"Off the Hook," the first book in the New Harbor series by Julie Olivia (@julieoliviaauthor), was an absolute delight to read. As an ARC reader, I couldn't put it down, even though my busy schedule tried to get in the way.
This book had some of my favorite tropes:
Small-town
Single dad
Grumpy-Sunshine
Nanny
Ex-fianceé older brother
Dual POV
Peter Pan Inspired (Hook & Wendy)
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶.5
Jasper Davies embraces a new role as the guardian of his late friend's son, Sam, effectively becoming a single dad. As a port captain living in their recently refurbished cottage near Never Harbor, is in need of a summer nanny.
Enter Wendy Darling, a teacher and Jasper's brother's ex-fiancée, who's looking for a summer job. Initially reluctant, Jasper eventually hires her. They may not talk much at first, but Jasper's grumpiness and Wendy's sunny disposition eventually form an unlikely friendship.
The truth is, they're both attracted to each other, but societal norms make their relationship feel forbidden. They resist their feelings initially to avoid causing family problems. However, one day, Jasper can't hold back any longer and takes a chance on being with Wendy. The happiness she brings into his life is irresistible. Wendy's natural ability to care for Sam further strengthens their connection. Before, no one had ever shown that kind of care for him. Wendy brings out something new in Jasper, moving him closer to the happy ending he never believed he'd have.
Wendy is pure sunshine, a people-pleaser who often finds herself in complicated love situations. After breaking off her engagement with Peter, Jasper's brother, she enters a new relationship that brings her back to New Harbor as a teacher. In her free time, she's passionate about storytelling, even writing a pirate-themed tale for herself. She never expected to fall for Jasper, but the more time they spend together, the harder she falls. Wendy helps Jasper open up about his grief from losing his friends. She continuously reminds him of what a great father and man he is, especially since he's always been selfless, even to his own detriment. Jasper saw her for what she was, and that was amazing.
“He’s given me a love I didn’t know existed. A home. A family. Our little life by the seaside might not look like much, but it’s enough. It’s perfect.”
Losing his friends and becoming Sam's guardian turned Jasper's life around completely. His family's support was invaluable, but his ex's constant doubt made him question his parenting decisions. Communication wasn't his strong suit, except when he was with Wendy. He felt comfortable around her, allowing his emotions to flow freely. Jasper felt alive when she was near and couldn't imagine his life without her. That's why he took a chance, even knowing there might be consequences, to date Wendy and let himself fall for her. At the end, he had his happy ending. Also, he went to therapy so he can work toward healing from his friend’s deaths.
Sam, Jasper's son, is an adorable, sweet kid with a passion for pirates. He loves having Wendy as his nanny and enjoys her presence in their lives. He's a happy child, and Jasper is an amazing father, even though he sometimes doubts himself. For Sam, Jasper is everything.
Now, let's talk about the steamy moments. My oh my, Jasper! He knows how to turn up the heat, and their intimate scenes are pure fire. These moments brought out an even deeper connection between them, and I genuinely can't pick a favorite scene. They were all incredible. The steamy parts were well-written and fit the story's progression perfectly.
“I promise that if you’re good for me while sitting on my face, I’ll hold your hair back and f*ck that sweet mouth of yours however you want.”
The found family Wendy builds with the Davies is heartwarming. Her special relationship with Maggie, Jasper's mom, adds a unique layer to the story. The weekly family dinners they share are absolute family goals.
“The past can sometimes feel like a wound that never heals, but it’s the small moments in the present that pull us back together, stitch by stitch. And then, when we’re mostly whole again, maybe we’ll be blessed with someone who can make falling in love feel a little more like flying.”
This book was an exceptional read. "Off the Hook" is the first book I've read from Julie Olivia, but it certainly won't be the last. I'm eagerly looking forward to book two in the Never Harbor series and whatever comes next from this talented author.
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