Just when you’re about to give up … the tide can turn when you least expect it.
Luke Cannon was trapped between a rock and a hard place while the incoming tide threatened to drown him. With every year that passed, his hope of meeting his very basic human need for intimacy grew fainter and fainter.
Until he met her.
She was everything his wife was not. Giving. Caring. Independent. Sexy. Fun! All things he had convinced himself he didn’t deserve.
But love? He could never be worthy of that. He would settle for a touch. A kiss. Hell, a hug would be better than nothing.
He never expected the tide could actually turn.
And neither did she.
There’s a secret club in Ocean City, Maryland, where swingers from all over the mid-Atlantic converge every weekend to frolic and play in its many themed rooms. Welcome to the Factory, where in the midst of all the fun, there’s always a romance blossoming, sometimes where you least expect it.
Books of the Eastern Shore Swingers Series (Each features a HEA and they can be read in any order):
If you have read any of my reviews, you know that I am not a fan of coming into the middle of a series, so I love it when I find an author who can write a story that reads well as a stand-alone, but has enough detail that I want to find the previous books. This is one of those cases.
“Turning the Tide” is actually the fifth book in the Eastern Shore Swingers series. It focuses on Luke, an ENT doctor with an absolute shrew of a wife, and Connie, a recent transplant from California. Connie is the sister of Casey (who I gather might be the focus of an earlier story). They meet at “The Factory,” a club for alternative lifestyles.
But this book is much more than another BDSM/swinger novel. Sure there are scenes (and they’re pretty hot) and the romance grows as the two find their way to acknowledge their true natures. But there is also a great subplot involving Luke’s wife that builds throughout the story, culminating in some pretty awesome scenes.
Ultimately the story belongs to Luke and Connie, and it is absolutely fantastic that they are older (40s and 50s). It’s about time that somebody acknowledged and wrote about something other than doe eyed 20 year olds being shocked at a new lifestyle. I loved that these were two mature people who had been around the block and were ready to embrace their new lifestyle. More of this please!
I will definitely be going back and reading the first four in this series, and I look forward to any future books from this author as well. My Goodreads review is below.
I really, really enjoyed this book. The romance between two older people who have seen a lot of life was a very refreshing break from the usual 20-something year-olds who pledge undying love in romances. Both Luke and Connie knew what they wanted and didn’t stand for games. The suspense part of the plot was well thought out and gave depth to Luke’s decisions. The man was certainly justified in his actions – it’s been a while since I found a character as loathsome as his wife. I especially liked how the author didn’t rely on the draw of the lifestyle to determine the arc of the story. The scenes of the lifestyle were interwoven seamlessly with the suspense plot, and I appreciated that the author presented the characters as normal, every-day people instead of focusing on the darker side like many other novels. This was the fifth in a series, but the first one that I have read. I liked the style of writing and the characters enough to go find the first four in the series. I definitely recommend this book. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release copy.
Amber Milestone loves her job as a chef at Hale’s View, an upscale restaurant next to Hale Vineyards in Napa Valley, California. She works with her stepfather, who is a partner in the business with Mr. Hale. Amber has more than just a business relationship with Mr. Hale’s son, Jack. She is swept away by Jack’s handsome smile and charmed by his romantic side, which has no limitations when it comes to money or connections. Amidst the lush landscape of the vineyards, she finds herself in a world of seduction that blurs the line between true love and raw passion. Amber and Jack’s devotion to each other is tested by the corrupt world of money and power that threatens to destroy everything they have begun to build. Amber’s dreams of owning her own restaurant are within her reach, but everything comes with a price.
Colleen Green graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor Science in Technology. She has written two romance/suspense books in The Amber Milestone Series. She lives in Ohio. She is a member of Wright Writers of Dayton and is the administrator of their Facebook Page and editor of their newsletter. As a speaker, she enjoys inspiring other writers to continue to learn about the craft of creating stories. She loves to write, read, cook, and spend time with Jay, her boyfriend, and Lucas, their rescue dog that is a Great Pyrenees/Alaskan Malamute.
Not gonna lie, this book confused the heck out of me. It started interesting, but then took me a few chapters to realize that the author had shifted into the past as the main character reminisced. There wasn’t the usual indication of a time change, just a simple sentence. Eventually the author circled back to where the book started, but it was a really long way to get there.
I honestly did like parts of it. There were events that were interesting, and the restaurant scenes were reminiscent of the cooking shows my family likes to watch. But there was an awful lot that seemed haphazard. The growth of the romance between Amber and Jack seemed forced – it didn’t seem to grow organically at all. I kept feeling like I was supposed to expect something else from Jack because of his actions, so I was really off balance on him. I also thought that the subplot involving the restaurant and Jack’s father was a stab at suspense that wasn’t entirely successful.
This is the first in a series, so I am hopeful that the series improves, and Amber was a heroine that I could root for. I just hope that things get a little more realistic and fleshed out in the long run. My Goodreads review is below.
I had a difficult time with this book. My family watches a lot of cooking shows, so I liked that the heroine was a chef. I thought that some of the plot points were good and made sense. However, there were a lot of inconsistencies with characters, and other plot points didn’t seem to be fully realized. I thought the subplot with Amber’s niece was unnecessary, and the sister and brother-in-law were distractions. Their attitudes did not make a lot of sense in the bigger picture. Sadly, I also didn’t fully understand the romance angle with Jack. There were too many red herrings to make me believe that they had an undying love. An event near the end was downright outlandish, as were the machinations of another character. This is the first in a series, so I will be interested in seeing where the story goes from here. It was an okay book, but I hope for better from the rest in the series. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release copy.
Ryder Morrison is a man of loyalty. To his country, his family, his team.
After joining the Navy, he was secretly recruited to Task Force 779, a specialized unit that infiltrates dangerous situations when no one else can – or will. As the communications expert, it’s his job to clear the way for a smooth mission. He knows where the enemy is hidden at all times and when his team can enter a zone safely.
When things go wrong and he’s captured, declared dead before a search can truly begin, Ryder knows that when he makes his way home, his life will be different … his way home, his life will be different … better. He’ll live for himself from now on, instead of following where duty takes him.
Enter his elusive neighbor …
A woman of mystery and fear.
Codie Ray is a woman filled with pain. Afraid of life and locked away.
She counts to soothe the anxiety. She watches her neighbor because he’s her only lifeline to the outside world. He’s a commitment she doesn’t have to worry will break her. Until the unthinkable happens and her solace is intruded upon. Ryder comes to the rescue and barges his way into her life, pushing past her barriers, causing Codie to rethink her reclusive lifestyle. Slowly being tormented with mind games from an unknown predator, she battles her better judgement and trusts Ryder to do what he does best … hunt down the perpetrator.
Their connection is instantaneous. Two broken people yearning to be loved but afraid to reach for it. Codie fears Ryder will leave when he discovers just how damaged she is. Ryder worries Codie will remain locked away in her mind, unable to break free.
A surprise mission brings both of their fears to life, and when the walls crumble, Ryder is Missing in Action while Codie is just … missing. Will they find each other again or will they disappear, existing only in a memory?
Photographer: Paul Henry Serres Model: Simon – Instagram Designer: Sensual Graphic Designs
Most people think of Walmart as a “new millennium” invention, but this is only partially true. Walmart has been around in one form or another since the 1950s. The first store that even closely resembles what we know it as today opened in Arkansas in 1962. In 1968, the first stores outside of Arkansas opened. As the chain continued to build new stores, they remained confined to southern states.
All of that changed in the 1980s. Walmart went nationwide, building stores as far west as Wyoming. By the end of the 80s, there were stores in over half of the states in the country. Sam Walton, the founder, continued to keep an eye on retail trends and Walmart began to change its offerings to keep up with changing times.
Still, the Walmart of the 1980s is very different from the Walmart of the “twenty-teens.” Take a look at how Walmart changed and grew in the 1980s
Sam Walton-date unknown
That Personal Touch
Here is Sam Walton himself showing a group of associates the front page of a newspaper reporting the grand opening of the store. Sam had his hand in everything from picking locations of stores to designing training of employees and always tried to make an appearance at each opening. He believed that his support of the associates was vital to the business and that his presence fostered the family feeling he hoped to bring to his stores.
1988-Walmart Cheerleaders
Asian Influence on Corporate Culture
Sam Walton was always looking at ways to improve corporate culture and cultivate employee pride in his company. Business leaders in the 1980s became enamored by Korean and Japanese business practices, and Sam was no different. On a visit to Korea, he saw that employees started each day with a company cheer. In this photo from 1988, he looks on as associates lead the cheer of “It’s My Walmart” at a company shareholder meeting.
1983
Early in the 80s, everything started to come together for the Walmart Empire. The following events all occurred in 1983, which proved to be a banner year as several important steps were taken in both expansions of the business and with technology within stores.
The first Walmart: Oklahoma, 1983
Membership Requirements
Up until the early 80s, Walmart had provided discount retailing only to the general public. However, when Costco came on the scene in the late 1970s, Sam knew that he had to adapt his business plan to compete with the newcomer. In 1983, the first Sam’s Wholesale Club opened, offering the by-then-familiar discounts to businesses as well as the public…as long as the consumers became members of the store. Walmart stores continued to flourish as regular retail stores.
Human Greeters
The addition of people welcoming customers was another of Sam’s ideas that emphasized his belief that Walmart needed to remain a family-friendly store. Being greeted at the entrance to a store added a personal touch that made people feel like they were valued customers.
One Hour Photos
Age test: if you know what these are, you know that it was absolute torture during the weeks it took for them to be developed. Waiting to see if your pictures turned out or not was a practice in (im)patience. Walmart made millions of people very happy when they opened their first one-hour photo lab within a store in Oklahoma. People could drop off their film to be developed, do the rest of their shopping, and return to pick up printed pictures all within about an hour. Long before digital cameras, that quick turnaround was a big deal!
Computerized Cash Registers
Cash registers used to require a cashier to punch in the individual numbers of a price of an item and then hit a button that would print the full amount on the receipt. It was time-consuming and also sometimes frustrating if one typed the wrong numbers of a price – there was no delete button back then. Computerized cash registers, combined with the next item, sped up the check out process and provided a more accurate inventory to store managers.
Bar Codes
The introduction of bar codes revolutionized the way retail was tracked and sold. Associates began using hand held scanners that scanned the code, providing an instant readout on the screen that indicated how much more stock of the scanned item was available in the warehouse. The readout allowed managers to keep best-selling items readily available. When connected with the computerized cash registers, the code provided an instant price, thereby largely eliminating human error on pricing.
25th Anniversary
Yes, you see that picture correctly. By the time that Walmart celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1987, they were so ingrained into American consciousness that Mattel and Coca Cola partnered with them to produce specially designed limited-edition anniversary products.
The Super Center is Born
In 1988, Sam finally recognized his dream of offering an “all-in-one” store, when the first Super Center opened in Missouri. Combining his already established retail store with a grocery store people could quite literally get anything they could need in one store. This expansion led to the Walmart that is familiar to millions today.
The debate continues to this day over whether or not Walmart caused the demise of smaller grocery stores and other “Mom and Pop” retailers. There are sound arguments on both sides of the issue. What remains undisputed, however, is that the 80s were a pivotal time in Walmart’s history.
I recently read the first in this series, Ruthless Misfit, and really got hooked on the Rock Creek Clan. As I have mentioned, shifter romance is new to me, but I am really getting into it.
This second book in the series picks up right where the first one left off. This time, Erena’s sister Margot is the focus. Margot had a little bit of will they/won’t they with Nolan – even though it was fairly apparent that they won’t. Enter Nolan’s brother Bryce. Bryce is an outlaw, a shifter without a clan, and he has led a nomadic lifestyle with his best friend, Ian. You know who is really meant for each other, but getting there is where the fun is, right?
The continuing threat from the Bitterroot Pack is further explored in this novel, and a new facet to the conflict is introduced. The adventure ramps up a tad, and the book ends with a perfect lead in to the third book.
It’s funny, because readers usually read for the romance when it comes to these types of stories, and the romance is definitely steamy in this one. Can I just say that I know a few people, myself included, who would definitely love to have Margot’s dreams?!? That being said, I found myself more intrigued with the conflict between the RCC and Bitterroots than with the romance itself. I can’t wait to find out what happens with the new information gained by Bryce and Margot.
I highly recommend getting in on this series. It’s well-written, fast-paced, and very interesting. See my Goodreads review below.
Having read the first book in this series, I was very excited to read the second one. The author had left the first one with what wasn’t exactly a cliffhanger, but the promise of more an intriguing story. She didn’t disappoint. We are back with the Rock Creek Clan, and Ruthless Outlaw is the story of Margot (sister to the first book’s heroine, Erena) and Bryce (brother to Nolan) who is an outlaw; a shifter without a clan. As always, no plot reveals here. But their chemistry is off the charts hot, and let’s just say that most women would probably love to have Margot’s dreams. 😉 The subplot of another clan threatening the RCC’s territory takes more shape. A change in venue for the two of the characters introduces a very interesting new aspect to the challenges facing the RCC. Consider me completely hooked on this series. I can’t wait for the next installment. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release copy.
As brothers, we are always taught to share. We share a successful business, a beautiful beachfront home, and hot women. We’d gladly give it all up for a chance to be with the only woman we’ve ever loved, our best friend, Kate.
The problem is, Kate doesn’t know how we feel. When she does find out, we’re surprised to learn she’s loved us since we were young.
As we’re about to embark on a summer of getting to know one another intimately, the threat of losing our friendship hangs over us.
Kate
I’ve been in love with Marcus and Matthew Bailey since I was a young girl. As my two best friends, they’ve been there through the tragic death of my parents, and my failed marriage to a man I didn’t love.
When I suddenly find myself alone for the summer, my thoughts turn to getting Marcus and Matthew into my bed.
But can one hot summer lead to a lifetime of being shared by two men?
Photographer: CJC Photograpy
Cover Models: Gideon Connelly, Alli Theresa and Blake Sevani
If you’re looking for a down and dirty menage romance, this isn’t the one for you. But if you’re looking for one that explores the concept and features characters who have the same doubts about the lifestyle that you might have, I would definitely recommend checking this one out.
The characters are likable, almost sweet at times, which makes for an interesting juxtaposition when it comes to the sexy times. Regardless, at the heart is a decent romance. Check out my Goodreads review below.
Sometimes a book in a genre bends the rules a little and doesn’t fit the usual mold. This is one of those times. “Three of Hearts” is a menage romance, but not in the traditional sense. This one actually had some plot to it and existed as more than just an opportunity to get to the steamy sex scenes. Kate has been best friends with the Bailey brothers, Marcus and Matthew, forever. But she has also loved them, and they love her. It makes for an interesting “when will they” aspect that moved the plot along. That being said, it felt like there was a little bit too much back and forth to get to their actual realizations, and the subplot involving the ex-husband and son seemed as if it was only used to get the son out of the way so mom could play without guilt. That being said, there were some genuinely amusing moments, and I enjoyed the unusual romance. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release copy.
