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When Tides Meet
This story isn’t just about love—it’s about second chances.
Maris Oakwood is a resilient young woman with a past shaped by the ocean and dreams of becoming a best-selling author. Colton Vance is a hard-working carpenter and recent divorcé searching for where he belongs. When mutual friends bring them together in Laguna Beach, sparks fly—but not the romantic kind.
Despite their differences, Maris and Colton are drawn to each other through a series of unexpected encounters. Maris battles insecurities over her dreams, while Colton wrestles with a future left uncertain by his past. Together, they navigate conflicts, confront personal demons, and discover that the path to healing often begins with the most unlikely connections.
Each twist and turn teaches them to weather life’s ever-changing tides and to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.
Maris Oakwood is a resilient young woman with a past shaped by the ocean and dreams of becoming a best-selling author. Colton Vance is a hard-working carpenter and recent divorcé searching for where he belongs. When mutual friends bring them together in Laguna Beach, sparks fly—but not the romantic kind.
Despite their differences, Maris and Colton are drawn to each other through a series of unexpected encounters. Maris battles insecurities over her dreams, while Colton wrestles with a future left uncertain by his past. Together, they navigate conflicts, confront personal demons, and discover that the path to healing often begins with the most unlikely connections.
Each twist and turn teaches them to weather life’s ever-changing tides and to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.
- GenresRomance
416 pages, Paperback
Published July 22, 2025
11 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 2, 2025
When Tides Meet is a debut novel by Quintanna McConnell.
A great slow burn, rom com novel with closed door romance that made me want to keep reading to see where Maris and Colton went!
Maris is a freelance article writer seemingly holding off on her dreams of being an author. She initially feels stagnant in her life, until she meets Colton.
Colton is recently divorced, but makes environmentally friendly furniture and making a big name for himself in the new entrepreneurship world he has found himself in.
Their initial meeting was quite an ordeal, but they quickly realized they hadn't given each other a chance to properly get to know each other.
After a whirlwind romance, Colton has to suddenly go back home to help his brother. He promises to keep in touch with Maris, but with all the stuff he is helping with at home and keeping his own business afloat, he neglects to keep her updated.
Maris feels like their relationship is up in the air and doesn't know where to go with it. He was her biggest supporter, and over the months he is gone, she had to rely on just herself again.
Anymore info would just be spoilers. 🫣
Quintana wrote a fantastic book that shows how much hard work pays off, and that communication is key!
A great slow burn, rom com novel with closed door romance that made me want to keep reading to see where Maris and Colton went!
Maris is a freelance article writer seemingly holding off on her dreams of being an author. She initially feels stagnant in her life, until she meets Colton.
Colton is recently divorced, but makes environmentally friendly furniture and making a big name for himself in the new entrepreneurship world he has found himself in.
Their initial meeting was quite an ordeal, but they quickly realized they hadn't given each other a chance to properly get to know each other.
After a whirlwind romance, Colton has to suddenly go back home to help his brother. He promises to keep in touch with Maris, but with all the stuff he is helping with at home and keeping his own business afloat, he neglects to keep her updated.
Maris feels like their relationship is up in the air and doesn't know where to go with it. He was her biggest supporter, and over the months he is gone, she had to rely on just herself again.
Anymore info would just be spoilers. 🫣
Quintana wrote a fantastic book that shows how much hard work pays off, and that communication is key!
June 30, 2025
3.5⭐️
I really enjoyed this book, and it felt like the right one to read after something as emotional as My Friends 🧡
Maris and Colton were both such layered, complex characters. Each of them struggled with self-confidence in different ways, and it was clear how that shaped their relationships 💭. I know their personalities might not click with everyone, but I personally understood them, which made their growth even more meaningful.
That said, I do wish there was a little more context and depth when it came to Maris and her sister. Their moments together felt rushed 🫣 and I would’ve loved to see more development there.
On the flip side, Colton and Axel completely stole the show for me 🤍. Their dynamic was so well done and added a softness I didn’t know I needed.
For once, I found myself wanting a book to be longer, just so I could sit with the characters a bit more and explore their inner worlds.
All in all, a quiet, emotional romance that felt like a comforting end to my June 🌿✨
I really enjoyed this book, and it felt like the right one to read after something as emotional as My Friends 🧡
Maris and Colton were both such layered, complex characters. Each of them struggled with self-confidence in different ways, and it was clear how that shaped their relationships 💭. I know their personalities might not click with everyone, but I personally understood them, which made their growth even more meaningful.
That said, I do wish there was a little more context and depth when it came to Maris and her sister. Their moments together felt rushed 🫣 and I would’ve loved to see more development there.
On the flip side, Colton and Axel completely stole the show for me 🤍. Their dynamic was so well done and added a softness I didn’t know I needed.
For once, I found myself wanting a book to be longer, just so I could sit with the characters a bit more and explore their inner worlds.
All in all, a quiet, emotional romance that felt like a comforting end to my June 🌿✨
July 21, 2025
💕 This story isn't just about love - it's about second chances.
Maris Oakwood aspires to become a bestselling author. Colton Vance is a recently divorced carpenter trying to find his footing again. When they collide in Laguna Beach, sparks don't fly - at first. But life has a funny way of bringing people back to shore when they need it most.
This book was a very comforting, slow paced read. It is emotional, with ups and downs and many things happening, yet you never feel like it's too much or rushed. Even though the characters go through hardships, the story feels like a constant reminder to stay calm, even during challenging times. It is written in a way that makes you feel like you're inside Maris' and Colton's mind and you can feel their emotions.
If you love:
💙 Dislike to Lovers
🧳 Emotional Baggage
💕 Second Chances
...this one's for you.
Thank you to @torchlitink for providing me with a free copy of this book.
Maris Oakwood aspires to become a bestselling author. Colton Vance is a recently divorced carpenter trying to find his footing again. When they collide in Laguna Beach, sparks don't fly - at first. But life has a funny way of bringing people back to shore when they need it most.
This book was a very comforting, slow paced read. It is emotional, with ups and downs and many things happening, yet you never feel like it's too much or rushed. Even though the characters go through hardships, the story feels like a constant reminder to stay calm, even during challenging times. It is written in a way that makes you feel like you're inside Maris' and Colton's mind and you can feel their emotions.
If you love:
💙 Dislike to Lovers
🧳 Emotional Baggage
💕 Second Chances
...this one's for you.
Thank you to @torchlitink for providing me with a free copy of this book.
July 28, 2025
When Tides Meet has been the cutest no spice romance I’ve read in a long time. I felt like I personally knew Maris and Colton, like I was one of their friends watching a cute little romance come to life before my very eyes.
They first interaction had me cackling and intrigued on what would happen next, the banter between them was so realistically funny you would think your watching two people in real time.
Watching them get closer then torn apart due to obligations felt like going through my own personal heartbreak. The relief I felt when they worked it out and came together stronger then ever was such a beautiful moment.
When Tides Meet will forever be one of my favorite Romance novels. Thank you for letting me into the world of Maris and Colton♥️
They first interaction had me cackling and intrigued on what would happen next, the banter between them was so realistically funny you would think your watching two people in real time.
Watching them get closer then torn apart due to obligations felt like going through my own personal heartbreak. The relief I felt when they worked it out and came together stronger then ever was such a beautiful moment.
When Tides Meet will forever be one of my favorite Romance novels. Thank you for letting me into the world of Maris and Colton♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2025
I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC for Quintana’s debut When Tides Meet and I loved it!
A wholesome, unputdownable, closed-door romance with a Laguna Beach, California setting. I was on a 23 hour plane trip so got to really immerse myself in it.
The first in a series, When Tides Meet has a solid, swoonworthy romance plot and the dual POV style makes it all the sweeter.
The writing has a descriptive style to it, almost lyrical, which made it easier to connect to the characters and empathise.
I loved seeing the way our two MCs inspired and encouraged each other to follow their dreams and the ending really did feel unique.
If you’re looking for a feel-good, closed-door romance, go grab this one.
Big thank you to Quintana for the gifted copy.
A wholesome, unputdownable, closed-door romance with a Laguna Beach, California setting. I was on a 23 hour plane trip so got to really immerse myself in it.
The first in a series, When Tides Meet has a solid, swoonworthy romance plot and the dual POV style makes it all the sweeter.
The writing has a descriptive style to it, almost lyrical, which made it easier to connect to the characters and empathise.
I loved seeing the way our two MCs inspired and encouraged each other to follow their dreams and the ending really did feel unique.
If you’re looking for a feel-good, closed-door romance, go grab this one.
Big thank you to Quintana for the gifted copy.
