My kindle has broken and I am unable to resend it as it has been archived

This book held me captivated. The author did such a good job of feeding us just enough information that piqued my interest. I just couldn't read fast enough to learn all the little pieces she dangled in front of me to get to the full story. Even in the beginning when Holly is describing her day, it never felt like mindless detail. I was genuinely interested in how she felt and what she saw. I love when an author can capture my attention like that. I've read other books by Noelle Adams and this wasn't like those I've read. I like when an author can deviate from their usual and still bring a good story. What a great read! ARC provided by NetGalley.

Holly being nervous around other people is an understatement. She doesn’t mind them living their own lives in their world, as long as they leave her alone in hers. Even talking to other people is difficult. One might say that she was skittish even. Holly is only 24 but she has deep dark secrets that keep her separated from other people for fear they will discover them. She lives in splendid isolation in a home on a huge piece of land that abuts the bay with a wooded area as well. She sees this land as her own private oasis and only goes to town when she really has to.

Cade is a writer whose last book was considered a flop and he is under pressure to write another best seller. He takes some time off from his life in busy New York City and comes to his hometown of Cape Charles to try and find inspiration for the next book that he was contracted to write. He’s in his 30’s and worries that if the next book isn’t as successful as his earlier books his career as a true life crime writer will be over. When then he stumbled onto the attractive Miss Holly and determines that there is a story to tell there and he is going to find and write about it.

From two different points of view, we read the story of how Cade woes Holly into a friendship that develops into something more. We read as he slowly wins her trust and becomes a part of her life. She is defensive at first and then gradually allows him to be a part of her world. It’s not all smooth sailing and the friendship profoundly changes the world for both of them. The story takes place over the course of a month and is an evenly paced story to follow.

The only real negative in this story that seems glaringly obvious is that it is almost unbelievable that Holly, having kept secrets all her life, would suddenly change her ways and trust Cade so easily and so quickly. But that would go against the nature of romantic fiction, so we shan’t dwell on that too much. There are also some explicit sexual scenes. There is far more explicit scenes written in other books than this one, but there are clear sexual content that might make some readers shy away.

This is a romantic novel through and through, but it is willing to explore deeper issues such as the effects on a woman after being raped and it looks at what isolation from the world can do to a person. It explores morality and choices, and whether it’s right or wrong to keep secrets. This is no easy breezy soft novel for you to simply wander through. Rather is keeps you guessing as to the motivation of Holly’s mother to leave her at such a young age. It is slightly darker than a classic love story with a good bit of underlying mystery thrown in, but that’s what makes it so appealing; it’s much more than your typical romance novel.

Three and a half stars.

This was slightly odd, definitely nothing like the previous books I have read by Noelle Adams.

Holly lives like a hermit in the woods in a rundown shack. Her life is bound by a strict schedule and she avoids other people, most of the people in Cape Charles, Virginia don't even know she exists. Think a Disney cartoon type heroine communing with the little woodland creatures, slightly fey and slightly OCD.

Cade Chesterton grew up in Cape Charles but moved to Manhatten when he became a successful author with his true crime books. Unfortunately his books have each been less successful than the last and he has returned home to lick his wounds and write the latest book. He doesn't really understand why his books aren't more successful when he follows the same formula for each one.

When Cade sees Holly he is intrigued, even more so by the rumours about her mother and their lives together alone, he decides that there is a story and that he will get closer to Holly and write a book. Cade realises that Holly is easily spooked so he moves slowly, renting the cottage on the edge of Holly's land and keeping to himself. But as Cade uncovers Holly's secrets she is also helping him to see the world differently and rediscover his mojo (for want of a better word).

I liked this, I can see it working better as a movie TBH, it was gently suspenseful and strange.

This was a different kind of romance for me. There was some mystery involved. Cade didn't start out his meeting with Holly truthfully. He was there to get her mysterious story. Holly was very wary of him but slowly let Cade in. Their love was slow growing but deep. Some obstacles to overcome and self discovery. The writing was simple but descriptive. My only complaint would be there was no epilogue.

Holly is a recluse - she has led a strange life with her mother and when she left her six years ago Holly stayed on in their beach house on Chesapeake Bay - only going out once a week to the town for supplies and not talking to anyone - the deer and fox in her garden were the only company she wanted

Cade is writer and when he comes across Holly on a visit home to his mother he is intrigued by her - positive that there is a story to be had and desperately looking for inspiration for his new novel he decides to befriend her but that is not going to be easy. Finding out that the property next to hers is up for rent he take it on for a month - but as he gets to know her and gradually find out her story will he be able to exploit her like that?

This is a lovely story with two people, who have both in a way been damaged in the past, get to know each other and realise that they do need each other but with a bit of intrigue and mystery thrown in as well

This is a different type of book by this author but still fantastic read. This book will leave you guessing till the last page. This book has fantastic characters. The story flows really well. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I loved this book. Bay Song is very well written with a good plot and characters. I loved the setting and the author's style of writing.

Adams is an author I read a lot. Though I have consistently liked her books when I get them from Amazon, I have struggled with the books I have gotten through Netgalley. As a result, Bay Song was a bit of a surprise. It is quite out of the norm for Adams in that it is considerably darker than anything I have read by her.

But that darkness is one of the reasons I liked it. Another reason I liked it (I was predisposed, I suppose) is that it takes place on the Chesapeake Bay, a familiar landscape. I also liked it because Holly and Cade's non-relationship relationship is depicted so well.

I loved the addition of the mystery in this book. Holly - so isolated, alone, and afraid - has been on her own since age 18 when her mother left. She has carved out a small but workable life for herself in this small bayside community, traveling to town once a week to take care of anything she must before returning home. She has a regimented life, carefully protecting herself and her secrets. And those secrets haunt her and govern so much of her behavior.

Enter Cade. He's struggling with his writing career and scenting secrets all around Holly, he wants to learn them so he can save his career. But in the time it takes to win Holly's trust, Cade loses his heart to her. He's not some "good guy". He's an opportunist who wants to go home to his New York apartment and get on with his high falutin' writing career.

But the Bay works in mysterious ways, capturing both Holly and Cade in its spell and with it's song, opening and closing doors for both of them. "Can you hear the song?" Holly asks Cade so innocently and at that moment, he could not. For Holly, each step into the world is frightening because it takes her closer and closer to revealing her secrets. For Cade, each step closer to Holly is torture because he already knows some of those secrets and their reveal can only hurt her.

In an almost lyrical and haunting story, Adams breaks out of her sweet and cute reputation and delivers a deeply emotional and wonderfully frightful book. I loved it and am looking forward to seeing more in this vein from her.

I am fan of this writer but I was disappointed by this book. The writing seemed stilled and awkward. Too much repetition, as if she forgot what she wrote a few pages before. And it was clear that she was going to find about the book he wanted to write.

I absolutely loved this book. It has been a long while since I have read a book in one sitting but this was the exception. The author's command of language is amazing. The Chesapeake bay area is the setting for the story and she described it beautifully. I am familiar with this part of the country so it made it even more special to me. The characters were so realistic,flawed and human, so by the time I finished reading I didn't want to stop. If you enjoy suspense and romance together you will be thrilled. I don't find many books that I feel deserve a five star rating but this one certainly does..

In Bay Song, Noelle Adams once again delivers a story that will amaze readers with both the simplicity and complexity of its plot. The characters of both Holly and Cade are as multilayered and deep as one can get. It is also presented in a way that readers feel like its unwrapping layers of their personality without too much details being revealed to bog down the story. The same way goes with the main plot, which is so intertwined into the romance that its become an integral part of the story. Bay Song is exquisite, it is being in the moment, being true to oneself, revealing a part of yourself, becoming one. Holly and Cade are flawed, human and in the end true to oneself and to each other. Beautifully written and so worth the time to read it.

I’d like to thank Netgalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read another of Noelle Adams books before and this was a little on the darker side of what I am used to from her.

This book definitely kept me on my toes because just when I think I might have it figured out I found myself being wrong. Although it is a romance there is a little of a mystery to be solved as well.

I really liked the characters in this book. The characters developed beautifully in this book, not only them as individuals but them as a couple too. Holly is reclusive and is a mystery herself. Cade being a true crime writer sees a story in her and tries to get close to Holly to figure it out. Day by day, Cade gains Holly’s trust in him and they both end up losing their hearts to each other.

I like how this story was not rushed. That Holly as a recluse didn’t just instantly trust Cade and let him in. The pace and timing in the story seemed reasonable and what would be expected.

Great read!

I am accustomed to reading Ms. Adams’ lighthearted and fun books so this one took me by surprise. It has a much deeper, darker feel to it and deals with heavy issues.

Holly is a recluse and must live her life on a tight schedule despite the fact that she is isolated from society in every way. Living off the grid she finds comfort in the land, ocean and animals that surround her home. Cade is a writer who is struggling to maintain his success and failing. When he meets Holly he is intrigued by the mystery that shadows her. As a true crime writer he sets out to solve the questions around Holly and hopefully find a next bestseller in the process.

Through most of this book I was on pins and needles waiting for Holly’s secret to be revealed. There were portions of this story that had a dark and heavy feel to it. It built the anticipation higher and higher until I wanted to skip ahead just to learn the secret.

For someone who lives under the shadow of a terrible incident and the resulting consequences of that incident, Holly was able to see life through innocent eyes. What others took for granted she honored with her every breath. It’s a beautiful tale.

I could see the subtle changes in Cade as he is drawn further and further into Holly’s life on the bay. However, it takes a confrontation between the hero and heroine before he is able to let go of his own insecurities and embrace the person he has always been and always meant to be.

Dual POV

Bay Song digs deeper into the human psyche and creates a tale of morality, redemption and a haunting journey of hope and healing. As thought provoking as it is emotionally draining, I never lost hope in the central characters. Holly started out as a curiosity. Her existence is one of mystery, but pain permeates off her in droves. Cade has never met a puzzle he can't solve, but Holly may be the one mystery that he wishes he hasn't. Holly's story is one of strength and courage that inspires every sense that makes us human.

3.5 Stars
I have read several of Noelle Adam's books in the past and this book was already pre-ordered before I received a copy. That being said, this book is outside of my normal read by Ms. Adams.

This book isn't a light quick feel good read. This book has characters that are peeled back page by page. It has mystery, intrigue, passion, and left me with a few questions. Overall this is a nice read that will keep the reader engaged, and question everything going on, but they will also bond with one or both of the characters.

Holly doesn't associate with many, if any other than a few words. Her life has been mostly on her land with little outside interaction. Cade is having writers block and Holly intrigues him. He wants to know more about the beauty. But thru the process of learning more there becomes more between Holly and Cade. Is he willing to sacrifice so much that both of them have gained for the notoriety?

3-1/2 Stars. Holly and Cade's story was so vastly different then anything else that I have read by Noelle Adams. This book was loaded with beautiful symbolism and a incredibly damaged heroine. I loved the dynamic between Cade and Holly and how she opened herself up to him in small increments. Holly's backstory was tragic and well written. I was hoping for a bit more on her biological father and what became of him. The romance in this book was more of a slow burn with only a couple love scenes that were passionate and tender. Watching Holly heal little by little was refreshing to watch and left me with a great feeling of hope. She had such a beautiful outlook on certain aspects of the world and such misguided aspects on other parts for someone who was so secluded. Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The only thing missing for me was just a bit more conflict but it was still a nice change from the norm and a enjoyable light romance.

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.
I have read a number of Noelle Adams' books and enjoyed them. Usually her books are lighthearted and frothy romantic novels. But this one has more depth to it and the main character Holly is interesting, damaged by her past and a recluse. Cade is intrigued by her from a personal and professional perspective. The development of their relationship is told with great empathy and understanding. I loved the fragility of Holly and the way the author wrote her character was so poignant and real.
Beautifully written this romantic novel moved me.
5 stars