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Fighting the Tide

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When I think of our past, I don’t imagine it as a love story. Brooke Eastham was beautiful, rich, and completely out of my league, but I was okay with that. I knew where I belonged and where my family ranked on the ladder of success. I wasn’t looking to disrupt the order, but Cape Cod in the summer held an aura of magic, and every clear image and boundary was blurred by teenage inhibitions. When the fog cleared, we would step back into our rightful places until the magnetic vibrations in our hearts could no longer be ignored, and we would snap back together. The seed of our relationship was planted in the sand along the beach, and the roots grew out to the ocean, only to be swallowed up by the currents before it had a chance to bloom. Our fates were so intricately intertwined, the threads of our futures closely weaving together to make a tapestry of beautiful colors, telling a story of young love, loss, and ultimately, forgiveness. This isn’t an epic love story. It’s a tragic burn of lust-fueled summers and cold, lonely winters. A cautionary tale of the heart’s current as it drags you under the crashing waves of infatuation, only to let you sink to the bottom of despair.

538 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2024

6 people are currently reading
91 people want to read

About the author

C.A. Rene

47 books743 followers
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5 stars
24 (45%)
4 stars
22 (41%)
3 stars
3 (5%)
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2 (3%)
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2 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Crystal (Crystalreads2).
970 reviews995 followers
November 24, 2023
Get ready for an incredible reading experience! My suggestion is to approach this book with an open mind and dive in blind. It's a fresh, unique take on second-chance romance. Without a doubt, my absolute favorite from this talented author. My review will be vague.


Fighting The Tides is a journey of Nolan, from a teenager to adulthood. Life will test Nolan with constant heartbreak and betrayal. When you think he can't take anymore, the story unfolds with heartbreakingly beautiful moments. But fret not; there's a happily ever after.

Fighting The Tides is an emotionally gripping book that will leave you sobbing and clutching your heart. It's a soul-stirring journey that will capture every inch of your being. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions with this must-read that's impossible to put down. Grab your tissues and hold on tight!
Profile Image for Kelsey Coussou Buckman.
345 reviews20 followers
December 3, 2023
This is different than what Chrissy usually puts out. The “dark” part of her writing is still there, but it’s more mysterious if that makes sense.

I have BOMBARDED her with requests for extra POVs as a bonus, but she keeps turning me down.*rude* I also made sure her inbox was full of my thoughts as I was reading after she sent it to me. I must be hilarious because she kept laughing at me.

Even though this was different than her usual books, I enjoyed it. I liked wondering how it was all going to play out. Will they be together. What happens next. Who is this person.

I think she did a great job of keeping her readers on the edge of their seats with context clues for what we find out as the book goes on.

I’ve never been much of a thriller or mystery person when it’s on it’s on, but throw in romance & written by someone I know I can enjoy their writing, & I’m all for it.

I’m such a spoiler whore, but this isn’t out yet & I don’t want to ruin it for others. I’ve been holding back for months and I can finally start recruiting people for my MORE POV CLUB.
Profile Image for Marissa Garcia.
204 reviews16 followers
December 27, 2023
I’m gonna be very vague in this review because I want every reader to go in as blind as a bat the way I did.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect with this book since I am so used to the dark stuff from C.A. - but she no doubt took the cake with this small town, second chance romance. BUT of course C.A. had to put her twist on “second chance romance!” There are so many twists and turns I literally couldn’t figure out where she was going with this book until bout 20 percent left.

I loved this book just as much as everything else I’ve read by C.A. - give it a shot, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Profile Image for Rebecca Norvitz Norvitz .
715 reviews22 followers
December 27, 2023
My heart

This is a small town, second chance romance. It spans years. This story is something we’ve never seen from CA Rene. She usually writes dark romance but this is far from dark. It’s very angsty and will pull at your heartstrings. I actually cried reading this story and that NEVER happens. You won’t regret picking this book up and reading it.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,528 reviews78 followers
December 27, 2023
“Is this what love is? A tumultuous ride that spins in circles and only spits you out when you’re sick and tired?”

WOW! This was one hell of an emotionally heavy, toxic and powerful, second chance at love story. It is a story that will captivate you, entertain you, and possibly have you thinking about a past relationship that was very similar to what is going on in this story, like I did.

Nolan and Blake take us on a journey through their turbulent teenage years, with continual heartbreak and betrayal, undying passion, desire and love, to finally a future that is unexpected, but beautiful.

They take us through many gut-wrenching and heart destroying moments that had tears dripping down my face, but also some very beautiful and funny moments that had me smiling continuously.

This story is beautifully written with poetic and poignant word weaving that will have you gripping your kindle tightly, possibly biting your nails with anxiety, and hoping and praying for a happy ever after in the end. It is a rollercoaster ride of incredible ups and downs that will capture your heart and soul, never forgetting these remarkable characters or their incredible journey.

Make sure you have plenty of tissues and possibly chocolate and wine beside you when you dive into this amazing story and don’t forget to breathe every now and then.
Profile Image for Bookiechick  Reviews.
725 reviews24 followers
December 14, 2023
Actual rating 4.5

I urge you to give this ago.

Wow does this have all the feels. Im not one to pick up a small town romance often but this was a great change after the dark and paranormal romances I have been reading as of late.

I swear the writing captivated me from the first sentence and I was lost in the pages until I finished. This had everything you could want in a book. The characters were great. Their chemistry and connection was palpable from the beginning. I enjoyed the banter, the drama was good and not overly done. The plot was easy to follow and great. It was just an overall enjoyable read.

I waited as long as possible before reading this because I knew that it would hit me emotionally and there were definite times that it did. The ride these characters take us on was incredible. So much detail went into this book from the characters and plot to the world building. It made you feel fulfilled when you were done. I need more of this, and you will too.
Profile Image for Dooniereads .
398 reviews36 followers
December 12, 2023
I loved loved loved this book from beginning to end 🖤

I don’t even have the words to describe this story other than it was absolutely incredible. I don’t even know how to recover after reading something like that.

I honestly had no idea what I was going into when I started other than it was a 2nd chance romance and a small town. This is so different to what I usually read but knowing who wrote it I wanted to give it a go and I’m so pleased I did.

I have been on an emotional rollercoaster and feel like I’m still on it. I can’t process what happened right now as I’ve only just finished it 🖤 It was full of heartbreak, love, friendship, family, growth and so much more.

The story was beautifully written 😍 my heart physically hurt whilst reading but I couldn’t put it down, I needed more, I needed to keep turning the page to get to see what would happen next and some of those things just jumped out of nowhere taking me by complete surprise.

What I really loved was this story is a single POV but from the MMC perspective. So different but it worked so well to tell this story. Nolan will forever be a character I will think about.

The story has some spice but not much. It’s the story that grabs you though so it’s not needed 🖤 If you do want to read this go in without looking up what it’s about 😍 Incredible and it will definitely be a book I will read again and again 🖤
Profile Image for Jess_Book_Basement.
167 reviews8 followers
December 15, 2023
A complex and emotional coming-of-age story about love, loss, and finding your soulmate. The themes in the book are, at times, confronting and disheartening, but I assure readers there is a Happily Ever After.

Unfortunately, I can’t reveal much more about this book as it contains some forbidden twists that I don’t want to spoil.

The writing style flowed smoothly; however, it is a slower-paced read. The plot was intriguing with some forbidden elements, and the characters, each with their distinct and captivating personalities, kept me invested.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story about the transition from tarnished childhood innocence to becoming a mature adult, ready to embrace an all-consuming love.

