Heather’s Bookshelf: On Wahoo Reef
Author: Tim W. Jackson
Released: 05/17/24
Genre: Adult Humor Novel
“With another silent prayer the mooring line wouldn’t break, Wally shrugged into his gear and jumped in the water. Below him the coral heads looked like miniature mountain tops poking through a flat layer of snow white sand.”
“On Wahoo Reef” introduces Wally Breight. Miserable in his day job as a PR exec, he dreams of something more fun and fulfilling for himself.
While on a trip to the Caribbean, an opportunity to purchase a run-down scuba diving business falls into his lap. The business comes with a boat, equipment, an office, and a staff. The books seem to be in order, his partner back home can send him clients and he even has an investor! Plus it’s attached to a little motel, with an owner who seems eager for a new partnership. Believing it to be the opportunity of a lifetime, Wally quits his job back home and moves to Blacktip Island to pursue his dream.
Unfortunately, he soon finds paradise is not all it appears to be. The boat’s a bust, his staff cut and run, and his partner’s involved in some seemingly sketchy business. To make matters worse, the customers aren’t coming in like he expected and the expenses are piling up. Even his promising love interest has too much baggage for one person to deal with.
Will Wally be able to figure out a solution to all his problems or will his grand adventure be cancelled almost as soon as it started?
Trigger Warning: sexual situations, ***
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It’s light-hearted with a main protagonist who’s unintentionally funny, unlucky, and prone to questionable life choices. His interactions with the many memorable and quirky characters around him add to the endearing and engaging feel of this story. The author does an amazing job in describing and engrossing the reader in an environment that makes you feel as if you are there. I’ve snorkeled but never scuba dived and I found the descriptions clear enough that I left feeling like I learned quite a bit about the activity. The pacing of the story is also well done with weaving of a bit of a mystery, character development, and random island shenanigans. I did not love Wally’s blossoming relationship with Alison. The whole thing felt quite forced and accelerated out of no where. It added a bit to his character, making him more complex, but it just didn’t click for me. On the other hand, the quick connection and chemistry between Chip, Val, and Wally jumped off the page. The ending of the book felt complete and resolved and clearly opened up the possibility of additional stories to come. I’d love another trip to Blacktip Island.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A fun and quirky tale about a protagonist who pursues a dream in an idealistic location. A lack of luck and some bad decisions are countered by budding friendships and determination.
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