Wild Shores

First Responders #5

by Radclyffe

Gillian “Gem” Martin is the lead biologist at a wildlife sanctuary on the Northeast coast and head of the Wildlife Emergency Response Team called in when catastrophes, man-made or natural, threaten the endangered species she studies. Austin Germaine is a troubleshooter, the hired gun for a big oil company, whose job is to help contain leaks and prevent media coverage of a pending disaster until the danger can be eliminated. If it can be.When Gem and Austin meet by chance in the midst of an approaching hurricane, neither expects their immediate connection to lead them into uncharted territory as wild as the looming storm. When word of the spill gets out, Gem and Austin find themselves reluctant allies in a race against time to divert the spill and save the wildlife refuge and its endangered inhabitants—all while battling an attraction as unlikely as it is powerful. A high-stakes race against time, the forces of nature, and the strongest power of all—the desire of the human heart.A First Responders Novel

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Audiobook, Fiction, Erotica, Lesbian Fiction

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2016

About the author

Radclyffe has written over forty-five romance and romantic intrigue novels, dozens of short stories, and, writing as L.L. Raand, has authored a paranormal romance series, The Midnight Hunters. She has also edited Best Lesbian Romance 2009 through 2015 as well as multiple other anthologies. She is an eight-time Lambda Literary Award finalist in romance, mystery, and erotica—winning in both romance and erotica. A member of the Saints and Sinners Literary Hall of Fame, she is also an RWA Prism, Lories, Beanpot, Aspen Gold, and Laurel Wreath winner in multiple mainstream romance categories. In 2014, she received the Dr. James Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist award from the Lambda Literary Foundation. In 2004, she founded Bold Strokes Books, an independent LGBTQ publishing company, and in 2013, she founded the Flax Mill Creek Writers Retreat offering writing workshops to authors in all stages of their careers.

She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”

Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.

Reviews

[Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Radclyffe delivers one hell of a good book with her latest installment of her First Responders series, Wild Shores. This book has it all, great characters, strong plot, and a steamy romance. Needless to say, I loved it!

Dr. Gilliam "Gem" Martin is a microbiologist/ornithologist. She is a professor at Yale and when she's not teaching, she spends her time researching avian diseases at a wildlife sanctuary. This super smart lady is also very personable, but prefers to spend her time in solitude. Past relationship disasters have kept her from opening her heart again. This also changes when Austin Germaine bumps into her.

Austin Germaine is a corporate fixer. Think the Olivia Pope of a big oil company. When all hell breaks loose, it's Austin's job to make sure the best course of action is taken. While Austin is charismatic, and a sometimes flirt, she has a longing to be loved. She feels as if she has never been enough for her family, for her lovers, she has never been someone's number one.

This book will hook you early. Radclyffe weaves a chance encounter into all out steamy romance. This strong, dynamic women have great conversations, and fantastic chemistry. While there is an environmental element to this book, (oil spill), it never takes on a preachy, soap box sound. It is foremost a romance, built on great characters who have CHEMISTRY!!! You will not go wrong reading this one.

4.25 stars

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

An environmental diaster isn't really Radclyffe's thing but she does good - a well told story, slightly "WTF" but go with it. Only main complaint, as with a lot of Radclyffe, the ending is always shape, don't get "epilogues" so are left with assumptions. Upgraded to 5* on this read!

As in New Orleans tried ‘Grits’ (no, thank you) and ‘biscuits’ (will have again. Loved the gravy sauce…)

[~ * K E L L I E * ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Radclyffe is the author who introduced me to the wonderful world of lesfic with her First Responders novels and here I find myself reviewing the next instalment in the series.

Yet again, Radclyffe has delivered another great novel in Wild Shores. The topics and characters are well researched and developed.

I really enjoyed the chemistry surrounding Gem and Austin’s relationship and the build-up of the pending hurricane. I was able to immerse myself into the storyline with the characters and wanted to roll up my sleeves and help with the sandbagging too!

I did find some of the story a little predictable - I saw the helicopter scene with Linda coming a mile away - however it was still well written.

I did feel the ending was a little rushed. 90% of the book was a build up to the oil spill/wildlife/pending hurricane and the last 10% focused on the action packed storm followed by a quick stocktake of the surroundings and wildlife.

All in all, a pleasant read and I look forward to Rad’s next novel.

*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Radclyffe, is one of the few authors that I've read all her full length books, and a chunk of her short stories, and always have enjoy them. Her First Responders series has been great and this book is no exception. I love how the series follow people from all sorts of exciting jobs from wildfire fighters to Coast Guard Commanders, there's always something thrilling and new. Wild Shores specifically deals with what happens during an oil leak. I liked how Radclyffe gave us both sides, from the environmentalists to the oil company.
The two main characters where quite likeable, as well as secondary characters like the Coast Guard Commander, and the meteorologist. The romance between the two mains, may have moved a little fast, but it was still sweet and believable enough for me.
If Radclyffe keeps writing, I'll keep reading!

[Pin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual with Radclyffe's work, this is all Rad-formula in action. Rad-formula has had its ups and downs over time, but you can always expect a well-written story. You know what you would probably get when picking any of her books. It is another matter entirely whether that well-written story has a soul as some of her earlier works (Passion's Bright Fury, Turn Back Time, Fated Love, Love's Melody Lost, Tomorrow's Promise...).
Wild Shores is on the same track more than some of her previous books from the recent and not so recent past that I've read (Homestead, Against Doctor's Orders, Prescription for Love, Desire by Starlight...).
Two strong likable leads in some sort of environmental drama is a good combination for a solid plot, and Radclyffe delivers a good story that reads easily and quickly. And what is most important, there is some real chemistry between Austin and Gem.
I keep reading Radclyffe's romance novels and waiting when they will strike a chord with me like they once used to. This book did not strike a chord with me, but it is still a fine novel.
3.5 stars

*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is all about the chemistry. Yes there's an oil spill, a hurricane and a bit of a conflict of interest. But, when Gem and Austin are together it was all about the chemistry between them.

I thought this book was going to be a bit preachy about the environmental impact drilling for oil has, but it wasn't. I loved the beginning of the book and seeing how the two women meet and that develops. I did actually learn quite a bit about birds but I didn't feel it was pushed on me as a reader.

I really liked the secondary characters, I wonder if we'll see more of Gems sister Alex and the sexy meteorologist Claudia?

I haven't actually read that many books by Radclyffe and I'm not sure why. She obviously has managed to nailed down the correct combination for an interesting page turner. I'll be checking out more of her stuff soon.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detailed score: 3.5

The thing that you can always rely on with a Radclyffe book is that it will be well researched and the leads' professions/interests will be presented with informed detail. I noticed, with interest, that another review commented on how much she appreciates this in Radclyffe's work - me... not so much. I mean, don't get me wrong, it irritates me no end when information is blatantly wrong, particularly in areas (such as counselling and the therapeutic 'process') with which I am familiar. But. For me, I find too much detail a) preachy and b) takes me out of the book. Suffice to say, there is a lot of detail about the oil extraction process and the personalities, pressures and legal and moral considerations that go along with that. Likewise we learn about wildlife preservation and the considerations of how these two opposing 'needs' operate in harmony (or lack thereof).

In terms of the romance itself - I found it a refreshing change that our leads come together relatively early in the book. Often Radclyffe makes us wait for it and I was finding that style a bit frustrating and same-y. So I enjoyed that. It is insta-attraction though, so those of you who don't like that should look away.

I would have liked the book to be a bit longer, though. It felt very short and the characters' journey from attraction/lust to love too fast - even for lesrom land where I'm usually to bend reality to fair lengths.

Overall, this book is no more and no less than yet another solid entry in Radclyffe's impressively vast, professional-standard, lesfic library.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed all of Radclyffe's First Responders series books. I was a little unsure if I would find the subject of this book as enjoyable as the previous books. I shouldn't have worried as Radclyffe really knows how to draw you into a book no matter what the subject is.

I liked how you could feel from the start the beginnings of chemistry between Gem and Austin. And then the gradual build up as the book continued until it was so powerful you could feel it off the pages.

As I mentioned above I wasn't sure the story line was going to pull me in however I was wrong. I found it very interesting and that the story line was something that had me turning the pages not just the chemistry between the characters.

The reason for me this book is rated 4 starts and not 5 is because of the ending. I did find it very rushed and thought when Gem and Austin reunite towards the end that could have evoked more emotion and dramatics. I felt a little deflated at the end thinking it would be more emotional.

Very enjoyable read with good chemistry, likable characters and an exciting story line!

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.

[Female Person · Rating 2 out of 5]

For Netgalley

Radcylffe does it again, quite literally. As soon as I'm introduced to one of her characters I get a vague sense of deja vu. But this is an old complaint, I've noticed this a million books ago and yet here I am still reading. My real issue with this book is that Gem and Austin's feelings and their relationship seemed superficial. There was very little development happening in all aspects of this book. Everything just happened, feelings were just there with no build up or reason. I'm almost sure that the events of this book happened during the period of a week. Radclyffe somehow managed to make 240 pages of 'plot' seem like a summary. This isn't a horrible unreadable book, its just blegh.

[Justina Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one astoundingly engaging nail-biter that plunged me into the middle of a devastating hurricane. However, the chance to be right on the heels of the first responders, be they folks battling to save the wildlife and their breeding grounds or the frontline employees battening down the hatches at a floating oil drill site, is also absorbingly riveting. I found myself on-site with the oil rig employees, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and professional environmentalists - all pretty much working side by side as the hurricane relentlessly barrels down, possibly threatening everything and everyone in its path. Phew!

Gem, Gillian Martin, is a PhD microbiologist and an ornithologist. Impressive! Her personal life has not faired so well and though generally wary, she is not impervious to being totally wowed and/or swept off her feet. Additionally, her remarkable sister, Commander Alexis Martin commissioned Coast Guard officer and medic, makes some poignantly perceptive, sometimes amusing observations about her younger sister's reaction to a new friend when the two sisters interact while preparing to minimize the on-coming hurricane's potential devastation including an island sanctuary along the Atlantic flyway. I rather adored Gem and along with her sister wished them the best on their relationship scenes. Captivating!

Austin Germaine is multitalented, articulate, and has a way of managing discreet low-keyness. Her first appearance has her in graphic-novel-artist mode. However, her diplomatic and hands-on skills along with her doctorate in engineering make her rather indispensable for General Oil and Petroleum's periodic glitches at off-shore drilling sites like the current above-sea platform breach on Rig 86. When GOP is calling Austin, the situation is likely to be serious. In perhaps one of the most endearingly creative encounters between two strangers, Gem and Austin end up sharing one of the few rental cars available. Early on while driving through the prehurricane weather, Gem has a flash of recognition. So in addition to a rather rapidly growing rapport between Austin and Gem on a physical level, now Gem is delighted as she realizes she is in the presence of one of her favorite *artists*. If that were their only link, life would proceed flawlessly. However, the growing interconnection that appears to seamlessly flow into sensuously delightful bed partners may present itself as anything but faultless. Austin knows she has deliberately omitted several angles that may split her and Gem apart forever. Plus there is the constant tension and excitement surrounding everyone as the hurricane tenaciously gets closer. Oh what a tangled web one weaves!

I couldn't move from my seat until I finished the last page. I definitely recommend this wonderfully rich story with incredibly fascinating characters. Magnificent!


NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the first responders series that I have read. while reading this I felt I was right there with the character as the storm and rescue was happening.

Arc was given my NetGalley for honest review

[susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmmm

I couldn't give this a five star. The first half of this book almost lost me. This is the first time I didn't give Radclyffe a five. I felt the storyline dragged on at the beginning and then it rushed a to the conclusion.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
This book was a win for me. I loved the fast pace of the story, and the sense of urgency created by the oil leak, the storm, and the impending arrival of the migrating birds, and how it's echoed in the urgency of Austin and Gem's feelings for each other. I've read quite a few books that use the trope of that initial lie that allows the characters to move forward together until the lie is exposed and everything comes crashing down around the one who lied. This is definitely the best book I've read that includes anything along that line, and it's because Radclyffe doesn't let it go too far. Austin tells a lie of omission, misleading Gem in regards to what she's doing in the area. The reason this isn't just a red flag for me is for two reasons. One, Austin is required to keep quiet by legal documents that she has signed, and two, she isn't lying in order to get close to Gem, or to base her relationship on that lie. She knows that if Gem knew what she did for a living, their time together would be over, so she omits part of her life. But what's happening between them isn't about that, until it is. Austin knows that if things with the leak get bad, she's going to have to come clean with Gem. The good part about this is that she doesn't flinch, and she doesn't look for a way to keep the relationship going through more lies. She simply tells it like it is and hopes that she can convince Gem that she wasn't holding back because she wanted to.
I also liked Gem and her responses to all the things with Austin that fall outside her comfort zone. At first, she's overwhelmed by her physical and emotional response to Austin, but she doesn't let that deter her from going for it. Then when she finds out who Austin really is, she doesn't wallow overly long in the position of wronged woman. Because truly, there's a reason Austin didn't tell her, and it's a good and valid reason. I liked that she wanted Austin enough to be honest and reasonable about the whole situation.
The one thing I have a problem with, and it's a recurring problem when a relationship develops so quickly, is that it seems that they got too close too soon. It's hard for me to believe that it could all happen so fast and be so deep at the same time. It is, however, extremely romantic to believe that a connection like that can occur so quickly. This was definitely a good read, and another hit in Radclyffe's repertoire.

[A.W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wild Shores is about Austin Germaine who works for General Oil and Petroleum (GOP) and secretly works as a graphic artist. Austin is called upon by GOP whenever there's a potential disaster with oil spills and her job is to keep it from leaking to the news and such. She meets Gillian "Gem" Austin, , while waiting in line for a car rental on her way to Rock Hill Island. Gem is a microbiologist and teaches virology at Yale. Gem has no idea what Austin's first job is but learns what it is when they must work together upon an impending hurricane and potential large oil spill.

This is the first book in a while that I've read from Radclyffe and I'm not surprised that she's written another nice romance novel. Like many of her previous books, I found myself liking the whole cast of characters and wanting to know more about certain secondary characters.

I didn't feel that Radclyffe was pushing any views on me regarding wild life, the environment and oil spills.

Although I liked this book, it isn't one of my favourites from this author.

Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-bq

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Loek Krancher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story!

Austin's loyalty and work ethics put her in an awkward situation. She doesn't lie but she is also not telling the whole truth. Gem has major trust issues but a ride changed everything. All against her sacred promises to stay guarded, she is dropping all her barriers. It was a race against time, the clock is ticking down. Are they ready for danger and love? The thoughts, the feelings and actions are told in excellent detail. It's a powerful, amazing and engrossing story. I'm a huge fan of Radclyffe and Wild Shores does not disappoint, another exciting read from her. I enjoyed this book tremendously and I can't wait for Radclyffe's next book.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an honest review thanks to NetGalley. Radclyffe is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint me at all. The chemistry between the two women were off the charts as usual, and the story line was captivating. I love the element of danger with Radclyffe's first responder novels. This is a must read for lovers of romance, enjoy.

[Nolly Frances Sepulveda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed this story. Loved Austin and Gem. Radclyffe has given us another winner, an interesting story and great characters. Looking forward to more on this series.

[PJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently reviewed Radclyffe's "Passionate Rivals", a book I didn't particularly like and one I would not recommend. I purchased this book a few days later and was hesitant to do so because though Radclyffe has written some of my all time favorite books (the first three P-Town books, Shadowland, the first four Honor books, most of the Justice series) her more recent novels I have found to be repetitive, and lacking a certain emotional resonance.

Almost immediately upon starting to read Wild Shores, however, I was completely engaged in the story and invested in the characters. I loved the cocoon created by the storm and my favorite part of the book is the long "set-up" and descriptions of the drive during the storm.

The two lead characters, from the outside, appear to be completely opposite, but we soon learn they have an undeniable chemistry and similar inner-lives.

Frankly put, I loved the emotions in this book. I loved the tension and the angst, I loved the build-up to the inevitable . Everything just fit together. The condensed timeline however, did come off as questionable, the entire book takes place in less than a week.

Slight Story-line Spoiler : I wish the author would find some other way to depict selflessness and bravery aside from diving into the ocean and rescuing someone. She has used that particular event in no less than three novels that I can recall.

Four Stars out of Five, and it was nice to read a book that I found enjoyable, by an author I had stopped looking forward to reading.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This book was okay. Well-researched, apparently, though I'm not knowledgeable enough to know exactly how accurate this book is. But I felt the environmental stuff overshadowed the romance.


My biggest problem with this book was that Gem didn't find out Austin's job as a troubleshooter until far into the second half. As a result, their conflict was short-lived and resolved way too easily.

I wish the revelation came around the midpoint and the author had spent the rest of the book making the main couple slowly rebuild trust between them through working together.


In that way, the relationship between Gem and Austin could've developed further. But in reality, it was more like they had just begun to know each other and form a relationship at the end of the book.

And it was dissatisfying to me. When I read romances, I don't need a happily ever after, but I want a solid relationship which seems likely to last long.

If this isn't a romance, but a novel whose main focus is something else, it's fine if the romantic relationship is just beginning at the end. Or if this book is the first book about them and there are sequels, I don't really mind it.

From what I checked, however, this book is the only one in the series where Gem and Austin are main characters. So if they made appearances in the later books, I don't think their relationship would be properly developed.


Overall, this book felt more like an environmental novel with a romance than a romance novel. Which is fine. Just not what I expected or wanted to read.

[Diana Nolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my 2nd read of this book and actually it was an audiobook this time around as I like this narrator and thought she did a really good job.

As always, I always love Radclyffe’s books and this time is no different. This one did have a special interest for me, though, as I worked for a certain oil company during their big oil spill (referred to in this book) and can attest to many of the accuracies in this book about the industry. I’m glad she made the company respond the way she did. The folks on the ground were much nicer (and usually are) than the ones who wear the expensive suits. The book didn’t try to be preachy about the oil leak/spill, though, which I liked. She kept it character driven with accuracy regarding the overall plot.

I, personally, thought the character development was fine. It was immediate chemistry, so a lot happened fast but never without consent. I love how Radclyffe’s characters are always so bold and strong. I would like to see another book written with the 2 secondary characters, Alexis and Claudia, the meteorologist. There was definitely some chemistry there.

[Joc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Radclyffe is like going to your favourite restaurant and ordering your favourite meal every time you go there. Sometimes you change it up and have onions rings or salad on the side but the basic meal is the same and exactly how you want it because it makes you happy. Which is why you keep going back. But you can't go there too often or you'll start to notice that the garnish is a little limp or that the table cloth is a little grubby from the diners before you.

I gave myself enough time between Radclyffe romances to enjoy this one without worrying about the table cloth. Austin, a consultant engineer for an oil company and Gem, a scientist/ornithologist/conservationist are headed for the same remote area with diametrically opposed agendas. As luck would have it, circumstance throws them together and they feel the attraction before fully realising who they each are.

Radclyffe does anticipation and the first kiss fantastically well. Nice, easy read.

[Lindsey Wallace-Galli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely was confused as to what Austin's role was in the oil spill off the coast so I really had a hard time getting into this book.

The chemistry between Gem and Austin was undeniable but with what Austin's role was in the oil spill and Gem being the lead biologist at a wild life sanctuary, things got a little shaky between the two. But when a hurricane is coming close to the coast, Austin is in the eye of the storm and Gem is worried that something has happened to her since she has not heard from her.

When Austin gets back to shore, all is forgotten and their opposing sides take the back burner when these two figure out their differences.

It's a slow moving book IMO but worth the read.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully enchanting

“Forgiveness is a panacea for some ills that shouldn’t be masked.” … “I don’t believe that forgive and forget is always the best course. Sometimes we have to remember so we don’t repeat our mistakes.”
+ • + • + • +

Another First Responders book that delivers the goods as always expected from Radclyffe. Its a love at first sight, an environmental emergency with a career vs principals tug-of-war & the full force of mother nature.

When the Sanctuary research leader takes a ride with the communication engineer for the oil company whose offshore rig leak threatens a catastrophic contamination & disaster while a hurricane is rolling in fast.

[Cybil Maynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Not sure why this edition of first responders fared more poorly than the others. I just loved it. The unlikely romance between Gem and Austin was cleverly written. I love Radclyffe's strong characters, and her ability to project that strength in both her characters here. Even though I loved Austin from the beginning, Gem, began to grow on me toward the end of the book. Thoroughly enjoyable read!

[L E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute love story - if only one could fall in love on a road trip with a complete stranger. I'm sure its possible and this story make you want to believe it is. Gem and Austin are great characters that draw you in to the plot.

I'm such a fan of the narrator, I truly believe that she make these book that much better, so for those that are not listening to the book version, you should give it a try as Abby makes the story very vivid.

[Debbie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

wild shores

My first first Radclyffe story, but it won’t be the last. It was tender and romantic, sexy as hell, exciting as all get out, and informative as all get out. Well written, great characters, loved the details about dealing with oil spill and descriptions of the sanctuary. Thanks for a great read!

[Maz Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the First Responders Series.

[Narisa Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect read

Another wonderful read by this author, loved every bit of it...
Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a perfect escape from reality

[Bookgirrll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

You never get a bad book from this author, and i am a sucker for first responder books. This has good characters and build up. The oil details were interesting too.

[Coldwonderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike the others, this was my favorite story