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Steph Mann.
104 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2023
I loved this book as I fell in love with the main character, Nolan. A story told from his POV of how the love he had for one girl effected him for decades after. Similar to Jack and Rose in Titanic, 2 soles coming together from different class backgrounds, friends to lovers, him saving her from a suicide attempt plus tragedy did later follow however there was a happy ending for Nolan, he just had to wait. There were lots of twists and turns that kept me hooked and I loved all the characters. The story was very well written throughout and would recommend this book, especially to romance seekers, but beware there were quite a few lows for poor Nolan but we see he gets what he truly wants in the end! There is quite a bit of spice throughout the book which was great as I said I really did like him!
This is a ARC Review for Netgalley, my opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kristen.
513 reviews8 followers
December 31, 2023
This is the most heart wrenching story I’ve ever read from CA Rene, hands down. It is full of pain, anguish, loss and grief. It’s about finding your first love with a tortured lost soul. Nolan’s story takes place in the span of his years, from start to finish. It’s not an easy read about falling happily ever after in love, but it’s a read of a lifetime filled with heart wrenching emotions that take you on a wild ride in their presence and makes you question everything the universe has ever thrown at you. It’s the story of learning in life and in death. It’s about hitting your rock bottom and finding true happiness and love in a form you never anticipated. If there’s any standalone book to be read from this author, this is that book.
Profile Image for XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX.
1,158 reviews74 followers
December 31, 2023
Fighting The Tides is an angsty, second chance, small town emotional standalone.

So, I knew this was going to be an emotional read, but daaaamn. This is quite different from what we normally read from C.A. Rene, but still had a certain darkness to it!! Nolan and Blake's relationship throughout the passion, toxic love, betrayal, mystery, heartbreak, and reunion was beyond words. While I normally prefer multi POVS, this is written in just the MMC's perspective. Still, this was very enjoyable and really well written. We also get a sneak peak of an upcoming book!

Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
1,910 reviews22 followers
January 17, 2024
The first thing I will say about this book is be prepared for a huge emotional ride and make sure you have the tissues on hand. This was a beautiful story that I just fell into and left my heart with the characters and it well worth the tears that I shed. A second chance romance that reached deep into my soul. A new author to me that has got me for life and I look forward to reading so much more of
C.A. Rene's work. You will not regret reading this!
3,171 reviews79 followers
December 15, 2023
This might not be what some expect from this author, this is for sure one of her books. I'm being terribly vague on purpose cause if you can go into this as blind as you can like I did I feel you'll get the best experience from this. It was fantastic and everything I wanted from a C.A Rene "second chance" romance.
Profile Image for mistylovesbooks.
314 reviews18 followers
December 16, 2023
Nolan grew up poor in Cape Cod. He had one punch to the gut after another. He never had it easy. He fell in love with one of the rich girls on the island and things definitely didn’t get any easier.
Brooke was wild and never could seem to love anyone the way they deserved.
This book is a gut wrencher. Check the CW.

I received this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rachel (rachellynnreadss🪩🩵) Hunt.
838 reviews182 followers
December 19, 2023
Completely not what I was expecting. I highly suggest you go in as blind as possible to get the best experience. There are so many twists and just “what the fuck did I just read” moments. Please note to check CW if you need to!

This was a wild journey of pain, heartbreak, love, loss, healing and passion. It’s one of those raw and beautiful romances you can’t help but feel in your gut. If you’re an angsty emotional romance lover then this is a great read!
80 reviews
January 29, 2024
This is really 4.5 star
Wow. This is a Rollercoaster of emotions. I went in blind, with a idea of "second chance romance". But we went through aloy to get there.

Following Nolan through life and love and Betrayal with a tiny hint of taboo. But I loved it. I am writing this immediately after finishing it, and the more I think about it, the more i adore it.

