Control is her shield. Vulnerability is his redemption.
Pediatric surgeon Eden Perez has built her life around maintaining perfect control, hiding the scars of a painful past behind a wall of professional ambition. Returning to small-town Michigan to be closer to her daughter means confronting the messy emotions she's spent years suppressing.
Tate Siren knows all about past wounds. After escaping a toxic relationship that nearly destroyed him, he's sworn off complicated connections—until Eden walks into his lakeside restaurant. She's unlike any woman he's ever met: brilliant, guarded, and impossibly magnetic.
But when a crisis forces Eden to choose between her fears and her family, she must decide if she's brave enough to risk it all for the life - and love - she never thought she deserved. Set against Michigan's stunning lakeside landscape, STORMY WATERS is a powerful story of second chances, the courage to be vulnerable, and a love that demands everything.
DK Marie’s a voracious reader. Her number one love is romance and devours any and all of its genres, but also enjoys thrillers, horror, and non-fiction. Basically, if there are words on a page and a spectacular story, she’s diving in, heart and soul.
However, there’s one thing she loves even more, and that’s writing her own steamy contemporary romances. They’re a mixture of heart, heat, and humor. Brimming with confident heroines and kind heroes, all living, loving, and lusting in and around her hometown of Detroit, Michigan.
When not falling in love with her characters, DK Marie is laughing, relaxing, and planning her next adventure with her family. Okay, and also drinking boatloads of coffee, chatting on social media, and dreaming about her next travel destination.
"Stormy Waters" by DK Marie is an exquisite literary masterpiece that mesmerizes with its incredible array of characters. From the very first page, I was enthralled by the depth and authenticity of each persona. DK Marie's character development is truly exceptional; every individual has their unique voice, motivations, and flaws, making them feel like real people rather than mere fictional constructs. The relationships between the characters are skillfully explored, unveiling a tapestry of emotions that stirred my soul.
The way DK Marie weaves multiple perspectives effortlessly is commendable. Each character's viewpoint enriches the narrative, giving a comprehensive understanding of the story's intricate web.
In "Stormy Waters," the characters are not just passive participants but active agents driving the plot forward. Their decisions and actions impact the story, creating a compelling and suspenseful experience.
The emotional depth in "Stormy Waters" is astonishing, leaving me with a profound sense of catharsis. The characters' struggles and triumphs resonated with me, leaving me invested in their fates till the very end.
The diversity and inclusivity of the characters in "Stormy Waters" were beautifully portrayed, reflecting a rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences.The author has given each character a purpose, ensuring that no one feels like a mere afterthought. This attention to detail contributes to the book's immersive nature.
The characters' witty banter and heartfelt conversations added a touch of humor and emotion to the story, creating a perfect balance of tones.
The bond between the characters is heartwarming, displaying the power of friendship and love. The characters' strengths and vulnerabilities are beautifully balanced, making them realistic and relatable.
Overall, "Stormy Waters" is a breathtaking literary triumph, with its characters stealing hearts and leaving a lasting impact. DK Marie's exceptional storytelling and character development make this book a must-read, earning it an unquestionable five-star rating! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I appreciated Eden being such a genuinely flawed character. Not "ooh, she's a little clumsy" or "she talks a bit too much!" but a truly traumatized character who's made and is still making some bad decisions. She has a lot to overcome, and her character arc is beautiful and satisfying.
I also liked that Tate has had a past traumatic experience (I don't want to give spoilers) that's often reserved for female characters. In reality, plenty of men go through what he went through, and I love that it's brought to light in this book.
The romance is steamy and slow-burn, which I always enjoy! Another winner from DK Marie.
I received a complimentary early copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
**ARC REVIEW** "... I'm a mess......" "So am I. Let's get messy together....."
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half stars Spice: 🔥🔥
If you like these tropes you will enjoy reading this book - Rom Com - Small Town - Opposites Atrract - Friends to Lovers - Steamy - He Falls First - Interracial Romance
Eden Perez is surgeon who is returning to Michigan from California so she can reconnect with her daughter. She doesn't expect to fall for her landlord Tate Siren. Their relationship is not smooth sailing due to secrets, lies and past traumas.
This was my first book by D.K.Marie and it was a moving story of two people who have messy pasts but come together and seek comfort in each other.
Do they weather the storm together, you will have to read to find out ;)
I am always a sucker for a small town romance book so it was a very enjoyable read.
Thanks to The Author Agency for kindly providing me with this ARC. This review is my own honest opinion on the book :)
(3.5 stars) Thank you for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
To start off with, I really don’t think Eden deserves Tate. I think at times she was mean to him and Tate ended up apologizing for not being better rather than Eden facing her flaws and owning up to her behavior. I really liked Tate but found Eden to be very hard to see through as a person.
I loved the relationship with Tate and Raven, and the struggles of motherhood and balancing a hard job was portrayed very well. I also love that she’s a stem girlie and the breadwinner with a bigger salary and that Tate’s super okay with that, honestly one of my favorite aspects in the book!
I wish there weren’t SO many typos and grammar mistakes. It really offset sentences because I had to reread them to try to understand what was trying to be said.
Other than that, this was an enjoyable read and had great spice and characters! Definitely would consider picking up another of this author’s books in the future.
This is an ARC review. I was provided with the book in exchange for an honest review.
This book felt so unique in that I haven’t encountered a romance novel in so long that wasn’t written in first person. It seemed so different to have a narrator as the third person voice of the story rather than volleying in between dual POVs. DK’s ability to craft characters while building their character development is masterful.
From the very beginning, DK uses concrete imagery as she introduces us to the story’s female protagonist. The vivid imagery grabs you from the very beginning as you can feel Eden’s frustration, and envision her boots. Eden was incredibly flushed out as a character through the meticulously crafted prose. We were able to metaphorically see her running up the hill away from her problems. This starts the symbolism of her running narrative.
We get to meet Tate Siren in the following scene. Tate was such a gentleman. He offers to help Eden even though she’s incredibly stubborn, and doesn’t accept help from anyone. Eden has so many demons from her past that she is fighting through. We are allowed into her moments of weakness. Additionally, we are met with the dichotomy that many women face. The idea is that you can have a family or a career.
The dynamic between Tate and Eden plays out with Tate being her landlord. Their lives are intertwined as he has a connection with her family as well. The story features a slow burn as we see the author build up the tension between the characters. The metaphorical title is apt for this novel as we see the stormy waters Eden has to navigate and tread to finally settle down and place roots in Michigan. DK crafts masterful scenes where the Michigan winter weather is personified to serve as its own character battling against the residents.
We can feel the consequences of allowing our past to dictate our present. As Eden’s walls begin to slowly crack, we see Tate moving toward the wall and hoping to chip away at it, and finally break through. Two characters fight the feeling of not being enough for one another. Not believing that they deserve to be happy, and receive unconditional love. Their internal conflict created a divide between the two. We begin to see their lives become intertwined. The scene is set for us. The setting is in a small town in Michigan. The juxtaposition of Eden’s capabilities at work against her feelings of inadequacy in other areas.
We meet Eden’s bisabuela several times throughout the story through flashbacks as well as from her calls from New Mexico. Their familial ties, between the two, are strong. It was painful to hear the complete bigotry due to Eden’s racial makeup. We get to see examples and a glimpse into the importance of continuing the family legacy through scenes where she teaches Raven to cook. This makes Tate even more lovable as he sticks up for her, looks past her ethnic makeup, and sees her heart. That is the crux of what love is. Finding someone that will love you despite your past, and what title you hold in life.
We also meet Eden’s mother and can trace their relationship to Eden’s fears concerning Raven, and her inability to trust someone enough to let go and get lost in the moment. Raven’s pain of not having her mother with her is palpable. As is Eden’s for the same longing for love and connection. Eden is truly a dynamic character.
Watching Eden grow as a mother, a partner, and a career woman was edifying. I found myself rooting for Eden and Tate. Specifically for Eden to keep her promises to her daughter, and become the best mother she can be for her. The emotional arc of this story leads us to see her growth as a woman. The perspective of the male coworker that was constantly trying to make her feel inferior to him was incredibly relatable. Their inability to learn to trust, and love again, is the beautiful ribbon of the theme flowing gracefully throughout this story. It served as a beautiful conflict resolution.
Who is chopping up onions? This book has my heart! A contemporary romance book, which does have some mentions of some heavy topics, some may not want to read. Such topics can be physical abuse, and mental abuse. Those are some TWs of this book. This book gave me second chance vibes. It was an emotional rollercoaster, one which hope and love prevail. I was absolutely immersed in this book. I loved it so much! Eden is Mexican-American, and she is a successful heroine in this book. Eden and Tate have my heart, they went through so much together and alone and still came out on top The cover may have you thinking it’s a crazy summer romance, but just wait till the end where it really makes sense. Throughout the book, it start clicking together as well. Tropes are: Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Second Chance Romance, and Opposites Attract Romance.
I really appreciate how carefully the author explores trauma in multiple forms. It is real and for people who haven’t experienced it allows a peek into how it changes the way a person thinks and reacts. It is also really amazing to see the recommendations for help and people working through the issues instead of them magically disappearing because of true love’s kiss.
It is really beautiful to see a family blending together. Not just blood relations but found family like Jackson. I need Hope’s story next!
Cons:
The miscommunication is used effectively here but it still frustrates me especially the scene with Lilith. It did need to happen but it made me dislike her in the moment.
Life is filled with lots of situations that seem out of our control like an ocean during a storm. Eden is trying her best to take back control of her life, and the choices that have led her to this point. Her goal is to get to know her daughter again and to be a solid part of her life. Tate is just trying to navigate a life outside of the relationship everyone thought was perfect for him. When the two find themselves becoming friends they don’t expect or want more. Unfortunately, living in a small town means even that friendship is making waves. Can they navigate all the storms in life and find the calm together? Or will the waves eventually cause them to crash apart? https://kathskornerdotblog.wordpress....
I absolutely love Tate and Eden. These two already know each other due to rare circumstances. Eden has a daughter with a man named Asher who is dating Tate's sister, Lilith. Both Eden and Tate have pasts they are trying to forget, but these secrets end up making some waves for the two of them. What I love is that we get to see an FMC who is flawed and not someone who just talks too much. These flaws have caused her to make bad decisions in the past and present. The way we see Eden grow and overcome the flaws is done beautifully. This slow-burn romance is steamy and does not disappoint.
Thank you to DK Marie & The Author Agency for the arc in exchange for my honest review
Jumping into the second book of the series, I worried that I would be missing out on a bit, but thankfully it can be read as a standalone. The amount of steam built into the story is precisely placed, making the pacing of the story enjoyable.
This book pulls out on the stops on making you explore your true feelings toward the characters (especially Eden). It’s easy to villainize her, yet you want to hold onto the hope that she’s truly worthy of forgiveness. I’ll admit that even I wanted to pull out the torches and pitchforks along with the town. But as the story flows, I began to empathize with her and love seeing an authentic transition.
Tate’s traumatic past experience is unique and one that I couldn’t quit reading to fully understand what he’d been through. The twist on this typically being written as a woman’s experience made it add quite a bit to the storyline. Kudos to the author!
Both characters are such a mess and all the secrets —ugh!! But honestly, I found myself absorbed so deep that I had no clue what was going on around me. The steam is well-paced in the book and adds to the plot instead of taking anything away. Now I’m going back to read the first book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy to review. All opinions are my own.
This had all of the tropes I loved. Which is why I requested an ARC. It is in 3rd POV which does not bother me. But I do wish it was mentioned for new readers
We have Tate and Eden. They’ve got some familial history so they’re definitely not strangers
I would compare Eden to a negative Christina Yang. She was so negative. Could never let herself have any good. She didn’t let anyone in. She made excuses for why she was the way she was. And it got very repetitive
Tate. I liked him. He’s like Matt Donovan from TVD. So I was very indifferent towards him. He refused to face a problem head on until it affected his business and his potential relationship
These two together…I was promised a very spicy book. And it could’ve been if there weren’t inconsistencies in those scenes. Example: she answers the door in a robe, but when they take their clothes off she’s suddenly in jeans and a shirt. This book had multiple grammar and punctuation errors that, for me, it disrupted the flow of the story. I personally don’t see myself going back to read Asher and Lilith’s story
Between gorgeous imagery that takes you right to Michigan to the beautifully intertwined story of Tate and Eden, there’s a lot to love in this story. I don’t normally like to read romance in the 3rd person, but elements like these swept me away and kept me coming back for more, regardless.
The tension is built up at exactly the right pace to be the perfect clip for us as readers to invest ourselves in Eden’s character arc. Even in the times she was frustrating, I loved Eden’s character most; she was deeply flawed and had a lot of ground to cover throughout her arc. But she was so relatable, and as a reader I was so deeply able to connect with her. There were times when I didn’t like her, but that’s what made her so powerfully human to me. When the story wrapped, I knew who she was and what she had overcome, which explained some of the moments I felt less than stellar about her. Overall, it was well done.
