you're looking for spice, this one is strictly PG.
June 7, 2026
I do not like drug dealers, but I made an exception for Frankie. I enjoyed his story, especially after he hooked up with Rachel. I loved all the Caribbean island visits and especially the author's style of writing - it totally fit their story. I definitely plan to watch for new books from this author.
July 25, 2026
kept me guessing….
Very good story. Kept me guessing how it would end. Love the details of being on the water, sailing versus motoring and the problems that you can have when you’re on the open water. Even the description of provisions needed for long trips. And it was done in a way that was not boring. Love the story!!!!
Very good story. Kept me guessing how it would end. Love the details of being on the water, sailing versus motoring and the problems that you can have when you’re on the open water. Even the description of provisions needed for long trips. And it was done in a way that was not boring. Love the story!!!!
June 20, 2026
wow what luck!
I sat on the edge of my seat waiting for the other shoe to drop but they fooled me and survived.
I sat on the edge of my seat waiting for the other shoe to drop but they fooled me and survived.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews