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Seal Cove #1
Spindrift
Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it.
Morgan Donovan had everything she ever wanted: a dream job as a large animal veterinarian, awesome friends, and a loving and supportive fiancée. But it all comes crashing down when her fiancée dumps her after realizing that Morgan’s job will always come first. And, while Morgan still has the job and friends, her heart is broken into a million tiny pieces.
Emilia Russo is a burned-out shelter vet. When the unexpected death of her father triggers a mental breakdown that hastens the end of her relationship, she retreats to his house in Seal Cove, Maine. She plans on spending the summer renovating it while she figures out how to pull the pieces of her life back together. But when she runs into Morgan at the dock where her father’s sailboat is moored, her plans for a quiet summer of healing and reflection sink like a stone—the attraction is immediate and obvious, and Emilia finds herself slipping seamlessly into Morgan’s world.
Each woman knows this fling will end when Emilia returns to Boston at the end of the summer, but they’re unprepared for the intensity and depth of their attraction. And, as the gales of fall begin to drive leaves like spindrift upon Seal Cove, Morgan and Emilia must each come to terms with how much they’re willing to give up to stay together.
Morgan Donovan had everything she ever wanted: a dream job as a large animal veterinarian, awesome friends, and a loving and supportive fiancée. But it all comes crashing down when her fiancée dumps her after realizing that Morgan’s job will always come first. And, while Morgan still has the job and friends, her heart is broken into a million tiny pieces.
Emilia Russo is a burned-out shelter vet. When the unexpected death of her father triggers a mental breakdown that hastens the end of her relationship, she retreats to his house in Seal Cove, Maine. She plans on spending the summer renovating it while she figures out how to pull the pieces of her life back together. But when she runs into Morgan at the dock where her father’s sailboat is moored, her plans for a quiet summer of healing and reflection sink like a stone—the attraction is immediate and obvious, and Emilia finds herself slipping seamlessly into Morgan’s world.
Each woman knows this fling will end when Emilia returns to Boston at the end of the summer, but they’re unprepared for the intensity and depth of their attraction. And, as the gales of fall begin to drive leaves like spindrift upon Seal Cove, Morgan and Emilia must each come to terms with how much they’re willing to give up to stay together.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2020
70 people are currently reading
2314 people want to read
About the author
Anna Burke
9 books1,080 followersAnna Burke enjoys all things nautical and generally prefers animals to people. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found walking in the woods with her dogs or drinking too much tea, which she prefers hot and strong—just like her protagonists.
She lives in Massachusetts with her wife, dogs, and too many houseplants. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College, where she now teaches in their Popular Fiction MFA program. She is also the Director of Education for the Golden Crown Literary Society.
You can follow her on Twitter @annaburkeauthor.
She lives in Massachusetts with her wife, dogs, and too many houseplants. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College, where she now teaches in their Popular Fiction MFA program. She is also the Director of Education for the Golden Crown Literary Society.
You can follow her on Twitter @annaburkeauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
January 2, 2021
This was actually my last book read in 2020. I had heard such wonderful things about it and the premise seemed right up my alley. I am disappointed that this wasn’t a 5 star, best romance kind of book that I was hoping for. While it had a few bumps, I was really enjoying myself reading it until I hit a snag that I could not ignore. This is still one of the better romances that I read in 2020, but it’s not without its issues.
I loved that this was a story about veterinarians’, including a large animal vet. As an animal lover, I love watching vet shows like The Incredible Dr. Pol and some other vet shows that take place in Alaska. The large animal scenes are always so interesting and reading this book felt like I was watching one of those shows. I also liked how there were vets that dealt with exotics and even a vet tech. In my opinion, romances are really helped when characters have interesting careers so I’m excited about this whole series.
I was surprised to find myself having trouble connecting or even really liking the main character Morgan. I didn’t care for how she acted or treated other people, and she always seemed like she was whining or complaining -which is not an attractive quality to me-. I thought the other main, Emilia, was wonderful but I could not help but question her taste in Morgan. And in the end I almost loved the secondary characters more, but the good part is that I can’t wait to read their stories next. This actually reminded me a bit of the first time I read Brayden’s SoHo series. The cast of characters was so strong that I could not wait to read all their books and this series has that same feel.
While I wasn’t big on Morgan and Emilia as a match, I can’t ignore the excellent sexual chemistry they had. The chemistry was very strong, but it was on more of a surface level attraction type chemistry. The characters didn’t have really deep and meaningful convos and I think that kept them from not having an overall deeper connection. The sex scenes were really good, with plenty of steam, so I have no complaints about them.
Even with my issues with Morgan, and feeling like this was more of an attraction romance, I was still really enjoying this read. Burke writes so well that her books feel good to read. I was thinking of giving this a solid 4.50 rating. Well, that was until I got to the end of the book. The big conflict happened at the 91% mark with only 8 minutes left in the book. I think everyone who reads my reviews knows I hate the overuse of the 80% conflict moment in WLW romance. I don’t mind them sometimes, but please make it meaningful to the story or characters. There are so many other ways, and other times, to place good conflict and angst then just always at the 80% moment. But, what I completely disagree with is having the conflict moment happen after the 90% mark. That is just plain too late and does not give the characters time to reconnect before the book ends. One of the main reasons I read romance is for the HEA or the HFN ending. When you rush like that at the end, the HEA doesn’t have enough time to evolve and therefore it is not believable. Fair warning that from now on, any books that have the final conflict moment after the 90% mark, will automatically have at least half a star -if not more- deducted. It is just bothering me too much not to. And, I didn’t even get to mention how lame the actually conflict was and really seemed to be inserted purely for formulaic reasons. I was so disappointed.
I think I was even more disappointed because I loved so many parts of this book. I was really enjoying reading this so the ending came out of nowhere. I thought this book would win a category on my best of 2020 list, but it was stuck in runner-up status instead. This was still a very good, sexual chemistry filled romance that I would easily recommend. The second book’s premise sounds wonderful so I have high hopes for the rest of the series.
I loved that this was a story about veterinarians’, including a large animal vet. As an animal lover, I love watching vet shows like The Incredible Dr. Pol and some other vet shows that take place in Alaska. The large animal scenes are always so interesting and reading this book felt like I was watching one of those shows. I also liked how there were vets that dealt with exotics and even a vet tech. In my opinion, romances are really helped when characters have interesting careers so I’m excited about this whole series.
I was surprised to find myself having trouble connecting or even really liking the main character Morgan. I didn’t care for how she acted or treated other people, and she always seemed like she was whining or complaining -which is not an attractive quality to me-. I thought the other main, Emilia, was wonderful but I could not help but question her taste in Morgan. And in the end I almost loved the secondary characters more, but the good part is that I can’t wait to read their stories next. This actually reminded me a bit of the first time I read Brayden’s SoHo series. The cast of characters was so strong that I could not wait to read all their books and this series has that same feel.
While I wasn’t big on Morgan and Emilia as a match, I can’t ignore the excellent sexual chemistry they had. The chemistry was very strong, but it was on more of a surface level attraction type chemistry. The characters didn’t have really deep and meaningful convos and I think that kept them from not having an overall deeper connection. The sex scenes were really good, with plenty of steam, so I have no complaints about them.
Even with my issues with Morgan, and feeling like this was more of an attraction romance, I was still really enjoying this read. Burke writes so well that her books feel good to read. I was thinking of giving this a solid 4.50 rating. Well, that was until I got to the end of the book. The big conflict happened at the 91% mark with only 8 minutes left in the book. I think everyone who reads my reviews knows I hate the overuse of the 80% conflict moment in WLW romance. I don’t mind them sometimes, but please make it meaningful to the story or characters. There are so many other ways, and other times, to place good conflict and angst then just always at the 80% moment. But, what I completely disagree with is having the conflict moment happen after the 90% mark. That is just plain too late and does not give the characters time to reconnect before the book ends. One of the main reasons I read romance is for the HEA or the HFN ending. When you rush like that at the end, the HEA doesn’t have enough time to evolve and therefore it is not believable. Fair warning that from now on, any books that have the final conflict moment after the 90% mark, will automatically have at least half a star -if not more- deducted. It is just bothering me too much not to. And, I didn’t even get to mention how lame the actually conflict was and really seemed to be inserted purely for formulaic reasons. I was so disappointed.
I think I was even more disappointed because I loved so many parts of this book. I was really enjoying reading this so the ending came out of nowhere. I thought this book would win a category on my best of 2020 list, but it was stuck in runner-up status instead. This was still a very good, sexual chemistry filled romance that I would easily recommend. The second book’s premise sounds wonderful so I have high hopes for the rest of the series.
January 10, 2024
**'If you're trying to tell a story PLEASE make it be simplistic plus have your characters show strength in their characterization. Don't just write any kind of story..'
Meh!
For it being book #1 -- the storytelling was sporadic and very nonsensical plus little chemistry between the main characters.
Meh!
For it being book #1 -- the storytelling was sporadic and very nonsensical plus little chemistry between the main characters.
August 11, 2020
Loved every second of it !
I am so glad that this is going to be a series! Or I’m hoping so because I fell in love with the group of friends as much as I fell in love with both MCs..
Beyond the romance part of the book, the insane chemistry between the 2 MCs, what I really liked about this read is how the author did an incredible job in highlighting the very demanding job of a vet, which I’ve only recently been aware of because of a dear friend as well..
This is a book about friendship.. a group of friends who are so tight and supportive. The characters are so relatable and it’s one of those books that you feel you really want to grab a beer with those people after work :) I loved the non stop banter between friends and the humor was just perfect! The writing style was so smooth.. I sometimes find myself skipping some parts of certain books, but this one, I really didn’t want it to end..
I would totally recommend this read if you’re looking for a romantic book with 2 very likable MCs and very hot scenes.. actually I will rephrase: this book Is a MUST read :)
I can’t wait to find out if there’s more of this group of friends! I really do hope so !
Since I’ve been saying this to a lot of my friends, I thought it’s best to write it here as well. This book is my favorite book in 2020 :)
“I was given an ARC for an honest review.”
I am so glad that this is going to be a series! Or I’m hoping so because I fell in love with the group of friends as much as I fell in love with both MCs..
Beyond the romance part of the book, the insane chemistry between the 2 MCs, what I really liked about this read is how the author did an incredible job in highlighting the very demanding job of a vet, which I’ve only recently been aware of because of a dear friend as well..
This is a book about friendship.. a group of friends who are so tight and supportive. The characters are so relatable and it’s one of those books that you feel you really want to grab a beer with those people after work :) I loved the non stop banter between friends and the humor was just perfect! The writing style was so smooth.. I sometimes find myself skipping some parts of certain books, but this one, I really didn’t want it to end..
I would totally recommend this read if you’re looking for a romantic book with 2 very likable MCs and very hot scenes.. actually I will rephrase: this book Is a MUST read :)
I can’t wait to find out if there’s more of this group of friends! I really do hope so !
Since I’ve been saying this to a lot of my friends, I thought it’s best to write it here as well. This book is my favorite book in 2020 :)
“I was given an ARC for an honest review.”
August 8, 2020
Trust me to go from characters dealing with anxiety to another grappling with depression. Ha! Lucky I have the best people around me to help me not get sucked in either.
The thing is, when authors are as talented as Clare Ashton or, in this instance, Anna Burke, the books are much more than their characters’ issues. And they’re not, in and of themselves, depressing or sad. Quite the opposite, actually. To stay standing when struggling with mental health requires monumental strength, and that strength permeates the story, flowing into the reader. It’s empowering.
Emilia Russo is trying to get back onto her feet after the worst year ever. Her father’s death triggered a suicidal depression, the groundwork to which had been laid by her work as a shelter vet, where putting animals to death seems to happen more often than saving lives. And as if that wasn’t enough, her girlfriend left her. Emilia arrives in Seal Cove, Maine, to renovate the house her father left her and to decide what to do with it, his sailboat, her life. While drowning her sorrows in wine, she falls off her boat and is rescued by her high school crush, Morgan Donovan. In appearance, Morgan is everything Emilia isn’t: easygoing, confident, laidback, happy with her job as a big animals vet. Sparks fly, first from Emilia’s anger at life, then from the out-of-this-world chemistry.
Something in Spindrift reminds me of Lise Gold’s Living, which was my absolute favourite book last year. It’s both the atmosphere, the way Emilia rebuilds herself, Morgan’s obvious love and support.
As usual, what matters most to me is the characters. If I don’t believe in them, even the best story will fall short. I loved each and every single one of the characters in Spindrift. I loved Emilia and Morgan, I loved Morgan’s friends, as a group and individually, I loved Morgan’s boss, her parents, Emilia’s sister. I even loved Emilia’s dead father. And the animals. All the animals. They’re not the cute puppies that are so easy to love in those fluffy romance novels I enjoy so much. They’re very real. Like their humans.
Real, that’s the word Emilia’s sister uses at some point when talking about Morgan, and it’s absolutely accurate, for her and every other being populating this book. Per her own admission, Anna Burke isn’t a romantic (“I didn’t even fantasize about Morgan or Emilia being eaten by man-eating squid during the saggy middle section of the draft, which was a first”, she writes on her blog), yet she wrote one of the most romantic novels (in the heartbreaking/heart-mending sense) I’ve read in months. And the excellent news of the day is that Spindrift is the first novel in a series. Will Stevie be the next one to get her own book? Or will it be Lillian? Or someone else entirely? So many possibilities…
Last January, Nottingham, my first book by Anna Burke, wrecked me, and yet all I remember is how wonderful and fantastic and smart it was. I’m pretty sure this one will have the same effect. What I’ll remember in a few months will not be what brought Emilia to Seal Cove but how it helped her give new meaning to her life. And let’s be honest, probably how hot the sex was too.
Also, bonus points for another beautiful cover by Ann McMan.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The thing is, when authors are as talented as Clare Ashton or, in this instance, Anna Burke, the books are much more than their characters’ issues. And they’re not, in and of themselves, depressing or sad. Quite the opposite, actually. To stay standing when struggling with mental health requires monumental strength, and that strength permeates the story, flowing into the reader. It’s empowering.
Emilia Russo is trying to get back onto her feet after the worst year ever. Her father’s death triggered a suicidal depression, the groundwork to which had been laid by her work as a shelter vet, where putting animals to death seems to happen more often than saving lives. And as if that wasn’t enough, her girlfriend left her. Emilia arrives in Seal Cove, Maine, to renovate the house her father left her and to decide what to do with it, his sailboat, her life. While drowning her sorrows in wine, she falls off her boat and is rescued by her high school crush, Morgan Donovan. In appearance, Morgan is everything Emilia isn’t: easygoing, confident, laidback, happy with her job as a big animals vet. Sparks fly, first from Emilia’s anger at life, then from the out-of-this-world chemistry.
Something in Spindrift reminds me of Lise Gold’s Living, which was my absolute favourite book last year. It’s both the atmosphere, the way Emilia rebuilds herself, Morgan’s obvious love and support.
As usual, what matters most to me is the characters. If I don’t believe in them, even the best story will fall short. I loved each and every single one of the characters in Spindrift. I loved Emilia and Morgan, I loved Morgan’s friends, as a group and individually, I loved Morgan’s boss, her parents, Emilia’s sister. I even loved Emilia’s dead father. And the animals. All the animals. They’re not the cute puppies that are so easy to love in those fluffy romance novels I enjoy so much. They’re very real. Like their humans.
Real, that’s the word Emilia’s sister uses at some point when talking about Morgan, and it’s absolutely accurate, for her and every other being populating this book. Per her own admission, Anna Burke isn’t a romantic (“I didn’t even fantasize about Morgan or Emilia being eaten by man-eating squid during the saggy middle section of the draft, which was a first”, she writes on her blog), yet she wrote one of the most romantic novels (in the heartbreaking/heart-mending sense) I’ve read in months. And the excellent news of the day is that Spindrift is the first novel in a series. Will Stevie be the next one to get her own book? Or will it be Lillian? Or someone else entirely? So many possibilities…
Last January, Nottingham, my first book by Anna Burke, wrecked me, and yet all I remember is how wonderful and fantastic and smart it was. I’m pretty sure this one will have the same effect. What I’ll remember in a few months will not be what brought Emilia to Seal Cove but how it helped her give new meaning to her life. And let’s be honest, probably how hot the sex was too.
Also, bonus points for another beautiful cover by Ann McMan.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2021
I absolutely felt for Emilia and her issues. I've struggled with anxiety and depression my whole life, and know what it's like to feel burnt out by people and jobs, and overwhelmed by situations and expectations etc. I got Emilia's feelings of just having to take one day at a time and making that choice each day to live and survive etc.
However, sometimes I didn't really feel any of that from the characters actions, in practice. Only when she reflected on it, did I sense it, but still couldn't really connect with it as something happening to her in the 'here and now' it all just seemed distanced from her... Hope that makes sense. I get she was well on the road of recovery at the time we meet her, it just didn't play as big a part in the storyline as I thought it would.
I adored the friendship group around Morgan, and I really look forward to other novels that I think are in the works for the group? I would love to see Stevie and Angie get together, and find love. The same with Lillian and Stormy.
I don't think I enjoyed the romance between Emilia and Morgan as much as others did. It seemed, to me, more lusty than anything deeper - and they honestly didn't seem to talk much on their issues.
Casual mentions of things like her stay at a mental facility - but no ACTUAL deep and meaningful communication and dialogue between the couple about it, no follow-up! If you actually reflect on the things said, and not the inner dialogue presented on the page, you realise we only know how each feels by way of the writing, not by way of the characters own expressing it to the other, yknow what I mean? So from there, I just felt a disconnect, that continued throughout the entire book, for me.
Their constant push-pull of 'not letting eachother know how they really feel' thing kinda irritated me, and seemed cliche and a contriving plot device.
The constant sex scenes despite being very well written and making me hot under the collar, ultimately ended up making me feel shallow, since that appeared to be all they ever did or had in the relationship. Nothing deeper.
I get they were both in bad places, mentally/emotionally and second guessing, gun shy from previous relationships and life in general etc. But the self torture and brooding became a bit too much for me in them trying to deny their feelings in nothing but hot sex which screamed of immaturity.
I felt the exasperation of their friends in just wanted to tell them off, and smack them over the head with the obviousness of it all. (Half the time I didn't see WHAT Morgans friends even saw in her, since she was such a bitch to them a lot of the time??)
The cliche'd break-up drama at the end honestly put me off even moreso. Morgan acted like an ass.
I found myself severely waning after that, and wasn't really invested in the all too quickly and easily tied up ending. (That again seemed like a plot contrivance from the lesbian romantic novel trope book.)
I am clearly such a weirdo, because others adored this so much more than I did - and I find myself wondering WTF is my problem? My awkward turtle weirdo duck mode must have been engaged today.
(I mean absolutely no offence to anyone who enjoyed it either btw, I don't ever write criticism for meanness sake, or to bag out an author, because the writing itself rocks, and there was many quotable lines in, but there was just some sort of disconnect for me, and lack of connection which I can only hope I explained well in my review, so by all means ignore it or offer your own opinions in the comments.)
However, sometimes I didn't really feel any of that from the characters actions, in practice. Only when she reflected on it, did I sense it, but still couldn't really connect with it as something happening to her in the 'here and now' it all just seemed distanced from her... Hope that makes sense. I get she was well on the road of recovery at the time we meet her, it just didn't play as big a part in the storyline as I thought it would.
I adored the friendship group around Morgan, and I really look forward to other novels that I think are in the works for the group? I would love to see Stevie and Angie get together, and find love. The same with Lillian and Stormy.
I don't think I enjoyed the romance between Emilia and Morgan as much as others did. It seemed, to me, more lusty than anything deeper - and they honestly didn't seem to talk much on their issues.
Casual mentions of things like her stay at a mental facility - but no ACTUAL deep and meaningful communication and dialogue between the couple about it, no follow-up! If you actually reflect on the things said, and not the inner dialogue presented on the page, you realise we only know how each feels by way of the writing, not by way of the characters own expressing it to the other, yknow what I mean? So from there, I just felt a disconnect, that continued throughout the entire book, for me.
Their constant push-pull of 'not letting eachother know how they really feel' thing kinda irritated me, and seemed cliche and a contriving plot device.
The constant sex scenes despite being very well written and making me hot under the collar, ultimately ended up making me feel shallow, since that appeared to be all they ever did or had in the relationship. Nothing deeper.
I get they were both in bad places, mentally/emotionally and second guessing, gun shy from previous relationships and life in general etc. But the self torture and brooding became a bit too much for me in them trying to deny their feelings in nothing but hot sex which screamed of immaturity.
I felt the exasperation of their friends in just wanted to tell them off, and smack them over the head with the obviousness of it all. (Half the time I didn't see WHAT Morgans friends even saw in her, since she was such a bitch to them a lot of the time??)
The cliche'd break-up drama at the end honestly put me off even moreso. Morgan acted like an ass.
I found myself severely waning after that, and wasn't really invested in the all too quickly and easily tied up ending. (That again seemed like a plot contrivance from the lesbian romantic novel trope book.)
I am clearly such a weirdo, because others adored this so much more than I did - and I find myself wondering WTF is my problem? My awkward turtle weirdo duck mode must have been engaged today.
(I mean absolutely no offence to anyone who enjoyed it either btw, I don't ever write criticism for meanness sake, or to bag out an author, because the writing itself rocks, and there was many quotable lines in, but there was just some sort of disconnect for me, and lack of connection which I can only hope I explained well in my review, so by all means ignore it or offer your own opinions in the comments.)
August 16, 2020
This is, and will be, the best book released this year.
I don't want to set too high of expectations for all of you, but I can't help it. I truly enjoyed this book better than most I've read. It has gone directly into my favorites pile. I probably haven't felt this way since I read 'Compass Rose'. Which was also written By Anna Burke. Of course, these two books are very different from each other. And 'Spindrift' is also nowhere near the style of her 'Thorn' and 'Nottingham' books either.
Emilia's father has passed away and she returns to the small town she used to visit when she was younger to settle his estate. She is also using the time as an escape from her life. Her particular veterinarian vocation weighed too heavily on her and she eventually broke down. And also broke her relationship.
Morgan is a local large animal veterinarian that catches Emilia in need of some assistance. Unfortunately, her altruism is not well received, and the two of them begin a tumultuous acquaintance.
I loved every single thing about this book. I hate to compare, but it felt like a Melissa Brayden book but a little bit darker and deeper. Morgan lives with a group of girls that she works with at the vet clinic. The relationships were well developed and left me wanting more. And there were enough loose ends to make be believe we will be getting more.
Emilia and Morgan had a crazy amount of chemistry. I think it is always best when two people start off with a lot of conflict. Even better when they try for casual. We all know how that ends up. The tension was palpable. And it continued throughout the book as we wondered if this could ever work out between them as it appeared to be practically impossible.
What made this book special was the deeper themes that it tackled. Loss of a loved one, family estrangement, career pressure, mental stability, depression, and suicide. When I list those out, it sounds like this would be too heavy, but it wasn't. It was the perfect balance of creating a deeply moving story. It made these characters flawed and real and relatable. You couldn't help but root for them to heal and experience happiness.
Don't take it from me. Just do yourself a favor and read this. You will not be disappointed.
I recommend this to everyone. Move this up to the top of your to-read list.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
I don't want to set too high of expectations for all of you, but I can't help it. I truly enjoyed this book better than most I've read. It has gone directly into my favorites pile. I probably haven't felt this way since I read 'Compass Rose'. Which was also written By Anna Burke. Of course, these two books are very different from each other. And 'Spindrift' is also nowhere near the style of her 'Thorn' and 'Nottingham' books either.
Emilia's father has passed away and she returns to the small town she used to visit when she was younger to settle his estate. She is also using the time as an escape from her life. Her particular veterinarian vocation weighed too heavily on her and she eventually broke down. And also broke her relationship.
Morgan is a local large animal veterinarian that catches Emilia in need of some assistance. Unfortunately, her altruism is not well received, and the two of them begin a tumultuous acquaintance.
I loved every single thing about this book. I hate to compare, but it felt like a Melissa Brayden book but a little bit darker and deeper. Morgan lives with a group of girls that she works with at the vet clinic. The relationships were well developed and left me wanting more. And there were enough loose ends to make be believe we will be getting more.
Emilia and Morgan had a crazy amount of chemistry. I think it is always best when two people start off with a lot of conflict. Even better when they try for casual. We all know how that ends up. The tension was palpable. And it continued throughout the book as we wondered if this could ever work out between them as it appeared to be practically impossible.
What made this book special was the deeper themes that it tackled. Loss of a loved one, family estrangement, career pressure, mental stability, depression, and suicide. When I list those out, it sounds like this would be too heavy, but it wasn't. It was the perfect balance of creating a deeply moving story. It made these characters flawed and real and relatable. You couldn't help but root for them to heal and experience happiness.
Don't take it from me. Just do yourself a favor and read this. You will not be disappointed.
I recommend this to everyone. Move this up to the top of your to-read list.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
August 13, 2020
A book dedicated to me? Wow! Well, not just me but flattering enough. And yes, this one hit close to home.
Emilia Russo is a shelter veterinarian taking a break from life. Burned out at work, she ends up hospitalized after the death of her father sends her into a serious depression. To cap it all off, her then girlfriend leaves her as Emilia struggles with compassion fatigue and personal loss. No better time to travel to Seal Cove, Maine to settle her father’s estate and figure out what is next in her life. Morgan Donovan is a large animal veterinarian working at Seal Cove Veterinary Clinic. She is committed to her job and newly single after her fiancée decided she’s had too many evenings alone. Emilia sees her once teenager crush Morgan at the dock, and after a wet and rocky start, the friendship begins. Can these two battered souls have a happy ending?
This is my first read by Ms Burke and it did not disappoint. From friend recommendations to the 'Compass Rose' audiobook I already bought, the expectations were high and the author delivered. The dialog was witty with entertaining banter between all the characters. The chemistry between the mains was oh, so present. However, the group of friends was fantastic and in my opinion, almost stole the show. It would have without Emilia being such a strong, yet fragile character at the helm of the story. I can already picture the mains in the next two books in the series.
I have personally been struggling lately so was concerned about the premise of this story. That said, I found myself wanting to read and agreeing with many of the topics the author touched on. As a practicing veterinarian, the anecdotes and references are spot on. All of it, down to the name of the publication on the coffee table. Ms Burke obviously has first hand knowledge regarding the mental health state of the veterinary profession. The impostor syndrome, student debt, compassion fatigue, injuries, the demands of being on call, the public perception and many more. I found myself agreeing and at times laughing (parvo reference for example), not at all dreading the reading time. I have been blessed to work with some extraordinary people. Some of which have been suicidal. One of which attempted suicide. Years later, I’m still shaken by that. Depression and social anxiety are two topics I can personally relate to and amongst several the author did a great job at showcasing.
Overall, this is a great, well written romance weaved between serious topics. The setting near the water was another great addition to the novel (I’m a bit in love with Provincetown at the moment). I will no doubt be reading future Seal Cove Stories. Oh and the cover! Another gem by Ms McMan.
Ms Burke, I realize you are biased, but thank you anyway for so eloquently putting some of our feelings in writing.
5 stars
Emilia Russo is a shelter veterinarian taking a break from life. Burned out at work, she ends up hospitalized after the death of her father sends her into a serious depression. To cap it all off, her then girlfriend leaves her as Emilia struggles with compassion fatigue and personal loss. No better time to travel to Seal Cove, Maine to settle her father’s estate and figure out what is next in her life. Morgan Donovan is a large animal veterinarian working at Seal Cove Veterinary Clinic. She is committed to her job and newly single after her fiancée decided she’s had too many evenings alone. Emilia sees her once teenager crush Morgan at the dock, and after a wet and rocky start, the friendship begins. Can these two battered souls have a happy ending?
This is my first read by Ms Burke and it did not disappoint. From friend recommendations to the 'Compass Rose' audiobook I already bought, the expectations were high and the author delivered. The dialog was witty with entertaining banter between all the characters. The chemistry between the mains was oh, so present. However, the group of friends was fantastic and in my opinion, almost stole the show. It would have without Emilia being such a strong, yet fragile character at the helm of the story. I can already picture the mains in the next two books in the series.
I have personally been struggling lately so was concerned about the premise of this story. That said, I found myself wanting to read and agreeing with many of the topics the author touched on. As a practicing veterinarian, the anecdotes and references are spot on. All of it, down to the name of the publication on the coffee table. Ms Burke obviously has first hand knowledge regarding the mental health state of the veterinary profession. The impostor syndrome, student debt, compassion fatigue, injuries, the demands of being on call, the public perception and many more. I found myself agreeing and at times laughing (parvo reference for example), not at all dreading the reading time. I have been blessed to work with some extraordinary people. Some of which have been suicidal. One of which attempted suicide. Years later, I’m still shaken by that. Depression and social anxiety are two topics I can personally relate to and amongst several the author did a great job at showcasing.
Overall, this is a great, well written romance weaved between serious topics. The setting near the water was another great addition to the novel (I’m a bit in love with Provincetown at the moment). I will no doubt be reading future Seal Cove Stories. Oh and the cover! Another gem by Ms McMan.
Ms Burke, I realize you are biased, but thank you anyway for so eloquently putting some of our feelings in writing.
5 stars
September 23, 2020
I have followed this author since her debut novel ‘Compass Rose’ took the lesfic world by storm with its impressive quality. Since then, I’ve read all her books despite they weren’t my favourite genres. Because lesbian contemporary romances are so different from what Ms. Burke normally writes, I wasn’t sure if she’d pull it off… I should have known better.
Emilia Russo is a former shelter veterinarian recovering from a mental breakdown after the pressures of her job, the unexpected death of her father, and an ensuing breakup. When she goes to Seal Cove to deal with her father’s estate, she meets large-animal vet Morgan Donovan who is heartbroken due to her separation from her fiancée. Will both lost women find a reason to love and heal in each other?
There are many reasons why I loved this book and why it’s going straight to my 2020 favourites. One is that it gives a great insight into veterinary medicine that destroys the preconception that it’s all about checking cute puppies. Ms. Burke is married to a veterinarian (she tells the story in her blog) so she has insider information about the profession. I listed 7 things I’ve learned from reading this book (full disclosure, this is an exclusive post for our patrons) and I could have listed many more. I love it when books give me food for thought beyond the entertainment factor.
This is the start of the ‘Seal Cove’ series, set in a fictional seaside town off the coast of Maine. While the book focuses on Emilia and Morgan’s story, there is an in-depth introduction to the rest of the characters who hopefully will have their moment to shine in the following books. They are all lovable, multifaceted, and complicated characters which makes this series really exciting. I haven’t been this thrilled about a series since Melissa Brayden’s ‘Soho Loft’ romances so I hope the author doesn’t mess up with the characters. No pressure!
Now, if all the above wasn’t enough, the romance will make all lesfic fans very happy. The story is heartwarming, hopeful, and downright beautiful. Even though there are angst moments, they don’t overpower the characters’ connection and their chemistry, which is hot, hot, hot. And the sex scenes are top-notch too.
Nautical settings are frequent in this author’s work and here it plays an important part, acting as a catalyst in the characters’ relationship and a place to turn for peace during their turmoil. The author’s descriptions are vivid and so photographic that it transported me there.
Overall, ‘Spindrift’ is a compelling romance and a heartwarming story about the endless dedication of veterinary professionals, and a tale of hope, friendship, and love. I couldn’t recommend it more. 5+ stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Emilia Russo is a former shelter veterinarian recovering from a mental breakdown after the pressures of her job, the unexpected death of her father, and an ensuing breakup. When she goes to Seal Cove to deal with her father’s estate, she meets large-animal vet Morgan Donovan who is heartbroken due to her separation from her fiancée. Will both lost women find a reason to love and heal in each other?
There are many reasons why I loved this book and why it’s going straight to my 2020 favourites. One is that it gives a great insight into veterinary medicine that destroys the preconception that it’s all about checking cute puppies. Ms. Burke is married to a veterinarian (she tells the story in her blog) so she has insider information about the profession. I listed 7 things I’ve learned from reading this book (full disclosure, this is an exclusive post for our patrons) and I could have listed many more. I love it when books give me food for thought beyond the entertainment factor.
This is the start of the ‘Seal Cove’ series, set in a fictional seaside town off the coast of Maine. While the book focuses on Emilia and Morgan’s story, there is an in-depth introduction to the rest of the characters who hopefully will have their moment to shine in the following books. They are all lovable, multifaceted, and complicated characters which makes this series really exciting. I haven’t been this thrilled about a series since Melissa Brayden’s ‘Soho Loft’ romances so I hope the author doesn’t mess up with the characters. No pressure!
Now, if all the above wasn’t enough, the romance will make all lesfic fans very happy. The story is heartwarming, hopeful, and downright beautiful. Even though there are angst moments, they don’t overpower the characters’ connection and their chemistry, which is hot, hot, hot. And the sex scenes are top-notch too.
Nautical settings are frequent in this author’s work and here it plays an important part, acting as a catalyst in the characters’ relationship and a place to turn for peace during their turmoil. The author’s descriptions are vivid and so photographic that it transported me there.
Overall, ‘Spindrift’ is a compelling romance and a heartwarming story about the endless dedication of veterinary professionals, and a tale of hope, friendship, and love. I couldn’t recommend it more. 5+ stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
January 10, 2021
So, to be honest, I liked ‘Spindrift’ but I didn’t love it. The fault lies with Morgan. I went from really liking her to not liking her all that much about 2/3 into the story. I absolutely adored Emilia and by the end I was wanting better for her.
I’m obviously in the minority here and I’m okay with that. I still liked it and can’t wait to read more from this series. I loved the friend group! I liked how they interacted and how they all had different voices and personalities. I’ve noticed that some writer’s kind of give the same voice to friends and this was refreshing to have a noticeable difference. I also liked how they called out Morgan’s behavior when she was being an ass and didn’t’ just let her off the hook.
I also appreciated the veterinary side of things. I learned a few things I didn’t know and now I want to send my former vet a gift.
Anyway, I do recommend this as, like I said, I’m in the minority of not absolutely loving this. Others obviously do, and I did like it. This was my first book by Burke and I’m looking forward to read more from her.
I’m obviously in the minority here and I’m okay with that. I still liked it and can’t wait to read more from this series. I loved the friend group! I liked how they interacted and how they all had different voices and personalities. I’ve noticed that some writer’s kind of give the same voice to friends and this was refreshing to have a noticeable difference. I also liked how they called out Morgan’s behavior when she was being an ass and didn’t’ just let her off the hook.
I also appreciated the veterinary side of things. I learned a few things I didn’t know and now I want to send my former vet a gift.
Anyway, I do recommend this as, like I said, I’m in the minority of not absolutely loving this. Others obviously do, and I did like it. This was my first book by Burke and I’m looking forward to read more from her.
September 20, 2020
This was a good read. Not the lightest, but at the same time it was still uplifting.
Great characters. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
Great characters. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
September 6, 2020
I went into this read assuming I would get my angst tank filled and Emilia did come to Seal Cove with a heavy heart at the loss of her dad and some serious career related depression. Emilia had every reason to wallow in self pity and yet she bravely takes on the challenge of fixing up her dad's home, and takes out her dad's beloved boat for a sail. She impressed me with her ability to laugh at herself and kept moving ahead with her recovery.
Morgan, the sexy butch veterinarian turned out to have her self pity engine set at full throttle. Yes her girlfriend ditched her because she works so much. Compared to Emilia and what she had been through, Morgan came across as selfish and not much fun to be around when she wasn't having sex. The relationship between Emilia and Morgan was smoking hot, but felt shallow somehow. Sometimes the strong and silent butch who can't express how they feel is not worth the effort no matter how attractive.
Loved the secondary characters and the overall flow of the book. I love when a place like Seal Cove and its inhabitants are written so well you want to come back over and over again, hoping to join in their next barbeque or find out who is dating who. Looking forward to more books in this series. I want some HEAs for Morgan's housemates.
If we all come away from this read with a sensitivity to the stress and compassion fatigue experienced by our favourite veterinarians then this book has done its job. Well done Ms Burke.
Morgan, the sexy butch veterinarian turned out to have her self pity engine set at full throttle. Yes her girlfriend ditched her because she works so much. Compared to Emilia and what she had been through, Morgan came across as selfish and not much fun to be around when she wasn't having sex. The relationship between Emilia and Morgan was smoking hot, but felt shallow somehow. Sometimes the strong and silent butch who can't express how they feel is not worth the effort no matter how attractive.
Loved the secondary characters and the overall flow of the book. I love when a place like Seal Cove and its inhabitants are written so well you want to come back over and over again, hoping to join in their next barbeque or find out who is dating who. Looking forward to more books in this series. I want some HEAs for Morgan's housemates.
If we all come away from this read with a sensitivity to the stress and compassion fatigue experienced by our favourite veterinarians then this book has done its job. Well done Ms Burke.
September 14, 2020
It’s always the books that you think you’re going to read for a lighthearted break that take you for a tumultuous spin, gut you, then make you whole again. Spindrift is that book for me this year.
Dr. Emilia Russo is back in Seal Cove, taking care of her late father’s affairs. She’s also taking a break from her life in Boston which now only holds bleak memories for her. She connects again with Dr. Morgan Donovan, a local veterinarian, who once upon a time had been Emilia’s teen crush. Each woman is struggling to regain a peaceful balance in her life as well as hoping to find happiness again.
There’s joy and there’s grief and there’s the fight to find a way out of the shadows of terrible sadness. The author pours her soul into this book and we should all be grateful.
That’s not to say that the book has only dour moments. This story on the deepest level is about the cacophony of family and friends, the affectionate noise that our loved ones usher in to keep us from getting permanently lost. It’s a beautiful read told in exquisite language that will have you laughing while you cry.
Lastly, the fire between Emilia and Morgan is a blistering mix of romance and sweat-drenched physicality that had me savoring every one of their touches.
Thank you to all the veterinarians out there who sacrifice so much to take care of our beloved furkids. I’ll never look at you all the same anymore.
Dr. Emilia Russo is back in Seal Cove, taking care of her late father’s affairs. She’s also taking a break from her life in Boston which now only holds bleak memories for her. She connects again with Dr. Morgan Donovan, a local veterinarian, who once upon a time had been Emilia’s teen crush. Each woman is struggling to regain a peaceful balance in her life as well as hoping to find happiness again.
There’s joy and there’s grief and there’s the fight to find a way out of the shadows of terrible sadness. The author pours her soul into this book and we should all be grateful.
That’s not to say that the book has only dour moments. This story on the deepest level is about the cacophony of family and friends, the affectionate noise that our loved ones usher in to keep us from getting permanently lost. It’s a beautiful read told in exquisite language that will have you laughing while you cry.
Lastly, the fire between Emilia and Morgan is a blistering mix of romance and sweat-drenched physicality that had me savoring every one of their touches.
Thank you to all the veterinarians out there who sacrifice so much to take care of our beloved furkids. I’ll never look at you all the same anymore.
September 19, 2020
Sorry guys, but I didn't enjoy this book as much as many of you did. Yes, it's a very well written book dealing with real anxiety and depressive problems. But there's too much negativity here, at least for my taste.
December 12, 2022
Emotional healing.
This is the first book of the Seal Cove Romance series and it is not a light read. The characters take quite a while to overcome their depression and their insecurities and fears over starting a new relationship but I like this unhurried romance. Both characters have issues of their own to overcome but I thought the healing process of one of the characters, Emilia, who had depression, was particularly written well. And I like that the other character, Morgan took special care not to push Emilia into anything she wasn't ready for. I also love the sexual chemistry that Emilia and Morgan have together.
As this book is the first in a series, I'm particularly happy to find that it has strong supporting characters, some of whom would eventually have their own stories. These supporting characters are basically good friends and families of Morgan and Emilia all of whom helped to bring the couple together in one way or another. And for me, I particularly like the dynamics of the friend group, especially between Morgan, Stevie and Lilian.
Despite this story having a heavy topic, it wasn't too difficult to read and I enjoyed it. Plus it's a bonus that almost all the characters are vets or vet techs and everyone loves animals.
This is the first book of the Seal Cove Romance series and it is not a light read. The characters take quite a while to overcome their depression and their insecurities and fears over starting a new relationship but I like this unhurried romance. Both characters have issues of their own to overcome but I thought the healing process of one of the characters, Emilia, who had depression, was particularly written well. And I like that the other character, Morgan took special care not to push Emilia into anything she wasn't ready for. I also love the sexual chemistry that Emilia and Morgan have together.
As this book is the first in a series, I'm particularly happy to find that it has strong supporting characters, some of whom would eventually have their own stories. These supporting characters are basically good friends and families of Morgan and Emilia all of whom helped to bring the couple together in one way or another. And for me, I particularly like the dynamics of the friend group, especially between Morgan, Stevie and Lilian.
Despite this story having a heavy topic, it wasn't too difficult to read and I enjoyed it. Plus it's a bonus that almost all the characters are vets or vet techs and everyone loves animals.
August 26, 2020
Anna Burke is seriously an amazing writer.
This book had me laughing, shaking my head at dumb choices and ugggh the dust in my eyes. So much dust. Luckily I had my dogs to love up on and annoy when it got a little too intense. Its hard sometimes, to look back at the choices you've made but it's a little comforting to know that there's someone that gets it... even if the author expresses this through a fictional character, and Burke has done this brilliantly in all of her books.
I look forward to the next book in the Seal Cove Romance series. It’d be great to catch up on how Morgan and Emilia are doing, and to get to know the other characters more too.
This book had me laughing, shaking my head at dumb choices and ugggh the dust in my eyes. So much dust. Luckily I had my dogs to love up on and annoy when it got a little too intense. Its hard sometimes, to look back at the choices you've made but it's a little comforting to know that there's someone that gets it... even if the author expresses this through a fictional character, and Burke has done this brilliantly in all of her books.
I look forward to the next book in the Seal Cove Romance series. It’d be great to catch up on how Morgan and Emilia are doing, and to get to know the other characters more too.
September 8, 2020
Spindrift has a lot going for it. I loved this house full of vets and the friendships they shared. Great dynamics and a solid base for the Seal Cove Romance series author Anna Burke is planning. The vets are fun! The Town is fun! The romance is…
Our two mains Morgan Donovan and Emilia Russo were on fire between the sheets, but outside the bedroom I found them lacking. The miscommunication between the two is really being stretched to the point where I wanted to slap both of them. It took away from my enjoyment of the story. Sulky Morgan is not sexy.
Solid writing, good pace, great sex scenes, fab group of secondary characters, great insight into a vet’s life (and the stress that comes with it), the romance part could have been better if Morgan and Emilia had a deeper emotional connection.
f/f HOT!!
Themes: daddy issues, burn out, great group of friends, boating, dogs Nell and Kraken deserve a shout out.
4 Stars
Our two mains Morgan Donovan and Emilia Russo were on fire between the sheets, but outside the bedroom I found them lacking. The miscommunication between the two is really being stretched to the point where I wanted to slap both of them. It took away from my enjoyment of the story. Sulky Morgan is not sexy.
Solid writing, good pace, great sex scenes, fab group of secondary characters, great insight into a vet’s life (and the stress that comes with it), the romance part could have been better if Morgan and Emilia had a deeper emotional connection.
f/f HOT!!
Themes: daddy issues, burn out, great group of friends, boating, dogs Nell and Kraken deserve a shout out.
4 Stars
February 23, 2021
Loved this. Burke writes fantastic chemistry, even for a kiss. Enjoyed the veterinary side of the novel and the one of the characters even reminded me of my favourite vet. Well worth reading.
August 24, 2020
Content warnings: depression, past suicidal thoughts, off-page death of family member, multiple mentions of animal deaths
This is the first Burke’s book I have read, and I may have found a new auto-read author.
Emilia Russo (30, of Italian descent, lesbian, depression) was a shelter vet. When her father passed away, her job of putting down innocent animals suddenly became too much. Now on leave and coping with depression, Emilia goes back to Seal Cove to renovate her father's house for listing. She only plans to stay for a few months. When she accidentally falls into the ocean, it is her teenage crush Morgan Donovan (31) who happens to save her. Morgan, who is also a vet, is recently dumped by her fiancée and still wary of love. Off to an embarrassing and rocky start, the pair keep running into each other in the small town and gradually grow closer. After befriending Morgan's supportive friends and falling for Morgan, Emilia finds herself reconsidering selling the house, and maybe staying for good.
I love the opening of Emilia self-reprimanding the use of ableist language. Emilia has depression, and thinking about her profession as a vet makes her uneasy. But she finds comfort in Morgan's social circle, who are mostly vets and vet techs. Though depression and Emilia's paternal loss are difficult subjects, the story is mostly light-hearted. I love the easy banters and strong bonds between all the friends. The humor is right up my alley, and it is remarkable how this book, with a theme so heavy, can be so entertaining and funny. I lost count of all the times I laughed.
The way I generally judge the romance is by whether or not I feel butterflies in my stomach when they first touched or kissed. This one is a little lustful, but I did feel a small flutter at Emilia and Morgan’s first kiss. I also love how Emilia not only finds love in Morgan, but also platonic companionship in Morgan's housemates Stevie, Lillian (bi), Angie, and café owner Stormy.
I really appreciate that Burke acknowledged the very high suicide rate of vets. A few years ago, I first learned about the painful reality for shelter vets when the suicide of one young woman made my hometown’s local news. Though I did not personally know her, we went to the same high school and college ten years apart. That Burke dedicated this book to all veterinarians is very heartwarming.
Another thing I love about the story are the fully fleshed out secondary characters. Spindrift is about Emilia and Morgan as well as all their friends and family. They all have their own baggage while being fun sometimes and serious another. I especially adore Stevie. She is the sweetest and most loving friend ever. There are also many dogs, a cat, tortoise, and horse. They are all adorable and play important parts in the story.
A Seal Cove Romance series is going to be amazing, and I am already looking forward to the sequels. Maybe Stevie will finally get Angie. Maybe Lillian and Ivy will make up after whatever fallout they had in school. I’d also love to read about Stormy’s story, and maybe Kate, Morgan's ex-fiancée, will have her own book, too. I know I am getting carried away but I am so excited!
If you love animals or women having sex on a boat, Spindrift is for you. This is not only a story of Emilia and Morgan’s love, but also about Emilia’s grieving process and finally letting go. Spindrift begins and ends at a dock, with Emilia stepping onto the land from the ocean, and finding stability and sureness of solid earth under her feet. I’d like to read this as an analogy of her finding her own place in life, and a life with Morgan.
I received an e-ARC from Bywater Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first Burke’s book I have read, and I may have found a new auto-read author.
Emilia Russo (30, of Italian descent, lesbian, depression) was a shelter vet. When her father passed away, her job of putting down innocent animals suddenly became too much. Now on leave and coping with depression, Emilia goes back to Seal Cove to renovate her father's house for listing. She only plans to stay for a few months. When she accidentally falls into the ocean, it is her teenage crush Morgan Donovan (31) who happens to save her. Morgan, who is also a vet, is recently dumped by her fiancée and still wary of love. Off to an embarrassing and rocky start, the pair keep running into each other in the small town and gradually grow closer. After befriending Morgan's supportive friends and falling for Morgan, Emilia finds herself reconsidering selling the house, and maybe staying for good.
Every day is a choice.
I love the opening of Emilia self-reprimanding the use of ableist language. Emilia has depression, and thinking about her profession as a vet makes her uneasy. But she finds comfort in Morgan's social circle, who are mostly vets and vet techs. Though depression and Emilia's paternal loss are difficult subjects, the story is mostly light-hearted. I love the easy banters and strong bonds between all the friends. The humor is right up my alley, and it is remarkable how this book, with a theme so heavy, can be so entertaining and funny. I lost count of all the times I laughed.
The way I generally judge the romance is by whether or not I feel butterflies in my stomach when they first touched or kissed. This one is a little lustful, but I did feel a small flutter at Emilia and Morgan’s first kiss. I also love how Emilia not only finds love in Morgan, but also platonic companionship in Morgan's housemates Stevie, Lillian (bi), Angie, and café owner Stormy.
I really appreciate that Burke acknowledged the very high suicide rate of vets. A few years ago, I first learned about the painful reality for shelter vets when the suicide of one young woman made my hometown’s local news. Though I did not personally know her, we went to the same high school and college ten years apart. That Burke dedicated this book to all veterinarians is very heartwarming.
Another thing I love about the story are the fully fleshed out secondary characters. Spindrift is about Emilia and Morgan as well as all their friends and family. They all have their own baggage while being fun sometimes and serious another. I especially adore Stevie. She is the sweetest and most loving friend ever. There are also many dogs, a cat, tortoise, and horse. They are all adorable and play important parts in the story.
”You’re going to get hurt either way. You might as well get laid in the process.” – Stevie
A Seal Cove Romance series is going to be amazing, and I am already looking forward to the sequels. Maybe Stevie will finally get Angie. Maybe Lillian and Ivy will make up after whatever fallout they had in school. I’d also love to read about Stormy’s story, and maybe Kate, Morgan's ex-fiancée, will have her own book, too. I know I am getting carried away but I am so excited!
If you love animals or women having sex on a boat, Spindrift is for you. This is not only a story of Emilia and Morgan’s love, but also about Emilia’s grieving process and finally letting go. Spindrift begins and ends at a dock, with Emilia stepping onto the land from the ocean, and finding stability and sureness of solid earth under her feet. I’d like to read this as an analogy of her finding her own place in life, and a life with Morgan.
I received an e-ARC from Bywater Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2020
3.7 stars. Spindrift is well written and has some of the hottest sex scenes in all of lesfic, but the meat of the book - romance - left me wanting for more. Practically everything in this book is top-notch besides the romance. Great supporting cast, new and interesting insights into the profession of a veterinarian and associated work hazards, even the boating stuff was interesting to read about.
The romance, though... Beyond the physical aspects, they didn't engage with each other much. Their relationship is one miscommunication issue after another. When they actually take a break from more strenuous activities, the talks they have are superficial more often than not. And while their physical connection oozes off the pages of this book, the emotional connection is... shallow. And that's what I wanted from this book but didn't get - emotional connection. (I also saw all the major plot twists in their relationship from miles away)
I'm, however, looking forward to the continuation of the series. This book is well written and there's a lot to like in it.
The romance, though... Beyond the physical aspects, they didn't engage with each other much. Their relationship is one miscommunication issue after another. When they actually take a break from more strenuous activities, the talks they have are superficial more often than not. And while their physical connection oozes off the pages of this book, the emotional connection is... shallow. And that's what I wanted from this book but didn't get - emotional connection. (I also saw all the major plot twists in their relationship from miles away)
I'm, however, looking forward to the continuation of the series. This book is well written and there's a lot to like in it.
February 22, 2022
Heart broken Morgan Donovan does not trust herself enough to allow love back in her life. The moment she meets Emilia Russo she knows she cannot just be friends. Emilia has come to clean out her father’s house and try to decide what she will do with it and her upside down life since the sudden death of her dad.
The majority of the characters are veterinarians or work with animals in some respect. The life of a veterinarian is realistically portrayed. The struggles they face and the high rate of suicide are brought to the forefront and are an important part of Emilia’s back story.
Burke is an exceptional writer however in Spindrift there is a lack of deep emotional connection between her main characters. The instant attraction and lust are definitely present. However the unwillingness of Morgan to open up and talk about her feelings does not give the reader the reason these two are meant for each other. I became more interested in the secondary characters and how their stories would unfold than Morgan and Emilia. There was just more depth to these characters.
If you like your romance lightweight and steamy than this is definitely for you. Unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.
I received an advance review copy from Bywater Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The majority of the characters are veterinarians or work with animals in some respect. The life of a veterinarian is realistically portrayed. The struggles they face and the high rate of suicide are brought to the forefront and are an important part of Emilia’s back story.
Burke is an exceptional writer however in Spindrift there is a lack of deep emotional connection between her main characters. The instant attraction and lust are definitely present. However the unwillingness of Morgan to open up and talk about her feelings does not give the reader the reason these two are meant for each other. I became more interested in the secondary characters and how their stories would unfold than Morgan and Emilia. There was just more depth to these characters.
If you like your romance lightweight and steamy than this is definitely for you. Unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.
I received an advance review copy from Bywater Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2021
What a wonderful romance. A romance that gives hope to survive even the worst times. Emilia Russo has reached the lowest point in life and is now slowly trying to get back on her feet. As a shelter veterinarian, she had to euthanize too many animals that didn't get a chance because of lack of money or space. When her father died, it triggered a strong suicidal depression in which her girlfriend also left her. A situation that no one wants to experience. When she comes to Seal Cove to take care of her father's inherited house, she has no idea how much her life will change - for the better.
Large animal veterinarian Morgan Donovan is heartbroken. Her fiancée left her overnight and she's not even sure why. Was it because she loves her job so much that she works countless hours overtime and therefore had too little time for Karen? She only knows that she doesn't want to experience this heartbreak again. But then Emilia Russo comes to Seal Cove.
Although this setting sounds a bit depressing, it is a book about hope, getting back on your feet, regaining joy in life, being brave, and daring to believe once again in the healing power of love.
I loved everything about this story, Emilia and Morgan, two wounded women with flaws and rough edges, although I did want to shake Morgan in between, she can be a creep when she is insecure or hurting. The great group of friends that anyone could only wish to have themselves, I consider myself incredibly lucky to have a few such friends as well. Their chemistry is over the top and the sex is incredibly hot.
And Anna Burke has the great gift of describing landscapes, daily chores, and the work of veterinarians (she is married to a veterinarian, so she knows what she is writing about) in such a way that I could picture everything. And last but not least, as a roommate and can-opener of two tomcats and generally animal-loving woman, I love animals above all. And they are not only cute pets, they all have their own story and personality.
And the best news is, it is the beginning of a series. Highly recommended to all romance and animal lovers.
My rating 5 stars
Large animal veterinarian Morgan Donovan is heartbroken. Her fiancée left her overnight and she's not even sure why. Was it because she loves her job so much that she works countless hours overtime and therefore had too little time for Karen? She only knows that she doesn't want to experience this heartbreak again. But then Emilia Russo comes to Seal Cove.
Although this setting sounds a bit depressing, it is a book about hope, getting back on your feet, regaining joy in life, being brave, and daring to believe once again in the healing power of love.
I loved everything about this story, Emilia and Morgan, two wounded women with flaws and rough edges, although I did want to shake Morgan in between, she can be a creep when she is insecure or hurting. The great group of friends that anyone could only wish to have themselves, I consider myself incredibly lucky to have a few such friends as well. Their chemistry is over the top and the sex is incredibly hot.
And Anna Burke has the great gift of describing landscapes, daily chores, and the work of veterinarians (she is married to a veterinarian, so she knows what she is writing about) in such a way that I could picture everything. And last but not least, as a roommate and can-opener of two tomcats and generally animal-loving woman, I love animals above all. And they are not only cute pets, they all have their own story and personality.
And the best news is, it is the beginning of a series. Highly recommended to all romance and animal lovers.
My rating 5 stars
September 27, 2020
Somehow Anna Burke turned a story that had one character armpit deep in horse's assholes and another character coming down from a fresh mental breakdown and turned it into a enjoyable, sexy read! Holy smoke show, pass me a bucket to douse my face in.
Was it perfect? No. But I did find that I liked the two MCs, Emilia and Morgan, even though the author chose to skim over the really important parts that I normally ache for in lesfics: the deep delve into the darker, complex emotions that build up solid, strong characters. Emilia was in a mental health facility but that is barely mentioned, however her breakdown due to being in shelter medicine was explained quite well (thank you for making me learn something, Ms. Burke). Morgan had a bad break-up but otherwise....not much to her really, other than being a gorgeous soft-butch who didn't always like to be the top (thank you TOO for that, Ms. Burke!). The sex was hot, everyone has mentioned this. The two could melt all the Covid-installed plexi-glass between seats on a train. But this kind of seemed the essence of their relationship.
It was the addition of the friend group that really tied things together, and I'm thrilled this will be a series. What is Angie's story... she already has been shown to be fractured and vulnerable, but why? Stevie obviously loves her, how will that go down? And the conflicted past between Lillian and the mysterious Ivy who is just mentioned at the end of the book....do tell Ms. Burke! This group of friends is sassy and sarcastic, a lot of fun to read about and loyal to the core. It feels like a much more tight group already than other series' I've read. Overall 3.75/5.
Was it perfect? No. But I did find that I liked the two MCs, Emilia and Morgan, even though the author chose to skim over the really important parts that I normally ache for in lesfics: the deep delve into the darker, complex emotions that build up solid, strong characters. Emilia was in a mental health facility but that is barely mentioned, however her breakdown due to being in shelter medicine was explained quite well (thank you for making me learn something, Ms. Burke). Morgan had a bad break-up but otherwise....not much to her really, other than being a gorgeous soft-butch who didn't always like to be the top (thank you TOO for that, Ms. Burke!). The sex was hot, everyone has mentioned this. The two could melt all the Covid-installed plexi-glass between seats on a train. But this kind of seemed the essence of their relationship.
It was the addition of the friend group that really tied things together, and I'm thrilled this will be a series. What is Angie's story... she already has been shown to be fractured and vulnerable, but why? Stevie obviously loves her, how will that go down? And the conflicted past between Lillian and the mysterious Ivy who is just mentioned at the end of the book....do tell Ms. Burke! This group of friends is sassy and sarcastic, a lot of fun to read about and loyal to the core. It feels like a much more tight group already than other series' I've read. Overall 3.75/5.
September 9, 2020
an adult f/f romance i enjoyed?? it's a christmas miracle
Five Reasons to Read This Book
Rep: lesbian mc with depression, lesbian mc, bi and lesbian side characters
CWs: past suicidal depression, death of a parent (off page), mentions of animal euthanasia
Five Reasons to Read This Book
Rep: lesbian mc with depression, lesbian mc, bi and lesbian side characters
CWs: past suicidal depression, death of a parent (off page), mentions of animal euthanasia
October 19, 2025
My first Anna Burke novel and it completely surpassed my expectations.
