Avery Dacosta never expected to find a protester in front of her office.
Especially not now, when she’s this close to achieving a professional milestone years in the making: building a luxury hotel on Playa Vieja, San Diego’s untouched beach paradise.
Finn Travis, local surfer and all-around nice guy, never expected to find himself the leader of Playa Vieja’s resistance. He’s more of a mellow tree-hugger than a radical activist. Except Avery’s hotel threatens to destroy the place he loves the most. For the first time in his life, Finn decides to use his charisma for more than just attracting his next fling.
Avery’s worked too hard to let a bongo-playing hippie like Finn shatter her perfect future. And his naive idealism grates on her every nerve.
She’s not alone in her loathing: Finn thinks Avery is a greedy, corporate robot.
As Avery and Finn crash together like waves against the shore, their debates become heated. Sexy. Dirty.
But the riptide of their attraction jeopardizes more than just their ideological values. Can Avery and Finn be together without giving up what they care about the most?
Kathryn Nolan (she/they) is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author. Her steamy romance novels are known for their slow-burn sexual tension, memorable characters, and big, hopeful feelings.
Kathryn is a bisexual bookworm and femme cutie with big Leo energy. They love to spend their free time hiking, camping and traveling. When not on the road, they live in their hometown of Philly with their cute husband and giant-eared rescue pup, Walter.
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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!
From enemies to lovers. A lot of sexual tension, a wonderful mail character and a semi kink. Don’t let the number of people who rated this book to mislead you. The book was hot, fun and fast read.
Kathryn Nolan is a new on the scene author you must get to know. I loved her first book, Cuffed, but with that said, Riptide is totally different. And even better. I adored it. Finn and Avery are these amazing characters that say both the sweetest things to each other, and the dirtiest sexy things, as well. The enemies to friends to lovers plot is incredibly well developed and the plot has both meat and meaning. This will be one you'll want to reread again and again. I cried, I laughed, I gasped, I fanned myself, I gushed and I sighed all the sighs. Go get it. Now.
After reading Cuffed l was super excited to read Riptide!! Totally agree this story was not what l expected and glad you did not give up Kathryn!! This was a fantastic story!! Avery a Hotel Developer!! Finn a sexy/hippie/surfer!! Loved the serious side to this story!! Loved the slow sexual attraction that Avery and Finn build up!! And Kathryn as always did not let us down with all the sexy, steamy scenes! Loved that epilogue!! Love your work Kathryn, can't wait for more novels!! Well worth the read!!
4 stars! really liking Kathryn Nolan's books! the front part of the book wasn't as interesting so i skimmed through it. it was only until Finn and Avery really STARTED to argue with each other?? you could feel the sexual tension between them. highly recommended to those who enjoys enemies-to-lovers romance, this one was well done. hilarious banters and some really steamy moments?? 4 stars!!
I liked it a lot. Enemies to lovers romance. I liked both MCs. I didn't like so many ex hook ups which were everywhere. Looked like he was a man ho before. No cheating.
ממתק אמיתי, קריאה שואבת, ולוהט, לוהט, לוהט! אייברי היא בחורה אמביציונית, יזמית. אשת עסקים. היא עוסקת בפיתוח סביבתי ורוצה להקים מלון על חוף ים מדהים בעיירה שלווה באזור סן דייגו. אלא שהמיזם התיירותי גורר אחריו מהר מאוד מחאה ירוקה, כאשר גולש בשם פין, היפי ואידיאליסט, מוביל את האמבק והשניים נכנסים לקרב סביבתי פילוסופי. השנאה היקדת והויכוחים הקשים, הופכים במהרה למשיכה עצומה והשניים לא יודעים אם להרוג אחד את השני או להתנפל אחד על השני. הבחור הורס. לקרוא עם דלי של קרח ליד!!!!
Avery and Finn are my new favorite couple! Avery is a hard working business woman and Finn is a laid-back surfer. While they may not have liked each other in the beginning, fighting for different sides, the chemistry between them is electric. The back and forth between them was so much fun and the sex scenes were incredibly hot. This wasn't just a book about sex though, there was alot of knowledge, both characters are extremely smart. This was such a great book, I didn't want it to end.
4.5-5 "Dirty Hippie and Money-Grubbing Capitalist" Stars!
Wow. Just, WOW. This is my second Kathryn Nolan book and I am in awe. COMPLETE awe. This book is 100% the definition of a breath of fresh air. The passion in this book will literally slap you in the face. This author has a way of expressing passion and love in a way that makes the story speak to a reader as if it were them. And then there's that tension and unbelievable slow burn between the characters. When it comes to that, to the readers that read this book, I am here for you. Just... keep a glass of water near you for that one scene. And a fan for that other scene. And maybe some extra panties for all of it.
Avery Dacosta has always had that passionate goal achieving mindset. As head of a team to get a luxury hotel built on the exotic beach of Playa Vieja, nothing was going to stop her from reaching the next step in her career. Especially not a man...
"I was about to achieve a career milestone I'd been working towards for two years and in that time I'd denied myself men. Relationships were two messy. Too many distractions."
But Avery wasn't the only determined one on that beach.
That's when she meets Finn Travis, Playa Vieja's #1 surf legend, but also the head protester against Avery's hotel project.
To say Finn is passionate about not only his community, but the Earth, would be putting it mildly. But even he can't deny going toe to toe with Avery every morning is more than the rush he was expecting...
"She was no longer 'that woman I argued with every morning for five minutes.' She was... well something else entirely."
Admiring the fight and passion in one another isn't the only thing Avery and Finn have in common. And while the attraction may be crackling and ripping at the seems, you would think sleeping with the enemy would be easy right?
It was.
I mean I give them credit, they tried not to, but...
"If only I hadn't seen his body. If only I hadn't admired him in the waves. If only he wasn't torturing me in my dreams. If only."
"I wanted to kiss her, no... I wanted Avery to kiss me. Desperate and frantic, like I was the oxygen she needed to breathe."
With the city council vote, to see if the hotel project goes through or not, coming up, Avery and Finn slowly but surely start seeing things from the enemy side. Which in turn, starts to confuse them on what's really right for the community regarding the hotel.
But when all you've ever wanted in life is to feel loved or when you realize maybe settling down wouldn't be so bad...
"... my idea of 'backwards' was starting to shift. And now I had no answer."
...what you've always wanted may not be what you get. No matter how hard you try.
After reading Cuffed by Kathryn Nolan I instantly fell in love with her. But after reading Riptide? Well, let's just say I wanna marry her. With all jokes aside, I really do love this author. She is unique, amazingly talented, and I will literally read anything she writes forever.
I took my time reading Riptide because I didn't want it to end. I knew this story would be unique and special in a way. I wanted to soak up everything and fall into Avery and Finn's world. Which I did and didn't want to leave it to be honest. Their story felt real and raw and was truly unique. Kathryn did an incredible job creating a setting and mood that made me want to listen to Bob Marley while laying on the beach feeling the wind that was creating the waves.
Avery Dacosta spends sleepless nights and stressful days working for the Bella View Hotel. Her goal is to score the promotion that will set her for life. The hotel chain is trying to set up a new one on Playa Vieja ,that by doing so, would bring tourists and money. But Avery will meet a challenge in the form of a broad shouldered, sexy, hippy/surfer named Finn Travis. Finn is definitely not happy with money-grubbing Avery trying to build a hotel in the place he forever considered his home. So, he decides to stand outside her workplace every day with his people to protest. This obviously grates Avery's nerves. They obviously don't like each other but what they don't know is that they are more similar than different. Their relationship starts off with feelings of hate towards each other and arguments but will later be filled with undeniable chemistry and in the end choices will have to be made and ideas changed.
I loved both characters very much so. Avery was independent, strong, and smart mouthed. Definitely a challenge for Finn who is a sexy hippy, free minded, talented surfer. I didn't know on whose side I wanted to be on because they both were just so right and passionate with their beliefs and arguments. I loved that. Their chemistry was also very unmistakable. I mean you could feel the angst from both characters. And when they gave in fireworks were exploded and magic was felt. Kathryn is a master of creating smutty scenes that will make you burn.
I can say that this book is my favorite up to date and a favorite of this year. I absolutely loved this story and give an A++. Please when this book releases do yourself a favor and read it. Do it. Do it. Do it.
I have a crush on Kathryn Nolan. First she writes us her #SexyShort on Facebook. And then she gave us Avery and Finn.
This book was utter perfection. I am in awe. Truly in awe. Because let's be honest, Kathryn here does not only takes a stance on a subject that matters particularly to me, but she gives us both sides of the story. Avery is a driven woman, she wants to success and makes no secret of her ambition. On the other hand, Finn is a layed back surfer, enjoying his quiet life by the ocean. But when Avery's plans to build a huge hotel on the beach, Finn sees red and his hidden environnementalist side comes out. And he starts to protest. At first he's the only one fighting for the preservation of this land of paradise, but quickly he's joined by numerous members of the comune living close by. Thus follows numerous heated arguments, debates and an attraction that grows exponantly to their fights. They are arguing all the time, and that got them a little bit hot. I must admit that their back and forth were more than entertaining.
Kathryn Nolan's Riptide was refreshing and so smart. It is an eye openning book. It is so well written that I had to stop at some points of the book, to really think about what Avery and Finn were saying. Their different points of view on the matter were so spot on, taking a side was just impossible. This is the kind of book I want to read. The kind of book that makes me think, makes my heart flutters, makes me travel, makes me take a different look at the things that surround me.
Riptide is so different from Cuffed and Strictly Professional and I really enjoyed that. Avery and Finn are two passionate people and on opposite sides when it comes to a hotel that’s going to get built if the voting passes. This enemies to lovers romance was so much fun. Yes, they’re enemies when it comes to the case about the hotel but they’re great to take the gloves off outside of work and when they do their chemistry really shines. Finn is such a hottie. A surfer with so much heart and brains to match. Avery a fierce individual who wants to succeed with her work. When they come across one another sparks fly and they slowly get to know more about one another that the hotel is slowly taking a backseat. Kathryn Nolan is a new to me author and her books have heart and soul. I’m addicted.
I feel so lucky to have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I am so in love with this book. Bravo, Ms. Nolan! Bra-fucking-vo. Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope. Finn and Avery are perfection. Definitely worth your time. I'll be swooning all afternoon.
Kathryn Nolan is definitely an author to follow, and from the moment I heard about Riptide, I knew I wanted to read it. There was something about this book that intrigued me. And well, I was mind-blown, transported into a beautiful story, that went beyond a romance, raising awareness about protecting and respecting the world you’re living in, to fight for what you believe fiercely, written such in a smart way, witty, quirky, and so captivating, entailing and challenging. A bit of fun with a strong hint of hotness. Right up my alley!
When an estate project, as building a luxury hotel, drawn attention and instilled indignation, be sure to have both parties who tried to win, without hesitating to play dirty with banter and chemistry off the charts! Game on! Finn and Avery … enemies, but definitely so much more!!!
I have to admit, I had the biggest crush on Finn, really. The author know how to write about sexy surfers, laid back, charming and so endearing men.
That character was more to meet the eye. More deep that people would know. More everything. I had a blast reading about him, honest, passionate and dedicated to his family, to fight for what seems right to him. And Finn on a mission definitely something. A great something. The other things that made me fall in love with this fictional character was his bluntness, a man with such a big heart and not afraid to take the leap. I liked that . A lot!
Avery seemed to be Finn’s opposite in everything. When you read about her, you know that appearances could be deceiving, less predictable that I would have imagined. She was not the kind of woman to let people down, and after her childhood and memories she tried so hard to run from, it was like she had to face it again. Maybe a bit uptight first, Finn was bringing the best I. Her but also the worse, pushing her buttons like no one else. Knowing exactly where to. But the little firecracker wasn't the kind of person to give up.
It goes without saying that Finn and Avery in the same place could ignite and literally burn the room! It was no natural, explosive, one argument leading to another one. Both stubborn and passionate, no one would make them break and submit. This mix of sexual frustration fueled their debates, motivated each other to win.
In spite of their “hatred” for each other, there was some respect, and value of their opinions, even if it was far from their ideals. To meet in the middle, to learn from their mistakes, to understand each other.
In the middle of this war, both revealed their personalities, learn more about themselves, and let’s be honest enjoying being each other's pusher, motivator.
What about the sexy bits?? I was just melting … and chemistry was not enough to describe how their relationship was. Each moment was right on point, amazingly sexy, intense and smoking hot, Finn was dirty talker and domineering guy, balancing perfectly with Avery, who needed someone to take care, to be in charge for once.
Without hesitation, one of my fave reads this year so far!! Don't hesitate to take a chance on Riptide! You won't be disappointed!
Fun, a lot of sexy back and forth, amazing characters, some freaking swoony and hot moments! Just addictive! This book is just golden, I definitely have a crush and his name is Finn Travis ... le freaking sigh.
Highly recommended!
This book really surprised me- In a great way! Considering it took me a few months to get past the 4% mark, I was really concerned that I wouldn't like it and that maybe I should just give it up altogether.I must have read and re-read the first few pages at least 10 times but each time it did not catch or hold my attention. The blurb really spoke to me though and it sounded like something I would really like so I kept at it and once I passed around 8-10% I was totally intrigued and it got better as I continued. Soon enough I was completely enthralled by this story and pretty much read it straight through. I love that one of the main characters in this book is a surfer, as opposed to all the other sport related books with Hockey, Football, Baseball, Soccer, Rugby, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love all of those too but Riptide is a refreshing change of pace. The premise was really good and had a fresh and unique feel to it. I loved the hippie life that was incorporated and loved the bongos and the protests. I thought that the commune stuff was all really interesting too. Overall, even though this is not a completely different type of storyline, it still felt so different from many of the other books I have read. I think that is what made it so special. The characters were great. I really liked them. They had depth and were interesting. I liked that the author made us see things so clearly from both Avery and Finn's perspectives. There wasn't one person who I wanted to win over the other. I understood them both and wanted happiness and success for each. Riptide did have some minor editing misses throughout but nothing that really affected the way the story was read. I think one more editing pass to clean up those minor issues would really elevate this book even more. All and all, I really really liked this book. I will definitely recommend it to others with a disclaimer to hang in there past the first chapter since I had such a hard time getting into the book because it didn't have an attention grabbing intro. I am rating this book as 4.5 stars. Even with the rough beginning and the editing issues, the story more than made up for it. I am so glad I stuck with it and read this book.
Not even a chapter in, I was happily caught in the riptide of this book, and couldn’t care less if I surfaced anytime soon.
An enemies to lovers romance, Avery & Finn are perfection. I guess it’s obvious to have characters that clash in this trope, but it’s the way in which these characters are actually similar, on top of their differences, that lift them from the page and captivate your attention.
This is my second read from this author & I love her writing style. She tells a story that is detailed in a way that you just know it comes from a place of truth. From eco-environmental issues to hippy communes to the actual feeling of big wave surfing, Riptide brings you inside; giving you all of these experiences, and so many more. However, it’s her skill that ensures all of this is delivered in a way that’s integral to the story but completely lacks any indication of drab over-explanation.
Her characters are real and so multidimensional that every one of them add depth and texture. And, not just to the story, but also to the “reality” in which the book is set.
The thing I think I love most however, is that it’s smart. The story, the plot, the conflict, the dialogue, the characters - all of it - is smart. It’s sassy, it’s snarky, it’s funny and it’s touching. It’s honest & it’s relevant.
Both the hero & heroine are strong, independent & accomplished adults, and while there’s plenty of delicious tension, friction & heated sparring, there are zero dramatics. And when it comes to the happy-fun-time, be warned, you’re going to need the cool ocean breeze to cool you down.
A 5 Dirty Hippy vs Money-Grubbing Capitalist Star read.
Finn: sexy hot surfer hippie environmentalist dude. Avery: capitalist satanic driven uptight workaholic. Nothing in common on the surface, and yet they burn the town down with their smoldering. Finn and Avery are passionately fighting on opposing sides to a very complex issue, and they are very complex characters, no easy road for them, no easy answers; I could not see how they would ever resolve their issues. The story unfolded steadily, though; with Finn and Avery slowly discovering they’re not as different as they appear. With a few brilliantly well placed surprises, Kathryn Nolan brings together two beautifully written characters; worshipping each other in the only place that matters to them both. I found so much to love about this book-it was sweet, sexy, complex, funny, sad, happy, surprising, with the best HEA! And I can’t leave without a word about Finn, my perfect hero. A growly alpha wrapped up in a laid back surfer vibe. I love him!
Oh, wow. This book. It took me longer to read than usual because life got in the way but if things were different I would have devoured it in one sitting.
I loved everything about this book. Kathryn gave a masterclass in a slow burn, enemies to lovers theme. Sex scenes were hotter than a hot potato in a sauna but aside from that this book was a super, beautiful love story.
I didn't warm up to Avery at first (mostly because she's a capitalist enabler/hotel developer), but she got much better in the end, and ofc I adored Finn, his family and friends. Sal can go take a hike, though... A very long hike. Also I am STILL not into the enemies to lovers trope but this worked for me.
Content warning: explicit sex scenes, past child neglect/abuse, some drug use
This is definitely one of the best enemies to lovers that I have ever read. I absolutely loved Finn he was so dreamy ... and Avery was such an amazing heroin to read. I wish I could give it more than 5 star.
There are a million things I love about this book. One, the strong female lead in a career field that isn't "book typical" for a female lead. You go Avery! Two, Finn. I love absolutely everything about Finn. His conviction and growth throughout the story made me happy. He wasn't perfect. And could admit it. Three--THE GOOD STUFF--mad sexy. I mean HOLY CRAP.
Kathryn, if you're reading this, please write a part two. I mean, I can imagine Rico having a pretty good story, huh 😏
Goodness gracious. This little gem of a book. From the eye catching cover, to all the words inside of it... gah. Yes, so much yes. While I adored Finn from the start, I was a little hesitant with my love for Avery... However, she won me over very quickly. I absolutely adore the way KN writes... She has this way of drawing the reader in. her characters are so real, and relatable. I 100% can't wait to see what she does next, y'all.
This is a sexy, smart book that engages with real issues and takes on serious questions about how we live in the world, all while telling the story of two compelling people and how they come together in spite of what seem like impossible differences. Kathryn Nolan is an excellent writer and this book should not be missed.
Fun, quirky romance. I loved the flirting and digs back in forth between Finn and Avery. Finn is sweet and charming, but uber hot dominant when it matters. Avery has ready lost herself and didn't even realize that she had while trying to find her way. I really loved the story.
Its 2 o'clock in the morning and I just finished devouring this book. Steamy with a good story is kinda my jam and I think I've found a new one click author for me. 4.5 stars.
Riptide, a stretch of turbulent water in the sea, caused by the meeting of currents or abrupt changes in depth. Well, yes, this story certainly reads like a Riptide, because its main characters are like two currents, each rough, tumbling, forceful on their own, and clashing, crashing together to create a current. A current of tension, of emotions, of.. love? You'll find out.
Here we have two headstrong, convinced people, fighting with passion for all they believe in. I was suprised to find that I understood both Finn and Avery's viewpoints in parts, and could never disagree with either of them completely. Finn, the laid back surfer just makes you want to surf with him, to explore the world and have him tell you how he sees it. And Avery is someone you always want to have with you when it gets tough, she never surrenders and never gives up.
The author manages to write a story in which no one is ever fully the "bad guy", instead, like in life, there is a lot of gray areas, which the characters have to navigate very carefully to come out unscathed, if that is even possible. The characters, their convictions and their passion is absoltuely encompassing and leaves me wanting more, more, MORE! I cannot wait for the next story out of the feather of this fresh, new voice. Utterly adored this story, which, though fictional, seems important, in terms of accepting others, their opinions and treasuring them, not in spite of them, but for them, whether one agrees with the points or not, but their passion should always be admired. Riptide ripped the ground out from under me, it surprised and surpassed all hopes, and I am so excited for more.
I read Kathryn Nolan's novella Cuffed last year and loved her writing so I jumped at the chance to read Riptide. I am so glad that I did! This book caught me in a way totally unexpected, and I mean that in the best possible way. I fully expected to enjoy this book but I more than enjoyed this, I loved it. The plot was refreshing, the pacing worked, and I adored the characters. Oh, and there were some steamy scenes-which I definitely enjoyed.
I found myself relating to Avery in a very real (almost uncomfortable at times) way. She's smart, driven and determined. She's also incredibly passionate. She has a plan and she's intent on following through. Her career, and what it represents, are important to her...and may have slightly caused her to try to cut some roots from her life.
Finn was a great match, and sometimes foil, to Avery. He definitely had me swooning in this and I would have traded placed with Avery several times over...if you know what I mean.
There's definitely chemistry between these two. You feel it right from the start. I was pulled into their emotions and gladly went along for the ride.
This book was smart. It was well written. It made me sympathize and understand both characters-without making me feel like I was wrong for agreeing with one person over the other. It's passionate. Kathryn Nolan has outdone herself with this book-and I can't wait to see what she gives us next.