Half Moon Bay by Helene Young

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publication Date: 22nd May 2013
Pages: 360 
Book Source: Penguin Aust & NetGalley

Synopsis: Ellie Wilding has been running from her past, but when the residents of Half Moon Bay call for help she knows it’s finally time to return home. As an international photojournalist, she’s used to violence in war zones, but she’s shocked when it erupts in the sleepy hamlet on the north coast of New South Wales, threatening all she holds dear.

Battle-weary Nicholas Lawson walked away from his military career leaving unfinished business. In a coastal backwater, that decision returns to haunt him. He remembers all too vividly his last lethal assignment in Afghanistan when Ellie’s sister, Nina, was shot and killed. Ellie’s been in his dreams ever since, even if she doesn’t remember him…

As a storm rages and floodwaters rise, Ellie struggles to save her community. But who can she trust? Nick Lawson, the dangerously attractive stranger with secrets, or an old friend who’s never let her down? 

My Thoughts: 

I'm a little embarrassed to admit I've actually purchased not one but three of Helene Young's previous novels (Border Watch series) after seeing rave reviews from Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out. I even had said books signed by Helene at ARRC but still hadn't got around to reading them. Then Half Moon Bay came up on NetGalley and the gorgeous cover said "read me" so I did and I can finally say ... I've been missing out. 

It's been a while since I read romantic suspense, I'd forgotten how good it could be and Half Moon Bay kept me up ... what started off as "just a few pages" quickly turned into "no! don't make me put it down." 

From war torn Afghanistan to the small Australian coastal town of Half Moon Bay Helene Young covers complex ground - local government corruption, secrets and cover ups, drug running and as Ellie works to uncover this tangled web, danger mounts.

Photojournalist Ellie Wilding is a really likeable character, ballsy but not without vulnerability and the arrogant, mysterious consulting engineer Nick Lawson, well what can I say. Sparks fly between these two, their chemistry is smokin' and yeah in spite of one particularly obnoxious comment on Nick's part I lusted just a little ... he's ex-military and hot!  

Not only does Helene's writing draw you in with natural dialogue and a realistic sense of place there's a wonderful balance of plot advancement and character development. I loved the setting which probably had a lot to do with the author's descriptions, I found them beautiful and strangely calming in the tension.

What an exciting intro to Helene's work and lucky me with 3 of her books to continue with :)

Recommend: without a doubt

Cover: isn't it stunning?

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