Between small town romance and characters with family history, some of my favorite tropes were represented here. I loved the mix of romance, healing, family dynamics, powerful and meaningful setting. I will note that there were some spelling/grammar issues throughout that sometimes made me reread sentence, pulling me out of the moment.
This was my first read from D.K. but it will not be my last.
___
Thank you to D.K. for providing me with this ARC. This review contains my honest thoughts.
Wow, did this book pull at my heart. Eden was a truly flawed character that made a terrible choice, but her genuine character arc was a joy to read in this book.
Honestly, after book one I was really annoyed book 2 was about Eden, but her character was so well written and this book made you feel for her.
Tate is such a gem. My heart hurt for him too and his past trauma. He tried so hard and he was perfect for Eden.
I love that this series made me feel like I was in the story. It all just flowed so well. I do wish we would have gotten a Hope and Eden reconciliation, but maybe that will happen in book 3? I’m crossing my fingers for a book 3 that is 🤞🏻
𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: "Do you have to run off, Little Red?" Gripping the back of the nearest chair, she said, "Depends." "On?" She shouldn't say it, shouldn't flirt. "Will you be the wolf chasing me?" Heat fared in his eyes, and he rumbled, "Do you want me to? Because Eden I'll gladly devour you whenever and wherever you want."
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲: • Small Town • Friends to Lovers • Slow Burn 🌶️🌶️
First off, this book takes place in Michigan. I love reading books that are set in my home state. This book takes place about an hour and a half south of where I grew up.
Second, Stormy Waters is about Eden and Tate who are tied together in unconventional circumstances. Tate’s sister Lilith is dating Asher. Eden and Asher have a daughter, Raven. Eden left Asher and their daughter to go to Stanford to become a pediatric surgeon. She’s now moved back to Michigan where she’s doing her fellowship at Mott’s Children’s Hospital. She’s trying to fix her relationship with her daughter. Eden rents one of Tate’s houses that is near his restaurant, The Hill. See, messy situation. Eden and Tate start a relationship. There are secrets flowing between Tate and Eden concerning their pasts, as well as secrets that Eden is keeping from her daughter.
Third, this book broke my heart multiple times. Secrets were coming out and I think for the last 15% I was basically crying. It was beautiful and eye opening. I loved this book so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Stormy Waters was really good. This was my first book by D.K. Marie. I really enjoyed this book.
Stormy Waters follows Eden Perez who is a Pediatric Surgeon who is coming back to her home state of Michigan to reconnect with her daughter while working her year long fellowship. Eden and Tate's worlds are interconnected. Eden and Asher have a daughter together, Raven. Lilith (Tate's sister) is dating Asher. I loved seeing Eden reconnect with Raven through food and teaching her Spanish.
Tate Siren is the owner of The Hill and Eden's landlord. He has a very trauma filled past. (Check your TW) Just like Eden, Tate is trying to navigate through life and didn't expect to fall in love with each other. I liked how they started out as friends and it turns into this beautiful love story. They have such amazing chemistry.
Things definitely get messy when secrets from Eden and Tate's past come out. They definitely help each through all of their heartbreak and heal each.
Thank you D.K. Marie and The Author Agency for this ARC!
Parts of the story were really beautiful and steamy at times but there were parts where I felt that I should DNF it. But I made it through with it and gave it a 3 star rating.
The biggest issue I had with the character, although every character was beautifully developed, was with Eden. She is the most irritating and incorrigible person ever made. There were times I wanted to smack her and yell at her for the decisions she had made.
Tate on the other hand, I found him to be a sweetheart. I liked him very much. The flaws in the characters were well represented making it realistic.
You can give this a shot. It could be just me but my only problem was with Eden and her parts. Aside from that it was a pretty good story.
Eden has been focused on her career as a surgeon and escaping her past. But when she moves to Michigan to be closer to the daughter she left behind, her past just might keep her from the future she wants….
Then in comes dive bar owner and landlord, Tate. The attraction between Tate and Eden is palpable but both of them have reservations when it comes to entering a relationship. He’s been scarred by his past and she doesn’t feel like she deserves love.
Will Eden let the past repeat itself or will she weather the stormy waters to a brighter future?!
A solid read. Not too many unexpected twists but the build and development of the plot and characters is good.
This is the second book in the Lake House Love Series and can be enjoyed as a standalone but it is connected to the first book. Tate and Eden's book is not an easy story. They both have been hurt in the past and Eden has caused a lot of pain. She's treated as a villain by the town, not without cause but many don't want to give her a chance. Tate has moved to town to start a new chapter in his life and to be closer to his sister and niece. He's sworn off drama and women but can't seem to stay away from Eden. Steamy, emotional, couldn’t stop turning the pages. Looking forward to more books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grab a tissue to go with the book because you will need it. This book pulled at my heart strings. I enjoyed the female character being a flawed person. You do not see that with very many female characters. The story was realistic and will pull at your heart strings. Before reading this, this takes into consideration that physical and mental abuse are trigger warnings. This book will pull you in right away. You get a detailed description of each character that you feel you know them. The storyline was good. This was my first book by D K Marie and am happy I read it
I enjoyed reading this book. I felt I needed more communication between the MCs, though. The physical attraction between the two is there, and there are some heavy topics, so those parts caught me in my feelings. Check trigger warnings even for this contemporary romance. It may not be for everyone, but it was a good book!
I was intrigued by this book, by the cover alone and instantly wanted to read it. I thought this book was really well written, it’s my first DK book (and I definitely want to check out her backlist now!) I loved the setting and the whole idea of getting to see the fmc get a second chance at love / being the mother she wants to be. Also Tate >>
I wanted to love this book as much as the first in the series, but the grammatical and spelling errors did me in unfortunately. I know it shouldn't be that way, but it bugged me. The storyline was good, but the back and forth from Eden letting go and letting love in, and then not, then giving in, it gave me whiplash. There was only a little spice mixed into the story, which disappointed me.
With their dark pasts, Eden and Tate badly need to come out on the other side of things. They need the light and quiet, calm waters. But it's not easy, especially with others set to destroy what they have. A very good read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading the plot. I haven’t read a romance with this storyline before. I loved the angst. There were a few typos that were a small distraction when I read the book. However, there are so many beautiful quotes in the book that make up for the few typos. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
DK Marie absolutely never disappoints me!! I loved her Making Waves and now with Stormy Waters my heart is so happy! Adore these small town feel Michigan romances and getting wrapped up in the characters lives. From the very beginning when Tate and Eden meet you’re Invested and can’t stop reading! This is a lovely contemporary romance that has real life issues and lighthearted moments! Well done DK Marie well done!!!! Can’t wait for more and more from you!
Stormy Waters by D.K. Marie sets the stage for an engaging tale of personal growth, family bonds, and unexpected connections. From the very first paragraph, the author immerses readers in the challenges faced by Eden Perez, a determined woman with a rocky past and a promising future.
The vivid imagery used to describe Eden's predicament with her car immediately captures the reader's attention, showcasing the author's skill in creating a sense of urgency and relatability. The dialogue between Eden and her daughter, Raven, adds depth to their relationship, tugging at the heartstrings as Eden strives to be present for her daughter's important moments.
The narrative beautifully explores the longing for familial closeness, as Eden's desire to teach Raven Spanish hints at the cultural heritage she wishes to pass on. The mention of her distant relationship with her own abuela adds an emotional layer to her aspirations. It is evident that Eden's dreams of settling down in Michigan and creating a stable home for her daughter are intertwined with her professional ambitions at Motts Children's Hospital.
The author's skillful use of humor adds a delightful touch, offering a respite from the challenges Eden faces. The juxtaposition of Eden's professional competence as a surgeon with her inability to navigate her own driveway creates a relatable and endearing character. Readers are left rooting for her success while finding solace in her moments of self-doubt.
As the story progresses, the introduction of Tate Siren, the new owner of The Hill and Eden's landlord, introduces an intriguing dynamic. The author expertly builds up anticipation and chemistry between Eden and Tate, hinting at a potential romantic storyline while emphasizing the forbidden nature of their connection. Tension heats up as Tate’s ex enters the picture and attempts to destroy any hopes of Tate and Eden being happy. Things are shaken up, as secrets are exposed, and their relationship is tested to see if it can withstand the stormy waters.
With her elegant prose, D.K. Marie effortlessly paints a picture of Eden's exhaustion and the burdens she carries, both physical and emotional. The inclusion of sensory details, such as the scent of wet earth and the sound of a bell echoing through the restaurant, further enriches the reading experience.
In this tantalizing preview of Stormy Waters, D.K. Marie showcases her talent for crafting engaging characters, capturing their struggles, and weaving them into a captivating narrative. Readers are left eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for Eden Perez as she navigates the stormy waters of her life, searching for love, stability, and fulfillment.
reconnecting with some parts of her past makes her vulnerable to other unwelcome things -and maybe some things or some one that might bea bit more welcome- sometimes