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San Capistrano #2
Tides of Love
Two years have passed since Ben and Alex met at a rock concert and fell in love. Living together in the city and regularly visiting Polly and Ally at the Beach House, the pair have no idea their happy life is about to be turned upside with both a happy event and devastating news.
When Ben is shot by a client's abusive spouse, Alex is forced to find strength nobody knew he had.
When Ben is shot by a client's abusive spouse, Alex is forced to find strength nobody knew he had.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2018
52 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Angelique Jurd
43 books288 followersPeople driven stories. Slightly broken boys. Safe space MM Romance fiction.
After getting a degree in languages, travelling the world, raising a family, and working as a business journalist, she went back to school and studied English Literature and Media Studies.
In 2018, she published her first novel Jesse’s Smile with Small Black Cat Media. Since then, she’s continued to write contemporary gay (MM) romance and her academic research in fan studies and the queerification of popular fiction characters by fans.
Angelique is owned by three cats, three adult children, two temperamental computers, and a very patient boyfriend (not a partridge in a pear tree). She’s also pierced, painted, pansexual, and proud AF. When she’s not writing (or swearing at her computer) she likes cold champagne, hot coffee, neat whiskey, loud Springsteen, and the Winchester brothers kicking butt.
Stay up to date with new releases and other news by getting Angelique's newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/636945...
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Instagram: angeliquejurd
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After getting a degree in languages, travelling the world, raising a family, and working as a business journalist, she went back to school and studied English Literature and Media Studies.
In 2018, she published her first novel Jesse’s Smile with Small Black Cat Media. Since then, she’s continued to write contemporary gay (MM) romance and her academic research in fan studies and the queerification of popular fiction characters by fans.
Angelique is owned by three cats, three adult children, two temperamental computers, and a very patient boyfriend (not a partridge in a pear tree). She’s also pierced, painted, pansexual, and proud AF. When she’s not writing (or swearing at her computer) she likes cold champagne, hot coffee, neat whiskey, loud Springsteen, and the Winchester brothers kicking butt.
Stay up to date with new releases and other news by getting Angelique's newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/636945...
Find online:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Angelique-Jurd...
Instagram: angeliquejurd
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AngeliqueRJurdWriter
FB Reader Group:
http://facebook.com/groups/cocktailsa...
Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angel...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 25, 2024
Reread May 2020
Originally read April 2018
Ben and Alex have been together a couple of years now. They've moved in together and got a dog. Ben is having a rough time at work. Things are changing and it's getting harder. There's some really sad news and Ben doesn't handle it well. In fact, he might just lose the one thing he cherishes most, Alex.
This one was a little rough for me. It was definitely more angsty than the first one. There's some really sad news and I hated how Ben reacts. It's understandable, sure. But it made me want to throttle him. I hate that he hurt Alex. But I'm also a little annoyed that Alex was so understanding but also so insecure that he let things go like they did. It all works out for sure and they get some happiness too they both deserve. I'm looking forward to more of their story.
I will say that the writing bothered me more this time. I noticed more errors this and just the way sentences were started. It almost reads like a movie script if that makes sense. I do enjoy this couple and will definitely continue with the series though.
Originally read April 2018
Ben and Alex have been together a couple of years now. They've moved in together and got a dog. Ben is having a rough time at work. Things are changing and it's getting harder. There's some really sad news and Ben doesn't handle it well. In fact, he might just lose the one thing he cherishes most, Alex.
This one was a little rough for me. It was definitely more angsty than the first one. There's some really sad news and I hated how Ben reacts. It's understandable, sure. But it made me want to throttle him. I hate that he hurt Alex. But I'm also a little annoyed that Alex was so understanding but also so insecure that he let things go like they did. It all works out for sure and they get some happiness too they both deserve. I'm looking forward to more of their story.
I will say that the writing bothered me more this time. I noticed more errors this and just the way sentences were started. It almost reads like a movie script if that makes sense. I do enjoy this couple and will definitely continue with the series though.
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December 22, 2022
i still enjoyed this one a lot, but there were certain plot points that i wished were executed differently and it made me decide on three stars overall. Allie and Polly were definitely the mvps for me in this book. <3
"Idiot."
"Idiot who loves you."
~ i love it when couples have their "thing" and it's so cute how this is Alex and Ben's (or sometimes, Ben would throw in hot idiot in there lmao, but it's cute regardless 🥹).
"Idiot."
"Idiot who loves you."
~ i love it when couples have their "thing" and it's so cute how this is Alex and Ben's (or sometimes, Ben would throw in hot idiot in there lmao, but it's cute regardless 🥹).
August 13, 2021
3.5 Stars
Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s the second installment in the "San Capistrano" series and should be read in order. It’s low angst, a bit emotional, and a short read. Liked both MCs and the journey they took. All in all, it was an enjoyable read and hope you like it as well!
Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s the second installment in the "San Capistrano" series and should be read in order. It’s low angst, a bit emotional, and a short read. Liked both MCs and the journey they took. All in all, it was an enjoyable read and hope you like it as well!
March 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this addition to Alex and Ben’s story. There’s definitely some tissue moments though. I can’t wait for the 3rd book in this series.
August 13, 2021
***Ben and Alex revisited in book two with new author, Angelique Jurd !
Their lives are close to blissful except for the brown Labrador pup, Bart, that is damage prone. They are happy with life, have fulfilling jobs, and hot sexiness is the routine.
Peace is shattered by three things; horrible health news, Ben's job stress, and injury with a violent case, and we also watch Ben have a meltdown. Allie and Polly are appalled, and the conversation is overdue. It's tough, but clears the air. Our men do bicker, sass, and have banter throughout. I like the reality of the situation and the characters are flawed, no perfection.
They do have each other's back, as well as Matthew and Claire, who are still loyal and fiercely supportive. Deep talks take place, some confusion turns into understanding. Alex'a folks are still despicable.
Bart is still a mess, but a blessing at the same time.
I'm liking this author's writing, and we do need a proof reader, as words are missing in sentences. But, I do not fault the author. Easy mistakes for an editor to catch, so, she still gets 5 stars.
I look forward to more from Ben and Alex as these stories continue. Tissues !
ENJOY !
======
Their lives are close to blissful except for the brown Labrador pup, Bart, that is damage prone. They are happy with life, have fulfilling jobs, and hot sexiness is the routine.
Peace is shattered by three things; horrible health news, Ben's job stress, and injury with a violent case, and we also watch Ben have a meltdown. Allie and Polly are appalled, and the conversation is overdue. It's tough, but clears the air. Our men do bicker, sass, and have banter throughout. I like the reality of the situation and the characters are flawed, no perfection.
They do have each other's back, as well as Matthew and Claire, who are still loyal and fiercely supportive. Deep talks take place, some confusion turns into understanding. Alex'a folks are still despicable.
Bart is still a mess, but a blessing at the same time.
I'm liking this author's writing, and we do need a proof reader, as words are missing in sentences. But, I do not fault the author. Easy mistakes for an editor to catch, so, she still gets 5 stars.
I look forward to more from Ben and Alex as these stories continue. Tissues !
ENJOY !
======
October 10, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Tides of Love is the second book in the San Capistrano series and picks up right after the first book, The Beach House. It follows the lives of Ben and Alex and the series is designed to be read in order.
This series is a love story set between the pages of real life. Ben and Alex are celebrating being together for two years and they are better together. Good things happen and not so good things happen, but the story never gets overly angsty. Alex and Ben’s relationship takes a slide backwards when they get some family news that Ben does not handle well and, with no outlet for his anger, he strikes out at Alex. Alex had finally gotten his anxiety, that stemmed from his parents, somewhat under control, but he also slides backwards into a dangerous mindset when he feels that he is losing Ben. Ben hides behind his work and doesn’t communicate and he doesn’t realize the damage he is doing to their relationship.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Tides of Love is the second book in the San Capistrano series and picks up right after the first book, The Beach House. It follows the lives of Ben and Alex and the series is designed to be read in order.
This series is a love story set between the pages of real life. Ben and Alex are celebrating being together for two years and they are better together. Good things happen and not so good things happen, but the story never gets overly angsty. Alex and Ben’s relationship takes a slide backwards when they get some family news that Ben does not handle well and, with no outlet for his anger, he strikes out at Alex. Alex had finally gotten his anxiety, that stemmed from his parents, somewhat under control, but he also slides backwards into a dangerous mindset when he feels that he is losing Ben. Ben hides behind his work and doesn’t communicate and he doesn’t realize the damage he is doing to their relationship.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
August 13, 2023
Sweet, warm, cuddly, lovey-dovey, relationship focused story all about the people and how they love and support each other.
Book two is smaller, at 150ish pages, picks up 6 months after the last book. We spent a lot of time in book one getting to know everyone and we left them all on a high note of happiness and sunshine. We all know this could not last and the hit is hard, HARD and brutal and sad and unexpected. Tears, lots of tears from me. Books one and two both end in a HFN with lots of love and family ahead. The writing is great, smooth, moves fast, lots of great dialogue, stays interesting with lots of sexy times.
I live for Janice and Ben head-to-head moments and look forward to their drama ahead. Contemporary, m/m, vers, lawyer, nurse. Reads like a novella, does not stand alone and is meant to be read in order as part of a nine book series. One of the closest series to the much beloved Temptation Series by Ella Frank, similar relationship-focused Alice-of-life vibe.
Reviewed as a series, each individual book is a 4-5 with the series coming in as a solid 5 overall.
Book two is smaller, at 150ish pages, picks up 6 months after the last book. We spent a lot of time in book one getting to know everyone and we left them all on a high note of happiness and sunshine. We all know this could not last and the hit is hard, HARD and brutal and sad and unexpected. Tears, lots of tears from me. Books one and two both end in a HFN with lots of love and family ahead. The writing is great, smooth, moves fast, lots of great dialogue, stays interesting with lots of sexy times.
I live for Janice and Ben head-to-head moments and look forward to their drama ahead. Contemporary, m/m, vers, lawyer, nurse. Reads like a novella, does not stand alone and is meant to be read in order as part of a nine book series. One of the closest series to the much beloved Temptation Series by Ella Frank, similar relationship-focused Alice-of-life vibe.
Reviewed as a series, each individual book is a 4-5 with the series coming in as a solid 5 overall.
June 10, 2022
Ben i Alex ciągle kochani, choć był moment kiedy chciałam udusić Bena własnymi rękami. Ale... ta część książki pokazała tylko, że właściwie każdy może zostać doprowadzony do ściany, przytłoczony tym, co się wokół niego dzieje. Każdy może nie dać sobie rady z natłokiem nieuchronnych wydarzeń, spychać nieuniknione gdzieś w tył umysłu i przez jakąś chwilę tak być skoncentrowanym na sobie i tym, jak się przed tym wszystkim uchronić, że może ranić wszystkich dookoła. I to pokazało idealnie, że Ben jest po prostu człowiekiem, a nie pieprzonym świętym...
Matkę Alexa chętnie bym spotkała z jakąś siekierą - i tyle w tym temacie...
Były wydarzenia dobre i szczęśliwe, trudne i dramatyczne, nieoczekiwane i przewidywalne. Życie w swojej pełnej krasie...
Ponownie połknęłam na jedno posiedzenie i ponownie lecę dalej 😁
Matkę Alexa chętnie bym spotkała z jakąś siekierą - i tyle w tym temacie...
Były wydarzenia dobre i szczęśliwe, trudne i dramatyczne, nieoczekiwane i przewidywalne. Życie w swojej pełnej krasie...
Ponownie połknęłam na jedno posiedzenie i ponownie lecę dalej 😁
June 25, 2018
The conflict in book one had to do with Alex learning to accept love and happiness after the emotional abuse he had suffered growing up. It felt very genuine. Whereas the drama injected into this book felt more contrived and a bit of overkill in an otherwise sweet, simple relationship story.
There is a major tragedy introduced in addition to the shooting mentioned in the blurb. It was something especially hard for me given my personal experience with it, but it also felt like a really bad move storytelling-wise.
Even if you accept this tragic development because it’s something that really does happen to people, adding the Ben-is-shot storyline on top of it felt odd and essentially pointless in terms of moving the story or relationship forward. If it had been the only outside conflict, the stress to the relationship and how they dealt with it might’ve made for a good story. A somewhat extreme catalyst since most of us will never experience a shooting, but still within the norm for a work of fiction. But here it just felt tacked on.
I love the characters in these books and I’d like to see more of them, but going on to the next book has been somewhat spoiled by what happened in this one. I’ll have to give it some time before I decide whether to continue.
There is a major tragedy introduced in addition to the shooting mentioned in the blurb. It was something especially hard for me given my personal experience with it, but it also felt like a really bad move storytelling-wise.
Even if you accept this tragic development because it’s something that really does happen to people, adding the Ben-is-shot storyline on top of it felt odd and essentially pointless in terms of moving the story or relationship forward. If it had been the only outside conflict, the stress to the relationship and how they dealt with it might’ve made for a good story. A somewhat extreme catalyst since most of us will never experience a shooting, but still within the norm for a work of fiction. But here it just felt tacked on.
I love the characters in these books and I’d like to see more of them, but going on to the next book has been somewhat spoiled by what happened in this one. I’ll have to give it some time before I decide whether to continue.
February 1, 2020
Overall, book 2 of the San Cap series is a sweet and touching story—except when Ben acts like a complete and utter jerk. Alex is a bit too much of a push-over in this installment for my taste, and I must read further into the series to see if that's just how he is. The editing/proofreading was far more lax in this installment than it was in book 1 as well, which was disappointing, and I hope that changes in the next installments.
With all that said, Tides of Love is a good romance story with some nice heat and steam. I enjoyed it and will definitely read more in the series.
With all that said, Tides of Love is a good romance story with some nice heat and steam. I enjoyed it and will definitely read more in the series.
April 29, 2019
Ben & Alex Sitting In a Tree.....💋
Continuation of the Nurse Alex & Lawyer Ben love story. This is becoming a bit of a soap opera but with heart. Still love the MCs, the storytelling, the location and the co-characters; even the evil antagonist (love to hate). My interest is caught and I intend to read the next installments.
Continuation of the Nurse Alex & Lawyer Ben love story. This is becoming a bit of a soap opera but with heart. Still love the MCs, the storytelling, the location and the co-characters; even the evil antagonist (love to hate). My interest is caught and I intend to read the next installments.
June 28, 2024
3.5⭐️
April 15, 2020
Book 2 in the San Capistrano series continues with Ben and Alex as they continue to live together and love each other so sweetly. Their little family has increased, welcoming Bart, an over enthusiastic puppy. Two years have passed but their happiness is shattered by two tragedies, and of course a little more evilness from Alex’s insane homophobic mother who turns up at their engagement celebrations just to cause trouble. I love this series, I love these two men, these are lovely, cozy books to read. I love this author, I’ve enjoyed several of her books, my favourite though is still Jesse’s Smile.
January 28, 2019
This book kills me every time
I have read this book several times and I love it. I love following Ben and Alex's journey and my heart both loves and hates parts of this story. I can't recommend it enough
I have read this book several times and I love it. I love following Ben and Alex's journey and my heart both loves and hates parts of this story. I can't recommend it enough
April 14, 2019
Oh my goodness, my heart broke for Ben and Alex as they learned of Allie’s news. It was so sweet to see Alex be the strong one, for Ben. As for the turmoil and emotions, I think I laughed and cried my way through this book. Loved it.
February 2, 2021
Tears and Warm Fuzzies
Book Two was a beautiful amalgamation of tear-jerking moments and sweet, sigh-inducing ones. Ben's anger towards the situation and the resulting blow-up broke my heart, but then the two sorted it out like two guys in love. ❤️
Book Two was a beautiful amalgamation of tear-jerking moments and sweet, sigh-inducing ones. Ben's anger towards the situation and the resulting blow-up broke my heart, but then the two sorted it out like two guys in love. ❤️
March 16, 2021
Super Lows, Mega Highs
Wow, what a year these characters have had! Some real high and deep down awful lows, and like real life, for some problems, there simply isn’t a solution except to accept, love, grieve and heal.
Wow, what a year these characters have had! Some real high and deep down awful lows, and like real life, for some problems, there simply isn’t a solution except to accept, love, grieve and heal.
July 28, 2023
This story is so sweeetttt can't stop reading about Alex and Ben and I cried so hard and laughed. 💕💕💕
reread this again :) -7/2023
reread this again :) -7/2023
August 3, 2025
Emotional second book in the series
The story of Ben and Alex’s relationship journey continues with some more hurdles thrown in their way and more emotional revelations.
