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Rowan Gray #1
Welcoming Seas
Rowan Gray is a former photojournalist starting a new life on The Bounding Storm, one of the Atlantic Ocean’s most decadent cruise ships. She’s friendly and excited for her new career � but she’s also hiding a secret.
Quinn Davenport left a career in the military to become head of security on The Bounding Storm. He expected drinking infractions and the occasional pickpocket, but what he gets is so much more.
When a young woman goes missing, Quinn is suspicious of Rowan’s interest in the case. For her part, the worried photographer is desperate to find the girl and keep her secret safe from Quinn’s pointed questions. The problem for both of them is that they’re madly attracted to one another � although neither wants to admit it � and they can’t quite manage to stay away from one another.
Quinn and Rowan find themselves in an unusual situation. They have a missing girl, suspects they can’t pin down and a group of friends that is acting out of sorts. When a second girl appears to be in imminent peril, Quinn isn’t sure how to handle the situation but he’s determined to help � and Rowan refuses to let him do it alone.
Death is haunting The Bounding Storm. Will Rowan make it off her first cruise alive? Quinn pledges to do just that, but when a killer focuses on Rowan, several lives are destined to collide.
Set sail for adventure. It’s going to be a turbulent trip.
Quinn Davenport left a career in the military to become head of security on The Bounding Storm. He expected drinking infractions and the occasional pickpocket, but what he gets is so much more.
When a young woman goes missing, Quinn is suspicious of Rowan’s interest in the case. For her part, the worried photographer is desperate to find the girl and keep her secret safe from Quinn’s pointed questions. The problem for both of them is that they’re madly attracted to one another � although neither wants to admit it � and they can’t quite manage to stay away from one another.
Quinn and Rowan find themselves in an unusual situation. They have a missing girl, suspects they can’t pin down and a group of friends that is acting out of sorts. When a second girl appears to be in imminent peril, Quinn isn’t sure how to handle the situation but he’s determined to help � and Rowan refuses to let him do it alone.
Death is haunting The Bounding Storm. Will Rowan make it off her first cruise alive? Quinn pledges to do just that, but when a killer focuses on Rowan, several lives are destined to collide.
Set sail for adventure. It’s going to be a turbulent trip.
206 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2016
692 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
October 12, 2021
Another great series! Review to come!
November 19, 2018
Rowan has had a crazy past filled with tragedy, and she has a strange gift that no one has ever believed her about that involves her pictures. She's great at taking pictures, and she's been able to tell when something bad is going to happen to someone, but she hasn't been able to stop it, yet.
When she takes a job on a cruise ship, and she gets a bad omen things go bad quickly. Not only does she have to worry about that, but the security specialists on the ship is someone she was prepared to meet, and now these two can't stay away from each other, and they both are working hard to uncover what is going on on the ship.
This book was very interesting, and very funny at times as well. I loved the honesty and banter between the hero and heroine, that isn't something you "see" in very many books, but this one was awesome.
The only thing I didn't like was Rowan's ability, and how she never really did more with it, it also doesn't seem like much, but I'm hoping that changes as the series goes on. I look forward to more now.
When she takes a job on a cruise ship, and she gets a bad omen things go bad quickly. Not only does she have to worry about that, but the security specialists on the ship is someone she was prepared to meet, and now these two can't stay away from each other, and they both are working hard to uncover what is going on on the ship.
This book was very interesting, and very funny at times as well. I loved the honesty and banter between the hero and heroine, that isn't something you "see" in very many books, but this one was awesome.
The only thing I didn't like was Rowan's ability, and how she never really did more with it, it also doesn't seem like much, but I'm hoping that changes as the series goes on. I look forward to more now.
August 4, 2017
3.5 Stars.
First book in Lily Harper Hart's Rowan Gray series. It's a (cozy) mystery series that includes romance and (so far) just a slight touch of the paranormal. The book is set on a cruise ship and the supporting characters introduced so far seem promising. (One of the things I've always enjoyed about the author's series (she also writers under Amanda M. Lee) is the supporting characters she includes.)
I'm really excited about the idea of the cruise ship being a main feature with so many options to have mysteries tie in to other places they visit.
Overall, it seems promising and 8 out of 10 times the author delivers (for me) so definitely plan on checking out the 2nd book.
First book in Lily Harper Hart's Rowan Gray series. It's a (cozy) mystery series that includes romance and (so far) just a slight touch of the paranormal. The book is set on a cruise ship and the supporting characters introduced so far seem promising. (One of the things I've always enjoyed about the author's series (she also writers under Amanda M. Lee) is the supporting characters she includes.)
I'm really excited about the idea of the cruise ship being a main feature with so many options to have mysteries tie in to other places they visit.
Overall, it seems promising and 8 out of 10 times the author delivers (for me) so definitely plan on checking out the 2nd book.
February 26, 2021
For the most part, I liked this book. I'm not sure that I liked it enough to continue the series. It's a good book but it didn't grab me. Perhaps, I'm just not in the mood for this type of book at the moment.
I think I felt a little letdown by Rowan's secret. I wanted it to be something more, something that would blow my mind. What it turned out to be was MEH. I was sort of hoping that maybe she was some secret spy or a former detective or something that would make her really interesting. She was none of those things. She turns out to be one of those women who needs to be constantly saved by a man because she can't take care of herself. YAWN.
I liked Quinn, for the most part. He sure seemed confident and assertive bordering on aggressive. I could see how Rowan would have her head turned by him. I think I just struggled with how both of them insisted that they didn't want a relationship and yet fell into one right away. I get annoyed and frustrated with the whole "I don't want a relationsip! WAAA!" thing in books.
The mystery felt off to me. All they did was follow people around and then the bad guy found Rowan and she had to be saved. They never solved anything on their own, it solved itself. Then it didn't make any sense. The reason for the murder was paper thin.
I think I felt a little letdown by Rowan's secret. I wanted it to be something more, something that would blow my mind. What it turned out to be was MEH. I was sort of hoping that maybe she was some secret spy or a former detective or something that would make her really interesting. She was none of those things. She turns out to be one of those women who needs to be constantly saved by a man because she can't take care of herself. YAWN.
I liked Quinn, for the most part. He sure seemed confident and assertive bordering on aggressive. I could see how Rowan would have her head turned by him. I think I just struggled with how both of them insisted that they didn't want a relationship and yet fell into one right away. I get annoyed and frustrated with the whole "I don't want a relationsip! WAAA!" thing in books.
The mystery felt off to me. All they did was follow people around and then the bad guy found Rowan and she had to be saved. They never solved anything on their own, it solved itself. Then it didn't make any sense. The reason for the murder was paper thin.
December 16, 2016
A great start to a new series!
June 14, 2020
I knew I was going to like Rowan before I even started this series. I got to meet her in a couple of the crossovers between the Ivy Morgand and Harper Harlow series. So I was excited to finally get to read her from the beginning.
Rowan has a very unigue gift, when she takes photos she can see death omens in the pictures of people that are going to die. When she is laid off from her job at a newspaper in detroit, she decided to take a chance and become a ship photographer on a cuise liner. On her first day on the job she takes a picture of a group of girls and sees the omen. Since she doesn't want anyone to know what she can do, she attempt to follow them around and protect them from danger. However her sneekiness catches the attention of the head security Grey.. He can't quite figure Rowan out, why she is weirdly watching this group of girls, or why shes acting weird.. They also have some chemistry building between them.. Finally when Rowan confindes in Grey about whats going on, one of the girls dissapears. Now they are trying to find out what happened to her.
The mystery was really good, I had no idea who the murderer was, and I really like Rowan and Grey together.. Even the secondary characters Sally and Demarcus are great..
I can't wait to continue this series.. Lily harper Hart has def. become a new favorite author of mine..
Rowan has a very unigue gift, when she takes photos she can see death omens in the pictures of people that are going to die. When she is laid off from her job at a newspaper in detroit, she decided to take a chance and become a ship photographer on a cuise liner. On her first day on the job she takes a picture of a group of girls and sees the omen. Since she doesn't want anyone to know what she can do, she attempt to follow them around and protect them from danger. However her sneekiness catches the attention of the head security Grey.. He can't quite figure Rowan out, why she is weirdly watching this group of girls, or why shes acting weird.. They also have some chemistry building between them.. Finally when Rowan confindes in Grey about whats going on, one of the girls dissapears. Now they are trying to find out what happened to her.
The mystery was really good, I had no idea who the murderer was, and I really like Rowan and Grey together.. Even the secondary characters Sally and Demarcus are great..
I can't wait to continue this series.. Lily harper Hart has def. become a new favorite author of mine..
February 21, 2023
Entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. If I’m cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Rowen Gray is a young woman who is a newspaper photographer in Detroit until the newspapers started cutting back and Lang off all their photographers. She could not make a living as a freelance photographer so she went looking for something else Before deciding to go back to college and find something else to do. She applied for a job as a photographer on a cruise line. She gets the job and is now a photographer on a cruise line. Rowen has a unique ability though. When taking pictures she can sometimes See signs in the pictures that death is hanging over someone. That helped her out as a Detroit news from the photographer but how will it affect her on a cruise ship. Read on and find out what adventure awaits and the new friends she makes. It is an entertaining and mystery field story.
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. If I’m cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Rowen Gray is a young woman who is a newspaper photographer in Detroit until the newspapers started cutting back and Lang off all their photographers. She could not make a living as a freelance photographer so she went looking for something else Before deciding to go back to college and find something else to do. She applied for a job as a photographer on a cruise line. She gets the job and is now a photographer on a cruise line. Rowen has a unique ability though. When taking pictures she can sometimes See signs in the pictures that death is hanging over someone. That helped her out as a Detroit news from the photographer but how will it affect her on a cruise ship. Read on and find out what adventure awaits and the new friends she makes. It is an entertaining and mystery field story.
August 8, 2018
Through the viewfinder
She has been downsized from her newspaper job and has now become the cruise photographer. Although confident by nature, she doesn't push herself into the limelight. Her secret is that sometimes a strange thing occurs when she takes a photograph of people. A symbol appears to denote that one of the people in the photograph will die. This happens on her first day when she photographs 4 young girls who are on a pre college break. When one ends up missing, she fears the worst. He is the slightly aloof former marine who has taken on the job of chief of security. Together they embark to find out the truth. Will he believe her when she tells him her secret? A good plot but a bit obvious. Great characters and loved his understated attempts at humour.
She has been downsized from her newspaper job and has now become the cruise photographer. Although confident by nature, she doesn't push herself into the limelight. Her secret is that sometimes a strange thing occurs when she takes a photograph of people. A symbol appears to denote that one of the people in the photograph will die. This happens on her first day when she photographs 4 young girls who are on a pre college break. When one ends up missing, she fears the worst. He is the slightly aloof former marine who has taken on the job of chief of security. Together they embark to find out the truth. Will he believe her when she tells him her secret? A good plot but a bit obvious. Great characters and loved his understated attempts at humour.
May 11, 2017
Another superhit!!!
I adore books written by Lily Harper Hart. I have read 2 series so far. This series is my 3rd.
This book is set on a cruise ship. Rowan Gray is the cruise new photographer. She has a secret.
Quinn is a retired marine who is the head of security on the ship. When they both meet there are fireworks.
During the cruise a girl goes missing. Quinn and rowan investigate to find out what happened to her,?
The chemistry between the two is electric. Quinn seemed quiet at the beginning but came out of his shell after trading flirty banter with rowan.
It was lovely to see the couple flirt and get to know each other
Another fan start to a new series.
I adore books written by Lily Harper Hart. I have read 2 series so far. This series is my 3rd.
This book is set on a cruise ship. Rowan Gray is the cruise new photographer. She has a secret.
Quinn is a retired marine who is the head of security on the ship. When they both meet there are fireworks.
During the cruise a girl goes missing. Quinn and rowan investigate to find out what happened to her,?
The chemistry between the two is electric. Quinn seemed quiet at the beginning but came out of his shell after trading flirty banter with rowan.
It was lovely to see the couple flirt and get to know each other
Another fan start to a new series.
September 7, 2017
I was puttering around looking for a light read and came across this one. It's not my usual speed (I'm a huge Kristen Ashley style fan) but I have to admit I loved this series. Blew through the 3 available in 2 days and will buy the 4th book once it's available on kindle. In fact, I liked this series so much I started the Ivy Morgan series yesterday. I like the banter (I actually ended up reading bits out loud to my husband while chuckling) and the relationship development. Plus the characters are just pure fun. If you're looking for something light, easy, fun and relaxing that sticks with you and makes your smile brighter, this is a good series to try.
June 14, 2019
This cozy mystery caught my eye because the main character is a photographer on a cruise ship. It seems like one of those dream jobs, right? Unfortunately, sometimes when she takes pictures, she sees a death omen. Not exactly the thing you want to tell new co-workers and potential friends. When her hyper-focus on a group of girls coincides with the disappearance of one of them, the ship’s security chief starts asking questions. And makes her answer. This first book in the series focuses on sharing her special gift and learning to trust and work with each other solving a mystery. I am looking forward to book number two!
January 2, 2020
There were two things that bothered me about this book. First, why must the story revolve around teenagers? I find most teenagers to be written as terribly annoying. Second, the storyline that got the main characters from point A (acquaintances) to point B (bed buddies) seemed uneven, forced, stretching the bounds of my credulity. Both of these issues are specific to this, the first book in the series. Hopefully, I'll find the second book more settled (and more adult). I am wondering just how much murder and mayhem can these two find about one cruise ship, and if the answer is "a whole bunch", how does the cruise ship remain afloat?
April 29, 2023
Book 1 of a Rowan Gray Mystery series was really good. Rowan is a photographer. Her secret skill is that she can see the death omen in certain photos she takes. Whenever she sees the death omen, the person in the photo always dies or disappears never to be found. Her mission has become to change the course of events so the person doesn't die. Her unnatural obsession with watching the four girls who are in the group photo has raised red flags with the head of security, Quinn. If she doesn't want to be considered a suspect, she'll have to tell him her secret. All the while, there's an air of sexual tension between them. I'm already loving this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2024
Cruise ship shenanigans, a little romance, and a mystery
4.25 stars
I was very impressed with this first installment to the series. It was different and unique from other cozies I read. I really liked the setting of the cruise ship with all its drama and gossip, which was very fun and a full of humor. I liked seeing the pull between Quinn and Rowan as their romance was beginning. The paranormal element good with Rowan seeing people marked from danger in her pictures, which lead to the mystery. The mystery wasn’t too crazy and very simple but no less enjoyable. I look forward to reading more in this series.
4.25 stars
I was very impressed with this first installment to the series. It was different and unique from other cozies I read. I really liked the setting of the cruise ship with all its drama and gossip, which was very fun and a full of humor. I liked seeing the pull between Quinn and Rowan as their romance was beginning. The paranormal element good with Rowan seeing people marked from danger in her pictures, which lead to the mystery. The mystery wasn’t too crazy and very simple but no less enjoyable. I look forward to reading more in this series.
October 29, 2024
Adorable romantic mystery
Rowan has just started a new job as cruise ship photographer when she meets Quinn the ships head of security and is instantly attracted, but Rowan has a secret she,can see a person's death in the photographs she takes, and when a guest goes missing she and Quinn being an investigation. I Loved the main characters who have a good chemistry and hold their own. I am a sucker for a sarcastic female. The mystery is good with a few red herrings. Overall an excellent start and the audio has a great narrator,setting just the,right tone
Rowan has just started a new job as cruise ship photographer when she meets Quinn the ships head of security and is instantly attracted, but Rowan has a secret she,can see a person's death in the photographs she takes, and when a guest goes missing she and Quinn being an investigation. I Loved the main characters who have a good chemistry and hold their own. I am a sucker for a sarcastic female. The mystery is good with a few red herrings. Overall an excellent start and the audio has a great narrator,setting just the,right tone
September 10, 2017
This is another amazing series by Lily Harper Hart, she never disappoints. I love the character of Rowan, super funny and snarky but so girl next door. When she meets sexy man Quinn oh boy do sparks fly. Both trying to fight their attraction for one another becomes a real battle, do they keep on fighting or do they decide to try? I cannot wait to read the next book, which will be a soon as this is posted. Thank you Kindle Unlimited
April 25, 2018
I like the characters and the way they interact. This was an enjoyable, easy book, so I was able to overlook the parts of the book that were so far from reality they were ridiculous. First of all, crew members on cruise lines don't usually have their own rooms, let alone rooms high enough to get a balcony. Every crew member, even the engine crew, has their own room. Seems far fetched. But I can overlook that. I will continue with this series.
April 11, 2019
It's always a pleasure to read a Lily Harper Hart cozy after plodding through other authors' cozy attempts. Her books are so well plotted and have wonderful characters that don't just appear for a single book as the "childhood friend" who gets killed. Regardless of where the series takes place, it will have a true community, a bit of magic, lots of laughs, and a fun mystery. They're all winners in my opinion!
May 26, 2022
Welcoming Seas (A Rowan Grey Mystery book 1
This was another winner. This Author writes my favorite books. She writes wonderful mysteries and has great cast of characters in every book. I highly recommend all her books and the different series she writes and the other list of names she uses and other books are listed in her books. I have read over 55 books and keep ongoing with her other books she writes. Diana Romano
This was another winner. This Author writes my favorite books. She writes wonderful mysteries and has great cast of characters in every book. I highly recommend all her books and the different series she writes and the other list of names she uses and other books are listed in her books. I have read over 55 books and keep ongoing with her other books she writes. Diana Romano
February 26, 2017
The story is well written and entertaining. However, I have a vastly different experience of the crews quarters than what Ms. Hart describes as well as what crew members may be where on a cruise ship as well as if and how they are allowed to interact with the guests. Basically, these inaccuracies and improbabilities are what bring my rating down to 3 stars.
May 26, 2017
Excellent
This is a very well written cozy mystery with a paranormal element and a touch of romance. The story moves swiftly along and even romantic banter serves to move the story ahead. The mystery is interesting and there is a surprise ending. This is top of the line of its kind.
This is a very well written cozy mystery with a paranormal element and a touch of romance. The story moves swiftly along and even romantic banter serves to move the story ahead. The mystery is interesting and there is a surprise ending. This is top of the line of its kind.
June 25, 2017
Enjoyable
Nice first book for a series. The concept is interesting and while the characters don't get have great depth they have the room to grow. Ms. Hart's writing shows the same skill as has been demonstrated in her other series. I expect this to be as enjoyable a series as the others have been.
Nice first book for a series. The concept is interesting and while the characters don't get have great depth they have the room to grow. Ms. Hart's writing shows the same skill as has been demonstrated in her other series. I expect this to be as enjoyable a series as the others have been.
June 2, 2018
Ready to Set Sail!
The premises great! I loved the mystery set up. Rowan's ability is a bit weird, I haven't quite made my mind up about that.
I awarded only 3 stars because I was disappointed in the motive. I would have been fine with the culprit if the motive was more believable.
Looking forward to see where this series goes.
The premises great! I loved the mystery set up. Rowan's ability is a bit weird, I haven't quite made my mind up about that.
I awarded only 3 stars because I was disappointed in the motive. I would have been fine with the culprit if the motive was more believable.
Looking forward to see where this series goes.
October 11, 2018
Omg!
I’ve actually put off reading this series for awhile because it didn’t really catch my interest, but I decided to read it in preparation for the upcoming crossover. I’m sooooo mad at my self for having waited. This book was amazing! You can’t help but love every one of the characters. Read it now!
I’ve actually put off reading this series for awhile because it didn’t really catch my interest, but I decided to read it in preparation for the upcoming crossover. I’m sooooo mad at my self for having waited. This book was amazing! You can’t help but love every one of the characters. Read it now!
April 11, 2021
This was a great start for a new paranormal, cozy mystery. I loved the setting. I saw some complaints about discrepancies b/w a real cruise and the cruise line in this book. It is nothing major though and it’s the first time I’ve read a series with this setting. Rowan is cool, shy and modest. Just to reiterate this is a cozy so, it is meant to be a fun, light read.
June 28, 2021
Is this one of her earlier written books? It seem juvenile. It seems like it is a 70's Tv sit com with a laugh track that is not working. I did not have time to figure out a murderer since it was all wrapped up in the last chapter "Oh look who did it" "You meddling kids I could have gotten away with it"
August 16, 2021
Mystery on a cruise ship
Rowan Gray, a cruise ship photographer, sees a death omen when photographing a group of young women. She doesn't know whether she can change their fate, or which woman it is for. She and the security chief need to solve the mystery before the cruise ends.
Interesting characters.
Rowan Gray, a cruise ship photographer, sees a death omen when photographing a group of young women. She doesn't know whether she can change their fate, or which woman it is for. She and the security chief need to solve the mystery before the cruise ends.
Interesting characters.
January 11, 2022
Unexpectedly Entertaining
Cozy mystery on the seas. I have to say I really enjoyed this first book of the series. I like that the author included more than point of views in this book and I hope thought out the series. I am looking forward to how the author plans to spin more mysteries on the seas.
Cozy mystery on the seas. I have to say I really enjoyed this first book of the series. I like that the author included more than point of views in this book and I hope thought out the series. I am looking forward to how the author plans to spin more mysteries on the seas.
August 3, 2022
This was a great story. The main and supporting characters are interesting and grow on the reader rapidly. The plot is easily followed and the twists are interesting. I am looking forward to reading more from this author on several levels and a few series. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to new books.
May 27, 2023
The best part of this book is the repartee between Rowan and Quinn: funny, spontaneous and a delight to read. But that is about the only good part of reading in this book unfortunately. The people are one dimensional and the plot...well simply put it made me feel like I was back in high school and the in crowd got out of hand. Not for me.
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