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Tides That Bind
Harper Jones ran away from the circus dreaming of the perfect family. By her early thirties she had it all—a wonderful marriage, a kid, and the dog. But Harper never accounted for an extra seat at the table for her husband's best friend, a perpetual third wheel in her relationship and constant thorn in her side.
Riley Monroe always struggled one way or another. Dyslexia made school hard, and home, with his successful attorney father, even harder. Ditching a real suit for a wetsuit, Riley found acceptance surfing off the shore with no other care than avoiding his best friend's seemingly judgmental and controlling wife.
When an accident leaves Harper a widowed, single parent, and Riley the lone survivor, he faces a promise he made to his best friend. But that never becomes more important than when another family member is taken away, forcing Harper and Riley to work together for the benefit of her son.
It doesn't take long to realize they are stronger fighting against the tide—and legal system—together than apart. Forced proximity and complicated grief journeys make it difficult for these former foes to deny new feelings and attraction. Soon they learn love always surfaces, no matter how deep the grief or how high the wave.
Tides That Bind contains some content readers might find triggering death of a loved one (by drowning), motor vehicle accident, survivors' guilt, pregnancy and live birth, grief, struggles with dyslexia.
Riley Monroe always struggled one way or another. Dyslexia made school hard, and home, with his successful attorney father, even harder. Ditching a real suit for a wetsuit, Riley found acceptance surfing off the shore with no other care than avoiding his best friend's seemingly judgmental and controlling wife.
When an accident leaves Harper a widowed, single parent, and Riley the lone survivor, he faces a promise he made to his best friend. But that never becomes more important than when another family member is taken away, forcing Harper and Riley to work together for the benefit of her son.
It doesn't take long to realize they are stronger fighting against the tide—and legal system—together than apart. Forced proximity and complicated grief journeys make it difficult for these former foes to deny new feelings and attraction. Soon they learn love always surfaces, no matter how deep the grief or how high the wave.
Tides That Bind contains some content readers might find triggering death of a loved one (by drowning), motor vehicle accident, survivors' guilt, pregnancy and live birth, grief, struggles with dyslexia.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2024
11 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Carter
7 books60 followersCathryn is a native New Yorker but currently lives in the Middle East with her husband and two children. She often can be found in the corner of one of Amman's many coffee shops with her laptop.
When her head isn't in a book or she isn't writing, Cathryn enjoys building enormous structures out of Magna-tiles with her kids. She loves swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, floating in the Dead Sea, and traveling during non-pandemic times.
You can find her on Instagram @cathryncarterwrites
When her head isn't in a book or she isn't writing, Cathryn enjoys building enormous structures out of Magna-tiles with her kids. She loves swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, floating in the Dead Sea, and traveling during non-pandemic times.
You can find her on Instagram @cathryncarterwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 7, 2024
I cried 8 times while reading this. I counted. So clearly I loved it and think you should read it because in Book World that's one of the highest accolades that can be bestowed upon a novel.
And while there is no denying the most prevalent theme is about grief and loss there is still plenty of light and happiness and humor to break up the crying jags.
I have been anxiously awaiting the release of Tides That Bind for months and it was worth every single second of the wait. I'm sure Riley and Harper feel the exact same way.
Riley and Harper go from barely being able to be in the same room together to co-parents to unexpected best friends and beyond. The growth these two go through is just magical to watch. Harper never could see what her clean-cut husband saw in his “failure to launch” best friend or how he fit into the perfect life she was trying to build for herself. But holy cannoli when these two have a come-to-Jesus meeting and start focusing on working with instead of against each other? They discover they not only have a lot more in common than just the man who brought them together - they're the magic, too.
And while there is no denying the most prevalent theme is about grief and loss there is still plenty of light and happiness and humor to break up the crying jags.
I have been anxiously awaiting the release of Tides That Bind for months and it was worth every single second of the wait. I'm sure Riley and Harper feel the exact same way.
Riley and Harper go from barely being able to be in the same room together to co-parents to unexpected best friends and beyond. The growth these two go through is just magical to watch. Harper never could see what her clean-cut husband saw in his “failure to launch” best friend or how he fit into the perfect life she was trying to build for herself. But holy cannoli when these two have a come-to-Jesus meeting and start focusing on working with instead of against each other? They discover they not only have a lot more in common than just the man who brought them together - they're the magic, too.
August 27, 2024
I have not been able to stop thinking about this book since I finished reading it.
It is a heartbreakingly beautiful story, with a happy ending about losing a loved one, grieving, healing, finding love again and letting yourself fall in love again. 🤍
One of my favorite things about this book was both Riley & Harper lost their person the day they lost Nate. Riley lost his best friend & Harper lost her husband. Before they lost Nate the two couldn’t stand each other, they didn’t expect losing Nate would bring them closer together but what they didn’t know is that their story started long before the tragic accident that took Nate away from them.
Although the story centers around Harper and Riley, Lucus and Tides will also captivate and steal your heart. 🤍
I also have to note Riley Monroe is ONE MASTERPIECE OF A CHARACTER, ugh I am SWOOOOONING over him, and I have never been one to go for a man bun, but the way Cathryn wrote him…*chefs kiss*
If you love…
🤍enemies to lovers
🤍forces proximity
🤍ANGST 🥵
🤍love after loss
🤍late husbands best friend
🤍found family
Then you will love this book
🌊☀️🦴🏄🏻♂️
It is a heartbreakingly beautiful story, with a happy ending about losing a loved one, grieving, healing, finding love again and letting yourself fall in love again. 🤍
One of my favorite things about this book was both Riley & Harper lost their person the day they lost Nate. Riley lost his best friend & Harper lost her husband. Before they lost Nate the two couldn’t stand each other, they didn’t expect losing Nate would bring them closer together but what they didn’t know is that their story started long before the tragic accident that took Nate away from them.
Although the story centers around Harper and Riley, Lucus and Tides will also captivate and steal your heart. 🤍
I also have to note Riley Monroe is ONE MASTERPIECE OF A CHARACTER, ugh I am SWOOOOONING over him, and I have never been one to go for a man bun, but the way Cathryn wrote him…*chefs kiss*
If you love…
🤍enemies to lovers
🤍forces proximity
🤍ANGST 🥵
🤍love after loss
🤍late husbands best friend
🤍found family
Then you will love this book
🌊☀️🦴🏄🏻♂️
August 18, 2024
Emotional and beautifully written second chance at love after lose
Tides That Bind by Cathryn Carter
4.5/5⭐️
2/3🌶️
2/3🦋
•My Thoughts•
This was moving, emotional and such a uniquely told love story. I truly enjoyed it. I was hooked from the beginning because the story opens up with the present and real relationship of the FMC, Harper, and her late husband. I couldn’t wrap my head around how the author was going to get us from that point to the end game couple but BY GOLLY, she DID! AND she did it in a way that felt true to all the feelings and honest to grief. The author wrote this in such a way that everything felt so REAL. It had such raw characters, hard life situations and love and choices that don’t always fit into an expected timeline. That tension between what feels forbidden and the way life gifts us second chances that don’t always fit into perceived time constraints was honestly a really hard place to sit in. It was uncomfortable but yet felt so true to messy life. I loved the surfing aspect - it was beautifully woven into the story and added both depth and fun. Absolutely recommend this story, friends! I will definitely be checking out other books by this author!
Tides That Bind by Cathryn Carter
4.5/5⭐️
2/3🌶️
2/3🦋
•My Thoughts•
This was moving, emotional and such a uniquely told love story. I truly enjoyed it. I was hooked from the beginning because the story opens up with the present and real relationship of the FMC, Harper, and her late husband. I couldn’t wrap my head around how the author was going to get us from that point to the end game couple but BY GOLLY, she DID! AND she did it in a way that felt true to all the feelings and honest to grief. The author wrote this in such a way that everything felt so REAL. It had such raw characters, hard life situations and love and choices that don’t always fit into an expected timeline. That tension between what feels forbidden and the way life gifts us second chances that don’t always fit into perceived time constraints was honestly a really hard place to sit in. It was uncomfortable but yet felt so true to messy life. I loved the surfing aspect - it was beautifully woven into the story and added both depth and fun. Absolutely recommend this story, friends! I will definitely be checking out other books by this author!
August 17, 2024
Wow, quite an amazing love story with depth, heartbreak, and the sweetest kind of happiness. I do not recommend picking this book up unless you don’t plan to stop! 😍
Overview:
Harper Jones ran away from the circus dreaming of the perfect family. By her early thirties, she had it all—a wonderful marriage, a kid, and a dog. But an extra seat at the table for her husband’s best friend complicates everything.
Riley Monroe, struggling with dyslexia, finds solace in surfing, avoiding the judgment of his best friend’s controlling wife. When a tragic accident leaves Harper a widowed single parent and Riley the lone survivor, they must work together for the sake of her son. As they navigate grief and legal battles, they learn that love always surfaces, no matter how deep the grief or how high the wave.
Things I Loved:
- The emotional depth of the characters truly resonated with me; I felt every laugh, every tear, and every moment of joy.
- Cathryn's ability to weave humor into such poignant moments made the story all the more enjoyable.
- The themes of resilience and hope were beautifully portrayed, reminding me of the strength of love even in the darkest times.
- The way Harper and Riley evolve throughout the story is incredibly touching, showcasing personal growth and healing.
- I appreciated the honest portrayal of grief and how it impacts relationships, making it relatable and real.
- Let’s not forget the 🌶️
Their journey made me laugh, made me cry, and made my heart want to explode out of my chest, imagining the loss of your life and trying to come back from that.
It’s one of those emotional books that makes me want to cuddle my husband closer tonight and take time to be grateful for our family. Being in his arms reminds me just how fortunate I am to have him as my best friend and love.
This book was like the dedication in the beginning; the author was able to pick up the pieces of this story and create something profoundly beautiful.
Overview:
Harper Jones ran away from the circus dreaming of the perfect family. By her early thirties, she had it all—a wonderful marriage, a kid, and a dog. But an extra seat at the table for her husband’s best friend complicates everything.
Riley Monroe, struggling with dyslexia, finds solace in surfing, avoiding the judgment of his best friend’s controlling wife. When a tragic accident leaves Harper a widowed single parent and Riley the lone survivor, they must work together for the sake of her son. As they navigate grief and legal battles, they learn that love always surfaces, no matter how deep the grief or how high the wave.
Things I Loved:
- The emotional depth of the characters truly resonated with me; I felt every laugh, every tear, and every moment of joy.
- Cathryn's ability to weave humor into such poignant moments made the story all the more enjoyable.
- The themes of resilience and hope were beautifully portrayed, reminding me of the strength of love even in the darkest times.
- The way Harper and Riley evolve throughout the story is incredibly touching, showcasing personal growth and healing.
- I appreciated the honest portrayal of grief and how it impacts relationships, making it relatable and real.
- Let’s not forget the 🌶️
Their journey made me laugh, made me cry, and made my heart want to explode out of my chest, imagining the loss of your life and trying to come back from that.
It’s one of those emotional books that makes me want to cuddle my husband closer tonight and take time to be grateful for our family. Being in his arms reminds me just how fortunate I am to have him as my best friend and love.
This book was like the dedication in the beginning; the author was able to pick up the pieces of this story and create something profoundly beautiful.
August 5, 2024
Thank you Cathryn for the ARC.
Well here it is, I CRIED LIKE A BABY AND I absolutely loved it.
The Tides that Bind is a little different than I’ve read but I’m here for it. I absolutely would have devoured this book faster but I needed to take breaks from all the heartache I felt, but just like Harper, Lucas, AND Riley started to heal. so did my heart. I loved Nate he was perfect, but I see now that Harper and Riley were definitely end game.
Also TIDES, Riley did everything go get him back because he’s not JUST A DOG, he’s family 💕
4⭐️
Well here it is, I CRIED LIKE A BABY AND I absolutely loved it.
The Tides that Bind is a little different than I’ve read but I’m here for it. I absolutely would have devoured this book faster but I needed to take breaks from all the heartache I felt, but just like Harper, Lucas, AND Riley started to heal. so did my heart. I loved Nate he was perfect, but I see now that Harper and Riley were definitely end game.
Also TIDES, Riley did everything go get him back because he’s not JUST A DOG, he’s family 💕
4⭐️
August 14, 2024
I received Tides That Bind as an ARC and this is my honest review!
This book completely shattered my heart and then put it back together, and I loved every minute of it.! After an accident changes everything, Harper builds a relationship with her late husband’s best friend, Riley. They pick up each other’s broken pieces and begin a journey of healing and co-parenting sweet Lucas.
This was really well done, I enjoyed the initial tension, but also the deep emotional connection Riley and Harper were able to build upon. I can’t even tell you how many times I cried, but I can tell you there were tears before I was 10% in. Thank you so much, Cathryn for giving us this beautiful story!
This book completely shattered my heart and then put it back together, and I loved every minute of it.! After an accident changes everything, Harper builds a relationship with her late husband’s best friend, Riley. They pick up each other’s broken pieces and begin a journey of healing and co-parenting sweet Lucas.
This was really well done, I enjoyed the initial tension, but also the deep emotional connection Riley and Harper were able to build upon. I can’t even tell you how many times I cried, but I can tell you there were tears before I was 10% in. Thank you so much, Cathryn for giving us this beautiful story!
August 12, 2024
Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity and this is my review...
After a tragic accident leaves Harper (a widow) and Lucas (fatherless); Nate's best-friend Riley steps up to the plate to fulfill the promise he made to care for his family.
I love how Harper and Riley's story began without them even knowing how it would eventually end; from barely being able to tolerate one another to the magic in the middle and falling in loved at the end.
"You are so busy thinking I won the beginning and the end that you forgot the most important part. The middle is where the magic happens...., ....You're the magic, Harper" ~Riley
🏄🏽 Love After Loss
🏄🏽 Enemies to Lovers
🏄🏽 Late Husbands Best Friend
🏄🏽 Single Mom
🏄🏽 Found Family
After a tragic accident leaves Harper (a widow) and Lucas (fatherless); Nate's best-friend Riley steps up to the plate to fulfill the promise he made to care for his family.
I love how Harper and Riley's story began without them even knowing how it would eventually end; from barely being able to tolerate one another to the magic in the middle and falling in loved at the end.
"You are so busy thinking I won the beginning and the end that you forgot the most important part. The middle is where the magic happens...., ....You're the magic, Harper" ~Riley
🏄🏽 Love After Loss
🏄🏽 Enemies to Lovers
🏄🏽 Late Husbands Best Friend
🏄🏽 Single Mom
🏄🏽 Found Family
August 13, 2024
Oh my heart. Cathryn your writing is so so beautiful. I seriously am stunned that I waited this long to read a book by you. It's about time I crawl out from my little rock. This book broke me, made me cry in the first 50 pages. Yet it brought me so much pure joy. How Harper grew so much as a person throughout this while book, reading as she went through grief and came out the other end is so inspiring. I absolutely love Riley as well, he officially owns my heart.
"This loss—it’s ours to comfort each other through. That’s what I want, to be close to maybe the only one who understands how deep this grief is."
As soon as I seen one of the tropes of this book was late husband's best friend, I had to read it. Some parts of Harpers story were so relatable to my own life. I also am a young widow with children, who just so happened to fall in love with my husband's best friend as we both leaned on each other through the grieving process. It takes bravery and an open heart to love again.
✨Read if you love✨
🏄Late husbands best friend
🏄Enemies to lovers
🏄Single mom
🏄Love after loss
🏄Surfers
"This loss—it’s ours to comfort each other through. That’s what I want, to be close to maybe the only one who understands how deep this grief is."
As soon as I seen one of the tropes of this book was late husband's best friend, I had to read it. Some parts of Harpers story were so relatable to my own life. I also am a young widow with children, who just so happened to fall in love with my husband's best friend as we both leaned on each other through the grieving process. It takes bravery and an open heart to love again.
✨Read if you love✨
🏄Late husbands best friend
🏄Enemies to lovers
🏄Single mom
🏄Love after loss
🏄Surfers
December 18, 2024
This book!! All the love!! Tides That Bind is so much more than a surfing romance! Of course- read it for the surfing romance as that is just fantastic! This book is a story with many layers and it’s about finding yourself after a tragedy, moving on and finding love again. Cathryn has a way of writing that just pulls you in- and you feel every bit with these characters. The character depth is incredible in this story; you feel every bit of their love, hate, pain, sadness, but also there are some lighter, happier and funny moments. The many different feelings I had for Riley and Harper and how they changed with the story as we got to know and understand them more. I really felt the pull of these two towards one another. Let’s be honest that Lucas and Tides deftinatly were stars of the book. I am an animal lover through and through and the dog, Tides was such a special part of the family.
Every bit of this story was incredible! I thoroughly enjoyed it with tears, laughter, love and hope.
Every bit of this story was incredible! I thoroughly enjoyed it with tears, laughter, love and hope.
August 15, 2024
Thank you for the ARC, Cathryn!
“We do this together or not at all.”
Losing Nate flips life upside down for Harper and Riley, but they have to be strong for Lucas. Losing your husband is devastating in its own right but having to navigate your son losing his father is another. Harper never got along with Riley, Nate’s best friend, but he’s always been there. Even when Nate couldn’t be and he won’t let them down now.
Harper was never first to her parents and I think was threatened by Nate and Riley’s friendship, so things have always been tense.
Riley didn’t have a lot of support growing up. His highly successful father was demanding and didn’t try to understand his son. Nate filled a really big gap and losing him crushes Riley. Not to mention; he survived.
Loss. Grief. Guilt. But also hope, life and love. When two people find peace in the aftermath.
If you like emotional, soul deep connections, pick up a Cathryn Carter book. She’s going to take you on a journey and you’ll thank her for it. I loved Tides that Bind and can’t recommend it enough. I just know that Cathryn would topping the charts if readers would give her a chance. This is your sign to help push a super talented author deserving of your time.
“We can stay in the light—the two of us, teasing, working together, whatever—so long as we don’t let the memory of the very person who put us in this situation cast shade over it all.”
“He lost his person but still has his people though,”
“Hearing my name like that? Wanted? Needed? It unleashes something in me I never knew was there.”
“You don’t know what it does to me when you say my name like that.” “Like what?” “Like I’m important to you.”
“You’re so busy thinking I won the beginning and the end that you forgot about the most important part. The middle is where the magic happens.” “I didn’t get it until after he died. You’re the magic, Harper.”
“Maybe this is our middle. We’re the magic,”
“I can fly if I know there’s someone to catch me.”
“Maybe you’re right,” “Maybe we are the magic.”
“You’re lighting everything up around me and now I see how lucky I am to be in this life with you in it. My life looks different now. And…and I love it. And…” “And we’re family. Screw anyone who doesn’t get it.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥
Another incredible read by Cathryn. RTC
“We do this together or not at all.”
Losing Nate flips life upside down for Harper and Riley, but they have to be strong for Lucas. Losing your husband is devastating in its own right but having to navigate your son losing his father is another. Harper never got along with Riley, Nate’s best friend, but he’s always been there. Even when Nate couldn’t be and he won’t let them down now.
Harper was never first to her parents and I think was threatened by Nate and Riley’s friendship, so things have always been tense.
Riley didn’t have a lot of support growing up. His highly successful father was demanding and didn’t try to understand his son. Nate filled a really big gap and losing him crushes Riley. Not to mention; he survived.
Loss. Grief. Guilt. But also hope, life and love. When two people find peace in the aftermath.
If you like emotional, soul deep connections, pick up a Cathryn Carter book. She’s going to take you on a journey and you’ll thank her for it. I loved Tides that Bind and can’t recommend it enough. I just know that Cathryn would topping the charts if readers would give her a chance. This is your sign to help push a super talented author deserving of your time.
“We can stay in the light—the two of us, teasing, working together, whatever—so long as we don’t let the memory of the very person who put us in this situation cast shade over it all.”
“He lost his person but still has his people though,”
“Hearing my name like that? Wanted? Needed? It unleashes something in me I never knew was there.”
“You don’t know what it does to me when you say my name like that.” “Like what?” “Like I’m important to you.”
“You’re so busy thinking I won the beginning and the end that you forgot about the most important part. The middle is where the magic happens.” “I didn’t get it until after he died. You’re the magic, Harper.”
“Maybe this is our middle. We’re the magic,”
“I can fly if I know there’s someone to catch me.”
“Maybe you’re right,” “Maybe we are the magic.”
“You’re lighting everything up around me and now I see how lucky I am to be in this life with you in it. My life looks different now. And…and I love it. And…” “And we’re family. Screw anyone who doesn’t get it.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥
Another incredible read by Cathryn. RTC
August 15, 2024
Cathryn Carter writes such beautiful romance books that are so much more than romance.
Riley and Harper do not like each other but they have 2 things in common that make them tolerate each other: Riley’s best friend and Harper’s husband Nate and Harper and Nate’s son, Lucas.
When Riley and Nate are in an accident, and Nate knows he won’t make it, he makes Riley promise to take care of his family. What follows is such a beautiful story filled with heartbreak and grief and unlikely friendship and hope and growth and love.
Riley and Harper struggle with their grief in the beginning, Riley especially feels guilty because he survived. But they realize that despite the fact they don’t really like each other, they realize the other truly knows the extent of the loss they both suffered and they lean into that.
I loved that through their unimaginable grief they found so much love and hope. I loved that they truly started to understand each other, and supported each other. They lifted each other up when they most needed it. The growth of both characters was so beautiful.
The sweetness of Lucas was so good. The love that Lucas and Riley had for each other was another part of this story I loved. There is also a dog, Tides, that plays a very important part in this story. I love dogs and I feel they are truly the best animals and Cathryn just proves that in this book 😍. There is surfing and acrobatics too that add so much to this story.
The last 100 pages had me in almost constant tears and it wasn’t out of sadness it was just so very beautiful.
This is a bunch of rambling to say you need to read this book. Thank you so much to Cathryn Carter for my copy of this book. It is truly a beautiful story. Tides That Bind is out today and is available in Kindle Unlimited.
Riley and Harper do not like each other but they have 2 things in common that make them tolerate each other: Riley’s best friend and Harper’s husband Nate and Harper and Nate’s son, Lucas.
When Riley and Nate are in an accident, and Nate knows he won’t make it, he makes Riley promise to take care of his family. What follows is such a beautiful story filled with heartbreak and grief and unlikely friendship and hope and growth and love.
Riley and Harper struggle with their grief in the beginning, Riley especially feels guilty because he survived. But they realize that despite the fact they don’t really like each other, they realize the other truly knows the extent of the loss they both suffered and they lean into that.
I loved that through their unimaginable grief they found so much love and hope. I loved that they truly started to understand each other, and supported each other. They lifted each other up when they most needed it. The growth of both characters was so beautiful.
The sweetness of Lucas was so good. The love that Lucas and Riley had for each other was another part of this story I loved. There is also a dog, Tides, that plays a very important part in this story. I love dogs and I feel they are truly the best animals and Cathryn just proves that in this book 😍. There is surfing and acrobatics too that add so much to this story.
The last 100 pages had me in almost constant tears and it wasn’t out of sadness it was just so very beautiful.
This is a bunch of rambling to say you need to read this book. Thank you so much to Cathryn Carter for my copy of this book. It is truly a beautiful story. Tides That Bind is out today and is available in Kindle Unlimited.
August 13, 2024
Thank you to the author for providing an advance copy of Tides That Bind. This is my honest review.
Cathryn Carter is a one-click author for me. I have always been immediately immersed in the world(s) that she creates, which is rare for me (instantly connected). She did it again with Tides That Bind, where she takes the reader on an emotional - yet hopeful - journey. This is a raw look at grief through the eyes of Harper, a wife and mother, who not only has to deal with her own loss but also manage her child’s suffering. And deal with her husband’s unwelcome friend, who was also left behind. It’s not a secret or spoiler that Harper is widowed. What I hadn’t expected was to get to know her husband and cry while reading how he was lost. So, bring the tissues.
The three left behind have to navigate their new realities and deal with their personal, unique and (survivors) guilt. Meanwhile, the two enemies learn to work together (and then some) for the sake of a devastated child. And there’s a Police K9 in the mix (Tides), that was repossessed by the police. Enter the unexpected lawyer: surfer Riley.
At the risk of being redundant, their journey from barely tolerant of one another to wary allies, then on to lovers, is both heartbreaking and at times humorous. But it was a captivating read, witnessing the repair after the one they orbited around and brought them together, was gone.
There are a lot of potential triggers in this story, ranging from but not limited to: drowning, grief and survivor’s guilt, and struggles with dyslexia. Please be mindful of these. If you are okay with these, then don’t hesitate to dive right in.
Cathryn Carter is a one-click author for me. I have always been immediately immersed in the world(s) that she creates, which is rare for me (instantly connected). She did it again with Tides That Bind, where she takes the reader on an emotional - yet hopeful - journey. This is a raw look at grief through the eyes of Harper, a wife and mother, who not only has to deal with her own loss but also manage her child’s suffering. And deal with her husband’s unwelcome friend, who was also left behind. It’s not a secret or spoiler that Harper is widowed. What I hadn’t expected was to get to know her husband and cry while reading how he was lost. So, bring the tissues.
The three left behind have to navigate their new realities and deal with their personal, unique and (survivors) guilt. Meanwhile, the two enemies learn to work together (and then some) for the sake of a devastated child. And there’s a Police K9 in the mix (Tides), that was repossessed by the police. Enter the unexpected lawyer: surfer Riley.
At the risk of being redundant, their journey from barely tolerant of one another to wary allies, then on to lovers, is both heartbreaking and at times humorous. But it was a captivating read, witnessing the repair after the one they orbited around and brought them together, was gone.
There are a lot of potential triggers in this story, ranging from but not limited to: drowning, grief and survivor’s guilt, and struggles with dyslexia. Please be mindful of these. If you are okay with these, then don’t hesitate to dive right in.
August 7, 2024
Tides That Bind is a story of finding love after loss between two people who truly cannot stand each other. Harper and Riley are bound together because she is married to his best friend, Nate. But when Nate doesn’t survive a terrible accident, they’re left to navigate some very heavy waters as they pledge to co parent Harper’s son, Lucas who struggles understanding his father’s death. During this vulnerable time, they’re tested even more when Nate’s legacy, his police dog, Tides, is taken back by the police department.
This book. My heart won’t ever be the same. It’s heartbreaking. It’s beautiful. It’s wholesome and still spicy. There is banter and beautiful messaging and unique characters…how I LOVED Riley and adored Harper’s backstory. You’ve got a past timeline that lays the foundation for the present and an epilogue that ties everything together with a perfect bow.
I have read a few “love after loss” books and where this differs is it doesn’t tarnish the reputation of the deceased love one to kind of justify the new relationship. Nate is well rounded and wonderful in real life and memory and I believe he would give his blessing to Harper and Riley without any hesitation. I appreciated the no extra drama on that front given how emotional the story was already.
Don’t ignore this book. It is a top 2024 read for me.
This book. My heart won’t ever be the same. It’s heartbreaking. It’s beautiful. It’s wholesome and still spicy. There is banter and beautiful messaging and unique characters…how I LOVED Riley and adored Harper’s backstory. You’ve got a past timeline that lays the foundation for the present and an epilogue that ties everything together with a perfect bow.
I have read a few “love after loss” books and where this differs is it doesn’t tarnish the reputation of the deceased love one to kind of justify the new relationship. Nate is well rounded and wonderful in real life and memory and I believe he would give his blessing to Harper and Riley without any hesitation. I appreciated the no extra drama on that front given how emotional the story was already.
Don’t ignore this book. It is a top 2024 read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
This book quickly became one of my favorites. I can’t tell you how many times my broke but was put back together.
Riley and Harper’s story is devastatingly beautiful. They both are dealing with the grief of losing their person, Nate. Harper lost her husband and Riley lost his best friend. While Harper and Riley’s relationship might have started out full of resentment, Riley was always there for Harper when she needed him. Including being in the delivery room when Harper’s son was born and Harper’s husband was deployed.
I loved the character development with both Riley and Harper. They both pushed each other to grow up in their own way. Riley pushed Harper to loosen up and enjoy life. Harper pushed Riley to find himself and his worth. The love and acceptance they showed each other was amazing. The understanding that they would always feel their loss, but embraced it in their relationship.
I felt Cathryn really showed the acceptance that Nate would have given to Harper and Riley. It makes their story that much better.
While I loved both Harper and Riley, (as well as Lucas) Tides will forever be my favorite 🐶😍😍
I found myself wanting to get to the end, yet stalling to keep it going forever.
*I received an advanced copy of this book, this is my honest review
Riley and Harper’s story is devastatingly beautiful. They both are dealing with the grief of losing their person, Nate. Harper lost her husband and Riley lost his best friend. While Harper and Riley’s relationship might have started out full of resentment, Riley was always there for Harper when she needed him. Including being in the delivery room when Harper’s son was born and Harper’s husband was deployed.
I loved the character development with both Riley and Harper. They both pushed each other to grow up in their own way. Riley pushed Harper to loosen up and enjoy life. Harper pushed Riley to find himself and his worth. The love and acceptance they showed each other was amazing. The understanding that they would always feel their loss, but embraced it in their relationship.
I felt Cathryn really showed the acceptance that Nate would have given to Harper and Riley. It makes their story that much better.
While I loved both Harper and Riley, (as well as Lucas) Tides will forever be my favorite 🐶😍😍
I found myself wanting to get to the end, yet stalling to keep it going forever.
*I received an advanced copy of this book, this is my honest review
August 16, 2024
This book might just be my favorite of the year! I will try to put into words just how much I loved this, but it’s not gonna be easy. I could just go on and on about it! I tend to steer clear of the stories that I know will break my heart, but I just knew I had to read this one and while it made me cry SEVERAL times, it also brought me so much joy and hope, as I read Harper and Riley’s story.
This is a journey of love after loss. How two people can come together after the worst moment of their lives and find love and happiness amongst the rubble. Harper and Riley became an absolute lifeline to each other, as they navigated a world without Nate, while also co parenting Harper’s son Lucas. The whole story flowed naturally and the flashbacks helped us see just how much these two were able to make the transition from “enemies” to friends to lovers. Their history and connection ran deep and their mutual love of Nate helped mold who they were apart and together. The character building was tremendous and the slow burn to spice had the perfect balance. Add in surfing, a precious little boy in Lucas and his German shepherd, Tides, along with everyday sweet moments amongst the heartbreaking and emotional ones, I was unable to put this book down!
This is a journey of love after loss. How two people can come together after the worst moment of their lives and find love and happiness amongst the rubble. Harper and Riley became an absolute lifeline to each other, as they navigated a world without Nate, while also co parenting Harper’s son Lucas. The whole story flowed naturally and the flashbacks helped us see just how much these two were able to make the transition from “enemies” to friends to lovers. Their history and connection ran deep and their mutual love of Nate helped mold who they were apart and together. The character building was tremendous and the slow burn to spice had the perfect balance. Add in surfing, a precious little boy in Lucas and his German shepherd, Tides, along with everyday sweet moments amongst the heartbreaking and emotional ones, I was unable to put this book down!
August 15, 2024
Love after loss. We hear that line so often and yet how likely is it to experience it? This book made me feel that, given all the circumstances and life changing events that happened between Harper and Riley. One minute those two would want to rip each other's throats apart and after the biggest tragedy in their lives, they became co-parents and so much more. I loved how gradual the chemistry and feelings were between Harper and Riley. They were both characters I admired equally, both coming through for Lucas in the most heartfelt ways. My absolute favorite parts in this one were the flashback chapters of how it all really began, and what binded these two together for life. And I can't forget to mention Tides, one of the few times I felt it in my bones while reading that a pet was more than just a pet but an actual family member!
Thank you to Cathryn for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this one. I am always floored by her abilities to write about grief and complicated emotions, all while wrapping it nicely in a bow by presenting us with a romance that keeps you dreaming in the best ways.
Thank you to Cathryn for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this one. I am always floored by her abilities to write about grief and complicated emotions, all while wrapping it nicely in a bow by presenting us with a romance that keeps you dreaming in the best ways.
August 7, 2024
Received an arc and this is my honest review.
I hate dogs and here I am crying over a fictional one. I've never read a book where the HEA was as deserved as it was in Tides That Bind.
I SWOONED FOR RILEY. CAN WE HAVE MORE MANBUN BOOK BOYFRIENDS? Ones who go out of their way and overcome all of their deepest fears to be a man in a way they never believed they could? He was absolutely wonderfully written from start to finish and had such a unique voice. I cried so, so hard for him, and I loved how his character developed by the end. I loved how Harper and Riley turned out to be exactly who each other needed during such a dark point in their lives. They really brought out the best in each other and made the perfect pair to raise Lucas.
There isn't anything I can say that's bad about this story except for the amount of tears I cried. My heart hurts but is so, so full.
This needs to be on every reader's radar.
-slow burn spice
-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-love after loss
-grief journey
-single mom
-surfing romance
-found family
-ALL THE DAMN TEARS
I hate dogs and here I am crying over a fictional one. I've never read a book where the HEA was as deserved as it was in Tides That Bind.
I SWOONED FOR RILEY. CAN WE HAVE MORE MANBUN BOOK BOYFRIENDS? Ones who go out of their way and overcome all of their deepest fears to be a man in a way they never believed they could? He was absolutely wonderfully written from start to finish and had such a unique voice. I cried so, so hard for him, and I loved how his character developed by the end. I loved how Harper and Riley turned out to be exactly who each other needed during such a dark point in their lives. They really brought out the best in each other and made the perfect pair to raise Lucas.
There isn't anything I can say that's bad about this story except for the amount of tears I cried. My heart hurts but is so, so full.
This needs to be on every reader's radar.
-slow burn spice
-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-love after loss
-grief journey
-single mom
-surfing romance
-found family
-ALL THE DAMN TEARS
August 13, 2024
ARC BOOK REVIEW // TIDES THAT BIND
🌟5/5
🌶️🌶️
There aren’t many books that leave me completely speechless - but leave to to @cathryncarterwrites to render me without words for a multitude of reasons iol (One being that I am in the acknowledgments section!!! like, what?! is this real life?!) 🥹🥹🥹🥹
This book was literal perfection - Riley and Harper forever own my heart (and now both live rent free in my mind)
My heart was ripped out my chest, then slowly put back together.
Riley Monroe is my new favorite book boyfriend. Who knew that a man bun would be my thing?! 🫠
He was grumpy (in the beginning) swoony, broody and honestly? Just a down right GOOD MAN!! (Oh - Riley also had a dirty mouth..and I was SO here for it!!!) 🥇👏🏻👏🏻🥇
There were so many moments where my heart was in my stomach - it was emotional, but heartwarming, sexy and sweet - AND I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!!!
This was a story of overcoming tremendous grief, love after loss, and finding light and hope in every situation.
I encourage of all you to RUN RUN RUN to KU on Thursday and start this gem IMMEDIATELY!
Cathryn: I adore you so much - your stories touch my soul SO deeply and i am truly honored to call you a friend.
swipe👈🏻 to see my playlist + edits!
🌟5/5
🌶️🌶️
There aren’t many books that leave me completely speechless - but leave to to @cathryncarterwrites to render me without words for a multitude of reasons iol (One being that I am in the acknowledgments section!!! like, what?! is this real life?!) 🥹🥹🥹🥹
This book was literal perfection - Riley and Harper forever own my heart (and now both live rent free in my mind)
My heart was ripped out my chest, then slowly put back together.
Riley Monroe is my new favorite book boyfriend. Who knew that a man bun would be my thing?! 🫠
He was grumpy (in the beginning) swoony, broody and honestly? Just a down right GOOD MAN!! (Oh - Riley also had a dirty mouth..and I was SO here for it!!!) 🥇👏🏻👏🏻🥇
There were so many moments where my heart was in my stomach - it was emotional, but heartwarming, sexy and sweet - AND I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!!!
This was a story of overcoming tremendous grief, love after loss, and finding light and hope in every situation.
I encourage of all you to RUN RUN RUN to KU on Thursday and start this gem IMMEDIATELY!
Cathryn: I adore you so much - your stories touch my soul SO deeply and i am truly honored to call you a friend.
swipe👈🏻 to see my playlist + edits!
August 11, 2024
"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙤 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨....𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘, 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙥𝙚𝙧" - 𝙍𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙮
What an incredible journey Cathryn took us on with Harper and Riley (Lucas & Tides included!). Tides that Bind was a beautiful story of life and love after loss and finding your people. I was already crying by 6% into it and just kept crying. I cried a total of at least 6 times and not even all of them were sad cries, some were just oh my god moments and even a finally moment.
You see these two go from not even wanting to be in the same room to co-parents to Lucas, who is struggling with his father’s untimely death and its repercussions on his life. As the reader, you just burned for Riley and Harper to give into it and find new happiness with each other because their person was taken away from both of them. And when that “F*ck it,” moment finally happened? I was cheering. I was pumping my fist. I had tears in my eyes but so much joy in my heart.
What an incredible journey Cathryn took us on with Harper and Riley (Lucas & Tides included!). Tides that Bind was a beautiful story of life and love after loss and finding your people. I was already crying by 6% into it and just kept crying. I cried a total of at least 6 times and not even all of them were sad cries, some were just oh my god moments and even a finally moment.
You see these two go from not even wanting to be in the same room to co-parents to Lucas, who is struggling with his father’s untimely death and its repercussions on his life. As the reader, you just burned for Riley and Harper to give into it and find new happiness with each other because their person was taken away from both of them. And when that “F*ck it,” moment finally happened? I was cheering. I was pumping my fist. I had tears in my eyes but so much joy in my heart.
August 22, 2024
If y’all have not read a Cathryn Carter book, what are you even doing with your life? I would fly to the heavens and give this book ALL OF THE STARS if that was possible! This book was THAT good!
Cathryn has this innate ability to draw you into her story; to make you fall in love with her characters, as if they are your best friends. Then she breaks your heart, crushes it really. But her ability to take the broken pieces and make something so extraordinarily beautiful is a talent that very few authors possess. The road to her HEAs may not always be easy, but man are they worth it!
If you like Jennifer Hartmann, give Cathryn a try and start here because you definitely need to read this book!
Cathryn has this innate ability to draw you into her story; to make you fall in love with her characters, as if they are your best friends. Then she breaks your heart, crushes it really. But her ability to take the broken pieces and make something so extraordinarily beautiful is a talent that very few authors possess. The road to her HEAs may not always be easy, but man are they worth it!
If you like Jennifer Hartmann, give Cathryn a try and start here because you definitely need to read this book!
August 6, 2024
THIS BOOK!! Cathryn knows how to write heartbreaking love stories, and this one was no exception. She had me in my feels early on, and the emotional sucker punches just kept coming.
I absolutely loved the transition as both characters fell for each other. Cathryn did such an incredible job of writing the evolution of their relationship and feelings for each other. It felt so incredibly natural—not at all forced or convenient.
It’s a slow burn, but when it hits? Phew. It’s so good. The storylines and the characters were done so well.
I’ve loved all her stories, but I think this is my new favorite.
I absolutely loved the transition as both characters fell for each other. Cathryn did such an incredible job of writing the evolution of their relationship and feelings for each other. It felt so incredibly natural—not at all forced or convenient.
It’s a slow burn, but when it hits? Phew. It’s so good. The storylines and the characters were done so well.
I’ve loved all her stories, but I think this is my new favorite.
August 16, 2024
I have never read a surfing romance but this was definitely not what I expected. This book had me emotional for sure with the theme of grief and loss. Riley and Harper go through a lot of growth throughout this story while they get through heartbreak and rediscover love. The way Cathryn wrote this book allows you to feel all the happiness, love and sorrow that the characters are experiencing. I do not want to give any spoilers but if you love enemies to lovers, single mom, love after loss and of course surfers then this book is worth picking up. Thank you Cathryn Carter for this ARC, this is my honest review.
August 10, 2024
This was so emotional
Literally broke my heart
Nate and Riley are inseparable best friends. But Harper, Nate's wife wasn't a fan of Riley, who had basically been their unpaid tenant.
But an accident changed everything. It left Harper a widow with her 8 year old son and Riley a guilty survivor. But his best friend made him promise to look after Harper and their son.
Tropes:
🧡 Enemies to lovers
🧡Late husband's best friend
🧡 Surfing
🧡 Forced proximity
🧡 Single mom
🧡Love after loss
🧡 Dyslexia rep
I knew about survivor's guilt but didn't know the extent of it until I was able to read Riley's pov. It was so painful
Literally broke my heart
Nate and Riley are inseparable best friends. But Harper, Nate's wife wasn't a fan of Riley, who had basically been their unpaid tenant.
But an accident changed everything. It left Harper a widow with her 8 year old son and Riley a guilty survivor. But his best friend made him promise to look after Harper and their son.
Tropes:
🧡 Enemies to lovers
🧡Late husband's best friend
🧡 Surfing
🧡 Forced proximity
🧡 Single mom
🧡Love after loss
🧡 Dyslexia rep
I knew about survivor's guilt but didn't know the extent of it until I was able to read Riley's pov. It was so painful
August 22, 2024
I'm going to need 5-10 business days to recover from this one.
Cathryn has such incredible talent. 😮💨😭
Honestly, I have been sitting on this review for days.
This book BROKE ME. I was DOWN BAD, Crying at
home. Because I don't go to the gym. 😅 Literally.
The amount of times my husband checked in on me
was probably concerning. But do you know what else
this book was? BEAUTIFUL. SO BEAUTIFUL.
Love after loss, enemies to lovers, an incredible little
boy, their pup 🐾... a beautifully, incredibly written
story of a second chance at love after loss.
I'm still speechless. But this book deserves a spot
on the gram. And I hope you all considere reading.
Cathryn has such incredible talent. 😮💨😭
Honestly, I have been sitting on this review for days.
This book BROKE ME. I was DOWN BAD, Crying at
home. Because I don't go to the gym. 😅 Literally.
The amount of times my husband checked in on me
was probably concerning. But do you know what else
this book was? BEAUTIFUL. SO BEAUTIFUL.
Love after loss, enemies to lovers, an incredible little
boy, their pup 🐾... a beautifully, incredibly written
story of a second chance at love after loss.
I'm still speechless. But this book deserves a spot
on the gram. And I hope you all considere reading.
August 25, 2024
REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
🧡 Forced Proximity
🧡 Flashbacks
🧡 Love after loss
Harper is tragically widowed and left to care for their 8 year old son alone. Only Harper doesn’t realize her husband’s annoying best friend, Riley, made a promise to always care for and protect them. Soon Riley transforms from the third wheel squatting in her garage apartment, to becoming the backbone that supports her family. Lines you think you wouldn’t cross become blurred with survivors guilt, attraction, grief, compassion, perseverance, and healing.
This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions for me. Tears were flowing, giddy giggles sprang out, butterflies were flyin. It was such a sweet, yet heartbreaking story that I literally couldn’t imagine myself being in the position of, but glad that I could experience it through Harper and know that she got her happy ending after all.
🌶️🌶️/5
🧡 Forced Proximity
🧡 Flashbacks
🧡 Love after loss
Harper is tragically widowed and left to care for their 8 year old son alone. Only Harper doesn’t realize her husband’s annoying best friend, Riley, made a promise to always care for and protect them. Soon Riley transforms from the third wheel squatting in her garage apartment, to becoming the backbone that supports her family. Lines you think you wouldn’t cross become blurred with survivors guilt, attraction, grief, compassion, perseverance, and healing.
This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions for me. Tears were flowing, giddy giggles sprang out, butterflies were flyin. It was such a sweet, yet heartbreaking story that I literally couldn’t imagine myself being in the position of, but glad that I could experience it through Harper and know that she got her happy ending after all.
September 1, 2024
Writing about any relationship after loss is hard, especially when the new love interest is your deceased husband’s best friend. There’s a very fine balance around appropriate timing and intensity at which the new relationship grows and I just didn’t feel like this book walked that line very well partly because I didn’t think Harper and Riley’s chemistry was very good. There was sexual attraction, sure, but that’s the easy part. Beyond that, any emotional connection just felt like a trauma bond, which wasn’t compelling IMO.
August 4, 2024
I recieved an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review!
When Harper and her son, Lucas, tragically lose her husband, Nate, Nate’s best friend Riley steps up as he promised.
I loved Tides That Bind. This love story is absolutely heartwarming. It’s a story that I imagined as a movie the entire time I was reading it. It would be an adorable movie! It is beautifully written and even made me a little teary eyes towards the end! I will definitely need a shelf trophy of this book!
When Harper and her son, Lucas, tragically lose her husband, Nate, Nate’s best friend Riley steps up as he promised.
I loved Tides That Bind. This love story is absolutely heartwarming. It’s a story that I imagined as a movie the entire time I was reading it. It would be an adorable movie! It is beautifully written and even made me a little teary eyes towards the end! I will definitely need a shelf trophy of this book!
August 8, 2024
I did not anticipate the depth this story would go into. The story was so much more than grief. There was soul searching, believing in yourself, found family, happiness, and love. We always put so much pressure on ourselves and just having simple support means the world to anyone.
I have not been so deeply invested into a story in so long. I was angry, crying, fist pumping, and happy. This enemies to lovers slow burn story is so beautifully written and detailed that you just fall in love.
I have not been so deeply invested into a story in so long. I was angry, crying, fist pumping, and happy. This enemies to lovers slow burn story is so beautifully written and detailed that you just fall in love.
August 6, 2025
so good!
An interesting, funny, tragic & heart-warming story that honestly covers all the bases that a good romance story should! I loved ALL the characters, but especially Riley. There is something about his sweet, “Peter Pan” personality that just pulls at your heart, not to mention how great he is with Lucas & Harper. There are so many great moments throughout. Well written, great development & terrific So Cal settings.
An interesting, funny, tragic & heart-warming story that honestly covers all the bases that a good romance story should! I loved ALL the characters, but especially Riley. There is something about his sweet, “Peter Pan” personality that just pulls at your heart, not to mention how great he is with Lucas & Harper. There are so many great moments throughout. Well written, great development & terrific So Cal settings.
August 17, 2024
I was graciously offered the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Tides That Bind in return for an honest review.
Every once in a while, a book comes along that changes how you view life as a whole. This was the book that did it for me. Grief is such a difficult emotion and Cathryn really captured life after loss for Riley and Harper perfectly. Every character in this story handled grief in their own beautiful and unique way. I shed so many tears (happy and sad) during this read.
There was a good amount of romantic moments sprinkled in with the tender & real moments. This felt so real to me, nothing was forced. I also liked how this story didn’t just explore the relationships of Riley and Harper but also her son, mother in law, and various family/community members. I felt like a part of this family while reading along!
I don’t think anything I could say will do this book justice - you will have to pick it up for yourself and see 😉
Every once in a while, a book comes along that changes how you view life as a whole. This was the book that did it for me. Grief is such a difficult emotion and Cathryn really captured life after loss for Riley and Harper perfectly. Every character in this story handled grief in their own beautiful and unique way. I shed so many tears (happy and sad) during this read.
There was a good amount of romantic moments sprinkled in with the tender & real moments. This felt so real to me, nothing was forced. I also liked how this story didn’t just explore the relationships of Riley and Harper but also her son, mother in law, and various family/community members. I felt like a part of this family while reading along!
I don’t think anything I could say will do this book justice - you will have to pick it up for yourself and see 😉
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