The South Winds - Allison Mullinax

The South Winds, a second-chance romance novel by Allison Mullinax, is an amazing book, and the perfect way to introduce readers to Turquoise Isle.

Dean Alexander is heading back to his hometown of Turquoise Isle for his sister Julia’s wedding. Having been away for eight years, Dean cannot help but be excited to see his family. But the closer he gets to his destination, the greater the fear becomes that he’ll cross paths with his high school love Cassie Ray.

Cassie is busy running her family’s beachfront bar.  Known for its good atmosphere and even better food, it’s no surprise that The Slippery Oyster – and Cassie - will be catering Julia and Mike’s wedding. 

After a few chance encounters  before the wedding, it becomes clear that Dean and Cassie have a lot of unresolved feelings between them. While the tension is high and there is evidence of pain, there also seems to be lingering feelings of love. Mullinax progresses the story in first person, alternating voices between Dean and Cassie, allowing us to become fully immersed in the plot. What we really want to know is what tore them apart.

While Julia and Mike are fixing to exchange vows, all of Turquoise Isle is preparing for a hurricane that is due to hit land any day. Everyone heads out to the boardwalk to take advantage of what could be their last dry night. 

Our emotions peak as the hurricane makes landfall. Dean gets to The Slippery Oyster just as Cassie and her friend Jonah make a surprising discovery. They soon find themselves alone to survive the hurricane together. Will their painful past be destroyed along with the bar, or is a new beginning on the horizon?

The South Winds is a fantastic book and is difficult to put down. With detailed descriptions, a roller coaster of emotions, and characters that are easy to love, Mullinax has created what is sure to be a favorite.