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A review by k_cao_xai
Red Tide at Heron Bay by Gerri Hill
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Detective, your future girlfriend was scared out of her mind after her home was broken into. Now is not the time to ogle her half naked form. Comfort her first before you check her out, please.
Character Impressions:
Lauren Voss
Owner of the Heron Bay Resort.
Harley reminds Lauren of her ex-girlfriend, but I’m glad Lauren didn’t hold this against Harley for the majority of the story. She realizes Harley is nothing like her ex about one-third into the book, which I liked because then she stopped comparing the hot detective to her old lover. My favorite scenes with Lauren were when she let her guard down and flirted back with Harley.
Harley Shepherd
The detective assigned to handle the crimes taking place at Lauren’s resort.
I like the way she flirts when the time is appropriate. Despite how unserious she seems when she’s first assigned to the case, she’s actually good at her job. Her love for Hawaiian shirts and the reason for it was touching. Because she usually has a happy-go-lucky attitude, my favorite scenes with Harley were when she had moments of vulnerability and found comfort in Lauren.
Owner of the Heron Bay Resort.
Harley reminds Lauren of her ex-girlfriend, but I’m glad Lauren didn’t hold this against Harley for the majority of the story. She realizes Harley is nothing like her ex about one-third into the book, which I liked because then she stopped comparing the hot detective to her old lover. My favorite scenes with Lauren were when she let her guard down and flirted back with Harley.
Harley Shepherd
The detective assigned to handle the crimes taking place at Lauren’s resort.
I like the way she flirts when the time is appropriate. Despite how unserious she seems when she’s first assigned to the case, she’s actually good at her job. Her love for Hawaiian shirts and the reason for it was touching. Because she usually has a happy-go-lucky attitude, my favorite scenes with Harley were when she had moments of vulnerability and found comfort in Lauren.
Minor Characters:
Nana: Lauren’s grandmother. She’s an adorable old lady who approves of Harley before even meeting her. The entire scene where she meets Harley for the first time and ignores Lauren to give Harley attention was hilarious.
Marsha and Brian: Harley’s friends. An older couple. Brian is Harley’s boss. I love how supportive Marsha is about Harley and Lauren’s developing relationship. Brian is all business but you can tell he cares about Harley like a close friend.
Marsha and Brian: Harley’s friends. An older couple. Brian is Harley’s boss. I love how supportive Marsha is about Harley and Lauren’s developing relationship. Brian is all business but you can tell he cares about Harley like a close friend.
Story Impressions:
Both Lauren and Harley have their own reasons for not wanting to get into a relationship—being stuck in the middle of a dangerous murder case being one of them—but I’m glad they figured out their feelings for one another earlier than expected and didn’t dance around each other too much. I do sort of wish they had a bit more chemistry before their official first kiss, but all in all, I think they make a cute couple.
They do often go from talking about killers to flirting within the same breath and I can’t figure out if I find that delightful or jarring. On one hand, it feels like whiplash. On the other, I understand that flirting can also be a coping mechanism to ease tension.
I prefer explicit sex scenes and I know Gerri Hill can write some top-notch sex based on other books I’ve read from her, but those scenes were quite tamed here. This isn’t a criticism and doesn’t factor into my rating, I understand this genre and type of story doesn’t really need that kind of action but I do prefer getting the details rather than a summary.
As for the crime aspect of the story, I’m glad the killer was handled fairly quickly near the end. Figuring out who was committing crimes at the resort was balanced well with the romance and neither of the plots overshadowed the other.
They do often go from talking about killers to flirting within the same breath and I can’t figure out if I find that delightful or jarring. On one hand, it feels like whiplash. On the other, I understand that flirting can also be a coping mechanism to ease tension.
I prefer explicit sex scenes and I know Gerri Hill can write some top-notch sex based on other books I’ve read from her, but those scenes were quite tamed here. This isn’t a criticism and doesn’t factor into my rating, I understand this genre and type of story doesn’t really need that kind of action but I do prefer getting the details rather than a summary.
As for the crime aspect of the story, I’m glad the killer was handled fairly quickly near the end. Figuring out who was committing crimes at the resort was balanced well with the romance and neither of the plots overshadowed the other.
Highlights:
- Highlight 1: The audiobook.
- Highlight 2: I really like the title, but I’m pretty sure “red tide” is supposed to refer to blood in the water rather than what it means in the urban dictionary.
- Highlight 3: Harley pretending to be Lauren’s girlfriend to get a douchebag to stop hitting on Lauren.
- Highlight 4: That scene where Harley let her cheerful disposition drop when she was alone and Lauren came to check on her.
- Highlight 5: Harley’s Hawaiian shirts.
- Highlight 6: Heroines are together for 90% of the story.
- Highlight 7: Water hose.
My Personal Tags About the Book:
- Lesbian protagonists
- Competent protagonists
- Happily-ever-after
- Cop/resort owner
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape