Solace Island

Solace Island #1

by Meg Tilly, Sara Flynn (Original pen name)

A contemporary novel with a strong suspense element from Oscar-nominated actress Meg Tilly set on a peaceful island village in the Pacific Northwest.

Dumped on the eve of her wedding and looking for a quiet place to lick her emotional wounds, Maggie Harris joins her sister on Solace Island, where she hopes to recover from the stunning betrayal. At first, Maggie resists Eve's impassioned argument about relocating permanently so the sisters can open their own local bakery. What she definitely doesn't need on her road to recovery are Eve's efforts to fix her up with their mysterious and alluring neighbor, Luke Benson--even if he is incredibly handsome and desirable.

Just as Maggie starts to get comfortable in her new surroundings, a car tries to run her down in the middle of the street. If it weren't for Luke's extremely quick reflexes, Maggie could have been killed, leading her to wonder just who exactly Luke Benson really is...

Luke thought he'd left the violence of the high risk security world behind. But he can't stand by while Maggie's life is threatened. Luke will do anything to keep her safe--even moving Maggie and her sister into his house with its state-of-the-art security features. But with the secrets between them and an unknown threat stalking her heels, Luke will have to think fast to prove to Maggie that she can trust him with her life--and with her heart.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Contemporary, Chick Lit

294 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2017

About the author

Also see Sara Flynn

Meg Tilly may be best known for her acclaimed Golden Globe-winning lead performance in the movie Agnes of God. Other screen credits include The Big Chill, Valmont, and more recently, Bomb Girls, and Netflix's movie War Machine, starring Brad Pitt. After publishing six standout young adult and literary women's fiction novels, the award-winning author/actress decided to write the kind of books she loves to read--romance novels. Tilly has three grown children and resides with her husband in the Pacific Northwest. She is currently at work writing the next Solace Island novel.

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sizzling, steamy, suspenseful romance that will make you smile,swoon, and sweat!🔥🔥🔥

Solace:is a feeling of comfort that makes you feel less sad.

Solace Island is the perfect place to find comfort and the stremgth to begin again... The perfect name for the beautiful setting of this book about second chances and new beginnings.... this was a well-done romantic suspense that leans more towards romance than suspense.... I read both genres and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I think it will appeal more to a true romance reader than a suspense/thriller/mystery reader.... there is some definite sizzle in this book!

Maggie’s jerk of an X fiancé dumped her the day before the wedding... Hurt and angry Maggie heads two Solace Island with her sister Eve to lick her wounds.... while she is there she meets Luke her handsome island neighbor, who is selling bread at the local Saturday market... and bread has never look so good before! The two of them spark up a romance, but what is Luke hiding? After somebody tries to hurt Maggie the truth comes out... but who is trying to hurt Maggie? And why? Can Luke stop them? And will this ruin things between the lovebirds? You will need to read this book to find that out!

A quick captivating story that kept me engaged throughout... The setting of the island in the Pacific Northwest was so ideal, it was somewhere I would love to go to lick my own wounds! Loved the bond between the sisters, they were so there for each other it was so refreshing after reading so many sister psychological thrillers lately.... The chemistry between Luke and Maggie was pretty high-octane, if this book were a movie it would be rated R for sexual content😳 My review would not be complete if I did not mention the bread again and all the yummy goodies, This book definitely made me hungry 😋

Recommend to Fanzz of Romance with a good well done dose of suspense!

*** A huge thank you to Berkley for my copy of this book ***

[Mackenzie - PhDiva Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, steamy, and gripping—this contemporary romantic suspense novel checked all of the boxes for a perfect weekend read!! This novel really has it all, from the loveable characters to the fantastic scenery to the mystery—I think fans of the contemporary romance genre will be thrilled with this book!

Taking a weekend getaway to Solace Island with Eve and Maggie was such a fun excursion. I’m a big fan of the Pacific Northwest, I went to college in Oregon. So I could envision this small charming coastal town quite vividly, and I loved it! I think other readers will be as charmed as I was!

Well let’s get the start to this novel out of the way, Brett is a grade-A schmuck and Maggie is adorably naïve and charming. I absolutely adored the relationship between Eve and Maggie. Each sister had her own personality to bring to this novel, something we don’t always get in a romance book. I found myself thinking that I’d love a follow up with Eve as the leading lady. Eve could potentially find love on Solace Island herself!!!

Maggie and Luke’s first meeting had me laughing out loud. It is adorable and fun, and I want readers to experience it for themselves so I won’t say anymore about the details! It is the epitome of a meet cute, with Maggie’s quirky personality shining through, and Luke’s guard slipping at the bequest of this charming woman.

And then the island! I loved it! Everything from the dense greenery, to the foggy coastline, to the charming town center market had me wanting to visit Solace Island. And though there is apparently a cougar on the island, Luke has assured us there are no bears! Sounds completely ideal, right?
Then we have the baked goods!!! This book could give you a carb overload just reading about it! But what I loved is that food, cooking, and baking were such a part of this story. I find myself craving every dish described! I felt the simplicity of that sort of life—where a good piece of fish, bread, or cheese can be so wholesome and pure. When it is local and organic, it’s easy to envision living without the fast food crazed lifestyle we can become used to!

Finally, we have the mystery! I will say this book falls heavier on the romance than the mystery, but not in a bad way at all! We really get to know the characters and their dynamics before we realize something else is afoot. And the mystery itself was suspenseful and fun! The reveal really did shock me and it was a really fun scene in the book! And finally, I absolutely ADORED the ending! It was just the perfect way to end this story!

Thank you to Berkley for our copies of this book to review!

[Diana]

I was hoping for a strong suspense element, and at 30% there still isn't one, so I'm calling it quits. While I greatly enjoyed the setting, and the idea of starting over on a small island in the Pacific Northwest, I just couldn't get into this book. Maggie's character acted so silly in the beginning, but I suppose some personalities are like that. Shelving this one for now. Digital ARC provided through Penguin's First to Read Program.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found SOLACE ISLAND to be a very comfortable read, a light, quick read with an ending which I did not see coming. Maggie and her sister, Eve, go to Solace Island for a three week break after Maggie is dumped on the eve of her wedding. They begin to consider this as a possible permanent move. Meanwhile, Maggie has met Luke, a sexy and gorgeous baker. Suspicious things begin to occur. This is the perfect read for anyone wanting a quick romantic suspense.

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woo my! Solace Island represents me stretching my reading chops. I really mean S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g. But before I get started, I’ll let you know I enjoyed it!

Billed as romantic suspense, Solace Island is heavy on the romance side for about the first half, and by romance, I mean the racy kind. This is steamy! About halfway through, the suspense hits, and it’s off to the races through the ending.

Maggie is dumped at the altar and to find peace, she heads to her sister Eve’s house on Solace Island in Washington state. The two decide to open up a bakery together. Eve tries to set Maggie up with their handsome neighbor, Luke, also a baker, but Maggie is not interested, at least at first.

When Maggie is almost run over by a car, and Luke then saves her life by pushing her out of the way, the suspense heat is on. Maggie has a feeling that Luke is not who he seems to be. Some unknown threat is looming and stalking Maggie.

From Luke’s perspective, he wants to help Maggie and Eve and moves them into his state-of-the-art, highly secure home; however, he has secrets of his own.

Solace Island is one part steamy romance, one part riveting suspense. The setting of Solace Island won me over instantly. I’ve spent some time on the islands around Washington state, and Meg Tilley easily captured the serenity and beauty (as she should, since she is fortunate to live there!). The writing is smooth and easy-to-read enabling me to finish this book quickly. The ending is original and surprising, and all in all, I enjoyed this exciting, haunting, thrilling book, and I cannot wait for Eve’s story in book 2!

Thanks to Berkley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.

My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com

[Beatrice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Penguin Random House International and Berkley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF @ 34%

Solace Island is the first book in a romantic suspense series about Maggie Harris whose fiance breaks up with her the day before their wedding. Apparently he's been cheating on her and Maggie is oblivious by it. Heartbroken and sulking, her older sister Eve brought her to Solace Island for a vacation. Then Even falls in love with the island and decides to stay for good and start anew. Maggie's love interest is their neighbor, Luke Benson. He's known in the town as a baker and his looks drawn women to him. He's also a bit mysterious and she wants to know him more.

Maggie and Luke have unlucky relationships in the past. Both are attracted to each other even after their awkward first encounter. This book has a potential but I DNF it by 34% for the following reasons:

- I'm having a second hand embarrassment on Maggie. She's overdramatic, clumsy and childish. Her sense of humor and sarcasm makes me cringe.
- Maggie and Eve are too impulsive. I find it unbelievable they want to be stuck in a small town coming from a city life and leave their responsibilities back home.
- It feels like a contemporary romance than a romantic suspense. It's a bummer.

I lost my interest. I didn't care about the story nor the characters. The heroine is annoying and the hero is bland. The dialogue is mediocre and cheesy. I am not continuing the series and let myself suffer.

[Elaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won a copy of Solace Island from a Goodreads Giveaway.

I loved Ms. Tilly's performance in Agnes of God so after reading this, I can safely say she should not quit her day job.

Solace Island was godawful.

* Minor spoilers ahead *

Where to begin?

1. The barely there mystery that is wrapped up in the last 2 pages; it's really a romance filled with sex and horny horndog daydreams of what the main characters would like to do to each other

2. The stock characters; the hunky security man with the washboard abs, the demure heroine who has been dumped by a callous, adultering fiance, how quickly the main character discovers a new career in which she excels in so well

3. The hilarious and cheesy dialogue as though it was written by Mayor McCheese: seriously, what 27 year old woman says Oh my! Goodness!"

Have I stepped into a 1920s Victorian novel or whatever era those words belong in?

4. Lots of food descriptions, which generally I love, if this was a mystery featuring a gourmet chef and her sassy sister, but its not. And both sisters are incredibly annoying.

5. Oh, for the love of Mayor McCheese, that corny, cornball, let's-get-married-even- though-we just-met-and-it-may-be-just-the-sexual-chemistry-talking-but-thank-God-there's-always-divorce ending?

[Meagan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm going to open this review with the caveat that I don't have the greatest history with romantic suspense. Nor does my book club, which has been searching in vain, for over a year, for a romantic suspense option that we can enjoy. I've read award winners, I've gotten suggestions from smart people, and it just never seems to work out for me. So is it possible this is a virulent case of Not For Me Syndrome? Absolutely.

However. I've heard nothing but praise for this book, and I found a few things that were big problems for me, but that no one seems to be talking about. So, seeing as how this is my review space, I'm going to talk about them. If they're things that don't bother you or that you can get past, by all means proceed. I always wish people joy in their reading, and I try not to question where or why we find it. But. If you're like me, knowing that these problems are here could save you a frustrating reading experience.

There were some general stylistic and structural choices that were on the "not for me" level. The dialogue didn't read naturally in my head, I felt like the balance between the lighter beginning and more gritty second half was off, and the nearly-thirty heroine felt unbelievably childlike to me. I can roll with a naïve heroine. I can roll with a grown woman who's inexperienced, or even a virgin. But this is a woman with a long-term relationship under her belt who both curses and says things like "oh, my!" And who also seems completely oblivious to the existence of her own clitoris. Until she meets the hero, of course. Taken in combination, it was more than I could roll with. These are pretty much all matters of taste, and are completely subjective.

Which brings me to the stuff that brought me to a screeching halt.

1. (And this was the really big one for me.) We have a character who is introduced about midway through the book, and is only on the page for that one short chapter. No mention of her before, and no mention of her after. She's a maid or housekeeper from El Salvador, and all we know about her is that she's been put in a situation where she's working pretty much 24/7, hasn't been paid in months, and is worried about the welfare of her kids in El Salvador. I'm going to hide what happens to her behind a spoiler tag in case this book is something you want to read, but the gist of it is that it's nothing good. While cleaning the place where she's employed, she overhears people discussing plans for a murder. When the killers realize she's overheard them, they shoot her in the back, and when she doesn't die immediately they kick her repeatedly until she vomits blood and dies.

Why is this a problem? It demonstrates that the bad guys are really, really bad and despicable. Right? Well, for me it's two things. First, the idea of the very religious domestic worker from Central America who's forced to work a ridiculous number of hours is a stereotype. Does a woman like this exist? I'd guess yeah. Probably. My issue is that she's the only woman of color I can recall in the book at all, and she's reduced to a stereotype. And not just a stereotype, but a stereotype whose only purpose in the book is to suffer and die to advance the plot. That's a hard no from me.

2. I also have problems with the central relationship here. We have a woman who's just gotten out of an engagement with a cheating jerk. She happens to co-own a business with said cheating jerk and is in the process of dissolving that business connection. So while, yes, she's in a new relationship with the hero, she also has legitimate reason to be in contact with her ex. But in one scene, while she's on the phone with jerky ex, she leaves the room to have a more private conversation. The hero not only follows her, but he talks to her loudly and in such a way as to make it very clear to the ex that she's both with someone else, and that the relationship is sexual. It felt gross to me. He's not so bad as to deserve the alpha-hole designation, but considering how often we're told that Maggie is perfectly capable of handling her affairs and don't need no man, I didn't love that we're shown the exact opposite of that. I didn't love that when the hero metaphorically pees all over her in front of the ex, she's both exasperated by the possessiveness, but also finds if kind of cute. That stopped being cute for me in 2016. (I mean, it wasn't really all that cute before 2016 either, but after 2016 it became straight-up unacceptable.)

3. Instalove ahoy. I've read books where the characters fall in love over the course of a couple of weeks, and I've believed it. But I couldn't believe it here. The relationship doesn't go from zero to sixty. It starts at about forty. Things moved too fast, and with too little demonstration of their chemistry or connection. Being told that they have a connection isn't the same as seeing or, preferably, feeling that connection. Without that, the rest of it can't hold for me.

So. People seem to be really enjoying this book. That's great. But I can't help but feel that there are more people having my problems than just me, and I'm not seeing reviews from those people. For whatever reason. So, here are my problems. If you share them, you can sit at my table. We're not the only ones.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solace Island is a place for Maggie to recover, after being dumped by her fiance the night before the wedding. Needed a place for her soul to heal, Maggie found more than she expected while there. After finding out about the local wildlife, Maggie’s sister Eve shows up just in time to make things interesting. It’s obvious that Eve and Maggie care deeply for each other. Eve encourages Maggie to spread her wings a little and enjoy their time there. Enter Saturday markets and sexy neighbor Luke and increasing danger to her life, Maggie digs deep and finds herself and once of the lifetime love.

Luke has left the high-society, high-paying life of security after a personal relationship almost left him dead. Rehabbing both his body, heart and mind on the island, Luke is able to make his bread and enjoy a much slower paced life until Maggie jumps into his arms. Unable to deny the pull between the two Luke risks his heart and shares his market days, falling deeper and deeper each time for Maggie. When Maggies' life starts to crumble, Luke knows what he needs to do to protect her and give them a chance.

Luke and Maggie’s story takes a while to really start. Once the romance and suspense enter the plot, things really take off and the story becomes so much more. The romance has some super sexy scenes and some swoon worthy sweet talking. Ms. Tilly created some great characters, down to earth and relatable. I could see many characters strong enough to have their own story. The plot started slow and warmed up and held a twist I did not seeing coming, it had the perfect balance between sweet/steamy and suspense/drama.

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

A little cheesy in spots but I liked it.

[Reading In Pajamas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: SOLACE ISLAND by Meg Tilly https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aWr
Publication Date: November 6, 2018
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

I truly enjoyed this book. It was a lovely blend of a contemporary romance and romantic suspense, set in a place I want to now live. Maggie and her sister are a hoot and their relationship pulled me in immediately. Granted I was a little disappointed with Maggie’s oblivious attitude when her troubles began, some of her actions were out of character with the situation. Other than that, I loved her. I liked that Luke’s wounded soul didn’t bog him down or the story. It was a part of him that filled out his character and gave him the depth to grab onto the reader. The two of them fit together and made a nice sexy romance. Now I just need to wait for book 2 in the series.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle https://amzn.to/2EtwL6q

[Paul Olkowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won the Goodreads contest for this book by Meg Tilly. It was listed as a mystery. It really isn't. It is a romance novel ,nothing more. It zips along very fast ,but Tilly's style bothers me . She is obsessed with organic food, adjectives and sex.
The plot is as shallow as a wading pool. The only chapter that holds any interest at all is 2 chapters from the end where all the action takes place. If Tilly had spent more time detailing the so called mystery, insted of what the main character had for breakfast, the book would have been a much better read. 2 stars out of 5 for SOLACE ISLAND. Don't waste your time or money unless your a die hard fan of romance fantasy fiction.

[Holly B]

Review up soon!

[Monnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billed as a "contemporary novel with a strong suspense element," I must first and foremost warn those who, like me, aren't into "bodice-rippers" that this book is littered with the stuff. "He was envious of the strands of [her] hair for their right to caress her face at will," is a mild example; most of the rest is far, far more graphic. The suspense part didn't rear its much-anticipated head until the 50% mark (and boy, was I ever happy to see it).

Suffice it to say, then, that had I not received an advance copy for review (which I'd requested because the author is an award-winning actress I admire), it's likely that I'd have called it quits early on. But I didn't; and given the excellent writing and almost edge-of-seat action (once it got going), I must say that overall, this is a very good book with which anyone who loves romance combined with suspense should be absolutely delighted (put another way, just because the romance genre isn't my cup of tea doesn't mean it isn't well done).

It begins with 27-year-old Maggie Harris getting dumped by her five-year fiance the day before the wedding. As they've been running a successful business together, Maggie insists that he buy her out or else she'll sell her interest to someone else. To get some much-needed "me" time, Maggie agrees to her sister Eve's proposition to take a three-week getaway on Solace Island off the Washington coast. On the ferry trip to the island, a distraught Maggie is noticed by hunky Luke Benson, a baker who lives on the island and sells his popular breads at the weekly market. When Maggie gets lost trying to find their rental cottage in the dark, she once again encounters Luke - a meeting that, as readers might suspect, arouses Luke's prurient interest in getting to know her better.

Also as readers might suspect, there's many a slip between the cup and Maggie's lips; when Luke fails to show up for a "thank you" dinner at Maggie and Eve's place, the sisters are, well, not happy. Because they've decided to try selling Maggie's sweet treats at the market but are thwarted by the local rules and regulations, they ask Luke for help with getting their feet in the door. Wanting to spend more time with Maggie, Luke agrees.

As mentioned above, at about the half-way mark, the plot thickens as Maggie is nearly run down by a car. In fact, it's likely she'd have been killed on the spot without a last-second shove by Luke (which in turn brings into question who he really is and what he's doing on the island besides baking). His background comes to the forefront even more when, for their safety, Maggie and Eve move into his high-tech, spectacular home on the island. By now, Maggie has pretty much decided that she shares Luke's lust, but given what she doesn't know about him, can she trust him? Of course, readers learn the answer to that question as the story - and more attempts on Maggie's life - play out. Everything leads to an exciting finish, part of which I expected and part I missed by a country mile. My conclusion? Except for the focus on body parts and innovative ways they can be utilized, this really is a riveting book.

[CD {Boulder Blvd} · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars rounded up.

I had to do some major skimming to make it through this. The potential was there but it came off as the cliche characters in an insta lust romance with a pretend backdrop of suspense. The description states strong suspense element but I disagree.

I did however like the cover of the book.

[Chris Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really solid romance with a good bit of suspense thrown in for good measure. Perhaps a bit more sex than I usually like but it sure fit in the story perfectly.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewer’s note: I attended The Romantic Times convention for all of about 48 hours this year and while there found out that actress Meg Tilley was releasing her first romance novel under the name Sara Flynn. I intended to stop by her table at the book fair and by one, but alas time constraints kept me from doing so, but I was lucky enough to meet and chat with her, so the minute I got home I ran to Amazon and purchased an e-copy of Solace Island. This is her first romance novel although she told me when we chatted she’d been reading romance since she was a teenager and is a huge fan which was evident the night she helped to emcee the awards. So, it is with great pleasure I introduce you to Sara Flynn and her Solace series.

Author Sara Flynn’s debut book Solace Island was funny, emotional, and intense. It took a while for the story to build and most definitely for the romance to really get going, but I was enthralled with her characters, the beautiful Pacific Northwest setting, and the small town of Solace Island.

After her fiancé of five years dumps her via a phone call right before her wedding, Maggie Harris leaves Arizona to vacation with her sister on Solace Island. Stressed from handling all the wedding cancellations, from having to sell her half of the business she owned with her cheating ex-fiancé, and grieving the life she thought she would have Maggie gets lost finding her rental cottage and ends up looking like a crazy person to what seems to be the hottest man on the island, Luke Benson.

Luke Benson couldn’t believe his eyes when a crazed woman jumps in his arms and when he realizes it is the woman he saw crying on the ferry from the mainland he isn’t sure what to think, all he knows is what she makes him feel and he’s not sure he’s ready to go down the road again now or ever. Being set up and used by his ex-fiancée and still reeling, Luke likes his simple life on the island baking bread and selling it at the Saturday Market.

I really enjoyed the unusual way these two met and the fact that it wasn’t a sweet, romantic, or even “normal” first meeting and when Luke messes up shortly thereafter, it was easy to see that Maggie wasn’t really interested in getting to know him better, but Luke had something she needed and the more time they spend together, it was easy to see the sparks begin to fly. I liked that they both had failed relationships that left them wondering about their judgment because it made them realize what they had with those people wasn’t worth their time and what they had together was truly special. There was a slow buildup to the physical aspects of their relationship which worked in this case, and even after they got physical it became evident that Luke had been hiding a great deal about himself and he was forced to get everything out or risk the woman who owned his heart. I appreciated that Luke wanted to keep Maggie and her sister safe, but I LOVED that Maggie proved time and time again she wasn’t a weak woman who needed saving, she was pretty determined to prove she could manage just fine on her own.

My complaints; I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and we really didn’t get closure on everything that happened and part of that was that a young boy character was introduced towards the end of the book and in the epilogue he is still with Luke and Maggie, but there is no explanation as to why or how he is still with them which I found to be a bit strange and confusing, but other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

A bit of suspense and danger, a lot of laughter and fun, mixed with some supremely sexy times made Sara Flynn’s Solace Island a delight to read and an admirable debut romance novel.

[Estibaliz · Rating 1 out of 5]

*I won an ARC of this book on one of the wonderful Goodreads Giveaways, and as a courtesy from Berkley Publishing Group. Here is my honest review in exchange...*

When I finished this book, I could have cried. Out of happiness, because the torture was over. Out of sadness, because it is incredibly unfortunate that any tree has to die just so this "novel" could be published on paper... it should have stayed in the kingdom of the immaterial things that is the internet, since its quality is that of the worst fan fictions you can find out there.

I have to be honest and admit that I hate romance novel... that most of the time are much less about love than the erotica of the pseudo-stories they tell, and where the plots are a mere excuse to throw some steamy scenes in the mix, based on empty relationships that are built just out of the air, with no real substance at all to support the credibility of the whole thing. "Solace Island" is a good example of all that.

If you are asking yourself why I took part in the Giveaway for this title then, the answer is easy and double. Of course, one feels always curious when the author is a celebrity, known for one reason or the other: curiosity kill the cat... The second reason why, is sadly based in a completely lie, as the publisher decided to sell this story at first as a mistery, even a thriller... and yes, there's a tiny hint of that, but it is the worst mistery plot on earth, just used to have the female character bonding with the male one; a bland mistery, lacking of any rational content and horribly built.

The saddest part of all (and this has been already sooo sad) is the own author mentions her love for well written romance stories, as if she had just graced the world with one of those... NO! This is not a well written story, but any means. Period. Unless, of course, your idea of good writing is throwing in the mix a bunch of meals cooked with non-GMO ingredients and cage free eggs.

You know what? Enough is enough. I'm not even talking about that stupid cliche character that is Maggie...

AWFUL.

[SuperWendy]

I'm throwing in the towel at 35%. This book is not well written. At all. The language is ponderous, with the author tossing in flowery $10 words when a $1 word would have better served the story. Plus there are weird, abrupt transitions between the chapters. Scenes cut short (as in don't really end) and suddenly it's the next chapter and change of scene.

This is marketed as romantic suspense but as of 35% there's no suspense to speak of. The meet-cute is more like a meet-stupid, with the heroine's GPS conking out and when she pulls into the hero's driveway she gets out of her car, wraps herself up in various bits of her packed wardrobe and when the hero's dog barks at her she freaks out thinking it's a bear. Seriously. I've never been around a bear in my darn life but pretty sure they don't bark. But wait there's more bad chick lit let's humiliate the heroine for laughs scenes! Her wearing her sister's too big high heels on a date, falling on her face, and the string of condoms sis gave her falling out of her purse in front of the hero. Her getting checked out for STDs because her ex was a dog and then her sister loudly proclaiming in a local restaurant (IN PUBLIC OBVIOUSLY) that they're celebrating no STDs just in time for the hero to hear - and of course he needles her about it in a "joking" manner. It was just bizarre, and unfortunate, and painfully stupid.

So yeah, between all that, no suspense by the 35% point, and characters that were getting on my last good nerve...I'm done. Moving on.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book sounded perfect for me. Romance, thriller, fast paced, etc... Well, I guess it has those elements but it really never came together. I didn’t feel emotionally connected to the characters at all. It was a lot of descriptions and no depth. I wasn’t convinced that the characters were in love, the sister relationship was blah, and the danger took a long time to arrive and was wrapped up quickly. Someone mentioned this reads like really bad fan fiction and that comment is on the nose! I will say I was surprised by who the villain was so the author did get that element right. I’m torn on whether to continue with the series. I honestly don’t care about Eve but the descriptions sound like something I would love. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice...

[Amanda A · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was almost comically bad 😬😂 and yet, I find myself still considering reading the sequel when it comes out lol

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solace Island by Sara Flynn/Meg Tilly was more romance than mystery at the beginning of the book but at about the half-way point the plot took a turn toward suspense and never looked back. Once the action started I couldn't put the book down. I liked the characters and their development as the story progressed. I was only partially right about who was behind the murder attempts and the reveal had me on the edge of my seat. I've already put a hold on the next book in this series at my library.

[Carolyn F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook

A spurned woman goes away with her sister to heal, finds a new life and that her past coming is back to haunt her. It's an okay story. The turmoil at the end was a little confusing and nuts really. Not my favorite.

[Kathy P · Rating 1 out of 5]

When we read fiction, we're all supposed to suspend our disbelief and forgive some behaviors of our characters so that we can believe the plot and enjoy the story. HOWEVER, when characters are written to be so far out of touch with how real people behave (even in pretend circumstances) it just ruins the story for me. The characters were simply unrealistic.

Our dominant male character, strong in every way physically and emotionally, can't control the erection that he gets on just about every page of the book, whenever his love interest is nearby. He has some weird romance story in his background about being led on by a former lover, only to find out that she was sleeping with her brother who was not actually her brother, etc...etc.... It seems to me that his well-developed Spidey Senses should have gone Ding Ding Ding during that time period. And after that romance died along with his ex and her lover, our gorgeous, millionaire leading male security expert became so distraught that he moved to an island and became a baker with a fortress-like security system on his modest but lovely house.

Our female lead alternates between being a mess of tears and snot, and a strong woman who can take on the world, even when she shouldn't (for example -- having the bravado, after two attempts on her life, to enter a vacant, spooky hotel where she has been summoned by her horrible ex-fiance whom we all suspect is behind the vile threats).

We never really get to know much about our antagonist until nearly the end of the book. We get almost zero character development on this person except the fact that the "bad guy" is angry and mentally unstable. And much like an episode of Scooby Doo, the entire convoluted, evil plan is confessed just as our female lead is being led to the slaughter. So cliche.

[Heather LiteratureChick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in less than a day. I started this morning and I finished this evening. This book was a contemporary romance with an element of suspense that kept me reading and I couldn't put this book down. I loved the chemistry between Luke and Maggie and I enjoyed the bond between sisters. I am already so excited to read Cliff's Edge (book 2) and all I know about Book 3 is a title, Hidden Cove, and an expected publication date of October 1, 2019, but I am already anticipating reading the newest book in this contemporary romance and suspense series.

I can't wait to read more of life on Solace Island.

[Kristi Hummel-rosen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sad to say that this is poorly written trash. I don’t mind trash, but I prefer it to be well written with believable dialogue. I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn’t get past the incredibly bad dialogue, paint by numbers sex scenes, and insanely detailed descriptions of everything the barely fleshed out characters eat. The main character is a maddening jumble of conflicting cliches. It feels like the author couldn’t decide who she wanted her heroine to be. And there really isn’t a mystery to speak of considering this is billed as a romantic thriller. Avoid Solace Island.

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars - I really liked how sex positive and focused on agency/consent this contemporary is. I liked the characters & world, and found the plot kind of pleasantly mindless. Alas, this doesn't fully work as either a straight forward small town contemporary or as a suspense. It's kind of fifty-fifty, which keeps it from being entirely successful. That said, I'll happily continue in the series because it has a nice lightness of touch that I enjoy in a palette cleansing kind of book

[Jenny Jo Weir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. Good plot and delivery. A few scenes were a bit predictable and the big reveal was a tad over the top, but the book as a whole was well written and enjoyable.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maggie Harris' fiancé breaks up with her on the eve of their wedding. Her sister takes a heartbroken Maggie for a stay on Solace Island, a small island in the Pacific Northwest. Solace Island is a funky retreat with a lot of artisan and hipster types. And a really hot baker, Luke Benson, with a mysterious past. What follows is the inevitable romance and some surprising action and adventure.

Now I usually avoid romances like the plague. Totally not my thing. But I was intrigued when I learned that the author is the actress Meg Tilly writing under an assumed name so I gave it a go. I was pleasantly surprised. Not enough to make me a romance convert but, I must say, I really enjoyed the book. It was nicely written, not at all sappy (thank god), and had a few laugh out loud moments. Overall an enjoyable read.

My thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for this copy.

[Lynn Latimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie Harris thought her life was all set until an odious boyfriend dumped her the eve of their wedding. Since her fiancé was also a business partner, much of Maggie’s life crumbles. She joins her sister, Eve, on Solace Island in the Pacific Northwest where they both decide now is the time for a big change. Eve has a job has that is killing her soul while Maggie needs to start her life over.

The sisters' near neighbor, Luke, who is a local bread baker, has been recovering from his own life upheaval, emotionally and physically. When he saves Maggie from being run down by a car, it becomes clear she may very well be in danger. It seems someone wants Maggie gone permanently. Maggie and Luke are very attracted to each other; however, they are both guarding their hearts after disastrous prior relationships.

This romantic suspense novel from the actress, Meg Tilly, blends passion with intrigue. Because Maggie is being stalked with deadly intent, the idyllic life on the island suddenly becomes sinister. This fraught situation pushes her into an intense state of affairs and Luke’s protective arms. SOLACE ISLAND falls more on the romantic side at times rather than suspense which, to my way of thinking, is a plus as all too often contemporary novels seem to disparage any kind of real romance.