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Ride the Wave
Bloomsbury presents RIde the Wave by Katherine Reilly, read by Rebecca Norfolk.
A brand new spicy sports rom-com, perfect for fans of sizzling chemistry and forced proximity. Fans of ICEBREAKER and THE FAKE OUT will LOVE this epic romance.
'As sexy as it is sweet, this is the perfect beach read!' - Catherine Walsh, the bestselling author of Snowed In
***
In surfing, everyone's chasing the perfect ride...
Twelve years ago, Leo Silva was a world champion surfer—until reckless partying and tabloid scandals ended his career. After a mysteriously sudden and early retirement, Leo retreated to a sleepy seaside village in Portugal, where he's remained out of the spotlight ever since. But when he receives a surprise invitation to compete in Australia’s legendary Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach contest, the news of his comeback sends shockwaves through the surf world.
Enter Iris Gray, an ambitious sports journalist from London. Her editor wants her to make Leo and his comeback the topic of glossy Studio magazine's next big feature, but there's one small catch – he happens to be the son of TV star and media proprietor Michelle Martin, the owner of Studio. With a lot of pressure riding on this project and Iris's career hanging in the balance, there's simply no room for mistakes.
When Iris flies to Portugal, she expects to uncover the truth behind Leo's infamous past, but she is unprepared for his stubbornness—or the undeniable chemistry that simmers between them. But as her interviewee and the boss's son, Leo is strictly off-limits...
With a fierce rival threatening to derail Leo’s comeback and the competition fast approaching, can they stay focused on their goals, or will love pull them under?
***
Perfect for fans
Sports romance
Forced proximity
Forbidden love
Spicy love stories
A brand new spicy sports rom-com, perfect for fans of sizzling chemistry and forced proximity. Fans of ICEBREAKER and THE FAKE OUT will LOVE this epic romance.
'As sexy as it is sweet, this is the perfect beach read!' - Catherine Walsh, the bestselling author of Snowed In
***
In surfing, everyone's chasing the perfect ride...
Twelve years ago, Leo Silva was a world champion surfer—until reckless partying and tabloid scandals ended his career. After a mysteriously sudden and early retirement, Leo retreated to a sleepy seaside village in Portugal, where he's remained out of the spotlight ever since. But when he receives a surprise invitation to compete in Australia’s legendary Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach contest, the news of his comeback sends shockwaves through the surf world.
Enter Iris Gray, an ambitious sports journalist from London. Her editor wants her to make Leo and his comeback the topic of glossy Studio magazine's next big feature, but there's one small catch – he happens to be the son of TV star and media proprietor Michelle Martin, the owner of Studio. With a lot of pressure riding on this project and Iris's career hanging in the balance, there's simply no room for mistakes.
When Iris flies to Portugal, she expects to uncover the truth behind Leo's infamous past, but she is unprepared for his stubbornness—or the undeniable chemistry that simmers between them. But as her interviewee and the boss's son, Leo is strictly off-limits...
With a fierce rival threatening to derail Leo’s comeback and the competition fast approaching, can they stay focused on their goals, or will love pull them under?
***
Perfect for fans
Sports romance
Forced proximity
Forbidden love
Spicy love stories
Audible Audio
Published June 19, 2025
148 people are currently reading
2282 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
January 10, 2026
wasn’t the worst book i’ve ever read, wasn’t the best. full rtc! 💌
————
pre read
every review i’ve seen for this book says that it’s horrible; but that’s normally how i find my 5 star reads! i have 3 days to read this before libby snatches it from my grasp.
————
pre read
every review i’ve seen for this book says that it’s horrible; but that’s normally how i find my 5 star reads! i have 3 days to read this before libby snatches it from my grasp.
September 16, 2025
Ich wünschte ich könnte es in Worte ausdrücken wie sehr ich dieses Buch geliebt habe. Ich fürchte aber, dass sie dem Buch einfach nicht gerecht werden. Ich versuche es trotzdem. Surferboy Leo Silva hat mein ganzes Herz erobert! Ich wusste nicht wie sehr ich mitfiebern würde. Sowohl die Love Story als auch die journalistische und sportliche Seite der Geschichte haben mich so eingesogen. Das Setting war so lebendig. Die Sidecharaktere waren so lebendig und keine Statisten. Ich hatte so so viel Spaß beim Lesen! Ich kann es kaum erwarten zusehen, welcher deutscher Verlag es sich krallen wird. Ich will so sehr, dass ihr es lesen könnt! 😮💨
August 21, 2025
Started as a "so fun, it's set in the algarve!" and ended in "ok, this was not it for me".
May 4, 2025
2.5 stars
Katherine Reilly's Ride the Wave has an engaging premise. A sporty rom-com between an established sports journalist and a reclusive world champion surfer who is training for their big comeback at the legendary Rip Curl Pro has the makings of a great story. However it was the execution that let it down.
I found the characters to be quite two-dimensional and kind of boring? Even when delving into some traumatic backstories they were like "oh but I've talked about it now, I'm good".
The locations were fun and played a huge part in the story, and the romance was cute but for me it wasn't enough to save it. Overall, I wasn't a fan of Reilly's writing style and it's nothing personal.
The pull for me was definitely the Aussie representation and I started reading the weekend of the annual Bells Beach competition.
Katherine Reilly's Ride the Wave has an engaging premise. A sporty rom-com between an established sports journalist and a reclusive world champion surfer who is training for their big comeback at the legendary Rip Curl Pro has the makings of a great story. However it was the execution that let it down.
I found the characters to be quite two-dimensional and kind of boring? Even when delving into some traumatic backstories they were like "oh but I've talked about it now, I'm good".
The locations were fun and played a huge part in the story, and the romance was cute but for me it wasn't enough to save it. Overall, I wasn't a fan of Reilly's writing style and it's nothing personal.
The pull for me was definitely the Aussie representation and I started reading the weekend of the annual Bells Beach competition.
August 14, 2025
I should read more surf books cus its lovely, all good vibes
December 21, 2025
PORTUGAL MENTIONED RAAAHHHHH🗣️🗣️🗣️🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹
The reason I gave this book 2 stars is because one of the starts is for Portugal being mentioned and the second one is because you can't give 0 starts.
This book made me go into a reading slump during my holidays, it took me 4 months to go back and finish the book and the only reason I did was bc of Portugal and bc it's the end of the year and I didn't want to dnf a book. Tbh I don't even know if I can consider this book read bc I skipped so many pages to finally get to the end.
This is just a boring ass book, the plot could've been interesting but everything annoyed me, the mmc is a nepo baby that pretends he's not and he's dramatic as hell, the female main character is soooooo slow and also dumb and the plot is so boring.
I only read this book bc I saw it on TikTok during summer and when I found out I was going on vacation and there was this book trending that talked abt Portugal I wanted to read it and review it nicely so people continue to use Portugal in books but instead this was terrible and I regret even beginning this book.
I wouldn't recommend it butttt at least Portugal is mentioned and that made my Portuguese heart happy, other than that this was a hard read
The reason I gave this book 2 stars is because one of the starts is for Portugal being mentioned and the second one is because you can't give 0 starts.
This book made me go into a reading slump during my holidays, it took me 4 months to go back and finish the book and the only reason I did was bc of Portugal and bc it's the end of the year and I didn't want to dnf a book. Tbh I don't even know if I can consider this book read bc I skipped so many pages to finally get to the end.
This is just a boring ass book, the plot could've been interesting but everything annoyed me, the mmc is a nepo baby that pretends he's not and he's dramatic as hell, the female main character is soooooo slow and also dumb and the plot is so boring.
I only read this book bc I saw it on TikTok during summer and when I found out I was going on vacation and there was this book trending that talked abt Portugal I wanted to read it and review it nicely so people continue to use Portugal in books but instead this was terrible and I regret even beginning this book.
I wouldn't recommend it butttt at least Portugal is mentioned and that made my Portuguese heart happy, other than that this was a hard read
July 14, 2025
3.75
“Ride the Wave” is an excellent summer read. Nicely written, great setting, lovely side characters, solid main characters.
I do have to say that I was mostly intrigued by this book because of the sport. I feel like all I see is ice hockey and Formel 1 with the occasional tennis or swimming thrown in. Surfing though, haven’t crossed my path, which of course doesn’t mean those books aren’t out there.
Now, Iris is a journalist and Leo doesn’t like journalists and so naturally these two make up a perfect pairing.
In the first 35-40% of the book were several moments, when I thought both of them finally found common ground, but then almost every time Leo destroyed it with “wished you could have recorded that, right”. I kinda get it and I get that he has a certain level of trust issues, but found myself being annoyed at some point.
There was a really lovely moment, when Iris wanted to learn how to surf and Leo finally opened up to her.
The first half was rather fast and once the two of them actually admitted to their attraction and somewhat feelings for each other, around half way through the book, the pace slowed down.
I went into this expecting that the main part would be Iris’s time in Portugal, which ended up being the first half of the book. The majority of the second half was spent with them as a couple during the competition in Australia.
This book doesn’t have an epilogue, which sometimes can work, sometimes not. And I think this is a case where it doesn’t work, at least for me.
I would have loved to see how Iris & Leo’s life in Portugal looks like. What’s up with the surfing school and the construction work that was supposed to take place in Burgau to attract more tourists? How, if so at all, did the relationship between Leo and his mom change after the competition in Bell’s Beach?
I guess half of those points you can guess, but others and more were left off without some sort of conclusion.
Thank you to Aria & Aries for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
“Ride the Wave” is an excellent summer read. Nicely written, great setting, lovely side characters, solid main characters.
I do have to say that I was mostly intrigued by this book because of the sport. I feel like all I see is ice hockey and Formel 1 with the occasional tennis or swimming thrown in. Surfing though, haven’t crossed my path, which of course doesn’t mean those books aren’t out there.
Now, Iris is a journalist and Leo doesn’t like journalists and so naturally these two make up a perfect pairing.
In the first 35-40% of the book were several moments, when I thought both of them finally found common ground, but then almost every time Leo destroyed it with “wished you could have recorded that, right”. I kinda get it and I get that he has a certain level of trust issues, but found myself being annoyed at some point.
There was a really lovely moment, when Iris wanted to learn how to surf and Leo finally opened up to her.
The first half was rather fast and once the two of them actually admitted to their attraction and somewhat feelings for each other, around half way through the book, the pace slowed down.
I went into this expecting that the main part would be Iris’s time in Portugal, which ended up being the first half of the book. The majority of the second half was spent with them as a couple during the competition in Australia.
This book doesn’t have an epilogue, which sometimes can work, sometimes not. And I think this is a case where it doesn’t work, at least for me.
I would have loved to see how Iris & Leo’s life in Portugal looks like. What’s up with the surfing school and the construction work that was supposed to take place in Burgau to attract more tourists? How, if so at all, did the relationship between Leo and his mom change after the competition in Bell’s Beach?
I guess half of those points you can guess, but others and more were left off without some sort of conclusion.
Thank you to Aria & Aries for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 27, 2025
Took a break from cowboy romance for surfer romance, at first it was so cute, but the girl sticking up to his mom for him when she’d just met this guy 3 weeks ago was crazy behaviour. Tough to stay on board after that. Get it. On board. Surfing pun. Anyways, 3/5.
July 24, 2025
só li por se passar em portugal e porque ele era português! achei bué que ia ser na ericeira e fiquei um bocado desiludida quando não foi 🥲
foi giro mas nada de mais
foi giro mas nada de mais
January 24, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.25 stars
"If you focus too much on what might happen in the future, you miss what the water is telling you at the time and, whatever you do, it will never be as good. You should live in the moment."
Ride The Wave is a sports novel in which we follow Leo Silva, a former world surfing champion whose career was known for reckless parties and tabloid scandals. Leo decides to retire early and return to Portugal, where his father is from, but after a few years, Leo Silva decides to return to competition and join the prestigious Australian Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
Iris Gray is known for her inspiring interviews with athletes, as she is a sports journalist from London, and is now responsible for interviewing Leo and showing a new side of him to the world.
Sports novels are one of my favourite type of books, especially when I'm feeling a bit down. After two dnfs in a row, I decided that Ride The Wave would be my next read, as sports novels are usually quicker and more fun to read, and it didn't disappoint.
As soon as you start reading Katherine Reilly's book, you immerse yourself in this world and these characters, from Iris and Leo to Marina, Anna, Toni, Flora and Adriano. Their personalities are distinct and you fall in love with all of them because they're fun, friendly and welcoming. Following Iris as she met Burgau in Portugal was such a cool and immersive experience because, as a Portuguese, I could see exactly what the author was describing and what Iris was feeling was accurate, just as what Leo was experiencing was real.
The writing was perfect, I found myself thinking about picking up another book by this author as soon as I finished Ride The Wave, because it's easy to understand what's happening and not get lost between scenes.
It was going to be a 5 star for the most part, but when I started to reflect on my reading, I realised that I missed one thing and felt that two others didn't add much to the story. For a start, the fact that Iris was afraid of the ocean was a quick event and as soon as she was afraid, she stopped being afraid - I wish we could have seen a bit more of that, to feel more realistic, as she got over it too quickly. As for the other two things, I don't think José added anything to the story, at the point where it almost felt like a love triangle and then he stopped appearing, but I understand what he does for a living and how it affected the characters; and the amount of spicy scenes - I was expecting to read about them, but at one point I thought they could be replaced with other scenes, like Iris overcoming her fear.
"Change is never easy, even if it's for the better."
4.25 stars
"If you focus too much on what might happen in the future, you miss what the water is telling you at the time and, whatever you do, it will never be as good. You should live in the moment."
Ride The Wave is a sports novel in which we follow Leo Silva, a former world surfing champion whose career was known for reckless parties and tabloid scandals. Leo decides to retire early and return to Portugal, where his father is from, but after a few years, Leo Silva decides to return to competition and join the prestigious Australian Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
Iris Gray is known for her inspiring interviews with athletes, as she is a sports journalist from London, and is now responsible for interviewing Leo and showing a new side of him to the world.
Sports novels are one of my favourite type of books, especially when I'm feeling a bit down. After two dnfs in a row, I decided that Ride The Wave would be my next read, as sports novels are usually quicker and more fun to read, and it didn't disappoint.
As soon as you start reading Katherine Reilly's book, you immerse yourself in this world and these characters, from Iris and Leo to Marina, Anna, Toni, Flora and Adriano. Their personalities are distinct and you fall in love with all of them because they're fun, friendly and welcoming. Following Iris as she met Burgau in Portugal was such a cool and immersive experience because, as a Portuguese, I could see exactly what the author was describing and what Iris was feeling was accurate, just as what Leo was experiencing was real.
The writing was perfect, I found myself thinking about picking up another book by this author as soon as I finished Ride The Wave, because it's easy to understand what's happening and not get lost between scenes.
It was going to be a 5 star for the most part, but when I started to reflect on my reading, I realised that I missed one thing and felt that two others didn't add much to the story. For a start, the fact that Iris was afraid of the ocean was a quick event and as soon as she was afraid, she stopped being afraid - I wish we could have seen a bit more of that, to feel more realistic, as she got over it too quickly. As for the other two things, I don't think José added anything to the story, at the point where it almost felt like a love triangle and then he stopped appearing, but I understand what he does for a living and how it affected the characters; and the amount of spicy scenes - I was expecting to read about them, but at one point I thought they could be replaced with other scenes, like Iris overcoming her fear.
"Change is never easy, even if it's for the better."
January 25, 2025
After reading Match Point (which I gave 3⭐️) last year, I decided to give Katherine Reilly another chance with Ride The Wave and I’m glad I did. While it was slow at points, I still really enjoyed it and actually wanted to keep turning the page. I really like a sports romance i’m not used to reading so it was good to read about surfing and loved the connection between Leo and Iris. The romance was *chefs kiss*.
This book is the perfect summer romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
This book is the perfect summer romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
August 19, 2025
I loved this book I couldn’t put it down and it took me back to Portugal!!
Blurb
In surfing, everyone's chasing the perfect ride...
Twelve years ago, Leo Silva was a world champion surfer-until reckless partying and tabloid scandals ended his career. After a mysteriously sudden and early retirement, Leo retreated to a sleepy seaside village in Portugal, where he's remained out of the spotlight ever since. But when he receives a surprise invitation to compete in Australia's legendary Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach contest, the news of his comeback sends shockwaves through the surf world.
Enter Iris Gray, an ambitious sports journalist from London. Her editor wants her to make Leo and his comeback the topic of glossy Studio magazine's next big feature, but there's one small catch – he happens to be the son of TV star and media proprietor Michelle Martin, the owner of Studio. With a lot of pressure riding on this project and Iris's career hanging in the balance, there's simply no room for mistakes.
When Iris flies to Portugal, she expects to uncover the truth behind Leo's infamous past, but she is unprepared for his stubbornness-or the undeniable chemistry that simmers between them. But as her interviewee and the boss's son, Leo is strictly off-limits...
With a fierce rival threatening to derail Leo's comeback and the competition fast approaching, can they stay focused on their goals, or will love pull them under?
Blurb
In surfing, everyone's chasing the perfect ride...
Twelve years ago, Leo Silva was a world champion surfer-until reckless partying and tabloid scandals ended his career. After a mysteriously sudden and early retirement, Leo retreated to a sleepy seaside village in Portugal, where he's remained out of the spotlight ever since. But when he receives a surprise invitation to compete in Australia's legendary Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach contest, the news of his comeback sends shockwaves through the surf world.
Enter Iris Gray, an ambitious sports journalist from London. Her editor wants her to make Leo and his comeback the topic of glossy Studio magazine's next big feature, but there's one small catch – he happens to be the son of TV star and media proprietor Michelle Martin, the owner of Studio. With a lot of pressure riding on this project and Iris's career hanging in the balance, there's simply no room for mistakes.
When Iris flies to Portugal, she expects to uncover the truth behind Leo's infamous past, but she is unprepared for his stubbornness-or the undeniable chemistry that simmers between them. But as her interviewee and the boss's son, Leo is strictly off-limits...
With a fierce rival threatening to derail Leo's comeback and the competition fast approaching, can they stay focused on their goals, or will love pull them under?
January 13, 2025
I’m such a sucker for a sports romance - I think this might be my first surfer romance though? I loved the two main characters, their chemistry was so good!
I liked the premise but I thought some of the pacing felt a bit off (mainly towards the end, there were too many smaller conflicts and they were spaced out a bit weirdly) but overall I really enjoyed this. I’m usually not one for nicknames in books but I was so obsessed with him calling her London 🥹 also - the small town vibes were immaculate and I now desperately want to go to Portugal.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the gifted advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I liked the premise but I thought some of the pacing felt a bit off (mainly towards the end, there were too many smaller conflicts and they were spaced out a bit weirdly) but overall I really enjoyed this. I’m usually not one for nicknames in books but I was so obsessed with him calling her London 🥹 also - the small town vibes were immaculate and I now desperately want to go to Portugal.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the gifted advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 8, 2025
3,75⭐️
August 18, 2025
2.5 stars⭐
it's a nice summer/beach read but tbh i only read it because it's set in portugal and i wanted to see how the author would represent portuguese culture (as i'm portuguese🫶🇵🇹), but this book was kinda boring at times and it was nothing much for me
it's a nice summer/beach read but tbh i only read it because it's set in portugal and i wanted to see how the author would represent portuguese culture (as i'm portuguese🫶🇵🇹), but this book was kinda boring at times and it was nothing much for me
September 5, 2025
Sometimes I wish I was a good writer so I could be an author. Then I read books like this and realise maybe I don’t need to be a good writer to be an author
June 30, 2025
Big thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the ARC! Ride the Wave totally delivered on the sports romance vibes—competition, redemption, and just the right amount of drama to keep things interesting. Plus, the setting? Absolute chef’s kiss.
• Leo Silva: Former surfing champ, certified heartthrob, and former tabloid magnet. After too many reckless parties and scandals, he peaces out and moves to Portugal. But surprise, he’s back, and this time, he’s here to prove he’s more than just a bad reputation. Watching his growth was honestly so satisfying.
• Iris Gray: A badass sports journalist from London who’s known for her deep, inspiring interviews. She’s assigned to cover Leo’s comeback, and let’s just say she’s not easily charmed. Loved seeing her hold her ground while also uncovering new layers of Leo (and herself).
• The Squad: Marina, Anna, Toni, Flora, and Adriano? Absolute gems. They bring the banter, the support, and the found-family energy that makes everything feel even more real.
The writing flows so well, and the way the author describes Portugal? Ugh, made me miss my country so much 😭. The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars is that some parts slowed down a little, but overall, I was hooked. If you love sports romances with tension, heart, and some seriously good vibes, Ride the Wave is 100% worth reading.
Rating: 4/5⭐️
• Leo Silva: Former surfing champ, certified heartthrob, and former tabloid magnet. After too many reckless parties and scandals, he peaces out and moves to Portugal. But surprise, he’s back, and this time, he’s here to prove he’s more than just a bad reputation. Watching his growth was honestly so satisfying.
• Iris Gray: A badass sports journalist from London who’s known for her deep, inspiring interviews. She’s assigned to cover Leo’s comeback, and let’s just say she’s not easily charmed. Loved seeing her hold her ground while also uncovering new layers of Leo (and herself).
• The Squad: Marina, Anna, Toni, Flora, and Adriano? Absolute gems. They bring the banter, the support, and the found-family energy that makes everything feel even more real.
The writing flows so well, and the way the author describes Portugal? Ugh, made me miss my country so much 😭. The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars is that some parts slowed down a little, but overall, I was hooked. If you love sports romances with tension, heart, and some seriously good vibes, Ride the Wave is 100% worth reading.
Rating: 4/5⭐️
September 22, 2025
4,5 ⭐️
O facto de maior parte deste livro se passar no Algarve, mais precisamente no Burgau, uma vila que eu visitei há uns anos e adorei, já fez com que eu amasse esta história.
O que eu não sabia é que podia vir a gostar tanto de um romance de surf.
Este livro transmite precisamente aquilo que eu senti ao visitar aquele local e mostra aos leitores o melhor que o Algarve tem, principalmente nas épocas baixas, a paz e a leveza.
Este livro deu 10 a 0 ao Match Point, sem qualquer dúvida, e espero mesmo que seja traduzido no próximo ano (com as edges lindas da the works pf).
Eu terminei este livro a pensar, imaginem se esta história fosse de um romance de hóquei? Pf alguém escreva isto!!!
O facto de maior parte deste livro se passar no Algarve, mais precisamente no Burgau, uma vila que eu visitei há uns anos e adorei, já fez com que eu amasse esta história.
O que eu não sabia é que podia vir a gostar tanto de um romance de surf.
Este livro transmite precisamente aquilo que eu senti ao visitar aquele local e mostra aos leitores o melhor que o Algarve tem, principalmente nas épocas baixas, a paz e a leveza.
Este livro deu 10 a 0 ao Match Point, sem qualquer dúvida, e espero mesmo que seja traduzido no próximo ano (com as edges lindas da the works pf).
Eu terminei este livro a pensar, imaginem se esta história fosse de um romance de hóquei? Pf alguém escreva isto!!!
June 6, 2025
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Aria & Aries and the author for providing me with an arc copy in exchange for an honest review!
3.5 ⭐
Ride the wave is Katherine Reilly's second book, this time we follow Iris, a sports journalist, and Leo, a pro surfer. This was my first book by the author, but I've had her debut on my radar since it came out so when I saw this was available for request I immediately tried to get it.
Sports romances are probably my favourite type of romances, but I think this is the first time the sport in question is surf. I have to say I really enjoyed the way the author portrayed the sport, I loved the fact surf is central in this and not just a detail.
Overall, I liked the story and I liked the characters. I think there could've been a little more depth to them, but the story was still entertaining and enjoyable. The setting was perfect, now I need to get on a plane and go to Portugal.
3.5 ⭐
Ride the wave is Katherine Reilly's second book, this time we follow Iris, a sports journalist, and Leo, a pro surfer. This was my first book by the author, but I've had her debut on my radar since it came out so when I saw this was available for request I immediately tried to get it.
Sports romances are probably my favourite type of romances, but I think this is the first time the sport in question is surf. I have to say I really enjoyed the way the author portrayed the sport, I loved the fact surf is central in this and not just a detail.
Overall, I liked the story and I liked the characters. I think there could've been a little more depth to them, but the story was still entertaining and enjoyable. The setting was perfect, now I need to get on a plane and go to Portugal.
January 21, 2025
As soon as I read the description for this book I knew it would be something I would like and I was definitely right about that!!
From the get go, the story drew me in and I fell in love with both Iris & Leo. The chemistry between these 2 was amazing and done in a really authentic way. The steamy scenes had just the right amount of spice which added to the story without feeling overpowering.
It was so refreshing to read a sports romance about surfing which isn’t very common and I feel like I learnt so much about the sport too!
The only thing that stopped this from being a complete 5 stars was that the ending felt a little bit drawn out but other than that…LOVED IT!! Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Aria & Aries and Katherine Reilly for this ARC copy
From the get go, the story drew me in and I fell in love with both Iris & Leo. The chemistry between these 2 was amazing and done in a really authentic way. The steamy scenes had just the right amount of spice which added to the story without feeling overpowering.
It was so refreshing to read a sports romance about surfing which isn’t very common and I feel like I learnt so much about the sport too!
The only thing that stopped this from being a complete 5 stars was that the ending felt a little bit drawn out but other than that…LOVED IT!! Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Aria & Aries and Katherine Reilly for this ARC copy
August 15, 2025
Ride The Wave instantly gave me summer vibes—sun, surf, and a sense of freedom that I haven’t felt in other books. It wasn’t like anything I’d read before, blending a fresh, exciting romance with an authentic look at the world of surfing.
I loved learning about surfing alongside the characters—the thrill of the waves and the sport’s challenges felt real and exciting. The slow-burn romance between Iris and Leo was both sizzling and sweet, with chemistry that kept me hooked from start to finish.
This is a fun, bright, and unique read that made me fall in love with both the romance and the sport. Perfect for anyone craving a beachy, heartwarming escape.
I loved learning about surfing alongside the characters—the thrill of the waves and the sport’s challenges felt real and exciting. The slow-burn romance between Iris and Leo was both sizzling and sweet, with chemistry that kept me hooked from start to finish.
This is a fun, bright, and unique read that made me fall in love with both the romance and the sport. Perfect for anyone craving a beachy, heartwarming escape.
August 16, 2025
I'm bumping this book up to 3 stars, although for the majority of it I thought it would be a disappointing 2 star read.
It was all so formulaic and so cliché. It hit all the beats that you would expect from way older media, not something published in 2025. On top of that, or because of that, it lacked a lot of excitement and emotional connection. And the pacing was shaky.
What I enjoyed the most was the drama in the last 20% of the book.
All in all, despite its many shortcomings, this book wasn't as bad as the ones I would give 2 stars.
It was all so formulaic and so cliché. It hit all the beats that you would expect from way older media, not something published in 2025. On top of that, or because of that, it lacked a lot of excitement and emotional connection. And the pacing was shaky.
What I enjoyed the most was the drama in the last 20% of the book.
All in all, despite its many shortcomings, this book wasn't as bad as the ones I would give 2 stars.
July 19, 2025
Zó van genoten!! Heerlijke romance, maar ook echt veel plots die zich op de achtergrond afspeelde waarvan ik graag de afloop wilde weten. Superleuke personages, hier en daar wat spice maar niet teveel & bovendien stukjes met appjes (LOVE dat). Letterlijk op het strand dit boek over surfen uitgelezen en precies wat ik nodig had deze zomer. Oftewel: een nieuwe faveeee erbij🤩
August 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love love LOVE. I love all the characters, I love Leo and Iris’ relationship and now I wanna move to Portugal and learn how to surf
Love love LOVE. I love all the characters, I love Leo and Iris’ relationship and now I wanna move to Portugal and learn how to surf
life-is-too-short
September 1, 2025This was boring. And I really tried. Characters were shallow, plot lines were not engaging. I suggest you take a nap or state at the ocean.
July 5, 2025
She’s a reporter, he’s a surfer. Got a little spicy.
September 1, 2025
guets buech aber denn doch au nod umwerfend. cute lovestory aber es isch literally alles klar drrum nur 3🌟
easy to read
easy to read
August 21, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️
April 19, 2025
Ride the Wave by Katherine Reilly was everything I needed in the perfect summer romance!
In this unique sports romance about surfing, we get to follow Iris, a sports journalist, who is sent to Portugal to interview the famous ex-surfer Leo Silva. He has decided to enter one last competition, and the magazine Iris works for wants to show the world that Leo is still the sizzling hot topic everyone should talk about.
This book had me hooked from the start and I was so immersed in the story of Iris and Leo. I am now craving a trip to Portugal and even if I am as good as Iris at surfing, that's all I want to do now.
Another thing I enjoyed with this romance, apart from the fact that it's unique since it's about surfing, was how the feelings and the relationship between our main characters progressed. I loved Leo's grumpiness in the beginning of the story and the fact that this is forced proximity and forbidden love at its finest. I can't say too much without spoiling the plot, but I really really enjoyed this story, and I cannot recommend it enough for the summer!
Loved it!!
In this unique sports romance about surfing, we get to follow Iris, a sports journalist, who is sent to Portugal to interview the famous ex-surfer Leo Silva. He has decided to enter one last competition, and the magazine Iris works for wants to show the world that Leo is still the sizzling hot topic everyone should talk about.
This book had me hooked from the start and I was so immersed in the story of Iris and Leo. I am now craving a trip to Portugal and even if I am as good as Iris at surfing, that's all I want to do now.
Another thing I enjoyed with this romance, apart from the fact that it's unique since it's about surfing, was how the feelings and the relationship between our main characters progressed. I loved Leo's grumpiness in the beginning of the story and the fact that this is forced proximity and forbidden love at its finest. I can't say too much without spoiling the plot, but I really really enjoyed this story, and I cannot recommend it enough for the summer!
Loved it!!
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