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Riptide Road
After a gut-wrenching divorce, goth, single mother Kit has focused all her energy on the kids. Now that she’s alone at forty-six, she’s not sure whether love after divorce exists. Until a wink and smile from a dreamy lifeguard emboldens her to dip a toe into the dating pool. Tex is a carefree, twenty-seven-year-old surfer, spending his days chasing the waves and exploring the coast of Australia. He whisks Kit away on a journey she never expected. As their first date turns into an extended weekend of lovemaking and beachy adventures, they find themselves obsessed. But when tragedy draws Kit to Nepal, will her new paramour be waiting? Or will he be off chasing another flame? Relatable, laugh-out-loud-funny and as spicy as a chilli margarita, Riptide Road is a feel-good romance that you won’t want to put down.
454 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2023
10 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 11, 2023
I absolutely loved this book!!
Riptide Road is a new palette cleansing romantic comedy (with all the goods🌶😉) from Aussie author Ivy Graves!
I read it cover to cover with barely a break. Ivy once again sucked me into a world she created, and I didn't want to leave! I was so entranced the whole way through.
Kit is a 46 year old divorced single mother who spends all her time focused on her kids. Insert the 27 year old hot and tattooed surfing lifeguard, Tex, and a journey of self discovery, love, and all things spicy for Kit begins 😍 I adored the banter between Kit and Tex, and I laughed (and at times cried) with them along the way.
This book was written so beautifully and so easily relatable for many women. I can't count the number of times I, myself, related to Kit. This is filled with it all, humour to have you laughing out loud, lust turned love, grief, some angst, family, feel good moments, and enough spice to have tears running down your thighs🔥
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a spicy rom com to sink your teeth into or anyone coming off a dark romance (such as Ivy's Shadows and Obsessions duet or her dark novella In the Roof) and needing a palete cleansing, humourous, fun loving read with enough heat to have you running for water to cool yourself down!!
Well done, Ivy, and congratulations on another amazing release 🖤
Riptide Road is a new palette cleansing romantic comedy (with all the goods🌶😉) from Aussie author Ivy Graves!
I read it cover to cover with barely a break. Ivy once again sucked me into a world she created, and I didn't want to leave! I was so entranced the whole way through.
Kit is a 46 year old divorced single mother who spends all her time focused on her kids. Insert the 27 year old hot and tattooed surfing lifeguard, Tex, and a journey of self discovery, love, and all things spicy for Kit begins 😍 I adored the banter between Kit and Tex, and I laughed (and at times cried) with them along the way.
This book was written so beautifully and so easily relatable for many women. I can't count the number of times I, myself, related to Kit. This is filled with it all, humour to have you laughing out loud, lust turned love, grief, some angst, family, feel good moments, and enough spice to have tears running down your thighs🔥
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a spicy rom com to sink your teeth into or anyone coming off a dark romance (such as Ivy's Shadows and Obsessions duet or her dark novella In the Roof) and needing a palete cleansing, humourous, fun loving read with enough heat to have you running for water to cool yourself down!!
Well done, Ivy, and congratulations on another amazing release 🖤
October 13, 2023
Kit is a 46 year old divorcee focussing her energy on her kids. She’s at a birthday party when a young hot guy winks at her.
Tex is 27, a carefree surfer who spends his time chasing waves. He has a thing for older women so when he spots Kit, he can’t help but be enamoured. Will there difference in age and their lifestyles be a hindrance to their relationship?
#reverseagegap
#plussizeMMC
#loveafterdivorce
#dualPOV
What I love most about this story is it’s Australianisms. The Aussie vernacular, slang and turn of phrase is strong in this book. It’s literally written how I speak. And don’t even get me started on all the music references - a lot of my faves are mentioned.
Whilst this storyline style of reading, it is a well written book and story flows easily.
What a carefree lifestyle Tex leads, and how he adores Kit is phenomenal.
3.75 stars
Tex is 27, a carefree surfer who spends his time chasing waves. He has a thing for older women so when he spots Kit, he can’t help but be enamoured. Will there difference in age and their lifestyles be a hindrance to their relationship?
