The Storm & the Sea

by R.D.G. Lover

It's always the calmest before the storm.



After a failed proposal from her wild-soul ex-boyfriend, Corbin, Katrina finds herself relocating to a cozy corner of Amelia Island for a much needed break. She finds a job working at the island's local diner on the marina, which brings purpose and meaning back to her uprooted life.



Everything changes the moment a gang of bikers pulls up to the diner one night as Katrina is closing up the shop, the smell of booze already dripping from the three.



At the head of the gang, none other than him.



All Corbin wanted was a drink. He and his friends were road tripping from Chicago to Miami to help Corbin finally move on from Katrina. But all he can think, upon seeing her again, is the passion of their relationship past, the hot and the cold, the highs and lows. Corbin thought he could get over her, but just as any storm, the aftermath is always the hardest to navigate.



With a hurricane on the horizon, Katrina and Corbin will have to decide if they want to give their relationship one more chance or leave it in the ruins of the storm.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2024

Reviews

[thebrunettebookjunkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Storm and the Sea grabbed my attention from the start. I love the beach setting and descriptions. The writing is so well done. I'm not a huge romance reader, but I make the exception for a few authors, and I'll definitely be reading the novels that come next. However, miscommunication is my least favorite trope ever. Also, I'm not a huge fan of second chance romance either. So, while I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I wanted to yell at the characters to just have a freaking conversation 😅. I loathed sidekick Nathan. He was the worst, imo but a credit to the authors talent .I definitely want to read more of Beatrix's story as well.

[Tabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this!

As someone who has lived in fernandina/amelia since 2005 this was such a joy to read! I could imagine everything the author mentioned and it filled me with happiness. I loved the relationship between the two characters and how they took care of each other when times were rough. I honestly wanted more from them but alas.

Overall really good book! Loved reading about my little island 🤍

[Lisa Villarreal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really cute second chance romance that leaves your heart pumping hard as Corbin tries to show Katrina she can still be herself and be married while she works on uncovering her darkest parts of herself. I loved the writing style and the deep delve into the character's minds as they unraveled their feelings. The characters came fully to life on the pages, and I absolutely adored them. Corbin is the swooniest. The spice is almost closed door, but you do get a few hints about what happened, and it's still pretty steamy, just none of the full details. It's a quick read, and I recommend for a good romantic and emotional evening read. I'm obsessed with the cover, and I'd be excited to read more from R. B. G. Lover.

[Dallas Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a freaking sweet story! “The Storm & the Sea” is the first book in “The Tides of Amelia Island”, and as someone who’s frequented Amelia Island a couple times, let me tell y’all how much I fangirled reading scenes that took place in restaurants, bars, and beachside settings I have been to myself! I deeply related to so many of Corbin’s emotions and circumstances, and Lover’s poetic sense of language deepens readers’ connections to characters they can see themselves in. Though this being a romance meant certain aspects were predictable, the how we got to this foreseen plot point wasn’t always obvious, making for a fun story. I love that this is, in theory, a beach romance, but it’s got deeper emotional overtones and moody, angsty aspects that differentiate “The Storm & the Sea” from other such titles. Lover pulled inspiration for these characters from her forthcoming novels about the Four Horsemen, so in a way it’s a fanfic of her own work, but I prefer to think of it as repackaging her character archetypes to reach a wider audience and explore a different genre to create in. I look forward to seeing what other familiar Amelia Island haunts appear in future books in this series!

[Jessica Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second-chance romance and so much more! Set in Amelia Island, FL, I felt I was there hanging with the gang. The characters are opposites that attract but balance each other perfectly. They really are the storm and the sea. I loved the character development and the dynamics between them. Can't wait to read more from this author!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet and fun read. The characters are lovely, and we get both the main female and male leads’ POV. Although there is miscommunication, R. D. G. Lover makes sure you understand each character and why they do what they do, which made the book so emotionally gripping. *Spoilers after this - you’ve been warned!* The MMC Corbin chases after the FMC, Katrina, for her love, but after a difficult past growing up in the adoption system, she doesn’t believe anyone can truly love her. So the story is a sweet slow romance where Corbin wins her heart back, and proves his devotion to her. She’s the storm’s fury. And he’s the oceans tide, pulling her gently back to him.
I would highly recommend this for readers who love sweet small town romance and a heart swooning story.

[Mtan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up. (Based on going into this thinking short-story romance). This book was fun for me to see Amelia Island through eyes of characters in a book! Author does a great job with descriptions and character development! Very cutesy, very demure. Fast- paced and easy to read!

[Emily Siems · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!!!

The first thing I noticed was the author’s insane writing skill/talent. The descriptors were just 10/10 from start to finish. It was everything I was looking for. And KAT & CORBIN??? They’re so fun to follow. Also written perfectly, I love them together, I love them separately, she really did a great job. Absolutely would recommend for a fun summer romance.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book from a wonderfully talented author. I loved the imagery, and the connections you feel to the beautifully articulated characters. I’m excited for everything that is to come for them. Highly recommend!

[Lauren Polentes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Lover did such a great job capturing Amelia Island’s beautiful refuge. As a transplant myself, I saw a lot of myself in Kat’s character and it was sweet to watch her life flourish at the move. Super steamy (but not too steamy) and endearing. Can’t wait for the next one!!

[Kate Vickers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were likable and faced believable issues that many can relate to. Lover did an excellent job of balancing the internal conflicts of the characters with the external conflicts of the story. Furthermore, the setting was beautiful. As a native Floridian, Lover truly captured the beauty and magic (as well as the overall sweatiness) of summertime in Florida. Loved this book! Can’t wait for more from this author.

[Brit Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! So cute! Second chance, overcoming, beach romance I really loved it! The ONLY reason it gets a 4 star is that is a bit harder to get 5 from me but I could see lots giving it a 5!!

[Dragon Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

very cute story intertwined with a very cute setting; wonderfully quick read for a rainy day on vacation. Excited to see more of what these characters are up to!

[Montana James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book, the characters the setting. Rachel's writing is next level!!
Corbin is my new love for ever 💜

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute small town, second chance romance based in Amelia island.
Perfect read for a beach vacation!
Motorcycle rider MMC and a firey fierce FMC!

[tiff :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book. I’ll admit the main character’s a little stubborn, but I guess her opinion is valid lol. It just sucks that he had to kinda work extra to prove something to her. I love the little romance tho in A.I.

[Jane Buyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read! Great characters, true-to-life setting, drama, romance, friendship, and emotional depth. A well-written, enjoyable read that keeps you engaged with the emotional journeys of its main protagonists and rooting for their happily ever after....

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first chapter this story had me hooked. R.D.G Lover has a way of writing that flows so naturally you just want to keep reading. The writing style feels almost lyrical at times, which makes it a joy to get lost in.

What stood out the most for me was the character development. The author really takes the time to show growth, struggles, and emotions in a way that feels real and heartfelt. The characters are layered and complex, and by the end of the book it felt like I had truly been on a journey with them. That kind of depth is rare and it’s what made this story so powerful.

The setting also plays a big role. The sea and the storm aren’t just a backdrop but almost characters themselves, shaping the way the story unfolds and reflecting the inner battles of the main characters. It gave the whole book a very atmospheric and emotional feel.

I closed the last page with the feeling that I had read something meaningful and moving. It is a story about resilience, growth, and the beauty that can be found even in turbulent times.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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[Matthew Hull · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Storm & the Sea is about two ex-lovers, Katrina and Corbin, who accidentally run into each other, despite one of them cutting contact and moving states, settling in a remote beach town. Despite not getting the hint, nor hearing the remark "I'm not yours" by his ex-partner, Corbin continues to pursue Katrina.

Although I support the author and look forward to her future works, after 7/33 chapters, I unfortunately DNF. This is a messy romance story where the insecurely-attached relationship is the plot, and it isn't the genre or circumstance for me.

The main factor for me is simply this: having suffered the trauma of being the anxiously attached male in a codependent relationship, I was rooting for Corbin to RUN rather than stick around and suffer the abuse of a woman who would constantly push him away, while basing his value on her approval of him. And for good reason, as she felt she wasn't loveable, so how could she love or even respect someone who did.

[Tonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed! I am completely obsessed with this book! Second chance romance. Overcoming trauma. Learning to love and trust.
Corbin was about to ask Katrina to marry him (and she knew it) so she ended their relationship and left town.
Corbin (Ben) and his biker friends stumble across her in a tiny town and both of their worlds are flipped upside down.
Corbin is not going to give her up this time without a fight, and Katrina can't let herself get close enough to letting her guard down to love him the way she longs to.
Corbin was so sweet, patient, and adorable. Katrina, stubborn and deeply hurt but wants him.
I can't even say that I enjoyed this book, because that's an understatement! I loved it, so much! I felt like I was right there with these characters! Bea and Nate cracked me up! I can't wait for more books!
The cover of this book needs credit also, stunning! Will auto-buy the upcoming books because I need them!

[Christina Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.D.G. Lover writes so beautifully that you feel like you can understand the characters and love the setting. If you're a fan of second chance romance + a whole lot of angst then you'll enjoy this. I will be honest and say that I prefer my second chance romances to not continue the miscommunications that led to the problems the first time, so I spent a lot of the time thinking Corbin deserved better. BUT it was very powerful to see how much he loved her, tried to understand her needs based on her background, and did his best to show her that she was worth it all. I think it’s a testament to Lover’s writing ability that I could not totally like about half of the main characters and still walk away having enjoyed the book. I will gladly read a follow-up book following Bea's adventures on the island!

[Maria Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet small-town romance set on Amelia Island. RDG Lover is a new to me author, and I was pleasantly surprised, not only can she write, but she also designs her own covers, which are gorgeous.
The Storm & The Sea follows Corbin, who sets off on a cross-country trip with his friends after a painful breakup with Katrina. After he proposes, Kat panics and disappears without a word, leaving Corbin heartbroken. The last thing he expects on his road trip is to run straight into her again.
During their time apart, Kat realizes she’ll never get over Corbin—the sparks are still alive between them. What happens next is a journey of self-discovery, secrets revealed, love, riding out the storms, and finding home within each other. With just the right amount of push-and-pull, a touch of spice, and plenty of heartfelt moments, this book turned out to be such a great read.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was truly amazing. Found family, a guy OBSESSED with her AND character development. Give me 10 more. The plot was wonderfully written. You could feel the emotion and thoughts going through the characters mind. How our main character Katrina (freckles🤭) fights with her own demons to try and love our mmc Corbin(Ace). At some point I got really frustrated because our mmc was really trying to make things work but our fmc was so stubborn 💔 but the ending was well deserved. She is healing from past trauma and our mmc was there to support. Highly recommend the book. It is closed door for those wondering 😚

[Mariah DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book. It’s my first second chance read. I haven’t really ventured into this troupe style. It’s an easy read to get lost into. It kept me entertained with trying to figure out how things were going to end. I enjoyed the characters and their development throughout the book. You really got a feel of their personalities and struggles within the story.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! I’ve lived in Amelia island for most of my life and I think that this book captured the beauty of our island so well! I love the tension between Corbin and Katrina and I love the playful banter! Overall I think that this is a very fun and easy read! And the artwork is truly amazing!

[Leigh Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. The Storm and The Sea is a beautiful love story filled with characters who you’ll fall in love with from page one. Kat’s journey from heartbreak to healing is beautifully written. The island setting, along with the whirlwind of second chances, made this book unforgettable. This story proves that sometimes, the heart's biggest storms lead to the clearest skies.

[Linda Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A serious subject turned into a fun read!
I enjoyed the characters in The Storm & the Sea. Lover does a brilliant job of getting you totally engaged with Katrina and wanting so much for her to find her peace. I loved the dialogue in this book - fun, real and totally engaging.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book certainly has lovely descriptive imagery. Unfortunately, I did not fall in love with any of the characters, although Bea seems cool. I’m from Wisconsin, the nation’s champion drinking state, and this had too much drinking even for me. It was excessive.

[El Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and didn’t want to put it down! It was so sweet, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes non-traditional romance books. If you feel uncomfortable reading books with a lot of drinking, this may not be for you, though!

[iris muller · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 starts . I really liked this book was just different from what I usually read! But I genuinely liked the book and the characters as well! The plot was good just a little bit slow for me but I liked it 💜