The Only Fish in the Sea

...I do like a good Butch / Femme love story, and Remy is a real stud! Big plus for me...

I liked the crab fishing storyline. Not many books take up such a theme as the basis of a romance.

The hostile families "Miller" and "Clayman" are at the center of it all.

In the past there was a business betrayal by one party to the detriment of the other and since then both families and all members have suffered from the strife. They hate each other, but in a humane way. Not in the classic, bloody Romeo and Juliet way. Thank God! The two MC's and their feelings for each other are of course what could change everything!...

Remy and Julia have known each other all their lives, but have never been involved in their lives and in each other's circle of friends, because the family would not have tolerated it that way... now they could change everything...

Nia Lazoglou via NetGalley

The Only Fish in the Sea is a modern day “Romeo and Juliet” romance which involves two families who have fought with each other for over three generations. They both run competing crab companies off the coast of Oregon, and one company is much more successful than the other.

The two main characters are Remy Miller and Julia Clayman. Remy has been waiting for a long time for her father to finally give her a boat to run on her own. However, when the opportunity arrives, her father hires a man from outside the family to run the new boat. This angers Remy and frustrates her to no end.

Julia Clayman is the VP in her father’s crabbing business. When he becomes ill, she has to take over while he recovers. When a new boat arrives, she needs a captain and offers the job to Remy even though Remy is from the “competing” family. The new employment arrangement is very successful.

Of course, there is a major attraction between the two main characters. The story twists and turns with how the two women try to handle the ups and downs of the business, their ever-increasing feelings for each other, and the effects of said relationship on their families.

I enjoyed the characters in this book. They were well developed and interesting. The pace was average, but it did pick up when the author introduced the element of danger inherent in the crabbing industry. This is one of the better “Romeo and Juliet” romances I have read over the years. If you like butch/femme books, this would certainly be of interest to you...

Patty Anderson via NetGalley

...Very well written. Wonderful character work. I know it’s a personal preference kind of thing, but not a lot of writers know how to write a believable butch character. A lot of time it’s basically a feminine woman with short hair and a flannel shirt. Thankfully, it’s not the case here. I loved the balance between the romance, the relationship, family, and work. It felt well-rounded, like I was actually reading about someone’s life. Not the flat one sided relationship focused storyline. A little too perfect at times, but overall, there wasn’t something to put me off. There was enough detail and description to help me picture the scene or situation, but not too much to turn into a boring listicle...

It was a nice read, and I recommend the book...

I love seeing growth in the author. It’s great when a person really cares about their craft. I’m going to look forward to new books.

Ed Lee via NetGalley

This was my first book by this author but certainly won't be my last. This is a a modern Romeo and Juliette and it was done very well.

Two families have a hatred that goes back generations but the daughters don't agree with the feud.

Remi is from the poor fishing family where her family has their own crab business and she wants to be a captain of her own boat.

Julia is from the wealthy side and lives in Portland running the business side of her family’s company. She wants no part of the fishing side but is drawn back because her father is sick.

Remi and Julia meet again and sparks fly even though they shouldn't be together, their chemistry and attraction won't be denied.

The detail that went into this crab fishing and etc was wonderful. I felt like I was part of the experience. Highly recommend this book. Wonderful job by this author.

Meghan Croy via NetGalley

Romeo & Juliet but make it sapphic & nautical - I really enjoyed it! I especially enjoyed the relationship dynamics through the book, mainly between Remy & Julia & also Remy & her crew. I admired Julia's boundary setting with her family...overall it was an enjoyable read with a decent level of spice.

Karen Gunning via NetGalley