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Gulf Breeze
Dr. Carly Cambridge, wildlife biologist, returns to the Texas Gulf Coast to manage the latest Habitats for Nature project, restoring the woods and wetlands to their natural state.
She is devoted to the environmental cause with a passion usually reserved for a lover – something she hasn’t had since a disastrous love affair ten years earlier. Having sworn off women and relationships, Carly is perfectly content to live her life alone while she focuses on her latest project.
Wildlife photographer Pat Ryan is duped into volunteering her talents to the cause, but she wants no part of the overzealous Dr. Cambridge.
While they spend most of their time sparring and bickering, an early season hurricane finds them fighting nature – instead of each other – to save the wetlands and the birds that brought them together.
Soon Carly finds her heart opening, little by little, and struggles to ignore the feelings that are growing between them. And Pat, always searching for that certain someone to take her breath away, can’t believe for a moment that the woman she’s been waiting for could possibly be Carly.
She is devoted to the environmental cause with a passion usually reserved for a lover – something she hasn’t had since a disastrous love affair ten years earlier. Having sworn off women and relationships, Carly is perfectly content to live her life alone while she focuses on her latest project.
Wildlife photographer Pat Ryan is duped into volunteering her talents to the cause, but she wants no part of the overzealous Dr. Cambridge.
While they spend most of their time sparring and bickering, an early season hurricane finds them fighting nature – instead of each other – to save the wetlands and the birds that brought them together.
Soon Carly finds her heart opening, little by little, and struggles to ignore the feelings that are growing between them. And Pat, always searching for that certain someone to take her breath away, can’t believe for a moment that the woman she’s been waiting for could possibly be Carly.
276 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2003
29 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Gerri Hill
56 books1,539 followersGerri began writing lesbian romance as a way to amuse herself while snowed in one winter in the mountains of Colorado, and hasn’t looked back. Her first published work came in 2000 with One Summer Night. Many more romances have followed, with the occasional murder mystery in the mix.
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 19, 2012
As another reviewer stated, the best part of this book is the banter between the two main characters. The author has really mastered that aspect of character development. You feel like these women are a couple of your best buddies that just spar and flirt with each other constantly. It's funny and hot and addictive.
I find Gerri Hill to be a very good writer. Her story flows easily and isn't hard to enjoy. The plot is not the same old scene. She comes up with interesting location and details and background.
This story lost half a star for me because of lack of editing. This in no way takes away from the author's ability to write, but the editor and publisher who allowed the book to pass through with some basic typos, missing or transposed words, etc. Here's an example taken from the book: "She nearly obvious."
Things like this have you stopping and wondering what that means, is a word missing, was it cut from some other sentence by accident... and there are a quite a few of these that make you wonder if the editor actually read it at all. it's annoying and ruins the flow of the book.
But i still recommend this story, mainly for the great character interaction.
I find Gerri Hill to be a very good writer. Her story flows easily and isn't hard to enjoy. The plot is not the same old scene. She comes up with interesting location and details and background.
This story lost half a star for me because of lack of editing. This in no way takes away from the author's ability to write, but the editor and publisher who allowed the book to pass through with some basic typos, missing or transposed words, etc. Here's an example taken from the book: "She nearly obvious."
Things like this have you stopping and wondering what that means, is a word missing, was it cut from some other sentence by accident... and there are a quite a few of these that make you wonder if the editor actually read it at all. it's annoying and ruins the flow of the book.
But i still recommend this story, mainly for the great character interaction.
July 26, 2017
Exciting read! a beautifully chemistry filled romantic love story that was also well written...tension and angst included (paperback!)
February 22, 2017
This is an easy read by Gerri Hill. I prefer her crime/romance novels, but this one is good too.
November 21, 2023
Every now and again I'll pick up a Gerri Hill novel as I know I'll always get a great read. Her romance novels are generally low angst with two compelling female characters set amongst a beautiful backdrop. Gulf Breeze fit this perfectly with a sweet romance, featuring a bit of spice.
I listened to the audiobook and absolutely adored Abby Craden's narration of the story.
If you are an audible premium subscriber, this audiobook should be included in your membership :)
I listened to the audiobook and absolutely adored Abby Craden's narration of the story.
If you are an audible premium subscriber, this audiobook should be included in your membership :)
August 10, 2015
Outstanding, beautiful romance.
This was another masterpiece by Gerri Hill. The romance is great, the surroundings amazing, the description of all the birds was excellent. I closed my eyes and I could see them. I really liked the way the sexual tension was built up. As always, it was a well developed story and I loved the interaction between Carly and Pat. It makes me smile. This is again a must read.
This was another masterpiece by Gerri Hill. The romance is great, the surroundings amazing, the description of all the birds was excellent. I closed my eyes and I could see them. I really liked the way the sexual tension was built up. As always, it was a well developed story and I loved the interaction between Carly and Pat. It makes me smile. This is again a must read.
January 10, 2020
Okay I am seeing a Pattern here. It seems that I like Gerri's romances that she published in the early 2000's more than the few I have read in the past year or two. She seems to have alot more steam in them. I would guess that would probably be normal. I listened to the audio version of Gulf Breeze and Abby Craden again is a rock star!
November 2, 2011
I knew what I was getting into since I've read several of Hill's books. It's a standard lesbian romance novel. It's not great but it's not bad, either.
I thought Carly's continued response to her first relationship was too much but without it we wouldn't have much of a story.
Like a romantic movie, it's was a nice way to relax for a few hours and escape from the rest of the world.
I thought Carly's continued response to her first relationship was too much but without it we wouldn't have much of a story.
Like a romantic movie, it's was a nice way to relax for a few hours and escape from the rest of the world.
November 20, 2011
Gerri Hill is such a nice breath of fresh air! She is so different from Radclyffe, now I'm not saying that I am not a Radclyffe fan, but Gerri Hill's character's are funny and witty. This book was good, but I wish there would have been more written about after the two character's connect.
October 31, 2013
The most interesting parts of the book were the witty repartees between the two leads. Though not on the level of Ann McMan's Jericho ladies, they're still quite entertaining nonetheless. The rest of the book is a rather typical lesfic romance book--a fast and easy read.
January 9, 2015
Fun read! Like the interaction between the two main characters, Pat and Carly. Also like the setting of the story. Beautiful!
November 15, 2021
Another good Hill/Craden listen. I’ve been enjoying her low angst and all love books. These two moved a little quickly professing their undying love but it was still good and entertaining.
May 28, 2023
This was a pleasurable and fairly short listen. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters as well as between Carly and Elsa. What this book got right, for me, was the fear of stepping out of your comfort zone due to past mistakes or hurts and the fun of playful relationships with your friends and loved ones. (If you and your friends don't threaten to punch or drown one another on a regular basis or bemoan the fact that one of you is talking AGAIN or STILL then you might not understand the humor or might be offended by it. I humbly suggest though, that if these things are not happening in your life or are not understood by you to be lovingly humorous, you might need to acquire a new, additional set of friends to enjoy these things with. It's fun.)
I must admit, I almost stopped listening to this one because Abby Craden's interpretation of Pat's personality was more bite than bark but she tempered that after a time and better performed what I think the author meant to be a slightly-crusty-shell-with-a-soft-gooey-inside type of personality for Pat's character. I have come to adore Abby's voices for elderly folk and Aunt Rachel's is perfect. In fact, Aunt Rachel might be my favorite character in this book.
I was also a little put off by "no" meaning "just give me a sec" in Carly and Pat's interactions. No means no to me and I had a bit of a hard time with that. There is definitely a way to do conflicting desires better and more clearly.
The fact that Pat is a wildlife photographer is what made me listen to this audiobook in the first place and Gerri Hill did a good job with that portrayal. I could feel the weight of the lens in my hand and the zone you go into while peacefully waiting for the subject to settle and resume its natural behavior for that perfect shot. Kudos to Hill for bringing that to life.
I would consider re-listening to this in the future. The setting, character interactions and growth were all well done.
I must admit, I almost stopped listening to this one because Abby Craden's interpretation of Pat's personality was more bite than bark but she tempered that after a time and better performed what I think the author meant to be a slightly-crusty-shell-with-a-soft-gooey-inside type of personality for Pat's character. I have come to adore Abby's voices for elderly folk and Aunt Rachel's is perfect. In fact, Aunt Rachel might be my favorite character in this book.
I was also a little put off by "no" meaning "just give me a sec" in Carly and Pat's interactions. No means no to me and I had a bit of a hard time with that. There is definitely a way to do conflicting desires better and more clearly.
The fact that Pat is a wildlife photographer is what made me listen to this audiobook in the first place and Gerri Hill did a good job with that portrayal. I could feel the weight of the lens in my hand and the zone you go into while peacefully waiting for the subject to settle and resume its natural behavior for that perfect shot. Kudos to Hill for bringing that to life.
I would consider re-listening to this in the future. The setting, character interactions and growth were all well done.
July 4, 2023
4/5
There was no reason for this book to be this comforting. I genuinely believe the reason they "hated" eachother was dumb,but there was something about this book,that no matter how much I was reading I didn't want to finish it.
Even after they got together and started developing feelings they didn't lost the tension and oh boy,THE TENSION WAS SO HOT WAS WAITING FOR EVERYTHING
It made me want to have a relationship.
I loved the characters and their personalities individually,the side characters were making the story better tooo,the plot was there,what could I possibly want more than reading something that comforts me?
There was no reason for this book to be this comforting. I genuinely believe the reason they "hated" eachother was dumb,but there was something about this book,that no matter how much I was reading I didn't want to finish it.
Even after they got together and started developing feelings they didn't lost the tension and oh boy,THE TENSION WAS SO HOT WAS WAITING FOR EVERYTHING
It made me want to have a relationship.
I loved the characters and their personalities individually,the side characters were making the story better tooo,the plot was there,what could I possibly want more than reading something that comforts me?
September 26, 2024
Ich weiß nicht warum, aber so viele von Gerri Hills Büchern lösen einfach tiefen Frieden in mir aus. Ich liebe den Stil und das neben angenehmen Romanzen oft die Natur und Naturbezogene Berufe eine riesige Rolle spielen.
Auch dieses Buch war einfach wieder enspannt.
Auch dieses Buch war einfach wieder enspannt.
October 25, 2025
I'm not looking forward to exhausting Gerri's entire library, as her books ALWAYS SAVE ME AND PULL ME OUT OF A RUT, when in a reading slump. I loved this book as the chemistry and connection between the mains was hot and romantic 4.25 stars!
May 17, 2021
I absolutely adore this book, even if it might contain flaws. This is one of those books where I tend to overlook the flaws and problems because I just love it.
Carly is opening a nature reserve (I think that’s what it’s called) for Habitats for Nature. She is in the process of getting the area cleared out and developed and one of the things that’s needed is advertising. They need to appeal to other people and, in order to do that, they need pictures. Pat Ryan is a photographer whose aunt graciously volunteers her for the work. She’s resistant at first but caves due to her relationship with her aunt. The two grow closer as they are forced to work together, but when a big storm comes will they be able to save the things they want to protect.
One of the absolute best things about this book is the banter and dialogue. Between the two mains as well as between the mains and their friends and family. Hill knows how to write people talking to each other, and it shows. It’s funny and engaging and, for the most part, realistic. This adds a good level of authenticity to the story to make the characters seem more real.
I loved all the characters involved in this story. Pat is a gorgeous butch who is also so very sweet. She’s resistant to show that she genuinely cares for things, especially when being around Carly is causing her to care more about the project and animals involved. Carly is hesitant to want to be around Pat, a bad past that burned her bad. She also tends to be a bit negative about certain things and that can eb a bit annoying, but she loves her friends and the project. There are also supporting characters such as Carly’s coworker, Carly’s best friend, and Pat’s aunt who are all fun and engaging in their own ways. The entire cast is entertaining, and it makes them a pleasure to read about.
I doubt this book is perfect, in fact the reviews tell me that it’s not, but I adore this book. I adore Pat and Carly. I love reading about the birds and the project. I just love it. It’s not an overly serious book with a lot of drama. Most of the drama is centered around will-they-won’t-they and the storm.
If I wanted to write a critical review of this book, I could probably read through it with that exact intention and find the problems, but I don’t. I want to give my honest review. My honest review is that, even if this book has problems, it’s probably in my top 20 favorite sapphic books.
Carly is opening a nature reserve (I think that’s what it’s called) for Habitats for Nature. She is in the process of getting the area cleared out and developed and one of the things that’s needed is advertising. They need to appeal to other people and, in order to do that, they need pictures. Pat Ryan is a photographer whose aunt graciously volunteers her for the work. She’s resistant at first but caves due to her relationship with her aunt. The two grow closer as they are forced to work together, but when a big storm comes will they be able to save the things they want to protect.
One of the absolute best things about this book is the banter and dialogue. Between the two mains as well as between the mains and their friends and family. Hill knows how to write people talking to each other, and it shows. It’s funny and engaging and, for the most part, realistic. This adds a good level of authenticity to the story to make the characters seem more real.
I loved all the characters involved in this story. Pat is a gorgeous butch who is also so very sweet. She’s resistant to show that she genuinely cares for things, especially when being around Carly is causing her to care more about the project and animals involved. Carly is hesitant to want to be around Pat, a bad past that burned her bad. She also tends to be a bit negative about certain things and that can eb a bit annoying, but she loves her friends and the project. There are also supporting characters such as Carly’s coworker, Carly’s best friend, and Pat’s aunt who are all fun and engaging in their own ways. The entire cast is entertaining, and it makes them a pleasure to read about.
I doubt this book is perfect, in fact the reviews tell me that it’s not, but I adore this book. I adore Pat and Carly. I love reading about the birds and the project. I just love it. It’s not an overly serious book with a lot of drama. Most of the drama is centered around will-they-won’t-they and the storm.
If I wanted to write a critical review of this book, I could probably read through it with that exact intention and find the problems, but I don’t. I want to give my honest review. My honest review is that, even if this book has problems, it’s probably in my top 20 favorite sapphic books.
August 22, 2013
I love Gerri Hill's work. I have read most of her books. As others have said the character development is excellent in this one. The location is different and interesting being one of a wildlife preserve and marshes. The story moved along nicely; until they were declaring life long love so abruptly. Seemed too soon and awkward for me. Still, read her books!
July 14, 2014
As I've loved the books I've read from Gerri Hill so much, I decided to read them all in the right order. This one being (if I'm not mistaken) the first one, I was a bit afraid that it wouldn't be "as good" as the ones I've read. But I had nothing to fear. It was as pleasant to read, and the characters were as attractive as usual. I've liked it a lot.
April 9, 2015
Gerri Hill never disappoints with her different interests. OK, the romance follows a similar line which is enjoyable. I very much enjoyed the environmental aspect of the story and the insight into rehabilitation of land and therefore birds and animals and the touching on photography. A satisfying read.
May 12, 2015
I love this story. In fact, the paperback is on the shelf in my office with dogeared pages from the number of times I've read it over the years! The story is enjoyable and lighthearted and the characters are downright lovable. As a longtime fan, I've read most of Gerri's books. The suspense stories intrigue me, but her romances are just as good too.
November 5, 2007
Hill's novels may not be Great Literature and they don't really hold any surprises but they are nice reads. I think this was her first novel, though I read it second. It's nice, fun fluff for a rainy afternoon.
April 20, 2014
A wonderful story...
An all time great read again and again book, I loved everything about this story from the word go. There is not anything I can say that has not already been said... except just buy it and read it's a wonderful story.
An all time great read again and again book, I loved everything about this story from the word go. There is not anything I can say that has not already been said... except just buy it and read it's a wonderful story.
August 31, 2013
Well-written, predictable, and fluffy. Perfect weekend read when your brain just needs some rest, but your heart needs a little boost.
December 19, 2013
The banter was cute
May 12, 2016
Enjoyable fluff
January 5, 2020
It's a cute read. Not my favorite Gerri Hill. But if you know me you know I'll read any Gerri Hill. She's definitely a fav
July 14, 2023
I loved this book and have read it more than once. I could picture the characters in my mind.
February 13, 2022
Listened on Audible
My first romance story. The main characters are Patricia “Pat” Ryan and Dr. Carly Cambridge. Pat is a wildlife photographer who rebuffs any association with being an environmentalist or a birder. She is a gorgeous woman – “a goddess” one of the characters says repeatedly – who has never found the right woman to give her heart to. Carly is an environmental activist who is heading up the new wetlands reserve. Her goal is to get the wetlands back to how they were prior to being mostly filled and for grazing cattle. She needs money which means donors which means putting together brochures to mail out. She needs a photographer who will do the work pro bono. Pat is pressured into it by her Aunt Rachel, who is a donor, and at first Carly and Pat don’t get along but Carly is in a time crunch and must work with Pat. As the story moves on, they become friendly… well, it is a romance novel. I enjoyed it but some of the dialogue was unrealistic and the behavior of some of the characters was unreasonable. I would, however, read another of Hill’s books. It was fun.
My first romance story. The main characters are Patricia “Pat” Ryan and Dr. Carly Cambridge. Pat is a wildlife photographer who rebuffs any association with being an environmentalist or a birder. She is a gorgeous woman – “a goddess” one of the characters says repeatedly – who has never found the right woman to give her heart to. Carly is an environmental activist who is heading up the new wetlands reserve. Her goal is to get the wetlands back to how they were prior to being mostly filled and for grazing cattle. She needs money which means donors which means putting together brochures to mail out. She needs a photographer who will do the work pro bono. Pat is pressured into it by her Aunt Rachel, who is a donor, and at first Carly and Pat don’t get along but Carly is in a time crunch and must work with Pat. As the story moves on, they become friendly… well, it is a romance novel. I enjoyed it but some of the dialogue was unrealistic and the behavior of some of the characters was unreasonable. I would, however, read another of Hill’s books. It was fun.
January 6, 2019
Photographer Pat Ryan time and skills have been volunteered by her Aunt to take photos at a soon to be a nature reserve. Dr. Carly Cambridge is the heartbroken lesbian wildlife biologist who dreams of having a reservation for wildlife where the focus is for wildlife. As the two get closer will something ignite?
Pros of the book is that is cute. It is easy to read and the characters are lovable and grow by the end of the novel. And of course, I am going to add an added love for the use of having a photographer as the main character. The banter that the two engage in not just to each other but while others see just adds to a realness to how some couple behaves. That is not all are all-encompassing agreement twenty-four seven.
Cons, it had to end so soon.
Pros of the book is that is cute. It is easy to read and the characters are lovable and grow by the end of the novel. And of course, I am going to add an added love for the use of having a photographer as the main character. The banter that the two engage in not just to each other but while others see just adds to a realness to how some couple behaves. That is not all are all-encompassing agreement twenty-four seven.
Cons, it had to end so soon.
February 11, 2021
Another early (2004) Gerri Hill romance. Set on the Texas Coast, Dr. Carly Cambridge is wildlife biologist and working on a nature restoration project of wetlands. She has sworn of relationship since being majorly burned years ago. Pat Ryan is making a living as a nature photographer. Her aunt volunteers her to help the nature project by taking photos for their brochures and promotion.
The banter between the two is the best. There are teasing quips and genuine friendship. Hill does a wonderful job of creating sexual tension while the two work on the project or dine with friends. It is almost 85 percent of the way through the book and feelings are already expressed before it becomes physical. Neither is looking for an affair. Very sweet.
The banter between the two is the best. There are teasing quips and genuine friendship. Hill does a wonderful job of creating sexual tension while the two work on the project or dine with friends. It is almost 85 percent of the way through the book and feelings are already expressed before it becomes physical. Neither is looking for an affair. Very sweet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews