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Silver Strand #4.5
Riptides
Enzo Rodriguez doesn't take much seriously--unless it involves waves, boards, or good beer.
When too-hot-to-handle Jessica Mills strolls into his life, Enzo is willing to forego all of those things for every second he can spend with her.
But Jessica has a huge secret--and when it’s revealed, it not only crushes Enzo, but has the last person he wants to ask a favor of--his brother-in-law Adam--bailing him out of jail.
Enzo is convinced that the only way to mend his bruised ego and heart, is to pack his bags and leave the turbulent waters of Silver Strand...for good.
When too-hot-to-handle Jessica Mills strolls into his life, Enzo is willing to forego all of those things for every second he can spend with her.
But Jessica has a huge secret--and when it’s revealed, it not only crushes Enzo, but has the last person he wants to ask a favor of--his brother-in-law Adam--bailing him out of jail.
Enzo is convinced that the only way to mend his bruised ego and heart, is to pack his bags and leave the turbulent waters of Silver Strand...for good.
145 pages
First published September 15, 2013
12 people are currently reading
1004 people want to read
About the author
Steph Campbell
34 books1,139 followersMom.
Wife.
YA Author.
So Cal Native.
Bayou Transplant.
Reluctant Texan.
I hate shows with laugh tracks.
Wife.
YA Author.
So Cal Native.
Bayou Transplant.
Reluctant Texan.
I hate shows with laugh tracks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 3, 2013
Unfortunately this book was not for me, the story was just MEH and I couldn't believe the ending was just THAT. Some quotes are laugh worth it but I want to be respectful and I don't want to laugh about an author's work.
This might be a case of it's-me-not-you book but I think this is the first time I'm giving one star to a book.
I didn't DNF it because it was just a novella and I swear I thought it would get better. It didn't.
I am sad to give just one star but this is the best I can come up with I am afraid.
*ARC received from author for an honest review*
Guest Reviewer @Reality Bites! Let's Get Lost!
For additional reviews please visit http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
October 13, 2013
I had no idea if I had been accepted onto the tour for Riptides or not, so when I received the email with my tour date and my review copy of the book I may have gotten a bit over excited....like happy dance sitting on the couch excited. I love how easy it is to fall into this series, every time I pick up a book it's like returning to old friends rather than starting all over again. Every time I read a book in this series I fall in love with the male lead, deeming that person the best book boyfriend, until I read the next book and change my mind again.
Riptides is a novella in the Lengths series, and is a fantastic filler while I impatiently wait for the next book. Although Riptides is Enzo's story, we also get to see the rest of the gang, even Hattie and Ryan.
Jessica is Enzo's love interest, and throughout the book she is hiding something from Enzo. He has his life mapped out for himself and Jess, yet she is unwilling to allow him into hers, and when her secret is revealed I was shocked, but also hurt and upset for Enzo. I'm not a violent person (if we don't include sibling fights) but I seriously wanted to slap that b%#@h for what she did with Enzo. Things may not have been perfect for her and may have been complicated, but she had no right to stomp over Enzo's heart like she did.
One thing that is consistent with these books is the bromanship between the characters, and I love how it still carries over into Riptides, and while there are still a few kinks to work out between Ryan and Deo, they are genuinely a great bunch. Riptides had me laughing at a lot of things, especially when the girls flipped on the boys for the push up competition, and also for the pranks they played on each other. The characters make it easy to fall in love with them all and having them feel like friends rather than characters makes me that much more emotionally attached to them all.
However I do have an issue with Riptides, it ended far too soon. I was happily reading the book, keeping any eye on how much I had left to read. When I suddenly found myself at the end of the book with more pages left to go. Yes these pages are for a spin off series for Lengths which I will definitely read, but I was gutted that the book ended far too soon. I thought there would be more left to read.
Regardless of the too soon ending, Liz and Steph have once again worked their magic to make this novella just as engrossing as the rest of the books in this series. I am looking forward to reading more about Enzo's adventures, but also more from the Lengths series itself. Each book just gets better and better and this is a series I really don't want to end.
Riptides is a novella in the Lengths series, and is a fantastic filler while I impatiently wait for the next book. Although Riptides is Enzo's story, we also get to see the rest of the gang, even Hattie and Ryan.
Jessica is Enzo's love interest, and throughout the book she is hiding something from Enzo. He has his life mapped out for himself and Jess, yet she is unwilling to allow him into hers, and when her secret is revealed I was shocked, but also hurt and upset for Enzo. I'm not a violent person (if we don't include sibling fights) but I seriously wanted to slap that b%#@h for what she did with Enzo. Things may not have been perfect for her and may have been complicated, but she had no right to stomp over Enzo's heart like she did.
One thing that is consistent with these books is the bromanship between the characters, and I love how it still carries over into Riptides, and while there are still a few kinks to work out between Ryan and Deo, they are genuinely a great bunch. Riptides had me laughing at a lot of things, especially when the girls flipped on the boys for the push up competition, and also for the pranks they played on each other. The characters make it easy to fall in love with them all and having them feel like friends rather than characters makes me that much more emotionally attached to them all.
However I do have an issue with Riptides, it ended far too soon. I was happily reading the book, keeping any eye on how much I had left to read. When I suddenly found myself at the end of the book with more pages left to go. Yes these pages are for a spin off series for Lengths which I will definitely read, but I was gutted that the book ended far too soon. I thought there would be more left to read.
I was tricked!!!!!! I thought I had another chapter to read....and it's ended. Nooooooooooo!!!!! @stephcampbell_ @lizreinhardt #Riptides
— Michelle (@MuchLovedBooks) September 21, 2013
Regardless of the too soon ending, Liz and Steph have once again worked their magic to make this novella just as engrossing as the rest of the books in this series. I am looking forward to reading more about Enzo's adventures, but also more from the Lengths series itself. Each book just gets better and better and this is a series I really don't want to end.
October 18, 2013
The lovable,funny , slacker baby brother of the Rodriguez family finally gets his chance at love but of course nothing is as it seems! I want to pause and say Enzo is perfect!! I adored him and his lovable ways!! So I knew that when he fell he would fall hard and try to be the best guy for that girl. Fortunately for us his story is far from over and so now we patiently wait for the rest of Enzo's story!
October 10, 2013
The tides are shifting, and I'm coming out a better man on the other side.
Riptides is largely Enzo Rodriguez's story but also brings all of our friends and family from this series back together again. Enzo has always been the wild card. He lacks direction, is spontaneous, and does not really have a set life plan. He is the easy going, fun guy in the crowd. But he is seeing his brother, sister, and friends all pairing off and settling down.
One meeting with an outspoken, intelligent, politically minded woman knocks him on his ass. Jessica and Enzo have an immediate connection, the ability to really talk and relate, and great sexual chemistry. Enzo is suddenly re-evaluating his life.
And suddenly the rush from that incredible wave is pulled under by a riptide of jealousy over the fact that these two assholes have something I want so damn badly. Something I can't yet call mine, because I have yet to crack the code to Jess's heart.
Jessica owns a bakery and has her own life. And she also has secrets and issues that keep affecting her ability to open up and progress with Enzo. I really liked her in the beginning as she and Enzo had such a great rapport and seemed so good together. But as it went on and it was obvious she was holding something back, I got a bit frustrated. There was mystery involved in what exactly she was not saying.
I hope it's from pent up emotion, but something about this feels sad. I can't put my finger on why, but the shape of her, the press of her body against mine has this desperate feel, like she's caught in a riptide and trying to decide if she should cling to me and go where I go or swim like mad back to the shore.
Enzo was so sweet, attentive, and caring. He knew what he wanted without hesitation. Seeing him mature, his improved confidence and understanding of his needs, and his devotion to his family was something that really touched my heart. This is really a story of a man in transition. He is figuring out what he wants out of life, trying to progress and change, and open up to new experiences.
But once all of her secrets are revealed will Enzo be able to cope or will he find himself wanting something he cannot have?
This book brings back all of our friends and family from the previous stories. It focuses a lot on his brother Cohen and Maren's wedding. We see more in the continuing stories of Hattie and Ryan, Deo and Whit, Gen and Adam. I loved seeing how the newer members of this group Ryan, Hattie, and Adam continue to bond with this family. The whole Rodriguez-Beckett clan is at the heart of this story and this series. They tease, torture, fight and fuss, but are fiercely loyal and love each other without question. This novella like the rest of the series has humor, sweet romance, steaminess, heartbreak, and pain. I will say that this novella surprised me. And I am still not sure if I am upset or happy about it. There is definitely more story to tell and I am looking forward not only to Lydia's upcoming book Drift, but also a spin-off series that will begin with a book titled Almost Lover and will feature a familiar character.
Thanks to Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review. Quotes are based on arc and are subject to change in final draft. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim.
Riptides is largely Enzo Rodriguez's story but also brings all of our friends and family from this series back together again. Enzo has always been the wild card. He lacks direction, is spontaneous, and does not really have a set life plan. He is the easy going, fun guy in the crowd. But he is seeing his brother, sister, and friends all pairing off and settling down.
One meeting with an outspoken, intelligent, politically minded woman knocks him on his ass. Jessica and Enzo have an immediate connection, the ability to really talk and relate, and great sexual chemistry. Enzo is suddenly re-evaluating his life.
And suddenly the rush from that incredible wave is pulled under by a riptide of jealousy over the fact that these two assholes have something I want so damn badly. Something I can't yet call mine, because I have yet to crack the code to Jess's heart.
Jessica owns a bakery and has her own life. And she also has secrets and issues that keep affecting her ability to open up and progress with Enzo. I really liked her in the beginning as she and Enzo had such a great rapport and seemed so good together. But as it went on and it was obvious she was holding something back, I got a bit frustrated. There was mystery involved in what exactly she was not saying.
I hope it's from pent up emotion, but something about this feels sad. I can't put my finger on why, but the shape of her, the press of her body against mine has this desperate feel, like she's caught in a riptide and trying to decide if she should cling to me and go where I go or swim like mad back to the shore.
Enzo was so sweet, attentive, and caring. He knew what he wanted without hesitation. Seeing him mature, his improved confidence and understanding of his needs, and his devotion to his family was something that really touched my heart. This is really a story of a man in transition. He is figuring out what he wants out of life, trying to progress and change, and open up to new experiences.
But once all of her secrets are revealed will Enzo be able to cope or will he find himself wanting something he cannot have?
This book brings back all of our friends and family from the previous stories. It focuses a lot on his brother Cohen and Maren's wedding. We see more in the continuing stories of Hattie and Ryan, Deo and Whit, Gen and Adam. I loved seeing how the newer members of this group Ryan, Hattie, and Adam continue to bond with this family. The whole Rodriguez-Beckett clan is at the heart of this story and this series. They tease, torture, fight and fuss, but are fiercely loyal and love each other without question. This novella like the rest of the series has humor, sweet romance, steaminess, heartbreak, and pain. I will say that this novella surprised me. And I am still not sure if I am upset or happy about it. There is definitely more story to tell and I am looking forward not only to Lydia's upcoming book Drift, but also a spin-off series that will begin with a book titled Almost Lover and will feature a familiar character.
Thanks to Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review. Quotes are based on arc and are subject to change in final draft. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim.
October 21, 2013
4.5 stars
Riptides was a great addition to the series. I've always been curious about Enzo. Not only do I feel like I know him better, but now I'm anxious for the spin-off series so I can see what happens with him!
Enzo always been the wild one of the bunch. He lives to surf and claims to have a 'plan'. But, now things are changing. His siblings and friends are getting married and he's craving something more of his own. So, when he meets Jessica, he thinks she may be the one. He's never felt like this for anyone before. The problem is that Jess is holding him at arms length and he can't figure out why.
So, here are my thoughts on the situation. Enzo just might be a favorite for me. I just like him. He has a great sense of humor, he's a good dancer, and he's just plain sweet. I think Enzo craves someone to love. He's at that time in his life where he needs to find his place. Get settled a bit. I mean, he's still young, but it's time for something more. I think with Jessica, he did care for her. However, I also felt like he wanted there to be more. Not to say he was forcing something, but he was definitely looking for more than Jessica could give him. Of course, she has her own secrets, which pretty much destroy anything they had anyway. And honestly, I was glad. While I enjoyed the steamy moments between them and getting to know more about Enzo in the process, I never felt she was the right fit for him.
Overall, I really liked this novella. Enzo is really a special guy and I'm glad that he will get another book. I loved the sneak peek at the end of the book. I think I'm going to like Jordan, who appears to be the female MC. I loved seeing the rest of the crew in this one too. Cohen and Maren's wedding was perfect and the guys, as usual, made me laugh. This is a great series and I highly recommend it if you haven't started it yet.
Quotes:
~Crazy is having this gorgeous, perfect woman doing unspeakably hot things to me in the back of her bakery.
Crazy is not knowing if we might get caught, and not giving a single damn.
Crazy is never wanting this to end. Never wanting to be done with her.-Loc 342
~There's something incredibly humbling about the ocean. Something that can make you feel both unbound and insignificant at the same time. The power of something so much bigger than me is an incredible rush.-Loc 1239
~I'm not going to fight the current of the riptide. I'm not going to let it drag me under. I'm just going to relax, tread a little water and let it float me somewhere new. Somewhere that's mine, and not full of frustration of Cohen being more together, Lydia and Cece being smarter, or Genevieve having life fall into place so perfectly.
Somewhere that my happiness isn't based on a lie.
Nope. The tides are shifting, and I'm coming out a better man on the other side.-Loc 2272
Riptides was a great addition to the series. I've always been curious about Enzo. Not only do I feel like I know him better, but now I'm anxious for the spin-off series so I can see what happens with him!
Enzo always been the wild one of the bunch. He lives to surf and claims to have a 'plan'. But, now things are changing. His siblings and friends are getting married and he's craving something more of his own. So, when he meets Jessica, he thinks she may be the one. He's never felt like this for anyone before. The problem is that Jess is holding him at arms length and he can't figure out why.
So, here are my thoughts on the situation. Enzo just might be a favorite for me. I just like him. He has a great sense of humor, he's a good dancer, and he's just plain sweet. I think Enzo craves someone to love. He's at that time in his life where he needs to find his place. Get settled a bit. I mean, he's still young, but it's time for something more. I think with Jessica, he did care for her. However, I also felt like he wanted there to be more. Not to say he was forcing something, but he was definitely looking for more than Jessica could give him. Of course, she has her own secrets, which pretty much destroy anything they had anyway. And honestly, I was glad. While I enjoyed the steamy moments between them and getting to know more about Enzo in the process, I never felt she was the right fit for him.
Overall, I really liked this novella. Enzo is really a special guy and I'm glad that he will get another book. I loved the sneak peek at the end of the book. I think I'm going to like Jordan, who appears to be the female MC. I loved seeing the rest of the crew in this one too. Cohen and Maren's wedding was perfect and the guys, as usual, made me laugh. This is a great series and I highly recommend it if you haven't started it yet.
Quotes:
~Crazy is having this gorgeous, perfect woman doing unspeakably hot things to me in the back of her bakery.
Crazy is not knowing if we might get caught, and not giving a single damn.
Crazy is never wanting this to end. Never wanting to be done with her.-Loc 342
~There's something incredibly humbling about the ocean. Something that can make you feel both unbound and insignificant at the same time. The power of something so much bigger than me is an incredible rush.-Loc 1239
~I'm not going to fight the current of the riptide. I'm not going to let it drag me under. I'm just going to relax, tread a little water and let it float me somewhere new. Somewhere that's mine, and not full of frustration of Cohen being more together, Lydia and Cece being smarter, or Genevieve having life fall into place so perfectly.
Somewhere that my happiness isn't based on a lie.
Nope. The tides are shifting, and I'm coming out a better man on the other side.-Loc 2272
October 19, 2013
I loved this book. I hated this book (Not really, just have been there, you know?). I nearly threw my Kindle. Wow, the emotions this story engendered. I love the entire Lengths series, but I think this is the best of the bunch so far. Steph and Liz are amazing, and the keep getting better,. There is a teaser in the back and I cannot wait for it!
October 1, 2013
FANtastic.
I love Enzo in a totally creepy stalker way ;-)
I keep thinking - THIS is my favorite in this series, and again I say - THIS is my favorite in this series.
BRILLIANTLY done and I'm DYING to read the next in the series ;-D
I love Enzo in a totally creepy stalker way ;-)
I keep thinking - THIS is my favorite in this series, and again I say - THIS is my favorite in this series.
BRILLIANTLY done and I'm DYING to read the next in the series ;-D
October 17, 2013
omg..enzo!! and that damn bitch jessica. I understand why he left and from the sneak peek at the spin off book with him and jordan, I can't wait!!!!!!
I love this series and all the characters. so.glad to see them all again. looking forward to the next book..a younger man? nice! lol
I love this series and all the characters. so.glad to see them all again. looking forward to the next book..a younger man? nice! lol
January 14, 2014
Read this and other reviews at Madison Says.
Another wonderful addition to the Lengths series by Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt, Riptides is Enzo’s story, and while it’s a novella, it definitely doesn’t read like it. Not only did I catch up with lots of my favorite characters, I learned more about Enzo, and I will say, there were quite a few twists in there. What I thought would happen, didn’t, and I loved being presently surprised. Now, though, I’m ready for his full-length story. I’m greedy.
Going to keep my review short because I don’t want anything to be given away. In the beginning, I’ll admit I was a bit lost with Enzo and Jess’s relationship. I didn’t feel the connection that he so strongly talked about. I felt more like I was being told, rather than just experiencing. It didn’t take long, though, and whether I got them or not didn’t matter because I fell for Enzo. I wanted him to get the love he so desperately wanted. And I honestly thought it would be with Jess, regardless of the connection I felt/read. I will say, like all the other books, Steph and Liz write some fantastic steam. Between sweet moments, there are plenty of hot moments! :)
Jess, girl, I totally liked you. I knew you had some secrets, but I liked you. Then. Then I stopped. You are not so nice.
Like the other books in the series, we get to catch up with all the other characters, and I’d say this was most certainly the case with this book. Even more so than others, honestly. This family is one you’d want to be a part of, and you get how they all look out for one another. You feel like you belong. I find myself cheering for the characters as much as they do for one another.
When the story took its “turn,” I thought it was going to then turn back another direction. And then it didn’t. And I was all like, “whoa! really?” and then about ten seconds later, I was like, “well, bravo! and thanks for that teaser chapter for the new series!” There’s what could be considered the “easy way out” for this story, and what would’ve been expected, and then there was how Steph and Liz did it. And it worked. So well. I hated it. But I loved it. I’m sad for Enzo, but I’m also happy for him. And I can’t wait to read what’s next for him.
As you can tell, this was another great read from Steph and Liz, and one I certainly recommend. Just like always, I’m one step ahead, already jonesing for the next book in the series, Drift, which will be Lydia’s story. She’s an enigma–can’t wait to figure her out. Or attempt it. :) If you’ve not read this series, you’re missing out.
Another wonderful addition to the Lengths series by Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt, Riptides is Enzo’s story, and while it’s a novella, it definitely doesn’t read like it. Not only did I catch up with lots of my favorite characters, I learned more about Enzo, and I will say, there were quite a few twists in there. What I thought would happen, didn’t, and I loved being presently surprised. Now, though, I’m ready for his full-length story. I’m greedy.
Going to keep my review short because I don’t want anything to be given away. In the beginning, I’ll admit I was a bit lost with Enzo and Jess’s relationship. I didn’t feel the connection that he so strongly talked about. I felt more like I was being told, rather than just experiencing. It didn’t take long, though, and whether I got them or not didn’t matter because I fell for Enzo. I wanted him to get the love he so desperately wanted. And I honestly thought it would be with Jess, regardless of the connection I felt/read. I will say, like all the other books, Steph and Liz write some fantastic steam. Between sweet moments, there are plenty of hot moments! :)
Jess, girl, I totally liked you. I knew you had some secrets, but I liked you. Then. Then I stopped. You are not so nice.
Like the other books in the series, we get to catch up with all the other characters, and I’d say this was most certainly the case with this book. Even more so than others, honestly. This family is one you’d want to be a part of, and you get how they all look out for one another. You feel like you belong. I find myself cheering for the characters as much as they do for one another.
When the story took its “turn,” I thought it was going to then turn back another direction. And then it didn’t. And I was all like, “whoa! really?” and then about ten seconds later, I was like, “well, bravo! and thanks for that teaser chapter for the new series!” There’s what could be considered the “easy way out” for this story, and what would’ve been expected, and then there was how Steph and Liz did it. And it worked. So well. I hated it. But I loved it. I’m sad for Enzo, but I’m also happy for him. And I can’t wait to read what’s next for him.
As you can tell, this was another great read from Steph and Liz, and one I certainly recommend. Just like always, I’m one step ahead, already jonesing for the next book in the series, Drift, which will be Lydia’s story. She’s an enigma–can’t wait to figure her out. Or attempt it. :) If you’ve not read this series, you’re missing out.
August 6, 2013
Novellas are fun little reads that sometimes sneak in between novels in a series. At least that’s what I thought. I thought, I’d read Riptides to enjoy a light, fun little filler story that would keep me occupied until the next book comes out. But you want to know what actually happened? What happened is I fell in love with Enzo and got my heart ripped out. I went in thinking I’d enjoy a little Beckett/Rodriguez reunion and go on my merry way. I didn’t think I’d have a lump in my throat and an ache in my chest. And I certainly didn’t expect . . . that.
That . . . was terrible. And not a, “Oh they were out of my favorite cookies at Trader Joe’s” kind of terrible. No, it was a, “I can’t live here anymore I’m moving away from my friends and family” kind of terrible. Which is exactly what Enzo does. And before you get mad that’s not a spoiler, it’s in the synopsis.
So why would you want to read a novella that’s not a fun filler read and involves something terrible? Because it’s also this beautiful story full of beginnings like: Maren & Cohen getting married, Ryan & Hattie working on their new relationship, Gen & Adam growing together as newlyweds, and Whit & Deo whose love was the catalyst for the whole series. The novella focuses on Enzo, but we also get to see each of these couples take an important step towards a new stage in their lives.
So yes, Riptides was emotional and not at all what I expected. But I’m all right with that. Because besides getting to catch up with all my favorite characters from the Lengths series I also got to know Enzo more. Which only makes me that much more excited to find out how his new life will begin in Enzo’s book, Almost Lover.
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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That . . . was terrible. And not a, “Oh they were out of my favorite cookies at Trader Joe’s” kind of terrible. No, it was a, “I can’t live here anymore I’m moving away from my friends and family” kind of terrible. Which is exactly what Enzo does. And before you get mad that’s not a spoiler, it’s in the synopsis.
So why would you want to read a novella that’s not a fun filler read and involves something terrible? Because it’s also this beautiful story full of beginnings like: Maren & Cohen getting married, Ryan & Hattie working on their new relationship, Gen & Adam growing together as newlyweds, and Whit & Deo whose love was the catalyst for the whole series. The novella focuses on Enzo, but we also get to see each of these couples take an important step towards a new stage in their lives.
So yes, Riptides was emotional and not at all what I expected. But I’m all right with that. Because besides getting to catch up with all my favorite characters from the Lengths series I also got to know Enzo more. Which only makes me that much more excited to find out how his new life will begin in Enzo’s book, Almost Lover.
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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November 2, 2013
Let me first off say that I LOVE Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt. I have read the others in the Length’s series and have adored each and every of them.
This novella takes place during the wedding preparations for Cohen and Maren whom we met in Depths (book #2). Enzo Rodriguez, Cohen’s brother is our hero in this story. He is just down right lovable and adorable, a hot surfer and totally swoon worthy. He has dated a lot of women including strippers but never someone like Jessica Millis.
“Not only did she have three times the IQ of anyone else in the room, she was cool and collected”.
Jessica was an awesome character. She owned a cake shop and seemed to have life all together. But deep down she was hiding a secret. One she desperately tried to tell Enzo but he wouldn’t hear of it until it was thrown in his face and his heart was on the line.
Enzo is such a great guy. I love his personality, his family is awesome and he fell hard for Jessica. I prefer male points of view so this story was great for me. I loved being inside his head.
“I realized just how much I’d underestimated kissing before. Because holy fucking kissing. It was her mouth pressing, her tongue demanding, her body pressed close to mine in a way that made me want to pull tighter, hold on longer.“
SWOON!
Or this one:
“I like to think I know how to read you. Know how to turn you on. I get you, Jess. And you get me. I’ve never had that connection before, and I don’t give a shit if it makes me sound like a sap to admit it. I’m admitting it, and I’m holding on.”
We were able to experience Cohen and Maren’s gorgeous wedding and our other favorite Length’s series couples still in love with each other. But Enzo and Jessica’s love did fare as well as the rest of the clan.
Riptide’s sets us up for more Enzo in Almost Lover, the first book in the Length’s spin-off series.
I can’t wait for more Enzo and more Rodriguez family fun.
4.5 stars!
This novella takes place during the wedding preparations for Cohen and Maren whom we met in Depths (book #2). Enzo Rodriguez, Cohen’s brother is our hero in this story. He is just down right lovable and adorable, a hot surfer and totally swoon worthy. He has dated a lot of women including strippers but never someone like Jessica Millis.
“Not only did she have three times the IQ of anyone else in the room, she was cool and collected”.
Jessica was an awesome character. She owned a cake shop and seemed to have life all together. But deep down she was hiding a secret. One she desperately tried to tell Enzo but he wouldn’t hear of it until it was thrown in his face and his heart was on the line.
Enzo is such a great guy. I love his personality, his family is awesome and he fell hard for Jessica. I prefer male points of view so this story was great for me. I loved being inside his head.
“I realized just how much I’d underestimated kissing before. Because holy fucking kissing. It was her mouth pressing, her tongue demanding, her body pressed close to mine in a way that made me want to pull tighter, hold on longer.“
SWOON!
Or this one:
“I like to think I know how to read you. Know how to turn you on. I get you, Jess. And you get me. I’ve never had that connection before, and I don’t give a shit if it makes me sound like a sap to admit it. I’m admitting it, and I’m holding on.”
We were able to experience Cohen and Maren’s gorgeous wedding and our other favorite Length’s series couples still in love with each other. But Enzo and Jessica’s love did fare as well as the rest of the clan.
Riptide’s sets us up for more Enzo in Almost Lover, the first book in the Length’s spin-off series.
I can’t wait for more Enzo and more Rodriguez family fun.
4.5 stars!
October 16, 2013
I started Riptides after reading Lengths. Riptides is a stand alone companion novel in the Lengths series. If you read the first one and then read this one, you are going to want to read more. It definitely can be read as a stand alone, but after reading the first one and then jumping a few books to this one, there are characters I didn’t know yet that I want to know. Speaking of those characters, all of the characters in Steph and Liz’s series are so colorful, so full of life, and they completely add to the story. Each and every person that is in this book, to me, is an integral part of making this book what it is.
On to Enzo and Jess. Seriously. Why didn’t anyone pursue me like Enzo pursued Jess? I kind of want to sing what a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man. He’s definitely not perfect, and we get the feel that he was a ladies’ man before he met Jess, but wow, what a man now. I don’t know about you all, but deep down a lot of us women want that man that makes us feel like we are protected. It’s one thing I love about holding my husband’s hand. His hand is so much bigger than mine, it makes me feel safe. Enzo wants to protect Jess like that. It was a beautiful thing.
I don’t even know what to say without giving away the twist man. There is a cliff hanger to this one that wasn’t in the first book I read by them. I’m not sure how I feel about that. The twist had my mouth dropped to the ground and when it was over I was sitting here in shock saying …. I can’t tell you what I said can I? Ugh. Keeping this spoiler free is difficult.
I loved Jess and Enzo together. I love the story. I’m not sure exactly what I think about the cliff hanger. I guess I do know, I just don’t want to give you guys anything that will spoil it for you. I do want the next book like yesterday, so that must mean I loved the entire book period.
On to Enzo and Jess. Seriously. Why didn’t anyone pursue me like Enzo pursued Jess? I kind of want to sing what a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man. He’s definitely not perfect, and we get the feel that he was a ladies’ man before he met Jess, but wow, what a man now. I don’t know about you all, but deep down a lot of us women want that man that makes us feel like we are protected. It’s one thing I love about holding my husband’s hand. His hand is so much bigger than mine, it makes me feel safe. Enzo wants to protect Jess like that. It was a beautiful thing.
I don’t even know what to say without giving away the twist man. There is a cliff hanger to this one that wasn’t in the first book I read by them. I’m not sure how I feel about that. The twist had my mouth dropped to the ground and when it was over I was sitting here in shock saying …. I can’t tell you what I said can I? Ugh. Keeping this spoiler free is difficult.
I loved Jess and Enzo together. I love the story. I’m not sure exactly what I think about the cliff hanger. I guess I do know, I just don’t want to give you guys anything that will spoil it for you. I do want the next book like yesterday, so that must mean I loved the entire book period.
October 18, 2013
My $0.02
To be honest, for the longest time, the Lengths series wasn’t one that sat very high up on my favorites list, not that I’m saying it was or is bad, no, no, no, never! It’s just that it was another series that I easily breezed through so I didn’t give it much thought. But after the third and fourth book released, I realized how wrong I was. It slowly occurred to me that this series was so much more. Every time the next book in the series released, I noticed that I found myself very eager and excited to get on Amazon so I could one-click. And that’s a big deal, especially because there are so many books in the series; it means that this series has been able to keep me coming back, hungrier each time!
Riptides was a whirlwind of surprises! I went into Enzo’s story fully aware of its novella status so I’m not quite sure why, especially when I look back, why I was so shocked—there were actually a few signs that I noticed but didn’t pay much attention to until… the end had already hit me in the face. Riptides is told only from Enzo’s point of view (and that should have been slight warning bells) which left me hanging a bit because I wanted to be in Jessica’s head the other half of the time. All the books in the Lengths series are written with dual points of view so I was used to being aware of everything that occurred on both sides. Without Jessica’s perspective, I felt a little lost and a little blind and I almost couldn’t connect with her. Of course, after finishing the book, a lot of things that didn’t click, clicked.
Read my full review here.
October 20, 2013
Riptides is a novella about Enzo Rodriguez - the wildcard, easy going, spontaneous brother of Cohen (from Depths). Meeting the outspoken, intelligent woman Jessica Mills got Enzo reevaluating his life seeing as almost all his friends, brothers and sister are pairing off and settling down.
The story was enveloped in a very gloomy cloud. I don't know but I feel certain sadness with Enzo. Riptides makes us see a huge change with Enzo Rodriguez he became sweeter and attentive.
At the beginning, I was invested on Jess. She definitely have a great chemistry with Enzo however as the story goes I start to get frustrated with her - with the way she treated Enzo and secrets that are totally the bomb. I didn’t feel any warmness around her coz I feel she will bring something to Enzo - something hurtful.
I was surprised with the way the story was twisted. It was unpredictable and a total bomber. The ending was a bit ambiguous but the authors didn’t fail to tell us that there will definitely be a spin-off story for Enzo and I will sure look forward to it.
In all, Riptides was an okay read, if it wasn’t for the gloominess I felt about Enzo I will be totally happy with it. Just an added insight, I totally love the whole community created on this series by Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt. They are all so full of life which added a huge impact for the stories that are coming. This is one great summery read that keeps getting better and better. :)
*ARC kindly provided for review*
*Full Blog Tour deets posted at Reads and Thoughts.
The story was enveloped in a very gloomy cloud. I don't know but I feel certain sadness with Enzo. Riptides makes us see a huge change with Enzo Rodriguez he became sweeter and attentive.
At the beginning, I was invested on Jess. She definitely have a great chemistry with Enzo however as the story goes I start to get frustrated with her - with the way she treated Enzo and secrets that are totally the bomb. I didn’t feel any warmness around her coz I feel she will bring something to Enzo - something hurtful.
I was surprised with the way the story was twisted. It was unpredictable and a total bomber. The ending was a bit ambiguous but the authors didn’t fail to tell us that there will definitely be a spin-off story for Enzo and I will sure look forward to it.
In all, Riptides was an okay read, if it wasn’t for the gloominess I felt about Enzo I will be totally happy with it. Just an added insight, I totally love the whole community created on this series by Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt. They are all so full of life which added a huge impact for the stories that are coming. This is one great summery read that keeps getting better and better. :)
*ARC kindly provided for review*
*Full Blog Tour deets posted at Reads and Thoughts.
October 15, 2013
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
I absolutely love the Lengths series and though that Riptides was a great addition. There may be a slight possibility that Enzo is my favourite character out of all the books; I am not even ashamed to say it. This book was a quick read – for me!
I loved that the story was fast-paced and quickly detailed the moment that Enzo met Jess, continuing the progression of their relationship throughout the novel. I am a huge fan of the way that family is meshed into this series and it always makes me smile. The dynamics are what makes their family relationships entertaining.
Crazy is never wanting this to end. Never wanting to be done with her.
I had one major problem with this book though… the ending! You hope and pray as the pages keep going by that a resolution is going to be made and then abruptly it all comes to an end and you find out that you have to wait for a spin-off series to continue Enzo’s story. But is he a main character in this spin-off series? I just feel majorly protective of him! **Though I say this, please don’t let it deter you from reading the book because it is incredible!**
There’s love-blind. And then there’s being a fucking idiot. I definitely chose the idiot route.
I absolutely love the Lengths series and though that Riptides was a great addition. There may be a slight possibility that Enzo is my favourite character out of all the books; I am not even ashamed to say it. This book was a quick read – for me!
I loved that the story was fast-paced and quickly detailed the moment that Enzo met Jess, continuing the progression of their relationship throughout the novel. I am a huge fan of the way that family is meshed into this series and it always makes me smile. The dynamics are what makes their family relationships entertaining.
Crazy is never wanting this to end. Never wanting to be done with her.
I had one major problem with this book though… the ending! You hope and pray as the pages keep going by that a resolution is going to be made and then abruptly it all comes to an end and you find out that you have to wait for a spin-off series to continue Enzo’s story. But is he a main character in this spin-off series? I just feel majorly protective of him! **Though I say this, please don’t let it deter you from reading the book because it is incredible!**
There’s love-blind. And then there’s being a fucking idiot. I definitely chose the idiot route.
December 16, 2013
The Good:
*Enzo. He's just so awesome! He's a sweet, caring guy who just wants a real, grown-up relationship.
*The supporting characters. They are all here: Deo, Whit, Cohen, Maren, Adam, Gen, Cece, Lydia, Grandpa Beckett, Rocko, Marigold (love her!), Ryan and Hattie (still don't like her). We get to see Cohen and Maren's wedding and catch up with almost everyone.
*Sunday dinner at the Rodriguez house. That chapter made me LOL, it was so great!
The Bad:
*Jess. Didn't really warm up to her, and then when she drops the bombshell (at about the 75% mark), I totally hated her!
*I hated the way Enzo kept making excuses for Jess, even after he found out the truth. It was in no way his fault, and it didn't make me feel any sympathy toward Jess.
*There wasn't any closure to the Enzo/Jess story. I get that this is supposed to be a spin off to a new series (and after reading the first chapter at the end I am totally in!), but I would rather have had the story been a catching up of the Rodriguez/Becketts, and having Enzo needing a fresh start to find himself.
If you are a fan of the series, definitely read this for the supporting characters (and to get to know Enzo), not for the "romance".
*Enzo. He's just so awesome! He's a sweet, caring guy who just wants a real, grown-up relationship.
*The supporting characters. They are all here: Deo, Whit, Cohen, Maren, Adam, Gen, Cece, Lydia, Grandpa Beckett, Rocko, Marigold (love her!), Ryan and Hattie (still don't like her). We get to see Cohen and Maren's wedding and catch up with almost everyone.
*Sunday dinner at the Rodriguez house. That chapter made me LOL, it was so great!
The Bad:
*Jess. Didn't really warm up to her, and then when she drops the bombshell (at about the 75% mark), I totally hated her!
*I hated the way Enzo kept making excuses for Jess, even after he found out the truth. It was in no way his fault, and it didn't make me feel any sympathy toward Jess.
*There wasn't any closure to the Enzo/Jess story. I get that this is supposed to be a spin off to a new series (and after reading the first chapter at the end I am totally in!), but I would rather have had the story been a catching up of the Rodriguez/Becketts, and having Enzo needing a fresh start to find himself.
If you are a fan of the series, definitely read this for the supporting characters (and to get to know Enzo), not for the "romance".
October 21, 2013
I have read all the books in the Lengths Series- and this was by far my favorite- even though it was only a Novella- it was action packed in one story- with a continuance that leaves you wanting more. Each Lengths’ novels can be read as stand-alone, but to read them in order makes it much better to feel the characters.
Enzo Rodriguez- is the wild child of the Rodriguez brothers- the one that would never settle down with a relationship yet alone 2-3 girls. However, that one day when Enzo meets Jessica-he knew that he had to have her. He wasn’t just going to be the man-whore of the family- he wanted her and only her.
Jessica has a past that she can’t turn back to, and afraid to let Enzo in and meet her past. There sexual feelings and bonding brought them closer, but how close and would it ever die..
Will Enzo leave Silver Strand? Will he ever look back?..
The one thing that Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt did in this story is make you wonder what happens to Enzo- even thou there is a lot of action pack info in Riptides-they are going to take you on Enzo’s journey even further..
Enzo Rodriguez- is the wild child of the Rodriguez brothers- the one that would never settle down with a relationship yet alone 2-3 girls. However, that one day when Enzo meets Jessica-he knew that he had to have her. He wasn’t just going to be the man-whore of the family- he wanted her and only her.
Jessica has a past that she can’t turn back to, and afraid to let Enzo in and meet her past. There sexual feelings and bonding brought them closer, but how close and would it ever die..
Will Enzo leave Silver Strand? Will he ever look back?..
The one thing that Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt did in this story is make you wonder what happens to Enzo- even thou there is a lot of action pack info in Riptides-they are going to take you on Enzo’s journey even further..
September 24, 2013
I loved this novella. I am a big fan of this series overall, but I feel like, after several books, this brought everyone back togetlher again. We always revisit characters from the previous books, but in this one I felt like it was a book about all of them with an Enzo love story added into the mix. Every character stays so true to themselves, they have their own voice, their own value, not just background players filling up space. I can feel the love between the Rodriguez-Beckett family.
******SPOILERS*********
You been warned.
I am the twisted person who enjoys an unhappy ending. Where the story line isn't tied up in a pretty bow at the end. Angst, heart break.....that makes it feel so much more real to me. The ending left me wanting more (as these authors always do!) but it didn't feel incomplete.
November 16, 2013
When I read some of the other reviews, I was a little upset. People said they didn't like the ending and they gave it such a bad score because of that. I was worried that either, the story was terrible (That was a stupid thought, because lets be serious, has Steph and Liz EVER written anything bad??) or, someone died or some other really horrible ending that just guts you. Not at all what I was thinking. This story was a little different than the other Lengths books, which is probably why they chose to make it a novella. It focuses not just on Enzo and Jess, but also on all the characters from the previous books as well. This story is centered around the wedding of Cohen and Maren. So, it ties all the characters together so well, while still focusing on Enzo and his drama. I absolutely can not wait to see what Steph and Liz have in store for Enzo with the new spin off series.
October 15, 2013
This book is a must read. I love my surfer boys, especially this Spanish surfer. I loved all the characters and the big family. There is a lot of love and sibling fun fighting in it.
Enzo is HOT. A surfer with a body, dark hair, dark eyes, I will take one please. He has struggled with getting the wrong girls. He finally shows his heart but when Jess reveals her secret my heart broke with his. I was screaming at this girl. She made me sick.
I am giving this book 4 hearts. If you need a sweet but exasperating short novella, this is your book.
I loved the ending. It could stay the way it was to come up with your own theories of how it ended, like I was and still am. But luckily we get another book on Enzo. We get to see what happens next in his like out of Silver Strand.
Enzo is HOT. A surfer with a body, dark hair, dark eyes, I will take one please. He has struggled with getting the wrong girls. He finally shows his heart but when Jess reveals her secret my heart broke with his. I was screaming at this girl. She made me sick.
I am giving this book 4 hearts. If you need a sweet but exasperating short novella, this is your book.
I loved the ending. It could stay the way it was to come up with your own theories of how it ended, like I was and still am. But luckily we get another book on Enzo. We get to see what happens next in his like out of Silver Strand.
October 21, 2013
There’s one too many surfing for love analogies in this one… except as I consider the title and the series this novella is part of, perhaps I shouldn’t be too surprised or be as annoyed as I am. Except I am annoyed… bail out this and something tree that plus that distinctly uncomfortable comparison of something else to blowing one’s load? Gah… that was so not what I wanted to be reading!
What I did like: The full circle thing going for some of the old characters. More on how it’s the guy who’s being mushy and feeling like he’s missing out on something. What a refreshing turn around in that was.
I know I’m going to read the books I’ve skipped… because how they end up here, I am curious to see how they started.
What I did like: The full circle thing going for some of the old characters. More on how it’s the guy who’s being mushy and feeling like he’s missing out on something. What a refreshing turn around in that was.
I know I’m going to read the books I’ve skipped… because how they end up here, I am curious to see how they started.
October 22, 2013
This the story about Enzo Rodriguez. Enzo is the guy who loves to spend his time surfing and drinking a beer with his friends.
One day he met Jessica Mills at a bar. Jessica is a baker. She is gorgeous, beautiful. He wanted her. He needed to have her. He didn´t stop until he got her.
They got along pretty well. He loved to be with her.
But Jessica has a secret. Secret that will make him decide to leave Silver Strand and go.
I really enjoyed reading this novella. Looking forward to see what will happen in Enzo´s life next.
≧◔◡◔≦ 4.5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
One day he met Jessica Mills at a bar. Jessica is a baker. She is gorgeous, beautiful. He wanted her. He needed to have her. He didn´t stop until he got her.
They got along pretty well. He loved to be with her.
But Jessica has a secret. Secret that will make him decide to leave Silver Strand and go.
I really enjoyed reading this novella. Looking forward to see what will happen in Enzo´s life next.
≧◔◡◔≦ 4.5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
November 8, 2013
This was a good book in terms of being about Cohen's wedding but I honestly enjoyed the preview for the spin-off series more than I enjoyed this novella.
I understand why the story needed to unfold the way it did but I wish it would've been trimmed down and added to the next story rather than being a novella.
I didn't really feel as if I got to know Enzo or his love interest, which I guess was a good thing. I enjoyed the family dynamics, even if the Rodriguez parents seriously got on my nerves. This was overall a disappointing read, especially when compared to the rest of the series, which I absolutely love.
I understand why the story needed to unfold the way it did but I wish it would've been trimmed down and added to the next story rather than being a novella.
I didn't really feel as if I got to know Enzo or his love interest, which I guess was a good thing. I enjoyed the family dynamics, even if the Rodriguez parents seriously got on my nerves. This was overall a disappointing read, especially when compared to the rest of the series, which I absolutely love.
January 21, 2023
Oh Enzo, poor Enzo. He's such a sweet guy despite what everyone thinks of him. Everyone thinks that he's lazy and has no drive to do anything, but it's not true. It's so sad what he thinks of himself, and what others think of him/view him as. Somehow I hadn't realized (or I'd forgotten) that Enzo is younger than Cohen. I don't know why, but I always thought Cohen was younger. After realizing that Enzo is in fact the baby brother, it makes sense why he lets people think what they do of him, even if it's not true. The turn of events made me sad, but I'm looking forward to reading the spin-off to see where his story takes him.
November 29, 2013
I love the Lengths series by Steph Campbell but this book is my least favorite in the series. Loved all the old characters from the previous books but the new characters in this book were lacking. The storyline line in places were great but then in other parts they dragged. Hated the ending in this book because I'm not a fan of unfinished stories. Guess I will wait to read the rest of Enzo's story when its released. Now onto the last book in the Lengths series.
November 3, 2013
I liked it. I like how he grew up and became more mature but I really didn't like the girl. From the start I found it annoying how she would get mad at Enzo and it wasn't shown why she was mad. It was later on revealed but I still found her annoying. She's better off with... grrr
Anyways, I can't wait for Enzo's book!
Anyways, I can't wait for Enzo's book!
February 17, 2014
I really wanted to give this book higher rating as I loved the rest, but unfortunately 3 is even a bit much, I felt it was rushed then it was just so unconvincing then it just ..... ended .. I dont understand why this was published I know it's a novella but even they have endings (& middles) I luv enzo, I just feel he should have had a better story like the rest!!
November 16, 2014
I was little let down with this. I've been reading them back to back and was hoping like crazy for an Enzo book. I now know his story isn't over but this was hard to read for me. I'm glad that he's going to get another shot, so I'll keep an open mind. I'm ready for Lydia to finally get some inside look at her.
Read
July 10, 2015Short & sweet. I found the story between Enzo and his love interest to fall flat. It just wasn't very interesting. But some of the family scenes in this novella made me laugh out loud. Like the push up contest between Ryan and Deo.
October 27, 2013
For my full review, please visit http://swooningoverbooks.blogspot.com/
This novella was a great fit with the continuation of the series. The characters are absolutely great and I really enjoyed reading this brief lapse into his life. Cannot wait to read what happens next!
This novella was a great fit with the continuation of the series. The characters are absolutely great and I really enjoyed reading this brief lapse into his life. Cannot wait to read what happens next!
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