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Hideaway Isle #0.5
The Boy on Sunset and Main
They say lightning never strikes twice. Puck Reed certainly hopes not. The last time he was hit, the jolt wiped his memory clean. He was a boy then, on the island with a group of tourists when he got caught outdoors during a heavy thunderstorm. Admitted to the local hospital as a John Doe, Puck's caretakers never showed up to claim him.
Now an adult, a strange chain of events sets Puck on a reluctant search for his real parents. Afraid of what he might learn and what it will mean for his future, Puck must confront his darkest secrets to find peace.
Was Puck really abandoned? Are his parents looking for him, too? And what horrors lie beyond the surface of his fractured life?
The Boy on Sunset and Main is a gripping, suspense-filled short story that explores the pain of loss, the nature of family, and the desire to know oneself. It’s an introduction to the Hideaway Isle series and the perfect, quick beach read.
About The Hideaway Isle Series:
It’s paradise on the sparkling tropical shores of Hideaway Isle, Florida. A place where vacationers go to get away and residents enjoy year-round luxury, the island comes to life most when the two overlap each summer.
Despite postcard-worthy appearances, there’s trouble in paradise. Lurking just beyond the sun, sand, and sea are threats that promise to wreak havoc in this seemingly idyllic utopia.
With riveting turns that will leave you breathless, each Hideaway Isle novel features a deep dive into a different islander’s story.
Buy The Boy on Sunset and Main today for an emotional, pulse-pounding read you won't soon forget.
Now an adult, a strange chain of events sets Puck on a reluctant search for his real parents. Afraid of what he might learn and what it will mean for his future, Puck must confront his darkest secrets to find peace.
Was Puck really abandoned? Are his parents looking for him, too? And what horrors lie beyond the surface of his fractured life?
The Boy on Sunset and Main is a gripping, suspense-filled short story that explores the pain of loss, the nature of family, and the desire to know oneself. It’s an introduction to the Hideaway Isle series and the perfect, quick beach read.
About The Hideaway Isle Series:
It’s paradise on the sparkling tropical shores of Hideaway Isle, Florida. A place where vacationers go to get away and residents enjoy year-round luxury, the island comes to life most when the two overlap each summer.
Despite postcard-worthy appearances, there’s trouble in paradise. Lurking just beyond the sun, sand, and sea are threats that promise to wreak havoc in this seemingly idyllic utopia.
With riveting turns that will leave you breathless, each Hideaway Isle novel features a deep dive into a different islander’s story.
Buy The Boy on Sunset and Main today for an emotional, pulse-pounding read you won't soon forget.
42 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2020
71 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Utt
40 books153 followersKelly Utt writes novels about life, love, and the choices that shape our destinies. The stakes are high. The emotions run deep.
Kelly was raised by a dad who would read a book, ask her to read it, too, and then insist they discuss it together, igniting her passion for life's big questions. That passion is often reflected in her novels, giving them a depth which leaves readers wanting more and thinking about her stories long after the last lines are read.
Her earlier works—like the Rosemary Run, Hideaway Isle, and Appleman's Gap series—focus on family secrets, suspense, and psychological twists. Her newest novels, including Sierra Oscar Sierra and What’s Left to Burn, delve into cosmic love stories with high-stakes romance.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys travel, great books, and good food, along with movies, music, and social media. She is a founding author of My Book Friends, a vibrant reader community dedicated to connecting authors and book lovers. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and sons.
For free books, updates, and other bonuses, sign up for her newsletter at kellyutt.com.
Kelly was raised by a dad who would read a book, ask her to read it, too, and then insist they discuss it together, igniting her passion for life's big questions. That passion is often reflected in her novels, giving them a depth which leaves readers wanting more and thinking about her stories long after the last lines are read.
Her earlier works—like the Rosemary Run, Hideaway Isle, and Appleman's Gap series—focus on family secrets, suspense, and psychological twists. Her newest novels, including Sierra Oscar Sierra and What’s Left to Burn, delve into cosmic love stories with high-stakes romance.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys travel, great books, and good food, along with movies, music, and social media. She is a founding author of My Book Friends, a vibrant reader community dedicated to connecting authors and book lovers. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and sons.
For free books, updates, and other bonuses, sign up for her newsletter at kellyutt.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 31, 2021
Intense and riveting! Compulsive and gripping! Will keep you swiping the pages furiously.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
April 23, 2021
An inside look at the story of “Puck”. Now I’m ready to read the rest of the books in the series!
June 26, 2020
Excellent. A very emotional book that wraps you up in the story of a young boy who has lost his mother. He is struck by lightening and has no memory of his life before that day.Highly recommend.
June 16, 2021
Review of eBook
Puck Reed, struck by lightning as a child, has no memory of his early years except for his name, his mother’s name [Annie], and a yellow house with blue and white flowers.
Even as a thirty-four-year-old adult, he’s still afraid of sharks, of being in the water, of so many things he cannot quite explain. His girlfriend, Chely Dern, is expecting a baby and impending fatherhood weighs heavily on Puck as he struggles to know himself.
When he was able to leave the hospital after the lightning strike, Mildred and Herbert Finley took young Puck in and gave him a home. They became Mama Mildred and Papa Herbert, then Mami and Pop. Now, as he comes for a visit, he finds himself caught up in an unexpected dilemma that promises to change everything.
A prequel for the author’s “Hideaway Isle” series, this story carries an undercurrent of suspense that keeps the tension mounting and leaves readers wanting to know more about Puck and how things will turn out for him. Emotional, heart-wrenching, and riveting, this intriguing tale touches on the pain of loss and the meaning of family. Readers are sure to want to dive right into the next book where, presumably, Puck’s story will continue. The only shortcoming here is that the abrupt ending leaves readers pondering what’s in store for Pop, Mami, Puck, and Chely.
Recommended.
Puck Reed, struck by lightning as a child, has no memory of his early years except for his name, his mother’s name [Annie], and a yellow house with blue and white flowers.
Even as a thirty-four-year-old adult, he’s still afraid of sharks, of being in the water, of so many things he cannot quite explain. His girlfriend, Chely Dern, is expecting a baby and impending fatherhood weighs heavily on Puck as he struggles to know himself.
When he was able to leave the hospital after the lightning strike, Mildred and Herbert Finley took young Puck in and gave him a home. They became Mama Mildred and Papa Herbert, then Mami and Pop. Now, as he comes for a visit, he finds himself caught up in an unexpected dilemma that promises to change everything.
A prequel for the author’s “Hideaway Isle” series, this story carries an undercurrent of suspense that keeps the tension mounting and leaves readers wanting to know more about Puck and how things will turn out for him. Emotional, heart-wrenching, and riveting, this intriguing tale touches on the pain of loss and the meaning of family. Readers are sure to want to dive right into the next book where, presumably, Puck’s story will continue. The only shortcoming here is that the abrupt ending leaves readers pondering what’s in store for Pop, Mami, Puck, and Chely.
Recommended.
October 15, 2021
Very brief prequel to the series Hideaway Isle.
This is Pucks early story a very short quick background on who and how he came into the Family, and why he's so insecure.
This is Pucks early story a very short quick background on who and how he came into the Family, and why he's so insecure.
April 23, 2021
Great start to a new series
Pick is believable as a struggling human who has major issues. My only complaint with this short story is that it is way too short
Pick is believable as a struggling human who has major issues. My only complaint with this short story is that it is way too short
December 17, 2021
I really liked this book. As I do all of the books I have read that were written by Kelly Utt. I never heard of her before until a couple of years ago and she quickly became one of my favourite authors. Can't wait to read another one of her books. She is right up there with Andrew Barrett.
July 25, 2021
The Boy on Sunset and Main - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Puck Reed has an unusual claim to fame - he's been struck by lightning, not just once - aged 5 - when his mother had left him on the eponymous street alone, but now a second time, 29 years later.
During his early years he's had amnesia, been 'adopted' as pre-arranged with his Mom, Annie, by his real grandparents - and his girlfriend's heavily pregnant with their son. He also has strange habits and phobias, including collecting shark's teeth from the nearby beach.
'Mami' and 'Pop' as he's called them, never told him why his Mom had abandoned him back then, but now, when Puck and (just AS diagnosed), Mami are both out in the storm, a lightning strike puts her life on the line - as the shock of this second strike makes Puck remember everything - and it's devastating! What will happen now?
Get The Boy on Sunset and Main, Book 1 in Kelly Utt's great new Hideaway Isle series that's sure to make you want more - much more!
Puck Reed has an unusual claim to fame - he's been struck by lightning, not just once - aged 5 - when his mother had left him on the eponymous street alone, but now a second time, 29 years later.
During his early years he's had amnesia, been 'adopted' as pre-arranged with his Mom, Annie, by his real grandparents - and his girlfriend's heavily pregnant with their son. He also has strange habits and phobias, including collecting shark's teeth from the nearby beach.
'Mami' and 'Pop' as he's called them, never told him why his Mom had abandoned him back then, but now, when Puck and (just AS diagnosed), Mami are both out in the storm, a lightning strike puts her life on the line - as the shock of this second strike makes Puck remember everything - and it's devastating! What will happen now?
Get The Boy on Sunset and Main, Book 1 in Kelly Utt's great new Hideaway Isle series that's sure to make you want more - much more!
April 7, 2021
Wow. Powerful prequel
Really makes me want to read the series. Short, but powerful prequel. Families, secrets. A man who can’t remember his past.
Really makes me want to read the series. Short, but powerful prequel. Families, secrets. A man who can’t remember his past.
October 25, 2020
This book is the introduction to The Summer Isle Series by author Kelly Utt. A young boy is struck by lightning, and his life takes a series of twists and turns thereafter. As a young adult, his story builds over the course of an evening storm and the reveals come as fast as the lightning and thunder he fears. The suspense builds from the first page and never lets up. Just when you think it can’t get any more intense for him, well it does. I knew I liked it because I didn’t want it to end. I could feel the characters’ anguish, his frustration, and his desire for answers. I think we’ll see more of him later in the series. I hope so!
