Heather’s Bookshelf: Under the Gulf Coast Sun
Author: Skip Rhudy
Released: 04/11/25
Genre: Coming of Age Adult Fiction
“With hurricanes, the waves could build into green walls twelve to fifteen feet high, and they felt the power of them in their bones. The thrashing whitewater avalanches terrified them. Going over the falls would be the end. But those were the days that mattered. Perfect, uncrowded waves for all—miles and miles of perfect waves. Someday it would come. And they would be ripping when it did.”
“Under the Gulf Coast Sun” takes place in 1978 Port Aransas, Texas, USA. The story introduces Connor O’Reilly, a young surfer-dreamer who falls for the beautiful and intelligent Kassie Hernandez.
Connor’s a bit aloof while Kassie loves math and science, aspiring to work for NASA one day. The two have an attraction that can’t be denied. They share a love of surfing and Connor can’t believe how great she is. He’s in awe of everything about her. Kassie loves that Connor’s not just concerned with her looks and that he actually talks with her, listening to what she is saying.
When they’re alone, they work and so does their connection. But when they’re around their friends and other local surfers, their not-so-great traits present themselves. Connor becomes preoccupied with how every male within shouting distance of Kassie becomes obsessed with her and Kassie loathes how insecure Connor is regardless of her actions or intentions.
A misunderstanding leads to a dangerous accident that threatens to derail their young relationship and their lives. Will Connor and Kassie survive and be able to put aside their insecurities or will they succumb to the social pressures?
Trigger Warning: violence, sexual situations, adult language, alcohol abuse, violence
Overall, I found this story entertaining. The story is told through the POVs of Connor and Kassie, two teenagers in the 70’s starting their lives on two very different paths. Connor’s not sure what to do with his life and Kassie has a very specific and driven goal to work for NASA. They’re on different paths, but their connection can’t be denied. The author does well in providing back stories for each of the main characters and developing their personalities, goals, and desires. Both Connor’s and Kassie’s insecurities jump off of the page and are very relatable. A couple of the ancillary characters are also memorable- including Stamford and Maxim. I also enjoyed the portions with Connor’s dad and Kassie’s parents. Each revealed a different side to the characters that expanded on their personalities. This is not an action-packed story, but there are a few occurrences that push the story forward. It’s mostly a will they or won’t they/angst filled storyline. There was quite a lot of sexual interaction throughout the story, which won’t be for every reader. By the end of the story, it felt as one full tale with a definite ending and a sense of completeness. There was resolution for both the story and the characters and a sense of hope for the future.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A coming-of-age tale full of angst, relationship challenges, and social pressures set during the 1970s in a surf town.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Skip Rhudy
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Find it for purchase here
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