July 10, 2025
♾️⭐️When you find a book that tugs at your heart so much that you are sitting in bed crying at 9:47pm. This story has been so amazing I really did not want it to end. The way Maris and Colton got stuck in my head was crazy. I wanted to know what was going to happen, but at the same time, I wanted to take my time. This story has slow burn, had growth from both characters, has friendship, has family members being present, kisses only, and much much more. I won't give you to mich, but just know I have found another book to make it to the list of books that have touched my heart for sure. 100% recommended without a thought.
August 4, 2025
The book's plot enticed me when I first saw it, which is why I applied for an ARC, and it didn't disappoint!
I usually read stories with spice, but even if this book didn't have any, I enjoyed reading it and really liked how descriptive the paragraphs are. It helped me get into the moment more, especially while reading how the story of Maris and Colton unfolded. The overall message of the story as well is very comforting!
This is for you if you like:
- Dislike to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Slow burn
- Second chances
- No spice
Thank you so much to author Quintana McConnell for the ARC opportunity! ❤️
I usually read stories with spice, but even if this book didn't have any, I enjoyed reading it and really liked how descriptive the paragraphs are. It helped me get into the moment more, especially while reading how the story of Maris and Colton unfolded. The overall message of the story as well is very comforting!
This is for you if you like:
- Dislike to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Slow burn
- Second chances
- No spice
Thank you so much to author Quintana McConnell for the ARC opportunity! ❤️
December 1, 2025
3.5⭐️
I was lucky enough to get this debut novel as an ARC, and it was cute, but I felt it needed more dialogue fleshing out. The characters had a lot of potential, and the story itself was very cute but the conflict was not conflicting, and it felt often like the dialogue was thrown there for the sake of there being something conflictual let’s say, but it was not necessarily punchy for me. Maris and Colton’s story had a few ups and downs but a lot if the conflict I felt was based a bit off of meanness that was uncalled for, whereas I was expecting more of a push from the blurb I read that made me apply for the ARC team.
Overall cute and fairly short, but practically I needed more.
I was lucky enough to get this debut novel as an ARC, and it was cute, but I felt it needed more dialogue fleshing out. The characters had a lot of potential, and the story itself was very cute but the conflict was not conflicting, and it felt often like the dialogue was thrown there for the sake of there being something conflictual let’s say, but it was not necessarily punchy for me. Maris and Colton’s story had a few ups and downs but a lot if the conflict I felt was based a bit off of meanness that was uncalled for, whereas I was expecting more of a push from the blurb I read that made me apply for the ARC team.
Overall cute and fairly short, but practically I needed more.
July 22, 2025
This book touched my heart instantly from the moment I read the dedication to the very last page. It is a closed door, smut free, slow burn, enemies to lovers story. It’s one of the sweetest books I’ve ever read. I was hooked from page one. The authors writing style is dynamic and descriptive that you feel like you’re part of the story and not just reading “watching” from afar. The paperback cover is one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen. And it embodies the story perfectly. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next!
June 30, 2025
When Tides Meet
Publish Date: July 22
A slow burn, no spice romance about Maris and Colton. Both have been unsuccessful with love and needing to heal in order to move forward.
If you’re looking for a breezy summer romance, add this to your TBR !
Read this if you like:
- [ ] Slow burn
- [ ] Self discovery
- [ ] Great friendships
- [ ] Family drama
- [ ] Forced proximity
Thank you Quintana McConnell for this gifted copy - and for the priviledge of joining Maris and Colton’s journey!
Publish Date: July 22
A slow burn, no spice romance about Maris and Colton. Both have been unsuccessful with love and needing to heal in order to move forward.
If you’re looking for a breezy summer romance, add this to your TBR !
Read this if you like:
- [ ] Slow burn
- [ ] Self discovery
- [ ] Great friendships
- [ ] Family drama
- [ ] Forced proximity
Thank you Quintana McConnell for this gifted copy - and for the priviledge of joining Maris and Colton’s journey!
July 12, 2025
3.75
This was a nice summer romance read that had just enough emotional pull. Maris and Colton have an undeniable bond and they were both very relatable and experience their own growths. I love how they are both on their own paths to self discovery and develop strong friendships. This was a quick, fun summer read that had the sweetest slow burn.
Thank you Quintana for this advanced reader’s copy!
This was a nice summer romance read that had just enough emotional pull. Maris and Colton have an undeniable bond and they were both very relatable and experience their own growths. I love how they are both on their own paths to self discovery and develop strong friendships. This was a quick, fun summer read that had the sweetest slow burn.
Thank you Quintana for this advanced reader’s copy!
July 23, 2025
A slow burn emotional read.
A chunky book but it didn’t feel like it, the flow of the book meant it felt shorter probably as I was very much invested in Maris and Colton from the beginning.
I found myself fully immersed in the story which meant I couldn’t put it down
A great summer read
#WhenTidesMeet #QuintanaMcConnell #BookTour #RomanceReads #SecondChanceRomance
#Bookstagrammer #EmotionalRomance #LagunaBeachLove #TorchLitInk #NewRelease
A chunky book but it didn’t feel like it, the flow of the book meant it felt shorter probably as I was very much invested in Maris and Colton from the beginning.
I found myself fully immersed in the story which meant I couldn’t put it down
A great summer read
#WhenTidesMeet #QuintanaMcConnell #BookTour #RomanceReads #SecondChanceRomance
#Bookstagrammer #EmotionalRomance #LagunaBeachLove #TorchLitInk #NewRelease
July 25, 2025
3.5 stars
Quintana’s debut novel is an enjoyable read, and I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to read an early review copy. I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a sweet, no spice romance with beachy vibes and themes of self-discovery/development. The road wasn’t always easy for Colton and Maris, but they both worked for what they wanted, and I’m so glad they got their happily ever after.
Quintana’s debut novel is an enjoyable read, and I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to read an early review copy. I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a sweet, no spice romance with beachy vibes and themes of self-discovery/development. The road wasn’t always easy for Colton and Maris, but they both worked for what they wanted, and I’m so glad they got their happily ever after.
July 27, 2025
This is more than a love story- it’s an inspiring piece about drive, sticking it through to the end, and allowing yourself to see the art of possibility. To say this book inspired me to get-a-move-on with my own dreams would be an understatement. I appreciate Maris’ strength in the face of uncertainty, and Colton’s ability to seek humility to fulfill his best dreams. This book is sweet, uplifting, and a lovely summer read!
August 21, 2025
This was such a perfect sweet, slow burn, end of summer read. Although you could definitely read this at any time of year!
This felt cozy, comforting and I loved how real life played into this romance. It felt realistic without putting unnecessary turmoil into the story.
You can tell Quintana put her heart into this book and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store. 🖤
Also, there’s a pasta recipe at the end of this book and you better believe I will be making it 🤤🍝
This felt cozy, comforting and I loved how real life played into this romance. It felt realistic without putting unnecessary turmoil into the story.
You can tell Quintana put her heart into this book and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store. 🖤
Also, there’s a pasta recipe at the end of this book and you better believe I will be making it 🤤🍝
September 21, 2025
3.75⭐️
I'm so thankful to have received an ARC of this book! This is a story about second chances most importantly, and a sweet, unexpected romance secondly.
I really appreciated that every character had a redemption arc or second chance at something great. Deep family rifts were repaired, dreams were chased, and mistakes were turned around. I appreciated the slow burn, closed-door romance aspect too!
I look forward to reading anything Quintana publishes in the future!
I'm so thankful to have received an ARC of this book! This is a story about second chances most importantly, and a sweet, unexpected romance secondly.
I really appreciated that every character had a redemption arc or second chance at something great. Deep family rifts were repaired, dreams were chased, and mistakes were turned around. I appreciated the slow burn, closed-door romance aspect too!
I look forward to reading anything Quintana publishes in the future!
July 31, 2025
“I think you have to live through what love is not before you can truly appreciate what love it.”
-Dante Paladino
“Darlin’ who made you feel like you aren’t worth the trouble? Wherever it was must have been a real piece of work.” -Colton
🫶🏼Closed door romance, slow burn, second chance, beach vibes.
-Dante Paladino
“Darlin’ who made you feel like you aren’t worth the trouble? Wherever it was must have been a real piece of work.” -Colton
🫶🏼Closed door romance, slow burn, second chance, beach vibes.
August 14, 2025
You ever read a book that’s so well written, you feel like you’re experiencing life with the characters?
When Tides Meet is one of those books.
The descriptions of people, places & events are so rich that you’re immersed in the lives of Maris & Colton.
A perfect summer read!
When Tides Meet is one of those books.
The descriptions of people, places & events are so rich that you’re immersed in the lives of Maris & Colton.
A perfect summer read!
July 22, 2025
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating: 🫑 (clean, closed-door)
Maris Oakwood wants to be a best-selling author but is scared to take the leap of faith needed to put yourself out there. Instead, she's been freelancing for local California news outlets as a way to put her writing skills to use. She loves to write about people who deeply care about the environment and humankind's impact on it. This passion of hers brings her the opportunity to interview Colton Vance for a local paper.
Colton is a recently divorced carpenter who focuses on custom pieces made in a sustainable fashion. He travels out to the West Coast to attend a friend's wedding and bumps into Maris there, ahead of their interview. Their initial meet-and-greet is quite prickly. He thinks her interest in him is just a stepping stone in her career, instead of a true interest in his work. And Maris doesn't take too kindly to his aloof behavior, giving it right back to him with quick quips and funny banter.
What starts as dislike turns to friendship and eventually a budding romance. Colton encourages Maris to write her novel and put it out there. And Maris starts to truly believe in herself and her capabilities. But just as these love birds are starting falling for each other, Colton gets an unexpected call from home. His brother is in major legal trouble and needs help. The question then becomes: Can Maris and Colton's relationship survive the distance and stress?
When Tides Meet is Quintana McConnell's debut novel. It's a clean, closed door romance. I enjoyed Maris and Colton's story. It was heartfelt, and I became invested in their HEA. I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. This was a fluffy rom com that was just right for the summer months. The oceanside, beach vibes also helped make this feel like an ideal vacation read.
I loved how the author inserted (what I'm assuming have been) her struggles with writing her novel and advertising it on social media. It helped make it feel more realistic, and I celebrated with Maris (and Quintana!) when she mentioned her happiness with her ARC readers and success with Maris' novel.
I look forward to reading Quintana's next book in this interconnected series.
Spice rating: 🫑 (clean, closed-door)
Maris Oakwood wants to be a best-selling author but is scared to take the leap of faith needed to put yourself out there. Instead, she's been freelancing for local California news outlets as a way to put her writing skills to use. She loves to write about people who deeply care about the environment and humankind's impact on it. This passion of hers brings her the opportunity to interview Colton Vance for a local paper.
Colton is a recently divorced carpenter who focuses on custom pieces made in a sustainable fashion. He travels out to the West Coast to attend a friend's wedding and bumps into Maris there, ahead of their interview. Their initial meet-and-greet is quite prickly. He thinks her interest in him is just a stepping stone in her career, instead of a true interest in his work. And Maris doesn't take too kindly to his aloof behavior, giving it right back to him with quick quips and funny banter.
What starts as dislike turns to friendship and eventually a budding romance. Colton encourages Maris to write her novel and put it out there. And Maris starts to truly believe in herself and her capabilities. But just as these love birds are starting falling for each other, Colton gets an unexpected call from home. His brother is in major legal trouble and needs help. The question then becomes: Can Maris and Colton's relationship survive the distance and stress?
When Tides Meet is Quintana McConnell's debut novel. It's a clean, closed door romance. I enjoyed Maris and Colton's story. It was heartfelt, and I became invested in their HEA. I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. This was a fluffy rom com that was just right for the summer months. The oceanside, beach vibes also helped make this feel like an ideal vacation read.
I loved how the author inserted (what I'm assuming have been) her struggles with writing her novel and advertising it on social media. It helped make it feel more realistic, and I celebrated with Maris (and Quintana!) when she mentioned her happiness with her ARC readers and success with Maris' novel.
I look forward to reading Quintana's next book in this interconnected series.
July 2, 2025
3.5⭐️
A sweet no spice romance. Slow burn with some emotional baggage
A sweet no spice romance. Slow burn with some emotional baggage
July 22, 2025
⭐️3.5 stars!!!⭐️
If you want a no spice and cute summer romance this book is for you. This was a major slow burn and emotional baggage story. The MFC and MMC had such an emotional and strong bond.
If you want a no spice and cute summer romance this book is for you. This was a major slow burn and emotional baggage story. The MFC and MMC had such an emotional and strong bond.
July 22, 2025
This is a great enemies to lovers summer romance read with real life situations with so much detail loved every second of it!
July 22, 2025
Beautiful descriptions of the ocean, healing, slow burn, moving and sweet love story. I loved several quotes from the book but I’ll share just one - “The challenges of the past can show us the road to our future”
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews