Stalker Book Review Bundle: Making Waves by Tawna Fenske

That’s right, boys and girls, today we are going to stalk not only a fabulous blogger, but a published author as well.  Good thing they are one in the same, or else we would find ourselves stretched a little thin on this, our 11.11.11 Veteran’s Day.

SHOUT OUT TO THE HONORABLE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED AND DO SERVE IN OUR NATION’S ARMED FORCES!!  GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL.

~Walk your post from flank to flank, and take no shit from any rank~

Now, back to our regularly scheduled stalkerishness.

Tawna Fenske, who writes the ever popular blog Don’t Pet Me, I’m Writing, has also enjoyed the August release of her debut romantic comedy, Making Waves.

I ‘pirated’ this synopsis, to be sure I didn’t write an accidental spoiler:

There are normal ways to cope with job loss, and most don’t involve plotting a revenge-fueled diamond heist in the Caribbean with a crew more suited to the boardroom than the poop deck.

But Alex Bradshaw isn’t feeling very normal when his unscrupulous boss kicks him to the curb after 20 faithful years as an executive with the world’s largest shipping company. Alex wants payback, and maybe a chance to reclaim his dignity and his pension while he’s at it. Assembling a team of fellow corporate castoffs, he sails to the Caribbean to intercept the boss's illegal diamond shipment. None of them counted on a quirky blonde stowaway with a perplexing array of talents, a few big secrets, and an intoxicating romantic chemistry with Alex.

And while Juli Flynn certainly didn’t plan to be a part of the most dysfunctional high seas caper in history, it’s a rare chance for her to feel like she belongs. She’s spent a lifetime being “different” from everyone else, though the reasons for that are something she’d prefer not to share with her newfound shipmates. Juli just wants to be normal for a change, but as she finds her place with the misfit crew – and in Alex’s heart – she discovers normal isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And sometimes, being weird can be wonderful.

The most challenging thing I have faced thus far in my existence as a writer is attempting to describe all the things I LOVE about this book without giving the whole thing away.  Fenske’s main character, Juli, has to be one of my favorite female leads of all time.  She is smart and witty, strong when she needs to be, and vulnerable when she doesn’t.  And her secret makes me want to get out my pom poms and cheer, YAY WOMEN!  I give Tawna a standing ovation for that alone.

Juli’s love interest, Alex, makes my teeth sweat.  Want to talk about crushin’ on a character?  Hubba hubba! 

The writing has a beautiful tempo, making it an easy read without being too fast for connection.  Fenske let’s you get to know the characters, spend enough time with each of them to care what happens next. And what happens next is anybody’s guess. There are surprises, twists, and laughs. I seriously laughed OUT LOUD reading this book.

This did nothing, however, to detract from the ultra smexiness.  Tawna has mastered the craft of sexual tension.  The chemistry is believable, and coupled with an entertaining, action-packed story you won’t help but feel completely satisfied in every way.

Fenske’s style is reminiscent of Evanovich-meets-Roberts, however, the voice is uniquely her own.  If Juli Flynn continues her adventures, I guarantee I will own the series. As it stands, I cannot WAIT for Tawna Fenske’s next release!

Do I recommend this book?  AYE, CAPTAIN!!  ARRRRGG!

Also, STALK THIS WRITER!  She is worth the shoe leather and restraining order....  ;)