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I’ll confess – I’m a woman who likes “guy things,” I like watching sports, I love the Three Stooges, and I’ll watch a good action movie any day of the week rather than a bad chick-flick. I hate to shop (except for books) and I’m perfectly happy without makeup. I think hair rollers were invented by medieval torturers and when I’m finally proclaimed Dictator of the World, my first act will be to ban high heels. So now that you know where I’m coming from, I’ll say that I enjoyed Nora Roberts’ book, Seaswept, a book that just drips with guyness.
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Years ago, Raymond Quinn and his wife adopted three boys. These boys were not cute cuddly orphans. Cameron, Ethan, and Phillip were all pre-teens who had been badly abused. They were surly, rude, crude, and totally unlikable kids. Ray and Stella Quinn were up to the task though, and raised the boys with a combination of love and toughness. All three of them have grown to be good men. Ethan is a waterman on Chesapeake Bay, Phillip is an advertising executive, and Cameron is an international speedboat racer.
After his wife died, Ray Quinn adopted another boy, Seth, who has endured a terrible, abusive home life. When Ray is killed in an accident, Ethan, Cameron, and Phillip Quinn are forced to come home and bond together into a family for Seth’s sake. How three grown men and one surly adolescent manage to live together is funny and touching. Phillip and Ethan both have jobs, so the bulk of the housework falls on Cameron who is clueless about cooking, washing, and cleaning. The Quinn brothers are devoted to each other, but like a lot of men, they are not exactly verbal about expressing themselves. Their idea of telling a brother they love him, is to throw him, fully clothed in his best Hugo Boss suit, into Chesapeake Bay.
While there is a romance between Anna Spinelli, the social worker assigned to Seth’s case, and Cameron Quinn, the romance is the weak spot in this book. Cameron is a playboy – doesn’t want committment – “don’t tie me down” – yada, yada, yada. Anna does not want a casual relationship – loves Cameron – wants a committment, you know the story. For me, the relationship between Anna and Cameron was totally overshadowed by the relationship between the Quinn brothers and Seth.
Seaswept proves that Nora Roberts is very good at writing true-to-life male characters. I have four younger brothers, and while I read the book, I kept nodding my head and saying, “Yes, that’s exactly how guys act!” over the dialogue (which is kinda salty), and the actions of the Quinns.
This is the first book in a projected trilogy. The second book, Rising Tides, will tell Ethan’s story. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Grade: B
Book Type: Contemporary Romance
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 04/05/98
Publication Date: 1998
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.