Book Review: The Highest Tide by Marian Perera

Title: The Highest Tide
Series: Eden, Book 4
Author: Marian Perera
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Sensuality Rating: Sensual
Source: review copy provided by author
Published: February 17, 2015 by Samhain Publishing

One touch, and the tide isn’t all that’s rising.

When brothel health inspector Jason Remerley finds a uniformed woman waiting impatiently in the Velvet Court parlor, wanting to hire a man’s services, he’s struck by lightning. His intense, immediate attraction compels him to pretend his way into her arms.

Enough silver, and most men forget about Captain Lera Vanze’s half-burned face. She senses something off about the handsome, ill-dressed prostitute who sells himself so cheaply. But with his first touch, goose bumps turn to shivers of desire—right before the truth drives them in opposite directions.

Her fury is still simmering when they face each other in a more “official” capacity. She’s joined a warship to stop a terrorist only Jason can identify. Though trust is scarce, they’re swept away in a tidal wave of murderous plots and an explosive attraction that could leave them marooned in an emotional—and very real—minefield.

Warning: She knows how to wield her sword, he knows just how, when, and where to apply his…mind. Contains deception in a brothel, sex in a cave, a shark with a bad habit, and one very large wave.

amazon | goodreads

Reviewed by: Babs

In a Nutshell: This was a mediocre read for me. I liked some elements of the story, especially the very beginning when the hero and heroine meet.

What I Liked: I liked the way Jason and Lera met at the beginning of the story. It was different and I wish it lasted longer. I think I was more anxious about that part of the story than the climax of the non-romance storyline later on the book!

I also liked Lera was usually the one with the skills to save Jason. I do enjoy a badass heroine. I will acknowledge Jason has a moment or two he does the saving.

What I Didn't Like: I needed more time with Jason and Lera alone together developing their relationship. At the half way point they only had a couple of conversations alone and just for a few minutes. They'd had a couple make out sessions but no full on sex. Later there's one sex scene and that's it for intimacy. There was a lot of Jason alone, Lera alone, conversations with Captain Garser and other characters. But I don't think there was enough Jason and Lera time.

I also think there's a glossed over element to the big villainous plot. I may have missed the information but there was concern about some other cities being effected but then I didn't read whether they were impacted or not.

Overall Impression: The Highest Tide was an okay read for me. I'm mildly curious about the other books in the series. I also would like to know more about two characters – Meghan and Kovir. I was interested in learning more about their backstories and futures after this story. I'm not sure the other books get a place on my overflowing to-read list but I may check them out if I come across good things about them.

Bab’s Rating: