Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Unfamiliar Waters 
AUTHOR: Andrew Grey
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 200 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 8, 2019
BLURB:
With the pressures of the job bearing down on him, police officer Garrett Wreckley needs a vacation—in fact, he isn’t given a choice in the matter. Since the water has always soothed Garrett’s soul, he heads to the Caribbean, hoping some time alone sailing on the open water will help him pull himself together.
But even though he’s taking a break from law enforcement, Garrett can’t get rid of his cop’s instinct so easily.
He meets Nigel, a young man as innocent as he is beautiful, who grew up sheltered from the world, exploring the beaches and tropical forests with only the company of his aunt, his brother, and the wildlife and sea creatures he befriended.
As sweet, passionate love blooms, their time in paradise feels too good to be true… and Garrett’s gut and training tell him that might be the case. As he investigates, he quickly realizes everything is not as it seems. Will his snooping destroy not only their romance, but everything Nigel believes about his life?
REVIEW:
Forced to take a vacation from his job as a cop, Garrett sails away towards peace, quiet and hopefully realignment of his emotions. Garrett had not been the same since losing his partner, David, and was nearing a breakdown. On his travels, he puts down anchor in the cove of a Caribbean island. Garrett had no idea that what he’d find there would change his life and save his soul.
Nigel is intelligent, but an innocent as far as the world is concerned. Since his early years, he’s been isolated on the island and isn’t overly aware of much outside it. He has read books, he just hasn’t had experience. Nigel also says what he feels – etiquette be damned.
There is an instant connection between Garrett and Nigel, and the policeman is enamoured by Nigel’s simple existence. Though, Garrett is plagued by memories and the fact that he must return to his job. The way Nigel won’t allow Garrett to visit his home, plus other things about the way Nigel and his brother Jules live doesn’t add up. Garrett’s inner cop gets curious.
I’m not going to comment on the technical side of this story because it won’t be the final version. What I can say is that what comes out of the Dreamspinner camp is usually technically clean and any little remaining errors corrected.
Regarding the story itself. Nigel is a sweetie and events weren’t exactly unexpected, though the setting was delightfully unique compared to many stories that I’ve read. I felt myself somewhat chilled and peaceful while reading about Nigel and Garrett on the island.
Not going to give away too much in the way of spoilers, but when the obligatory shit hits the fan moment(s) arrived the heat gets ramped up. As a lover of detective stories – this is where I believe more could have been made of the plot. What is written is good, concise and without holes. But I needed that extra degree or two of drama to get my heart pumping. Garrett is a good cop both mentally and physically. But, given who the bad guys are, I think they were capable of being a bit more badass, thus giving Garrett more opportunity to show his guns.
I liked Unfamiliar Waters, and it was nice to see how Nigel helps heal Garrett. The setting was good too. It was different and sweet, serene even. But it isn’t a story that I’d go – ‘Oh my F*** that was wow.’. I’m glad I picked it up to review, and I’m more chilled for having read it. So, if you are a reader that likes a good story but isn’t a fan of near cardiac moments then, this is for you.
RATING: 
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