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Asylum Harbor
Trouble is the last thing Devon Brown needs when she leaves the painful memories of her past behind and heads to Shell Island. As the Salty Dog’s new bartender, she finds herself drawn to Kerr, the Shell Island harbormaster. But finding her happily-ever-after is difficult when dealing with an obnoxious bootlegger who supplies the bar with illegal liquor and a jealous coworker.
A standoffish loner with damaged emotions, Kerr avoids relationships like the plague. Things change when Devon catches his eye. As a simple flirtation grows serious, the coworker and bootlegger quickly become obstacles to any future Kerr and Devon may have together. As the situation worsens, Devon realizes that even the still waters of Asylum Harbor are no refuge during a storm.
A standoffish loner with damaged emotions, Kerr avoids relationships like the plague. Things change when Devon catches his eye. As a simple flirtation grows serious, the coworker and bootlegger quickly become obstacles to any future Kerr and Devon may have together. As the situation worsens, Devon realizes that even the still waters of Asylum Harbor are no refuge during a storm.
- GenresRomance
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2015
About the author
Isla Grey
9 books217 followersIsla Grey is from Central Virginia and still lives in the same small town she grew up in. She developed a love of writing at an early age and over the years has tried her hand at penning poetry (some good, some not so good), screenwriting, newspaper articles and historical stories. She’s “old school” when it comes to writing and is a hoarder of more pens, post-it notes and writing journals than she’ll ever need. Isla likes to write different types of stories from romance to mystery and anything in between and loves a “happy for now but there could be some bad things coming” feel.
When Isla’s not writing, she spends her time being called “Mom, Mama, Mommy” (well, you get the picture) by her daughter who is forever active, even in her sleep. She considers herself an unofficial “cat whisperer” and is a pet human to a plethora of cats that have taken up residence at her home over the years. Isla also enjoys reading a good biography or ghost story, traveling even though “there’s no place like home”, good music played loud and walking.
She's also the Movie Mistakes Editor for Bellaonline.com, where she talks about...well...movies!
When Isla’s not writing, she spends her time being called “Mom, Mama, Mommy” (well, you get the picture) by her daughter who is forever active, even in her sleep. She considers herself an unofficial “cat whisperer” and is a pet human to a plethora of cats that have taken up residence at her home over the years. Isla also enjoys reading a good biography or ghost story, traveling even though “there’s no place like home”, good music played loud and walking.
She's also the Movie Mistakes Editor for Bellaonline.com, where she talks about...well...movies!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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September 17, 2015DNF @ 59%. There are no words to describe this review. Read something about it here.
http://edgyreviews.com/?s=Isla+Grey
No chemistry. I didn't like the characters at all. Too many questions. Odd small island not what I wanted to read.
The mystery continues....
The island receives tourists but what do they see on the island?
A titty bar wannabe with the waitresses servicing the men with extra benefits.
The MC (H) asking the h, how much it costs for a tumble, huh excuse me? WTF?
If she can start as a hooker then why be a bartender?
Why exactly did she live Bent Creek?
Is the island incestuous? They all seem deranged.
I was expecting a quaint seaside island with lovely houses and charming people. What did I get? I got 0 of what I wanted.
I would rather stick needles in my eyes instead of reading the book.
Nuff said.
http://edgyreviews.com/?s=Isla+Grey
No chemistry. I didn't like the characters at all. Too many questions. Odd small island not what I wanted to read.
The mystery continues....
The island receives tourists but what do they see on the island?
A titty bar wannabe with the waitresses servicing the men with extra benefits.
The MC (H) asking the h, how much it costs for a tumble, huh excuse me? WTF?
If she can start as a hooker then why be a bartender?
Why exactly did she live Bent Creek?
Is the island incestuous? They all seem deranged.
I was expecting a quaint seaside island with lovely houses and charming people. What did I get? I got 0 of what I wanted.
I would rather stick needles in my eyes instead of reading the book.
Nuff said.
March 24, 2019
"Dom je tamo gdje si ti" 😊
February 15, 2020
Interesting, but standard love story book..
September 9, 2015
Devon Brown is a young woman on the run, not from the law but from her abusive stepmother and stepsister. She's taken as much as she's willing to and is looking for a clean start. She's a strong character, no longer willing to take crap from others and always speaking the truth.
A friend finds her a bartending job on a barrier island that's popular with tourists and fishermen but also a pretty isolated and insular community. She quickly gets to know the locals, one in particular who makes her heart race despite his surly behavior.
Harbormaster Kerr is handsome, brooding, and not the trusting sort, but somehow Devon eases her way into his heart. He's been lied to in the past and made mistakes that hurt people he loved, and is quick to believe he deserves anything bad that comes his way, but not as quick to admit his feelings for Devon or talk through problems when they arise.
And of course problems arise. Trouble rears its ugly head in the form of a few nasty locals with their own agendas, keeping the story racing along a wild roller coaster of highs and lows through several misunderstandings and several chilling fight scenes.
This was a fast-paced novella that I really wish had been a full-length story. The characters were so complicated and layered, I wanted to learn more about each and every one of them. The back stories were outlined but not fleshed out, which is fine in a story this length, but like I said, I wanted more! The author does a wonderful job in making us care about these characters with so few words, and covering lots of ground time-wise without making the story feel too jumpy.
If you're looking for a quick satisfying romance with a hint of mystery, and a smattering of danger, I recommend Asylum Harbor. But if you're like me, be warned that while satisfying, you may end up wanting more. Ms. Grey better have a few more books in the works!
I received an ARC of this book before publication in exchange for my honest review.
A friend finds her a bartending job on a barrier island that's popular with tourists and fishermen but also a pretty isolated and insular community. She quickly gets to know the locals, one in particular who makes her heart race despite his surly behavior.
Harbormaster Kerr is handsome, brooding, and not the trusting sort, but somehow Devon eases her way into his heart. He's been lied to in the past and made mistakes that hurt people he loved, and is quick to believe he deserves anything bad that comes his way, but not as quick to admit his feelings for Devon or talk through problems when they arise.
And of course problems arise. Trouble rears its ugly head in the form of a few nasty locals with their own agendas, keeping the story racing along a wild roller coaster of highs and lows through several misunderstandings and several chilling fight scenes.
This was a fast-paced novella that I really wish had been a full-length story. The characters were so complicated and layered, I wanted to learn more about each and every one of them. The back stories were outlined but not fleshed out, which is fine in a story this length, but like I said, I wanted more! The author does a wonderful job in making us care about these characters with so few words, and covering lots of ground time-wise without making the story feel too jumpy.
If you're looking for a quick satisfying romance with a hint of mystery, and a smattering of danger, I recommend Asylum Harbor. But if you're like me, be warned that while satisfying, you may end up wanting more. Ms. Grey better have a few more books in the works!
I received an ARC of this book before publication in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2015
Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
5 Stars
The sleepy town of Shell Island is just what Devon Brown needs to try and escape a painful family situation that escalated out of control. She arrives to take a new job as a bartender, but finds much more than she ever bargained for. Devon meets her fellow co- workers, and new boss, only to quickly realize they're a unique group when you throw in the locals as well as other friends they entertain.
Kerr is the harbormaster who spends time at the Salty Dog bar where Devon now works.Their attraction to one another is explosive with lots of angst and denial thrown in. Kerr is the dark, brooding type that Devon knows she needs to avoid at all cost, but she's drawn in anyway. Now she just needs to figure out a way to handle whatever this is between them without getting her heart broken in the meantime. Throw in an insanely jealous waitress, her bootlegging boss, as well as Kerr's brother into the mix, and it just adds to the drama and mystery of this great read.
And a great read it was from Isla Grey in this first book of her Salty Dog Series. The characters sucked me in from the first few pages of chapter one, and I couldn't wait to see what they were up to next! As an avid reader, author, and reviewer it was beyond exciting for me to have the privilege of reading this book before it's September 16th release date. When I read the last page my thoughts were, "no, don't be over yet!" and then "I want more of this story!" Luckily for me, and everyone else who reads Asylum Harbor, we'll get our next fix when the series continues. The tag line Ms. Grey uses... "Still waters run deep..." is an apt description for the intertwining lives and personalities of this story's characters.
I would definitely recommend this book be a purchase for your e-reader of choice on the release date coming soon.
KD
5 Stars
The sleepy town of Shell Island is just what Devon Brown needs to try and escape a painful family situation that escalated out of control. She arrives to take a new job as a bartender, but finds much more than she ever bargained for. Devon meets her fellow co- workers, and new boss, only to quickly realize they're a unique group when you throw in the locals as well as other friends they entertain.
Kerr is the harbormaster who spends time at the Salty Dog bar where Devon now works.Their attraction to one another is explosive with lots of angst and denial thrown in. Kerr is the dark, brooding type that Devon knows she needs to avoid at all cost, but she's drawn in anyway. Now she just needs to figure out a way to handle whatever this is between them without getting her heart broken in the meantime. Throw in an insanely jealous waitress, her bootlegging boss, as well as Kerr's brother into the mix, and it just adds to the drama and mystery of this great read.
