Turning the Tide by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“There’s a secret club in Ocean City, Maryland, where swingers from all over the mid-Atlantic converge every weekend to frolic and play in its many themed rooms. Welcome to the Factory, where in the midst of all the fun, there’s always a romance blossoming, sometimes where you least expect it.”

Turning the Tide is the fifth book in the Eastern Shore Swingers Series by Phoebe Alexander. Once again Ms. Alexander has really set the bar quite high with this wonderful book. I love her books and she has never failed to deliver an enticing read, and this story is no exception. As I have said before, I have come to expect a lot from her, which probably isn’t very fair on my part, but I blame her for writing stories that just get better and better the farther into the series we go, eclipsing the other books with each new instalment. Just when I think that it won’t be possible to match the previous book, she ups the ante and not only matches, but exceeds them, as well as all my expectations, and blows me away.
From the beautiful cover, to the exceptional writing, the original storyline, and wonderful characters, Ms. Alexander ticks all the boxes, and then some. There is so much going on in the book, from heartache, loneliness, passion, erotica, drama, some suspense, and emotion .
This story could be read as a standalone, without feeling like you are missing anything. But having said that, the other books are well worth the read, as they really are great stories on their own- but they also introduce other recurring characters. So, having all that information and the backstories would increase your reading pleasure, of this book, and the series as a whole.
Luke Cannon has been ‘stuck’ in a hopeless, soul crushing situation. He craves connection and intimacy- which he hasn’t had for a very long time. Dealing with his ‘life’ is becoming more and more depressing. So, when his good friend persuades him to try the ‘club’, he decides to go, and things take an interesting turn.
Connie Stewart is Casey Fontaine’s sister (Casey is the co-owner and Matriarch of the ‘club’, The Factory. Connie’s a nurse, who had been caring for her sister during her battle with cancer. She’s been burned before, so she has some trust issues when it comes to men and relationships. Connie isn’t part of the ‘swinging’ lifestyle, but soon finds herself spending time at The Factory. She meets Luke and they have an instant connection and chemistry. But what happens when secrets are revealed? And with the amount of baggage Luke has, does their blossoming relationship even stand a chance? What happens when a third party causes problems? This story is well worth your time to find out all the intriguing details for yourself….
Ms. Alexander has a real talent for getting her readers to invest in her stories- easily swaying you to either love or hate a character. Her characters are quite complex, fully realised individuals with their own quirks and flaws- which made them all the more realistic, relatable, and believable.
I can’t wait for the next book!

Thank you, Ms. Alexander!

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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