This is the 1st C.A. Rene book I have read, and I noticed it may be the least dark, but I will for sure check out others.
Profile Image for Batwoman.
534 reviews6 followers
January 15, 2024
This book will have your emotions all over the places. Heartbreak along with betrayal, poor Noah definitely takes you on an emotional roller coaster. It’s definitely different from the rest of this authors books. But totally worth it I promise. This is definitely a book you don’t want to rush but yet will make it very hard for you to put it down. Very highly recommend this amazing book.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
930 reviews53 followers
January 30, 2024
This second chance story definitely Carrie’s you through a journey as our main couple must content with difference forces inside and out to fire out how to move past challenges and road blocks in order find a future together. There are a lot of moments that pack a punch and other that balance them.
Profile Image for Bookskee.
477 reviews
December 23, 2023
I was drawn to the title, then the cover and the blurb left me needing to know more.
100% Male POV, such a rarity.
I was captivated by the writing. I needed to take regular pauses because it was angst-y and sometimes overwhelming.
A great read, definitely go in blind. The ending may leave some happy and some underwhelmed. Would I still read this knowing the outcome? Yes!
Thank you net galley and the author for the opportunity to read and review!
Profile Image for Cheyenne.
75 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2024
I loved this book! I absolutely love all of C.A. Rene books. I suggest going into this completely blind and open minded so I won’t be giving any details in my review but give this a try!
Profile Image for Amber.
1,375 reviews10 followers
December 29, 2023
I don’t know that I’ve ever read a second chance romance quite like this. It’s heartbreaking in so many ways. I questioned so many times how Rene was going to give us a happily ever after but she does. I think the ending was absolutely perfect.

I loved Nolan and my heart broke for him so much throughout this book. He is thrown heartbreak and sadness time after time. I’m not going to say much about the FMC because I think you should go in blind and judge her and the twists for yourself.

This is such an original story that will pull on your heartstrings I would recommend being open-minded and just try to enjoy the ride. I highly recommend reading this to anyone that enjoys second chance romances or books that will pull out your emotions.
Profile Image for Emma (emjbookshelf).
979 reviews22 followers
December 11, 2023
This was a totally unexpected book from this author, I'm used to the darker reads and this wasn't one of them. This was Nolan's story and we started through highschool till adulthood. Life just never went the way he was expecting with hurt, betrayal and love along the way that broke him until he believed he couldn't love again until her.

This book will take you on a journey with twists and turns and I was totally blown away by the last few chapters and how his life took a turn for the better.
Profile Image for Marisa.
871 reviews32 followers
February 12, 2024
I don’t know what I was expecting when I started this book but I don’t think it was this. The summary said it was not an epic love story, and this is true. There is love, there is loss, there is the unexpected a few times, and it made for an interesting journey.

It took time to establish the story and get to know the characters but I found that the beginning felt slow. When a substantial event occurred about 50-ish percent into the book I was surprised both at the event but also that there was still so much more to come. However, after that event, the story picked up, and I found myself becoming more invested in the story. There was some tragedy and a few twists that I did theorize were going to happen, but I wasn’t sure how. Just wow.

This is very different from the author’s usual writings and I found it refreshing. I’ve always enjoyed her storytelling and I’m not surprised that she added a few twists. Something always happens within her books.

I did like that it was a standalone so we got that beginning, middle and end and didn’t have to wait for the next book. I’m sure it could have been split into a duet but I think it worked perfectly as a stand. I can’t give too many details because you should go into the story blind. Just be open minded and expect the unexpected.

3.5/5
Profile Image for Lucid Quill.
Author 10 books24 followers
December 16, 2023
I'm okay. Right?

Ooo boy, uh where do I start? I took a beat to start this one in silence because we were told to prepare for it to be very different from previous books. Different it was. I was ready, but I wasn’t.

I knew to expect this one to be highly emotional and nowhere near instantly gratifying. I’m impatient and I didn’t want to wait for Nolan’s story to get brighter, I wanted his happily ever after to happen on every page and even though I was frustrated each time it didn’t happen, I knew Chrissy would take care of us. I knew each tear would equal a million words and every time I turned a page I would get closer to the ending Nolan deserved.

My god did he deserve it. We can talk all the time about how we feel for characters but if we really examine it, they all fall to the wayside eventually. Not Nolan, he’s going to creep back as a constant reminder of what real writing feels like. How it’s supposed to feel when we hit the back cover of a book. It should be lasting and fervent. I want to experience even a fraction of what the author did when writing the story.

