These Rough Waters

Ravenpeak Bay #1

by Ria Wilde

The storm is raging...

Torin

I lost my heart five years ago and the space where it once was is now covered in ice.

It was better that way.

Their deaths were my fault, and this isolation is my penance.

So I spend my days on the water, tempting the storms that roughen the seas to take me too.

Until she arrived.

Maya and all her secrets tempted me in a way I didn't think was possible. Not after everything that happened.

But she had the presence of a tempest.

Hard to ignore, and I find myself more than willing to stand in the eye of her storm.

Maya

I came here to escape.

To run away.

And Ravenpeak Bay was the perfect sleepy little town to hide away in.

I expected quiet days to forget it all, but I should have known it wouldn't be that easy.

Torin Avery has been a storm in my path ever since I met him, and he's a man you can't look away from.

My past doesn't allow me to trust or love easily, and I know a man like him will shatter what little of me I have left.

Yet Torin was just as broken as I was, and though I tried to look away from whatever was brewing between us, I was finding instead, that his broken pieces fit perfectly with mine.

But no amount of running will stop the past from catching up, and our secrets leave us drowning in these rough waters.

These Rough Waters, Ravenpeak Bay #1 is a small town dark romance. It is book 1 in a series of interconnected standalones.
It is a dark romance, a list of TWs and CWs can be found at the start of the book.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Small Town Romance, Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers, Suspense

455 pages, Paperback

First published August 24, 2023

About the author

Where Light & Dark Collide

Ria Wilde is an international bestselling author. You can expect heat, heart & heas! She currently resides in the UK where getting lost in her books, and plotting the next best way to break some hearts is a daily occurrence.
A lover of all things steamy and sinful, she also has a big soft spot for small town romances & cowboys, but morally gray will forever be her favorite color!

HEA's & Spice, but there's no promise it'll be an easy ride, and be prepared to fall in love with her morally gray men and the sassy queens that steal their hearts.

Instagram: @authorriawilde
Facebook: @riawilderauthor
Tiktok: @.authorriawilde

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ I absolutely loved this! This is my first Ria Wilde book and now I want more!

Torin and Maya both have really dark past trauma in their lives and I easily became obsessed with how possessive Torin was with Maya. He is the perfect mix of grumpy badass & possessive.

The spice in this was freaking SPICIN' 🥵🥵🥵 Tell me how I read this on a plane. Yes, I kept making sure my kindle wasn't visible for the man next to me because holyyyy was this hot.

I am actually super excited for the next book because I freaking love Rett so so much 🥹

While I loved this so much, I gave it 4.5 because of the overuse of "little doe" and then I really wish Maya's daughter Harper was more present. I really wished that Harper and Torin had a deeper connection. Aside from those two things - this was the perfect dark(ish) romantic suspense!

- romantic suspense
- darker topics
- single mom on the run
- grumpy/possessive mmc
- forced proximity
- touch her & die
- he falls first
- small town
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

[nikki]

self note: this has the dead wife AND the dead child trope (both of whom the H loved very much). not for me. the h is a single mom (she has a 9 year old daughter) who has had a bad past with men and marries the H eventually. idk if there's any OW drama but in the second book it's mentioned that the H in this book spent 5 years wallowing and grieving. i just can't imagine the H loving another woman in a romance book sorry :(

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes our demons don’t stay in our nightmares, little doe, sometimes they chase us while we are wide awake too.”

First Read 13th September 2023:

Wow, what a read! This follows Maya and Torin. Maya is on the run from her past and Torin is dealing with his demons daily and at a standstill in his life until the mysterious beautiful woman Maya rocks up in the small town with a past that may come back and haunt her. Can this grumpy fisherman protect her?

I loved every minute of this book it is perfect if anyone wants to test the waters of Dark Romance. The character growth, healing journey and emotional side were fantastic. Maya is so strong and opens Torin up. Harper the daughter was a fantastic kid to read about and sassy which I loved. Ruthie was a brilliant older motherly figure and was just so welcoming to Maya when she arrived I love her.