There are two major events that toss chaos into the couple’s life. The first knocks Ben for a loop and does a serious number on Alex and his hardly gained self confidence. When Ben finally goes way over the line and his mother reams him out in one of the best displays of mother guilt ever, Ben realizes how much he may have screwed up and lost. It’s a major moment of reckoning for the couple (and Alex is way better about it than I would have been.)
When the second crisis hits Ben is the victim but it doesn’t stop him from again pushing boundaries though this time with a laudable goal. Still it’s a stressor for Alex.
There’s a big reveal at the end which I’m guessing will be the main focus of the next book. But there are other big life events on the horizon so it should be an interesting mix.
The story of Ben and Alex’s relationship journey continues with some more hurdles thrown in their way and more emotional revelations.
There are two major events that toss chaos into the couple’s life. The first knocks Ben for a loop and does a serious number on Alex and his hardly gained self confidence. When Ben finally goes way over the line and his mother reams him out in one of the best displays of mother guilt ever, Ben realizes how much he may have screwed up and lost. It’s a major moment of reckoning for the couple (and Alex is way better about it than I would have been.)
When the second crisis hits Ben is the victim but it doesn’t stop him from again pushing boundaries though this time with a laudable goal. Still it’s a stressor for Alex.
There’s a big reveal at the end which I’m guessing will be the main focus of the next book. But there are other big life events on the horizon so it should be an interesting mix.
September 12, 2018
Book two continues Ben and Alex story. This book covers a wide range of emotions keep a box of tissues handy. I loved the funny and sexy banter of these guys. As well as the hot sexy man on man time. I was expecting Ben and Alex’s story to wrap up with book two. However at the end you realize it’s not. Although there is no cliffhanger per say there is some open ended unresolved storyline and I assume will continue in book three.... The issue with editing errors in this book is still a problem It didn’t keep me from reading, but it’s still annoying.
March 29, 2018
The family you choose
Alex is very lucky to have found Ben and his wonderful family. His brother Matt and Clair are wonderful as well. Family and friends come together to celebrate their wedding. Alex may be a worrier but to me he is incredibly strong especially with all he has gone through with his parents. I thought there would be a point where Alex gets to tell them off but no, not yet...
Alex is very lucky to have found Ben and his wonderful family. His brother Matt and Clair are wonderful as well. Family and friends come together to celebrate their wedding. Alex may be a worrier but to me he is incredibly strong especially with all he has gone through with his parents. I thought there would be a point where Alex gets to tell them off but no, not yet...
August 25, 2023
3.5⭐️
I am loving the journey Alex and Ben are on and seeing an example of a queer couple going through life with not so out of the world issues. Like I mentioned in the review of the last book this reads as a series and has been written as one and I am looking forward to what ithe future holds for our MC's.
I am loving the journey Alex and Ben are on and seeing an example of a queer couple going through life with not so out of the world issues. Like I mentioned in the review of the last book this reads as a series and has been written as one and I am looking forward to what ithe future holds for our MC's.
June 8, 2018
Great continuation. Wow, good book. Ben and Alex are in a committed relationship as we continue to read their story. There is a bit more drama in this one. The author does a good job taking us through their emotions and feelings. It was a great book and I can't wait to read the next one.
October 2, 2018
4.5 'I love these two and their journey. It's real, it's raw. Is it all happy happy .. no. Is it angst for angst sake .. no. It's great, it's real life and please, Ben's Mum and Gma are fucking amazing' stars.
April 9, 2018
Have to admit, I wanted to slap Ben. Luckily, Allie did the verbal take down he deserved.
May 28, 2018
3.5 stars.
August 20, 2018
3.75 stars
So angry at Ben during most of the book. Allie and Grandma Polly have my heart... now to the next!
So angry at Ben during most of the book. Allie and Grandma Polly have my heart... now to the next!
May 12, 2019
Beautiful.
I love Ben and Alex. There was quite a few emotional and angsty scenes. Beautifully written. I am looking forward to next book in this series.
I love Ben and Alex. There was quite a few emotional and angsty scenes. Beautifully written. I am looking forward to next book in this series.
November 25, 2021
So sweet, I love Ben and Alex.
August 25, 2025
4.3 - 2020
4.5 - 2022
4.3 - 2025
4.5 - 2022
4.3 - 2025
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews