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Sand Dollar Shoal #1
Undercurrent
TWO LOST MEN, ONE SAFE HARBOR…
Internationally best-selling author, Landon Fairchild struck gold with his first novel, but can’t seem to string two words together now. Facing pressure from his rabid fans and equally demanding publisher, Landon decides to head back to Sand Dollar Shoal, a hotel on Cape Cod, where he spent the happiest summers of his life, hoping the change of scene will break his paralyzing writer's block.
Sand Dollar Shoal and its roof-top lighthouse have seen better days. On the verge of being reclaimed by the sea, contractor Noble Killington is hired to spend the desolate New England winter shoring up the hotel and bringing her back to her former glory. Fresh out of a stint in rehab, Noble is trying to climb up from rock-bottom after losing his husband in a tragic accident two years ago. He is promised the renovation job is his, so long as he can stay sober.
Landon wasn’t expecting to find the hotel in near-ruins with a handsome, surly man assigned as keeper of the light. As they forge a fragile friendship, can Landon and Noble help each other overcome their demons while fighting against an attraction stronger than the undercurrent threatening to pull them under?
Internationally best-selling author, Landon Fairchild struck gold with his first novel, but can’t seem to string two words together now. Facing pressure from his rabid fans and equally demanding publisher, Landon decides to head back to Sand Dollar Shoal, a hotel on Cape Cod, where he spent the happiest summers of his life, hoping the change of scene will break his paralyzing writer's block.
Sand Dollar Shoal and its roof-top lighthouse have seen better days. On the verge of being reclaimed by the sea, contractor Noble Killington is hired to spend the desolate New England winter shoring up the hotel and bringing her back to her former glory. Fresh out of a stint in rehab, Noble is trying to climb up from rock-bottom after losing his husband in a tragic accident two years ago. He is promised the renovation job is his, so long as he can stay sober.
Landon wasn’t expecting to find the hotel in near-ruins with a handsome, surly man assigned as keeper of the light. As they forge a fragile friendship, can Landon and Noble help each other overcome their demons while fighting against an attraction stronger than the undercurrent threatening to pull them under?
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2017
53 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Pandora Pine
135 books606 followersSick of the slogging rat-race of her 9-5 job, Pandora Pine put pen to paper (literally!) to make her ambition of becoming a romance novelist a reality. She cut her teeth in the dog-eat-dog world of fanfiction, still dreaming of the day when she would be a published author. She lives in Massachusetts with her blabbermouth muse who’ s a fan of middle of the night plot twists.
In her spare time, Pandora fancies herself an amateur nature photographer. She enjoys mucking around in swamps, hiking through the woods and crawling around on her hands and knees in her backyard seeking out the perfect shot. Pandora is a fan of roadside seafood shacks and always thinks Mexican food is a good idea at the time.
Some of Pandora’s favorite things are chocolate, writing longhand with purple pens and handsome men falling in love with each other.
Don't miss Pandora’s seductive new novel coming soon to an e-reader near you.
In her spare time, Pandora fancies herself an amateur nature photographer. She enjoys mucking around in swamps, hiking through the woods and crawling around on her hands and knees in her backyard seeking out the perfect shot. Pandora is a fan of roadside seafood shacks and always thinks Mexican food is a good idea at the time.
Some of Pandora’s favorite things are chocolate, writing longhand with purple pens and handsome men falling in love with each other.
Don't miss Pandora’s seductive new novel coming soon to an e-reader near you.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 18, 2017
I was given an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
4.5 Stars
Ms. Pine is a new to me author and I was happy to have the chance to read this first book of her new Sand Dollar Shoal Series.
The Series is based around four best friends, "band of brothers", who went to boarding school together and the historic Inn that they purchase and refurbish in Hyannis, Massachusetts....
Noble Killington: Master Builder; alcoholic; Widower
Gregor Allen: Chef; ex- Navy Seal
Griffon Fox: MBA hospitality & hotel management
Presley Forrester: MBA
I was engrossed from the opening scene of the prologue, had tears in my eyes before I reached 2% and was openly crying by the end of the prologue. I knew by 4% that I was going to like this book. What a wonderful way to start reading a new author!