THE SPICE stop this was incredible and delicious. The mouth, praising and commanding behaviour of Torin has me weak.
I nominate myself as a tribute.

Fantastic and loved every minute of this book excited for the next!

If you love:

🔹Small Town
🔹Island
🔹Grumpy Fisherman
🔹Single Mum
🔹Greif, Love & Loss
🔹Incredible Spice

Genre/Type: Small Town Dark Romance 18+
APK: Physical
Pages: 455
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book 1 In The Ravenpeak Bay Series
Tropes or Themes: Dark, Small Town, Single Mum, Fisherman, Love After Loss, Cabin In The Woods, Hiking, Who Did This To You, He Falls First, Hitman, CA, DV, Assult, Panic Attacks, Ocean, Island, Murder, Guns, Medical Content, Cursing, Blood. Tragic Incident, Death, Child Death
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫


Reread 5th December 2023:

I got the opportunity to re-experience one of my favourite books on audio by Blue Nose Audio thank you! This did not miss Troy Duran is fantastic and when I saw his name against These Rough Waters I knew he would be the perfect Torrin and Janine Granda was brilliant as well. While listening to the story it just felt like the first time again and enhanced my experience. This audiobook was fantastic and I highly recommend it

APK: Audiobook ARC
Narrators: Troy Duran & Janine Granda - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5


All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Scribd | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

[readbydj 🧺 · Rating 4 out of 5]

absolutely in love with this book! who knew i’d needed a single mom x ex-hitman small town romance to believe in love again 😭 no but seriously the CHEMISTRY these two had ✋🏼 insane omfg.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖.5
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
These Rough Waters was my very first book by this author. I saw it recommended on Booktube (honestly I can't remember where) but I was intrigued because I just love the whole setup of this being a dark small town romance. Most small town romances are so tame, rarely do they have this level of tension and darker elements to them so whenever I find one of those I just have to go for it. I especially love the island theme to the story. I really was hooked pretty quickly into the story. The premise of the story just immediately pulled me in.

First Line
The clouds overhead tumble, rain lashing against the sea as lightning and thunder clash across the sky.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Torin
Assassin Hero
Grumpy and Broody
Tortured
Widower

The Heroine:Maya
MC on the Run
Abused
Single Mother

Summary
These Rough Waters begins with seeing the beginning to Torin. Torin we see lose his wife and son to a dangerous storm on the sea and this is where he loses himself and gives up everything including his career as an assassin. He settles in a island town to stay hidden in and nurse his bitter emotional wounds. When a lone woman and her daughter, who are obviously on the run and abused take refuge on his boat, his reaction isn't the most welcoming and Maya despite what she has suffered has spirit and strength and she stands against it. As Maya and her sweet daughter settle in this small town, they charm the heart of Torin and have him opening his heart to love and family once again and no matter who Maya is running from, he will protect her at all costs.

What I Loved
Now this story packed such a punch and I just didn't want to set it down. I had so much fun with it. I am definitely intrigued by this author and want to read so much more of her work. I loved how the plot developed and beautiful relationship that builds between these three especially was so endearing. It had a bit more inner relationship angst than I was honestly expecting but I didn't mind it. Some aspects of it was very refreshing and I felt like the author really developed the angst very well in many regards. The setting was rich and quite atmospheric and I was surprised how well drawn in I was into this story. I became so easily captivated by the relationship between Maya and Torin. They had such a connection and each of them need to go on a journey of healing and the spice in this was "on point"!

What I Struggled With
I do think that this story could have been a bit longer but overall was a solid win for me.

Overall View
These Rough Waters is a humbling romance that delivers powerful healing, renewal from trauma and a love being built in some surprising turns! A CAPTIVATING READ!

Favorite Quote(s)

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance
Character Types: Male Assassin, Single Mother, Abused
Themes: MC on the Run, Island/Nautical Setting
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Grumpy Sunshine

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend of both

Song This Book Inspires
You Stay by Lauren Daigle

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can do either

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

[ziyuan ʚɞ Reads Dark Smut. · Rating 1 out of 5]

H had a dead wife and son that he will love forever and never forget. She will always hold a significant part of his heart.

I can’t accept a H like this. I just can’t. Sorry. 😢

I don’t want a man with unforgettable dead wife being H.

[Paige IRB · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely adored

I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. Like truly it was sooo damn good. I just cannot even put into words how fast I devoured this one.

[Claudia Gomes · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out so promising, but everything fell apart when the smut suddenly took over. Authors, please—sometimes less is more. I was really enjoying the character development of Maya, Torin, and her daughter Harper. Then out of nowhere, Maya goes on a hike and seems to forget she even has a daughter. She puts herself at risk for no real reason other than wanting to "feel alive" and declaring she's now "free."

Accidents happen, Torin saves her, they sleep together, and then… nothing. The plot disappears until about 85% into the book. I almost didn’t finish it, but curiosity got the better of me. So here I am, writing this review and giving this book 2.75 stars.

[Hayley 〰 Hayley's Next Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm all in, Maya, all fucking in. You call, I come. You hurt, I hunt down the source of your pain and destroy it. If you are mine, you are mine. There's no if's or but's. I am in love with you, little doe. This heart belongs to you, and I will follow you anywhere."

Rating: 4.5/5

- Small town
- Dark Romance
- Romantic suspense
- Former hit man x runaway
- Single mom
- Neighbours
- He calls her little doe
- "Who did this?"
- No breakup
- Dual POV
- Narrated by Janine Granda & Troy Duran

A few people recommended this book as a beginner dark romance, and I was curious. So I jumped at the chance to listen to an early audio copy thanks to Blue Nose Audio (now available in all formats and KU).

Maya and her 8-year-old daughter are stowaways on Torin's boat, and he drops them off in his small Maine island hometown. The pair reluctantly grow closer when she rents the cabin next door.

Maya and Torin definitely had enemies-to-lovers vibes. He was a big, often rude, grump. But she didn't take his sh-t 👏🏻. The tension was so good! He reluctantly helped her out, and then she made him a meal and said don't choke on it… or do 😂.

But once he falls for her, it's game over. He becomes so overprotective and obsessed. Case in point: "Maya, I will burn anyone who comes after you. I'll destroy this whole f–king town and the next, and the next, to keep you safe." He just wanted to take care of them 🥺.

Btw, his monologue after their first kiss was so beautifully written. And there was a lot of spice. The dirty talk was on another level. You're welcome 😉.

Also, let's add Harper to the list of cute kids in books. She just wanted to be Torin's friend because he looked sad 😭. They were so cute, and Troy's voice for Harper was adorable!

The book's last quarter is so gripping you won't be able to stop listening! This is definitely a lighter dark romance, but check TWs. I've already downloaded his brother's book.

[ProfoundBeauty · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 (rounded up)…jumping onto next one! I need to read Rett’s book!!!

[Annesa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to DNF this at 80% and here’s why

1.) this man looked at a bruised up beaten woman and a child on his boat and was rude as hell
2.) I get his family died and he’s been grumpy- but there’s a difference between grumpy and plain assholeness
3.) He realized he’s attracted to her.. that’s when he tries to pursue her
4.) everything is INSTANT
5.) instant love, instant “ I’ll give you the moon the stars and everything in between (just give me a good 🫧 💼) “
— she goes in a hike is stranded in the cold, he saves her- is naked with her to give her warmth and she thinks- yea I’m healthy enough to bone - but has zero acknowledgment of her DAUGHTER. Idc if ruthie been nice, your kid is your kid, how can you not panic you left her alone..chileeeeeeee this girl dumb

6.) THE 🌶️ scenes were CRINGY AF!(ergo the naked scene of him trying to give her warmth 🙄) also ria Wilde straight up delivers 🌽 once the 2 MC get intimate. It gets a bit tewwwwww much

7.) the town is weird. You’re telling me there’s a population of 400 old ppl and no kids and no fine ass town ppl to mingle ,


I might pick this up and finish it off again- because truly the beginning was captivating- but once he fell inlust- I mean inlove with her , it got way too rings.

[Camii · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Maya es el tipo de mujer que entra en tu vida y te replanteas cada decisión, cada momento hasta que la conoces. Ella fue el rayo de sol en la tormenta, la gracia salvadora. La redención"

Este libro esta lleno de superación y valentía por parte de los protagonistas y la verdad es que estoy feliz con el final que tuvo su historia 🤍🫂.

Maya esta huyendo después de recibir una brutal golpiza de su marido la cual casi termina con su vida y con toda la valentía del mundo decide tomar a su hija y marcharse en busca de una nueva vida cosa que la lleva a conocer a Torin cuando se suben a escondidas en su barco en un intento desesperado en busca de refugio.

Torin al principio nos deja ver el peor día de su vida dónde perdió lo que mas amaba en el mundo y desde esa fatídica noche decidió vivir una vida solitaria porque llega consigo la culpa de haber perdido a su familia y juro no amar a nadie hasta Maya...

La historia de ellos es muy bonita y la relación avanza de a poco cosa que me gusto porque ambos necesitaban espacio para superar su pasado y empezar a aceptar los nuevos sentimientos que surgieron entre ellos. Torin negaba su atracción pero estaba en su naturaleza preocuparse y sin dudas Maya y Harper despertaron una fibra sensible en el era divertido ver ese lado de el dónde negaba su preocupación por ellas pero por otro lado, les contaba leña, arreglaba su casa y las vigilaba día y noche.

Torin es un hombre tan protector 🫂😭, me encanto la manera en la que cuidaba de ellas con pequeños detalles lo mas lindo fue cuando le aclaro que en su relación se cuidarían ambos y que ella no tenía que hacer nada que no quisieran o porque así fue criada el quería que ella sea libre y aprendiera a vivir a su manera sin sentirse obligada a nada ♥️.

El libro tuvo sus pequeños dramas y secretos por parte de ambos protagonistas pero nada que abrumara o quitara el foco de la trama principal me hubiera gustado saber mas de la vida de Torin como sicario porque ame sus momentos de hombre vengador 🤭

Necesito leer a Rett ✨🧚🏻‍♀️

[j.bee.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Rough Waters by
ARC Review:

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️


TROPES:
🖤 Dark Romance
🌊 Small Town
🖤 Single Mom
🌊 He Falls First
🖤 Grumpy Retired Assassin
🌊 Secrets
🖤 One Bed
🌊 Obsessive/Possessive MC
🖤 Touch Her & 💀

Small Town Romance, but make it dark?! Uhm, yes please!

Maya is on the run with her daughter. Escaping her dark and dangerous past. She ends up in a small town, Ravenpeak Bay.

✨”This small little town on an island in the middle of the ocean. Peaceful. That’s how I would describe it.”✨

She meets Torin, a grumpy fisherman. Who’s also just as broken as she is, and also trying to escape a very dark past. But one look at Maya. And he can’t seem to keep her out of his head.

✨”I was getting no peace from that smile on Maya’s face this morning. I see it every time I close my eyes, see how she gives everything in her smiles. And I wanted that smile aimed at me.”✨

The connection these two shared was instant from the beginning.

✨”I wanted Maya. Every inch of her, secrets and all.“✨

They were honestly so perfect together. & Lets not forget the spice these two shared! 🥵🔥 Cause Torin was 😮‍💨 He’s the definition of Mountain Man!

✨My control only goes so far, little doe, and you rubbing your sweet c*nt all over my c*ck is testing every limit I have.”✨

✨”You’re so f*cking perfect. You’re going to feel so f*cking good on my c*ck. I want you dripping all over me, I want you bouncing on my d*ck while you scream my name.”✨

This was my first small town romance I’ve read and of course it has to be dark. 😈
I really enjoyed the small town, the friendships, side characters and the found family. It was really a sweet book, but definitely had its dark vibes. From the unaliving to the MC being an assassin and the dark secrets. Loved the growth they both had throughout the book. Such an amazing read and I cannot wait to read more of this series! 🖤

[hannah | hannahh.readss · Rating 3 out of 5]

i definitely wasn’t expecting this book to be as emotional as it was! this book solidified my love the broken hero trope. i really enjoyed this and will definitely be reading book 2.

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torin + Maya

-single mom
-love after loss
-small town
-DARK romance

These two found themselves as shells of themselves just going through the motions & really deserved so much better than the cards they were dealt! & when they found each other…they got just that!! There was so much they both had to go through & SOOOO much trauma but the love they shared was astounding!!

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC!

This hooked me right from the start and I couldn’t put it down.

I absolutely loved this story and holy hotness was Torin perfect 🫠🫠🫠

10/10 recommend you read this!!

[Bliss Thornewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much better version of Nicholas Sparks, Safe Haven. The strength and determination of the FMC's escape and protection of her daughter is beautifully written. Tarlin is the perfect grumpy and hurt guy who just needs to be loved again and believe he is worth loving again. Harper is the most beautiful child. The way she force herself upon Taran to open up and make them see what they were too scared to admit within themselves. Her love for pickles. She was just the perfect character and oh my god the bracelets at the end made me cry. The Smut was amazing! Overall great book, I loved how she saved herself and her daughter. She is a selfless mother. Beautiful!

[meli♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5⭐️

[Frida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it really dark? No! Did it bother me? Not at all. This book just turned out to be a comfort read :)

Ria Wilde nailed the angst factor, making it a rollercoaster of emotions. The setting is so vivid and atmospheric; I was totally immersed in the story.

The relationship between Maya and Torin is a captivating journey of healing, sprinkled with just the right amount of spice. Maya's running away, and Torin hasn't quite let go. The tension in the story is off the charts, not just between Maya and Torin, but also with the looming threat of Maya's ex. I felt for Maya and all she's been through, and Torin's fierce protectiveness had me cheering for him. Torin might be a bit of a broken boy, but Maya brings him back to life, and the love he has for her and her daughter, Harper, is heartwarming. I also loved that Maya transforms into a total force of nature, especially when it comes to protecting her daughter.

Harper is the cutest kid character I've read in a while, and uncle Everett was massive fun!

However, the book isn't without its flaws. I craved more background (Torin and Everett's background, their brother?), flashbacks, feeling that certain parts are rushed while others are overly detailed. The swift shift in character dynamics, from animosity to deep love, lacks the gradual development that could make it more believable. Don't get me wrong, I loved obsessive/possessive Torin, but it went from she's a nuisance to I'd kill for her within a few pages.

In a nutshell, this book is a wild ride with a captivating atmosphere, a sizzling romance, and characters you'll root for. Just be ready for a bit of a speedway – some spots need more attention, and the character's love journey might give you whiplash!

[1luckyleoladyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ria NEVER disappoints!!! This is the first book in her new small town romance series and y’all it’s amazing!!! I cannot wait for the next bock to come out!

[ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town with the delicious romance!

I absolutely adored and consumed this book in a single day, and wow, what an incredible narrative! Right from the prologue, I sensed that the story would be filled with intense emotions and heartache. The author skillfully portrayed the pain of losing loved ones, dealing with trauma, and yearning for a better life. The main characters, Torin and Maya, endured so much hardship throughout their lives. It was truly heartbreaking to witness their suffering and witness how they sacrificed everything to ensure the safety and protection of those they cared about.

Torin was haunted by the tragic loss of his wife and son in a devastating ocean storm five years ago. He carried immense guilt over their deaths which led him to isolate himself from others. He became an empty shell of a man who drowned in his own demons and past mistakes. However, when Maya unexpectedly stumbled upon his boat, Torin's numb emotions began to resurface as he developed obsessive feelings towards her while also feeling protective.

Maya had been fleeing from her abusive ex-fiancé along with her daughter when she found herself on Torin's boat. She longed for freedom from her painful past experiences as she desperately sought to build a new life for herself and her daughter Harper far away from her ex-lover's reach.
Maya experienced fear in opening her heart to others following the pain and heartbreak caused by her ex-partner, Trevor. She made an effort to avoid Torin, who initially appeared grumpy and broody. However, gradually, she found herself craving his presence as he became the person she needed most in her life.

The characters in the story are relatable and realistic, with their development being well-written. The slow progression of romance was handled skillfully, considering their past traumas. It beautifully blossomed between two individuals who were broken but finding solace in each other's company. The intimate moments were incredibly passionate and had a profound effect on me personally.

Torin's actions involving his mouth were particularly lasting *fans myself*. Despite initially coming across as an annoying jerk, he cared towards Maya and Harper. They complemented each other perfectly like a happy found family uniting together for support. The side characters added charm to the narrative by looking after Maya upon her arrival in their small town.

This book kept me engrossed from start to finish due to its fast-paced. I couldn't even take a momentary break without feeling compelled to continue reading.

I'm eagerly anticipating Everett's book, as I am intrigued by his mysterious nature and the inner turmoil he carries. His enigmatic presence draws me in, a desire to delve deeper into his story.

[Olivia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ria Wilde had me going through so many emotions during this whole book & I absolutely loved every moment of it. Torin Avery is a man that is know to be the best hitman out there, who never misses his shot. He ends up wanting to retire to spend time with his wife Grace & their son Leo when he decides to take one last job because the money was too good to pass up, but that’s when he loses everything on an awful stormy night when traveling back to the island with his family on board of the boat he was driving. For the last five years he blames their deaths on himself wondering why God just didn’t take him instead, but after he finds a two stowaways on his boat during one of the transports between the mainland & Ravenpeak Bay, he feels his heart starting to pull towards the woman & her daughter. Maya is running from a monster named Trevor, she was forced into an arranged marriage by her parents whom told her when she admitted to being abused by her husband, they told her it was her fault she wasn’t pleasing him enough. When he puts her very close to deaths door, she finally decides she needs to run & take her daughter away from this monster before he starts going after her that when she finds herself on Torins boat heading to Ravenpeak Bay, which she would soon find out the small island of people would soon because her new family. The spice doesn’t disappoint when it comes to Torin & his filthy mouth, this man makes it his mission to worship Maya in all the delicious ways. It scares them both with the feeling they’re both starting to have for each other because of their own pasts, but that doesn’t stop Torin from making it known that she is his. Now when Trevor & his men show up that’s when my heart starts to really hurt for Maya, I was in tears at this point holding onto to every word on the page hoping everything would be okay because she deserved her freedom with her daughter as well as the love that she got from Torin. Thank goodness for Ruthie, Torin, Imogen & Everett for being there for her like the family she actually deserved. Torin also deserved this happiness from Maya & Harper to bring him back. I’m in absolute love with this book & I can’t wait to see what this series brings especially with Everett being the next book! One thing for sure is Torin Avery will worship & kill for his little doe.

[Coco TheChaoticLibrarian_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Rough Waters
By Ria Wilde
5⭐️ 5🌶️

Torin
Retired from a life of crime and murder. Torin settles into his next adventure, family but when money calls and he tries to squeeze in one last job, disaster strikes and Torin loses it all. Broken and alone he is left to pick up the pieces of his life and carry on even if all he wants to do is join his family in death. That is until she shows up. A stowaway on his boat terrified and battered something in Torin snaps and no matter how hard he tries he can’t stay away, can’t abandon her.

Maya
Beaten and bruised but she can’t stop running until she has gotten them far away. Away from him. Maya is doing everything she can to protect her daughter. She won’t stop until they are safe from him. But in her quest for safety and freedom she stows them away on the boat of a stranger who could be possibly be more dangerous than she thinks.

*I was given a copy of this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: OMG!!! Where to begin! Torin big and broody and mean. Mad at the world because he lost his family. When he starts to fall for Maya and the slow burn gets going he becomes a whole other kind of possessive. He can’t help but be near her. Maya try as she might never knowing true love and swears off men. Falls for Torin even though she’s scared and never been treated carefully. The burn on this starts slow then kicks up to a roaring inferno!!! The plot keeps you tethered-in, wanting to know more and the spicy was so good it had me kicking my feet and downing bottles of water. Sub character Harper (Mayas daughter) brings the story back for total darkness and keeps it a bit in the lighter side but still dark romance at its best.

[romancevibeswithbritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Maya and Torin both want to escape their past. They both have had tragic things happen. They were just trying to survive, but the pull between these two was so strong.

Torin is such a broken boy, but Maya brings him back to life and there is nothing that man wouldn’t do for her or her daughter Harper. Maya becomes such a force, she finds who she is with Torin. I loved how much of a mama bear she is - she would do anything for her daughter.

The relationship between these two was hot as hell ( Ria knows how to write spice 🥵) but they also had so many moments of building each other up. They truly were dedicated to making the other person happy and helping them heal.

Little miss Harper has my whole heart, she was just the sweetest and sassiest girl. The moments with her and Torin😍

Ria Wilde is the author I wish more people knew about, I feel like she is so underrated and deserves way more hype! I have loved everything that I’ve read by her! Please go read her books, and then DM me so we can gush about her together!

🌊Dark small town
🌊Single mom
🌊Suspense
🌊Touch her and ☠️
🌊Dirty talking MMC

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Rough Waters is the first book in the Ravenpeak Bay series and what a fantastic start to this series! I was completely captivated and struggled to put this book down. The storytelling, character development and plot were on point. This story focuses on Maya and Torin. Maya is on the run with her young daughter, Harper, in tow and they end up in the small town of Ravenpeak Bay. Torin is the island recluse (by choice, he has his reasons) but is drawn to Maya and Harper (who is so absolutely adorable). I love Maya and her ability to put Torin in his place with her snarky comments. But Torin has captured my heart with his grumpy exterior but kindhearted and protective self. I am so looking forward to book 2, Like a Hurricane!

[Madeline S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small Town
Single Mom
Dark Romance
Secrets
One Bed
He Falls First

This was such a great read! Maya is such a strong FMC she has been through a lot in her past relationship when she finds her way to Ravenspeak Bay where she meets a grumpy fisherman Torin. He is not only grumpy and growly but oh so scrumptious and he has a few dark and dangerous secrets. I love Maya and Torins relationship it was so push and pull and once they get together it was absolutely explosive! The plot and imagery were amazing, the side characters added so much to the story. The spice was delicious. Overall a great read! I can’t wait to see what Ravenspeak Bay has in store next!

[Ragan Kinkade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was soooo good!!!

Torin is the grumpy, quiet, ex-assassin living a life in solitude after losing his family. Maya is a single mother on the run who stows away on Torin’s boat to escape her abusive ex.

Think… small town, grump sunshine but make it suspenseful. Both of these characters have very tragic pasts so check your trigger warnings!!

Tropes: small town, grumpy/sunshine, obsessed mmc, single mother, love after death of spouse, ex-assassin, touch her and you die, no third act breakup

Torin was 🥵hot🥵 y’all. His praise game was on point. He is definitely book husband material. I usually don’t love the deceased wife trope but this author did it so well. I didn’t feel like it weighed down the relationship or got in the way of the characters growth together however she still respected his past love. LITERALLY NO NOTES.

[Mo ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 wonderful 🌟
So I wasn't sure what to expect from this series but I'll admit that I enjoyed this.
What I wasn't a fan of was the dead ex trope 😭😭 and even more the dead WIFE AND SON trope, wasn't a fan of that.

However it didn't bother me by the end (much 😬) and I liked both Torin and Maya and I'm extremely intrigued to read Torins brothers' books because they seem even more interesting to me. So all in all, I enjoyed this.

[Kat's Books & Brews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book! Can’t wait for Rett’s book.

“I’m all in, Maya, all fucking in. You call, I come. You hurt, I hunt down the source of your pain and destroy it. If you are mine, you are mine. There’s no if’s or but’s. I am in love with you, little doe. This heart belongs to you, and I will follow you anywhere.”

[Books on Stereo · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Rough Waters is an engaging small-town romance with a dark edge. Wilde crafts a heroine and hero that will leave a mark on the reader. The romance is enthralling, but it also is a moving story of healing and empowerment. I thoroughly enjoyed this narrative and am eager to read about Rhett and Colton.