See You at Sunset (Seashell Bay)

by V.K. Sykes

[Lynn]

This is the third book in the Seashell Bay series and my first book by the author duo V. K. Sykes

Holly Tyler has always been driven to succeed even more after the tragic death of her husband Drew in Afghanistan. In the four years since becoming a widow, she's sworn off commitment and only sought out relationships with men who are not looking for more than fun...her work becoming her priority focus. Now she's been offered the chance of a lifetime to partner in a new business venture in New York, only she's needed back where she grew up in Seashell Bay. Her Aunt Florence is ill and Aunt Beatrice needs her help. How will Holly juggle trying to help her family when she is needed elsewhere? On arriving back on the island, she sees a man she's had a crush on for many years...Micah Lancaster. Now Holly's task to do what is necessary and leave just got a whole lot more complicated.

Micah Lancaster has always wanted more than just friendship from Holly Tyler and has hoped that one day, despite her having a boyfriend, that she'd see him differently. He's the island deputy sheriff and very much part of the close-knit community. His life is here, although he does think about getting his detective shield too. When he and Holly's other friends suspect that she isn't happy, he takes a chance to tell her how he feels. After all, he has nothing to loose but his heart!

The chemistry between Holly and Micah crackles, as hot, sexy sparks fly whenever they are close to each other. Yet, Holly is truly torn. She wants the sheriff in her life, but can't handle that if he follows his own dreams, his job will become more dangerous. Something Holly can't cope with; a possibility of losing another man she loves in tragic circumstances. Her life is in limbo; unable to move forward, unable to go back!

The local community is a cast of colourful characters adding a fun, light atmosphere especially when a national supermarket chain is seeking planning permission to bring shopping convenience to the residents. Stirring up passionate feeling from those who wish for progress and equally from those wanting to preserve what has served the community well for years. Another sub-plot has Micah using his expertise to solve a rare crime on the island. And then there is Aunt Florence who is her own force of nature…!

I enjoyed the seamless writing of this writing duo. The plot is highly entertaining, highlighting loyalty, passion within a close-knit community whilst two people realise that the only solution is to be together.

4 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of publisher Forever (Grand Central) via NetGalley***