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Tides Of Your Love
Owen Wheaton isn’t just a soccer icon—he’s also my brother’s off-limits best friend.
My once-upon-a-time protector. My first everything.
When an injury sends him home to our small California town, we end up living under the same roof. Only Owen isn’t the boy who left—he’s a world-famous athlete who dates models, tops hottest man alive lists, and has full stadiums singing his praise.
But I know the version of him the world doesn’t see. The one who made me believe I was more than my stutter. The one I trusted to be my first—all those years ago.
I’ve built a quiet, full life—crafting handmade products for the shop I manage, filming YouTube videos to face my stutter head-on, and finding strength in my own voice. But now he’s everywhere—on my porch, in my kitchen, under my skin.
The simmering tension between us starts to boil ... and nothing will ever be the same. He’s looking at me like I’ve always been his. But I keep telling myself I never really was.
Because if I was—if I am—what happens when he goes back to his game and takes my heart with him as a trophy?
My once-upon-a-time protector. My first everything.
When an injury sends him home to our small California town, we end up living under the same roof. Only Owen isn’t the boy who left—he’s a world-famous athlete who dates models, tops hottest man alive lists, and has full stadiums singing his praise.
But I know the version of him the world doesn’t see. The one who made me believe I was more than my stutter. The one I trusted to be my first—all those years ago.
I’ve built a quiet, full life—crafting handmade products for the shop I manage, filming YouTube videos to face my stutter head-on, and finding strength in my own voice. But now he’s everywhere—on my porch, in my kitchen, under my skin.
The simmering tension between us starts to boil ... and nothing will ever be the same. He’s looking at me like I’ve always been his. But I keep telling myself I never really was.
Because if I was—if I am—what happens when he goes back to his game and takes my heart with him as a trophy?
- GenresSports Romance
Unknown Binding
Published June 18, 2025
4 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Lily Baines
14 books171 followersLily Baines is a mother, wife, and author, and the order to this changes depending on the day. For 20 years she has worked in Human Resources, mostly in the high-tech industry, but kept writing to maintain her sanity and flow of creative juices. Lily is dedicating her time to her 3 children, husband, family dog, bottomless laundry basket, full kitchen sink, and her writing.
Lets connect :)
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Lets connect :)
amazon.com/author/lilybaines
https://www.lilybaines.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lilybainesau...
Bonus chapters await here: https://www.lilybaines.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 12, 2025
Tides Of Your Love by Lily Baines
3.5/5 stars
Tides Of Your Love is a sweet, heartwarming and soft spoken story by Lily Baines. In this book we follow the love story of Rio and Owen. Owen is Rio's brother's best friend. And they always had a warm bond and were friends as teens. Things changed when Rio asked him to take her virginity at age 19. Feelings grew. But Owen is a talented football player and he had to go overseas to Europe to follow his dream to become a successful football player.
Fast forward 15 years. Rio lives with Owen's grandfather and takes care of him. Walter, the grandfather, is by far my favorite character in this book. He is older, grumpy, cranky, hangry and completely loveable. I loved his one liners and his grunted sentences. He made me smile so, so much.
Owen returns home after an injury to recover. Walter is rather angry and cranky believing his grandson will leave him again once he's recovered. And Rio desperately is trying to find a house, but nothing's on the market. And suddenly they are forced to live together.
Both characters have such gentle souls and I love how caring and kind they both were. Initially scared to give into their attraction. They always try to put the other one before their own needs. And their love story is very soft spoken and a gentle breeze.
Simon, Owen's best friend and Rio's brother, isn't happy that they are growing closer together. But Rio and Owen follow their heart, and I loved the journey they went on in this book. Their love story is sweet, kind and has a bit of spice.
I expected a bit more spice and a bit more chemistry between the main characters. Don't get me wrong there are spicy scenes in this book, but they didn't burn me while reading. It's all written down softly and sweetly and I think I wanted a bit more fire in this novel. Not just between them, but in the overall storyline.
But overall it's still an amazing book and I am really glad that I have read it. If you love a sweet, golden retriever, kind, open and honest love story. Then definitely give this book a shot! It won't disappoint.
3.5/5 stars
Tides Of Your Love is a sweet, heartwarming and soft spoken story by Lily Baines. In this book we follow the love story of Rio and Owen. Owen is Rio's brother's best friend. And they always had a warm bond and were friends as teens. Things changed when Rio asked him to take her virginity at age 19. Feelings grew. But Owen is a talented football player and he had to go overseas to Europe to follow his dream to become a successful football player.
Fast forward 15 years. Rio lives with Owen's grandfather and takes care of him. Walter, the grandfather, is by far my favorite character in this book. He is older, grumpy, cranky, hangry and completely loveable. I loved his one liners and his grunted sentences. He made me smile so, so much.
Owen returns home after an injury to recover. Walter is rather angry and cranky believing his grandson will leave him again once he's recovered. And Rio desperately is trying to find a house, but nothing's on the market. And suddenly they are forced to live together.
Both characters have such gentle souls and I love how caring and kind they both were. Initially scared to give into their attraction. They always try to put the other one before their own needs. And their love story is very soft spoken and a gentle breeze.
Simon, Owen's best friend and Rio's brother, isn't happy that they are growing closer together. But Rio and Owen follow their heart, and I loved the journey they went on in this book. Their love story is sweet, kind and has a bit of spice.
I expected a bit more spice and a bit more chemistry between the main characters. Don't get me wrong there are spicy scenes in this book, but they didn't burn me while reading. It's all written down softly and sweetly and I think I wanted a bit more fire in this novel. Not just between them, but in the overall storyline.
But overall it's still an amazing book and I am really glad that I have read it. If you love a sweet, golden retriever, kind, open and honest love story. Then definitely give this book a shot! It won't disappoint.
June 18, 2025
Rio is not ready to share her house with the english football sensation and her old crush, Owen Wheaton. Actually, it isn't even her house, but Owen's. He let her live there with his grumpy grandfather, but now that he is coming in the US after an accident on the field, will she be able to hide her feelings for him?
I adored Rio and Owen, they are lovely and kind. I understood their fear to ruin their friendship, but I've also liked to see them get closer and closer until their attraction and feelings caught on fire.
Lily Baines writing was able to suck me into the story since the first page. The characters are so well written they feel real, with their flaws and their immense tenderness. Thanks to the flashbacks I could easily see how they were in the past and where they story really began.
Tides Of Your Love is part of the Riviera Shores series, it could be read as a standalone, but I recommend this author previous books because she has never disappointed me.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
July 17, 2025
This was a sweet 3 star read. One of those where you keep expecting the other shoe to fall, but it doesn’t.
- No third act breakup. Claps for this!
- Communication - there’s angst; but no deliberate hiding of feelings; just uncertainty
- Rio is a 35 yr old woman who has her own business and helps take care of Owen’s grandpa and lives in the house he bought. Owen is 37 yrs old, Rio’s brother’s best friend, and international football/soccer star. He’s home to recuperate after a possible career ending injury.
- No OM/OW drama. He’s described as a player at the beginning of the story (altho to be clear, we thankfully don’t see him w anyone and he is devoted to her once together).
- Stutter Rep - Rio has a stutter and in the first part of the book, we see and understand Owen’s support for her when they were teens together. We also see her strength as she lives her life dealing with jerks and pushing herself to be brave and overcome obstacles (making her own videos for her business, etc).
- spice - it’s moderate spice, but I honestly didn’t feel the chemistry between these two.
- Dual POV - HEA, engagement in epilogue some number of months later.
So Owen is home recuperating and it’s clear that he and Rio have feelings and history. She asked him to be her “first” 16 years ago and it was clearly a memorable moment for both of them. In the 16 yrs that he’s been away, they’ve seen each other a handful of times. The last time a few years prior, he was dating a vapid model and she had been w the same lame guy for 5 years.
The tension comes from Owen not knowing what he wants to do with his life. He quickly acknowledges his feelings for Rio and is invested, but is uncertain what he wants with regard to playing soccer and what that means for them. She loves him deeply and wants only what’s best for him and doesn’t want to stand in his way. It’s works out, but it is a bit of an angsty ride.
What I liked:
- they owned their feelings and were open and honest with each other (up until he went back to England and had to make a decision)
- the family aspects with her brother/his best friend, Simon and the curmudgeonly grandpa, Walter
- she was her own independent person; strong and with her own agency
What I didn’t like
- this is totally a me issue - but I didn’t like that it’s a second chance romance and, after they’re finally back together and deeply in love, that they don’t talk BEFORE he goes back to England. I hate it when the FMC feels subject to the whims of the MMC.
- the whole manwhore ish thing. Just ugh. It’s talked about a lot in the beginning. There’s a scene later where they FaceTime and he’s in his bed at home in England (or wherever) and she wonders “hmm how many women have been in that bed w him?”. Like yeah? I would wonder the same. AND I DONT WANT TO BE THINKING ABOUT THIS . The guy doesn’t have to be a monk, but I really hate this trope.
- very few small moments - I really wanted to believe in their sweet love story, but we saw very little in present day to make it believable. Lots of sexy times, yeah. But what’s going to make it last? :/ It’s almost too gentle - there’s no spark, banter, etc
Anyway, it’s a sweet story. I did found myself a bit bored and skimming the second half…
- No third act breakup. Claps for this!
- Communication - there’s angst; but no deliberate hiding of feelings; just uncertainty
- Rio is a 35 yr old woman who has her own business and helps take care of Owen’s grandpa and lives in the house he bought. Owen is 37 yrs old, Rio’s brother’s best friend, and international football/soccer star. He’s home to recuperate after a possible career ending injury.
- No OM/OW drama. He’s described as a player at the beginning of the story (altho to be clear, we thankfully don’t see him w anyone and he is devoted to her once together).
- Stutter Rep - Rio has a stutter and in the first part of the book, we see and understand Owen’s support for her when they were teens together. We also see her strength as she lives her life dealing with jerks and pushing herself to be brave and overcome obstacles (making her own videos for her business, etc).
- spice - it’s moderate spice, but I honestly didn’t feel the chemistry between these two.
- Dual POV - HEA, engagement in epilogue some number of months later.
So Owen is home recuperating and it’s clear that he and Rio have feelings and history. She asked him to be her “first” 16 years ago and it was clearly a memorable moment for both of them. In the 16 yrs that he’s been away, they’ve seen each other a handful of times. The last time a few years prior, he was dating a vapid model and she had been w the same lame guy for 5 years.
The tension comes from Owen not knowing what he wants to do with his life. He quickly acknowledges his feelings for Rio and is invested, but is uncertain what he wants with regard to playing soccer and what that means for them. She loves him deeply and wants only what’s best for him and doesn’t want to stand in his way. It’s works out, but it is a bit of an angsty ride.
What I liked:
- they owned their feelings and were open and honest with each other (up until he went back to England and had to make a decision)
- the family aspects with her brother/his best friend, Simon and the curmudgeonly grandpa, Walter
- she was her own independent person; strong and with her own agency
What I didn’t like
- this is totally a me issue - but I didn’t like that it’s a second chance romance and, after they’re finally back together and deeply in love, that they don’t talk BEFORE he goes back to England. I hate it when the FMC feels subject to the whims of the MMC.
- the whole manwhore ish thing. Just ugh. It’s talked about a lot in the beginning. There’s a scene later where they FaceTime and he’s in his bed at home in England (or wherever) and she wonders “hmm how many women have been in that bed w him?”. Like yeah? I would wonder the same. AND I DONT WANT TO BE THINKING ABOUT THIS . The guy doesn’t have to be a monk, but I really hate this trope.
- very few small moments - I really wanted to believe in their sweet love story, but we saw very little in present day to make it believable. Lots of sexy times, yeah. But what’s going to make it last? :/ It’s almost too gentle - there’s no spark, banter, etc
Anyway, it’s a sweet story. I did found myself a bit bored and skimming the second half…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
Tides of Your Love has everything you could want in a romance novel and more: a meant to be and swoony love story, the brother’s best friend and reformed playboy tropes, a beautiful caregiving relationship between Rio and Walter, and some steamy moments too. I had to tell my mother all about this book because I found it so endearing and I loved the love story. I plan on reading more of this author’s books. Thank you to author Lily Baines and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this early!
June 18, 2025
I always feel a spring in my step when I know I’m diving back into Riviera Shores by Lily Baines, and book three, Tides of Your Love, was just as enticing and heart-melting as the first two. This small-town series continues to deliver all the charm, heat, and emotional depth I’ve come to adore—and this time it’s Owen and Rio’s story that stole my heart.
This one’s a brother’s best friend romance with a layered backstory, and what makes it even more captivating is how mature and real the relationship feels. Both characters are in their mid-thirties, giving it a grown-up romance feel that’s both refreshing and emotionally resonant. Rio, our sweet, kind-hearted heroine, has a slight stutter—something Lily Baines weaves seamlessly into the narrative. It’s never a plot device, just a natural part of who Rio is, adding depth without overshadowing her strength or warmth.
Owen, a professional soccer player, has returned home to heal after an injury—and right into Rio’s orbit again. She’s looking after his grandfather, the wonderfully written Grandpa Walter, who adds so much heart and wisdom to the story. Their dynamic was one of my favorite elements—tender, humorous, and deeply grounding.
Rio is living in Owen’s family home to care for Grandpa Walter, and the slow-burning tension between her and Owen practically sizzles. Their shared past is full of longing, missed chances, and emotional weight, and the way Baines peels back the layers through tender flashbacks makes their connection all the more poignant.
Rio’s heart belongs to her hometown. Owen’s goal is to return to Europe and the sport he loves. But when love, old wounds, and second chances collide—will this time be different? Is a happily ever after truly in the cards?
Prepare for a story that’s heartwarming yet deeply felt, filled with sizzling chemistry, soulful moments, and a romance you’ll root for from beginning to end. Tides of Your Love is an unmissable installment in a beautifully written series that only gets better with each book.
This one’s a brother’s best friend romance with a layered backstory, and what makes it even more captivating is how mature and real the relationship feels. Both characters are in their mid-thirties, giving it a grown-up romance feel that’s both refreshing and emotionally resonant. Rio, our sweet, kind-hearted heroine, has a slight stutter—something Lily Baines weaves seamlessly into the narrative. It’s never a plot device, just a natural part of who Rio is, adding depth without overshadowing her strength or warmth.
Owen, a professional soccer player, has returned home to heal after an injury—and right into Rio’s orbit again. She’s looking after his grandfather, the wonderfully written Grandpa Walter, who adds so much heart and wisdom to the story. Their dynamic was one of my favorite elements—tender, humorous, and deeply grounding.
Rio is living in Owen’s family home to care for Grandpa Walter, and the slow-burning tension between her and Owen practically sizzles. Their shared past is full of longing, missed chances, and emotional weight, and the way Baines peels back the layers through tender flashbacks makes their connection all the more poignant.
Rio’s heart belongs to her hometown. Owen’s goal is to return to Europe and the sport he loves. But when love, old wounds, and second chances collide—will this time be different? Is a happily ever after truly in the cards?
Prepare for a story that’s heartwarming yet deeply felt, filled with sizzling chemistry, soulful moments, and a romance you’ll root for from beginning to end. Tides of Your Love is an unmissable installment in a beautifully written series that only gets better with each book.
June 12, 2025
Thank you Ms Baines for once again writing a ‘grown up’ romance. One that fills your heart with joy but is also laced with everyday problems and realistic conclusions.
Rio is my favourite kind of heroine, she’s down to earth, has a heart of gold and a sarcastic wit that makes her who she is. Her constant struggles and frustrations with her stutter are something she has learned to live with, the confidence to speak up and first is something she has fought her shyness to overcome and I admire everything about her.
Owen is such a flirt, a persona if you like. A perfectionist who feels he constantly has to strive to prove himself. The person he is with Rio is the man any woman would want. She is everything he needs and has been his safe space since teenage…even if he didn’t know or just couldn’t admit it!
I loved the little trips back to their time as young adults, as we got to know the background to their friendship. It made the reading experience so much more enjoyable and to get snippets of their past made their connection even more believable and poignant.
I devoured this book….I so look forward to reading anything this talented lady brings and this was no exception.
Real, emotional, steamy, swoony and everything in between…. Thank you once again Lily for another small town beach escape so rich you can almost smell the sea.
Rio is my favourite kind of heroine, she’s down to earth, has a heart of gold and a sarcastic wit that makes her who she is. Her constant struggles and frustrations with her stutter are something she has learned to live with, the confidence to speak up and first is something she has fought her shyness to overcome and I admire everything about her.
Owen is such a flirt, a persona if you like. A perfectionist who feels he constantly has to strive to prove himself. The person he is with Rio is the man any woman would want. She is everything he needs and has been his safe space since teenage…even if he didn’t know or just couldn’t admit it!
I loved the little trips back to their time as young adults, as we got to know the background to their friendship. It made the reading experience so much more enjoyable and to get snippets of their past made their connection even more believable and poignant.
I devoured this book….I so look forward to reading anything this talented lady brings and this was no exception.
Real, emotional, steamy, swoony and everything in between…. Thank you once again Lily for another small town beach escape so rich you can almost smell the sea.
June 8, 2025
I love Rio. She faces her problems head on even though others make fun of her stutter. She goes after what she wants. She is kind, loving and patient. I feel she has been waiting for Owen even if she didn’t realize it.
Owen seems lost after his injury and needs to find out who he is out of the spotlight if he doesn’t recover. He is a caring, kind soul and loves his family. Even though he achieved his football goal, he is not complete.
When Rio and Owen are forced together in the same house while Owen recovers, the chemistry between them is ignited. It’s the little glances, smiles, and the rightness of being together and enjoying each other.
I rooted for Rio and Owen to be together while reading. I could feel the push and pull of reality for both of them and the yearning to be together. Their feelings for each other win for while and they enjoy the here and now even knowing there may not be a future.
Lily wrote a great love story with wonderful characters. I enjoyed the flashback memories of the characters. Chapter 17 is a beautiful and tender scene between Rio and Owen. I also loved cranky Walter and outspoken Ruby too. You must read Tides of Your Love!
I did receive an ARC from author and I also bought the paperback. I have read all of Lily’s books. She is an amazing author and a wonderful person.
Owen seems lost after his injury and needs to find out who he is out of the spotlight if he doesn’t recover. He is a caring, kind soul and loves his family. Even though he achieved his football goal, he is not complete.
When Rio and Owen are forced together in the same house while Owen recovers, the chemistry between them is ignited. It’s the little glances, smiles, and the rightness of being together and enjoying each other.
I rooted for Rio and Owen to be together while reading. I could feel the push and pull of reality for both of them and the yearning to be together. Their feelings for each other win for while and they enjoy the here and now even knowing there may not be a future.
Lily wrote a great love story with wonderful characters. I enjoyed the flashback memories of the characters. Chapter 17 is a beautiful and tender scene between Rio and Owen. I also loved cranky Walter and outspoken Ruby too. You must read Tides of Your Love!
I did receive an ARC from author and I also bought the paperback. I have read all of Lily’s books. She is an amazing author and a wonderful person.
June 26, 2025
I absolutely loved this romance! If you also love romances with off-limits vibes, I highly recommend checking this book out!
Tides Of Your Love is a forced proximity, brother’s best friend, slow burn, small town romance between Rio and Owen.
I loved that Rio has such a big heart. She loves Owen and her family and friends with everything in her, and I really related to how she struggles with making it clear to her loved ones that she does in fact know what’s best for her, even if they don’t understand her choices. You really see her confidence shine the more you read, and I absolutely loved her character.
Owen is such a sweetheart, especially where Rio is concerned. He would do absolutely anything for her, and if anyone decides to cut her down or make her feel less than, Owen has no issue stepping in and putting them in their place. I loved that he’s so in awe of her with everything she does, and he knows he is the best person to love her the way she deserves to be loved.
Thank you so much to @lily_baines_author and @happilybookedpr for this beautiful arc!
Be sure to grab your own copy in KU now💗
Tides Of Your Love is a forced proximity, brother’s best friend, slow burn, small town romance between Rio and Owen.
I loved that Rio has such a big heart. She loves Owen and her family and friends with everything in her, and I really related to how she struggles with making it clear to her loved ones that she does in fact know what’s best for her, even if they don’t understand her choices. You really see her confidence shine the more you read, and I absolutely loved her character.
Owen is such a sweetheart, especially where Rio is concerned. He would do absolutely anything for her, and if anyone decides to cut her down or make her feel less than, Owen has no issue stepping in and putting them in their place. I loved that he’s so in awe of her with everything she does, and he knows he is the best person to love her the way she deserves to be loved.
Thank you so much to @lily_baines_author and @happilybookedpr for this beautiful arc!
Be sure to grab your own copy in KU now💗
June 10, 2025
Title: Tides of your love
Author: Lily Baines
Rating: 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC provided for an honest review. Reviewed by Rosemary on behalf of the Plot Thickens Book Club.
Tides of your love is the story of Rio and Owen, it follows them as they go from being off limits brothers best friend and little sister to something a whole lot more. Rio had a slight stutter while she was growing up and Owen looked out for her as her brother was his best friend. After years of him being away from home he comes back and then finds they have feelings. It's a good story line with lots of interesting characters. It started out a little slow but I’m glad I pushed through as once it picked up I really enjoyed it. A very good read and I would definitely recommend reading. Lovely HEA.
Author: Lily Baines
Rating: 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC provided for an honest review. Reviewed by Rosemary on behalf of the Plot Thickens Book Club.
Tides of your love is the story of Rio and Owen, it follows them as they go from being off limits brothers best friend and little sister to something a whole lot more. Rio had a slight stutter while she was growing up and Owen looked out for her as her brother was his best friend. After years of him being away from home he comes back and then finds they have feelings. It's a good story line with lots of interesting characters. It started out a little slow but I’m glad I pushed through as once it picked up I really enjoyed it. A very good read and I would definitely recommend reading. Lovely HEA.
June 9, 2025
Second chance slow burn but I was shipping RiOwen from the start. They were both so deserving of this second chance and love of a lifetime.
Rio suffers from a stutter but Owen has always been the one there to support her. He was her first and it was something that Rio would never forget or really get over. Owen has returned home to small town life after suffering from an injury to recover, it’s where he reunites with Rio after many years have passed, things soon develop from friendship to more but once Owen recovers, will he up and leave again. They both fall deep and Rio is so patient, she’s wonderful! A lovely read with a gorgeous HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
Rio suffers from a stutter but Owen has always been the one there to support her. He was her first and it was something that Rio would never forget or really get over. Owen has returned home to small town life after suffering from an injury to recover, it’s where he reunites with Rio after many years have passed, things soon develop from friendship to more but once Owen recovers, will he up and leave again. They both fall deep and Rio is so patient, she’s wonderful! A lovely read with a gorgeous HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
June 16, 2025
ARC Review-
This was such a cute read! I loved Rio from
The beginning. She was so lovable and real. Her stutter just made her more lovable. I loved Owen but I think I loved Walter more. 🤣 their love story was very sweet. This is a perfect fun summer read!
This was such a cute read! I loved Rio from
The beginning. She was so lovable and real. Her stutter just made her more lovable. I loved Owen but I think I loved Walter more. 🤣 their love story was very sweet. This is a perfect fun summer read!
June 14, 2025
This was such a sweet story. Very low drama overall. Rio and Owen help to make each other the best versions of themselves. Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite tropes. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up!!
June 23, 2025
This book had me hooked. I picked it up because of the FMC’s stutter—something close to my heart—and I ended up loving so much more. Even though I know nothing about soccer, the pro-athlete angle didn’t stop me from falling headfirst into this story.
Expect all the best tropes:
💕 Brother’s Best Friend
🏡 Forced Proximity
🔥 He Was Her First
⚽ Pro-Athlete MMC
👩🦰 FMC with slight stutter
🌴 Small Town Vibes
⏳ Perfectly Balanced Slow/Fast Burn
💋 Steam, where it counts
The slow burn had just enough spark to keep me turning pages (until real life pulled me away!). I adored the cranky grandpa with a soft heart, and the way the characters supported each other without losing their own voice or dreams. Rio was strong, steady, and honest about what she wanted. Owen was the kind of MMC you root for, even when he's figuring it out. The brother had just the right amount of presence—supportive, but not overbearing.
This book made me feel—and I can’t wait for more from this author.
Expect all the best tropes:
💕 Brother’s Best Friend
🏡 Forced Proximity
🔥 He Was Her First
⚽ Pro-Athlete MMC
👩🦰 FMC with slight stutter
🌴 Small Town Vibes
⏳ Perfectly Balanced Slow/Fast Burn
💋 Steam, where it counts
The slow burn had just enough spark to keep me turning pages (until real life pulled me away!). I adored the cranky grandpa with a soft heart, and the way the characters supported each other without losing their own voice or dreams. Rio was strong, steady, and honest about what she wanted. Owen was the kind of MMC you root for, even when he's figuring it out. The brother had just the right amount of presence—supportive, but not overbearing.
This book made me feel—and I can’t wait for more from this author.
June 26, 2025
"Here I was just a guy loving a girl"
I really enjoyed this book overall! It really focused on the relationship between the FMC, Rio, and the MMC, Owen. While Rio had a stutter that was made known throughout the book, it wasn't a focus of her character, rather it was just part of her character. I think Lily did a great job of highlighting the stutter and how it impacted Rio's life without the stutter becoming the main part of the book. Rather, she highlighted the strength and kindness of Rio that were enhanced by her overcoming her differences.
The romance was heartwarming and it made me smile. I'll have to go back and read about the other characters in the interconnected world!
I really enjoyed this book overall! It really focused on the relationship between the FMC, Rio, and the MMC, Owen. While Rio had a stutter that was made known throughout the book, it wasn't a focus of her character, rather it was just part of her character. I think Lily did a great job of highlighting the stutter and how it impacted Rio's life without the stutter becoming the main part of the book. Rather, she highlighted the strength and kindness of Rio that were enhanced by her overcoming her differences.
The romance was heartwarming and it made me smile. I'll have to go back and read about the other characters in the interconnected world!
June 25, 2025
I highly enjoyed this book. I finished it in less than 24 hours. I couldn't put it down. Its such a nice romantic read. Owen is Rio's brother's best friend. He has been a family friend since they were all teenagers. Rio has always had a crush on him and asked him 16 years ago to help her out with something. Now he has come back around and she lives in his house and takes care of his grandpa. The tension and angst is definitely there. Owen is such a sweetheart and has always treated Rio wonderfully. Rio is an amazing person. She struggles with a stutter and Owen has always made her feel comfortable and seen. I just loved everything about this book. An amazing friends to lovers romance story!
June 24, 2025
so much emotion
Ah! What a beautiful ride Lily took us on. I wasn’t sure what to expect of the rich and famous Owen Wheaton, but once he let his guard down I fell in love with him!
Rio is another amazing female lead by Lily. Strong, determined and smart.
I loved this brother’s best friend, later in life, it’s always been you romance.
The build up, the tension, the passion. It’s a beautiful read!
My favorite quote by far:
“You’re the part of my life that makes everything else make sense.” I bent my head. “I feel whole with you.”
Ah! What a beautiful ride Lily took us on. I wasn’t sure what to expect of the rich and famous Owen Wheaton, but once he let his guard down I fell in love with him!
Rio is another amazing female lead by Lily. Strong, determined and smart.
I loved this brother’s best friend, later in life, it’s always been you romance.
The build up, the tension, the passion. It’s a beautiful read!
My favorite quote by far:
“You’re the part of my life that makes everything else make sense.” I bent my head. “I feel whole with you.”
June 25, 2025
Book review time !!!
Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Tides of your love @lily_baines_author
I absolutely loved this book and was beyond emotionally invested in both fmc and mmc
Can Rio & Owen get a second shot at love Rios feelings never went away buy does Owen feel the same way ?! Brothers best friend a slow burn romance with the perfect amount of spice!! This was my first read by this author & I can't wait to read more chefs kiss 😘 absolutely awe on the heart strings ❤️🔥
Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Tides of your love @lily_baines_author
I absolutely loved this book and was beyond emotionally invested in both fmc and mmc
Can Rio & Owen get a second shot at love Rios feelings never went away buy does Owen feel the same way ?! Brothers best friend a slow burn romance with the perfect amount of spice!! This was my first read by this author & I can't wait to read more chefs kiss 😘 absolutely awe on the heart strings ❤️🔥
June 11, 2025
this was such a great summer read! full of angst and romance, the flashbacks are what had me in a chokehold. ugh. just so amazing. once again Lily killed it. these two have my heart
June 25, 2025
This was my first book by this author .I love small town romances .Owen and Rio..They knew each other very well years ago if you know what I mean .There was some spice but I did expect more .I did like how the book would flash to past and present .A very quick read .I will read more of her books .
June 4, 2025
Rio and Owen are getting a second chance. Together when they were nineteen now years later Owen is back in the United States. Owen is home healing from injuries that may cost him his career as a professional soccer player. Rio is living in his home as a caretaker for his grandfather. Time together and time back home have Owen wondering what it is he really wants. Romantic and sweet Own and Rio are amazing together!
June 2, 2025
From the book’s intro to the last page, absolutely worth it. I felt a sense of loss, to bid farewell to a couple whose story held me captive. Not giving away any spoilers…
There’s a saying: Time and tide wait for no man, but if you grab a copy of Tides of your love by Lily Baines, you will feel the true ebb and flow of the waves of love, romance & true belonging. And I promise, you just may fall in love with reading and life again…
Thanks, Lily!!
There’s a saying: Time and tide wait for no man, but if you grab a copy of Tides of your love by Lily Baines, you will feel the true ebb and flow of the waves of love, romance & true belonging. And I promise, you just may fall in love with reading and life again…
Thanks, Lily!!
June 30, 2025
"His body, his words, that ink beneath his skin. All of it was a claim, a promise. This is us now."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️
Rio and Owen are so sweet together! Walter the best grumpy old grandad (reminds me of my stepdad) The characters feel real and are easy to relate to.
Rio with her stutter, who's trying to find happiness. And Owen, sweet Owen, who just wants to feel like he's enough.
While this has a lighter plot than what I normally read it has just the right amount of drama and spice.
Owen is a pro British football player ⚽, even though that is a big part of his character it didn't feel like an overwhelming sports romance. Where being a player is their entire personality and what 98% of their growth is based on. Owen has layers that revole more around his family and personal struggles vs. his identity as a footballer, though it is still in there.
An amazing pallet cleanser for when you want a romance with a happily ever after.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️
Rio and Owen are so sweet together! Walter the best grumpy old grandad (reminds me of my stepdad) The characters feel real and are easy to relate to.
Rio with her stutter, who's trying to find happiness. And Owen, sweet Owen, who just wants to feel like he's enough.
While this has a lighter plot than what I normally read it has just the right amount of drama and spice.
Owen is a pro British football player ⚽, even though that is a big part of his character it didn't feel like an overwhelming sports romance. Where being a player is their entire personality and what 98% of their growth is based on. Owen has layers that revole more around his family and personal struggles vs. his identity as a footballer, though it is still in there.
An amazing pallet cleanser for when you want a romance with a happily ever after.
July 8, 2025
This is the third book in the series titled “Riviera Shores” and it did not disappoint! The way that these two were awkward at first but that’s due to their history. Rio lost her virginity to Owen back when they were teenagers and since then Rio hasn’t seen Owen after he became a famous soccer player. And he also happens to be her brother’s best friend.
He ends up coming back home to their small town after he suffers an injury and feelings are slowly emerging once again from when they were teens. You can feel their emotions being conveyed through Lily Baine’s incredible writing skills. You can feel that they want to be with each other but are nervous and anxious. And it doesn’t help that they are living in the same house 🤭 I truly enjoyed reading this book and seeing how despite so many years passing by, their feelings for each other is still there :)
Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥
He ends up coming back home to their small town after he suffers an injury and feelings are slowly emerging once again from when they were teens. You can feel their emotions being conveyed through Lily Baine’s incredible writing skills. You can feel that they want to be with each other but are nervous and anxious. And it doesn’t help that they are living in the same house 🤭 I truly enjoyed reading this book and seeing how despite so many years passing by, their feelings for each other is still there :)
Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥
August 27, 2025
Lily is definitely one of the best slow burn authors ever!!! If you love slow burn, force proximity, brother best friend, this is the book for you. This time Owen Wheaton and Rio Madigan won’t disappoint you at all. The chemistry was chef kisses, the love and the passion between them was incredible. I love when he calls her “Rio mio” melted my heart. I love how both support each other in their battles and all the little gestures. We can’t forget about Walter, I laughed with Walter a lot, I want to play scrabble with him, will he let me win? Or even play? Nah I don’t think so lol. Can’t wait to read the next spinoff series Lily will have for us.
June 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Lily Baines has written an incredible, heartwarming story in Tides of Your Love. What begins as a coming of age story, quickly turns into a later in life reunion that reminds us that true love never dies. Rio and Owen’s connection is stronger than time and this story shows us why.
When Rio was 19, she asked her brother’s best friend to take her virginity. As feelings grew, the timing was all wrong as he needed to leave to pursue his dream of being a pro soccer player. 15 years later Rio is caring for his grandfather. Walter and Rio’s relationship brought so many smiles to my face. Walter definitely treats her life family and it is hard to not love. When they both find out Owen is coming home, Rio doesn’t know about staying there anymore. I loved how Rio goes through life with her head held high. Despite her speech impediment, she never lets it define her.
Owen returns home to be met by Walter, his grandfather, who is worried once he recovers, he will just leave him again. Have I said how much I love Walter, yet? When he realizes he will be living with Rio, the fun begins. He still feels for Rio, but doesnt’ want to hurt her again. But it is only so long before their attraction wins out and their romance begins to blossom. As we get to see him go from lost without soccer to finding what truly matters, his growth is fun to read about. He doesn’t know who he is outside of soccer, but Rio is slowly able to remind him that he is so much more than just soccer.
The overall story is written in such a sweet tone, it’s hard to talk about drama and tension. It is there, especially when Simon, Rio’s brother and Owen’s best friend discovers their growing closer. But the overall tone is gentle, loving, and soft. The spice even falls into this category. When the spice hits, it is written as the fire is still igniting, not full on raging. This doesn’t take away from the story, but remains consistent to the overall tone of the book. I loved how these two started out, grew up apart, and came back together. A wonderful read that I highly recommend!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
⚽Friends to Lovers
💖Close Proximity
⚽Brother’s Best Friend
💖Pro Soccer Player
⚽Speech Disability Rep
💖Small Town Romance
Lily Baines has written an incredible, heartwarming story in Tides of Your Love. What begins as a coming of age story, quickly turns into a later in life reunion that reminds us that true love never dies. Rio and Owen’s connection is stronger than time and this story shows us why.
When Rio was 19, she asked her brother’s best friend to take her virginity. As feelings grew, the timing was all wrong as he needed to leave to pursue his dream of being a pro soccer player. 15 years later Rio is caring for his grandfather. Walter and Rio’s relationship brought so many smiles to my face. Walter definitely treats her life family and it is hard to not love. When they both find out Owen is coming home, Rio doesn’t know about staying there anymore. I loved how Rio goes through life with her head held high. Despite her speech impediment, she never lets it define her.
Owen returns home to be met by Walter, his grandfather, who is worried once he recovers, he will just leave him again. Have I said how much I love Walter, yet? When he realizes he will be living with Rio, the fun begins. He still feels for Rio, but doesnt’ want to hurt her again. But it is only so long before their attraction wins out and their romance begins to blossom. As we get to see him go from lost without soccer to finding what truly matters, his growth is fun to read about. He doesn’t know who he is outside of soccer, but Rio is slowly able to remind him that he is so much more than just soccer.
The overall story is written in such a sweet tone, it’s hard to talk about drama and tension. It is there, especially when Simon, Rio’s brother and Owen’s best friend discovers their growing closer. But the overall tone is gentle, loving, and soft. The spice even falls into this category. When the spice hits, it is written as the fire is still igniting, not full on raging. This doesn’t take away from the story, but remains consistent to the overall tone of the book. I loved how these two started out, grew up apart, and came back together. A wonderful read that I highly recommend!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
⚽Friends to Lovers
💖Close Proximity
⚽Brother’s Best Friend
💖Pro Soccer Player
⚽Speech Disability Rep
💖Small Town Romance
June 18, 2025
Tides of Your Love is a great book to kick off your summer. It has angst, nostalgia, a second chance love story that had me melting into their story. It had spice where needed, and it had so much emotion it made you reflect and relate to the characters. It had me reflecting on certain times in my own life. An easy story to read and to feel. Just like all of Lily Baines’ books, she does an incredible job representing differences, advocating, and cheering all of us on. We all matter, we all deserve to take up space, and our voices should be heard no matter if it is a whisper, a song, or a stutter. We all matter, no matter how hard our parents may have pushed us, or strived for perfection, or to come so close to your dreams, and now you are injured, and a bit lost.
Rio has had a crush on her brother’s best friend since the moment he saw the real her. The her that had trouble with words, but he was patient enough to have her finish. The her that stood up for herself. The her that was the good girl, but underneath it all she was witty, charming, and bold. Owen made me melancholy at times. He was a handsome man, famous soccer athlete who was coming back from Europe to move back into his beach house where Rio was looking after his grandfather. He was like the ocean. Colorful, charming, peaceful, but he crashed hard, and unexpectedly. Sometimes it lit you up and sometimes it drowned you. The more you read the more you wanted to fall into him. They shared a night, a night for her that was her first, a night they both would remember. They meet again, and his POV of him holding her face and saying “Goodbye, Rio.” It made me tear up. He,just as much as her, wanted to be seen. She was always the only one who knew his emotional side, and his smiles.
Years later, both adults, and experienced, it was stunning watching them fall for one another and hold on to one another. They healed parts of themselves with one another. I enjoyed the beach atmosphere, and vivid scenes with him playing soccer with kids despite his knee injury, and I adored their dance/date scene. Thank you for sharing your work with me.
Rio has had a crush on her brother’s best friend since the moment he saw the real her. The her that had trouble with words, but he was patient enough to have her finish. The her that stood up for herself. The her that was the good girl, but underneath it all she was witty, charming, and bold. Owen made me melancholy at times. He was a handsome man, famous soccer athlete who was coming back from Europe to move back into his beach house where Rio was looking after his grandfather. He was like the ocean. Colorful, charming, peaceful, but he crashed hard, and unexpectedly. Sometimes it lit you up and sometimes it drowned you. The more you read the more you wanted to fall into him. They shared a night, a night for her that was her first, a night they both would remember. They meet again, and his POV of him holding her face and saying “Goodbye, Rio.” It made me tear up. He,just as much as her, wanted to be seen. She was always the only one who knew his emotional side, and his smiles.
Years later, both adults, and experienced, it was stunning watching them fall for one another and hold on to one another. They healed parts of themselves with one another. I enjoyed the beach atmosphere, and vivid scenes with him playing soccer with kids despite his knee injury, and I adored their dance/date scene. Thank you for sharing your work with me.
June 25, 2025
This was a sweet forced proximity, brother’s best friend, kind of second chance story that is a great read if you are looking for something sweet and easy with two people that should absolutely be together but fight their feelings for no reason other than trying to do what’s right. I honestly thought it was so cute how these two were forced to live together because the FMC is taking care of the MMC’s grandfather and can’t find anywhere else to live before ehe comes back. I do love a slow burn, especially when it is between two people that have a history together. As someone who is a little older, I always appreciate main characters that aren’t barely adults. These two were fairly mature in their approach. One thing I really enjoy when reading a book involving two people with a history coming back together is seeing flashbacks of how their relationship developed over time and what they were like before. It gives us such a complete picture of these two and shows just how perfect they are together.
I thought both of the main characters were just so cute and likable. From the moment I met Rio, I felt a fondness for the character. Her stutter was part of her character but not the whole of her character. From the very beginning, when she was fighting with the real estate guy and he made a rude comment about the stutter, I wanted to jump in and protect her. She has a strength about her and I thought she was just such an enjoyable character. Owen was not what you might expect from a professional soccer player rehabbing an injury. He didn’t seem bitter and he still held a burning candle for Rio. These two characters had such a wonderful chemistry together and it just reaffirmed that they belonged together.
This book was a sweet story about two very enjoyable characters that find each other again. This book is very low drama and was enjoyable read. There was some spice when these two finally gave in, but I would categorize this as a super spicy book. It was a light and sweet and gave me good warm fuzzies. This was a great book to read when you just need a break and want to experience two people finding the love that they have for each other.
I thought both of the main characters were just so cute and likable. From the moment I met Rio, I felt a fondness for the character. Her stutter was part of her character but not the whole of her character. From the very beginning, when she was fighting with the real estate guy and he made a rude comment about the stutter, I wanted to jump in and protect her. She has a strength about her and I thought she was just such an enjoyable character. Owen was not what you might expect from a professional soccer player rehabbing an injury. He didn’t seem bitter and he still held a burning candle for Rio. These two characters had such a wonderful chemistry together and it just reaffirmed that they belonged together.
This book was a sweet story about two very enjoyable characters that find each other again. This book is very low drama and was enjoyable read. There was some spice when these two finally gave in, but I would categorize this as a super spicy book. It was a light and sweet and gave me good warm fuzzies. This was a great book to read when you just need a break and want to experience two people finding the love that they have for each other.
June 20, 2025
4 Stars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️
I feel so lucky to have received an early copy of Tides of Your Love, Lily Baines’ third book in the Riviera Shores series — and my first book by her. It won’t be my last.
What gripped me the most was the depth of connection between Rio and Owen. Their love isn’t soft and simple; it’s fierce, complicated, and impossible to ignore. As Rio herself puts it:
“But loving him wasn’t quiet. It wasn’t easy. It was a thunderstorm. Electric, bombastic, a deluge of feelings, desires, and need.”
Rio is strong and stunning in her resilience. She lives with a stutter she’s learned to face head-on — something Owen has never once seen as a flaw. He sees her entirely, just as she is:
“I think you’re a rare force to be reckoned with, Rio… I think that you’re the most courageous person I know. Courage isn’t being fearless, it’s pushing through despite the fear. You’re winning with every word.”
And Owen… he’s the injured football star finally forced to confront the truth he’s been avoiding for sixteen years:
“I didn’t know then that sixteen years later, I’d be in love with her—trying to trace the beginning, still unsure about the end.”
Their reunion drips with romantic tension — that delicious friends-to-lovers, brother’s-best-friend dynamic. Rio living with Owen’s grumpy grandfather Walter (whom I adored!) just adds to the tangled intimacy of it all. The banter with Walter is genuinely some of the best in the book.
Through every push and pull, you feel Owen’s heart beating for her:
“I knew this was love—she consumed my every thought, every piece of my heart, my entire body.”
“I need you. There’s nothing I love more than you. Without you, everything else just feels … fragmented. Incomplete.”
Tides of Your Love is more than a second chance romance — it’s a storm you’ll gladly step into. If you love swoony tension, beautifully flawed characters, and a small-town backdrop with rich side characters who round out the story perfectly, you’ll want to dive right in.
✨ Highly recommend!
Spice - 🌶️🌶️
I feel so lucky to have received an early copy of Tides of Your Love, Lily Baines’ third book in the Riviera Shores series — and my first book by her. It won’t be my last.
What gripped me the most was the depth of connection between Rio and Owen. Their love isn’t soft and simple; it’s fierce, complicated, and impossible to ignore. As Rio herself puts it:
“But loving him wasn’t quiet. It wasn’t easy. It was a thunderstorm. Electric, bombastic, a deluge of feelings, desires, and need.”
Rio is strong and stunning in her resilience. She lives with a stutter she’s learned to face head-on — something Owen has never once seen as a flaw. He sees her entirely, just as she is:
“I think you’re a rare force to be reckoned with, Rio… I think that you’re the most courageous person I know. Courage isn’t being fearless, it’s pushing through despite the fear. You’re winning with every word.”
And Owen… he’s the injured football star finally forced to confront the truth he’s been avoiding for sixteen years:
“I didn’t know then that sixteen years later, I’d be in love with her—trying to trace the beginning, still unsure about the end.”
Their reunion drips with romantic tension — that delicious friends-to-lovers, brother’s-best-friend dynamic. Rio living with Owen’s grumpy grandfather Walter (whom I adored!) just adds to the tangled intimacy of it all. The banter with Walter is genuinely some of the best in the book.
Through every push and pull, you feel Owen’s heart beating for her:
“I knew this was love—she consumed my every thought, every piece of my heart, my entire body.”
“I need you. There’s nothing I love more than you. Without you, everything else just feels … fragmented. Incomplete.”
Tides of Your Love is more than a second chance romance — it’s a storm you’ll gladly step into. If you love swoony tension, beautifully flawed characters, and a small-town backdrop with rich side characters who round out the story perfectly, you’ll want to dive right in.
✨ Highly recommend!
June 22, 2025
A Lily Baines story is always such a comfort read for me and Tides Of Your Love was no exception.
Not only did I love heading back to Riviera Shores but I absolutely adored Rio and Owen's brother's best romance story.
Rio and Owen share a past filled with teenage crushes, friendship, unrequited love and heartwarming moments.
Now, years laters, professional soccer player Owen returns to Riviera Shores to heal after a possible career ending injury.
And....
Our sweet heroine Rio is not prepared...
Did she ever really get over her crush?
Will she once again experience unrequited love for her brother's best friend?
Well.... Enter... Owen.
Teenage Owen warmed my heart and adult Owen absolutely stole it.
Rio lived her entire life with a slight stutter and the way Owen protected her during their teen years and even researched her condition had me absolutely melting.
Now.. even in his mid-thirties this man has not changed. He's still sweet, caring and protective.
And...
When he comes face to face with Rio again. oohh the struggle for him is real.
He's drawn to Rio in every way. But.... She's his best friend's little sister soooo she's forbidden.
Right??
I loved the journey between them. We get slow-burn, emotion, maturity, banter, humour, support, care, tension, protectiveness, some spice and of course love.
Angst aside, their relationship feels natural and effortless. This is what I loved the most. A HEA between these two inevitable.
Some series favs made some appearances which is always special when you ready a series.
But... My favourite secondary character for this book was definitely Owen's Grandfather Walter.
He brought grumpy, wisdom, emotion and humour. His relationship with Rio was so sweet and while in the beginning his relationship appeared a little fractured by the of the story my eyes may or may not have been leaking water. haha!
Loved and Highly Recommend.
I can't wait to see what Lily Baines brings us next.
Not only did I love heading back to Riviera Shores but I absolutely adored Rio and Owen's brother's best romance story.
Rio and Owen share a past filled with teenage crushes, friendship, unrequited love and heartwarming moments.
Now, years laters, professional soccer player Owen returns to Riviera Shores to heal after a possible career ending injury.
And....
Our sweet heroine Rio is not prepared...
Did she ever really get over her crush?
Will she once again experience unrequited love for her brother's best friend?
Well.... Enter... Owen.
Teenage Owen warmed my heart and adult Owen absolutely stole it.
Rio lived her entire life with a slight stutter and the way Owen protected her during their teen years and even researched her condition had me absolutely melting.
Now.. even in his mid-thirties this man has not changed. He's still sweet, caring and protective.
And...
When he comes face to face with Rio again. oohh the struggle for him is real.
He's drawn to Rio in every way. But.... She's his best friend's little sister soooo she's forbidden.
Right??
I loved the journey between them. We get slow-burn, emotion, maturity, banter, humour, support, care, tension, protectiveness, some spice and of course love.
Angst aside, their relationship feels natural and effortless. This is what I loved the most. A HEA between these two inevitable.
Some series favs made some appearances which is always special when you ready a series.
But... My favourite secondary character for this book was definitely Owen's Grandfather Walter.
He brought grumpy, wisdom, emotion and humour. His relationship with Rio was so sweet and while in the beginning his relationship appeared a little fractured by the of the story my eyes may or may not have been leaking water. haha!
Loved and Highly Recommend.
I can't wait to see what Lily Baines brings us next.
June 23, 2025
Owen and Rio’s story was sweet and funny. The comedic relief that Owen’s grandfather Walter brought to the book was a definite highlight. Actually, whether it was between Owen and Rio, Rio and her friends or Walter and everyone, the banter was great throughout the story. Despite living in Europe for most of his life, the friendship between Owen and Rio’s brother stayed the course. That means that Simon knows Owen’s history with women. Naturally he’s not a big fan when he finds out what has been happening between them. That being said, there wasn’t as much drama with this brother’s best friend story as you often read. It was a fun, easy book!
What to expect:
💕 Brother’s Best Friend
🏡 Forced Proximity
🔥 He Was Her First
⚽ Pro-Athlete MMC
👩🦰 FMC with slight stutter
🌴 Small Town
⏳ Slow Burn
The story is told through a mixture of present day and flashbacks where we see how kind and sweet Owen always was with Rio. Living with a stutter often made it hard for Rio. Owen never reacted to it and when she asks him to be her first because she trusts him, he tries to convince himself that it is strictly to help her out. Rio now lives with his grumpy grandfather and when he comes home to the United States to recover from his injury, Owen underestimates how hard it will be to live in close quarters with Rio. They hold out for a while but eventually give in. When Owen is fully recovered and ready to return to the career he has worked so hard for, the thought of leaving Rio behind is even harder than he thought it would be.
If you are looking for a super spicy book, this one will not be for you. But if you are just looking for a sweet story where both the MMC and FMC are good people who fall in love, with a sarcastic grandfather thrown in, you will enjoy this one!
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and Lily Baines for the chance to review this book! I'm hoping we get Ruby's story because that girl needs to fall hard.
What to expect:
💕 Brother’s Best Friend
🏡 Forced Proximity
🔥 He Was Her First
⚽ Pro-Athlete MMC
👩🦰 FMC with slight stutter
🌴 Small Town
⏳ Slow Burn
The story is told through a mixture of present day and flashbacks where we see how kind and sweet Owen always was with Rio. Living with a stutter often made it hard for Rio. Owen never reacted to it and when she asks him to be her first because she trusts him, he tries to convince himself that it is strictly to help her out. Rio now lives with his grumpy grandfather and when he comes home to the United States to recover from his injury, Owen underestimates how hard it will be to live in close quarters with Rio. They hold out for a while but eventually give in. When Owen is fully recovered and ready to return to the career he has worked so hard for, the thought of leaving Rio behind is even harder than he thought it would be.
If you are looking for a super spicy book, this one will not be for you. But if you are just looking for a sweet story where both the MMC and FMC are good people who fall in love, with a sarcastic grandfather thrown in, you will enjoy this one!
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and Lily Baines for the chance to review this book! I'm hoping we get Ruby's story because that girl needs to fall hard.
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