A review by mells_view
Riptide by Kathryn Nolan

5.0

Avery is a goal-oriented, hard-working, no nonsense, real estate developer. Finn is a good times, tree-hugging, hippie dippy, surfer. Avery wants to build a hotel on Finn's beach. Finn wants his home to stay the same, untouched by construction that will ruin his homes environment. These two couldn't be more opposite in so many ways. They also couldn't be more alike, they just don't know it yet. Are they fighting so hard for what they want, or are they fighting selflessly for what's best for the community? Can these two stay on opposite sides despite their attraction? Do they want to?

I'll start this by saying, if you haven't read something written by Kathryn Nolan I suggest you stop whatever the heck you're doing and pick up either her novella Cuffed or Riptide (when it's out!). Hell, I might be obsessed enough at this point to ask if I can read her grocery list. This woman can write. So well in fact, that I think I have a tiny crush on her.



Not only did she quickly immerse me in Finn and Avery's combined story, but she made me feel so passionately for each of their separate sides even though they were on heavily opposing sides of an argument. For me it is sometimes VERY hard to buy into a relationship after the couple has been at each other's throats for so long, but Nolan made it work so well. These two were dealing with a real life issue that affected them, and so many others, greatly. It wasn't just some petty misunderstanding or OTT feelings they couldn't handle properly. This was real. Building the hotel would further Avery's career, and building it would environmentally destroy Finn's lifetime home. For every push and pull argument these two have, there was a balance, and it made it feel realistic once these characters actually started to connect with one another. They empathized with one another even if they didn't show it. They thought things through, and showed compassion BEFORE the passion. So well done. I can't compliment this author more for the time she must have put into this story.



That's just the meaty plot. The romance and the love story. God. I don't think I've ever just wanted to dive into a story more. Sorry Avery, but I want to take your place. These two just had this undeniable vibe. You could feel it pulsing through them when they were in the hate stage, but once their guards started slipping it was so good. I don't want to ruin anything so I won't go into detail, but trust me. The naughty bits are dirty. Literally at some points!

I couldn't recommend this story more. The characters are easy to like. Their relationship is a rollercoaster, but a fun one. The naughty bits are so hot, and the love story is GOOD. The vibe of a beach town in San Diego, and the chill people in it, is so fun. A safe hot topic opinion plot, that is done so well. Hands down one of my favorite reads so far this year! Grab this book AS soon as you can!