The trip of a lifetime is far from smooth sailing
Jamie Johnson is going to sea for the first time in his life. Atlantic Star is one of the most luxurious cruise ships in the world, and a two-week trip to Iceland offers Jamie the perfect escape. His life has been on hold since the death of his husband and a working holiday onboard a state-of-the-art ship is an opportunity to explore the world he’s been hiding from. A chance to think about his future and decide what he wants to do with the rest of his life.
When Dexter Fordyce steps onboard, all he wants is a good time. The cruise is his first holiday in years, and workaholic Dexter is ready to relax and enjoy himself. If he can manage a little fun with someone like Jamie, even better. Jamie is flattered by the attention. Dexter is handsome, charming and great fun and proves impossible to resist.
Jamie’s hopes of romance died with his husband. The prospect of a shipboard passion is attractive, but Jamie’s heart has been broken for too long and he can’t take the risk of falling in love. With stormy weather ahead, the two men are set for a voyage they will never forget.
Storm Warning is an entertaining whirlwind romance by Thom Collins. My first time reading this author, I am delightfully interested in checking out his other works.
Jamie and Dexter meet on a cruise. Jamie is a man loaded down with grief, as well as being stuck with physical and mental scars after losing his husband. Honestly, this should be a whole book on it's own. The tragedy of Jamie's experience is heart-breaking. But, as this is his second chance at love, he meets Dexter and the two work to overcome their issues together.
Dexter's a confusing man. Used to hook ups, he's suddenly finding them empty and soul sucking afterwards. His connection with Jamie is actually on a mental level which is a nice change. As for his other hookup, it really pissed me off, yet definitely helped establish his character.
Written in alternating third person pov, both men are well developed, charming characters with an intriguing storyline. The author adds in many interesting, as well as haughty characters. Dexter's mom is a hoot, and is definitely an entertaining character in her own right. The cruise is well written, with even the weather playing a factor. I am certainly jealous and wish I could have been on this cruise.
Storm Warning is ultimately a story of overcoming grief and pain. This Thom Collins read is a tale of taking chances and trying to live again. And with a suspenseful ending, I definitely am looking forward to finding out what happens next.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he said, gazing into the night. Straight ahead he could see nothing but dark, the blackness was complete, but leaning on the balcony and looking down, he saw the moderate swell of the ocean and the white-capped waves hitting the side of the ship.
“We’re moving at a fair speed,” Jamie said, glancing at the wake they gave off.
“I suppose we have to, to cover the miles.”
Jamie stepped near to him, their upper arms touching as they stood against the railing.
He’s regaining his composure, Dexter thought.
Somewhere inside Jamie was a desire to be loved again, Dexter was sure of it. To be desired and wanted and not to spend the rest of his life alone. His love for Tyler could never be doubted, but Jamie was too young, had too much of his life remaining, to be on his own forever.
Dexter took a mouthful of champagne and swallowed, choosing his words. “I know this is new for you, and that it can’t be easy. I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to, or aren’t ready for. What I’m trying to say is this is all up to you. How much or how little we do together, you decide. I won’t push you into anything.”
Jamie took a deep breath and sighed. He moved his hand from the railing and put it on Dexter’s waist. “I know what I want. And he’s standing right here.”
Dexter turned to face him. How handsome, how striking he looked, in the early hours of the morning, so far out to sea. He caressed Jamie’s face with the tips of his fingers, along his cheek and the lean length of his jaw. “You’re taking my breath away right now; I hope you realise that.”
Jamie put his own hand on top of Dexter’s. “Let’s go inside.”
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