A review by epieper
Out with the Tide by Julie Olivia

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

 

Julie Olivia paints a lovely quintessential New England town that makes this Midwest living New England raised woman miss the small town beach life. In fact, our heroine, Marina, comes running back home when she runs into some trouble after losing her job in California. Watching Marina come back into the fold of the small town life was easy due to the support system that surrounds her. It is a perfect blend of family,  friends, and romance. JO builds an excellent support system for the characters that you cannot by help to fall under the town's spell and see why they are such a tight knit community. Cue Cassidy Davies who helps Marina know her worth and brings her back to the Never Harbor fold, all the while she bolsters his confidence so he can recognize his worth and value in the town. It was easy to watch these two go from friends to lovers. It felt natural and not forced despite what the characters were feeling. 

I love how JO writes about specific characters, yet introduces side and future main characters without taking away from the current story. 

Honorable mention goes to the bad guy of the story and mayor's son, Dustin. I hated him from the beginning and enjoyed watching his downfall to the end. I was rooting for him to get punched out, but the comeuppance he received was way better. 

Thank you Julie Olivia and PenPal PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I cannot wait to go back to Never Harbor for the next couple!