Though we meet all of the band of brothers briefly in Undercurrent it is truly Noble's story of healing and finding a way to move on and rebuild his life. It is his job to get sober and to refurbish their joint venture.
This story also belongs to best selling author Landon Fairchild and his search to break his writer's block. Oh, their meeting was hilarious! By the end of that scene I knew that I was going to love this well written, smoothly flowing book. It's rare that an author can take me from crying to laughing in such a short amount of time.
Ms. Pine has such a wonderful way of bringing us realistic, flawed, lovable characters. I fell in love with these guys and Nick & Charlie! I cannot wait to see Sand Dollar Shoal back up and running and to get to know Presley, Griffin and Gregor better.
The only reason that this was not a five star for me was the over use of "lover" and the few, though I must say very few errors such as missing the word 'the'. However, I do want to acknowledge that this is an advanced readers copy and the errors may not appear in the final, published book.
I most definitely recommend this to all!
4.5 Stars
Ms. Pine is a new to me author and I was happy to have the chance to read this first book of her new Sand Dollar Shoal Series.
The Series is based around four best friends, "band of brothers", who went to boarding school together and the historic Inn that they purchase and refurbish in Hyannis, Massachusetts....
Noble Killington: Master Builder; alcoholic; Widower
Gregor Allen: Chef; ex- Navy Seal
Griffon Fox: MBA hospitality & hotel management
Presley Forrester: MBA
I was engrossed from the opening scene of the prologue, had tears in my eyes before I reached 2% and was openly crying by the end of the prologue. I knew by 4% that I was going to like this book. What a wonderful way to start reading a new author!
Though we meet all of the band of brothers briefly in Undercurrent it is truly Noble's story of healing and finding a way to move on and rebuild his life. It is his job to get sober and to refurbish their joint venture.
This story also belongs to best selling author Landon Fairchild and his search to break his writer's block. Oh, their meeting was hilarious! By the end of that scene I knew that I was going to love this well written, smoothly flowing book. It's rare that an author can take me from crying to laughing in such a short amount of time.
Ms. Pine has such a wonderful way of bringing us realistic, flawed, lovable characters. I fell in love with these guys and Nick & Charlie! I cannot wait to see Sand Dollar Shoal back up and running and to get to know Presley, Griffin and Gregor better.
The only reason that this was not a five star for me was the over use of "lover" and the few, though I must say very few errors such as missing the word 'the'. However, I do want to acknowledge that this is an advanced readers copy and the errors may not appear in the final, published book.
I most definitely recommend this to all!
November 4, 2018
Good start to a series
Loved the characters and loved the location. When I looked out the window at my house, I expected to be in the middle of a snow storm. A few word and punctuation errors could have been corrected by better editing.
Loved the characters and loved the location. When I looked out the window at my house, I expected to be in the middle of a snow storm. A few word and punctuation errors could have been corrected by better editing.
February 2, 2020
I love this author and enjoyed this book. Could have used a good editor.
January 30, 2019
DNF @ 6%. The prologue read like a recap. And then the go and call the MC of a gay romance story a "widow" instead of "widower", and just like that, I'm out.
January 19, 2017
I was provided a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ok, I am going to start off by saying this book wasn't perfect, but it wasn't terrible. It needed an editor and a few beta readers to catch the inconsistencies, but generally speaking, this was a good effort. The drama was over the top and most of the time their anger came from nowhere and about the stupidest things. They were a cute couple but they soooo needed to take a chill pill.
Landon is an author on a deadline and suffers from writer's block, so he decides to head to a coastal hotel he spent time at as a kid, thinking it will help him. But he doesn't realize the hotel is closed for renovations. Luckily, Noble (renovations expert) is there and allows Noble to stay with him. There is an insta-spark between them and they don't hide this from the other. It was really odd, this, since they acted as if of course the other man is gay and it's ok to flirt. Putting that aside, it was amusing to read about their antics. Charlie the dog is the cutest part of the whole story, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the adorable puppy. :)
Landon is a recovering alcoholic and a widower who suffers guilt about the death of his husband. He struggles with his sobriety (those struggles come from nowhere, btw; he's laughing and happy then all of a sudden depressed and ready to open a bottle) and Landon helps him through those times. The winter blizzard coming keeps these two men trapped together, not that they mind. ;) The sex between them is good and they do understand their feelings for one another are fast, so at least they acknowledge the insta between them.
Just when you think things between them are good and HEA, there is a dramatic argument (a really dumb one) and they go their separate ways. Landon gets hurts, Noble saves him, they cry out their "I love you's," and the end.
As I said, there are inconsistencies in the story, over done dramatics and the insta-spark is a little too insta, but I wasn't turned away. Since I did promise honesty in my review I will say this book is good if you get it free. In it's current version I wouldn't be happy to have paid money for it.
I wish the author the best with their career and want to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity read and provide an honest review of their work. This is going to sound hokey, I'm sorry in advance: you show so much promise in your writing. Don't give up!!! Keep writing, have people you trust to beta read and live your dream!!!
Ok, I am going to start off by saying this book wasn't perfect, but it wasn't terrible. It needed an editor and a few beta readers to catch the inconsistencies, but generally speaking, this was a good effort. The drama was over the top and most of the time their anger came from nowhere and about the stupidest things. They were a cute couple but they soooo needed to take a chill pill.
Landon is an author on a deadline and suffers from writer's block, so he decides to head to a coastal hotel he spent time at as a kid, thinking it will help him. But he doesn't realize the hotel is closed for renovations. Luckily, Noble (renovations expert) is there and allows Noble to stay with him. There is an insta-spark between them and they don't hide this from the other. It was really odd, this, since they acted as if of course the other man is gay and it's ok to flirt. Putting that aside, it was amusing to read about their antics. Charlie the dog is the cutest part of the whole story, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the adorable puppy. :)
Landon is a recovering alcoholic and a widower who suffers guilt about the death of his husband. He struggles with his sobriety (those struggles come from nowhere, btw; he's laughing and happy then all of a sudden depressed and ready to open a bottle) and Landon helps him through those times. The winter blizzard coming keeps these two men trapped together, not that they mind. ;) The sex between them is good and they do understand their feelings for one another are fast, so at least they acknowledge the insta between them.
Just when you think things between them are good and HEA, there is a dramatic argument (a really dumb one) and they go their separate ways. Landon gets hurts, Noble saves him, they cry out their "I love you's," and the end.
As I said, there are inconsistencies in the story, over done dramatics and the insta-spark is a little too insta, but I wasn't turned away. Since I did promise honesty in my review I will say this book is good if you get it free. In it's current version I wouldn't be happy to have paid money for it.
I wish the author the best with their career and want to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity read and provide an honest review of their work. This is going to sound hokey, I'm sorry in advance: you show so much promise in your writing. Don't give up!!! Keep writing, have people you trust to beta read and live your dream!!!
February 11, 2017
A low angst romance, not too smaltzy but definitely on light reading side. Interested in reading further.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
February 15, 2021
I liked this one a lot. I really like Landon and Noble, and there's something so delightful about seeing them grow together. Some of their fights are silly, but they get resolved so there's not much to say there.
January 12, 2017
Undercurrent is the first book in the Sand Dollar Shoal series. This is my first read by this author and I am now officially hooked. Filled with a bit of angst, but in the end, a complete swoon-worthy romance.
Noble lost his husband in a horrific traffic accident two years ago. He turned to alcohol when he had nothing else, but with the help of his father and best friends, agrees to rehab. Newly sober, he's found himself in Cape Cod restoring an old hotel in the middle of winter with the only company being his new puppy.
Landon is a writer who is trying to find his muse again and ends up at the hotel to remind him of happier times in his childhood. Little does he know the hotel is not up and running and a huge storm is on its way. Noble offers to let Landon stay on and a friendship blossoms. The two need to work on their individual issues, but together, they are happier than they've been in a long time. Can Noble move on from his deceased husband and believe that he can have something special for the second time in his life?
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Noble lost his husband in a horrific traffic accident two years ago. He turned to alcohol when he had nothing else, but with the help of his father and best friends, agrees to rehab. Newly sober, he's found himself in Cape Cod restoring an old hotel in the middle of winter with the only company being his new puppy.
Landon is a writer who is trying to find his muse again and ends up at the hotel to remind him of happier times in his childhood. Little does he know the hotel is not up and running and a huge storm is on its way. Noble offers to let Landon stay on and a friendship blossoms. The two need to work on their individual issues, but together, they are happier than they've been in a long time. Can Noble move on from his deceased husband and believe that he can have something special for the second time in his life?
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2018
Very enjoyable start to a series
I have to start by saying I really enjoy this author’s work and was not disappointed in this start to a series new to me. I chose this series as I recognized the name of the hotel from the Cold Case Psychic books, so obviously this series came first.
Landon and Noble are both damaged characters who find love, though not without some bumps in the road. The character development is well done and there were several points that induced that “sore throat/I’m about to cry” feeling. Charlie is a great third party in their family!
The secondary characters have been given just enough background to make you interested in their stories as well. Looking forward to binge reading the rest of this series.
I have to start by saying I really enjoy this author’s work and was not disappointed in this start to a series new to me. I chose this series as I recognized the name of the hotel from the Cold Case Psychic books, so obviously this series came first.
Landon and Noble are both damaged characters who find love, though not without some bumps in the road. The character development is well done and there were several points that induced that “sore throat/I’m about to cry” feeling. Charlie is a great third party in their family!
The secondary characters have been given just enough background to make you interested in their stories as well. Looking forward to binge reading the rest of this series.
June 22, 2018
This series is about a group of friends, who for many reasons decide to buy a historic Inn and run it together.
The MC of this book Nobel, one of the friends, is a widower, who has lost his husband in an accident and could not bear it and turns to alcohol.
Renovating the historic inn is a way for him to focus on something as a recovering alcoholic. He is given company by his dog Charlie, who is a special character by herself. The other MC is an author, who too carries baggage. This book was not bad, but nothing memorable either. I couldn't focus much on this book.
The MCs have instant spark and there is a quite a bit of sex. They have a really silly argument and fight which leads to a dangerous situation before everything heads for a HEA.
The MC of this book Nobel, one of the friends, is a widower, who has lost his husband in an accident and could not bear it and turns to alcohol.
Renovating the historic inn is a way for him to focus on something as a recovering alcoholic. He is given company by his dog Charlie, who is a special character by herself. The other MC is an author, who too carries baggage. This book was not bad, but nothing memorable either. I couldn't focus much on this book.
The MCs have instant spark and there is a quite a bit of sex. They have a really silly argument and fight which leads to a dangerous situation before everything heads for a HEA.
July 27, 2018
Pandora Pine is an amazing talent
I started this series after I stumbled upon her Cold Case Physic series because I love the character development within the story and once again I am not disappointed. Both Landon and Noble jump off the pages, their dialog down to earth.. I always get a great laugh when reading these books along with feeling their anger, Pandora makes these characters real by allowing them to have an honest to goodness argument.. because couples really do fight in real life. Both characters overcome so much loss from their past... but mainly their fear to take a chance at love.
I started this series after I stumbled upon her Cold Case Physic series because I love the character development within the story and once again I am not disappointed. Both Landon and Noble jump off the pages, their dialog down to earth.. I always get a great laugh when reading these books along with feeling their anger, Pandora makes these characters real by allowing them to have an honest to goodness argument.. because couples really do fight in real life. Both characters overcome so much loss from their past... but mainly their fear to take a chance at love.
September 29, 2018
Very good read!
I recommend this book and enjoyed it very much. The main characters are well fleshed out, the character-driven plot was good, and I believe in the couple's HEA. This author is also an auto buy for me.
4.4 stars. Why not a 5? By my extra high standard of would I read it again, I have to say no. I wish I could explain why some books get into my heart more than others. This book made me cry and laugh, and smile at the epilogue. I ignored a few instances of dialogue that I thought were a little weird for someone to say. I could relate personally to the issues of both MCs. And, I am buying book 2 and reading it next.
I recommend this book and enjoyed it very much. The main characters are well fleshed out, the character-driven plot was good, and I believe in the couple's HEA. This author is also an auto buy for me.
4.4 stars. Why not a 5? By my extra high standard of would I read it again, I have to say no. I wish I could explain why some books get into my heart more than others. This book made me cry and laugh, and smile at the epilogue. I ignored a few instances of dialogue that I thought were a little weird for someone to say. I could relate personally to the issues of both MCs. And, I am buying book 2 and reading it next.
July 28, 2018
Really enjoyed
New series, new author. I enjoyed Noble and Landon’s book. It was great how they came together and supported each other through their ghosts from their pasts. Nobles dad and friends were incredible. I love reading books with strong bonds from friends. The good thing is that all 4 books are out now so I can just dig in and keep reading on ku!
New series, new author. I enjoyed Noble and Landon’s book. It was great how they came together and supported each other through their ghosts from their pasts. Nobles dad and friends were incredible. I love reading books with strong bonds from friends. The good thing is that all 4 books are out now so I can just dig in and keep reading on ku!
May 1, 2019
Love rings twice
I enjoyed this story. It shows that love can come again especially when you least expect it. Noble found it and he wasn't looking and didn't even think he deserved it. It was fun watching Landon get the acceptance he deserves and the love he should of had his whole life.
I enjoyed this story. It shows that love can come again especially when you least expect it. Noble found it and he wasn't looking and didn't even think he deserved it. It was fun watching Landon get the acceptance he deserves and the love he should of had his whole life.
August 3, 2018
Great story. Looking forward to read the rest of the series. Discovered this series while reading the Cold Case Psychic series.
September 3, 2020
Another new to me series which I think will be good.
Have to say though you need to go a long way to beat Ronan and Ten.
3.5 roundedup
Have to say though you need to go a long way to beat Ronan and Ten.
3.5 roundedup
July 22, 2025
Undercurrent
Top five of my reading great story twist and turns great ending hope you and your family great week ahead
Top five of my reading great story twist and turns great ending hope you and your family great week ahead
April 18, 2018
It was nice uncomplicated plot with a great ending. It was light reading for me. I would have enjoyed a little twist of fate but this book was still good as is.
January 12, 2017
I don't even know how to express just how much I loved this first book in Pandora Pine's new Sand Dollar Shoal series! Landon and Noble are fascinating characters. They complement each other so well and their connection is obvious from the moment they first meet. I was cheering for them the entire time I read, even if I did want to smack them each a couple of times.. and Charlie! Charlie stole my heart and stole the show several times throughout the story. Go on, read it - you'll see. She will steal your heart, too. Noble's dad, Nick, and his friends (also known as the band of brothers) are all great additions to the book as well. I look forward to reading about Gregor, Griff, and Presley!
As much as I loved the romance and heat between Landon and Noble, I loved the setting just as much. The main location, the Sand Dollar Shoal, is a hotel in Hyannis, MA on Cape Cod. I am from Massachusetts - born and raised 5 minutes outside Boston. I have spent so much of my life on Cape Cod that reading this book was like experiencing all of those wonderful memories again.. it was like coming home. Ms. Pine really captured the essence of life in the little slice of heaven that I've known my whole life as "the Cape". I was filled with warmth and memories reading about Landon and Noble going to Provincetown for a day, as I spent weeks there every summer for years with friends and family. Thank you, Ms. Pine, for giving me this taste of home without even knowing it. You have done Cape Cod proud with this book.
I cannot wait to read more in this series, to get a little piece of home along with some sexy stories about men falling in love. Give this book and this series a shot - you won't regret it.
As much as I loved the romance and heat between Landon and Noble, I loved the setting just as much. The main location, the Sand Dollar Shoal, is a hotel in Hyannis, MA on Cape Cod. I am from Massachusetts - born and raised 5 minutes outside Boston. I have spent so much of my life on Cape Cod that reading this book was like experiencing all of those wonderful memories again.. it was like coming home. Ms. Pine really captured the essence of life in the little slice of heaven that I've known my whole life as "the Cape". I was filled with warmth and memories reading about Landon and Noble going to Provincetown for a day, as I spent weeks there every summer for years with friends and family. Thank you, Ms. Pine, for giving me this taste of home without even knowing it. You have done Cape Cod proud with this book.
I cannot wait to read more in this series, to get a little piece of home along with some sexy stories about men falling in love. Give this book and this series a shot - you won't regret it.
January 23, 2017
A great start to a new series!
I enjoyed reading this story a lot. Both Landon and Noble were likeable, flawed characters. Noble fell into a deep depression after his husband died. He fell into the bottle and only an intervention by his best friends, and his love for a puppy, convinced him to go to rehab and regain his life.
Landon is a best-selling author with a severe case of writer's block. He thinks if he returns to the place that holds happy memories for him he might just be able to start writing again. He never expected to find someone like Noble rehabbing the now run down Sand Dollar Shoal lighthouse and hotel.
The attraction between Noble and Landon is almost instant and Landon has never felt anything like it; not even when he met his now deceased husband. I think these two men complement each other well.
I love Pandora Pine's stories and I really enjoyed the subtle references to Star Trek sprinkled in a few places. Undercurrent has a rich cast of secondary characters in the form of his former prep-school friends who are also gay. The next book has been announced and I'm really looking forward to reading it.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
I enjoyed reading this story a lot. Both Landon and Noble were likeable, flawed characters. Noble fell into a deep depression after his husband died. He fell into the bottle and only an intervention by his best friends, and his love for a puppy, convinced him to go to rehab and regain his life.
Landon is a best-selling author with a severe case of writer's block. He thinks if he returns to the place that holds happy memories for him he might just be able to start writing again. He never expected to find someone like Noble rehabbing the now run down Sand Dollar Shoal lighthouse and hotel.
The attraction between Noble and Landon is almost instant and Landon has never felt anything like it; not even when he met his now deceased husband. I think these two men complement each other well.
I love Pandora Pine's stories and I really enjoyed the subtle references to Star Trek sprinkled in a few places. Undercurrent has a rich cast of secondary characters in the form of his former prep-school friends who are also gay. The next book has been announced and I'm really looking forward to reading it.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
January 25, 2017
An enjoyable story. The chemistry between Landon and Noble was great, Charlie was amazing and the story flowed easily. I did have a few issues with it though the biggest being that Noble fresh out of rehab was shut away in an empty hotel by himself and he never went to a single AA meeting. Also that while blowout between Landon and Noble comes out of nowhere and is unnecessary the book was already wonderful without it. She could have gotten the same result if Landon got hurt while shoveling snow. The argument actually brought my rating down. Outside of that a good solid story, 3.8 stars. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 7, 2017
This book was a delight to read! I loved getting to know Landon and Noble and watch their journey. There are also so many great supporting characters in this book. It is rich with them! They all add something special to this story.
A bonus for me was the location of this story. I have lived in Massachusetts my entire life and have spent every summer on the Cape. Ms. Pine has truly captured the feel of this very special place. It becomes it's own character in this book! Well done!!!
I could not put this book down and look forward to rereading it!
A bonus for me was the location of this story. I have lived in Massachusetts my entire life and have spent every summer on the Cape. Ms. Pine has truly captured the feel of this very special place. It becomes it's own character in this book! Well done!!!
I could not put this book down and look forward to rereading it!
January 16, 2017
Splendid
This was a very nice story of two main characters with many flaws but somehow they complemented each other. I liked the main characters and totally loved Charlie:-) I also liked Noble's brand of brothers and his father. A strong support system. This is my first book by Pandora and I shall be reading more of her writings!
This was a very nice story of two main characters with many flaws but somehow they complemented each other. I liked the main characters and totally loved Charlie:-) I also liked Noble's brand of brothers and his father. A strong support system. This is my first book by Pandora and I shall be reading more of her writings!
February 4, 2017
Rating this is a conundrum. I loved the characters. 5 *, the first 80% of the story just dragged despite how well I liked them 2*, last 20% steadily improved 3 *. I think the next will be better now that the friends are in the picture, so I will give book 2 a shot.
did-not-finish
August 29, 2018DNF 65%
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