Squall Line

The Inland Seas #1

by Gwyn McNamee

WAR
Lie.
Steal.
Maim.
Destroy.
Do whatever it takes.
Except this.
I’m breaking the only rule. I’m taking a hostage.
But the fiery redhead destroyed my plans and left me no choice.
Now all our lives are at risk because of the woman who holds my heart captive.
Grace may have started my downfall, but she could also be my salvation.

GRACE
He’s trouble-with a capital T.
I knew Warwick was dangerous the second he set foot on my ship.
Nothing good can come from a man like that.
And now, the good-for-nothing pirate took me hostage.
But his attitude and tattoos can’t cover up what’s hiding beneath.
The real man there.
The one I’m slowly losing my heart to.

War and Grace.
Dark and light.
Love and hate.
This storm may destroy them both...

The Inland Seas Series reading order:
Squall Line
Rogue Wave
Safe Harbor
Anchor Point
Dark Tide

Genres: Romance, Pirates, Amazon, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fantasy, Adventure

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2019

Reviews

[Melanie A.]

DNF @ 65%

Great premise and there was nothing wrong with the writing style at all.

But the author chose to focus on the action of the plot instead of on Grace and War and their relationship. I needed more intimacy! Will definitely continue the series.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrible ending.

I really liked Grace. She was the heroine of this adventure (which takes place mostly on land). I missed the rough seas and ship misadventures to be honest. The mafia was thrown in. Some bad best friends of War (Warwick) and a bit of romance. I think it was a bit too much for me to love it. Just an ok read.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (9/3/2020)! 🎁

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book by this author. I'm feeling ambivalent about this story. It started out great. I loved Grace. She was smart and savvy about the shipping business. But I can't believe that she was drawn to an actual big time thief who was in cahoots with the mafia. I wasn't convinced of the chemistry between them. It really must have been a touch of Stockholm syndrome.
Warwick is an awesome name. Too bad that he wasn't as classy as his name. And we don't get a lot of information about him. What was with all of the tattoos? I'm sure that there was a story for each one. For a smart guy he sure messed up big time by getting involved with the mafia. I wonder if he did criminal type stuff in college. Also, he didn't seem near as savvy about shipping as Grace was. It would have been nice to know how they planned their attacks. I'm sure that computers were involved.
I would love to know about the other guys stories but this one just didn't do it for me. I didn't laugh. I didn't cry. I didn't sigh. I felt like something was missing, like real conversation between the H and h. Maybe I'll read the next one if I can get a deal on it. If it's really good then I'll buy the rest of the series.
I loved the title. There were barely any typos which is quite an accomplishment, considering that I've seen big named authors who can afford teams of proofreaders have way too many typos in one book.
I bought this book because I've lived in east central Wisconsin all of my life, and in Milwaukee for 30+ years not far from the Coast Guard and Port Authority buildings. Now I'm curious to see if I can actually get to the piers. Because Milwaukee's  port has Union dock workers, very few ships dock here. The captains don't want to pay the higher wages for their stuff to be moved.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this is definitely a beginning to a series. I'm interested in where it may go but this book was a bit slow for me. It also was strangely condensed and then rushed at the ending...

But the crew is interesting and I'd try another one.

3 stars
2 on the spice scale

[Bourbon, Books and Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot pirate alert!!!!

Well damn! Wth took me so long to read this book? This is one of the most interesting and entertaining books I have read in awhile! If you look at my account I rarely give 5 stars...I have to LOVE 💕 the story, characters, and it has to be unique. This book nailed it!

I want a pirate now! War was awesome. I liked that even though he was a bad guy you could totally see the good guy! He tried so hard to be awful but just couldn’t do it. (Sigh)

Grace was a bada$$ too. She stood up for herself, her crew, and gave War as good as she got! Love strong feisty heroines! And the chemistry between War and Grace 🔥🔥🔥!

The secondary characters all had me wanting to know more of their stories but I will have to wait until later books to get their stories. So Brenda, you may be asking, was there anything you didn’t like? YES!! It ended way to soon and now I have to wait for the next book!!!! Pick up this perfect blend of modern day swashbuckling excitement and romantic suspense now!! Now I say! Gwyn hurry with the next book please!

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this new series❤loved War and red.Ready to see what and who's next

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like pirates!

This book was so-so. The set-up and adventure was pretty good, up until the unrealistic resolve. The smexy bits were typical enemies-to-lovers, which was OK, but she went overboard (hah!) with her commitment to this cad.

I may read the second book someday, but they're damn expensive for middling stories.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, definitely a stormy and wind-swept read

Squall Line absolutely blew me away with it's quirky, questioning heroine and its fiercely foreboding hero. Grace and War are two opposing forces caught in a battle of wills and wiles.

God, this is so wrong and so damn right.
This has to be one of the dumbest things I've ever done in my life. Yet, my heart races, and I feel more alive than I ever have in the arms of the man who could have killed me.

I absolutely adored this couple and I very much hope that you will do so too. They are both so flawed, one full of anger and vitriol, the other probing and pernickety. Yet both are just so special, they will steal your heart and refuse to return it.

Warwick is a good man who made a stupid choice for the best of reasons. That mistake eventually leads to a confrontation with Grace, who can't leave well enough alone, can't let things go. The result is a clash of personalities, a storm of emotion, a maelstrom of feelings and confusions amidst a sea of troubles. If they could only hate each other, and goodness knows there are plenty of reasons to, things wouldn't be half as complicated.

Here, wrapped in his arms, lost to the entire world, the whispered apology erases all the pain the last few days have caused. This Warwick is the one I always knew was there. The one I always knew would be a danger.

I truly felt the winds of their passion and was swept up by the torrent of emotions that poured from them. Tossed like a pebble on the tide, the plot twisted and turned me up, down and around. This was a story that soaked into my soul, a couple that have lodged in my heart. It ended on a very soft cliff-hanger but I loved this so much that I will definitely be continuing with this series.

"Grace." My name is a prayer. A question. A promise.

[Roxs Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed many books by author Gwyn McNamee, I was eager to read her newest offering, which still had romance as the underlying element, but she moved the setting to stormy seas (actually lakes but that doesn’t flow as nicely ) and cargo ships. It was a welcomed change and I fell right into it.

I related to this story very early on. I grew up near the shores of the Great Lakes and along the shipping channel to the Atlantic. The setting of Squall Line fell directly into my life, a life I live every day (well, every day of the summer when the ships are running). Reading a book that you connect with changes the dynamic and it was so easy for me to picture everything happening as if it were in my own backyard. My summer will now have a different feel when I watch the ships pass by and imagine a sexy captain piloting the ship and his trusty crew.

If you’ve read the blurb then I’m sure you’ve already one-clicked this swash-buckler. Who can resist a modern day, raven-haired pirate and a fiery redheaded hostage? Not me, and hopefully, not you. Sparks are sure to fly when their attraction combusts.

Gwyn did not disappoint. Squall Line an exciting, fast-paced story with plenty of intrigue and mystery, not to mention all the sexual tension between Warwick and Grace that finds a very satisfactory release. These characters are the stuff the amazing heroes and heroines are made of. Neither backs down from a challenge and both have many sides to them. Warwick is gruff yet soft and lovable whereas Grace is feisty and inquisitive. They make a great team—Hope they figure that out.

One last thought for you—Squall Line is Book 1 in The Inland Seas Series, so be forewarned. Gwyn leaves us on the edge of our seats, but it was an ending that had me smiling and now craving answers and more of them together. Hopefully, she won’t leave us hanging too long.

[mad4rombks]

Kindle freebie as of September 12, 2020

[KC Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars

This book started off with a bang and I loved the gritty, modern day, tatted bad boy pirates. The plot was engaging, the suspense kept me flipping the pages, buuuuut... I just didn’t feel the connection with War and Grace. It felt a bit forced, although War was HAWT 🔥.

Overall, it was enjoyable and having never read this author before, I really loved her writing style. So much that I downloaded another one of her books in another series to give a go.

[Mona williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow way different than other books of yours i read! he is always in control. so when he boards her ship things get out of control. he ends up taking her. she will fight him on every turn. he starts to have feelings but those could get him killed. read to find out.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warwick is just so temperamental at times, "he growls over his shoulder. “I’m getting some goddam*n coffee to hopefully help with a pounding headache you’re giving me.” I liked this book, I loved Warwick.

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squall Line is engaging and entertaining and just downright good! I loved the story and the characters, and I am a BIG fan of War, *fans myself*! If you are looking for something a little different than the average romance story, I totally recommend reading this!

[Sammy ⭐️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Nancy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

SQUALL LINE is a modern day pirate story. It takes place on the Great Lakes to an unsuspecting ship crew in shock, that this was actually happening to them & their cargo ship. They are boarded by a pirate crew that wants their cargo. The pirates are in for a rude awakening of their own. The ship is captained by a beautiful, feisty, red haired woman. She is armed and has a gun aimed right at the pirate captain. He has a gun, too, and they are at a stand-off. His huge crew member overtakes her from behind, but she has bought time. The Coast Guard is on their way. They have to leave with half the load and take the woman as hostage. They are breaking their own rules by taking a hostage.

Grace Albright can't believe she is a captive of Captain Swashbuckler and his sidekick the Hulk. She is basically an accountant who runs the office. Then her father had suddenly died, leaving her in charge of the shipping business. Also the one who would have to captain the ship that must deliver a shipment on time. They should have been safe. Who knew there were pirates on the Great Lakes?

Warwick Pike is much more than a pirate captain. His story is very complex. For certain though he regrets the day he threw Grace over his shoulder like something out of an old romance novel and carried her away. Now all the problems he has are because of her. Grace is just beautiful, frustrating, intelligent, infuriating, passionate and annoying. But most of all she just might be his saving grace.

This book is action packed. There is lots of pent-up aggression between War and Grace. Yet all the heat smoldering there finally sparks. All of this happened for a reason, anyone on the outside who has heard their story may not be able to understand them, it shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks. All that matters is what they feel. This book has a sort of an open-ended finish. They are together, but it does leave some questions unanswered. The next book is about a different couple, yet hopefully will answer the questions left in this book.

[Polly Barreto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Ms. McNamee and my first book about modern day pirates.

Grace A. Albright has set sail on her first caption expedition on Lake Michigan after taking over the family business due to her father’s death. She is one fiery, inquisitive, sassy and strong-willed redhead and she isn’t going down without a fight.

Warwick (War) Pike is pirate…yup pirate! He is trying to keep his family business alive and has made a deal (or two) with the Chicago Mafia to keep it going. AND he is one heck of a sexy alpha bad boy – or so it seems on the surface.

War has been sent to retrieve cargo off of Grace’s ship. Once he steps foot onto her ship – the chemistry starts! These are so different, but yet so much alike! I think they both have met their match.

This book has just about everything a reader would like to see in a story. Let’s see there is danger, suspense, angst, mafia, kidnapping, pirates and some awfully sexy sex scenes! What more could a reader ask for!

The only reason I went with four stars was because of the ending. There are a few questions that were unanswered, in my opinion, but I guess that is what happens in a series. Overall, it was a decent read and I might grab the next book due to the cliffy just because I need to see how things play out but will wait for a sale on the book first.

[Hayden Doughty · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only stuck with this one because I had 3 DNFs before it and I needed to finish something. This was an insta-love romance over four days, IF it was even that many. He kidnaps her, he yells at her, he kisses her, he releases her, she comes back. Neither of them have any personality or character traits. Both have backstories with dead parents and whatnot but that's the only insight we get into them. And then to top it all off, possible pregnancy. The absolute biggest whammy of them all. Took me four days to get through this because I was so disinterested.

Also thoroughly disappointed with the whole mafia storyline. What do you mean they were just released with no punishment or threats? Not enough information about the boss or their debt to understand anything that was going on there. Just blegh in all

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not enough!!!! Not enough action, not enough romance, not enough sex. It was just plodding along. It seems like a set up to get you to read the series but why would you want to after such a boring story. The only one that sounds interesting is Rion and he is the 5th book. Uggghhh. I hate when I get excited about a series and I have read the author before so I buy all the books because now I have to decide if I plow through or just delete them from my kindle and throw away my money.

[Maryann Gestwicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Squall Line" by Gwyn McNamee, readers are thrust into a world where danger and passion collide with breathtaking intensity. The novel unfolds amidst the turbulent backdrop of war, where rules are discarded and survival is paramount. At the heart of this storm are Warwick and Grace, two compelling characters whose lives intertwine in unexpected and perilous ways.

Warwick, a man of calculated ruthlessness, breaks his own rules when he takes Grace hostage. Yet, what begins as an act of necessity evolves into something far more complex. McNamee skillfully portrays Warwick's inner conflict, showcasing the vulnerability that lies beneath his tough exterior. His journey from darkness to a tentative redemption is both compelling and fraught with emotional tension.

Grace, on the other hand, is portrayed as a fiery redhead whose defiance matches Warwick's intensity. From the moment Warwick steps onto her ship, Grace senses the danger he represents. However, as their relationship develops amidst the chaos of their circumstances, Grace discovers layers to Warwick that challenge her initial perceptions. Their chemistry sizzles on the page, drawing readers into their tumultuous romance.

McNamee's writing is evocative, painting vivid scenes of action and intimacy alike. The narrative moves at a relentless pace, mirroring the stormy seas and treacherous landscapes that Warwick and Grace navigate. The contrast between their personalities - Warwick's darkness against Grace's light - adds depth to their interactions, making their emotional journey all the more poignant.

"Squall Line" is not merely a romance; it's a tale of survival, redemption, and the transformative power of love. As Warwick and Grace confront external threats and inner demons, their story becomes a compelling exploration of the human spirit's resilience. McNamee deftly weaves together themes of war and love, drawing readers into a world where every choice has consequences and every heartbeat could be their last.

In conclusion, "Squall Line" by Gwyn McNamee is a gripping novel that will captivate readers from the first page to the last. With its compelling characters, intense romance, and high-stakes drama, this book is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense and adventure alike. McNamee proves herself once again as a master storyteller, delivering a narrative that is as thrilling as it is heartfelt.

[Treyonna · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 71%. This book is a perfect example of a pick-me, I can save him, woman. She is kidnapped by the man and spends 3 DAYS with him and his crew. Because she is sexually attracted to him and has kissed him twice, she is willing to get involved with the mob to save him. She wants him to offer her father's cargo ship that the mob will have "unfettered access to" in order to save the MMC (who is at risk of dying at the hands of this mob any second now and lives in a perpetual state of fear of not meeting their demands). Your love interest is a "scary" guy who is scared shitless by these people and constantly in fear of his life and your solution is to put yourself in the same fucked up position he's in with these dangerous people because you "like" him? You're giving up your family business so the mob can use it and you to run drugs?
Mind you she was upset about drugs being on her ship and considering letting the MMC and his crew die in order to secure her safety and the safety of her crew as well as not have millions of dollars of heroin flooding the streets. Now you're going to sign up to be the person running the mob's drugs because you "like" your kidnapper? She is not smart AT ALL! Quite frankly any man who would allow you to sign on to being tied up with those type of people is not one who is capable of loving you. This girl is willing to sell herself up the river for a guy she's known 3 days. She is willing to enter into a life of indentured servitude for the rest of her life with the fucking mob because she likes a cute guy. Not to mention the possibility of her ending up in jail behind being their runner. You are risking life, freedom and jail time for a guy you "like" and have known 3 DAYS! I just can't. This is not romance, this is an unintelligent, codependent, ride or die, pick-me story............for a guy that she's known 3 days. Make no mistake, it's not acceptable to be willing to risk your life, freedom, or jail time for any man, no matter how long you've known him but being willing to do all of that after 3 days, SCREAMS desperate!

[Fee96 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I can't wait for the rest of this series! I need more. That was one heck of an ending. I am so excited to see what is in store for these characters.

So - wow - book 1 has set fantastic ground work to build the series on. Amazing back story and insight in to the hero War and the heroine Grace. Have I said how much I adore a strong female lead? Well I do and this talented author always delivers. I immediately loved Grace. And now, knowing Wars final declarations - he definitely has a chance at redemption and owns teeny piece of my heart. The chemistry is expertly written as is every other aspect of this book. When their done holding back and give in to the pull - throwing caution to the wind is HOT HOT HOT! As always practically combusting in the heat of the moment is followed by a boat load (pun intended) of uncertainty. Will these two part ways? Or find a way back to each other? After all there is something to be said for fate bringing people in to our lives at a certain time.

This storyline is packed with action and delicious angst. The supporting characters are very unique and intriguing. Tons of danger and mystery there and I am reeling at the possibilities of where each one of them can take us. I can't wait to see how their roles unfold not only in conjunction with War & Grace but in the overall series plot against the mafia. I lurve a good mafia story and I lurve this authors work so this is sure to keep me on the edge of my seat.

Book 2 cannot come fast enough. I am dying!

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squall Line (The Inland Seas Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee

5 ++++++ Stars

Ok confession time...The first words out of my mouth when finishing this book were..OMG Are you freaking kidding me??? Then...Oh yes it gets worse...I saw when the next book will be released and the first words then were...I am never reading another effing book..EVER

So..about an hour has passed and I'm over my little tantrum and feel like I can find some words to get me through this review. I flipping loved this book..Totally unique and different then I have ever read. I can see where this series is going to be in my favorites because there are so many stories to tell with this group of very interesting characters.

War and Grace were awesome and this story grabbed me at page 1 and still literally has not let go, I loved both of their stories and even how they met although not your average first meeting it still was as I said above very unique and I still see more story to tell for these two and I simply can not wait, especially after that ending...REALLY!? If I didn't love my kindle so much it would be in a million pieces right now.. I also thought the addition of the cryptic notes from Mom were brilliant, this is why I love this author so so much...You just never really know and her talent for storytelling is in a class of its own.

But...I still need the next one like RIGHT NOW! LOL

Highly recommend, I just know this is going to be another homerun series for this author.

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squall Line (The Inland Seas Series Book 1)
By: Gwyn McNamee
5 out of 5 stars

The story Squall Line (The Inland Seas Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee is a contemporary romance/suspense book. It is a story that draws you in from the very beginning and I found myself turning pages to find out what happens next. I loved reading about the characters of War and Grace. Grace is a woman who is intelligent, feisty, and strong. She finds herself in trouble when she is taken by War. War is a man that is handsome, loyal, and conflicted. The plans that he made have gone up in smoke. He had no choice other than to take Grace. Both Grace and War have a growing attraction to each other. They are trying to ignore it. It only grows stronger. Will Grace be War’s salvation? What does the future hold for War and Grace? Read this book to find out. This story has some romantic scenes that have the temperature in the room rising. I grew to care about War and Grace with each chapter that I read. I enjoyed reading about the other characters introduced in the story and how they interacted with Grace and War. This is a book that has an atmosphere of suspense and I couldn’t put it down until I had finished the last page. This is the first book in a series and I can’t wait to read the next one. Highly recommended.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 stars

This series has been on my TBR for a while because of the covers alone. Add in the blurb and I was drawn to it. Having just read this author's upcoming book set in the Cocky Hero world, it reminded me that I needed to move it up on the list. I am regretting having waited to read it because this is amazing.

There is something about the way that this author writes. However, that is even more true in this book. I am not sure if it is the storyline itself, (modern-day pirates? Hell, YES) the suspense and tension/ or the strong characters? Or quite possibly, it is both. I appreciated War and his high intellect. It definitely was a message to not judge a book by its cover. Grace was fiery and even though these two should have never clicked, somehow, they did. As different as they were, they were also the same. I was drawn to that. The storyline was captivating and paved the way for introducing the other characters. The chemistry between the characters was definitely intense and although it is thought about it doesn't really come into play until about 75%. HOWEVER, when it does happen it is fire.

The only reason this didn't rank higher was because the ending stopped abruptly. Leaving a BIG question unanswered.

[Chantelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squall Line is book 1 in a new series from Gwyn McNamee, and a little different than what she normally writes, but nonetheless I was totally captivated and intrigued by this read, from the start until the very end!

Gwyn McNamee has once again created two brilliant main characters that are real, relatable and very easy to enjoy reading about and following their journey.
War & Grace have a connection that is undeniable and immediately puts them into a new position. Gwyn has given these two characters an epic story that really makes stand out and tell their journey. This is one of the books that saying to much can really give away the main plot, so all I can really say is that this book was beyond what I expected, it's gripping and thrilling. It's fast-paced, flows from chapter to chapter and really holds you.

Gwyn McNamee has proven again how much of a versatile writer she is and boy oh boy is this another book that should not be missed by anyone! I highly recommend you check out this read, and all other books from this author, I guarantee you will find your next Go to favourite author.

Do not miss this read!

[Birna Björnsdóttir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Squall Line by Gwyn McNamee.

This was such a fresh and fun story line!
I really had pictured something completely different after reading about the book and I was excited to read it - let me tell you that I was taken by surprise and it was a thousand times better than what I had in my mind!

I absolutely fell in love with all the characters, the surroundings were described so perfect that I could clearly picture them in my mind and like I said earlier - the story line itself was amazing and kept me on the edge of my seat, for all the right reasons!

Warwick and Grace both surprised me and I love both of them - they are both complex characters that you can’t ever pin down and you’ll learn a lot about them and what lead them to be where they are, when you meet them.

I devoured this book and I’m actually going to be reading it again!

That’s how good it is.

Gwyn McNamee is one author that I’ll be looking for, from now on - I really hope that we get to see books about the rest of the characters we saw in this book.

I’d give this book 10 stars if I could. Thank you Gwyn McNamee, thank you.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squall Line - The Inland Seas Series Book One by Gwyn McNamee is very different to other books that Gwyn writes but different didn’t make this story any less great, it’s just different and let’s just say it is most certainly well worth the read. This is just as much a page turner as Gwyn’s other books and I fell in love with the characters and their quirkiness and their normalness faults and all. The plot is well developed and had me intrigued and enthralled all the way through. The emotions, passion and chemistry between the main characters was like the squall they went through, wild and explosive and also vulnerable and sweet.

War was young and stupid and made a deal with the devil, a deal that he knows in the end no one will walk away from. What he didn’t expect is the one woman who got under his skin, the one woman that is driving him insane, the one woman that changed his life. Now if only he can keep her and himself alive.

Great start to the series and I can not wait for the next book to see where it goes.

[Erica Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was steered to this book by the title Squall Line and the cover with the War and Grace and the lighthouse in the background. Gwyn McNamee is a new author to me and she has become an author I will look for other books by her to read. I felt a connection immediately to War and Grace. I am a sea loving person and can see where a relationship can be formed. I can see War and Grace. They are attracted to one another but at what cost. You will have to read the book to find out all the details of the story. I will leave you this quote from the books description that I love:
War and Grace.
Dark and light.
Love and hate.
This storm may destroy them both…