TITLE: ⟫ A Salt Bitter Sea

AUTHOR: ⟫ Amy Lane

RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Miller Aldrun has spent his life being Cassandra, the prophet nobody believes. Born knowing when a dangerous, armed presence is nearby, Miller has always been dismissed—and had to see the people he cares about hurt. Grieving the death of a closeted lover, he finds solace cruising the waterways of Spinner’s Drift, making sure the people in the outlying islands feel safe.

When Miller discovers the weekly gathering at The Magic of Books, its members become the family he didn’t know he could have. That includes Piers Constantine, who’s hiding on the islands with his cousin to elude her stalker.

Golden, kind, and humble, Piers finds Miller fascinating. But Piers is destined to leave the island, and even if he’s the only person who ever had faith in Miller, Miller can’t bear the thought of losing someone else he loves.

Then Miller wakes up with that familiar warning in his gut. The long-ago evil that has been stalking Piers and his cousin is catching up. Miller’s gift might be the only way to protect them… but he’ll have to let Piers in. Together, they plunge into one of the island’s oldest mysteries. For once, being Cassandra is on Miller’s side. Piers and Miller conceive a desperate plan to set them free from fear—but if Miller fails, he knows nothing will be left of him but the salt-bitter sea.

REVIEW: ⟫ A Salt Bitter Sea is more of an ensemble piece than a romance novel – the lives of all of the Luck Mechanics are so intertwined, it couldn’t really be any other way.

I’ll admit that Miller wasn’t really on my radar when reading the first book and I may well reread it to see what Piers sees in him. This book is another rapid descent into magical insanity, with Miller being able to tell them that something ‘bad’ is coming. The sheer disbelief when not only do they believe him but make plans based on what he says is so obvious – you can feel Miller waiting for the other shoe to drop as these people accept something about him that even his parents didn’t.

The romance between Piers and Miller felt like it was in the background for quite a chunk of time, which is a shame as they have a fascinating dynamic. We find out more about the ghosts around Tom’s bench and what can be done for them, as well as adding at least two new people to the core group.

This was an enjoyable romp, full of suspense, terror-inducing ideas, love and found-family, and a very good additional to the series. There is still more coming the way of the Luck Mechanics and I look forward to seeing just how all of their gifts together can make things better for everyone.

I received an ARC from the author.

Title: ⟫ The Rising Tide (The Luck Mechanics Book #1)
Author: ⟫ Amy Lane
Rating: ⟫ 4.5/5
Blurb: ⟫ The tidal archipelago of Spinner’s Drift is a refuge for misfits. Can the island’s magic help a pie-in-the-sky dreamer and a wounded soul find a home in each other?

In a flash of light and a clap of thunder, Scout Quintero is banished from his home. Once he’s sneaked his sister out too, he’s happy, but their power-hungry father is after them, and they need a place to lie low. The thriving resort business on Spinner’s Drift provides the perfect way to blend in.

They aren’t the only ones who think so.

Six months ago Lucky left his life behind and went on the run from mobsters. Spinner’s Drift brings solace to his battered soul, but one look at Scout and he’s suddenly terrified of having one more thing to lose.

Lucky tries to keep his distance, but Scout is charming, and the island isn’t that big. When they finally connect, all kinds of things come to light, including supernatural mysteries that have been buried for years. But while Scout and Lucky grow closer working on the secret, pissed-off mobsters, supernatural entities, and Scout’s father are getting closer to them. Can they hold tight to each other and weather the rising tide together?

Review: ⟫ Oh my, this one was a delight!

I’ve never really gone for the grumpy/sunshine trope but I can definitely see the appeal having met Scout and Lucky. These two were so darned innocent yet so hurt by life that watching them together was just such a delight. Then add in a cast of characters ranging from a Hedge Witch trying to pay it back, a feisty sister free to figure out who she is, as well as other Luck Mechanics that appear, and I romped through this book in one sitting. The storyline was fun, sad, engrossing and entertaining; sometimes laugh out loud funny, and other times clutch at your heart sad. The sex scenes were sweet, hot and sexy, especially with Lucky still thinking that next time he’ll get to do things his way.

I really enjoyed the story, with gangsters and evil magicians out to spoil what sounds very much like paradise, but the romance between Lucky and Scout was really what swept me away. They just completely belonged to each other in all of their lustful innocence and commitment to each other. I am fascinated by Piers and can’t wait for his story which just has to be coming soon. Special mention to the strong women in this story who stood for no-nonsense and took care of things when ish needed to get done. I really hope Helen can forgive herself and find her own happiness.

In case this slightly effusive review didn’t make it clear, this is a stellar 4.5 from me, happily rounded up. I can’t wait to read more about the Luck Mechanics and have no hesitation in recommending.

I received an ARC from the author.