Riptide

The Secret Life of Trystan Scott #3

by H.M. Ward

A random hook-up isn't enough for Trystan, not anymore.

After everything Trystan went through to tell Mari that he loves her, there is no way that he's letting her walk away without knowing how he really feels. Every mask is stripped away making Trystan completely vulnerable. Mari's the one girl he wants, that he knew he'd never have. But, the look on Mari's face--the way she kissed him--makes Trystan think that confessing his feelings was worth the risk.

Shocked, Mari stands there staring at Trystan. As if it weren't enough that Trystan is internet super star, Day Jones, but the song he wrote was about her. That was her name on the music. It was her name etched into his heart. Trystan Scott loves her.

Everything Mari wants is within reach. She just has to have enough guts to reach out and take it.

Book 3 in the Secret Life of Trystan Scott.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Abuse, High School, Ebooks

222 pages, ebook

First published November 10, 2012

About the author

H.M. Ward continues to reign as a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author who surpassed more than 23 million books sold, placing her among the literary titans. Ward has been featured in articles in the NEW YORK TIMES, FORBES, and USA TODAY to name a few.

You can interact with this bestselling author at: www.facebook.com/AuthorHMWard.

Reviews

[B at Spare Time Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

See more reviews at my blog! http://sparetimebookblog.blogspot.com/

This series has not let me down yet. Riptide continues right where Backdraft left off. Mari was staring down Trystan as she walked in on him singing! I know I can't believe it ended like that either! Anyway, things seem to heat up from there. I loved the way Mari grew during Riptide. She was more confident around Trystan and didn't take any crap from Brie. You will have to read to see how that one turned out. It was interesting to see how much alike Trystan and Mari's home lives were. The fact that they didn't really want to tell each other about it was kind of cute. I can't believe it took Mari so long to break down. I expected it sooner to be honest. For the record, I strongly dislike both of their dads. They should go fishing together...seriously. They are similar in horrible ways. Mari and Trystan's lives are like a sad playlist of songs. They both put up a strong front for everyone else when inside they are broken. They are absolutely perfect for each other and don't even know it completely yet!

Trystan...what more could I possibly say about him. He is perfect. Every man should strive to be the kind of man he is growing into. He has lived a hard life and doesn't want to be known as Day Jones because of his past. He is probably the least selfish character I have ever read. His love is so pure it is beyond words. He puts on a good mask for everyone but, with Mari he can almost be himself. He is still unwilling to talk to anyone about his home situation even though it could cost him his graduation. Tucker and Mari are both there for him, he just can't talk about it. I understand why.

Riptide ends in a crazy, what the heck just happened kind of way. I finished it hours ago and am still like....o..m..g! It has left me desperately needing the next installment. I have become so attached to these characters that I have not know how their story will end.

[Novel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read the first two book in this series and I have the same complaint. Why it's so freaking short?!?

Riptide starts with Trystan continuing his love confession to Mari and we get to know her answer too. We already know how attracted they were to each other since Collide and it made me happy that they finally got together. However, things around them weren't turning out well. Trystan's home situation turns from bad to worse, and so was Mari's. After an incident which made Mari punch Brie, her parents treated her as if she committed murder. They are more worried about the money they might lose when Brie's father threatened to sue Mari than the welfare of their only daughter. While Trystan and Mari kept their relationship a secret, they learned more about each other and find comfort from one another that no one, not even their parents,can provide.

I have to confess that the reason I read this series is because of the book covers. I have this insane fascination in book covers with a guitar on it...idk why, but I just do! LOL, I don't own a guitar and I don't even know how to play one, but I like it. =D Maybe I was a guitar player in my previous life, haha! I wasn't expecting anything at all when I read Collide because not all the book with guitar covers that I picked were good. I'm glad that the series turned out well.

Anyway, this one is a quick read. The story is cute and fast-paced. I love the his/her POV. However, I still wish that it was longer.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and it was not long enough! Ms. Ward left the biggest cliffhanger ever, and had me screaming No after finishing. This story is about Trystan and Mari who are finally together. This is just a short story about them falling in love, and trials in both their family lives. I cannot wait for the next book, which hopefully is out soon.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find this review at My Favorite Things

Riptide by H.M. Ward is the third book in The Secret Life of Trystan Scott series. Mari & Trystan have only just admitted their love for each other. They are unsure of what to do or how to be, but they are both relieved that their feelings are reciprocated. The viral video is still anonymous, much to Trystan's relief. His fears of being discovered, of having papparazzi dig into his tragic past with his father are growing larger, daily. He would be okay with the fame but not with the shame of the world knowing how his dad has treated him.

The love that Mari & Trystan feel for each other is EPIC. There is nothing that they can't do as long as they are together. Mari is the only light in Trystan's existence, Trystan is the supportive, loving perosn she has always lacked in her life. Together they are blessed.

The moment felt so fragile that Trystan was afraid to breathe. Everything he ever wanted was standing in front of him, looking up in shock.

Trystan worked his jaw, freeing the thought that was stuck in his throat, “Love destroys, I believe that—but I’m hopelessly in love with you.”

Trystan seemed like he was running on fumes lately, like he hadn't slept well in weeks.

Trystan's back was nearly against the wall. He'd rather fly into his dad's fists than get trapped in the corner. Don't fight back, he chanted in his mind, over and over again. Get around him and run. But Trystan couldn't see how.

Up Next...

Coming Soon...

[Evelyn Swift (Featherbrained Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to the previous two novels this was quick to read and it got more intense than the prior novellas. Mari and Trystan finally realize their feelings for each other and actually tell each other after so much back and forth.

*Spoilers Below*

Poor Trystan...I can’t believe his dad would lock him in a dark room overnight and then leave! We get a lot of insight into his family situation. I feel really bad for him. This ended at such a pivotal point!

Mari also punched Brie in the face. Her parents completely over reacted to her punching Brie but still...that was also so uncalled for. Brie obviously acts nasty to Mari because she can tell Trystan sees something special in her and spends a lot of time with her. After the kiss she shared with Trystan the author clearly let us know that Brie feels something real for Trystan and wants him back. I am not defending how nasty Brie is but I bet deep down Brie is just a scared and insecure girl. She should not lash out at Mari but I think it is terrible that Mari punched her in the face. No matter what someone says to you, you should never resort to violence. Brie has said mean things but she in no way physically threatened Mari. I wish the author hadn’t added that because it made me really dislike Mari. I wish authors realised that a lot of readers don’t care of these one-dimensional “evil” characters that have no redeeming quality. It’s completely unrealistic. I get it if you want to have a “bad guy” so there is more drama, but I think Mari could have acted differently.
I also wasn’t impressed at how Trystan had this huge cut on his face that his teacher indicated was more than just a cut or an accident and Mari didn’t even ask him about it. That was so disappointing. She cried in his arms because she was sad with how her parents treated her the night before but she didn’t ask him how he was doing and if he was okay. Not even a "does that hurt?" Mari comes across and very selfish. She is entirely involved in her own problems to even notice that Trystan has serious issues.

The book also went from 3rd person POV to suddenly 1st person in Chapter 10. It was really weird. And then it went back to 3rd person.

|Featherbrained Books Blog | Twitter |

[MOVED - CHECK BIO · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wicked cool(No pun intended).

Mari and Trystan are back in this romance by H.M. Ward. We've returned to New York to see the third installment of The Secret of Trystan Scott series. The main conflict is basically that Mari and Trystan are having some trouble at home.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was happy! Whoo hoo! Happy book, happy book! I'm usually not into romance stories or anything, but I seem to be hooked on H.M. Ward's series. :) I enjoy Mari big time and I was happy to read from her point of view!

Trystan is a cool guy that is awesome. I love his sense of humor so so so so much! But I wish he had a different best friend, because Seth the Sexbot is seriously a jerk...And annoying.

I was so NOT prepared for the ending. I have to wait for the next book! At least I don't have to wait a year like I have to do for House of Hades by Rick Riordan or Dark Passage by Ridley Pearson(NOTE: If you think this book will be anything like Kingdom Keepers or Heroes of Olympus, you are WRONG. BIG TIME WRONG). It was a cliffhanger that's going to keep me thinking about what's gonna happen next until I get my hands on the next book.

Overall......I have to say this book gets.............5 STARS! TA DA! As always, H.M. Ward freaking rocks!

I recommend to ages 13-Adults, romance lovers, just about ALL teenagers, and H.M. Ward's fans! :D

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mari & Trystan finally have been given enough privacy to admit their feelings to one another. But with her strict parents and his abusive father there are still so many things that remain hidden - including their relationship. But sometimes secrets have a way of coming out, even ones you don't want anyone to ever find out about.

Pace is picking up a bit now that things have progressed further into the story. And although this a YA read that is pretty PG the story is still very cute and touching. Write me a book about a broken boy and I will read it.

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished the series in a couple of days and on pins and needles till the next one comes out! This was one of the very few times where I dropped everything and read. That hasn't happened to me in a series since The Hunger Games. I like that they are short books you can just sit and read and be engaged through it and you're begging for the next one! Awesome!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

SERIOUSLY??? W.T.F.??!

Can anyone tell me who many friggin' books are going to be in this series? I mistakenly though this third one was the end and OH NO! - this one had even a bigger cliffhanger than the previous two! Killing me here!!!

[야일 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the ending... Love the cover, as always.

[Jessica ♡~ Book&Coffee Lover ~♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume after volume I like this series more and more :) It's a quick fun emotional series! Result = I can not wait for Vol.4

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing... of course!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better<3(: Can't wait for the next book!

[Jun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great read. Well written and tastefully paced. Would have given it 5 stars have it not been frustratingly short. Dagnabit H.M. Ward! Why are you dong this? I want more of Trystan and Mari!

[SL · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars not because of the story but because of all the grammatical errors and the weird way the author uses the 3rd person but should be using the 1st. It’s been part of the other books, but it’s really starting to annoy me. The story continues to be engrossing though.

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense!

Both Mari and Trystan have the parents from hell. Tristan’s father is physically abusive and Mari’s is verbally abusive. Both teens are traumatized more than they know. They do have each other but is that enough?

[Thuy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't believe I wasted money on this series. The writing is awful, stale, lacking any type of emotions.

[Adric Rangel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tercer libro de la serie "The Secret Life Of Trystan Scott", y aunque me temía lo que pudiese ocurrir, me sorprendió el final de este libro. Queda uno en suspenso.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been the best and most exciting so far and that final movie uff.

[Desi · Rating 3 out of 5]

entretenido

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mature content warning

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lo admito quedé enganchada con ese final

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mari & Trystan finally are honest about their feeling for each. They also find out that they have more in common than they thought.

[Natalia Paez · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating for this book is 3.5 stars.

La revelación de uno de los secretos de Trystan dio paso a su mas grande anhelo: El amor de Mari.
Por fin, es libre de demostrar y tener en sus brazos a su chica de ensueño, pero ella quiere mantener todo en secreto... por ahora.
A pesar de tener un momento de felicidad, todo se ve opacado por el padre de Trystan que decide llevar su odio a un nivel brutal, sin medir las consecuencias, ni mucho menos la repercusiones. Es cruel, despiadado y mucho más violento de lo habitual, lo que lleva a Trystan a tratar de refugiarse en los brazos de Mari.
Pero como todo para este chico... al final sera un desastre

[Teiamarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDIBLE!! AMAZING!!

I'm completely breathless and don't know how I can possibly wait for the next installment in the Trystan Scott series to come out!! It's not often that a book leaves me without words but I'll try really hard to do this book justice because, Oh My God, this story absolutely deserves the most glowing review that I can give!

As is the case with the other two books preceding Riptide in this series, this cover too is gorgeous! If you've read my previous reviews on the first two books you'll know that I love it and I especially love Mari and Trystan. Mari is still the beautiful and intelligent wallflower and up until the end of the last book her feelings for Trystan were still a secret. Trystan is still the sexy, popular bad boy with a bad reputation and big secrets.

** SPOILER ALERT**

We start this story where the last one left off... with a kiss. Finally Mari and Trystan have revealed their feelings for each other!! But this doesn't mean the story's over by any means. They both are still hiding their own terrible secrets that they can't seem to share, even with each other.

This series is about so much more than two seemingly opposite people finding each other. Trystan and Mari know each other. They're best friends but they still don't know each other's darkest secret. Mari is the only child of a wealthy family, the daughter of two lawyers who don't show her an ounce of affection. Her parents have high expectations and no matter how well Mari seems to do in school it's just not good enough. She lives in a cold home without love and comfort, only sharp, cruel words. If you don't think that's abuse, you're wrong. My heart goes out to Mari and I want her to escape that life. I absolutely detest her parents and couldn't imagine living in a place like that.

Trystan, on the other hand, is poor but hides it well. His identity as Day Jones remains a secret to all but Mari. His situation escalates from bad to worse in this installment of his story. For a while, things are wonderful. He loves Mari, she loves him and the emotion and the depth of their feelings only continue to grow. You just know something bad is going to happen. The violence and verbal abuse at home only gets worse until Trystan's dad comes home from work one day having lost his job. Then everything is just catastrophic. His dad has reached a new low with fury previously unheard of. Trystan is about to flee but is shocked to find Mari on his doorstep. The violence has finally escalated beyond anything we have seen up to this point and this is where we are left hanging. I swear my head was about to explode! All I care about is Trystan. Please let him be ok! I'm so afraid for him and he's not even real!! (Great job Holly!)

I can't begin to describe the gamut of emotions that I experienced while reading this. Ecstatic that they had finally revealed their true feelings towards each other. Apprehensive waiting for the shoe to drop. Smitten with both of them and the tangible love between them. Heartsick for the situations they have to endure at home. And fearful that the worst is yet to come.

I'm glad Holly is addressing the subject of abuse. With the romance it makes the story bittersweet but hopeful. I feel completely sympathetic towards both Trystan and Mari. My heart hurts for them but I have to hope that they'll find a way out of it together and that's what keeps me committed to this series. Hope. Trystan and Mari both are such beautifully developed characters that they feel real. They have incredible inner strength and despite their situations at home they don't let it affect who they are nor does it render them incapable of love. It's very easy to laugh, cry, and be in love with them. This is such a beautifully written story and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!

[Sharrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

See original posting Here!

I received a copy for an honest review.

When Trystan finally reveals the truth about his feelings for Mari and about the song he wrote he knows it's the moment he could lose he forever. When he hears the words he never thought he'd hear from Mari he thinks everything is going to be great. Kissing her is like nothing he's ever felt before, like nothing he ever wanted, and now he has her, and she loves him too.

Being with Trystan is everything and then some that Mari thought it would be. Now that they're together she wants to be with him "exclusively". When every touch makes her want him all the more she knows he's the one for her.

Keeping their relationship a secret is both hard and worth it. When Brie insists she can't perform in the play and Trsytan convinces the director to use Mari, life seems perfect. One night after practice Mari invites Trystan over to hang out, but he goes home first, and that's when all hell breaks loose.

Holy wow. That ending was too freaking much. Did not see that coming at all. Wow. Actually...my goodness, H.M. Ward really knows how to keep her readers hanging. Honestly perfect ending to a perfect story. Can't wait to read the next one. Oh and here's something you may want to know:

rip-tide: a strong current of swiftly moving water that flows away from the safety of the shore.
These books are short and easy to read. Love them!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

More twists & turns have lead us to a point of possible bliss. Then up pops Mari's dad, Mr Jennings really is a piece of work. Even though we end this the 3rd book with a horrible confrontation between Trystan & his drunken & now unemployed father, Mr Scott.

Mari has obviously had a horrendous time with her father after he saw Trystan walk her home. They didn't even do anything, you think he would be happy that she was home safe. Nope, so she turns up on Trystan's door step just as he is about to run out the front door to escape his fathers rage.

The issues being dealt with in this part of the story are very provocative. They raise so many questions with the parenting style used for Mari, let alone what Trystan has to go through. You think her life is perfect, but mental abuse is just as bad & the lack of love & support, no wonder there are so many teens with issues in the world.

We get our love match between Trystan & Mari, but we also get so much more with their home lives. It will be a real battle for them to stay together, there will be opposition there, but hopefully they can overcome what we don't know is in store for them.

Intriguing as usual, I am about to start part 4 & now know there is a part 5, grrrr hope it comes out soon. I'm loving this story & don't want to stop the momentum.

Brilliant.

[Lenore Kosinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

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ORIGINAL REVIEW: 4.5 stars -- AHHHHHH!!!! SON OF A *****! Another cliffhanger. The books in this series are getting better and better. This one was fabulous. Not only did you get some happiness with Mari and Trystan, but so much happened in such a small book. And that ending. GAH! I need the next book, and I sincerely hope there aren't many more, b/c I need closure now now NOW! Anyways, yeah. I really liked that they both have abusive situations at home...I think so many people, including those in the situations, downplay mental/emotional abuse...and Mari is no different. It's kind of nice to see that being addressed. OK, I am somewhat disappointed that I read these now not knowing the series wasn't complete, but I will get over it....someday....I need to start finding *completed* series....

ON REREAD: 4 stars -- I wasn't quite as enamoured as last time apparently. I LOVED that we got to see Mari and Trystan come together, but I was disappointed in the Brie stuff...it felt kind of weird. But I'm still really enjoying watching the two of them navigate their relationship, and holy wow did things escalate at the end!

[Anita Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in the series was the best yet, the relationship between Trystan and Mari is beautiful. I love that they have confessed their love for each other. I like how Trystan is always thinking about her, trying to make sure he doesn't do anything that would cause her any trouble. He is always thinking of her first. I feel so terrible how Trystan is treated, what his father does in this book is awful and hateful. I always worry that he must be starving because he never eats. Then to go to her house and see how she lives has to be tough. I love the idea of Mari stepping in and saving the day at school. I wasn't really that surprised by what Trystan told Mari about his experience level in the bedroom, I think it is perfect and just shows once again who he really is. The ending is wow, I never would have thought Mari would come to his house and then to get there at that precise time. I am a little worried of starting the next book because of what I might read but here goes, on the the next book. This series is great.

[Christon · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This book was a Riptide indeed! I thoroughly enjoyed part 3. I'm so anxious to get to part 4 that taking the time to do this review is killing me! Just when things were going so well for Trystan and Mari, it seems like a storm is coming. I'm excited and nervous at the same time, wondering what will happen next. I notice when I read other reviews, sometimes people complain about series ending with cliffhangers and having to wait until the next part is released. I think it's stupid to complain. You either read the series or you don't. For me, I enjoy reading series and I especially like the cliffhangers. It gives me something to look forward to and it allows my mind to wonder and imagine what will happen next. It's exciting. And when the author is a writer like H.M. Ward, you know the story is going to be great no matter how many parts to the series. So if her name is on the cover, I'm all in. Be it 3 books or 30, because I know the story will leave me breathless. I haven't read one by her yet that hasn't!