You could prepare yourself to read this one but I’m promising you, it will NOT be what you’re expecting. You’re going to fight the tide right along with Nolan and you’re probably going to need to catch your breath a few times. It’ll be worth it.
2,739 reviews21 followers
December 23, 2023
Beyond 5 stars

I have been a fan of this author since her first book and think of her as one of the Queen's of dark romance. This one, however, is beyond everything else and is an absolute masterpiece. It shows how talented she is with this epic novel. The emotions rendered while reading both broke and filled my heart. I was uncertain with the single POV but it was perfect. I just can't say how blown away I was by this incredible read. Bravo!!!
Profile Image for Renee.
459 reviews22 followers
January 10, 2024
Wow, just wow! This is nothing like the other books I have read by CA Rene, but just as good.

I went in blind, because that's just my style, and I recommend that if you are able to go in blind, do so.

This is Nolan's story, from childhood to adulthood and his journey in love. I swear I wanted to hug him so many times, my heart hurt for him.

This takes you on a journey of discovery and accepting. With pain, love, loss and all the emotions that comes with life.

Story 5/5
spice 4/5
207 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2023
Sensational

This was an amazing story. So many twist and turns. I cried like a baby and laughed out loud. So many emotions such a good love story.
Profile Image for Hanan .
2,025 reviews20 followers
January 29, 2024
I’m a big fan of Ms. Rene’s work.
I love her dark stories and the way she writes them.
This one was a bit different but still a WOW!
The story was emotionally heavy and had me feeling like a was on a rollercoaster of emotions.
It’s a powerful and toxic, second chance at love.
The plot and characters had me captivated and invested from start to finish.
Nolan’s journey starts off in his teenage years, which was unstable to say the least.
And continues throughout with one heartbreak after another.
He goes through so much and endures so much.
It broke my heart and shattered by soul.
Yes I ugly cried a few times.
But the story also showed me passion and a love so strong nothing can break it.
They pieced together me heart and repaired my soul with their very beautiful and carefree moments.
Yes I was also smiling stupidly.
While this is different than the things I’ve previously read by the author.
The writing is beautifully executed. It’s moving and poetic and very powerful.
I was reading as fast as I could flipping the pages to see how things would go.
I was anxious at times, on the edge of my seat wondering in which direction the story would go and how would Nolan would get his HEA.
This truly was an incredible and unforgettable story ❤️

Profile Image for Renee.
5,211 reviews73 followers
December 15, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is a really good small town romance. I will go ahead and warn you that once you pick this book up you will not be able to lay it down. I don't even know that I can say much about this story as I feel like not looking at a review before you read it is best. You need to go into this book blind. In this story you are going to be with Nolan from the time he is a teenager into adulthood. This poor guy really goes through it. There were times when I didn't know if he was going to be able to make it. He met a girl at Cape Cod. A rich girl and he was from the wrong side of the tracks. But Cape Cod in the summer meant that none of that mattered and you could have the time of your life until summer ended and back to the real world through winter until you found yourself at the beach again. Now the part that you need to not know about is a lot of this book is a mystery. And Nolan has a life that really will have you in tears. But most of all you're going to want to know if Nolan will end up with the person from the beach or not. You need this book in your life. Don't miss it.
Profile Image for All About The Books By Clara.
175 reviews
March 14, 2025
*** Review ***

Fighting The Tide by C.A Rene

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With this I had no idea what to expect as it was out with the authors normal of books that I had previously read. However I was intrigued by a small town romance aspect and soon as picked up I didn't want to put down.

Thankfully as was ill I had tissues at the ready as I found myself very emotional during this read which isn't all that like me. While it could have been me being not well I certainly had been warned before hand.

I was completely shocked how much I enjoyed that it was only from the male pov but it really made me feel attached to him so much more.

The writing was superb and gripping as per usual for this author and I now know that even if falls outside previous books that I will still need to read it! Can't wait for whatever comes next.
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