The Only Fish in the Sea by Angie Williams is a rivals to lovers small town romance.
The worst thing in the world that a Miller in the fishing town of Elder’s Bay can do is associate with a Clayman. Both families are crabbers, spending time in the sea pulling up crustaceans to sell to restaurants then heading off to the tavern for a brawl.
It’s been that way since Remy Miller’s grandpa began the feud with Julia Clayman’s grandpa, and both of them are fed up with the grudge. Still, when they meet and are immediately attracted to each other, they approach the affair cautiously.
Writing
The story is told in a leisurely manner, with an even pace that spends a lot of time with Remy and Julia. I liked the emphasis on the growing relationship, using the backdrop of the feud and sometimes hazardous job of going out on a fishing boat in an unpredictable environment. Between the simmering promise of danger on the sea and the very real currents of familial hatred and cutthroat business competition there is a constant sense of suspense.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
The story has, in the beginning, the feeling of a fauxmance, which is always fun to me. That morphed into a nice romance between two women who discover not only love, but a strong lesson in being true to yourself even if you must go against generations of precedent.
Harvesting from the sea is dangerous work all the time, and is a fascinating profession that the author knows closely enough to describe well. When there is an inevitable turn to danger it is authentic and very entertaining.
I really enjoyed the romance, because neither Remy or Julia were able to resist each other even a little bit, despite more than a couple of obstacles trying to keep them apart. Family dynamics are as complicated as any in real life, making their romance both exciting and fraught at the same time.
Heads Up
There is a death.
The Conclusion
Remy and Julia shouldn’t even associate, being a Miller and a Clayman, but as soon as they meet their lives become entwined and they can’t stop falling for each other despite all the obstacles and pitfalls. Realistic family dynamics, an undeniable new love despite everything and the cutthroat and dangerous world of crabbing off the Oregon coast creates a satisfying story of two women who want to find their only fish in the sea.
Excerpt from The Only Fish in the Sea by Angie Williams
“Who’s winning?” She knew nothing about playing pool but asking about the game seemed like a good way to break the ice. She slid onto the stool and set her drink on the table.
“Remy. As usual. Remy always wins.”
“I bet she does.” Julia didn’t know if flattery would help Remy relax around her, but it was worth a try. “How are you, Remy? It’s been a long time.”
Remy dropped her arms and retrieved her cue from where it rested against the wall. “I’m fine. I’m surprised to see you slumming with the locals, Julia. Aren’t there any cocktail parties you should be at?”
“Remy don’t be a dick,” Andy said.
Remy bent over to line up her shot and sunk one of her balls in the corner pocket before scanning the table for her next move. “What can we do for you, Ms. Clayman?”
Here goes nothing. “I wondered if any of you knew of a captain that hadn’t already signed on with a boat for the season?”
“The season has already started,” Andy said. “Why are you just now looking for a captain?”
“True. It’s a total long shot, but my brother was running my dad’s new boat and can’t stay. It was only supposed to be temporary, but my dad couldn’t find a replacement. Now he’s going to be out at least for a few weeks, and Charlie has to leave. That means it’s up to me to find a captain and a good crew, after the season has started, that can start Monday.”
“Sucks to be you,”Corey said.
“What about you guys? This is exactly what you guys want and you won’t have to go to Alaska to do it,” red polka dot dress said.
“Brooke,” Corey scolded her. “Baby, we aren’t an option.”
“Why?” Brooke asked.
Remy never took her eyes from the table as Corey and Andy looked at each with expressions Julia couldn’t interpret. She honestly had no idea what was happening, but thought it was best if she just kept quiet and let this play out between them.
“A Miller can’t go work for a Clayman, honey. It’s just not done.”
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 978-1-63679-445-7
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
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