Doug Brodie is going through a rough time.
Being the skipper of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) crew in the Welsh seaside town of Castleby, he is recuperating from a shout that went horribly wrong.
The rescue operation cost the lives of two of his best mates and crew members and nearly took his own life. Guilt and grief make it hard for him to move on and on top of that, his marriage is failing.
Doug's wife Claire is much more interested and invested in her career as a surgeon than in fulfilling her role of being a wife and mother. Dealing with an injured husband and him being on call 24/7 annoy the hell out of her. No way she's compromising on her lifestyle.
As a result, their marriage and the pair's children pay the price...

When Jesse Stevens arrives in Castleby, all she's looking for is a fresh start in a safe place. She went through a very traumatic event back home in Hastings which has broken her mentally and physically.
Luckily she fits in well within the rugged and pretty fearless bunch of lifeboat crew in Castleby. They all got each other's back and get along well. Jessie instantly connects with skipper Doug and they sense that both of them have had their fair share of hardship.
As time passes and Jesse feels more and more part of the crew she notices that she's becoming calmer and more content especially when her relationship with Doug is starting to develop into something more... She is unaware that she's being watched though. It turnes out that not everyone around her might have her best interests at heart...

I truely had the best time reading this novel!
For starters, I loved the coastal setting and I had a vivid picture of it in my mind.
Secondly, I learned so much about the important work of the RNLI and their dedication and bravery are truly admirable.
As for the characters, I was instantly taken by most of them, Doug in particular. He just seemed like a lovely fellow and I was rooting for him and Jesse throughout the book.
I also liked that there were loads of flawed characters and they each felt very real to me. Another thing that stood out to me was the bond among all the crew, there was a true feeling of camaraderie among them and the town folk. I enjoyed their banter and all the dialogue.
The book had the right combination of humour, action, romance, and thriller elements and although I generally don't like reading series I will definitely return to Castleby and have put books 2,3 and 4 on my TBR!

Huge thank you to @netgalley and @literallypr for the arc and auto approval!

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Oh. My. Goodness! Y’all, I was provided an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review and I can tell you I had no concerns about whether or not I’d be able to provide a decent review. This book grabbed me from the beginning, dragging me along for the rescues this crew participated in, yet keeping me intrigued by the mysterious past of Jesse. I’m telling you, this was a unputdownable book! I’m so excited to share that it is the 1st in a series, so I can’t wait to read the sequel! This debut novel is a masterpiece, which published December 1st so grab it ASAP! @goodreads #goodreads #SeaState #NetGalley #onemorebooktoreadblog

Oh my goodness, the blurb does not give justice to this book. It really is captivating and it is so nice to read a book with such an unusual setting. I firmly got involved in the lives and loves of the RNLI it was so well drawn. Then there was people smuggling and drug running. What a torrid life there is in a Welsh sea side.

Then when I got to the end I found out that there was going to be more in the series. Wow I just cannot wait.

I was given a free copy by the publisher and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.

Good characters and a strong plot are well supported by a clean, clear writing style. Not everything was resolved at the end so I suspect people who like this book will need to commit to reading the series.

Sea state by J.M. Simpson.
The Castleby Series Book 1.
Jesse Stevens needs to escape her past, start a new life and feel safe.
The rugged coastline and tight-knit community of Castleby offers her that chance. Her new job with the local lifeboat crew gives her the stability and comfort she craves. Her skipper, Doug Brodie, faces his own demons. He is struggling with survivor’s guilt, physical and mental scars, and a marriage teetering on the brink.
A very good read with good characters. Likeable story. 4*.

Omg! This book was really awesome! I loved it! But there was a big big problem, that I can not stand! Its a freaking cliffhanger!!!!!!! Omg I hate them lol now I have had much worse cliffys that's why I'm not to upset! Most of the twists and questions were answered, so that's good! But right at the end they threw in the cliffhanger! So a few things are left up in the air! Anyway! This book had suspense, action, intrigue! I was on the edge of my seat throughout most of the book! I do have to say the storyline made up for the cliffy lol I will be waiting for the next book! I definitely recommend reading this book! It was an awesome read! But beware it ends in a cliffhanger! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Sea State is the first of an upcoming Castleby series. Jessie Stevens and Doug Brodie are the main characters.

Jesse Stevens is recovering from nearly dying due to an unhealthy relationship with her boyfriend, Chris a police officer. Jessie is seeing a psychiatrist to help her feel safe again as well as deal with the trauma. She relocates to a new town where she gets a job as a mechanic with RNLI. (Royal National Lifeboat Institute) It is here with the rugged coastline and tight-knit community of Castleby that she feels more at ease.

Doug Brodie, the Skipper, is also struggling with survivor’s guilt, physical and mental scars, and a marriage in trouble. As she and Doug grow closer both trying to heal and move on towards one another, someone is watching her.

This is a wonder story with the life boat as the focus. Many books are about rescue of some sort but this is very different as well as interesting. The bonding of the company, the details as they try to rescue are fascinating and an integral part of the story. Looking forward to reading more of the series.