𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐫 is an intriguing blend of International Corporate dealings, first loves reuniting in a complicated land grab, and even a little treasure hunting!

In these pages, the author skillfully weaves a suspenseful legal drama set in the picturesque Outer Banks, with a splash of romance. The considerable amount of legal and business detail, while at times felt vague and slowed the pace, did create a sense of mystery, keeping us on the trail and searching for more.

Without spoiling it, I’ll just say the romance did not go the way I expected, but didn’t detract from the story. I enjoyed watching the characters, whether family, friends, or the townspeople, work on trust and forgiveness.


Thank you @uplitreads @davisbunnauthor and @kensingtonbooks for these gifted books. Thank you @RecordedBooks for the gifted audiobook via #NetGalley.

If you’re looking for a feel-good summer read that blends mystery, romance, and personal transformation, Fortunate Harbor by Davis Bunn is a must-add to your beach bag. Set against the beautiful and breezy backdrop of the Outer Banks, this contemporary fiction novel delivers everything I love in a story: second chances, coastal charm, and just enough intrigue to keep me turning the pages.

The heart of Fortunate Harbor lies in its rekindled romance and the emotional journey of starting over. It’s a tender, hopeful tale about finding love and learning to live again after life’s storms. Bunn masterfully weaves in a legal mystery—one of my favorite elements—with the added bonus of pirate legends that give the story a fun, adventurous twist.

There’s something deeply comforting in the way this novel unfolds. The coastal mystery is intriguing but never heavy, and the legal angle adds a layer of depth without overpowering the emotional core. The characters feel real and relatable, their struggles and triumphs echoing the ups and downs of real life.

This is the kind of story that leaves you smiling, feeling a little lighter, and maybe even dreaming of your own second chance. With its seaside setting, mix of mystery and romance, and heartfelt message, Fortunate Harbor is a great pick for fans of contemporary fiction and a perfect companion for a lazy afternoon in the sun.

Now y’all, I am not going to lie…this book is a bit slow. But, this story also hit me at just the right time. I needed something that took me away. This one takes you away to the wonderful place of the Outer Banks.

Curtis has returned after 19 years away. And oh, the memories are getting to him. Then he runs into his old girlfriend, Rae. And these two are on opposite sides of a big land deal.

I enjoyed how these two interacted. Curtis is definitely a bit withdrawn and quiet…with good reason. But Rae doesn’t let him get by with it. She is determined to set everything straight, for the past and the present.

Need a book with a great setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this copy from the publisher for a honest review.

BOOK REVIEW of Fortunate Harbor by Davis Bunn

A five star resort has the entire community of Fortunate Harbor on edge. The locals see the resort as impeding on their pristine coastal sanctuary.

This is where Curtis Gage and Rae Alden, former high school sweethearts, enter the picture. Curtis is representing the secretive parent company of the resort and Rae is the local attorney that represents a local man that’s been missing for four years.

This book was confusing. The story felt all over the place and there were loose ends that never were resolved. In lieu of saying too much negative I will just say that this book wasn’t for me. I couldn’t follow the story when every interaction ended in a half conversation to “keep you guessing” until the next chapter. I couldn’t connect with the characters or understand why there was such a need to develop numerous secrets.


Thank you to Kensington Publishings and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own. Publication Release Date: April 29,2025.

This gifted storyteller paints a beautiful picture, and what better setting than the idyllic Outer Banks of NC. With captivating vistas, colorful history, and relatable characters, this sweet love story uncovers secrets and sets a course for new beginnings.

Part corporate espionage, part romance, and part pirate booty lore, enchanting Fortunate Harbor will take you on a wonderful seaside escape. With small-town charm and friendly townsfolk with strong opinions, this one is a cool ocean breeze on a warm summer night.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy.

A new series by Davis Bunn? Yes, please.

Rae and Curtis grew up together and were each others first love. After a tragedy, Curtis leaves and as many times happens, they grow apart as they grow up. Rae went to law school and is now an attorney in Fortunate Harbor. Curtis, after another tragedy, is now the 'face' for an international business hoping to develop some property in Fortunate Harbor that does not have community backing. Rae becomes Curtis' attorney and the story takes off. With international corporate intrigue, tons of money, and possible involvement with the DEA, the story moves quickly. Will Rae and Curtis become more than friends and pick up their relationship where it left off a decade before? Will the community back the new changes and opportunities that the new company wants to bring?

With this being the first book in a new series, there are lots of players and lots to remember. I enjoy this authors ability to make everything become clear as the series moves along. The ending was a bit abrupt, but I can see 2 or 3 possible people in Fortunate Harbor becoming the headliners for the next book in this series.

I enjoyed the story and look forward for the continuation of the series.

I love reading books that are based in places that I have been and specifically, North Carolina, so when I saw Fortunate Harbor, I knew I had to read it. This story had everything, mystery, pirate legends, romance, and second chances that may not turn out the way you expect. I love the connection that Rae and Curtis had as teenagers and how they were able to trust each other and work together as adults. They realized that there were others looking for the treasure that they used to hunt for as kids and they wanted to protect it when they realized it was in their grasp. Overall, this was an excellent read and is perfect for your summer TBR!

This is the first book I've read by this author and one of the things I really enjoyed was how you were kept on the edge of your seat wanting to see what was going to happen next. The two main characters, Curtis Gage and Rae Alden, had been childhood sweethearts until circumstances led to his family moving away.

This story is about friendship, trust/betrayal, life lessons, and suspense. I love the mix of characters, the setting, and the possible pirate connection.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Fortunate Harbor is the second book I have read by Davis Bunn. I enjoyed it just as much as the first one that I had read. The characters are realistic, the NC Outer Banks is a vivid setting and the storyline line with its hidden treasure and corporate battle. Curtis Gage returns to the Outer Banks as an adult while Rae Alden never really left. Together they have a reconnection, a place to protect and a mystery to solve. A wonderful entertaining story to read while sitting on the beach.

Davis Bunn was a new author for me. I don't normally read mystery books but I found his novel Fortunate Harbor an exciting read. Aldo I was surprise by the ending.. The book made you want to keep reading to find out what happened next. The description of Beaufort and Crystal Coast made me want to visit that area. I think this book would be enjoyable to any reader. Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this novel prior to its publication.

New series? Lots of characters to keep straight as this fast paced story begins. Not a cozy romantic story that one may assume since the main characters were an item in the past. All the corporate and business drama was not a hit for me.

3.5 stars for location!

When a man from Rae's past turns up again in Fortunate Harbor, she is surprised and confused, ready to defend. Instead of defending herself, she winds up becoming his attorney, representing him and his company in a property acquisition that no one saw coming.

I felt this book moved a bit slow for me. It was interesting, but had some characters and plotlines that seemed beyond possibility. Curtis is a good man who was dealt a rough hand in life, and his approach was stoic. I'm sure some people were rooting for Curtis and Rae to resume their long-ago relationship, but you'll have to read it to find out what really happened. International intrigue, conspiracies, corporate espionage and greed are all present in this book, makes for interest.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

This is what I hope will be the first of many stand-alone stories based in North Carolina's Outerbanks. Having read several of Davis Bunn books, this one fits with what I've come to expect. It's an enjoyable read with some interesting twists, a bit of intrigue (not as much as some of his books), and characters with flaws dealing with a past. Sometimes, it was a bit slow, but overall, it was a well passed story that had some interesting twists.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Set sail for South Carolina's Fortunate Harbor. While a picturesque setting, rough waters are circling. Childhood friends Rae and Curtis are at the epicenter of this storm as the hotel threatens residents' livelihoods. Curtis facilitates as go between the hotel group and his childhood home while Rae 's relationship with the former hotel developers and law degree afford counsel to both sides of the spectrum

When a shark emerges, Curtis steps in to protect his mentor from being swindled by a relative. Will Curtis and Rae fan the flames of their past or has the years extinguished their love? Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #FortunateHarbor in exchange for an honest review. Commencing the novel, I expected a lighthearted read while Davis Bunn cleverly connects the past and present to forge the characters' futures.

Davis Bunn certainly knows how to captivate a reader. I understand this is the first in a series of stand alone novels. The setting was idyllic. There was light, natural, clean romance. Intrigue and suspense. All of this kept me wanting to turn the pages. The characters were well developed and easy to picture in the mind’s eye. The author is so descriptive, he enlisted all of my senses. The intense scenes had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the conclusion. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

1⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an advanced copy of Fortunate Harbor.

In the outer banks of North Carolina residents are upset that a resort has been built in their town. Curtis has always considered North Carolina home even though after his father’s death his mother remarried and moved him away but almost twenty years later he is back and his first love Rae is still there.

I feel like the cover and the synopsis is very deceiving because it is stated as a romance when it felt more like a legal drama. It was very boring and dry and had way too many characters to keep track of. It was not for me.

i think i could come to really like coming back to this series. there is certainly more id like to know after reading this book. questions i have linger too much to now have to wait lol. the scene setting was done so well. i felt like i could smell,taste and see every part of the area. it was like i was drawing a 3d map of the place in my head.
Rae and Curtis were great characters. i love hearing and learning about their past whilst also watching with curiosity how they would handle being reunited now Curtis was back.
not only was he back but he was back to take on the whole community who isnt happy with what his employers want to di. which is build a huge ocean front resort. he is to be the manager and in doing so has to try and manage the community.
Rae also has her own issues to deal with at work and is currently trying to deal with a mans estate that is under threat.
the chemistry between the two was perfectly described.
the book holds a whole host of characters but i never felt overwhelmed and a fair few of them id certainly like to get to know more. perhaps even have stories of their own.
there is loyalty, tests and tensions in this book. and you get to the end definitely wanting more. its a very smooth start to a new series but holds itself on its own perfectly.

This is the first Davis Bunn book I've read - I thought it was a little slow starting, but I enjoyed the story.

Set in the Outer Banks, Curtis Gage is back in town as the manager of a huge, 5 star resort that the local folks hate. He's trying to get on their good side and is trying to make things right with the locals, too. Local attorney, Rae, and Custis are childhood sweethearts. She's trying to find a missing landowner that she's power of attorney for, in order to sell the property. It's a twisty little story and was enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

An engaging novel. Small town with big issues. Did not end the way I wished, but that is life. I would like to read more about the characters in Fortunate Harbor. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

An interesting book I thought would be more of a contemporary romance like a Jill Shalvis, but managed to be an interesting mix between Picoult, Grisham, and Sparks. Felt confused and left in the dark for a lot but enjoyed the different writing style and approach to the genre.