#reverseagegap
#plussizeMMC
#loveafterdivorce
#dualPOV
What I love most about this story is it’s Australianisms. The Aussie vernacular, slang and turn of phrase is strong in this book. It’s literally written how I speak. And don’t even get me started on all the music references - a lot of my faves are mentioned.
Whilst this storyline style of reading, it is a well written book and story flows easily.
What a carefree lifestyle Tex leads, and how he adores Kit is phenomenal.
3.75 stars
October 31, 2023
My rating: ★★★1/2
I extend my gratitude to Books & Bitches and Ivy Graves for the opportunity to delve into the pages of "Riptide Road." With a rating of ★★★1/2, this independently published gem by Ivy Graves, released on October 9th, 2023, proved to be a unique exploration of love, life after divorce, and unexpected adventures.
The story follows Kit, a gothic, single mother grappling with the aftermath of a gut-wrenching divorce. At the age of forty-six, she questions the existence of love after divorce, until a chance encounter with a dreamy lifeguard named Tex sparks a newfound curiosity. Tex, a carefree twenty-seven-year-old surfer from Australia, takes Kit on a whirlwind journey of love and beachy adventures, challenging her preconceptions about romance and age.
Ivy Graves crafts a narrative that explores the complexities of love and self-discovery in the aftermath of divorce. Kit's character, focused on her children and hesitant about entering the dating scene, undergoes a transformative experience with Tex. The author skillfully captures the essence of their connection, turning a wink and a smile into an extended weekend of lovemaking and unexpected adventures.
As the story unfolds, the unexpected takes center stage when family tragedy draws Kit to Nepal, raising questions about the fate of her budding romance with Tex. The uncertainty adds layers of emotion and suspense, keeping readers engaged in the unpredictable twists and turns of Riptide Road.
While the book earns a respectable ★★★1/2 rating from me, it's not without its moments of charm and surprise. Ivy Graves successfully combines elements of romance, self-discovery, and unexpected journeys, creating a narrative that resonates with those seeking a story that challenges conventional notions of love and age.
In conclusion, "Riptide Road" is a pleasant surprise, offering readers a unique blend of romance and adventure. Ivy Graves invites us to reconsider the possibilities of love after divorce, making this independently published work a noteworthy addition to the contemporary romance genre.
I extend my gratitude to Books & Bitches and Ivy Graves for the opportunity to delve into the pages of "Riptide Road." With a rating of ★★★1/2, this independently published gem by Ivy Graves, released on October 9th, 2023, proved to be a unique exploration of love, life after divorce, and unexpected adventures.
The story follows Kit, a gothic, single mother grappling with the aftermath of a gut-wrenching divorce. At the age of forty-six, she questions the existence of love after divorce, until a chance encounter with a dreamy lifeguard named Tex sparks a newfound curiosity. Tex, a carefree twenty-seven-year-old surfer from Australia, takes Kit on a whirlwind journey of love and beachy adventures, challenging her preconceptions about romance and age.
Ivy Graves crafts a narrative that explores the complexities of love and self-discovery in the aftermath of divorce. Kit's character, focused on her children and hesitant about entering the dating scene, undergoes a transformative experience with Tex. The author skillfully captures the essence of their connection, turning a wink and a smile into an extended weekend of lovemaking and unexpected adventures.
As the story unfolds, the unexpected takes center stage when family tragedy draws Kit to Nepal, raising questions about the fate of her budding romance with Tex. The uncertainty adds layers of emotion and suspense, keeping readers engaged in the unpredictable twists and turns of Riptide Road.
While the book earns a respectable ★★★1/2 rating from me, it's not without its moments of charm and surprise. Ivy Graves successfully combines elements of romance, self-discovery, and unexpected journeys, creating a narrative that resonates with those seeking a story that challenges conventional notions of love and age.
In conclusion, "Riptide Road" is a pleasant surprise, offering readers a unique blend of romance and adventure. Ivy Graves invites us to reconsider the possibilities of love after divorce, making this independently published work a noteworthy addition to the contemporary romance genre.
October 28, 2023
Hippy Retreat
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me.
Initially I enjoyed the Aussie humour and thought this would be a light and easy read.
However our author was very “educational” and felt like I like was getting a history lesson/life lesson. Plus the storyline was all over the place.
We had an age gap romance, with a dysfunctional ex partner relationship. 3 kids one estranged due to mental health and the coming out of a gay relationship. Then we have a family emergency, which was completely off track to the main storyline. And then the new relationship was snooze worthy. Everything was “nice” and “thank you and yes please” all other sideline characters were positive and supportive.
Our main characters were “fun” repeatedly, and even the daring midnight nuddy swim and public sex I just skim read by the time we got to entering the experimental BDSM phase it was the end of book and again didn’t hold my interest.
I think this author has tried to pack too much into this book and it doesn’t have the required recipe for me.
⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me.
Initially I enjoyed the Aussie humour and thought this would be a light and easy read.
However our author was very “educational” and felt like I like was getting a history lesson/life lesson. Plus the storyline was all over the place.
We had an age gap romance, with a dysfunctional ex partner relationship. 3 kids one estranged due to mental health and the coming out of a gay relationship. Then we have a family emergency, which was completely off track to the main storyline. And then the new relationship was snooze worthy. Everything was “nice” and “thank you and yes please” all other sideline characters were positive and supportive.
Our main characters were “fun” repeatedly, and even the daring midnight nuddy swim and public sex I just skim read by the time we got to entering the experimental BDSM phase it was the end of book and again didn’t hold my interest.
I think this author has tried to pack too much into this book and it doesn’t have the required recipe for me.
⭐️⭐️
October 20, 2023
Given I relate to Kit on pretty much every level I loved this book!
Everyone deserves complete acceptance and love exactly as they are, and I love the way this book takes a curvy, more mature woman with a tonne of baggage and allows her to be herself - no getting to the gym, no self improvement madness, no ‘when I’m this I get that’ vibe. It’s also an age gap but not the millionaire guy with the secretary vibe, it’s well crafted and honest all the way through.
And not only does Kit get to step fully into herself, she gets the joy of dating apps, a sneaky flirt with a lifeguard, the bestie we all need, and some very spicy adventures!
(Shoutout to Tex, lifeguard and surfer and artist and pretty much every cougar’s perfect cub. We love him)
It’s a great read, just the right amount of spice vs story vs tension vs trauma …. Just go read it.
Now, I’m off to buy a hammock, and maybe a Combi…
Everyone deserves complete acceptance and love exactly as they are, and I love the way this book takes a curvy, more mature woman with a tonne of baggage and allows her to be herself - no getting to the gym, no self improvement madness, no ‘when I’m this I get that’ vibe. It’s also an age gap but not the millionaire guy with the secretary vibe, it’s well crafted and honest all the way through.
And not only does Kit get to step fully into herself, she gets the joy of dating apps, a sneaky flirt with a lifeguard, the bestie we all need, and some very spicy adventures!
(Shoutout to Tex, lifeguard and surfer and artist and pretty much every cougar’s perfect cub. We love him)
It’s a great read, just the right amount of spice vs story vs tension vs trauma …. Just go read it.
Now, I’m off to buy a hammock, and maybe a Combi…
November 3, 2023
I recently embarked on a journey through "Riptide Road," and oh, what a ride it was!
This book offered a second chance at love after a divorce, and the result was pure magic. It's a romantic comedy with just the right amount of spice to keep things sizzling.
One of my favorite things about this story was the fantastic banter between the main characters. Their witty exchanges had me chuckling and rooting for their relationship to flourish.
Oh, and did I mention that the male main character is younger than the female main character? Age is just a number, and in this book, it added an extra layer of intrigue and charm.
In a nutshell, "Riptide Road" is a must-read for anyone craving a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud romantic escapade. It's a delightful blend of second chances, humor, and spice.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This book offered a second chance at love after a divorce, and the result was pure magic. It's a romantic comedy with just the right amount of spice to keep things sizzling.
One of my favorite things about this story was the fantastic banter between the main characters. Their witty exchanges had me chuckling and rooting for their relationship to flourish.
Oh, and did I mention that the male main character is younger than the female main character? Age is just a number, and in this book, it added an extra layer of intrigue and charm.
In a nutshell, "Riptide Road" is a must-read for anyone craving a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud romantic escapade. It's a delightful blend of second chances, humor, and spice.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
October 16, 2023
Riptide Road is a saucy age gap romance filled with insightful adult themes and tender moments.
This book was very much out of my comfort zone and I wanted to give a cougar romance a go. Perhaps it was how I developed my romantic tastes growing up or something else but I've come to not like realistic age gaps but that didn't make this story unejoyable!
The writing style is abrupt in it's way of communicating character emotions and observations and sometimes I could become lost in some scenes which were more passionately written (I do the same when I write!)
The smut was awesome and the representation also equally amazing 😊
I'll have a more extensive review on my blog by the end of the week!
This book was very much out of my comfort zone and I wanted to give a cougar romance a go. Perhaps it was how I developed my romantic tastes growing up or something else but I've come to not like realistic age gaps but that didn't make this story unejoyable!
The writing style is abrupt in it's way of communicating character emotions and observations and sometimes I could become lost in some scenes which were more passionately written (I do the same when I write!)
The smut was awesome and the representation also equally amazing 😊
I'll have a more extensive review on my blog by the end of the week!
October 29, 2023
I loved reading Tex & Kit's story. I really enjoyed reading a book that was set in Australia as I could truly envision the setting & where they were going (even though I'm not the greatest with Sydney lol).
I don't often read reverse age gaps. But I really did enjoy this one. Also the MFC being a plus sized character was a nice to read about & gave different struggles & perspectives than other books.
I love how Tex was able to open Kit up to exploring new adventures & gaining the inner self confidence that she needed.
Also thier relationship is super spicy 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Some of the tropes/themes in this book are:
*Reverse Agegap
*Plus Size MFC
*Intercultural Relationship
*Australian Location
*Spicy
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book & this is my honest opinion.
I don't often read reverse age gaps. But I really did enjoy this one. Also the MFC being a plus sized character was a nice to read about & gave different struggles & perspectives than other books.
I love how Tex was able to open Kit up to exploring new adventures & gaining the inner self confidence that she needed.
Also thier relationship is super spicy 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Some of the tropes/themes in this book are:
*Reverse Agegap
*Plus Size MFC
*Intercultural Relationship
*Australian Location
*Spicy
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book & this is my honest opinion.
October 17, 2023
This is a hard one to review. There were parts of this I really enjoyed, especially the representation of diversity. It had lots of little events in it and chapters that felt a little like padding. So many things could have been tied together with thoughts or feelings- the car accident with Tex's experience surfing the massive waves for instance. I would have loved to see more about Kit's feelings towards dating a man who's only a few years older than her estranged son.
Don't get me wrong- Tex was an adorable cinnamon roll of a book boyfriend. We need more men like Tex in the world :)
Thanks to B&BDU for the early copy.
Don't get me wrong- Tex was an adorable cinnamon roll of a book boyfriend. We need more men like Tex in the world :)
Thanks to B&BDU for the early copy.
October 25, 2023
A fun and spicy tale of discovering a love you deserve in unexpected places.
After a messy divorce from her jerk of a husband, newly single mum Kit is inspired to put herself out there again. Enter gorgeous, go-with-the-flow Tex.
Burlesque shows, skinny dipping, Dom-Sub play, hold tight as Tex helps Kit explore her sexual desires and rediscover her self-worth and independence.
💜age gap
💜curvy Asian goth FMC
💜free spirit, tattooed surfing MMC
💜divorcee single mum
💜relatable
💜Australian setting
💜overcoming a traumatic event
💜romcom
This woman is coming back to life and as her young lover stokes her fire, her spice and heat will consume you.
✨received as an ARC
After a messy divorce from her jerk of a husband, newly single mum Kit is inspired to put herself out there again. Enter gorgeous, go-with-the-flow Tex.
Burlesque shows, skinny dipping, Dom-Sub play, hold tight as Tex helps Kit explore her sexual desires and rediscover her self-worth and independence.
💜age gap
💜curvy Asian goth FMC
💜free spirit, tattooed surfing MMC
💜divorcee single mum
💜relatable
💜Australian setting
💜overcoming a traumatic event
💜romcom
This woman is coming back to life and as her young lover stokes her fire, her spice and heat will consume you.
✨received as an ARC
October 16, 2023
This was a really cute story. Tex being the sexy as sin younger lifeguard and Kit being the cougar with kids. It was fun to read with the two of them playing off of one another in their budding relationship. It proves age doesn’t have to make a difference when you have mutual respect for one another. I really enjoyed reading this book. I just wish it hadn’t ended so abruptly. It felt like it fell flat. Almost like a cliffhanger.
I received this book from BookSirens as an ARC for my honest opinion.
I received this book from BookSirens as an ARC for my honest opinion.
November 2, 2023
Kit a divorcee and mother of 3 catches the eye of a twenty something life guard. After losing herself to motherhood and a dead marriage she finds herself the subject of a hot man’s who is much younger than hers) lust. Giving love a chance she finds herself quickly finding her groove and that she is falling for Tex. Tex loves her curves and empowers her to be adventurous and free. Along the way he also discovers settling down and being apart of her and her kids lives is something he craves. There is lots of spice-Lots of loving the skin You’re in moments and an easy to read storyline.
November 6, 2023
This story follows kit and how she starts choosing herself with a dash of romance with Tex. Tex is a fun loving golden retriever surfer . Kit is a selfless person that would do anything for her kids . I loved how honest Kit was always with her children. One if my favorite things has to be how he takes care of her . I loved the fact that she finally stood up for herself and choose her own happiness. This was such a fun sweet read . Definitely recommended.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2023
This was a different romance story. Kit is a mom of three kids and she’s older in age. She pretty much is living through life day by day but without really living. Tex is a young guy who is attracted to older women. He sees Kit at a birthday party at the swimming center he works at. He is immediately attracted to her when he sees her and vice versa. Tex brought out the inner desires of Kit. He took her insecurities and crushed them. He showed her how beautiful he thought she was and he really loved her. After being cheated on by her ex husband, she deserved to be cherished.
I received an Arc copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an Arc copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 14, 2023
This book was different than anything I have read lately and I loved it!! We have an older single mom, who is also plus size. The. We have a much younger man, who is a hot lifeguard! Well, when they meet Tex has an instant attraction for her. Things start to get hot and heavy between them! But, they do it safely which you rarely see in a book! I absolutely loved this book! If you need something different to read than this book is a must!!
October 18, 2023
*Contains partial spoilers*
I absolutely fell in love with this book. Kit and Tex’s relationship is so pure and beautiful to me.
Having been able to relate to Kit’s character in so many ways it was super easy to love her and support her journey. Aurora is probably the most adorable child ever and Finn is a very typical teen with a struggle that his mum simply just loved him for anyway, as it should be.
Seeing Kit and Tex discover themselves together and who they truly are is so lovely to see and one of my favourite tropes because communication in a relationship is so important.
A truly wonderful story with amazing characters and plot line.
I absolutely fell in love with this book. Kit and Tex’s relationship is so pure and beautiful to me.
Having been able to relate to Kit’s character in so many ways it was super easy to love her and support her journey. Aurora is probably the most adorable child ever and Finn is a very typical teen with a struggle that his mum simply just loved him for anyway, as it should be.
Seeing Kit and Tex discover themselves together and who they truly are is so lovely to see and one of my favourite tropes because communication in a relationship is so important.
A truly wonderful story with amazing characters and plot line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2023
Thank you for this free ARC copy Ivy Graves.
Kit is a lovable mother of 3 in her 40’s. Tex is a surfer in his late 20’s.
Kit’s ex husband really is the dipshit she calls him. Tex come onto Kit’s life at just the right time. He helps her through some issues even when dipshit tries to make things hard for her.
Kit’s best friend Eve supports and helps when needed.
Riptide has been so well written you could just imagine you were in Kit’s place all through the book.
Kit is a lovable mother of 3 in her 40’s. Tex is a surfer in his late 20’s.
Kit’s ex husband really is the dipshit she calls him. Tex come onto Kit’s life at just the right time. He helps her through some issues even when dipshit tries to make things hard for her.
Kit’s best friend Eve supports and helps when needed.
Riptide has been so well written you could just imagine you were in Kit’s place all through the book.
October 14, 2023
This was such a cute and extremely spicy pallet cleanser.
It included opposites attracting, reversed age gap (older woman 😏😏😏) and a plus sized goth 😍😍😍 MMMMMPH.
Their chemistry was adorable, but their sexscapades were next level spice. I’m talking public, BDSM, switches 🤤🤤🤤 Ivy really did the damn thing with this book
It included opposites attracting, reversed age gap (older woman 😏😏😏) and a plus sized goth 😍😍😍 MMMMMPH.
Their chemistry was adorable, but their sexscapades were next level spice. I’m talking public, BDSM, switches 🤤🤤🤤 Ivy really did the damn thing with this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2023
Holy COW!!! I devoured this book in one day. As a 40 something single divorced mom this book sang to me. I related so much with Kit and her wants and insecurities.
The relationship between Kit and Tex develops beautifully. His love and understanding of her needs and wants practically starts on page one.
This is my first book of Graves' and I'm excited to read more!
The relationship between Kit and Tex develops beautifully. His love and understanding of her needs and wants practically starts on page one.
This is my first book of Graves' and I'm excited to read more!
October 18, 2023
I absolutely loved everything about this book!! It was funny, relatable, and perfectly spicy 🌶️ 🥵 the story was cute and sexy and the main character kit was so hilarious and loveable! I honestly loved all the characters! I learned a lot of Australian slang and loved every bit of it! I can’t wait to read more from ivy graves! 😍
November 5, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive a ARC for this book and I absolutely loved it. I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed it
November 10, 2023
This was different from anything I've ever read but I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed every minute of it and fell in love with each character. Great job. Definitely can't wait to read more from Ivy.
Want to read
March 29, 2024Free today (March 29th) on kindle
October 28, 2024
A real page turner, made for a great read. I loved the characters and the way their relationship evolved. Highly recommended if you like it spicy.
October 31, 2023
Riptide Road is so beautifully written that it is addicting, a Palette Cleanser from the dark as the Author states a very good rom com with alot of feels and emotion. We get laughs, you will shed tears and this is angsty with scorching scenes. The banter was awesome I loved it.
Kit is a mom just trying to adjust to life being secluded until she meets Tex a lay back younger surfer dude who gives her that one look and he's interested even with the age gap it's an instant connection.
I really like the dual POV . I love love Kit she is so real and honest and the way they joke around the dialouge is just yummy. I loved it.
Kit is a mom just trying to adjust to life being secluded until she meets Tex a lay back younger surfer dude who gives her that one look and he's interested even with the age gap it's an instant connection.
I really like the dual POV . I love love Kit she is so real and honest and the way they joke around the dialouge is just yummy. I loved it.
October 31, 2023
This book absolutely touched me in a way I can't express.
Being able to relate to a plus size character just makes my big girl heart happy.
All the relatable elements of this book? Were absolutely fantastic.
Ivy has a way of writing that just grips you, and draws you into the worlds that she creates.
This world was absolutely no different!
Tex is mine, I want him in my pocket forever, he was amazing!!!
I cannot wait for the next book this author writes.
Being able to relate to a plus size character just makes my big girl heart happy.
All the relatable elements of this book? Were absolutely fantastic.
Ivy has a way of writing that just grips you, and draws you into the worlds that she creates.
This world was absolutely no different!
Tex is mine, I want him in my pocket forever, he was amazing!!!
I cannot wait for the next book this author writes.
December 10, 2023
ARC review - I loved this story. I love that it gives hope of a happy ever after following a failed marriage. It was great to read about 2 really different characters falling for each other and with so much sexual chemistry. Loved how adventurous the characters were. It was also good that the story includes everyday real struggles that readers may relate to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews