The Story
Jolanda is willing to do whatever it takes, even face off against the Bering Sea, to raise the money for a balloon payment on her father’s house. She challenges Keller and wins a bet to get on the recently inherited crab fishing boat, forcing the young captain to buck tradition and superstition. Will his season be doomed or will he end up with the ultimate catch?
Excerpt
Jolanda cupped the short, wide glass in her hand. The smell of cheap whiskey sent her stomach into another medal-worthy, gymnastic tumble. She leveled her gaze, focusing on the Nordic-looking captain of the Sydney standing on the opposite side of the mahogany bar, ever mindful of her movements. If she shifted too fast she’d hurl the previous five shots, costing her the bet. “Let me on your crew, Keller.”
“You haven’t won, yet.” His clenched teeth signaled confidence, but she could see cracks in his armor. He swayed to the right and his shot glass rattled as he misjudged the distance between his hand and the bar top.
If Keller broke down, she would snatch the opening.
A balloon payment was coming due on her father’s house. Had he been able to fish for crab as he had every winter for more than twenty years, the debt would be paid on time, but a quarter century of hard living had left his health as broken down as the mortgaged home.
Out of control diabetes and blood pressure had forced him into retirement.
Some might say he’d given his best years to that boat, but Jo liked to think he’d spent that time with her. Despite a nasty divorce, Lark had never let anger or frustration taint his relationship with his daughter. He fished in the winter while she was at her mother’s house in Fairbanks, so he could be a father during the summer when she lived with him.
Lifting the shot glass to her lips and gripping the edge of the bar with her free hand, she tipped her head back hoping the amber liquid would bypass her taste buds and glide down her throat.
Mission failed.
A cough pressed against her esophagus, but Jo pushed back with her iron will, refusing to open the door to the puking that would give Keller the victory.
The only way to win the spot on the boat was to out-drink its captain.
Whose idea was this? That’s right: mine.
Review
Book Scorecard
Summary
Jolanda cupped the short, wide glass in her hand. The smell of cheap whiskey sent her stomach into another medal-worthy, gymnastic tumble. She leveled her gaze, focusing on the Nordic-looking captain of the Sydney standing on the opposite side of the mahogany bar, ever mindful of her movements. If she shifted too fast she’d hurl the previous five shots, costing her the bet. “Let me on your crew, Keller.”
“You haven’t won, yet.” His clenched teeth signaled confidence, but she could see cracks in his armor. He swayed to the right and his shot glass rattled as he misjudged the distance between his hand and the bar top.
If Keller broke down, she would snatch the opening.
A balloon payment was coming due on her father’s house. Had he been able to fish for crab as he had every winter for more than twenty years, the debt would be paid on time, but a quarter century of hard living had left his health as broken down as the mortgaged home.
Out of control diabetes and blood pressure had forced him into retirement.
Some might say he’d given his best years to that boat, but Jo liked to think he’d spent that time with her. Despite a nasty divorce, Lark had never let anger or frustration taint his relationship with his daughter. He fished in the winter while she was at her mother’s house in Fairbanks, so he could be a father during the summer when she lived with him.
Lifting the shot glass to her lips and gripping the edge of the bar with her free hand, she tipped her head back hoping the amber liquid would bypass her taste buds and glide down her throat.
Mission failed.
A cough pressed against her esophagus, but Jo pushed back with her iron will, refusing to open the door to the puking that would give Keller the victory.
The only way to win the spot on the boat was to out-drink its captain.
Whose idea was this? That’s right: mine.
Review
Book Scorecard
**Stars**
|
||
Overall
|
4
|
Romance visits a fishing boat on “Deadliest Catch” where love is interrupted by family emergencies and brutal weather. |
Fantasy
World
|
5
|
So real it made me want to break out the parka and mittens. |
Tingle
|
2
|
Not even a kiss until 74% then from kiss to condoms in a few pages. More tender/romantic than hot. |
Characters
|
5
|
Jolanda is authentic as a girl tough enough to work a fishing boat. More heroines should be written like her! Keller is a real captain instead of a fantasy in a ruffled shirt. Love the rough and tumble crew; even the jerk, Pete. |
Story
|
4
|
Adventurous, realistic, and gripping. Romance isn't the primary storyline but rather a savory side dish. |
Summary
“The
Ultimate Catch” is a great book for many reasons, but the best
one is it's actually a romance between adults. The characters don't
act like children, and immature actions aren't major plot points.
Applause, stomping, hooting, and hollering for Constance
Phillips! These people have grown up under harsh conditions, and
they understand fully the risks associated with their actions. I love
reading about a heroine who knew what she was getting into, and
toughed it out even when the going got insane. The captain, Keller,
is no less masculine for supporting Jolanda instead of rescuing her.
Sometimes it's actually harder to watch someone else suffer through
something than it is to step in yourself. Go Keller!
I kept picturing Ariel
Tweto from “Flying
Wild Alaska” as I read about Jolanda. Ariel is a beautiful,
tiny girl who loads freight into airplanes for a living. Despite her
diminutive stature, she is all kinds of tough. If you enjoy, “The
Ultimate Catch”, then check out “Flying
Wild Alaska” too. I look forward to enjoying more great
adventures and heroines from Contstance
Phillips.
Favorite
Quote
“Are you sure you want to do
this?”
“I'm positive. I'm not a white
knight kind-of-girl.”
About the
Author
Constance Phillips lives in Ohio with her husband, daughter,
and four canine kids. Her son -- now on his own -- is planning a wedding,
confirming that romance still lives and breathes.
When not writing stories of finding and rediscovering love, Constance and her husband spend the hours planning a cross-country motorcycle trip for the not-so-distant future…if they can find a sidecar big enough for the pups.
Website: http://www.constancephillips.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConstancePhillipsRomanceAuthor
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/CPhillips
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/phillipsconnie/
Thank you so much for hosting me today and for taking the time to read and review my book.
ReplyDelete