The writing was witty and engaging and the setting was so immersive. I felt transported to Seal Cove every time I cracked this open.
Morgan and Emilia are wonderful characters together and individually. They're both lost and grieving (In their own ways) and trying to navigate understanding themselves and I enjoyed watching their worlds collide. I really wish the writing expanded more on Morgan and her character arc, It felt a little rushed, but it was still satisfying watching her come into herself.
Emilia's journey was heart-wrenching and relatable, and I adored how Burke explored what it's like to grieve a loved one you also had a complicated relationship and view of.
The romance itself I think was missing just a little spark. I felt like we were missing out on so many of the simply tender moments between Morgan and Emilia in order to properly flesh out their love story, but the chemistry was just out of this world, and I ate up every moment of it.
And even though Morgan and Emilia are excellent on their own, the side characters (and animals) are what truly made me adore this story. I loved how distinct every character's personality was, and how each character felt real and not like a player in someone else's game. Lillian (my favorite) is me and I am her as the mom friend of the group and I cannot wait to read her own love story.
I also loved how being a vet and the challenges of having such a demanding job were woven into this story, it's really nice to read about just regular people with everyday struggles and stresses in a way that wasn’t depressing or lecturey, and Burke did a really good job of building this world in our minds.
Overall 4.5 stars, I'm so excited to finish this series. 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨️
The writing was witty and engaging and the setting was so immersive. I felt transported to Seal Cove every time I cracked this open.
Morgan and Emilia are wonderful characters together and individually. They're both lost and grieving (In their own ways) and trying to navigate understanding themselves and I enjoyed watching their worlds collide. I really wish the writing expanded more on Morgan and her character arc, It felt a little rushed, but it was still satisfying watching her come into herself.
Emilia's journey was heart-wrenching and relatable, and I adored how Burke explored what it's like to grieve a loved one you also had a complicated relationship and view of.
The romance itself I think was missing just a little spark. I felt like we were missing out on so many of the simply tender moments between Morgan and Emilia in order to properly flesh out their love story, but the chemistry was just out of this world, and I ate up every moment of it.
And even though Morgan and Emilia are excellent on their own, the side characters (and animals) are what truly made me adore this story. I loved how distinct every character's personality was, and how each character felt real and not like a player in someone else's game. Lillian (my favorite) is me and I am her as the mom friend of the group and I cannot wait to read her own love story.
I also loved how being a vet and the challenges of having such a demanding job were woven into this story, it's really nice to read about just regular people with everyday struggles and stresses in a way that wasn’t depressing or lecturey, and Burke did a really good job of building this world in our minds.
Overall 4.5 stars, I'm so excited to finish this series. 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨️
June 18, 2025
I love boats. Especially sail boats. I love Maine, and the sublimely real villages perched on its craggy coast, all foggy pines and ramshackle boathouses. I love animals—though I’m not the dog person this book so blatantly caters to. (Angie's cat James is the most misunderstood and put-upon character in this whole book, and I would read the forthcoming Angie sequel just for him, though I can think of plenty of other reasons to return to Seal Cove.)
I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about this whole damn genre where every book has the same plot and every lead is blazingly hot. But Anna Burke nails the quicksilver combination of wish-fulfillment and verisimilitude that can make your basic no-surprises romance hit like a bullet to the heart and a slap on the ass at the same time. And I’m gonna come right out and say it: I love a good third-act breakup. They get a lot of hate on here, but I almost invariably find them immensely satisfying. They dramatize what we all go through, not just when we fall in love, but when we do anything beautiful and extraordinary—the pushing through fear towards happiness that defines so much of a life well lived.
I thought the sex scenes were exceptional. (I hope for the author’s sake that her wife indulges her sex-on-a-boat fantasies irl, because it definitely felt like she was tapping into something deep in her own psyche with the whole one-hand-on-the-tiller one-hand-down-her-shorts thing this book plays out more than once.)
I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about this whole damn genre where every book has the same plot and every lead is blazingly hot. But Anna Burke nails the quicksilver combination of wish-fulfillment and verisimilitude that can make your basic no-surprises romance hit like a bullet to the heart and a slap on the ass at the same time. And I’m gonna come right out and say it: I love a good third-act breakup. They get a lot of hate on here, but I almost invariably find them immensely satisfying. They dramatize what we all go through, not just when we fall in love, but when we do anything beautiful and extraordinary—the pushing through fear towards happiness that defines so much of a life well lived.
I thought the sex scenes were exceptional. (I hope for the author’s sake that her wife indulges her sex-on-a-boat fantasies irl, because it definitely felt like she was tapping into something deep in her own psyche with the whole one-hand-on-the-tiller one-hand-down-her-shorts thing this book plays out more than once.)
August 19, 2020
I read fewer and fewer romances these days, but merely the name of this author (and the publisher) convinced me this one likely would not disappoint. And it did not disappoint.
The two main characters are different as night and day, in everything but their vocation. Of course, their communication, or lack thereof is their main problem, but the chemistry more than makes up for it. There's a varied and colourful list of secondary characters that are all charming and memorable in their own ways, and I'm not just talking about the humans. There are quite a few animals to fall in love with as well.
I was left with a few questions though, all of which could be resolved in the next book, which I am wholeheartedly looking forward to!
The cover by Ann McMan is stunning and poster-worthy, as always. The partnership of great editors, a fabulously talented author and brilliant cover-artist have all combined to produce a book that will happily sit in my "Read-These-Once-A-Year" pile.
Get it, read it. You'll see what I mean.
The two main characters are different as night and day, in everything but their vocation. Of course, their communication, or lack thereof is their main problem, but the chemistry more than makes up for it. There's a varied and colourful list of secondary characters that are all charming and memorable in their own ways, and I'm not just talking about the humans. There are quite a few animals to fall in love with as well.
I was left with a few questions though, all of which could be resolved in the next book, which I am wholeheartedly looking forward to!
The cover by Ann McMan is stunning and poster-worthy, as always. The partnership of great editors, a fabulously talented author and brilliant cover-artist have all combined to produce a book that will happily sit in my "Read-These-Once-A-Year" pile.
Get it, read it. You'll see what I mean.
October 16, 2020
4.5 Stars
Spindrift: sea spray blown from the crests of waves by the wind, especially spray during a gale.
This is the first book I’ve read by Anna Burke and it won’t be my last. I enjoyed this story and the relatively large cast of characters.
Emilia Russo is broken. As a shelter veterinarian, she burned out on the stress and heartbreak of having to put down too many adoptable animals. Her father’s sudden death and her job triggered her into a deep depression which only after intensive therapy she was able recover. She was no longer suicidal and is feeling relatively human again. But as a consequence of her breakdown, her longtime partner in life and veterinarian practice split with Emilia.
Emilia along with her greyhound, Nell goes to Seal Cove, Maine. She plans to spend the summer to deal with her Father’s estate. Emilia has fond memories as a young girl of visiting her father and sailing on his boat, The Emilia Rosa. One of the first thing she does when she returns is to go to the boat to toast her father. It was at the boat when she meets Morgan. However, it’s not the first time she’d seen Morgan. She had a crush on Morgan when she visited her Dad as a young girl. Her visits stopped when he lost joint custody. When Emilia inadvertently falls off the sailboat, Morgan rescues Emilia out of the water and more.
Emilia spends the summer sailing, cleaning and painting the house. She hopes to put it up for sale before she leaves. But the summer also brings her healing, new friends and a new love, Morgan.
Morgan is a large animal Veterinarian (horses and livestock of all kinds) and is part of a Veterinarian clinic that employs both small and large animal vets along with boarding and daycare. Morgan lives in a large farmhouse with three others, Angie, previously a vet tech who inherited the farmhouse and opened up the animal daycare and boarding facility, Stevie, Morgan’s assistant and Lillian, a small animal vet. There is also Danielle who didn’t live at the house but owned and managed the clinic. Whew. It’s a large cast of characters. This is the first of a series. I am looking forward to reading future installments to get to know and hear the other characters stories.
Note: I picked up this book because I loved the cover. Not sure why, but maybe because I wanted to know what the woman was thinking. Kudos to the designer.
Spindrift: sea spray blown from the crests of waves by the wind, especially spray during a gale.
This is the first book I’ve read by Anna Burke and it won’t be my last. I enjoyed this story and the relatively large cast of characters.
Emilia Russo is broken. As a shelter veterinarian, she burned out on the stress and heartbreak of having to put down too many adoptable animals. Her father’s sudden death and her job triggered her into a deep depression which only after intensive therapy she was able recover. She was no longer suicidal and is feeling relatively human again. But as a consequence of her breakdown, her longtime partner in life and veterinarian practice split with Emilia.
Emilia along with her greyhound, Nell goes to Seal Cove, Maine. She plans to spend the summer to deal with her Father’s estate. Emilia has fond memories as a young girl of visiting her father and sailing on his boat, The Emilia Rosa. One of the first thing she does when she returns is to go to the boat to toast her father. It was at the boat when she meets Morgan. However, it’s not the first time she’d seen Morgan. She had a crush on Morgan when she visited her Dad as a young girl. Her visits stopped when he lost joint custody. When Emilia inadvertently falls off the sailboat, Morgan rescues Emilia out of the water and more.
Emilia spends the summer sailing, cleaning and painting the house. She hopes to put it up for sale before she leaves. But the summer also brings her healing, new friends and a new love, Morgan.
Morgan is a large animal Veterinarian (horses and livestock of all kinds) and is part of a Veterinarian clinic that employs both small and large animal vets along with boarding and daycare. Morgan lives in a large farmhouse with three others, Angie, previously a vet tech who inherited the farmhouse and opened up the animal daycare and boarding facility, Stevie, Morgan’s assistant and Lillian, a small animal vet. There is also Danielle who didn’t live at the house but owned and managed the clinic. Whew. It’s a large cast of characters. This is the first of a series. I am looking forward to reading future installments to get to know and hear the other characters stories.
Note: I picked up this book because I loved the cover. Not sure why, but maybe because I wanted to know what the woman was thinking. Kudos to the designer.
August 13, 2020
I fell in love with this story and these characters. In fact, Spindrift, by Anna Burke is a character reader’s dream.
I am a character reader myself, and if I can’t connect with at least the main characters in a novel, I won’t enjoy reading it. Ms. Burke has done an amazing job creating and developing not only Morgan Donovan and Emilia Russo, the two main characters in this tale, but also the secondary characters. She made all of these characters real, with strengths and weaknesses just like all of us. They have good days and bad, quirks that would probably drive anyone around them crazy, and personalities that make them very loveable.
The story itself is quite angsty since both main characters have to deal with past heartbreak. Emilia especially is recovering from a mental breakdown caused by multiple traumas that includes her father’s death and burning out as a shelter veterinarian. Putting two vets, both recovering from past heartbreak, together as possible love interests gives the author endless possibilities for angst, and Ms. Burke takes full advantage of that. Add in the gorgeous seaside setting of a small town in Maine, and you have the perfect romantic tale.
This story could easily be turned into a series with several of the secondary characters. They are so well developed; you will fall in love with them too, just like I did. I’m pretty sure that’s what the author has planned. I will be the first in line to grab the books if she does.
If you love anguish-ridden romance with characters you can’t help but fall in love with, then this is definitely the book for you.
I received an ARC from Bywater Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
I am a character reader myself, and if I can’t connect with at least the main characters in a novel, I won’t enjoy reading it. Ms. Burke has done an amazing job creating and developing not only Morgan Donovan and Emilia Russo, the two main characters in this tale, but also the secondary characters. She made all of these characters real, with strengths and weaknesses just like all of us. They have good days and bad, quirks that would probably drive anyone around them crazy, and personalities that make them very loveable.
The story itself is quite angsty since both main characters have to deal with past heartbreak. Emilia especially is recovering from a mental breakdown caused by multiple traumas that includes her father’s death and burning out as a shelter veterinarian. Putting two vets, both recovering from past heartbreak, together as possible love interests gives the author endless possibilities for angst, and Ms. Burke takes full advantage of that. Add in the gorgeous seaside setting of a small town in Maine, and you have the perfect romantic tale.
This story could easily be turned into a series with several of the secondary characters. They are so well developed; you will fall in love with them too, just like I did. I’m pretty sure that’s what the author has planned. I will be the first in line to grab the books if she does.
If you love anguish-ridden romance with characters you can’t help but fall in love with, then this is definitely the book for you.
I received an ARC from Bywater Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
August 29, 2020
I’d read a couple of reviews of Spindrift which had encouraged me to want to read the book and I was not disappointed. It’s taken me a couple of days after I’d finished reading to think about what I wanted to say, as to be honest I almost feel like I can’t do it justice in a review.
Set in Seal Cove, Emilia returns to the town after the death of her father and a life changing period of depression. She very quickly runs into Morgan, her childhood crush and as it transpires friend of her father. Both have recently lost significant partners and are trying to piece together what is left of their lives.
Everything about this book crept up on me slowly. I was merrily reading, thinking I was reading a well written romance that I was really enjoying, and then all of a sudden came the feelings. I’m not a vet, and what I do for a living can’t be considered a matter of life or death sometimes, but I am someone who has walked away from what I believed to be my dream job due to the impact it had on my mental health. Emilia’s depression is depicted and discussed so well I felt like I was experiencing all of her feelings with her. I loved the ways her family are also woven into the storyline, both as supportive factors, but also in the genuine way worry and love were expressed.
Morgan is a great character; another I’d add to my list of characters on the page I’d want to be friends with in real life. Her loyalty, work ethic and soft butchness all really spoke to me. Her wariness of falling for Emilia didn’t feel contrived and her eventual examination of why she felt that way seemed plausible.
Once they get together their relationship felt believable, with both giving each other space to be their authentic selves and to recover from their pasts. When the inevitable crunch point of a lesbian romance book happened, I was rooting for a resolution far more than I normally would.
The secondary characters in their friendship group are three dimensional and not just there to add angst, they provide real depth and great moments in the narrative. The animals were great too. I’m extremely happy to know we’ll be seeing more of these characters in the Seal Cove series and that we might have more of an opportunity to read about Emilia and Morgan.
I’d highly recommend this to anyone to be honest and I’m now off to find some space in my TBR pile for Nottingham.
I received an e-ARC directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Seal Cove, Emilia returns to the town after the death of her father and a life changing period of depression. She very quickly runs into Morgan, her childhood crush and as it transpires friend of her father. Both have recently lost significant partners and are trying to piece together what is left of their lives.
Everything about this book crept up on me slowly. I was merrily reading, thinking I was reading a well written romance that I was really enjoying, and then all of a sudden came the feelings. I’m not a vet, and what I do for a living can’t be considered a matter of life or death sometimes, but I am someone who has walked away from what I believed to be my dream job due to the impact it had on my mental health. Emilia’s depression is depicted and discussed so well I felt like I was experiencing all of her feelings with her. I loved the ways her family are also woven into the storyline, both as supportive factors, but also in the genuine way worry and love were expressed.
Morgan is a great character; another I’d add to my list of characters on the page I’d want to be friends with in real life. Her loyalty, work ethic and soft butchness all really spoke to me. Her wariness of falling for Emilia didn’t feel contrived and her eventual examination of why she felt that way seemed plausible.
Once they get together their relationship felt believable, with both giving each other space to be their authentic selves and to recover from their pasts. When the inevitable crunch point of a lesbian romance book happened, I was rooting for a resolution far more than I normally would.
The secondary characters in their friendship group are three dimensional and not just there to add angst, they provide real depth and great moments in the narrative. The animals were great too. I’m extremely happy to know we’ll be seeing more of these characters in the Seal Cove series and that we might have more of an opportunity to read about Emilia and Morgan.
I’d highly recommend this to anyone to be honest and I’m now off to find some space in my TBR pile for Nottingham.
I received an e-ARC directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2020
4.5 stars. I think I found a new book series to be addicted to :-) Book one, Spindrift, is about deep emotions, a great group of friends, and a steamy romance.
Emilia returns to Seal Cove after her father died to take care of his affairs, but also to sort out her own life as she’s struggling with depression up to being suicidal. Although she is on the road to recovery, her emotions are still raw and dating seems to be the last thing on her mind. Because her depression was caused by her profession as a shelter vet, she also needs to figure out what she wants to do professionally.
Morgan is a large animal vet and loves her job. In fact, she loves her job so much that her previous girlfriend/fiancée dumped her, due to lack of attention, which left her doubting herself as a suitable partner in any relationship. Clearly, both Morgan and Emilia are emotionally troubled and there is more than enough doubt from both sides, but they can’t resist each other (they have awesome chemistry) and get involved against better judgement.
Morgan’s group of friends is absolutely wonderful and I just want to read more about them. All characters felt unique and believable, and you get just enough information to bond with them and to look forward to their own stories.
There is quite a bit of bad communication in this book, especially considering Emilia’s and Morgan’s background stories. I felt that I got enough insight in their emotional state through inner dialogues, but they do not really talk about their past or their feelings to each other. This might have been a conscious choice to keep the book on the lighter side as I didn’t think this was a very depressing or heavy book to read, which it could have become if the focus would have shifted more towards their emotional problems. Personally, I did not have any problems with this choice and enjoyed the book being emotional, but still on the lighter side. However, I can see that this could be bothersome to some people (as mentioned in other reviews). The last 10% or so of the book (where Morgan is being an idiot) did bother me a bit though, I felt this last bit of drama was not really necessary and here I really missed some good communication, which is why I can’t round it up to a 5-star rating.
This was one of those books that I did not want to end, I could have easily continued with the next story in line immediately. Unfortunately, I’ll have to wait a bit for that to happen.
Emilia returns to Seal Cove after her father died to take care of his affairs, but also to sort out her own life as she’s struggling with depression up to being suicidal. Although she is on the road to recovery, her emotions are still raw and dating seems to be the last thing on her mind. Because her depression was caused by her profession as a shelter vet, she also needs to figure out what she wants to do professionally.
Morgan is a large animal vet and loves her job. In fact, she loves her job so much that her previous girlfriend/fiancée dumped her, due to lack of attention, which left her doubting herself as a suitable partner in any relationship. Clearly, both Morgan and Emilia are emotionally troubled and there is more than enough doubt from both sides, but they can’t resist each other (they have awesome chemistry) and get involved against better judgement.
Morgan’s group of friends is absolutely wonderful and I just want to read more about them. All characters felt unique and believable, and you get just enough information to bond with them and to look forward to their own stories.
There is quite a bit of bad communication in this book, especially considering Emilia’s and Morgan’s background stories. I felt that I got enough insight in their emotional state through inner dialogues, but they do not really talk about their past or their feelings to each other. This might have been a conscious choice to keep the book on the lighter side as I didn’t think this was a very depressing or heavy book to read, which it could have become if the focus would have shifted more towards their emotional problems. Personally, I did not have any problems with this choice and enjoyed the book being emotional, but still on the lighter side. However, I can see that this could be bothersome to some people (as mentioned in other reviews). The last 10% or so of the book (where Morgan is being an idiot) did bother me a bit though, I felt this last bit of drama was not really necessary and here I really missed some good communication, which is why I can’t round it up to a 5-star rating.
This was one of those books that I did not want to end, I could have easily continued with the next story in line immediately. Unfortunately, I’ll have to wait a bit for that to happen.
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