February 26, 2021
Wow, what an outstanding prequel. Author, Kelly Utt’s writing style used the unknown in a puzzling and and confusing way to introduce a character. It completely drew me in, then ended. Who is this guy?
Perfect way to grab my attention and no way to stop now, I want to know happened to Puck. He has to be The Boy on Sunset and Main. I will definitely read The Sisters of Kestrel Cay next.
I received this copy for an honest review, this definitely is. It’s a great goodread.
Perfect way to grab my attention and no way to stop now, I want to know happened to Puck. He has to be The Boy on Sunset and Main. I will definitely read The Sisters of Kestrel Cay next.
I received this copy for an honest review, this definitely is. It’s a great goodread.
June 24, 2020
Short prequel to the new Summer Isle series. It's a great start. Gives you a glimpse into Puck and his life and what happened to him when as a child he got struck by lightning. And what an ending! Can't wait for Book 1 so I can read more about Puck and what he says at the end of the book. I received a free copy to read and give an honest review.
November 30, 2020
A prequel to a series that is well edited, a thing I don’t take for granted, profanity free, and lacking gratuitous sex. An author I’ve downloaded frequently but just now got around to reading for the first time.
A young man on the verge of fatherhood learns the truth about his parenthood and the couple who raised him.
A young man on the verge of fatherhood learns the truth about his parenthood and the couple who raised him.
February 26, 2021
This is a novella to start off The Hideaway series. This story may be short but it was such a good read. Reading this makes me excited to read the first book in the series, The Sisters of Kestrel Cay. Its written and a good teaser for what's to come. I recommend this book before starting the series, you'll enjoy it.
February 27, 2021
This book is a revelation of emotions as we see the main character reflect on his childhood and why that affects him so much now he is adult age with adult responsibilities and he gets answers to questions he didn’t even know to ask. It’s well written, easy to understand and a good clean read. Very enjoyable.
July 11, 2020
I really enjoyed the book. I can't wait to follow Puck along his journey. He lost his memory when getting hit by lightening at the tender age of five. The ending was very suspenseful and made me wanting more
May 22, 2021
Very good start
I want to know more about the people on this island. I like the writing style and the storyline. I'm curious to know more. I will be looking for the next book in the series.
I want to know more about the people on this island. I like the writing style and the storyline. I'm curious to know more. I will be looking for the next book in the series.
June 16, 2021
The writing style and characters were engaging, but this isn’t a book-it is the beginning of one or a short story. I don’t mind reading series of books I’m just not into reading series of stories to read a book.
November 26, 2020
I have just completed a teaser to this novel and it should be a very good read.
Thank you Kelly Utt
Thank you Kelly Utt
February 23, 2021
Very moving. Worth reading this prequel
February 24, 2021
Thank you for the free Arc
Wonderful heartfelt book
Fabulous
Wonderful heartfelt book
Fabulous
February 24, 2021
Easy and fast read, an interesting story and prequel that makes me look forward to the next.
February 26, 2021
That was a very interesting story. I enjoyed reading it.
Read
February 24, 2021The Boy on Sunset and Main, my first short read from author Kelly Utt, an author I'd wanted to read for some time now. December seemed to be my month for new authors, January continued the trend, and now February. A well-written, pulse-pounding, entertaining read, with intriguing, well-developed characters that leaves you panting for more. A bit slow to start but when it took off I couldn't turn pages fast enough. “I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I look forward to reading more from this author and in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
December 28, 2021
Perhaps a prequel for The Sisters of Kestral Key
Puck was struck by lightning when he was four years old. His parents never picked him up, but an older couple did and took him in as their son. Insecure and an adult, Puck fears many things, including being struck by lightning, a shark attack, and the pending birth of his son. But then, he is struck by lightning again.
Puck was struck by lightning when he was four years old. His parents never picked him up, but an older couple did and took him in as their son. Insecure and an adult, Puck fears many things, including being struck by lightning, a shark attack, and the pending birth of his son. But then, he is struck by lightning again.
February 16, 2023
Struck by lightning as a child and left with no memories of his birth family, Puck Reed struggles to find his place in the world.
This short story is a prequel to the Hideaway Isle novels. I tried but failed to connect with Puck who was inclined to run at the sight of trouble. Perhaps he will grow on me in future stories.
This short story is a prequel to the Hideaway Isle novels. I tried but failed to connect with Puck who was inclined to run at the sight of trouble. Perhaps he will grow on me in future stories.
August 29, 2021
Really liked this prequel to the Hideaway Isle series. Puck is a great, believable and likeable character.
December 4, 2022
This is book#1 of 5. Good read, second one is even better. I’m on the 3rd one right one.👍. Book #2 is The Sisters of Kestrel Cay, Book #3 is The Girl in Hideaway Park and #4 is The Man at Nimbus Marina. The 5th book is The Woman on Seaglass Lane.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews