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Lighthouse Duology #2
Ebbing Tides
My life had been built on a foundation of tragedies, but nothing could have prepared me for the worst one of all. The one that should have sent me over the edge.
But I had made a vow to my wife to live … whether she was here or not.
For ten years, I got by on a steady routine, and I would’ve been content to live the rest of my days just like that. But then, my father—the source of my childhood trauma—needed me as his caregiver.
And I jumped at the chance to finally receive the love I’d craved in my youth.
And when a mystery woman from the past stumbled back into my life, along with her three little boys … I jumped at the opportunity to convince her I was worth taking a chance on, too.
If only I could be so lucky …
But I had made a vow to my wife to live … whether she was here or not.
For ten years, I got by on a steady routine, and I would’ve been content to live the rest of my days just like that. But then, my father—the source of my childhood trauma—needed me as his caregiver.
And I jumped at the chance to finally receive the love I’d craved in my youth.
And when a mystery woman from the past stumbled back into my life, along with her three little boys … I jumped at the opportunity to convince her I was worth taking a chance on, too.
If only I could be so lucky …
Unknown Binding
Published August 29, 2025
150 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey Kingsley
32 books3,129 followersWhen I was a wee lassie, I was told by my preschool teachers that I was a natural at storytelling. When I was just a little older than that, an old friend's mother said to me, "Kelsey, one day your books are going to be on the shelves at the library."
Well, Diane, I don't know if my books are ever going to be on the shelves of libraries, but I'm sure as hell going to try.
When I'm not writing stories destined to be bestsellers, I enjoy devouring TV shows, listening to every type of music there is and going to concerts, reading pretty much anything (with a soft spot for romance and certain books located in 18th century Scotland), obsessing over makeup, and pretending to workout.
I also have a fondness for cats, my family, tattoos, and a really good French fry.
Well, Diane, I don't know if my books are ever going to be on the shelves of libraries, but I'm sure as hell going to try.
When I'm not writing stories destined to be bestsellers, I enjoy devouring TV shows, listening to every type of music there is and going to concerts, reading pretty much anything (with a soft spot for romance and certain books located in 18th century Scotland), obsessing over makeup, and pretending to workout.
I also have a fondness for cats, my family, tattoos, and a really good French fry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
October 7, 2025
4.25 stars
Ebbing Tides by Kelsey Kingsley is the perfect conclusion to Max's story. It's heartbreaking, yet healing all at the same time. I loved getting 'The Spider and the Storm' connections. Overall, this was a great read. I love how so many of her books interconnect, and I kind of want to read them back to back.
Ebbing Tides by Kelsey Kingsley is the perfect conclusion to Max's story. It's heartbreaking, yet healing all at the same time. I loved getting 'The Spider and the Storm' connections. Overall, this was a great read. I love how so many of her books interconnect, and I kind of want to read them back to back.
August 22, 2025
So, as I expected, this HURTS. But it also brings everyone together. It answers questions and spills secrets. Trust me, the one secret that I thought for sure I had right, I absolutely didn’t. And that bittersweet “well, you had some things to say and now they won’t get said” (thank you, Jesse Welles, for those lyrics) feeling permeates but also brings some closure. Some hope. Okay, a lot of hope. Because not all is as it appears and the tie-ins to others that I’ve loved so very much makes this such an excellent tale of mourning, healing, grief, loss, and recovering to love again. I mean that.
Max has so much to offer and it was so painful to witness his expectations of life. He really thinks he deserves nothing. And even in the final pivotal moments with another, he doesn’t get complete relief. He does get answers. He does get to know family by blood and by choice. And he makes me happy for the life he’s finally decided to claim as his own.
This requires tissues. This requires a comfy spot to sit. And it definitely requires all of your attention from start to finish because Max and his world come to life within these pages. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Max has so much to offer and it was so painful to witness his expectations of life. He really thinks he deserves nothing. And even in the final pivotal moments with another, he doesn’t get complete relief. He does get answers. He does get to know family by blood and by choice. And he makes me happy for the life he’s finally decided to claim as his own.
This requires tissues. This requires a comfy spot to sit. And it definitely requires all of your attention from start to finish because Max and his world come to life within these pages. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
August 29, 2025
Max + Melanie
Max is back.
It's been almost ten years since his wife and unborn son died.
But he survived. It was hard, but he's still here. His dog Lido helped a lot with that.
And now something/someone else might make his life even better. Or more complicated.
Melanie is here. Visiting family.
His Melanie. The one he only met for a few hours twenty years ago.
But he never forgot her. And she hasn't forgotten him either.
But she's a widow with three little sons living in Connecticut and he's living here with his dog and job and his sisters and their families.
He can't leave because he's also caring for his dying dad.
Will this surprising second chance be gone before it could even really start?
That was ... beautiful.
Still with lots of tears and sadness and grief. But also so much more hope and love and adorable children and a dog. I loved reading this.
I wanted so badly for Max to finally find his final happy end.
And Melanie too. We remember her from The Spider & The Storm!
She deserves all the good things too.
I just hated that Max is already almost 50!
But it's never too late for love and happily ever afters!
Perfect final book for our Max!
EBBING TIDES was the perfect ending for this duology! Sweet. Sad. Heartbreaking. Full of hope and love and family and all the things!
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September 1, 2025
Still wiping the tears from my eyes...
After reading Crashing Waves, the first half of MMC Max Tailor's heartwrenching, emotion-filled story, all I could think was- what more can this poor man take? The events that shaped his life so far were not pretty, beginning with being raised by horrible red flag parents who didn't love or deserve a son like him, when he was forever the sweet compassionate one who never fit in. Bring tissues, find a comfy chair and settle in. Max's story, from his own POV, may be a rocky one, but the rewards are worth the tears!
More than anything, I wanted Max to have something to hope for, and find peace in the second half of his story in Ebbing Tides. He'd been through more trauma and heartache than any other character I've read in recent memory. The most unbearable one still haunted him, but he stayed true to his promise- to live on, even when grief, guilt and shame often filled his heart. I cried with him, for him and felt his many losses. Max's pain became my pain too.
Max settled into a life alone, working security in the quiet dead of night, with his faithful, intuitive pup always by his side. Every day seemed like the one before it, until it wasn't. He'd taken care of everyone but himself his whole life, and now the man who never cared for him needed help. How ironic. Who else but Max would be there for his father when it counted most? He was hoping for a little love and maybe some closure, but what he was left with at the end were shocking family secrets and an unexpected warm light at the end of a very long, dark tunnel. No spoilers, but whoa- didn't see that coming.
When fate decides to intervene and send in ALL the plot twists, she went all out for Max, dropping a certain special woman back into his life after 20 years- the quirky widow with 3 young sons, bringing hope and light into the widower's self-imposed, solitary existence. It had been a long time, but he never forgot Melanie in all those years- his own secret angel, falling back into his world again. Happiness had been a luxury Max didn't think he was worthy of or to dream about having for himself, even though he was long overdue. Could it be possible now?
Max and Melanie had experienced their own losses and regrets, but their spark was still burning strong. The blind leap they were both afraid to take, helped along with a few friendly shoves, turned the tides in their favor, charting the course for the second chance they absolutely both deserved.
Two lives crossed paths once, touching for a moment in time, took the long way around, and came back full circle. Max and Melanie's love was meant to be, soulmates that finally got their happy forever after. I was thrilled in the multiple ways Max's life morphed from lonely and resigned, to his many broken parts being molded and reshaped into what he always wished for, but thought he could never have. Excellent writing by Kelsey Kingsley, wrapping her readers in a warm, squeezy hug after all those angsty pieces came together, especially for Max.
The chapters leading up to the ending were everything! I wish I could see 20 years into his and their future- you never know, maybe I will! This author has a way of making things like that happen.
Keslsey Kingsley's storytelling takes me where I never expect to go, with surprises around every corner. If her creative mind dreams it, that's what she'll write- there are no limits to her imagination. Dark, bright or somewhere in between, original and compelling, intriguing and unforgettable, her words never fit in any typical box.
The Lighthouse Duology, Crashing Waves and now Ebbing Tides, are stand alone books that must be read in order. These MC's have appeared in prior stories, so readers might enjoy seeing them as supporting characters.
* I received an early copy to read and review. These are my honest and freely given thoughts after reading Ebbing Tides.
After reading Crashing Waves, the first half of MMC Max Tailor's heartwrenching, emotion-filled story, all I could think was- what more can this poor man take? The events that shaped his life so far were not pretty, beginning with being raised by horrible red flag parents who didn't love or deserve a son like him, when he was forever the sweet compassionate one who never fit in. Bring tissues, find a comfy chair and settle in. Max's story, from his own POV, may be a rocky one, but the rewards are worth the tears!
More than anything, I wanted Max to have something to hope for, and find peace in the second half of his story in Ebbing Tides. He'd been through more trauma and heartache than any other character I've read in recent memory. The most unbearable one still haunted him, but he stayed true to his promise- to live on, even when grief, guilt and shame often filled his heart. I cried with him, for him and felt his many losses. Max's pain became my pain too.
Max settled into a life alone, working security in the quiet dead of night, with his faithful, intuitive pup always by his side. Every day seemed like the one before it, until it wasn't. He'd taken care of everyone but himself his whole life, and now the man who never cared for him needed help. How ironic. Who else but Max would be there for his father when it counted most? He was hoping for a little love and maybe some closure, but what he was left with at the end were shocking family secrets and an unexpected warm light at the end of a very long, dark tunnel. No spoilers, but whoa- didn't see that coming.
When fate decides to intervene and send in ALL the plot twists, she went all out for Max, dropping a certain special woman back into his life after 20 years- the quirky widow with 3 young sons, bringing hope and light into the widower's self-imposed, solitary existence. It had been a long time, but he never forgot Melanie in all those years- his own secret angel, falling back into his world again. Happiness had been a luxury Max didn't think he was worthy of or to dream about having for himself, even though he was long overdue. Could it be possible now?
Max and Melanie had experienced their own losses and regrets, but their spark was still burning strong. The blind leap they were both afraid to take, helped along with a few friendly shoves, turned the tides in their favor, charting the course for the second chance they absolutely both deserved.
Two lives crossed paths once, touching for a moment in time, took the long way around, and came back full circle. Max and Melanie's love was meant to be, soulmates that finally got their happy forever after. I was thrilled in the multiple ways Max's life morphed from lonely and resigned, to his many broken parts being molded and reshaped into what he always wished for, but thought he could never have. Excellent writing by Kelsey Kingsley, wrapping her readers in a warm, squeezy hug after all those angsty pieces came together, especially for Max.
The chapters leading up to the ending were everything! I wish I could see 20 years into his and their future- you never know, maybe I will! This author has a way of making things like that happen.
Keslsey Kingsley's storytelling takes me where I never expect to go, with surprises around every corner. If her creative mind dreams it, that's what she'll write- there are no limits to her imagination. Dark, bright or somewhere in between, original and compelling, intriguing and unforgettable, her words never fit in any typical box.
The Lighthouse Duology, Crashing Waves and now Ebbing Tides, are stand alone books that must be read in order. These MC's have appeared in prior stories, so readers might enjoy seeing them as supporting characters.
* I received an early copy to read and review. These are my honest and freely given thoughts after reading Ebbing Tides.
August 25, 2025
Oh my god my heart ❤️🩹❤️🩹
I needed this book so bad. The ending of book 1 ripped my head completely out of my chest and this one healed me!
It was still sad. Poor max. Idk how many times I said those exact words. But man am I thankful for the happy ending and so freaking thankful Max finally got everything he deserved!
Also I need more books written from the MMC POV. I never knew what I was missing with that!
I needed this book so bad. The ending of book 1 ripped my head completely out of my chest and this one healed me!
It was still sad. Poor max. Idk how many times I said those exact words. But man am I thankful for the happy ending and so freaking thankful Max finally got everything he deserved!
Also I need more books written from the MMC POV. I never knew what I was missing with that!
August 21, 2025
Goodness Kelsey hit it out of the park once again! The story continues with Max getting through his life. Taking care of his mean sick father and working the “graveyard shift”, until Melanie comes back from his past! I couldn’t believe how well the stories melted into on another! Melanie and Max learn to love after loosing their great loves! I don’t want to give too many spoilers away but this book made kick my feet, cry and get angry! I am in awe of how well Kelsey can make you feel as you are standing in the same room as the characters! Truly amazing story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
Max is loved.
Crashing Waves, book 1 in the lighthouse duology WRECKED me.
Ebbing Tides, book 2 in the lighthouse duology wrecked me more but also HEALED me.
Max knows suffering better than he knows how to be loved. He has been punished from the moment he was conceived and it never knew what love could be like until he met Laura.
Then once she was gone, he was alone once again. Forever just existing and living day to day with his constant companion Lido. A dog after all is a man’s best friend. They offer unconditional love with maybe a little side eye judgement.
When Max lost Laura, he lost everything. But jump 10 years into the future and a second chance at love literally gets lost in his cemetery.
They met once before, a long time ago and only ever had dinner together but that one night made them both question everything and left a lasting impression. A connection was formed and it was one that was always meant to be.
Melanie and Max were always meant to find their way back to each other. It was fated. Destined. They never stood a chance and neither did anyone else that was between them.
Now they are both older, wiser and better looking with more baggage than anyone else but they always have so many blessings as well.
These two always had chemistry from their first meeting and to see how it had grown strengthen with time and space was beautiful. They both have been through a lot separately but together they find peace. Love. They take care of each other. It’s unconditional. Family.
I adored this duology. Max’s story is heartbreaking but the ending is worth every moment because it’s beautiful. I just want to wrap Max up in a hug and just love him. He deserves all the soft, all the love and all the happiness.
Kelsey has a way with words and characters. She can write such a gut wrenching story and balance it out with a perfect ending filled with love and happiness. The characters are strong, vulnerable and deep. They well thought out and easy to connect with. It’s pure plot, character development and captivating. No spice is needed but is given where it belongs and contributes to the story. She’s a talented author who deserves all the hype.
Max will forever hold a place in my heart from this story and I hope we get to see him in other books in the future.
Highly recommend.
Thank you to Kelsey and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC that broke me but was worth it.
Tears were had. Smiles were present. Sobbing was heard and happy sighs were felt.
Crashing Waves, book 1 in the lighthouse duology WRECKED me.
Ebbing Tides, book 2 in the lighthouse duology wrecked me more but also HEALED me.
Max knows suffering better than he knows how to be loved. He has been punished from the moment he was conceived and it never knew what love could be like until he met Laura.
Then once she was gone, he was alone once again. Forever just existing and living day to day with his constant companion Lido. A dog after all is a man’s best friend. They offer unconditional love with maybe a little side eye judgement.
When Max lost Laura, he lost everything. But jump 10 years into the future and a second chance at love literally gets lost in his cemetery.
They met once before, a long time ago and only ever had dinner together but that one night made them both question everything and left a lasting impression. A connection was formed and it was one that was always meant to be.
Melanie and Max were always meant to find their way back to each other. It was fated. Destined. They never stood a chance and neither did anyone else that was between them.
Now they are both older, wiser and better looking with more baggage than anyone else but they always have so many blessings as well.
These two always had chemistry from their first meeting and to see how it had grown strengthen with time and space was beautiful. They both have been through a lot separately but together they find peace. Love. They take care of each other. It’s unconditional. Family.
I adored this duology. Max’s story is heartbreaking but the ending is worth every moment because it’s beautiful. I just want to wrap Max up in a hug and just love him. He deserves all the soft, all the love and all the happiness.
Kelsey has a way with words and characters. She can write such a gut wrenching story and balance it out with a perfect ending filled with love and happiness. The characters are strong, vulnerable and deep. They well thought out and easy to connect with. It’s pure plot, character development and captivating. No spice is needed but is given where it belongs and contributes to the story. She’s a talented author who deserves all the hype.
Max will forever hold a place in my heart from this story and I hope we get to see him in other books in the future.
Highly recommend.
Thank you to Kelsey and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC that broke me but was worth it.
Tears were had. Smiles were present. Sobbing was heard and happy sighs were felt.
August 26, 2025
Male POV ✔️ Widow x widower ✔️ single mum ✔️ second chance ✔️ grief and loss representation ✔️ HEA but it hurts first ✔️
PART 1: CRASHING WAVES MUST BE READ FIRST.
I honestly didn’t think I would have cried more with this book, but having to go through everything that happened in book 1… the emotions and healing this book brought around, I bawled. I cried so hard, my heart broke and then mended, then broke and mended again.
Not only that, but the second chance Max gets… his 2nd second chance, made my heart so so happy. It was like he and Melanie had always been written in the stars. Realising who she was after Crashing Waves BLEW MY MIND.
What a full circle moment this story was.
But this story… it also takes you on an emotionally heavy, painful journey with them, they had to work through their pasts, their grief and guilt, through his father’s terminal illness, through Max’s feelings of being unworthy, like he’s not good enough, but really he deserves the entire world and I just wanted to hug him and thank Melanie for being his safe place.
There was a particular plot twist in this that left me SOBBING, not only because of what it meant but also what came after.
Again, I don’t want to spoil too much, but the way that Kelsey always manages to do this to me, to make me feel and relate, to make me understand… it’s like I know all of these characters and really… I feel like I do, not only because of the last book but because I’ve known about them in some way since Saving Rain… her ability to weave together her stories, her characters, in a way that will not only surprise you and shock you, but then it also always make sense… it’s always been right there under your nose and you can’t ever imagine it any other way.
Forever in awe and always, always, so grateful to have found you and your stories. It is a privilege to know these characters, and I can’t wait to see what journey you take us on next. 🖤
PART 1: CRASHING WAVES MUST BE READ FIRST.
I honestly didn’t think I would have cried more with this book, but having to go through everything that happened in book 1… the emotions and healing this book brought around, I bawled. I cried so hard, my heart broke and then mended, then broke and mended again.
Not only that, but the second chance Max gets… his 2nd second chance, made my heart so so happy. It was like he and Melanie had always been written in the stars. Realising who she was after Crashing Waves BLEW MY MIND.
What a full circle moment this story was.
But this story… it also takes you on an emotionally heavy, painful journey with them, they had to work through their pasts, their grief and guilt, through his father’s terminal illness, through Max’s feelings of being unworthy, like he’s not good enough, but really he deserves the entire world and I just wanted to hug him and thank Melanie for being his safe place.
There was a particular plot twist in this that left me SOBBING, not only because of what it meant but also what came after.
Again, I don’t want to spoil too much, but the way that Kelsey always manages to do this to me, to make me feel and relate, to make me understand… it’s like I know all of these characters and really… I feel like I do, not only because of the last book but because I’ve known about them in some way since Saving Rain… her ability to weave together her stories, her characters, in a way that will not only surprise you and shock you, but then it also always make sense… it’s always been right there under your nose and you can’t ever imagine it any other way.
Forever in awe and always, always, so grateful to have found you and your stories. It is a privilege to know these characters, and I can’t wait to see what journey you take us on next. 🖤
September 2, 2025
When a storyteller as gifted as this one pours her heart and soul into her work, when she leaves everything on the page, it requires nothing but unbridled honesty in return. Did I wish parts of it were different? Absolutely, yes. Did it make me feel unbearably frustrated and achingly sad? Most definitely. Did it ruin and wreck me? You bet it did. Was my heart ensnared and gripped by every scene? One hundred percent yes. Am I glad and grateful I read it? Eternally, yes.
Because finally, finally Max Tailor gets his HEA, and there’s no one more deserving. His life hasn’t been easy. He's been treated badly by people whose only job was to love and protect him. And each time it seems like he might get ahead, when happiness is within reach, life rips the rug out from under him. Despite it all, Max is still a good guy. He's fiercely protective and would give everything to those few who are close to him.
All Max really wants is for someone to love him, to receive the opposite treatment he got from his own parents every day of his life. For someone to cherish him and care about his well being. And finally, at long last, love comes his way in the shape of a girl from his past. A girl he spent a couple short hours with who made a life-long impression.
When it's all said and done, this is a story about persevering through the impossible, healing a heart battered beyond recognition, holding fast to an ephemeral hope, and ultimately finding that well-deserved love. If you’re looking for a romance that makes you feel everything, that destroys your heart but leaves if full and satisfied, this is your next epic read.
Because finally, finally Max Tailor gets his HEA, and there’s no one more deserving. His life hasn’t been easy. He's been treated badly by people whose only job was to love and protect him. And each time it seems like he might get ahead, when happiness is within reach, life rips the rug out from under him. Despite it all, Max is still a good guy. He's fiercely protective and would give everything to those few who are close to him.
All Max really wants is for someone to love him, to receive the opposite treatment he got from his own parents every day of his life. For someone to cherish him and care about his well being. And finally, at long last, love comes his way in the shape of a girl from his past. A girl he spent a couple short hours with who made a life-long impression.
When it's all said and done, this is a story about persevering through the impossible, healing a heart battered beyond recognition, holding fast to an ephemeral hope, and ultimately finding that well-deserved love. If you’re looking for a romance that makes you feel everything, that destroys your heart but leaves if full and satisfied, this is your next epic read.
September 2, 2025
This was a fantastic ending, and I am so glad that Max got it! I love HEAs, but don’t always require them, but with Max I was like, “Oh, he better, or I am gonna throw a fit.” Well, no fit needed to be had. Max had been through hell and back (no joke), so his HEA is well deserved. But don’t think he is going to get that HEA right away. No, this poor man is going to have to work for it. But that’s what makes the book good, right? If we opened the book, and it was like, bing, bang, boom instant HEA, we wouldn’t want to read it. So I’m all for the building and work. This book also answers some of the questions I know we ALL were asking ourselves in book 1. I like the couple dynamics as well. This book is a true second chance romance. Remember, the book does have some darker topics, so check those TWs. Also, there is some mild spice. As a spice lover, I was here for it, but I know some people aren’t. This book was emotional. It made me more happy sad, than just sad like book 1.
This Contemporary Romance is book 2 in the Lighthouse Duology. This book does have darker topics, so please make sure to check your TWs. The romance in this book is a second chance romance. There is some mild spice, that is fairly descriptive. Max has been living his life since the day he lost everything. Now his days are consisting of work and taking care of his dying father. Alone with his dog and his thoughts, he longs for the answers to questions that have haunted him his entire life before it’s too late. On a cold night at work, he finds the face of someone he thought he’d never see again, and it reawakens feelings he thought he could no longer feel. This was an emotional read with a heartwarming ending.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
📱Ebook
This Contemporary Romance is book 2 in the Lighthouse Duology. This book does have darker topics, so please make sure to check your TWs. The romance in this book is a second chance romance. There is some mild spice, that is fairly descriptive. Max has been living his life since the day he lost everything. Now his days are consisting of work and taking care of his dying father. Alone with his dog and his thoughts, he longs for the answers to questions that have haunted him his entire life before it’s too late. On a cold night at work, he finds the face of someone he thought he’d never see again, and it reawakens feelings he thought he could no longer feel. This was an emotional read with a heartwarming ending.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
📱Ebook
August 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶1/2
💞Second Chance
❤️🔥Emotional and Character Driven
🤍Mature Characters (40's)
❤️🩹Healing and Comfort
🩵Male POV
These are the staggeringly affecting type of stories that lingers long after you're done. A true exploration of the human condition in all its messy, ugly, painful, sweet, and beautiful fractured pieces. The Duet comes to a close in this book that takes place ten years later.
Max's heart is galvanized by pain and heartbreak yet lives a solemn and content life, albeit void of a true love. Melanie, the woman from his past encounter 20 years ago finds her way back to him. And this kismet second chance is written in the stars for them. Their broken pieces fit. Facing pain and loss and ghosts of the past for Max, it comes to a head and Melanie is a large part of what helps make him feel alive again.
The intensity of their connection is shimmering with sweetness. I just wanted them together finally so badly. They've both had a difficult past. But there are further revelations and confrontations for Max that just breaks you to pieces along with him.
But not to worry, because the strength of their love and his family and friends pulls together in the end. This duet is all about the journey of life, the twists and turns and roadblocks life throws at you. And this man's unyielding strong heart and beautiful soul is at the center. You will laugh, bawl your eyes out, and cheer in the end, and you'll find it totally worth it. Maxwell, you are one of a kind and I love you always and forever and am so glad you finally have the happiness you deserve, you are more than worthy, you are everything.
🌶1/2
💞Second Chance
❤️🔥Emotional and Character Driven
🤍Mature Characters (40's)
❤️🩹Healing and Comfort
🩵Male POV
These are the staggeringly affecting type of stories that lingers long after you're done. A true exploration of the human condition in all its messy, ugly, painful, sweet, and beautiful fractured pieces. The Duet comes to a close in this book that takes place ten years later.
Max's heart is galvanized by pain and heartbreak yet lives a solemn and content life, albeit void of a true love. Melanie, the woman from his past encounter 20 years ago finds her way back to him. And this kismet second chance is written in the stars for them. Their broken pieces fit. Facing pain and loss and ghosts of the past for Max, it comes to a head and Melanie is a large part of what helps make him feel alive again.
The intensity of their connection is shimmering with sweetness. I just wanted them together finally so badly. They've both had a difficult past. But there are further revelations and confrontations for Max that just breaks you to pieces along with him.
But not to worry, because the strength of their love and his family and friends pulls together in the end. This duet is all about the journey of life, the twists and turns and roadblocks life throws at you. And this man's unyielding strong heart and beautiful soul is at the center. You will laugh, bawl your eyes out, and cheer in the end, and you'll find it totally worth it. Maxwell, you are one of a kind and I love you always and forever and am so glad you finally have the happiness you deserve, you are more than worthy, you are everything.
August 23, 2025
Wow! What an emotional rollercoaster! I’m so happy that Max finally got something good in his life after everything he went through. Losing his wife, stepdaughters, and son was absolutely heartbreaking. The way their biological father kept the girls away from Max was just wrong, and it hurt to see him suffer through that kind of heartbreak.
One of the best parts of the book was seeing Max reconnect with Melanie after all that time apart. Damn 10 years Kelsey?! Kelsey really knows how to make a second-chance romance hit you in the feels. And the plot twist, did not see that coming! The father still treating Max horribly after everything was just infuriating. It’s clear that the adults in his life failed him, time and time again.
I was a bit disappointed in Max’s sisters. Even after learning how terribly their father treated Max, they still expected him to do things for that man. At some point, you have to respect someone’s boundaries, especially after all he endured. Max deserved better from them.
Overall, I loved this duet. The writing, the emotion, the characters; all of it came together so beautifully. Kelsey, you did an amazing job. I’ll be thinking about Max’s journey for a long time.
One of the best parts of the book was seeing Max reconnect with Melanie after all that time apart. Damn 10 years Kelsey?! Kelsey really knows how to make a second-chance romance hit you in the feels. And the plot twist, did not see that coming! The father still treating Max horribly after everything was just infuriating. It’s clear that the adults in his life failed him, time and time again.
I was a bit disappointed in Max’s sisters. Even after learning how terribly their father treated Max, they still expected him to do things for that man. At some point, you have to respect someone’s boundaries, especially after all he endured. Max deserved better from them.
Overall, I loved this duet. The writing, the emotion, the characters; all of it came together so beautifully. Kelsey, you did an amazing job. I’ll be thinking about Max’s journey for a long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
I wanted to really sit and reflect before I wrote my review for Ebbing Tides. Crashing Waves left me feeling so bereft and wanting to hug Max. I just couldn’t get over how someone could be hurt time and time again.
Ebbing Tides was the balm that fixed my soul after Crashing Waves. Seeing Melanie again was so heart warming and watching her and Max’s relationship develop made my heart so happy - even though at one point I thought Max might let his demons get in the way of finding his HEA.
There are so many moments that I aww’d and ahhh’d over - Maxwell was a big one - but I don’t want to spoil for those still to read. I will say I still dislike Max’s father immensely - even more so after the conclusion of this book.
Kelsey again shows why her books are so good. Her writing - particularly writing a male POV - is phenomenal. The way she makes you feel and think throughout the story can be felt so deeply. Her world building is top notch. This was everything I had hoped it would be and what Max truly deserved. He is the epitome of a golden retriever and I will hold him as one of my favourite characters.
Ebbing Tides was the balm that fixed my soul after Crashing Waves. Seeing Melanie again was so heart warming and watching her and Max’s relationship develop made my heart so happy - even though at one point I thought Max might let his demons get in the way of finding his HEA.
There are so many moments that I aww’d and ahhh’d over - Maxwell was a big one - but I don’t want to spoil for those still to read. I will say I still dislike Max’s father immensely - even more so after the conclusion of this book.
Kelsey again shows why her books are so good. Her writing - particularly writing a male POV - is phenomenal. The way she makes you feel and think throughout the story can be felt so deeply. Her world building is top notch. This was everything I had hoped it would be and what Max truly deserved. He is the epitome of a golden retriever and I will hold him as one of my favourite characters.
August 27, 2025
First. Im sooooo glad I got introduced to these beautiful characters 😭😭
Gosh this duet was one emotional rollercoaster.
Max. My baby, Max. 🥹
This man has been through it.
From a child to a man, he experienced so much heartache and pain and all I wanted was to reach through the pages and cuddle him.
First the pain of having a father who didn’t want him to losing the love of his life and his children…😭😭
10 years later from the ending of book one.
Ugh, that hurt my heart for him.
Max was a shell of a man, just existing.
Trying to live for his late wife.
And now with the added weight of having to care for his sick father who he hated but also, as the little boy he once was, loved.
Having no idea that his life was about to change again when an old acquaintance pops up in his life… or graveyard 😅
A woman he never forgot. Only now, they are both older and have both suffered loss and pain.
I loved getting to know Melanie, we only had that snippet of her in book one and I adored seeing her and Max navigate their relationship.
All I wanted was for them to get their happily ever after 🥹
The ending of this beautiful duet was perfection💙
Gosh this duet was one emotional rollercoaster.
Max. My baby, Max. 🥹
This man has been through it.
From a child to a man, he experienced so much heartache and pain and all I wanted was to reach through the pages and cuddle him.
First the pain of having a father who didn’t want him to losing the love of his life and his children…😭😭
10 years later from the ending of book one.
Ugh, that hurt my heart for him.
Max was a shell of a man, just existing.
Trying to live for his late wife.
And now with the added weight of having to care for his sick father who he hated but also, as the little boy he once was, loved.
Having no idea that his life was about to change again when an old acquaintance pops up in his life… or graveyard 😅
A woman he never forgot. Only now, they are both older and have both suffered loss and pain.
I loved getting to know Melanie, we only had that snippet of her in book one and I adored seeing her and Max navigate their relationship.
All I wanted was for them to get their happily ever after 🥹
The ending of this beautiful duet was perfection💙
August 29, 2025
4 ⭐️ 2🌶️
✔️ Male POV
✔️ Later in Life — he’s 48
✔️ Second Chance
✔️ Broken Hero
✔️ Disability Rep
(Left off a major trope so you can experience the surprise 👀)
Ebbing Tides is book two in The Lighthouse Duology by Kelsey Kingsley, and oh my heart—Max. My beautiful, sweet Max. After everything he’s endured, this man deserves his HEA.
This duology had me fully engrossed. The writing is heartfelt, the character building is so deep and layered, and the emotions feel raw and real. Max is the kind of character who stays with you, good to his core, yet scarred by everything he’s lived through. I ached for him in both books, but especially here as his journey came full circle.
This duo was unique since it’s written entirely in male POV. I honestly thought I’d miss the woman’s perspective, but it really didn’t feel like I missed anything here.
This story is different, a true standout in how it’s told. It doesn’t rely on cliches or easy outs, it digs deep into what it means to be broken and still worthy of love. If you’re looking for an emotional story that will tug at every corner of your heart, break you down, and then piece you back together, The Lighthouse Duology is one I highly recommend. Can’t wait to read more from Kelsey Kingsley.
✔️ Male POV
✔️ Later in Life — he’s 48
✔️ Second Chance
✔️ Broken Hero
✔️ Disability Rep
(Left off a major trope so you can experience the surprise 👀)
Ebbing Tides is book two in The Lighthouse Duology by Kelsey Kingsley, and oh my heart—Max. My beautiful, sweet Max. After everything he’s endured, this man deserves his HEA.
This duology had me fully engrossed. The writing is heartfelt, the character building is so deep and layered, and the emotions feel raw and real. Max is the kind of character who stays with you, good to his core, yet scarred by everything he’s lived through. I ached for him in both books, but especially here as his journey came full circle.
This duo was unique since it’s written entirely in male POV. I honestly thought I’d miss the woman’s perspective, but it really didn’t feel like I missed anything here.
This story is different, a true standout in how it’s told. It doesn’t rely on cliches or easy outs, it digs deep into what it means to be broken and still worthy of love. If you’re looking for an emotional story that will tug at every corner of your heart, break you down, and then piece you back together, The Lighthouse Duology is one I highly recommend. Can’t wait to read more from Kelsey Kingsley.
August 22, 2025
I read crashing waves and it put me through it. I knew reading this one would bring out all the feels but I also KNEW that max would get his happy ending, while knowing that I should have expected the tears but I didn’t for some dumb reason. It’s a Kelsey book OF COURSE it’s gonna make me cry. Max and Melanie went through so many emotions I also went through them with these two. Max, Maxwell Benjamin Tailor is worth every tear, every giggle, every single emotion he puts you through.
This quote ‘There'd be no stopping the waves from crashing once again. But they would settle; they always did. I looked forward to the ebbing tides, the calming of the sea contained within my soul. They were coming—I could feel it—and, man, I couldn't wait.’
Also this one shook me. ‘We all die in the end, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t find some light to hold on to before it inevitably happens.’ Kelsey’s writing is honestly just something that I cannot simply put into words properly. But she somehow manages to.
This is what max absolutely deserved and I cannot wait for everyone else to enjoy him.
Give Max’s story the read. It’s worth it all I promise.
This quote ‘There'd be no stopping the waves from crashing once again. But they would settle; they always did. I looked forward to the ebbing tides, the calming of the sea contained within my soul. They were coming—I could feel it—and, man, I couldn't wait.’
Also this one shook me. ‘We all die in the end, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t find some light to hold on to before it inevitably happens.’ Kelsey’s writing is honestly just something that I cannot simply put into words properly. But she somehow manages to.
This is what max absolutely deserved and I cannot wait for everyone else to enjoy him.
Give Max’s story the read. It’s worth it all I promise.
August 30, 2025
I will always stand by the fact that Kelsey writes the most beautifully heartbreaking stories. This second book in this duology was no exception.
This book had me feeling all of the emotions. I so badly wanted to see Max get his HEA because nobody deserved it more than him. But this book was so much more than that. It was his journey to heal and become worthy in his own eyes for all of the things the people who loved and cared for him knew he was. I absolutely loved watching this character development from him.
The ending was everything I needed. It was so cathartic and heartbreaking and beautiful and healing. I smiled and I cried and I felt whole again after being broken in the first book.
Kelsey, you are truly an amazing writer. Your gift to tell a story so beautifully is INSANE. Thank you for giving us another amazing man.
🖤Healing After Loss
🖤Found Family
🖤Book 2 in a Duology
🖤Male POV
🖤Widow x Widower
🖤Single Mom
🖤Second Chance Vibes
This book had me feeling all of the emotions. I so badly wanted to see Max get his HEA because nobody deserved it more than him. But this book was so much more than that. It was his journey to heal and become worthy in his own eyes for all of the things the people who loved and cared for him knew he was. I absolutely loved watching this character development from him.
The ending was everything I needed. It was so cathartic and heartbreaking and beautiful and healing. I smiled and I cried and I felt whole again after being broken in the first book.
Kelsey, you are truly an amazing writer. Your gift to tell a story so beautifully is INSANE. Thank you for giving us another amazing man.
🖤Healing After Loss
🖤Found Family
🖤Book 2 in a Duology
🖤Male POV
🖤Widow x Widower
🖤Single Mom
🖤Second Chance Vibes
August 24, 2025
This was the closure I think we all needed after Crashing Waves. With every heartache and heart break comes healing. Max is one amazing man and his strength amazes me more and more and even more in this book. His growth that developed within this book was phenomenal. The plot twist that occurred in this story that we learn about Max and why his parents were the way they were was freaking mind blowing. While there is absolutely no excuse, I no understand. There is so much pain, love, and tension along with so much growth put into this that I couldn’t put it down. These books are such page turners and you have to know what happens next. So very addicting, so admirable and the characters are so loveable. I have so much love for Max and Melanie and these stories are so unforgettable that they live rent free in my brain. Top reads of 2025 and I will continue recommending them.
October 31, 2025
I can’t review these two books separately because one simply can’t exist without the other. You have to go through the pain and sorrow of the first book to truly appreciate Max’s golden, hard-earned happy ending. I was sobbing my eyes out while reading the first one, and my husband asked if it was really worth reading something that hurt so much. My answer? Yes, a thousand times yes.
This story is breathtakingly beautiful. The author has such a gift with words that you simply can’t put the books down. You keep reading until you can finally breathe again, and when that moment comes, it’s glorious. Max is a character I’ll always carry in my heart. This story is a reminder of how deeply our parents can shape our lives, for better or for worse, a powerful life lesson wrapped in an unforgettable journey.
This story is breathtakingly beautiful. The author has such a gift with words that you simply can’t put the books down. You keep reading until you can finally breathe again, and when that moment comes, it’s glorious. Max is a character I’ll always carry in my heart. This story is a reminder of how deeply our parents can shape our lives, for better or for worse, a powerful life lesson wrapped in an unforgettable journey.
August 20, 2025
I’ve always said that Kelsey Kingsley is a true master of words. The way she weaves her stories—especially through raw and emotional male POVs—never fails to leave me breathless. Ebbing Tides is Max’s story, and it fills all those gaps and questions we were left with after Crashing Waves. It’s not one for the faint of heart. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking, and filled with those full-circle moments that make the conclusion of this duet unforgettable.
This book was everything I hoped for and so much more. I won’t spoil anything, because this is a story that deserves to be experienced blind. What I will say is this: trust the journey, because Max does get his happy ending, and it was everything I wanted for him.
I’ll leave you with a line that stayed with me:
“I looked forward to the ebbing tides, the calming of the sea contained within my soul.”
This book was everything I hoped for and so much more. I won’t spoil anything, because this is a story that deserves to be experienced blind. What I will say is this: trust the journey, because Max does get his happy ending, and it was everything I wanted for him.
I’ll leave you with a line that stayed with me:
“I looked forward to the ebbing tides, the calming of the sea contained within my soul.”
August 22, 2025
I’m trying to put in words how I am feeling about this. I just finished this book about an hour ago and since then I’ve been crying. Some tears are sadness and some of happiness. This story just like the first book made me cry a lot !! It’s such an amazing feeling to know that our man Max got his chance at a happy ending. The closure he got is what was needed !! This conclusion to his story is beautifully written. I don’t want to say much but the parts regarding his father 😭. The moment he realized the truth 🥺. I couldn’t see my kindle properly from how wet my darn eyes were. Another amazing story written by Kelsey Kingsley 👏🏼.
August 31, 2025
The second book of the duology picks back up after the events from book one. Max is dealing with his grief as well as being the sole caretaker for his dad. One night at work he runs into a woman lost in the woods who turns out to be someone from his past.
The story was one of dealing with trauma, overcoming it, struggling with grief, managing the plethora of emotions of losing and finding love. It was a masterpiece! Every thing that Kelsey has written has been burned into my soul. It’s so powerful.
The story was one of dealing with trauma, overcoming it, struggling with grief, managing the plethora of emotions of losing and finding love. It was a masterpiece! Every thing that Kelsey has written has been burned into my soul. It’s so powerful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
Arc read:
I stumbled upon Kelsey last year on TikTok and fell in love with the concept of her books from that first moment, men so rarely get to be the lead of books in the romance world and the way that Kelsey writes speaks to my soul on a level that’s hard to put in to words.
This Duo-logy though has been a roller coaster from start to finish, and I think that Ebbing tides is by far the best book I’ve read from this amazing woman since I started adding her books to my TBR.
The completion of Max’s story was one I was not very patiently waiting for from the moment I finished book one, I needed to know the journey to his happy ever after more than any other book I’ve read this year. And boy oh boy did Kelsey deliver, I sobbed, I laughed, and I watched as Max overcame even more struggles to find what he needed in his life.
How could one moment decades before bring a man to his knees and then slip from his fingers only to be given a second chance at the love he never felt he truly deserved. The things Max learns and then has to process gave the story even more depth and I absolutely adored it.
Thank you Kelsey for continually writing stories that touch my heart, I can’t wait to see where you go from here!
I stumbled upon Kelsey last year on TikTok and fell in love with the concept of her books from that first moment, men so rarely get to be the lead of books in the romance world and the way that Kelsey writes speaks to my soul on a level that’s hard to put in to words.
This Duo-logy though has been a roller coaster from start to finish, and I think that Ebbing tides is by far the best book I’ve read from this amazing woman since I started adding her books to my TBR.
The completion of Max’s story was one I was not very patiently waiting for from the moment I finished book one, I needed to know the journey to his happy ever after more than any other book I’ve read this year. And boy oh boy did Kelsey deliver, I sobbed, I laughed, and I watched as Max overcame even more struggles to find what he needed in his life.
How could one moment decades before bring a man to his knees and then slip from his fingers only to be given a second chance at the love he never felt he truly deserved. The things Max learns and then has to process gave the story even more depth and I absolutely adored it.
Thank you Kelsey for continually writing stories that touch my heart, I can’t wait to see where you go from here!
August 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars for such an amazing book! I loved the character development with Max and how he really finds his true self in this book. It’s a story about second chances, struggles with mental health, and how determination (plus a supportive family/found family.) can help you overcome so much. The duo of books may be my new favorites by Kelsey Kingsley and I can’t wait to read more of their work in the future!
You’re truly gifted Kelsey and have a way of getting your readers at the edge of their seat in anticipation with all of your works. Keep it up! 🖤💜
You’re truly gifted Kelsey and have a way of getting your readers at the edge of their seat in anticipation with all of your works. Keep it up! 🖤💜
August 28, 2025
Ebbing Tides is the emotional conclusion to the Lighthouse Duet. You MUST read Crashing Waves first.
Wow. Just wow. This book was everything I wanted it to be and so much more. I feel even more in love with Max and I am so happy that he finally got his HEA.
The story was beautiful and heartbreaking with a whole bunch of warm moments. I loved the characters, the side characters and the spice was perfect.
Overall I gave this book 5⭐️ and 2.5🌶️
Wow. Just wow. This book was everything I wanted it to be and so much more. I feel even more in love with Max and I am so happy that he finally got his HEA.
The story was beautiful and heartbreaking with a whole bunch of warm moments. I loved the characters, the side characters and the spice was perfect.
Overall I gave this book 5⭐️ and 2.5🌶️
September 10, 2025
I’m trying to recover from this 2 book Duet -Crashing Waves and Ebbing Tides. I’m new to this author and she is now on my radar. I love the male pov of these books and the way she writes is amazing.
A lot of angst but well worth it bc the story of Max and his quest to find love was inspiring and heart breaking at the same time.
Not gonna lie- I cried all throughout book 2. Make sure to have tissues on hand.
A lot of angst but well worth it bc the story of Max and his quest to find love was inspiring and heart breaking at the same time.
Not gonna lie- I cried all throughout book 2. Make sure to have tissues on hand.
August 30, 2025
Kelsey has done it again- another 5 star read!
I typically don’t cry at books but Kelsey has this way of making me feel something! She brings the characters and their stories to life and you feel like you know them!
I needed this story, after reading Crashing Waves ( book 1 ) and my heart being completely broken for Max, I needed his happy ever after. However, that doesn’t mean this book is all sunshine and roses because it’s not 🤣 but by the end of the book your heart will be full to bursting and you will feel content that Max got what he deserved in the end…. Love and happiness 💖
This is the fourth book I have read by Kelsey in the last couple of months and she has quickly became one of my favourite authors.
I typically don’t cry at books but Kelsey has this way of making me feel something! She brings the characters and their stories to life and you feel like you know them!
I needed this story, after reading Crashing Waves ( book 1 ) and my heart being completely broken for Max, I needed his happy ever after. However, that doesn’t mean this book is all sunshine and roses because it’s not 🤣 but by the end of the book your heart will be full to bursting and you will feel content that Max got what he deserved in the end…. Love and happiness 💖
This is the fourth book I have read by Kelsey in the last couple of months and she has quickly became one of my favourite authors.
August 30, 2025
This book is the perfect amount of heartbreak, and happiness. I am so relieved to have finished Max’s story, and what an incredible journey it was. Max was once lost, but after all he has been through prevails and is once again found! For fans of found family, second chances, and small town love stories!
Kelsey Kingsley is an amazing author with a way with words that always finds a way to crack open my chest. I am so fortunate to receive an ARC of this amazing story.
Kelsey Kingsley is an amazing author with a way with words that always finds a way to crack open my chest. I am so fortunate to receive an ARC of this amazing story.
September 5, 2025
Kelsey always hurts me so good. Omw to read Kelsey’s entire backlog.
So incredibly grateful to have received this ARC!!!
So incredibly grateful to have received this ARC!!!
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