Sheltering Dunes

Provincetown Tales #7

by Radclyffe, Nicol Zanzarella (Narrator)

The pasts, presents, and futures of three women collide in a single moment that will alter all their lives forever.

Michelle Galvez is running from a past that just may kill her if she’s ever caught. Paramedic and ordained priest Flynn Edwards struggles to reconcile her faith with her passions. Sheriff Reese Conlon fights to leave the scars of battle behind and embrace the joy of new life.

In one explosive night their destinies entwine when a man with nothing to lose threatens to take all of them with him to the grave.

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

10 pages, Audible Audio

First published November 1, 2011

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

[Corporate Slave · Rating 4 out of 5]

The weakest book out of this unbelievable series! Still a solid 4 rating though!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I really really hope this series will go on – someday

[Tere · Rating 2 out of 5]

So first time I read this one, I was very happy with it. I see I even gave it 5 stars. Now? Could not endure any more of it. I discovered Provincetown in 2019 and simply fell in love with Cape Cod. I started listening to the series whenever I traveled there (twice already this year, one more trip coming up). However, never made it again beyond book 3-4. I guess this year with the multiple trips, I have continued and finally listened to this one again. What a different experience it was. The one thing I loved, the one that resonated with me then and now, was the main giving last rites during a particular scene. I am so not a religious person but the moment was so well written and powerful I couldn’t help but be impacted by it. The rest I found unbelievable and just tiresome. No, Ally can’t get the responsibility of such a big case. No, the mains, although likable on their own, didn’t have great chemistry. This time around I even got annoyed with how persistent and pushy Flynn was when Mica had been treated like that her entire life. I felt like Mica should have just put her foot down on principle and left Flynn. Very almost forever at first sight-not that this is new for Rad but I seem to not have any patience with it anymore. Same with one main being difficult with the other (Mica) but still falling madly in love (Flynn) with that person that is not even nice to you. Also, if you are so painful from your injury that require a controlled pain medication and X-rays to see if you fractured your ribs, sex is not in your future anytime soon my friend. Oh and the baby ‘conflict’ between Reese and Tory hit home a bit too close and for me not to be angry at the argument. So yeah, downgraded my rating of this novel.

[Jane Shambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where's number eight?

This series is excellent with a capital E?. This one kind of links the Justice Series to this one as it concentrates on a gang member trying to get away from that life and starting a fresh. In Provincetown she meets Flynn the new EMT.

Life in Provincetown continues despite them trying to help bring down a major gang. I kind of missed the normal goings on amongst the regulars as this book really concentrated on Mica and Flynn. They were all still around, just not as prominent. Allie plays a huge part as leader of the investigation.

I seriously can't wait for the next instalment of this series. I get the feeling this isn't the last either. So much more is waiting to be told. So I guess I'm gonna have to wait for book eight. I really hope it's not too long. Enjoy!

[Jo reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

no 8th book???? where the chuff is number 8? :(

Another cracking read...

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series! Every book had a new love interest and continued with the others on previous books. Can we get another.....please😉

[Lucky Luc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m actually pretty bummed this is the last book in such a great series. If Radclyffe truly does not intend to write any further Provincetown books, then that is too bad to end it with such a disjointed storyline and so many characters she created, nurtured and made us love barely getting a mention or not being mentioned all together in the last installment. While I like Flynn just fine, the insta-traction and close to insta-love with Micah just felt wrong and forced. I like Ally’s growth throughout the series and of course love Reese and Tori being involved. But adding several new characters when the canvass is already full of great people didn’t feel like an honest way to tie up all of the storylines and let them ride off into the sunset. I hope Radclyffe has one more story in mind to give this series the sendoff it and we deserve. I sadly give this 2.75 stars rounded up to 3.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was very different compared to the others. I enjoyed it a lot. This story introduced new characters and part of Flynn's backstory.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yasss! One of the crossovers I’ve been waiting for. It’s was so great to see some of my favorites from Justice Series. We primarily get some Dillon time.

Flynn is in my heart. She is such a sweetheart and she cares so much about everyone. I want so much happiness and love for her, and she finds that and more with Mica. I really admire Mica’s strength and determination to find a better life. She works so hard to turn her life around. She couldn’t have landed in a better place to start her new journey and Flynn’s not going to let her do it alone. I love them together.
I can’t get enough of Reese and Tory. I’m so excited that they are trying for another baby. They are amazing parents to Reggie. They are a beautiful family.

I will never tire of this series or these characters. I love them all so much.

[Kexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you took all the bonking and all the violence out not left with much. This is Radclyffe in 5th gear. Prefer her less ‘macho’ books.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book the least of all of the series. I don't think there was enough character development. The story line left out too much detail.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. It's somewhat cheesy at times....but hey, it's Radclyffe!

[Nyki Mancera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Flynn…

When I read some of these story lines I am always thinking how these MC’s come to certain realizations for the mistakes they think they’ve made and the price they had to pay.

From someone that grew up in the church and was Apostolic-Pentecostal. And their worldview of God and the Bible would not understand Flynn’s view of the Bible. And Flynn’s way is what I picture true belief looks like. Loving and selfless. I don’t have an issue with religion as much as I do the practitioners that use it as a weapon to hurt and harm others.

I liked the story of Flynn and Mica. I don’t know a lot about the 13, except what you hear as far as news reports. It reminds me of hearing about the Crips, Bloods, Kings and etc. Out government tolerates and aids these organizations because their is money to be made from drugs, weapons, and the sale of women and various other things. It is always rich powerful wealthy white men behind it all. People like these gangs no matter how organized they are, are simple pawns in a game that will forever be played. The people at the top are too big to bring down. They will never break up this multibillion/trillion dollar enterprise.

And people like Mica through no fault of her own has no other options. Blood-in, blood-out. Women like her are used and abused. Unless you play the game as she was able to and then try to break away in order to live. These choices are made on their backs to save the little sisters and brothers. To offer protection to their parents. Our circumstances are the fact of whom we are born to. Born in El Salvador and other places, these are your immediate choices your faces with. Born to a wealthy financier…unfair, but true.

Flynn deserves a love made especially for her. Mica deserved the same. They both found unconditional love and redemption in the arms and hearts of each other.

Bri and Allie has a little strange attraction to each other left over. And as much as Allie loves Ash; I still think Flynn was someone she let get away. I am not fully on the Allie and Ash train, because we caught up on this story, with Ash’s return. We didn’t see the beginnings of their story or the draw in the first place. Because Allie almost falls for any good looking butch in 20 feet radius.

Tory did piss me off a little in this story. She promised that she would not put her life on the line to Reese.

Can’t wait for the next installment.

[Cybil Maynard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not disappointed, but not thrilled with the way this series ended. For such a wonderful series, the last book just left me wanting. I really expected more of Reese and Tory. Bri and Caroline were just gone altogether, and although Allie and Ash were included, it wasn't the hot passionate stuff I was used to. And, what ever happened to Carter and Rica? I enjoyed the relationship between Flynn and Mica, and I know that this story was really about them, but, let's face it, if this is the last episode in this series, a lot more needed to be said, and it wasn't. That makes me sad. I will miss all of them, and I doubt, at this stage, that this story line will ever be revisited. Wrapping up each story line would have gone a long way to satisfy the unknown factor. eg: Caroline and Bri, Finshed with school? Are they back in Provincetown together, forever? What about the whole martial arts thing? That just died? Tory and her morning Kayak trips? And what about Bri's father, just sort of faded away? Most of all, Reese and Tory. They are the central characters in this series, and to give them so limited a role in the final installment seems a real shame. A suggestion: Write one more book, to address all these things, and to leave Provincetown the peaceful haven that I know it to be, personally. It might not pack the punch of a ex-gangbanger and priest hooking up, but I think it would satisfy many of your readers, to put this series to bed with a contented sigh rather than a question mark.

[Dalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all Provincetown Series, I like this one the least.

Personally, when I think of this series, I think of a small town pace — everyone is minding their own business yet can’t stay away from the others’ at the same time. There is always something happening, but not intense. Just a small town pace where everyone gets to relax and breathe at the same time. But not this book.

The moment I knew Justice characters get involved in this one, I knew my chance to like this book as much as I did the last would be dimmed. It’s not that I don’t like Justice — hell, I love it — but it’s just by combining their stories and plans together creates a contrasting image of Provincetown inside my brain. It’s like... it’s slipping away from its original plot — small town, slow pace, relaxing and loving.

[L E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so happy that Mica helped Flynn find herself. I can't wait for them to start being happy together after so much pain. Past that haunts them both, with a future that can only be meant to be. I am excited, and at the same time sad, that the next book is the last one for now on this series and find myself hesitant to get to the next one, if I don't start ... It won't end? I'm so invested in this series that I'm only lying to myself. Plus, can't wait now that Tory is pregnant again :-)

[Kristy Drexel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an amazing read. I hate that the series ended, the author kept me engaged with the characters and plot twists. It had a bit of angst and a few surprises along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and recommend it if you haven’t read it

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this entire series and I love how the original characters are entwined with the new. I couldn't stop reading until I finished this entire series and I'm sad that its over, but I do hope more will be written here :)

[Lindie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As if I’ve read 7 books in this series. This one was great I loved all the crime references in it.

[MizLiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seemed to be too fast moving for Flynn totally into Mika in f few short encounters. I have missed a couple of books i between.

[MEC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another chapter in the Provincetown Tales - if you like the series, you'll like the book. It is probably not one of the stronger ones in the series - I think they get diluted as she adds more and more characters.

Whatever else you may say about Rad's stuff, she doesn't let up on the action and it's hard to put them down when she keeps throwing the heroines (and the growing cast of supporting characters from her other books) into one dangerous situation after another. This one is kind of interesting as she's got a few cameos by characters in her Justice series.

This book focuses on Flynn (introduced in the previous book as a thwarted love interest), who is a priest that has seemingly lost her faith (at least in herself). She's also an EMT which gives her connections to both the clinic (Tori) and the police department (too many hot cops to name). During a call, she encounters a troubled young woman who appears to have secrets. Of course there's an instant attraction that comes to a tumultuous boil pretty fast. There's some subplots involving gangs out of Philadelphia (hence the cameos from the characters in the Justice series).

I actually didn't think that this book would close up all the plots - there was so much going on and when I realized there only x number of pages left I began to groan at the though of a "to be continued in the next book" ending. Somehow everything crashes to a close and happy endings abound. It was a bit rushed considering the number of subplots and supporting characters who kept popping in and out.

[Brooklyn Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series, and although the ending seemed a little rushed, I loved this book too. Some things were tied up, and many were not. Reese and Tory, they finished nicely in this book, and the story between them was carried well throughout. Bri and Caroline were left in the lurch, unfortunately. As far as we know Caroline is still off at school and Bri is in the background for this entire book. Ashley and Allie, although Allie plays a significant role, Ashley fell off, leaving things unfinished but still together. Flynn and Mica, as they were primary focus of this installment, they finished well although not without a considerable amount of drama at the end. Lost in the sauce were Deo and Nita, KT and Pia, Carter and Rica. Now, I know its not possible to carry on every character that is developed in the book, but perhaps it would have been nice to just touch on them. Adding a little post script to the Justice series was interesting, but unnecessary, although I enjoyed the foresight into Sandy becoming a police officer. All in all, it was a great series, and one I might revisit in the future. I would definitely recommend this series.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

This is the first book I've read in this series and probably that's why I felt a little lost. I got the idea of where Flynn - the EMT/priest half of the couple - was coming from, since her interaction with some of the characters explained part of her story. Unfortunately I couldn't really connect either with her or her love interest, Mica. Flynn was almost too meek, Mica too confrontational, even considering all that she went through. I don't know why, but I don't trust Mica with Flynn, not even after the end of the book.

The many characters, that I obviously didn't know from the previous books, drowned the story of the main couple. They added different emotions and provided sometimes a respite from the tension of the main storyline, but it was also distracting. I appreciated though the strong sense of community of the book.

The writing flows beautifully.

[Sterling Sapphic Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have enough words to praise Radclyffe's Provincetown Tales Series. Her writing is fantastic and they f/f dynamic is phenomenal. I'm so upset the series is finished! I love her writing and will be on the hunt for more books from her.
the narrator also added wonderful personality to the characters. fantastic audio series as well!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit that after Firestorm I was a little worried that Radclyffe had lost her edge. Luckily, Sheltering dunes was more of what I love about Radclyffe's novels - Good story, characters I can care about, and hot sex scenes that don't overpower the story. Excellent.

[Amber]

I really enjoyed this book. I love the Provincetown series and Radclyffe was able to bring interaction with Justice series characters. I like the way she can weave the storyline. I liked the two main characters and the nuances of both.

[Dawn Bellville · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say?...New characters, new struggles, new loves....amongst the tried and true and some visitors from other series. Flynn tore my heart out and gave me hope. If you like this series and new twists I recommend this one. It's a winner.

[Svetlana Wesley]

The book was read in one breath. Radclyffe can keep the reader in a high tensoin. The ending was unexpected as for me. I thought about (or wanted) to have more. I guees I was just sad to finish the series.

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another “can’t stop listening book” in the series. Most suspenseful plot, though book 6, _Returning Tides_was good, too. The ex-gang member is very memorable and portrayed sexily with a gorgeous back tattoo.

[Nolly Frances Sepulveda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it very much! I liked the fact that characters from her previous novels played minor but important roles in the story. I have yet to be disappointed by a Radclyffe novel.