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Northern Roots: Atlantic #1
Tide Over
The storm will always pass…
Desperate to escape his pain, Liam Fraser returns to his home province of Nova Scotia—but not to the place he once called home. Instead, he finds himself in Torrin Cove, a tiny, remote fishing village that seems like the perfect place to hide from the painful memories he can’t outrun.
In this quiet town, he meets Theo MacKinnon, a lobster fisherman who has spent his entire life following a path that has been laid out for him. On the surface, Theo’s life may seem steady and certain, but beneath it all he feels trapped, hiding a part of himself he’s never fully understood.
Together, they find the quiet comfort they’ve been seeking. As they lean on each other to navigate the stormy waters of grief, guilt, and pain, they begin to heal. Their connection grows as steady as the rising tide, and in the stillness of their shared moments, they discover the strength and courage to face the truths they’ve been avoiding and embrace the lives they’ve been too afraid to claim.
Amidst their storms, they become each other’s safe harbours.
And learn that the path to healing doesn’t need to be walked alone.
Tide Over is a standalone MM romance with an HEA, and deals with themes of grief and loss.
Books in this series do not need to be read in order.
Desperate to escape his pain, Liam Fraser returns to his home province of Nova Scotia—but not to the place he once called home. Instead, he finds himself in Torrin Cove, a tiny, remote fishing village that seems like the perfect place to hide from the painful memories he can’t outrun.
In this quiet town, he meets Theo MacKinnon, a lobster fisherman who has spent his entire life following a path that has been laid out for him. On the surface, Theo’s life may seem steady and certain, but beneath it all he feels trapped, hiding a part of himself he’s never fully understood.
Together, they find the quiet comfort they’ve been seeking. As they lean on each other to navigate the stormy waters of grief, guilt, and pain, they begin to heal. Their connection grows as steady as the rising tide, and in the stillness of their shared moments, they discover the strength and courage to face the truths they’ve been avoiding and embrace the lives they’ve been too afraid to claim.
Amidst their storms, they become each other’s safe harbours.
And learn that the path to healing doesn’t need to be walked alone.
Tide Over is a standalone MM romance with an HEA, and deals with themes of grief and loss.
Books in this series do not need to be read in order.
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2024
157 people are currently reading
1785 people want to read
About the author
Eve Holmes
10 books252 followersEve is an avid lover of coffee, getting lost in fictional worlds, crafting and ducks. She lives in a small town in Atlantic Canada with a bunch of animals and plans to get many more, much to her family and friends dismay.
When she’s not writing or trying to get ducks to love her, she can usually be found fantasizing about living in a tree house, riding her horses, and exploring Nova Scotia.
Eve enjoys a challenge, and will gladly turn the strangest writing prompt into a book. There’s much more to come, we’re just getting started!
When she’s not writing or trying to get ducks to love her, she can usually be found fantasizing about living in a tree house, riding her horses, and exploring Nova Scotia.
Eve enjoys a challenge, and will gladly turn the strangest writing prompt into a book. There’s much more to come, we’re just getting started!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
May 20, 2025
This was just so lovely and heart felt, and although it covers some heavy subject matter, it really is at the core of things, a very sweet, wholesome and cozy romance.
While trying to escape a recent incident that has left him carrying a heavy load of guilt and grief stricken, Liam finds himself in the small town of Torrin Cove and striking up a friendship with Theo, a local fishermen and small town golden boy who has his own shares of challenges to navigate.
I loved Theo and Liam together and how there was just no melodrama to their sexual awakening and attraction to each other; they both just rolled with it and listened to their bodies without over thinking it. In fact to the point where I don't think Liam's sexual identity is ever really specified beyond being attracted to Theo and that was just so refreshing.
Honestly their whole dynamic was just actually surprisingly healthy, there was basically no interpersonal drama between them and they just communicated openly while respecting each other's boundaries while being supportive, and the conflict in the story came from them working together to navigate each of their own feelings of grief, loss, mental health and eventual healing journey.
As lovely as witnessing the love story between Liam and Theo was, it's rare that I've had the setting of a book capture me quite the way the wind swept and raining Nova Scotian coastline did in this book. It was so easy to see the beauty of Theo's house and imagine myself drinking coffee in the renovated sun room looking out over the ocean.
This story does contain a lot of mentions of grief and the processing of loss, including some elements of self harm. But I thought that the topics were treated sensitively and with respect and form a really lovely ground of common connection between Theo and Liam and their burgeoning relationship.
As a side benefit my TikTok algorithm is now apparently full of underwater welding videos because of Liams job and they are just fascinating, and him being highly competent in a specialised and dangerous field of work will never not be hot.
This was just a lovely example of a quiet and heart felt romance book done right.
I had a lovely time sharing this as a buddy read with Sarah and Jessica ❤️❤️ thanks gals ❤️❤️
While trying to escape a recent incident that has left him carrying a heavy load of guilt and grief stricken, Liam finds himself in the small town of Torrin Cove and striking up a friendship with Theo, a local fishermen and small town golden boy who has his own shares of challenges to navigate.
I loved Theo and Liam together and how there was just no melodrama to their sexual awakening and attraction to each other; they both just rolled with it and listened to their bodies without over thinking it. In fact to the point where I don't think Liam's sexual identity is ever really specified beyond being attracted to Theo and that was just so refreshing.
Honestly their whole dynamic was just actually surprisingly healthy, there was basically no interpersonal drama between them and they just communicated openly while respecting each other's boundaries while being supportive, and the conflict in the story came from them working together to navigate each of their own feelings of grief, loss, mental health and eventual healing journey.
As lovely as witnessing the love story between Liam and Theo was, it's rare that I've had the setting of a book capture me quite the way the wind swept and raining Nova Scotian coastline did in this book. It was so easy to see the beauty of Theo's house and imagine myself drinking coffee in the renovated sun room looking out over the ocean.
This story does contain a lot of mentions of grief and the processing of loss, including some elements of self harm. But I thought that the topics were treated sensitively and with respect and form a really lovely ground of common connection between Theo and Liam and their burgeoning relationship.
As a side benefit my TikTok algorithm is now apparently full of underwater welding videos because of Liams job and they are just fascinating, and him being highly competent in a specialised and dangerous field of work will never not be hot.
This was just a lovely example of a quiet and heart felt romance book done right.
I had a lovely time sharing this as a buddy read with Sarah and Jessica ❤️❤️ thanks gals ❤️❤️
May 13, 2025
Beautiful.
If you're looking for something slow and painful.
A large amount of deep sadness, loss, guilt and suicidal thoughts or a tendency towards self inflicted pain.
But also with so much love, a wonderful family and the perfect man who seems to understand you completely and lets you be the way you are, full of patience.
Oh, it was excellent. Despite all the tears I shed. Or perhaps because of them.
And it is simply phenomenally well written.
He grabs a small fish from the bait bucket and tucks it into her claw. The lobster latches on and he chuckles, glancing up at me. “I always throw the breeders back with a snack.”
He then leans over the edge of the boat and places her gently in the water on her back, letting her float down undisturbed.
I can’t help but smile as I watch him. Even with lobster, he is so caring, and has the biggest heart. 🫠🫠🫠
Freckles scattered across cheekbones, soft brown eyes, and wild, windswept hair.
The chaos inside me settles as I keep him in my mind, taking in a deep breath and slowly blowing it out.
Theo.
He’s always here for me, and I want to be here for him.
I need to be here for him. 🤗❤️🩹🤗
Yes, there are some really nice sex scenes. I particularly like the first two kisses. But even though the focus shifts a little more towards sex later in the book, I think the really wonderful thing about this story is everything else. Even the two children, although I usually find children difficult characters.
And the cat, my goodness, she's the star.
The ending is a little rushed. Or maybe it's better that way, otherwise I would have needed another pack of tissues.
Gorgeous.
Now I have to take a closer look at the author, because this was my first book, but definitely not my last.
If you're looking for something slow and painful.
A large amount of deep sadness, loss, guilt and suicidal thoughts or a tendency towards self inflicted pain.
But also with so much love, a wonderful family and the perfect man who seems to understand you completely and lets you be the way you are, full of patience.
Oh, it was excellent. Despite all the tears I shed. Or perhaps because of them.
And it is simply phenomenally well written.
He grabs a small fish from the bait bucket and tucks it into her claw. The lobster latches on and he chuckles, glancing up at me. “I always throw the breeders back with a snack.”
He then leans over the edge of the boat and places her gently in the water on her back, letting her float down undisturbed.
I can’t help but smile as I watch him. Even with lobster, he is so caring, and has the biggest heart. 🫠🫠🫠
Freckles scattered across cheekbones, soft brown eyes, and wild, windswept hair.
The chaos inside me settles as I keep him in my mind, taking in a deep breath and slowly blowing it out.
Theo.
He’s always here for me, and I want to be here for him.
I need to be here for him. 🤗❤️🩹🤗
Yes, there are some really nice sex scenes. I particularly like the first two kisses. But even though the focus shifts a little more towards sex later in the book, I think the really wonderful thing about this story is everything else. Even the two children, although I usually find children difficult characters.
And the cat, my goodness, she's the star.
The ending is a little rushed. Or maybe it's better that way, otherwise I would have needed another pack of tissues.
Gorgeous.
Now I have to take a closer look at the author, because this was my first book, but definitely not my last.
February 8, 2025
This book felt like a daydream or maybe better .
★My full review★ :
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's been a month since I finished this book, and I still can't stop thinking about it every single day.
if books could leave scars, "tide over" would be a very beautiful one i want to happily wear forever and FOREVER. It's a really strange feeling that this book has left me with,I could talk about this book for hours, yet somehow, I can’t find the right words that can do it justice.
Liam and Theo HAVE THE KIND OF LOVE that feels like pure magic .Each one of them carried his own tragedy, lost pieces of themselves to the past, but I LOVED how, together, they found the courage to heal and reclaim what was lost. How life felt so dark before Theo, only to turn so breathtakingly beautiful the moment he stepped into Liam’s world—becoming the light that guided him home, even when things were uncertain ...."This perfect man, who makes all my days sunny, and is the port in my storm"...... And how, in Liam’s love, Theo finally discovered who he truly was, how to smile again, and the strength and the need to be brave. " Being brave means knowing when to think of yourself too " ...... Here, with him, I can finally breathe. And it feels so good.....
And yeah, the spice was good like REAAAAALY good.( ANYTHING ABOUT THESE TWO IS TOP NOTCH )
I want a love like theirs but some love stories are too perfect to belong to this world and that’s why Liam and Theo’s love story will always be the beautiful parts I have to live only inside my mind and God help me WHAT A PRIVILEGE.
And MANNNNNNNNNN THE EYE CONTACT AAAAAAAAA BETWEEN THESE TWO ????????? UGHHHHHHHHH UGHHHHH, in this moments I felt like i was there with them or that I left this world and entered heaven itself .
But as Theo turns to give me a soft smile and I look into his eyes, I stay right where I am. The safe and content feeling I had today rustles beneath the apprehension and fear, and the tension inside me slowly fades away. I’m not sure why I feel this sense of ease around him, and I’m confused about why I’m not fighting it. But it doesn’t seem to matter as I let his smile pull one from me as well.🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠 .
The ending was beyond perfect. I kept thinking, 'No, it can't get any better than this. And it had already given me everything and MORE , And then the final moment came—and I was sobbing Like a little baby. A MESS . I'M SERIOUSLY IN LOVE WITH EVERY FUCKING ONE IN HERE.
And finally I feel the need to tell the author that your books have touched my heart in ways no one can understand or fathom and this one in particular has calmed something inside me in the most fascinating way it never felt like fiction Liam and Theo are real in their perfect world with Miss Bobber and they will always stay this way thank you for sharing their story with the world and can't wait to get into the rest of the series
★My full review★ :
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's been a month since I finished this book, and I still can't stop thinking about it every single day.
if books could leave scars, "tide over" would be a very beautiful one i want to happily wear forever and FOREVER. It's a really strange feeling that this book has left me with,I could talk about this book for hours, yet somehow, I can’t find the right words that can do it justice.
Liam and Theo HAVE THE KIND OF LOVE that feels like pure magic .Each one of them carried his own tragedy, lost pieces of themselves to the past, but I LOVED how, together, they found the courage to heal and reclaim what was lost. How life felt so dark before Theo, only to turn so breathtakingly beautiful the moment he stepped into Liam’s world—becoming the light that guided him home, even when things were uncertain ...."This perfect man, who makes all my days sunny, and is the port in my storm"...... And how, in Liam’s love, Theo finally discovered who he truly was, how to smile again, and the strength and the need to be brave. " Being brave means knowing when to think of yourself too " ...... Here, with him, I can finally breathe. And it feels so good.....
And yeah, the spice was good like REAAAAALY good.( ANYTHING ABOUT THESE TWO IS TOP NOTCH )
I want a love like theirs but some love stories are too perfect to belong to this world and that’s why Liam and Theo’s love story will always be the beautiful parts I have to live only inside my mind and God help me WHAT A PRIVILEGE.
And MANNNNNNNNNN THE EYE CONTACT AAAAAAAAA BETWEEN THESE TWO ????????? UGHHHHHHHHH UGHHHHH, in this moments I felt like i was there with them or that I left this world and entered heaven itself .
But as Theo turns to give me a soft smile and I look into his eyes, I stay right where I am. The safe and content feeling I had today rustles beneath the apprehension and fear, and the tension inside me slowly fades away. I’m not sure why I feel this sense of ease around him, and I’m confused about why I’m not fighting it. But it doesn’t seem to matter as I let his smile pull one from me as well.🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠 .
The ending was beyond perfect. I kept thinking, 'No, it can't get any better than this. And it had already given me everything and MORE , And then the final moment came—and I was sobbing Like a little baby. A MESS . I'M SERIOUSLY IN LOVE WITH EVERY FUCKING ONE IN HERE.
And finally I feel the need to tell the author that your books have touched my heart in ways no one can understand or fathom and this one in particular has calmed something inside me in the most fascinating way it never felt like fiction Liam and Theo are real in their perfect world with Miss Bobber and they will always stay this way thank you for sharing their story with the world and can't wait to get into the rest of the series
June 14, 2025
♾️⭐️
Liam + Theo 🖤
Gay awakening | Hurt/Comfort | Small Town | Blue Collar
Such a beautiful, feel good love story. Two broken men working towards their healing and finding happily ever after.
I had a feeling it would be good when I saw the dedication: "To those who weather the storms within. Even with the darkest skies and fiercest waves, the sun will always rise."
....
"I'm attracted to him. And I want him. Fuck."
"The fear and doubt inside me melts away with every stroke of his tongue against mine, every pull that brings me closer, and every touch of his hands on my skin. For the first time ever, I feel like I am exactly who I'm supposed to be. No hiding, no pretending, and no holding back. This feels right, in a way that nothing ever has."
"We're broken in our own ways, but we're also slowly helping each other piece it all back together."
"I just kept driving, hoping something would take me away, and end this pain... then I found you."
"Turn around... Let's see if you can take my tongue as well as you take my cock."
"What do you want me to do when I get home?"
"Fuck the cum out of me."
"This perfect man, who makes all my days sunny, and is the port in my storm."
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Strangers to lovers
Gay awakening
Hurt/comfort
Broken boys
Small town
Blue collar
Deep sea fisherman
Off shore oil rig worker
Bareback
Roomates
House renovating together
Banter
Supportive family
Found family
Freckles
Strict roles
Possessiveness
"My heart"
Rimming
No 3rd act breakup
TWs:
Death (off page)
Grief
Fishing accident
Injured MC
Surgery
Liam + Theo 🖤
Gay awakening | Hurt/Comfort | Small Town | Blue Collar
Such a beautiful, feel good love story. Two broken men working towards their healing and finding happily ever after.
I had a feeling it would be good when I saw the dedication: "To those who weather the storms within. Even with the darkest skies and fiercest waves, the sun will always rise."
....
"I'm attracted to him. And I want him. Fuck."
"The fear and doubt inside me melts away with every stroke of his tongue against mine, every pull that brings me closer, and every touch of his hands on my skin. For the first time ever, I feel like I am exactly who I'm supposed to be. No hiding, no pretending, and no holding back. This feels right, in a way that nothing ever has."
"We're broken in our own ways, but we're also slowly helping each other piece it all back together."
"I just kept driving, hoping something would take me away, and end this pain... then I found you."
"Turn around... Let's see if you can take my tongue as well as you take my cock."
"What do you want me to do when I get home?"
"Fuck the cum out of me."
"This perfect man, who makes all my days sunny, and is the port in my storm."
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Strangers to lovers
Gay awakening
Hurt/comfort
Broken boys
Small town
Blue collar
Deep sea fisherman
Off shore oil rig worker
Bareback
Roomates
House renovating together
Banter
Supportive family
Found family
Freckles
Strict roles
Possessiveness
"My heart"
Rimming
No 3rd act breakup
TWs:
Death (off page)
Grief
Fishing accident
Injured MC
Surgery
April 26, 2025
This is why I love to read.
At its heart, this is an incredible hurt/comfort story. Liam and Theo are both so heartbreakingly wounded (seriously, please check the trigger warnings - the grief and loss in this story hit hard), and yet somehow, even in all that pain, they find this soft, almost sacred, unexplainable peace in each other early on. It’s not loud or flashy or even immediately romantic - it’s quiet, bone-deep comfort, and it absolutely gutted me.
I loved that their growing feelings didn’t magically fix them or their broken pieces, though. Their connection didn’t erase the grief or guilt or regret, especially for Liam. His struggles are a near constant thread through the story, but they never take away from the beauty of what he and Theo find together. If anything, it makes it even more powerful.
The way they fell for each other felt so real: slow, hesitant, filled with these tender little moments, a lot of the early stages of getting to know one another happening through texts while Liam was away working on the rig. Their bond grew so naturally, so carefully, it made every step feel earned. They were so gentle with each other, so patient and full of care, and eventually, love.
And when the steam came, it wasn’t just hot (which let me tell you, it definitely, definitely was!), it was emotional, beautiful, intimate in a way that made me feel everything twice as much.
The setting - which was breathtaking and written in a way that completely transported me into this beautiful, wild part of the earth - only underlined the soft, melancholy undertones of the book, and I just wanted to wrap myself up in it. And the Scottish Gaelic scattered throughout was absolutely stunning. Every time Liam said mo chridhe, it felt like my heart cracked open a little more.
This book hurt. It healed. It meant something. I’m going to be thinking about Liam and Theo for a while.
At its heart, this is an incredible hurt/comfort story. Liam and Theo are both so heartbreakingly wounded (seriously, please check the trigger warnings - the grief and loss in this story hit hard), and yet somehow, even in all that pain, they find this soft, almost sacred, unexplainable peace in each other early on. It’s not loud or flashy or even immediately romantic - it’s quiet, bone-deep comfort, and it absolutely gutted me.
I loved that their growing feelings didn’t magically fix them or their broken pieces, though. Their connection didn’t erase the grief or guilt or regret, especially for Liam. His struggles are a near constant thread through the story, but they never take away from the beauty of what he and Theo find together. If anything, it makes it even more powerful.
The way they fell for each other felt so real: slow, hesitant, filled with these tender little moments, a lot of the early stages of getting to know one another happening through texts while Liam was away working on the rig. Their bond grew so naturally, so carefully, it made every step feel earned. They were so gentle with each other, so patient and full of care, and eventually, love.
And when the steam came, it wasn’t just hot (which let me tell you, it definitely, definitely was!), it was emotional, beautiful, intimate in a way that made me feel everything twice as much.
The setting - which was breathtaking and written in a way that completely transported me into this beautiful, wild part of the earth - only underlined the soft, melancholy undertones of the book, and I just wanted to wrap myself up in it. And the Scottish Gaelic scattered throughout was absolutely stunning. Every time Liam said mo chridhe, it felt like my heart cracked open a little more.
This book hurt. It healed. It meant something. I’m going to be thinking about Liam and Theo for a while.
May 19, 2025
4.5 - I’d never thought men welding was hot until this book. And underwater welding on a dangerous oil rig in the middle of the ocean? Apparently my newest kink. And lobster catching. What a fascinating profession! 🦞
I adored the setting, the characters and the storyline. Very pleasant to read despite the main themes of sadness and grief. Lovely connection between the characters. If all small towns and families in Nova Scotia are like this then I need to head there ASAP.
I loved how easily their relationship just fell into place, how there was no drama between them, no third act breakups, no lahlah over a label for Liam - everything felt so organic and wholesome.
I consider this a cozy and soft read despite the sad themes. I thought the self harm and grief to be very well written, without being overwhelming. This is a new author for me but I’m impressed and already downloaded book 2.
I adored the setting, the characters and the storyline. Very pleasant to read despite the main themes of sadness and grief. Lovely connection between the characters. If all small towns and families in Nova Scotia are like this then I need to head there ASAP.
I loved how easily their relationship just fell into place, how there was no drama between them, no third act breakups, no lahlah over a label for Liam - everything felt so organic and wholesome.
I consider this a cozy and soft read despite the sad themes. I thought the self harm and grief to be very well written, without being overwhelming. This is a new author for me but I’m impressed and already downloaded book 2.
October 31, 2024
Tide Over is an incredible small-town emotional romance between Theo and Liam. These two go on an intense emotional journey as they navigate their friendship that quickly transforms into an intense romance where both become devoted, loyal, and completely enamored with one another. I love the pacing of their relationship and how patient the story was allowing both to slowly fall for one another.
Overall I could not get enough of this story, the atmosphere, and the overall tone. I love how much Liam and Theo yearn and care for one another. Their jobs are complicated, dangerous, and lonely, so knowing they have each other elevated this heartwarming story that I shed tears over. Tide Over is a powerful and moving romance. I cannot wait to see more from this world.
** I BETA reviewed this story.****
Overall I could not get enough of this story, the atmosphere, and the overall tone. I love how much Liam and Theo yearn and care for one another. Their jobs are complicated, dangerous, and lonely, so knowing they have each other elevated this heartwarming story that I shed tears over. Tide Over is a powerful and moving romance. I cannot wait to see more from this world.
** I BETA reviewed this story.****
October 29, 2024
So beautiful and emotional 🥹🥹
I love these boys so, so much. Yet again Eve Holmes has created two absolutely beautiful characters who grabbed my heart immediately.
The grief that Liam is experiencing was heartbreaking and I could feel it as if it were my own. Theo has also experienced this soul crushing grief, but because he's at a different stage he's able to understand Liam's situation and give him hope that things will get better. The way they support each other and love each other had me tearing up so much.
The banter between these two when they're lightening the mood was so funny, and they were just so wholesome with their kitten and their home renovation too. Just adorable and I'd happily read so much more about them. Also loved their chemistry in the sex scenes too!
This story spoke to my soul and I'm always excited to see what comes next from this author - I cannot recommend her books enough!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Eve Holmes, and this is my honest review
I love these boys so, so much. Yet again Eve Holmes has created two absolutely beautiful characters who grabbed my heart immediately.
The grief that Liam is experiencing was heartbreaking and I could feel it as if it were my own. Theo has also experienced this soul crushing grief, but because he's at a different stage he's able to understand Liam's situation and give him hope that things will get better. The way they support each other and love each other had me tearing up so much.
The banter between these two when they're lightening the mood was so funny, and they were just so wholesome with their kitten and their home renovation too. Just adorable and I'd happily read so much more about them. Also loved their chemistry in the sex scenes too!
This story spoke to my soul and I'm always excited to see what comes next from this author - I cannot recommend her books enough!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Eve Holmes, and this is my honest review
May 20, 2025
My goodness, what a lovely book this was! Everything about it hit my mood just right 💙 The setting was absolutely gorgeous! Aside from Over and Over Again by Cole McCade, there's not another book that comes to mind where the setting is such a vivid part of the story. I know not all books can be set against such idyllic backdrops, but this one makes me wish that more were. Honestly, I'm not sure how well I would fare living in a remote fishing village, but reading this makes me want to try 😌
One of my favorite things about this story was how easy it was. It was so easy to become invested and let time slip away as the pages flipped by. Everything that happened came and went with a natural flow and ease to it. Nothing felt forced. Even though Theo wasn't out and Liam had never shown interest in another man before Theo, there was no drama or grand revelations to be had. They met, became friends, and fell into a relationship like it was the most normal thing to ever happen. It was tender, sweet, and just the perfect blend of happiness from start to finish 🥰
So, if I loved this so much, why not 5*? The ending. I loved everything about this, but how rushed the ending was. What happened was perfectly fine, and I don't have any qualms with that in and of itself, but the amount of time spent on it was not nearly enough for the story 🥲
Liam spent the entire book wrestling with his grief and his family situation as result of the tragedy that occurred, but when it was time for the resolution and moving forward, almost no time was devoted to it. There are forty-three chapters and one epilogue in the book, and only ONE chapter was used to resolve everything Liam had been struggling with the other forty-two chapters. There was too much buildup not to give the situation the space it needed. Overall, it was a wonderful read though, and I'm already looking forward to the next in the series!
Thanks to Sarah and Evie for the lovely buddy read! I had a blast, girls! 🫶🏻
One of my favorite things about this story was how easy it was. It was so easy to become invested and let time slip away as the pages flipped by. Everything that happened came and went with a natural flow and ease to it. Nothing felt forced. Even though Theo wasn't out and Liam had never shown interest in another man before Theo, there was no drama or grand revelations to be had. They met, became friends, and fell into a relationship like it was the most normal thing to ever happen. It was tender, sweet, and just the perfect blend of happiness from start to finish 🥰
So, if I loved this so much, why not 5*? The ending. I loved everything about this, but how rushed the ending was. What happened was perfectly fine, and I don't have any qualms with that in and of itself, but the amount of time spent on it was not nearly enough for the story 🥲
Liam spent the entire book wrestling with his grief and his family situation as result of the tragedy that occurred, but when it was time for the resolution and moving forward, almost no time was devoted to it. There are forty-three chapters and one epilogue in the book, and only ONE chapter was used to resolve everything Liam had been struggling with the other forty-two chapters. There was too much buildup not to give the situation the space it needed. Overall, it was a wonderful read though, and I'm already looking forward to the next in the series!
Thanks to Sarah and Evie for the lovely buddy read! I had a blast, girls! 🫶🏻
August 6, 2025
This book was lovely. It was also sad and a bit depressing, but also hopeful and heartwarming and incredibly romantic.❤️
I’ve wanted to go to NS for a while now, and this book only made me want to go even more. The little coastal town setting and the camaraderie between everyone were super cozy, and I just want to imagine it's like that in real life.
I’ve wanted to go to NS for a while now, and this book only made me want to go even more. The little coastal town setting and the camaraderie between everyone were super cozy, and I just want to imagine it's like that in real life.
April 26, 2025
This is my kind of book… I have zero complaints, I wouldn't change a single word. They calm and steady their inner storms, and mine. I would gladly live in their spare room, perving on them for eternity 🫠
🩵 small town romance
⚓️ broken boys
🩵 hurt/comfort
⚓️ first times
🩵 secret pining
⚓️ gay & bi awakening
🩵 found family
⚓️ acceptance
🩵 self-discovery
⚓️ lobster fisherman & offshore rig worker
🩵Strict roles
🌊 Gaelic sweet nothings
⚓️ Coffee dates
🌊 Freckles
⚓️ Caretaker
🌊 Furry little friends
⚓️ House renovation project
I’m so overwhelmed that I can't even put into words how much I loved this book. The balance, the aesthetic, the small town, the found family, the healing, their love and discovery of their sexuality. How they fit so good together in EVERY FUCKING WAY. And those Gaelic sweet nothings? God, love it, I would sign up for Mo Chridhe as a pet name any time! ! And even we are so close to the water, you will burn, because Liam & Theo are fucking HOT!
I LOVED the way they both healed their wounds, how together they overcame the physical and psychological pain of traumatic events they both suffered... Relieving the weight of guilt they carry...The support from their families was inspiring and a special word for little Mason, who sees things in such a simple way that makes me question why on earth we question love?
I adore when Mc have manual jobs, it’s refreshing not everyone being a teacher or a ceo, or a big shot somewhere, love the down to earth of this, the rawness of it.
I will follow Eve Holmes series Northern Roots with greedy impatience and am now completely curious about her other books.
I have so many highlights that I can't even choose… So i just leave these little treasures⚓️ 🌊🩵
We stare at each other as the firelight flickers between us and an intense need inside me grows. And before I know it, I’m leaning into him and our lips meet. Every unspoken word is shared as our tongues push past our lips and hands roam, the energy between us seeming to crackle in time with the roaring fire. There’s an understanding between us that I’ve never experienced before, and I don’t think this is something I could find with just anyone. We’re both broken in our own ways, but we’re also slowly helping each other piece it all back together.
“You need to come?” he mutters against my lips.
I shake my head, not trusting my words right now as I attempt to hold back a moan while he slowly slides his cock in and out of my ass.
“Looks like you do…” he says in a low voice, his lips dropping to my neck. He slowly licks up my neck to my ear with a low hum. “Tilg a-mach air mo shon, mo chridhe. Tha feum agam ort.”
I have no fucking idea what he says… but I can’t hold back any longer.
I fucking come.
He nods, then leans in and brushes his lips against mine. “Tha gaol agam ort.”
A breath escapes me as a smile tugs at the corners of my lips.
I know that one.
“I love you, too.”
Before we met, we were both navigating the rough waters of grief, guilt, and pain, running and hiding in a desperate attempt to tide over the relentless waves of what we couldn’t confront.
But now, the peaceful scene before us is a complete reflection of the peace found within us both.
Our storms have finally passed.
I received an eArc from Eve and this is my heartfelt opinion.
🩵 small town romance
⚓️ broken boys
🩵 hurt/comfort
⚓️ first times
🩵 secret pining
⚓️ gay & bi awakening
🩵 found family
⚓️ acceptance
🩵 self-discovery
⚓️ lobster fisherman & offshore rig worker
🩵Strict roles
🌊 Gaelic sweet nothings
⚓️ Coffee dates
🌊 Freckles
⚓️ Caretaker
🌊 Furry little friends
⚓️ House renovation project
I’m so overwhelmed that I can't even put into words how much I loved this book. The balance, the aesthetic, the small town, the found family, the healing, their love and discovery of their sexuality. How they fit so good together in EVERY FUCKING WAY. And those Gaelic sweet nothings? God, love it, I would sign up for Mo Chridhe as a pet name any time! ! And even we are so close to the water, you will burn, because Liam & Theo are fucking HOT!
I LOVED the way they both healed their wounds, how together they overcame the physical and psychological pain of traumatic events they both suffered... Relieving the weight of guilt they carry...The support from their families was inspiring and a special word for little Mason, who sees things in such a simple way that makes me question why on earth we question love?
I adore when Mc have manual jobs, it’s refreshing not everyone being a teacher or a ceo, or a big shot somewhere, love the down to earth of this, the rawness of it.
I will follow Eve Holmes series Northern Roots with greedy impatience and am now completely curious about her other books.
I have so many highlights that I can't even choose… So i just leave these little treasures⚓️ 🌊🩵
We stare at each other as the firelight flickers between us and an intense need inside me grows. And before I know it, I’m leaning into him and our lips meet. Every unspoken word is shared as our tongues push past our lips and hands roam, the energy between us seeming to crackle in time with the roaring fire. There’s an understanding between us that I’ve never experienced before, and I don’t think this is something I could find with just anyone. We’re both broken in our own ways, but we’re also slowly helping each other piece it all back together.
“You need to come?” he mutters against my lips.
I shake my head, not trusting my words right now as I attempt to hold back a moan while he slowly slides his cock in and out of my ass.
“Looks like you do…” he says in a low voice, his lips dropping to my neck. He slowly licks up my neck to my ear with a low hum. “Tilg a-mach air mo shon, mo chridhe. Tha feum agam ort.”
I have no fucking idea what he says… but I can’t hold back any longer.
I fucking come.
He nods, then leans in and brushes his lips against mine. “Tha gaol agam ort.”
A breath escapes me as a smile tugs at the corners of my lips.
I know that one.
“I love you, too.”
Before we met, we were both navigating the rough waters of grief, guilt, and pain, running and hiding in a desperate attempt to tide over the relentless waves of what we couldn’t confront.
But now, the peaceful scene before us is a complete reflection of the peace found within us both.
Our storms have finally passed.
I received an eArc from Eve and this is my heartfelt opinion.
August 7, 2025
5 “with him, I’ve felt more like myself than I ever have before” stars
I read Dip Out, the second book in this series in June and even since I read the last sentence of that book, I have considered it my favorite book I have read so far this year. Well … this book is now in very good company, tied with Dip Out as my two favorite books I have read so far this year.
I read this one last week. I hadn’t been having the best week and I just needed a book that would be comforting to read. I picked this one, and it was exactly what the doctor ordered.
We’re both broken in our own ways but we’re also slowly helping each other piece it all back together.
Mini-Blurb:
Liam is stuck in his grief and wants to go back to his home province of Nova Scotia, but he is unable to go back to his hometown, so he ends up in Torrin Cove, a small finishing town. When he arrives in town, he meets local fisherman Theo. Theo offers Liam a place to stay. They get to know each other better and find out that they are the perfect remedy for each other’s heartaches.
I have said it time and time again but my favorite part of romance books are seeing the two characters spend time together and seeing their connections develop through the pages. And this book did this in a way that was so wonderful and heartwarming. I loved the gentle love and understanding between them. I loved how they were so happy to just exist together and be near each other. I loved how so much of their love and connection was found in their silent and quiet moments. It was just such a fun vibe to read about and it made me super invested all of the scenes they spent together. I loved how these two came alive as soon as they were in each other's presence. They truly were each other's rocks and favorites places and it was such a delight to read. Their passion for each other was so easy to see through every line in this book and it colored their every action, which was very lovely to read about. I loved how they gave each other a reason to live their lives instead of just exist through every day. It was so good to read about these two finding their safe place in the world, in each other's arms.
There’s no fear with Liam. No danger, risk, or hesitation. I can be entirely myself, free to explore my deepest desires … and he’s right there with me.
They both had bagage, but I loved how they never let their fears get in the way of spending time together. Theo is addicted to working and he is unable to take a minute to relax and be with his thoughts. His thoughts are scaring him because he is realizing that he is gay and he so scared of coming out and being a disappointment to his family, because of that he closed himself off, thinking that he would never find his person. Liam is grieving his best friend that died a couple months prior and he is scared to allow himself to feel anything good and comfort, all he wants to feel is pain. He is scared to invest into being with someone, because he is scared that it would shatter him if things go wrong. But despite all of that, these two cannot keep away from each other and I loved it. I was such a fan of how even if they are scared shitless to open up their heart, they don't push the other away or run from the romance developing between them. I loved how they faced their fears head on and found the strength in each other to conquer their biggest fears and come out of the other side, happy and in love. I loved that even if they were so scared of being in love with each other, they still let the other in and cherished them and the time they spent together.
As a fellow Canadian that lives in a small town, there is just something about the vibes in this book that had my absolute heart. I just love the sense of community that comes from living in a small town and how it was injected into this book. Reading this book felt like I was truly living in Torrin Cove and having discussions with the characters. The vibes in this book were just so good. I felt so relaxed reading this book. There was just about something about this book that felt like peace and serenity were being injected in my vains as I was reading the book and I loved it.
I want to make him feel good. I want to touch him, hold him, and stay in this moment we created for ourselves, away from the stress, anxiety and stress.
Eve Holmes knowns the way with words in a way that takes my breath away. This author knowns how to paint a scene in a way that makes you feel exactly what the characters are feeling, from the characters walking through town, to them fishing together, to the descriptions of loneliness and grief, to the descriptions of the characters interactions. Every word in this book paints such a beautiful picture and it's so easy to lose yourself in the world and characters that the author has created.
Special mention to the descriptions of grief and sexual exploration in this book. The grief in this book was explored and detailed so welll that it kept making me cry for the characters and all they went through. And they both had never been with a man before and it was so marvelous to read about how they marveled at all of the new feelings they were experiencing, it was just so good.
In conclusion, if you were to ask me what would be the perfect book for me, this book hits all of the criterias.
I read Dip Out, the second book in this series in June and even since I read the last sentence of that book, I have considered it my favorite book I have read so far this year. Well … this book is now in very good company, tied with Dip Out as my two favorite books I have read so far this year.
I read this one last week. I hadn’t been having the best week and I just needed a book that would be comforting to read. I picked this one, and it was exactly what the doctor ordered.
We’re both broken in our own ways but we’re also slowly helping each other piece it all back together.
Mini-Blurb:
Liam is stuck in his grief and wants to go back to his home province of Nova Scotia, but he is unable to go back to his hometown, so he ends up in Torrin Cove, a small finishing town. When he arrives in town, he meets local fisherman Theo. Theo offers Liam a place to stay. They get to know each other better and find out that they are the perfect remedy for each other’s heartaches.
I have said it time and time again but my favorite part of romance books are seeing the two characters spend time together and seeing their connections develop through the pages. And this book did this in a way that was so wonderful and heartwarming. I loved the gentle love and understanding between them. I loved how they were so happy to just exist together and be near each other. I loved how so much of their love and connection was found in their silent and quiet moments. It was just such a fun vibe to read about and it made me super invested all of the scenes they spent together. I loved how these two came alive as soon as they were in each other's presence. They truly were each other's rocks and favorites places and it was such a delight to read. Their passion for each other was so easy to see through every line in this book and it colored their every action, which was very lovely to read about. I loved how they gave each other a reason to live their lives instead of just exist through every day. It was so good to read about these two finding their safe place in the world, in each other's arms.
There’s no fear with Liam. No danger, risk, or hesitation. I can be entirely myself, free to explore my deepest desires … and he’s right there with me.
They both had bagage, but I loved how they never let their fears get in the way of spending time together. Theo is addicted to working and he is unable to take a minute to relax and be with his thoughts. His thoughts are scaring him because he is realizing that he is gay and he so scared of coming out and being a disappointment to his family, because of that he closed himself off, thinking that he would never find his person. Liam is grieving his best friend that died a couple months prior and he is scared to allow himself to feel anything good and comfort, all he wants to feel is pain. He is scared to invest into being with someone, because he is scared that it would shatter him if things go wrong. But despite all of that, these two cannot keep away from each other and I loved it. I was such a fan of how even if they are scared shitless to open up their heart, they don't push the other away or run from the romance developing between them. I loved how they faced their fears head on and found the strength in each other to conquer their biggest fears and come out of the other side, happy and in love. I loved that even if they were so scared of being in love with each other, they still let the other in and cherished them and the time they spent together.
As a fellow Canadian that lives in a small town, there is just something about the vibes in this book that had my absolute heart. I just love the sense of community that comes from living in a small town and how it was injected into this book. Reading this book felt like I was truly living in Torrin Cove and having discussions with the characters. The vibes in this book were just so good. I felt so relaxed reading this book. There was just about something about this book that felt like peace and serenity were being injected in my vains as I was reading the book and I loved it.
I want to make him feel good. I want to touch him, hold him, and stay in this moment we created for ourselves, away from the stress, anxiety and stress.
Eve Holmes knowns the way with words in a way that takes my breath away. This author knowns how to paint a scene in a way that makes you feel exactly what the characters are feeling, from the characters walking through town, to them fishing together, to the descriptions of loneliness and grief, to the descriptions of the characters interactions. Every word in this book paints such a beautiful picture and it's so easy to lose yourself in the world and characters that the author has created.
Special mention to the descriptions of grief and sexual exploration in this book. The grief in this book was explored and detailed so welll that it kept making me cry for the characters and all they went through. And they both had never been with a man before and it was so marvelous to read about how they marveled at all of the new feelings they were experiencing, it was just so good.
In conclusion, if you were to ask me what would be the perfect book for me, this book hits all of the criterias.
January 10, 2026
4.25⭐️ 3🌶️
📝 REVIEW & THOUGHTS:
Tide Over was a book with good emotional depth, well developed characters, a tender love, a wonderful cast of side characters, and slow living vibes. It’s a journey about healing from grief, as well as a journey about two men finding each other, lifting each other and falling in love.
It’s a deeply meaningful book, to be savored by its slow pace. While the pace was pretty slow, there was never a moment where I felt bored. It’s a really good book and I’m really glad to have read it.
🏷️ TROPES & TAGS (possible spoilers):
Genre/subgenre: contemporary small town romance
Pairing: MM
POV: 1st person, dual
Angst: low-ish in general, low in relationship
Burn: slow
Vibe/mood: emotional, sweet, healing
Pet names: mo chridhe
Characters’ ages: 30/29
HEA: yes
Book type: novel
Series structure: interconnected standalones
Strangers to friends to lovers
Mental health rep
Gay awakening
Hurt/comfort
Blue collar MCs
Small town
Slice of life
🌶️ SPICE & K!NKS (possible spoilers):
Strict top/bottom or versatile: top/bottom
Heat: 8 scenes, medium heat
Māsturbatıon
Handjōbs
Blōwjobs
Frotting
Anāl sēx
Bareback
Rimming
⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS (‼️possible spoilers‼️):
Dubcon: no
Noncon: no
Breakup: no
Cheating: no
Sharing: no
OM/OW: no
Strong feelings of guilt
Some self hārm
Suıcidal ideation
Grief and sadness
Survivor’s guilt
Mentions and flashbacks of best friend’s death
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. Kınks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non kınky books.
📝 REVIEW & THOUGHTS:
Tide Over was a book with good emotional depth, well developed characters, a tender love, a wonderful cast of side characters, and slow living vibes. It’s a journey about healing from grief, as well as a journey about two men finding each other, lifting each other and falling in love.
It’s a deeply meaningful book, to be savored by its slow pace. While the pace was pretty slow, there was never a moment where I felt bored. It’s a really good book and I’m really glad to have read it.
🏷️ TROPES & TAGS (possible spoilers):
Genre/subgenre: contemporary small town romance
Pairing: MM
POV: 1st person, dual
Angst: low-ish in general, low in relationship
Burn: slow
Vibe/mood: emotional, sweet, healing
Pet names: mo chridhe
Characters’ ages: 30/29
HEA: yes
Book type: novel
Series structure: interconnected standalones
Strangers to friends to lovers
Mental health rep
Gay awakening
Hurt/comfort
Blue collar MCs
Small town
Slice of life
🌶️ SPICE & K!NKS (possible spoilers):
Strict top/bottom or versatile: top/bottom
Heat: 8 scenes, medium heat
Māsturbatıon
Handjōbs
Blōwjobs
Frotting
Anāl sēx
Bareback
Rimming
⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS (‼️possible spoilers‼️):
Dubcon: no
Noncon: no
Breakup: no
Cheating: no
Sharing: no
OM/OW: no
Strong feelings of guilt
Some self hārm
Suıcidal ideation
Grief and sadness
Survivor’s guilt
Mentions and flashbacks of best friend’s death
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. Kınks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non kınky books.
November 14, 2024
1.5 stars
I liked the map of Nova Scotia and the local authentic effort. Also fun jobs, lobsterman and welder on an oil rig. I was interested in the two MCs and their backgrounds, but I could not get past the writing style and details for every single thing. It started to get repetitious, and I had to call it quits at 25%.
I liked the map of Nova Scotia and the local authentic effort. Also fun jobs, lobsterman and welder on an oil rig. I was interested in the two MCs and their backgrounds, but I could not get past the writing style and details for every single thing. It started to get repetitious, and I had to call it quits at 25%.
November 5, 2025
"That same quiet energy from earlier hums between us, stronger this time. He stands before me, the wind whipping around us and the rain pounding against the dock as my hand remains on his arm. And all I can feel is the warmth of him under my fingertips, despite the cold. Our eyes are once again locked, and as I search his, the questions continue to swirl in my mind. I don’t even know what I’m asking… but I’m hoping for an answer. And the next thing I know, our lips meet."
Awwww Tide Over is such a feel good read, even though it does touch on some darker themes, including loss, grief and self-harm. That said, this isn't the usual dark romance that we have come to expect from Eve Holmes (which I adore) rather, this is a more heartfelt, angsty, slow and slow-burn falling in love, coupled with an acceptance of things that we can't change. Theo and Liam are divine together.
What To Expect:
❣️MM romance
❣️Bi-awakening
❣️Grief and loss
❣️MH rep
❣️Small town
❣️Found family
❣️HEA
Loved it 💙🖤
4.5 stars
Awwww Tide Over is such a feel good read, even though it does touch on some darker themes, including loss, grief and self-harm. That said, this isn't the usual dark romance that we have come to expect from Eve Holmes (which I adore) rather, this is a more heartfelt, angsty, slow and slow-burn falling in love, coupled with an acceptance of things that we can't change. Theo and Liam are divine together.
What To Expect:
❣️MM romance
❣️Bi-awakening
❣️Grief and loss
❣️MH rep
❣️Small town
❣️Found family
❣️HEA
Loved it 💙🖤
4.5 stars
May 23, 2025
Despite heavy topics such as grief, self harm and loss, this book feels more gentle and sweet and wholesome than you might expect. Theo and Liam were both exactly what the other needed, and having both experienced the loss of a loved one, they understood one another’s pain and grief. They didn’t judge, they respected that everyone grieves in their own way, they supported and gave what the other needed.
Their love grew very naturally from friendship to love and I loved how the author never seemed to rush her main characters into something, but the fact that they took all the time they needed might be why this story feels so calm and heartwarming.
This was my first book by this author, but I don’t think it will be my last. I really enjoyed the writing and I must admit that this was the first mm romance book in quite some time that held my attention and gave me a good overall feeling, which seems to be a rare thing nowadays.
Their love grew very naturally from friendship to love and I loved how the author never seemed to rush her main characters into something, but the fact that they took all the time they needed might be why this story feels so calm and heartwarming.
This was my first book by this author, but I don’t think it will be my last. I really enjoyed the writing and I must admit that this was the first mm romance book in quite some time that held my attention and gave me a good overall feeling, which seems to be a rare thing nowadays.
May 10, 2025
4.0 ⭐️
November 13, 2024
I don’t know if I can ever do this beautiful book justice, it’s such a special story. Both Liam and Theo have suffered losses and Liam especially is in such a dark place.
This book really felt almost magical. The setting, Nova Scotia, is breathtaking and Theo’s house is their safe-haven where they fall in love.
Theo’s family and crew members are such amazing characters. I loved every single character, especially Mason. Miss Bobber was also one of my favorites!
Eve Holmes is an author that you need to read, her books are so good and I am looking forward to everything else she writes!!!!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy
All thoughts and opinions are my own
This book really felt almost magical. The setting, Nova Scotia, is breathtaking and Theo’s house is their safe-haven where they fall in love.
Theo’s family and crew members are such amazing characters. I loved every single character, especially Mason. Miss Bobber was also one of my favorites!
Eve Holmes is an author that you need to read, her books are so good and I am looking forward to everything else she writes!!!!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy
All thoughts and opinions are my own
November 21, 2024
I really loved this book. It had most of the things I like to read about. Small town vibes, no 80% breakup, no unneeded angst, believable tortured characters, hurt/comfort and some very hot scenes.
But what I liked most was the writing style. It flowed so well and it was descriptive but not over the top, just enough to put the right picture in my mind.
This is a new to me author and I will now devour all their other works.
But the best of all? It has a kitten and she's featured lots which I love. It always annoys me when there's a pet but it's never mentioned after the introduction.
But what I liked most was the writing style. It flowed so well and it was descriptive but not over the top, just enough to put the right picture in my mind.
This is a new to me author and I will now devour all their other works.
But the best of all? It has a kitten and she's featured lots which I love. It always annoys me when there's a pet but it's never mentioned after the introduction.
November 3, 2025
3 stars ⭐️
A nice story. A bit too nice.
A nice story. A bit too nice.
January 9, 2026
5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
if briar prescott’s and then you and n.r. walker’s galaxies and oceans had a baby, it would be this book. i am ruined.
liam and theo, my sweet babies.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
if briar prescott’s and then you and n.r. walker’s galaxies and oceans had a baby, it would be this book. i am ruined.
liam and theo, my sweet babies.
March 13, 2025
This book was definitely everything I didn't know I needed. From the beginning I find myself connecting with Theo and Liam. These two have been through it and they are struggling with grief in their one ways. I love how they dealt with things separate but also together.
Their relationship was just so sweet and simple but in the best way. I wanted nothing but happiness for them. I also enjoyed how it was very much strangers to friends to lovers. I also enjoyed the found family aspect of this book.
I will state that I would consider this very slow burn type of vibes, (not everyone loves that) and you do just see them build their relationship and their connection most of the book.
Overall I really did enjoy this book.
Rating between 4/4.5
Their relationship was just so sweet and simple but in the best way. I wanted nothing but happiness for them. I also enjoyed how it was very much strangers to friends to lovers. I also enjoyed the found family aspect of this book.
I will state that I would consider this very slow burn type of vibes, (not everyone loves that) and you do just see them build their relationship and their connection most of the book.
Overall I really did enjoy this book.
Rating between 4/4.5
November 18, 2024
Piękna, mądra, pełna emocji książka 💙
Taka moja niespodziewana perełka 💙
W zalewie badziewia składającego się ze scen seksu z dodatkiem jakiejś tam pseudohistorii, ta książka ma naprawdę sens.
Liam jest złamany. Cierpi, jest pełen głębokiego bólu, żałoby, straty i poczucia winy po śmierci najlepszego przyjaciela. Jest w bardzo mrocznym miejscu, które go wciąga coraz bardziej. Uważa, że nie zasługuje na nic, jedynie na ciemność i ból, które ma nadzieję go skonsumują i nie będzie już czuł nic. Tylko ucieka - przed sobą, przed swoją rodziną, przed rodziną zmarłego tragicznie przyjaciela.
Theo jest właścicielem małego biznesu zajmującego się łowieniem homarów. Firma założona przez jego dziadka, rozwinięta przez nieżyjącego już ojca. Jest gejem, ale nie chce się przyznać do tego nawet przed samym sobą - mieszka w niewielkiej wiosce nad samym oceanem, boi się, ze gdyby chciał być naprawdę prawdziwy i nie ukrywać dużej części swojej osobowości przed innymi, mogłoby to wpłynąć na całą jego rodzinę i sklep, który prowadzą. Po śmierci ojca musiał przejąć biznes, nie mając tak naprawdę wyboru. Łowi homary, pomaga w sklepie, jest też stolarzem dla swojej i okolicznych wiosek. Dzień musi być zajęty do ostatniej minuty, bo wtedy nie ma czasu na myślenie - o śmierci ojca i o tym, że nie może być nigdy wolny ani kochany tak, jakby chciał. Człowiek, który myśli zawsze o innych, nigdy o sobie.
Te dwie dusze spotykają się w wiosce Theo. I Liam z przyczyn mu zupełnie niezrozumiałych postanawia tam zostać, a Theo z takich samych przyczyn oferuje mu pokój w swoim domu, który tak naprawdę jest miejscem budowy.
To cicha książka, pomimo buzujących w niej emocji.
To niełatwa książka, bo Liam myśli o samookaleczaniu się w ramach kary i o samobójstwie, które przyniosłoby mu to, na co zasługuje.
To piękna książka, bo bohaterowie tak niesamowicie o sobie dbają, wspierają się w trudnych chwilach, tak wyciszają sobie nawzajem burzę, która panuje w ich głowach i tak pięknie się kochają.
To mądra książka, bo pokazuje, że czasami pewne rzeczy są tylko w naszych głowach i tam urastają do wielkich problemów; bo pokazuje, że samemu trudno wyciągnąć się na powierzchnię, jeżeli się tonie; bo pokazuje, że są wokół Ciebie ludzie, którzy Cię kochają i wspierają, tylko musisz im na to pozwolić.
Po każdej burzy i sztormie przyjdzie w końcu cisza i spokój 💙
Do tego jeszcze dorzućmy cudną, młodziutką koteczkę-znajdę i fantastycznego pięciolatka z obsesją wykopywania robaków, który zachowuje się jak prawdziwy pięciolatek, a nie jak stary malutki. I mamy pełny obraz 🤗
Szkoda tylko, że to dopiero pierwsza część cyklu i następnych jeszcze nie ma 😞
Ale będę wypatrywać ich z niecierpliwością 💙
Taka moja niespodziewana perełka 💙
W zalewie badziewia składającego się ze scen seksu z dodatkiem jakiejś tam pseudohistorii, ta książka ma naprawdę sens.
Liam jest złamany. Cierpi, jest pełen głębokiego bólu, żałoby, straty i poczucia winy po śmierci najlepszego przyjaciela. Jest w bardzo mrocznym miejscu, które go wciąga coraz bardziej. Uważa, że nie zasługuje na nic, jedynie na ciemność i ból, które ma nadzieję go skonsumują i nie będzie już czuł nic. Tylko ucieka - przed sobą, przed swoją rodziną, przed rodziną zmarłego tragicznie przyjaciela.
Theo jest właścicielem małego biznesu zajmującego się łowieniem homarów. Firma założona przez jego dziadka, rozwinięta przez nieżyjącego już ojca. Jest gejem, ale nie chce się przyznać do tego nawet przed samym sobą - mieszka w niewielkiej wiosce nad samym oceanem, boi się, ze gdyby chciał być naprawdę prawdziwy i nie ukrywać dużej części swojej osobowości przed innymi, mogłoby to wpłynąć na całą jego rodzinę i sklep, który prowadzą. Po śmierci ojca musiał przejąć biznes, nie mając tak naprawdę wyboru. Łowi homary, pomaga w sklepie, jest też stolarzem dla swojej i okolicznych wiosek. Dzień musi być zajęty do ostatniej minuty, bo wtedy nie ma czasu na myślenie - o śmierci ojca i o tym, że nie może być nigdy wolny ani kochany tak, jakby chciał. Człowiek, który myśli zawsze o innych, nigdy o sobie.
Te dwie dusze spotykają się w wiosce Theo. I Liam z przyczyn mu zupełnie niezrozumiałych postanawia tam zostać, a Theo z takich samych przyczyn oferuje mu pokój w swoim domu, który tak naprawdę jest miejscem budowy.
To cicha książka, pomimo buzujących w niej emocji.
To niełatwa książka, bo Liam myśli o samookaleczaniu się w ramach kary i o samobójstwie, które przyniosłoby mu to, na co zasługuje.
To piękna książka, bo bohaterowie tak niesamowicie o sobie dbają, wspierają się w trudnych chwilach, tak wyciszają sobie nawzajem burzę, która panuje w ich głowach i tak pięknie się kochają.
To mądra książka, bo pokazuje, że czasami pewne rzeczy są tylko w naszych głowach i tam urastają do wielkich problemów; bo pokazuje, że samemu trudno wyciągnąć się na powierzchnię, jeżeli się tonie; bo pokazuje, że są wokół Ciebie ludzie, którzy Cię kochają i wspierają, tylko musisz im na to pozwolić.
Po każdej burzy i sztormie przyjdzie w końcu cisza i spokój 💙
Do tego jeszcze dorzućmy cudną, młodziutką koteczkę-znajdę i fantastycznego pięciolatka z obsesją wykopywania robaków, który zachowuje się jak prawdziwy pięciolatek, a nie jak stary malutki. I mamy pełny obraz 🤗
Szkoda tylko, że to dopiero pierwsza część cyklu i następnych jeszcze nie ma 😞
Ale będę wypatrywać ich z niecierpliwością 💙
January 25, 2025
Liam and Theo's love story is as heart-breakingly gorgeous as the Nova Scotia setting where it is placed. Theo is a townie and deep sea fisherman, while Liam is a welder who is new to town and looking to free himself from some painful memories. They become roommates and bond over grief. They take their time in building their connection, which eventually becomes emotional as we as *spicy*. They help each other grieve and start moving on and I love how they support one another. Liam's awakening feels so natural and beautiful, too. Given things that have happened in my own life, I grieved right along with them - so many, many tears!!! But it's all worth it - for them and for me in reading this beautiful book. I loved the side characters - so many people I wish I had as my own neighbors! Gotta say - (if you know me, you know I loved the spice here!!!) - the banter, the love they slowly develop, and the freaking GAELIC - def my fave parts! This was such a tender book...gave me ALL the feels and then some. I do wish we saw more of them happy in the future....and am looking forward to the next location and book.
I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 30, 2024
I am an absolute huge fan of this author. They are one of those authors that I will recommend any chance I get and wish that everyone would read their books! This one is absolutely no exception. This is the author’s first standalone and they managed to capture an amazing relationship with hurt/comfort vibes in a beautiful story! This book will have you laughing, crying and just melting at the silent comfort these two offer each other.
Liam… my poor sweet Liam. Seeing his healing journey from beginning to end was wonderful! He needed the cute little town of Torrin Cove and Theo. I loved how supportive and comforting Theo was and how he knew how to give Liam space.
The author did such a great job of writing and describing Nova Scotian small-town life. When I read I’m not one of those people who see pictures in my head very often but with this one it played like a movie!
Their HEA was beautiful and so completely them! If you are looking for a small-town, hurt/comfort, double gay/bi-awakening, found family romance then please pick up this book! You won’t regret it! We also got a quick sneak peek into one of the MCs for this author’s next standalone book and ahhhhh I’m so excited!
Liam… my poor sweet Liam. Seeing his healing journey from beginning to end was wonderful! He needed the cute little town of Torrin Cove and Theo. I loved how supportive and comforting Theo was and how he knew how to give Liam space.
The author did such a great job of writing and describing Nova Scotian small-town life. When I read I’m not one of those people who see pictures in my head very often but with this one it played like a movie!
Their HEA was beautiful and so completely them! If you are looking for a small-town, hurt/comfort, double gay/bi-awakening, found family romance then please pick up this book! You won’t regret it! We also got a quick sneak peek into one of the MCs for this author’s next standalone book and ahhhhh I’m so excited!
December 10, 2024
I decided to read this book because I wasn’t in the mood for anything complicated, and it was exactly what I needed.
There honestly wasn’t much of a plot—just two guys surviving, living, and falling in love (and renovating a house while they’re at it). But it didn’t need more than that. This was perfect ♡
There honestly wasn’t much of a plot—just two guys surviving, living, and falling in love (and renovating a house while they’re at it). But it didn’t need more than that. This was perfect ♡
June 22, 2025
Rating: 4
⭐️
Tide Over is a story about loss, grief and healing. A beautiful love story I wasn’t ready to like as much as I did.
I’m so glad I picked this book; it was a comforting and heartwarming read about two boys, Liam and Theo, who needed to heal, and found each other at the right time.
While the beginning was slow, I feel like it was a necessary mean to get into their story in the most real way. The development of their relationship didn’t feel forced or rushed, and I appreciated how they began as friends who bring comfort and relief to the other.
Liam and Theo both lost someone important in their life. Liam lost his best friend, and Theo lost his father. These two couldn’t understand each other more.
The side-characters, especially Theo’s family, were a nice addition. I just loved how they welcomed Liam into their family without much questions.
Liam and Theo’s relationship was really beautiful; I could feel their love through their actions and how supportive of the other they were. I don’t even have complaints about the main couple for once. They were just perfect.
Special mention to Liam speaking Gaelic, because I found it really sexy. I have no idea how mo chridhe, which means my heart, is pronounced but this nickname was adorable.
Once again, thank you Emna for making me read this. You’re a gem!
Safety infos :
- No OMD;
- No OWD;
- Safe.
“But even just being here with him, looking into his eyes… it calms the storm inside me and pulls me out of the water.”
"The guilt, the pain… it all moves into the distance, muted by the simple fact that he’s here with me, and feels like home in a way I didn’t expect."
Tide Over is a story about loss, grief and healing. A beautiful love story I wasn’t ready to like as much as I did.
I’m so glad I picked this book; it was a comforting and heartwarming read about two boys, Liam and Theo, who needed to heal, and found each other at the right time.
While the beginning was slow, I feel like it was a necessary mean to get into their story in the most real way. The development of their relationship didn’t feel forced or rushed, and I appreciated how they began as friends who bring comfort and relief to the other.
Liam and Theo both lost someone important in their life. Liam lost his best friend, and Theo lost his father. These two couldn’t understand each other more.
The side-characters, especially Theo’s family, were a nice addition. I just loved how they welcomed Liam into their family without much questions.
Liam and Theo’s relationship was really beautiful; I could feel their love through their actions and how supportive of the other they were. I don’t even have complaints about the main couple for once. They were just perfect.
Special mention to Liam speaking Gaelic, because I found it really sexy. I have no idea how mo chridhe, which means my heart, is pronounced but this nickname was adorable.
“Just something to describe what you are to me.”
Once again, thank you Emna for making me read this. You’re a gem!
Safety infos :
- No OMD;
- No OWD;
- Safe.
![Profile Image for ash[hearts]angst.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1765847299i%2F164504656._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 13, 2024
Wowww! After reading so many books that start to all blend together, this was so refreshing and so sweet 🥹
This follows the journey of Liam and Theo, who meet when Liam ventures to a very small town in Nova Scotia. Immediately they have chemistry, and Liam ends up sticking around.
I love the fact that both men have extremely dangerous jobs! Theo is a lobster fisherman, and Liam works on an oil rig in the Gulf. I think this heightens their relationship because they understand they could lose one another at any given time, due to their professions.
This book is very raw and emotional. Both of them are carrying such heavy baggage, but they get lost in each other and start to heal together, without even realizing it. This book also focuses on how surrounding yourself with community and folks who love and support you is very crucial to healing, and I loved that.
This is the first book in an interconnected series, and I can’t wait for book two with our bird watching friend!
This follows the journey of Liam and Theo, who meet when Liam ventures to a very small town in Nova Scotia. Immediately they have chemistry, and Liam ends up sticking around.
I love the fact that both men have extremely dangerous jobs! Theo is a lobster fisherman, and Liam works on an oil rig in the Gulf. I think this heightens their relationship because they understand they could lose one another at any given time, due to their professions.
This book is very raw and emotional. Both of them are carrying such heavy baggage, but they get lost in each other and start to heal together, without even realizing it. This book also focuses on how surrounding yourself with community and folks who love and support you is very crucial to healing, and I loved that.
This is the first book in an interconnected series, and I can’t wait for book two with our bird watching friend!
January 29, 2026
“And even with the fear and hurt… I want to let you in.”
This was a very soft and gentle read; it doesn’t grab you by the throat from the first pages, it kind of wraps around you like a safe blanket 🤍
Even though the story deals with grief and trauma, everything is handled with so much care and tenderness. There’s no unnecessary angst, no misunderstandings dragged out for drama, and a lot of healthy communication, patience, and support. Navigating the pain together here was not devastating but a comforting experience.
“And as I slip my hand into Theo’s and gaze into his eyes, I’m so happy to have my heart here with me.”
It turned out to be a healing pause between heavier, emotionally brutal reads.
And honestly, the only reason this wasn’t a full 5🌟 for me personally is taste; guess I broke myself and got addicted to stories with sharper emotional intensity and higher stakes 🫠 But that’s purely preference, not a criticism 🤍
This was a very soft and gentle read; it doesn’t grab you by the throat from the first pages, it kind of wraps around you like a safe blanket 🤍
Even though the story deals with grief and trauma, everything is handled with so much care and tenderness. There’s no unnecessary angst, no misunderstandings dragged out for drama, and a lot of healthy communication, patience, and support. Navigating the pain together here was not devastating but a comforting experience.
“And as I slip my hand into Theo’s and gaze into his eyes, I’m so happy to have my heart here with me.”
It turned out to be a healing pause between heavier, emotionally brutal reads.
And honestly, the only reason this wasn’t a full 5🌟 for me personally is taste; guess I broke myself and got addicted to stories with sharper emotional intensity and higher stakes 🫠 But that’s purely preference, not a criticism 🤍
July 19, 2025
I loved this book 💙
Liam and Theo were adorable, and my heart was so full with the love they found.
Nice little cameo from Arthur which was a nice touch 💗
Liam and Theo were adorable, and my heart was so full with the love they found.
Nice little cameo from Arthur which was a nice touch 💗
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