Book Review: Tourist Season by Brenda Novak

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Ismay Chalmers is ready for a relaxing summer reconnecting with her fiance at his family's luxurious beachfront cottage. But before Remy can join her, a hurricane bears down on Mariners Island. Alone in the large house, Ismay makes a disturbing discovery in Remy's childhood closet. She's not sure what to make of it, but is relieved when the property's caretaker, Bo, checks on her. Bo's home is damaged, so they temporarily shelter together, and Ismay is comforted by his quiet strength. But the unannounced arrival of a family member puts Bo back in his place and changes Ismay's summer into something other than what she wants - or ever expected. With so many reasons to feel unsettled, Ismay finds herself turning to Bo, who gives her more than a sense of security; there's something about him that makes her feel alive, stirring her to wonder what life might be life if she chose a different path. As Ismay grows closer to Bo, she begins to hope the reclusive caretaker might eventually let down his guard. But when she finds out that he has secrets too, she begins to question how well she knows any of the men in her life - and how well she can trust her own heart. ~~~~ I thought I was reading a contemporary romance. I was pleasantly surprised when there was family drama and mystery and intrigue. As usual there are secrets but in this case we have twins, Bastian and Remy, whose past histories are complicated. They are both not the angels their mother thinks they are. And Ismay being engaged to Remy with much uncertainty, added a women's fiction touch to it. But there were so many secrets discovered, covered up, unexplained and obviously confused between the brothers. In the meantime, Ismay has found a friend on this tourist summer island in the form of the caretaker for the family who owns the cottage where she is staying, the same family of the twins. A rich family who has thrown their money at judges and lawyers in the past. The caretaker, Bo, has his own secrets from his past and tries to keep his feelings for Ismay in check. Watching out for her, he tries to convince himself, is just part of doing his job. There was so much going on in this book I just couldn't put it down. I love a good romantic suspense novel. This was much more than that. I loved it.