Against the Current

The Bayview Romances #2

by Lily Seabrooke

Collegiate swimmer Priscilla knows her gorgeous coach Annabel is off-limits, but it hasn’t stopped Priscilla from longing for her for the past year. But an unexpected gold medal throws Priscilla into the spotlight and, as long-repressed emotions flare up, into bed with Annabel.

Annabel knows she’s attracted to Priscilla, but the line between coach and student is clear. Still, as their training sessions blur the line ever further, Annabel and Priscilla have to keep quiet before the thing growing between them tears apart both their careers.

But when everything is on the line between them, will they follow their dreams, or their hearts?

Against the Current is an 85,000-word small-town student/coach sports romance and the second book in the Bayview Romances trilogy. Features a big gay friend group in a small gay town, consensual nonmonogamy, unraveling insecurities of want and desire, a forbidden relationship loaded with ages of pining, and a whole lot of jealousy moving things along. Content warnings for on-page sex, girlfriend drama from basically every direction, and Paisley delivering victory cheese(?).

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, Contemporary, LGBT, Queer, Adult, Lesbian Romance

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2023

About the author

Lily Seabrooke is a lesbian, trans woman, and author of sapphic romance that stars food, because odds are, at any given time, she's hungry.

Her interests include eating food, thinking about food, writing novels about food, and drinking coffee.

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Bayview instalment is about swim coach Annabel and student Priscilla. The attraction and connection - cross the line or not!
Seabrooke's storyline is filed with angst, longing, heat and frayed emotions with friends adding to the mix. Casanova coach and talented swim student are meant for each other but fight their emotions.
Against the Current is a quick, easy romance with a HEA. Will Paisley's story be told next?

[lauraღ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It struck me how she wasn’t one thing, one person—she was a mosaic, as I guess we all were, a million tiny things that made a bigger picture. And it was probably the rose-tinted vision of young love that made it seem so, but surely it was once in a lifetime, to find someone where I would fall in love with every individual shard of the mosaic?

3.5 stars. 3.75? I really enjoyed this! Not as much as the first book in the series, but it had all of that signature Seabrooke wit and charm, and characters that I really grew to love. We first meet Annabelle and Priscilla (a little) in the first book in this series, and I do think this is one that's worth reading in order. (And not just because I enjoyed the first one more.) Annabelle is a swimming coach, something of a playgirl after getting out of a long-term relationship; Priscilla is a college student, a swimmer on her team, and meeting Annabelle catapulted her straight into a bisexual awakening. The book starts after they've known each other for a while, (possibly a couple years) specifically as student and coach, and a relationship between them would of course be totally inappropriate. But all of Priscilla's pining and yearning comes to a head after a swim-meet, and they find themselves having to battle a forbidden attraction and relationship. 

This didn't move at the pace I really expected or wanted, and to be honest, I really didn't like that at first. Like, things got physical way earlier than I expected. But in the end, it does sorta make sense, and it doesn't feel too sudden if you read book one, and you saw glimpses of them in the background there. And we know they've known each other for a while. Toaster oven and longing are some of my favourite things, and Priscilla is such a great example of both. Her crush was SO sweet, and I love that combination of her being both shy and determined about Annabelle. First determined to get over her, then determined to have her. I loved the scenes we got of them at the pool, how Annabelle takes care of Scil, knows exactly what she needs before, during and after training, knows how to motivate her and get her to perform her best. I also really enjoyed Annabelle's almost wilful ignorance in the beginning, how she didn't see Scil's very obvious feelings for her, until it was right in front of her face. Another aspect of a pining romance that I just love to read. Even though things got physical pretty early, this was one of those romance where it felt like they'd already fallen for each other by that point in time, and the rest of the book was just about... figuring out how to be together. Again, not the type of pace I would always enjoy for a romance, but this worked!

I loved the stuff with Priscilla's mother. I loved the swimming. I'm labelling this as a sports romance, but only just barely; I actually wish we'd spent more time and the pool, and seen even more of Annabella training Priscilla, so it would feel a little less like a contemporary romance. (I mean, not that this is necessarily TRYING to be a full-blown sports romance.) The tackles the ideas of having dreams and ambitions that you fight for, but it takes an angle on it that I didn't really expect, and that I came to really appreciate. Especially vis-à-vis Scil's Olympics ambitions, and the things people expect her to want. I enjoyed the period of them sneaking around; I enjoyed all the little small town interactions with various townspeople and their friends (the Gwen B-plot was cute). Their connection was sweet and sensual in the best ways. There was the inevitable sorta miscommunication, but employed in a really believable way. And I loved the way the third act wrapped up, with Annabelle going back to get her girl. And I mean, I have to laugh. They were very blatantly disregarding the rules with their coach/student fraternisation, but they got away with it. And good for them, haha!! And I do think the resolution is sweet, with Annabelle taking a year off from work so that she's not officially Scil's coach, so that they can be together. And meanwhile, she coaches her privately anyway, haha. Definitely not a situation that would work in real life, because not everyone could probably afford to just take a year off work and live off their other side gigs. But I still loved it.

Listened to the audiobook as read by Ellie Gosage, and once again, adored it. Her register for Annabelle was higher than I was imagining for that character, but it wasn't grating. And she did an amazing job with all the emotional parts of this. I had a good time with this series! There's still a third book that I haven't read, but it'll probably remain unread, to be honest. I like Harper a lot, but Paisley is too much of a Quirky Girl, and she kind of annoys me, and I just don't think I'd enjoy their romance that much. The glimpses that we've seen of them developing in the background have been interesting but... I know myself. I think it'd be too cutesy for me. Maybe I'll change my mind some time in the future, but for now, I'm really glad I tried this series.

“And I think what’s going to make you happiest is finding a way to be with her. Even if you have to swim hard against the current to get there, the joy is in the swimming and finding where it leads.”

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to believe in yourself is something both Annabelle and Priscilla needed to work through before they could really believe in each other. This book is book two of a three book interconnected series of standalones. I highly recommend reading them in order, not only because each is so so good but also to get the full view of this wonderful cozy homey town and people.

I loved how both MCs hyped each other up throughout the whole book. How easy it was to be around each other even when it was so hard to be around each other. Lots of spice through. Well written and hard to put down! Can’t wait for the third book to come out!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Misha · Rating 5 out of 5]

(rounded up from 4.5)

I love this series, and a prime reason is that the ensemble just feels so refreshingly full of actual people. All the supporting characters have their own stuff going on and will reveal hints of it as we go through this series. I love seeing how everyone interacts with others in specific ways (insults being your love language, chaotic actions, letting someone go because they deserve to chase bigger things, etc.) and how they all grow together.

I also love that this romance is refreshingly sex positive. Annabel loves to have sex and connects with people through physicality, and the arc is not about changing that, but finding someone who accepts that and is happy with it, but also makes her emotionally connect with her primary partner.

Very enjoyable, and I'm sure the third will be my favourite in this series because I cannot wait to see what Paisley's love story looks like (psst: she's my favourite chaotic gremlin).

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series! The writing and characters are so fun, and I love the focus on community. In this book I really liked the added angst in the romance. It took me a little while to get into this, but the angst made it work well for me.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Juniper L.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Parts of it were infuriating, but in a way that kept me churning the pages. It was angsty and sad, and happy, and delightful. Surprising and also predictable. I loved the whole thing from start to finish. I liked this novel even more than the first one, and I didn’t except that to be the case! Annabel was a more complex character than I expected, Priscilla was unexpectedly delightful, and there were some side characters elevated to higher levels than in the previous novel. Highly recommend (but read them in order!).

My Rating: “A+”
Converted Rating: 5-Stars

Highlights (in no particular order):
-More Paisley!
-I love the writing. This author has a style that connects with me; I don’t know exactly what it is but I love it. The dialogue in particular has several scenes that were just perfect.
-I liked that the protagonists had an unconventional relationship, and it was displayed to have great communication and healthy boundaries, etc.
-They were also SO sweet!
-The side relationships; this novel gave us multiple relationship arcs in one novel, and they were all delightful. I felt like I got two books in one with this one. I’m almost (but not) sad that the second relationship wasn’t its own novel because I would love to have read that one in much more detail.
-I love this small town. There is a whole cast of side characters who are all delightful in their own ways. I hope there are more novels in this series beyond the ones currently written.
-PAISLEY!

[mili · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/10

Same review as the third book

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book 2, Great Series

The characters are so good, the descriptions put the reader right in the middle of the story, and book 2 is every bit as great as book 1. This is a great series: I'm lining up for the next ones!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Bayview series, but can be read as a standalone. Although I suggest reading in order so you can experience the community building Lily has set up.

Pricilla is a shy/anxious swimmer who has fallen for her coach Annabel, who is trying to have less flings and be happy with herself.

The push and pull between the two was really fun to read, Lily is a master at funny/witty dialogue.

I love the setting as well. Getting to know and see book 1’s MCs is always a joy for me as a reader. And I’m looking forward to whoever we get next!

[Stephanie Mohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Bayview series. I did not read the first book but was able to follow along. I do recommend reading the books in order, so you are familiar with the characters, but it is not necessary. I love small town romances, and this did not disappoint. This is the story of Priscilla and Annabel where Priscilla is infatuated with her coach Annabel. The supporting characters are sweet and help the MCs find true love.

This is a typical book by Lily Seabrook, she does not disappoint. Seabrook writes well fleshed out diverse characters as well as descriptive backgrounds. This book has some angst, humor and hot romance that is woven through the plot but issues must be resolved before a possible HEA. An easy, satisfying read that I enjoyed.

Hopefully there is another book in this series focusing on Harper and Paisley😊

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caitlin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Look. I completely forgot I was even reading this book after starting it last week. I couldn't even tell you the names of the characters. That's a bad sign. Just walking away.

[Violet · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 - sapphic, contemporary, small town, coach/student. Very middle of the road romance for me; just didn’t feel like anything particularly grabbed me or was memorable. I think Priscilla’s mom was actually one of the best parts of this book, and unfortunately liked her more than either MC. Not for me, and won’t be shelving this as a sports romance either.

[Sha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic and angsty, yet very optimistic.
This book is about 2 young women in love with circumstances preventing them from being together. Each of them is doing her best to avoid hurting the other and as a result, they end up sad and lonely, and brokenhearted. Lots of young angst is spread over this book, pining and longing galore.
Normally, this is not my jam but the author is skilfully weaving the story through another couple's love story and adds depth through the delicate parallels.
I have to point out the comic relief of this series which is the relentless Paisley who is almost grotesque but isn't, and I highly suspect (and hope) that the next book will find her in a turbulent love story of her own.

The group of friends depicted in this series is lovable and charming and welcoming to new characters so it's very heartwarming to read it.

I must point out that the conflict, while genuine and realistic, was resolved very easily once the MC sat down and thought about how she can get what she wants without hurting her beloved. It took her a few days and VOILA, it happened! This was extremely simplistic and I cannot understand why she didn't do it sooner and suffered for so long (and let the other MC suffer as well!). So for me, the resolution, while great on its own, was so simple that it undermined the whole angsty suffering that was laid on so thick throughout the book.

However, the story still works, the group of friends in the small town gets together and supports everyone through their tribulations and the resolution is celebrated with yet another gold medal.
I enjoyed reading this book and I hope that even people who avoid angsty stories (such as myself) will choose to give it a chance because it offers a lot of optimism and the setting of the small town sapphic community is so lighthearted that you cannot escape its charm.

T&T:
Tropes: workplace romance (hot for teacher/coach), one night into forever, forbidden relationship, small-town romance
Triggers: relationship with someone in authority, mentions of homophobic family (off-page)
Rating: 3.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Against the Current focuses on two characters we were introduced to in the first book in the Bayview series. Annabel is known for her many hookups and her seeming inability to commit to a relationship. Priscilla is one of Annabel's athletes she coaches on the swim team. Priscilla only has eyes for Annabel and everyone in town is highly aware of this fact, though Annabel is oblivious. Or is she? When the fun trope of "only one bed" comes into play during an away swim meet, Annabel and Priscilla are forced to admit their attraction and just how far a single kiss might lead them.

Both women are torn between wanting to maintain the proper relationship expected between a coach and an athlete, and the powerful attraction they have to one another. This attraction isn't just in a carnal sense, but on a deeper level. They get each other. Annabel sees herself in a very negative way and thinks she is no good for Priscilla who deserves someone who can commit to her. Priscilla is an open-minded person and sees Annabel for the beautiful person she truly is. On the flip-side, Annabel knows how great an athlete Priscilla is and is able to push her to be even better, wanting her to have every success possible. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy a story where a coach dated their athlete, but watching the dance between these two women was wonderful to behold. They were perfect for each other and when they finally realized that fact, it was awesome!

As in the first book, I also enjoyed Paisley and her quirky ways. She's one of my favorite supporting characters ever. The way that the various members of this small town community interact makes me long to live there. If you enjoy small town settings for romances, then give this one a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small town romance with confused, sweet and absolutely lovable people.
But it’s also difficult, because nothing can stay secret in a small town.
Especially not Priscilla’s clear infatuation with her coach!
Priscilla has been in love with Annabel for a year now and the whole town knows that but Annabel doesn’t seem to want to admit it or know it.
Her position as coach forbids it and it doesn’t matter that Priscilla is one of the most beautiful women Annabel has ever seen. She is forbidden.
There is too much to lose for both of them and they should resist the temptation by all means.
But how do you do that when both want it so much and then have to share a room? You don‘t resist at all.
The embers that have been simmering between them for so long ignite into a forest fire and my goodness these two have explosive chemistry!
Annabel’s well-known way of jumping from one bed and from one woman to another is something she wants to change herself.
That‘s another reason to stay away from Priscilla and to finally focus on herself.
But with a woman like Pris, which is like a dream come true, all good intentions can take a backseat. Or she might even bring out the best in her after all…

Of course all the Bayview Friends and messy characters are back and it’s funny and sad and all in all wonderful!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was amazing! Firstly, we came back to this beautiful, magical place called Bayview. Seriously, the whole gang of friends has a special place in my heart. They are all so wholesome and unique, each different from the others, and their discussions are lively and absolutely chaotic. I could write a whole review just talking about each of them.

But this second book is about Annabel and Priscilla, a swimming coach and her student, our butterfly girls (that's what they call themselves— isn't it so damn cute?!). Priscilla is shy and quiet but can easily read people. Annabel is confident, an incredible friend, and kind of a player. However, changes happen when neither of them can hide their feelings anymore.

This book is about truly living, making mistakes, growing from them, accepting oneself, opening up to people, places, and even dreams. It's about love and making love possible by taking matters into our own hands.

Oh! I almost forgot, this series of books is extremely funny. Even with the angst, there were little funny things throughout, and I had a smile on my face the whole time.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you loved the first one like I did, and I can't wait for the third one. I'm looking forward to learning more about Paisley and Harper; their dynamic is going to be epic, I can feel it.

[Toni LibraLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect as always 🫶🏻

I am delighted to say that I have read the majority of Ms. Seabrooke’s novels and loved all of them. I
Inhaled this second Bayview novel and cannot wait to begin number 3 (and hopefully more). 🙏.
Each of her novels are filled with unique characters who have the capacity to make you double up with laughter or bring tears to your eyes.
I love the fact that with each story in her series, her heroines are never mean or viscous despite the fact that they are often enmeshed in relationships that are challenged by circumstances beyond their control.
Her characters have such emotional depth and self discovery, that you cannot help but root for them and cry for them when all seems lost.
The fact that each story is filled with intense passion and loads of spice, only further encourages you to consume each page with equal passion and immerse yourself in how they resolve their plight.
One last positive observation.
Since each novel presents you with characters you want to cherish, because they all share the same neighborhood, all of those you have fallen in love with, reappear conveniently throughout the series.
I hope you fall in love with, and laugh and cry along with Annabelle and Priscilla as much as I did.
❤️🦋❤️🦋

[zagzig · Rating 4 out of 5]

true love overcomes all odds. or in this case, very overcomeable odds that the two leads nonetheless makes a very big deal out of

Annabel is a coach, Priscilla is a student-athlete (but the age gap is only 4 years so it's not too weird) and it's just a bit messy for me? it never felt there was a compelling case for why Annabel and Priscilla couldn't be together other than rampant self-sabotage. like yeah, not great for Annabel's career, but she spends a lot of time wishing she could be together with Priscilla and very little time loving her career and then at the end it's a complete non-event. and Priscilla just goes along with Annabel's poor decision making because, well, their professional and then their intimate connection is centred around Priscilla always doing what Annabel says

very horny, very intense emotionally, there's fun banter and wit, the way too interconnected friend group is still way too interconnected. I just spent a lot of time frustrated because Annabel and Priscilla were saying with tears in their eyes "in another life we could be together" when the reader and everyone around them very clearly recognises it could easily be this life

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book has really gotten me into this series. Everything was just so much better. The plot was engaging, and there were certain aspects in the book that were up my alley. Which is probably why i liked this better. The way the romance developed between Priscilla and Annabel was believable. There was so much chemistry and tension between them. I was rooting for them, and they were just too cute together.
I was actually so surprised that i was this invested into the story as i was disappointed in the first book. But i'm glad i continued reading through this series. This was definitely a welcome surprise.
This boom has made me more connected towards all the side characters, too, and i just love love the sense of community from the last book to this one.
Annabel and Priscilla are both just so likeable, and they were just made for each other.
Everything was actually perfect and i didn't dislike anything. They both liked each other pretty quickly, but i just like that the progress of getting into a relationship was slow.
Overall, 5 stars

[Rebecca MacAlister · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fell short for me

1- There was absolutely, positively no reason whatsoever for Priscilla to have to go to the other school in order to go to the Olympic team. Zero. Annabel even said so when she went to get her to bring her home. So that whole thing was absolutely positively unnecessary. Could have had the HEA without it. Would have been a 5 star from me.

2- I never cared for the "if you love them set them free" crap. Because that's exactly what it is, crap. Like when you step in it it smells really bad crap. It's one of those tropes I never liked and I never liked it in real life either. If Annabel hadn't gone to get Priscilla in the story, this would've been probably a one or two star review.

3- I don't like Paisley. I didn't like her in the first book, I don't like her in this book. So, knowing that she's one of the main characters the next book, I will not be reading it. Which is a bummer, actually, because I really liked Harper. She deserves better IMHO.

Really disappointed in this story.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd in the series and you don’t have to read the 1st one to understand all the story but I think it would help. There’s a big cast of characters in both books and I did enjoy meeting them all again and finding out what the MCs from If it’s Meant To Be had been up to.
This one was centred on Annabelle and Priscilla who are swimmer and coach. It’s a good forbidden love tale and when they couldn’t fight it any longer the getting together was hot & NSFW.
I think LS manages to write well known tropes with affection rather than them seeming trite. I love there’s “only one bed” but not if it just feels forced to make the story and this one wasn’t.
I enjoyed this one very much and recommend to all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[B, · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily Seabrooke has written another easy-to-read, entertaining romance with characters you’ll like and cheer for.

Regular Seabrooke followers met Annabel in the Bayview series’ first book — If It’s Meant to Be.

There, Annabel acts against her own best interest on behalf of her girlfriend, Emberlynn.

In Against the Current, Annabel struggles to do the right thing again — in this case, it means not acting on her intense feelings for Priscilla, the champion swimmer she coaches.

Both Annabel and Priscilla refute that the other woman returns her feelings, until…

You’ll enjoy reading about how Annabel and Priscilla navigate their way through an ill-advised — but highly desired — relationship between swim coach and swimmer.

And you’ll wonder if Annabel will again set her own interests aside to put Priscilla’s future first.

[Lenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, where to start on this. I love the characters of Bayview and I wasn't disappointed by this charming book. We've met Annabel in the previous book in the series, but in this story, we learn alot more about her and I ended up routing for her! Priscilla's character is sweet but determined and I just wanted to shout at them to get together! But then I wouldn't have been transported to a world where friends and lovers are there for each other and escape the day to day of this one.
I really enjoyed this book but have one burning question... When do we find out about Paisley and Harper?! Love Paisley!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Looby Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabel is a swim coach and Priscilla is her pupil. So they are absolutely not allowed to date.
But the currents keep bringing them together and they find themselves helpless to resist the tides of love.
This is another sweet book from Lily and has you cheering and booing in equal measure as the two MC’s battle towards the finish line.
Loved seeing all the other characters again from book 1. Paisley is a hoot. Hope it’s her story soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrewd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to recommend this book for a variety of reasons although there are occasions when I feel Lily is cramming more words than would normally be needed! The end of the tale appears a bit rushed and does not bear too much scrutiny. But, having said that, I fell in love with the couple - and who wouldn’t?
Full marks still deserved for another winner from this accomplished author !.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily Seabrooke’s 2nd book in the Bayview romances does not disappoint. Experience Annabel and Priscilla’s roller coaster journey with Lily’s descriptive words and heartfelt characters. The MC’s are meant to be and you can’t help yourself from turning the page to see how they swim against the current of forbidden love to find forever love. Looking forward for the next book and revisiting the wonderful world of Bayview.

[Zena Bates-Zellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Lily's books so much. Against the Current was such a cozy, fun read. The love story was adorable and sweet, and the looks into other will-they-or-won't-they situations were so fun to read. I love Bayview and all of the coziness that comes with the extremely queer small town vibes. I also really loved the little references to Jacqueline Ramsden's latest books, too. That was really cute ❤️

[Carolyn G. Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Butterfly Girls

Annabel is a college swim coach who has always made it a rule to never date her students. Priscilla is her star athlete and has openly crushed on her coach for over a year. A hot and sexy story about finding your destiny and swimming against the current. Love the author.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun romance that I finished very quickly. I liked that there were a lot of other characters we got to know and got to root for besides the main couple. There was a whole group of queer friends, that each had their own relationship problems and the group supported each other and also learned from each other in a way, which was fun to see.