And a great read it was from Isla Grey in this first book of her Salty Dog Series. The characters sucked me in from the first few pages of chapter one, and I couldn't wait to see what they were up to next! As an avid reader, author, and reviewer it was beyond exciting for me to have the privilege of reading this book before it's September 16th release date. When I read the last page my thoughts were, "no, don't be over yet!" and then "I want more of this story!" Luckily for me, and everyone else who reads Asylum Harbor, we'll get our next fix when the series continues. The tag line Ms. Grey uses... "Still waters run deep..." is an apt description for the intertwining lives and personalities of this story's characters.
I would definitely recommend this book be a purchase for your e-reader of choice on the release date coming soon.
KD
September 22, 2015
Devon Brown is looking for a fresh start when she takes a job at the Salty Dog on Shell Island. She has worked as a bartender and has managed to get a job doing just that. After a rocky ferry boat ride, she meets her new boss and moves in to her new place. Devon has learned everything that she knows about tending bar from her dad and she does her job really well. She can only hope that the change she is making is for the better. Running away from hr problems is not the best solution, but this time it nearly cost her her life.
Kerr, is the local Harbormaster and town loner, so to speak. He does his job and keeps to himself. His demons of his past are what make him the way he is, until he sets his sites on Devon. There is no denying the electric charge that flows between them and he wants to find out where it may lead.
This is the first book I have read by Isla Grey and I need book 2 now!!! She writes a story filled with colorful characters, some twists and turns and learning to love again and find your place and some happiness in this world. I would have liked to see more back story on Kerr and what makes him really tick. I love the brooding character that he is though. He takes a chance at opening himself up to Devon, knowing that he may not fully be able to give himself to her. I really loved Devon's character, she is strong and independent. She takes charge and can handle herself. She is a take-shit-from-no-one type of girl.
Over all I really enjoyed this story. I was sucked in from the very first page. Go and grab your copy today, you will not be disappointed. 4.5 Stars
Kerr, is the local Harbormaster and town loner, so to speak. He does his job and keeps to himself. His demons of his past are what make him the way he is, until he sets his sites on Devon. There is no denying the electric charge that flows between them and he wants to find out where it may lead.
This is the first book I have read by Isla Grey and I need book 2 now!!! She writes a story filled with colorful characters, some twists and turns and learning to love again and find your place and some happiness in this world. I would have liked to see more back story on Kerr and what makes him really tick. I love the brooding character that he is though. He takes a chance at opening himself up to Devon, knowing that he may not fully be able to give himself to her. I really loved Devon's character, she is strong and independent. She takes charge and can handle herself. She is a take-shit-from-no-one type of girl.
Over all I really enjoyed this story. I was sucked in from the very first page. Go and grab your copy today, you will not be disappointed. 4.5 Stars
October 4, 2015
You can also find this review on my blog.
Asylum Harbor was mediocre, sweet read.
The story was nice and so was the writing but there were a couple of things that I disliked about this book; one of those things being Devon and Kerr’s relationship. It was fine at the start and the absolute end of the book, good even but everything in between… They didn’t feel right for each other. I never felt the chemistry.
Second, I didn’t have any strong feelings towards any character. Actually, I pretty much didn’t like any of them except for Danny (Kerr’s younger brother). I really liked Danny, but aside from him, no feelings for any character.
I found that the book was pretty much predictable except a couple of places. When the book was nearing the end, it got interesting. The last parts of the book were also its best parts. I would’ve liked a little more of Devon’s back-story informing us more about her life with her mother and sister but that’s just a personal preference of mine. There was one question I had from start to end that never got answered which I would’ve loved to know; what the hell was Kerr’s first name?
Bottom line is that this book was good for a one time read. It had its flaws and I would’ve liked for it to have been a bit longer and have more of Devon’s life before Shell Island but for me, it was still a good one time read.
Asylum Harbor was mediocre, sweet read.
The story was nice and so was the writing but there were a couple of things that I disliked about this book; one of those things being Devon and Kerr’s relationship. It was fine at the start and the absolute end of the book, good even but everything in between… They didn’t feel right for each other. I never felt the chemistry.
Second, I didn’t have any strong feelings towards any character. Actually, I pretty much didn’t like any of them except for Danny (Kerr’s younger brother). I really liked Danny, but aside from him, no feelings for any character.
I found that the book was pretty much predictable except a couple of places. When the book was nearing the end, it got interesting. The last parts of the book were also its best parts. I would’ve liked a little more of Devon’s back-story informing us more about her life with her mother and sister but that’s just a personal preference of mine. There was one question I had from start to end that never got answered which I would’ve loved to know; what the hell was Kerr’s first name?
Bottom line is that this book was good for a one time read. It had its flaws and I would’ve liked for it to have been a bit longer and have more of Devon’s life before Shell Island but for me, it was still a good one time read.
September 28, 2015
When I saw this book on my schedule to read, I wasn't overjoyed. I couldn't remember why I wanted to read it. I went into reading this one thinking it wasn't going to be great and I was just like let me read and it get it done. Asylum Harbor was definitely one book that I underestimated. I was very surprised on how much I liked this book. It hooked me in right from the beginning and I read it in one siting because I didn't want to put it down.
Devon is escaping a difficult family situation and she ends up on Shell Island. She doesn't like water so it's a little weird that she picked an island for her shelter. She meets some great characters on the Island. Devon meets the harbormaster, Kerr. Kerr is a little stand offish but he melts little for Devon. Her boss at the Salty Dog, Diane, seems nice but she has a lot of stuff going on. Danny is Kerr brother and he rents the room across from Devon. Where Kerr is cold and not very friendly, Danny is friendly and nice. There is a lot of mystery about the characters. I kept trying to figure out what their past was. There is definitely some heavy past stuff going on between Kerr, Danny, and Diane.
Asylum Harbor is a good read. I feel like there are still some unanswered questions so I will definitely be reading the next one.
A copy was received for a review.
Devon is escaping a difficult family situation and she ends up on Shell Island. She doesn't like water so it's a little weird that she picked an island for her shelter. She meets some great characters on the Island. Devon meets the harbormaster, Kerr. Kerr is a little stand offish but he melts little for Devon. Her boss at the Salty Dog, Diane, seems nice but she has a lot of stuff going on. Danny is Kerr brother and he rents the room across from Devon. Where Kerr is cold and not very friendly, Danny is friendly and nice. There is a lot of mystery about the characters. I kept trying to figure out what their past was. There is definitely some heavy past stuff going on between Kerr, Danny, and Diane.
Asylum Harbor is a good read. I feel like there are still some unanswered questions so I will definitely be reading the next one.
A copy was received for a review.
September 4, 2015
Asylum Harbor
Isla Grey
This was a cute short story about a woman who leaves her life behind on the mainland to start over on a small island.
This story was like a teaser only there was nothing to come later. I liked it, really I did. But there wasn’t enough of it to make it worth reading. I feel as if there were so many questions left unanswered and so many reasons for things happening that were never explained. For instance, what made Dianne buy a bar and hire strippers to perform, including herself, on this tiny little island where more often than not it’s the same clientele night after night. What made her get involved with a scumbag like Porter? What the hell made Porter the way he is? What happened to Kerr to make him the way he is? There has to be more to the story than someone broke his trust. What was Danny like before the accident? Does Dianne actually love Danny or does she use him for his goodness? What made Devon’s stepsister stab her? Why did they hate her so much? What was Devon’s life like before Asylum Harbor?
These are all the things I was left thinking about when I finished this book. If it were a prequel it would have been really good. Alas, not all books can be great!
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Isla Grey
This was a cute short story about a woman who leaves her life behind on the mainland to start over on a small island.
This story was like a teaser only there was nothing to come later. I liked it, really I did. But there wasn’t enough of it to make it worth reading. I feel as if there were so many questions left unanswered and so many reasons for things happening that were never explained. For instance, what made Dianne buy a bar and hire strippers to perform, including herself, on this tiny little island where more often than not it’s the same clientele night after night. What made her get involved with a scumbag like Porter? What the hell made Porter the way he is? What happened to Kerr to make him the way he is? There has to be more to the story than someone broke his trust. What was Danny like before the accident? Does Dianne actually love Danny or does she use him for his goodness? What made Devon’s stepsister stab her? Why did they hate her so much? What was Devon’s life like before Asylum Harbor?
These are all the things I was left thinking about when I finished this book. If it were a prequel it would have been really good. Alas, not all books can be great!
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2015
"Asylum Harbor" by Isla Grey
Entertaining and well-written. Those are the first two descriptions I can say for Isla’s book, but not the only ones. Terrific comes to mind, as well.
Devon Brown is one strong protagonist. She still believes in relationships, even after some past ones filled with drama. Moving to Shell Island to escape her family, Devon finds herself bartending and staying with an old crotchety woman. The bartending was okay, but the old lady? Not so much.
If Devon thought her past relationships with family and friends were hard, little did she know that the ones in Shell Island would be just as challenging, especially her new-found romance with Kerr. Victoria is a dancer at the bar where Devon works. Let’s just say Victoria doesn’t particularly care for Devon and it only gets worse when Victoria finds out that Devon and Kerr are romantically involved.
It’s one battle after another for Devon, but love wins out in the end. A great read and a must have!
Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story”
Entertaining and well-written. Those are the first two descriptions I can say for Isla’s book, but not the only ones. Terrific comes to mind, as well.
Devon Brown is one strong protagonist. She still believes in relationships, even after some past ones filled with drama. Moving to Shell Island to escape her family, Devon finds herself bartending and staying with an old crotchety woman. The bartending was okay, but the old lady? Not so much.
If Devon thought her past relationships with family and friends were hard, little did she know that the ones in Shell Island would be just as challenging, especially her new-found romance with Kerr. Victoria is a dancer at the bar where Devon works. Let’s just say Victoria doesn’t particularly care for Devon and it only gets worse when Victoria finds out that Devon and Kerr are romantically involved.
It’s one battle after another for Devon, but love wins out in the end. A great read and a must have!
Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story”
March 4, 2016
Asylum Harbor is book #1 in The Salty Dog series. It takes place on Shell Island, where there seems to be quite a bit going on that we as readers are given hints of ( I am assuming we will get to see so much more in future books in this series)
Devon is escaping from her family and her past, she has found a job as a bartender on Shell Island at the Salty Dog. The place is full of characters, including one super sexy alpha man named Kerr. Kerr keeps to himself and avoids contact with everyone....everyone except Devon. The sparks fly between these two right away, but it takes awhile for Kerr to act on them. Throw in a really creepy bootlegger, kidnapping, and a drug addicted stripper and you have one hell of a ride in this book. The secondary characters are all a bit gritty~not dark~just gritty, this will ensure future good reads in this series, I cannot wait to see what Isla Grey has in store for us next.
Devon is escaping from her family and her past, she has found a job as a bartender on Shell Island at the Salty Dog. The place is full of characters, including one super sexy alpha man named Kerr. Kerr keeps to himself and avoids contact with everyone....everyone except Devon. The sparks fly between these two right away, but it takes awhile for Kerr to act on them. Throw in a really creepy bootlegger, kidnapping, and a drug addicted stripper and you have one hell of a ride in this book. The secondary characters are all a bit gritty~not dark~just gritty, this will ensure future good reads in this series, I cannot wait to see what Isla Grey has in store for us next.
September 15, 2015
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review
I really enjoyed Asylum Harbor. It was a quick read, that had me hooked right from the beginning. I feel the characters could have been developed more and I was left with questions. I like that Devon is so independent and that Kerr is tough but has a soft side. This book left me wanting more from these characters(I hope we get more). I had all kinds of emotions when reading love, fear, excitement and heart ache. The storyline is great, would love a little more into what made the characters the way they are and as stated above hope to read more from these characters (maybe Danny's and Diane's story?!)
Reviewed by Raychel
I really enjoyed Asylum Harbor. It was a quick read, that had me hooked right from the beginning. I feel the characters could have been developed more and I was left with questions. I like that Devon is so independent and that Kerr is tough but has a soft side. This book left me wanting more from these characters(I hope we get more). I had all kinds of emotions when reading love, fear, excitement and heart ache. The storyline is great, would love a little more into what made the characters the way they are and as stated above hope to read more from these characters (maybe Danny's and Diane's story?!)
Reviewed by Raychel
November 6, 2015
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review
I really enjoyed Asylum Harbor. It was a quick read, that had me hooked right from the beginning. I feel the characters could have been developed more and I was left with questions. I like that Devon is so independent and that Kerr is tough but has a soft side. This book left me wanting more from these characters(I hope we get more). I had all kinds of emotions when reading love, fear, excitement and heart ache. The storyline is great, would love a little more into what made the characters the way they are and as stated above hope to read more from these characters (maybe Danny's and Diane's story?!)
I really enjoyed Asylum Harbor. It was a quick read, that had me hooked right from the beginning. I feel the characters could have been developed more and I was left with questions. I like that Devon is so independent and that Kerr is tough but has a soft side. This book left me wanting more from these characters(I hope we get more). I had all kinds of emotions when reading love, fear, excitement and heart ache. The storyline is great, would love a little more into what made the characters the way they are and as stated above hope to read more from these characters (maybe Danny's and Diane's story?!)
November 6, 2015
This is a well-written novel with good pacing and a hint of mystery that adds to the excitement of the story.
Read full review in the 2015 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read
September 23, 2015DNF about 1/3 into it. Unlikable characters. Dreary, depressing setting. Writing that needed an editor to scribble "Show, Don't Tell" everywhere. Too bad, the premise had potential.
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