Sail: An Angst-Filled Contemporary Romance (The Wake Series Book 2) Review
There’s something about M. Mabie’s storytelling that simply draws me in; it feels as if she speaks directly to the chaotic echoes of my own romantic misadventures. When I picked up Sail, the second installment in The Wake Series, I was giddy with anticipation, having devoured the tumultuous first volume, Bait. It’s rare for a sequel to eclipse its predecessor, but here we have a story brimming with raw emotion, character evolution, and poignant realizations that tug at the heartstrings.
At the center of Sail are Casey and Blake, whose journey is anything but straightforward. Their tumultuous relationship, marred by betrayal and indecision in the first book, now morphs into an exploration of redemption and the complexities of love. Casey’s unwavering love for Blake is both inspiring and maddening. I found myself repeatedly wondering, “Will he ever truly get the love he deserves?” Conversely, Blake grapples with guilt and the weight of her past decisions, and her internal transformations unfold beautifully against the backdrop of their uncertain relationship.
Mabie captures the turbulence of love and the inevitability of growth through her vividly drawn characters. The themes of trust and vulnerability resonate profoundly, echoing the reality that love isn’t always smooth sailing. One of Blake’s reflections stuck with me: “Some people probably fall in love as if they’re peacefully dropped into a bed of feathers. Falling in love for us was like right before a bike wreck when the front wheel gets wobbly.” It perfectly encapsulates the wild, almost chaotic nature of their connection—a metaphor that many can relate to.
The pacing of Sail is superb, offering a delicate balance between heart-wrenching angst and moments that sparkle with levity. Mabie’s ability to weave humor into intense emotional situations kept me engaged, often laughing out loud at the banter between Casey and Blake. Their relationship, fraught with tension, is peppered with moments of genuine warmth that make you root for them even more. The writing flows elegantly, making it easy to lose oneself in the pages.
It’s impossible not to fall a little more in love with Casey in this installment. He evolves from a heartbroken boy to a man determined to secure his place in Blake’s life, showcasing vulnerability and strength in equal measure. "I want her to trust my heart,” he declares, and it rings true with anyone who has ever yearned for a partner to truly understand their soul. Blake, too, undergoes a remarkable transformation, stepping into her own and redefining what it means to be worthy of love.
Sail is not only a continuation of a romance but a poignant reminder of the importance of facing our past mistakes head-on. It’s a testament to the power of love forged in adversity. For anyone who enjoys contemporary romances filled with heart, humor, and the exploration of complex relationships, this book is a must-read. The emotional depth and relatability of Casey and Blake’s journey lingered in my mind long after I turned the final page.
As I eagerly await the conclusion of this series, I can’t help but reflect on how Sail has deepened my appreciation for flawed, real characters navigating their path toward redemption. If you’re in the mood for a love story that touches on life’s messy realities while still managing to evoke laughter and hope, Sail may just be the perfect book for you. Dive in—you won’t regret it!
You can find Sail: An Angst-Filled Contemporary Romance (The Wake Series Book 2) here >>