What do you think?
Rate this book
Lighthouse Duology #1
Crashing Waves
Every child deserves to be loved.
Every child deserves parents who love them.
Yet, for as long as I can remember, I’ve harbored an insatiable craving for that one simple thing.
Love.
I was desperate for it. Through years of mistreatment and degradation, I longed for the affection I saw others receive. And I was willing to do anything to prove myself to the people I wanted it from—including going to war.
Yet it was never enough. Nothing ever was.
Except when it came to Laura, my high school sweetheart … and I pushed her away.
Over and over again.
Because how could I possibly deserve love from her—or anyone—if my own parents couldn’t find me worthy of theirs?
Maybe I’m just not worthy of anything.
Every child deserves parents who love them.
Yet, for as long as I can remember, I’ve harbored an insatiable craving for that one simple thing.
Love.
I was desperate for it. Through years of mistreatment and degradation, I longed for the affection I saw others receive. And I was willing to do anything to prove myself to the people I wanted it from—including going to war.
Yet it was never enough. Nothing ever was.
Except when it came to Laura, my high school sweetheart … and I pushed her away.
Over and over again.
Because how could I possibly deserve love from her—or anyone—if my own parents couldn’t find me worthy of theirs?
Maybe I’m just not worthy of anything.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2025
217 people are currently reading
1187 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey Kingsley
29 books3,105 followersWhen I was a wee lassie, I was told by my preschool teachers that I was a natural at storytelling. When I was just a little older than that, an old friend's mother said to me, "Kelsey, one day your books are going to be on the shelves at the library."
Well, Diane, I don't know if my books are ever going to be on the shelves of libraries, but I'm sure as hell going to try.
When I'm not writing stories destined to be bestsellers, I enjoy devouring TV shows, listening to every type of music there is and going to concerts, reading pretty much anything (with a soft spot for romance and certain books located in 18th century Scotland), obsessing over makeup, and pretending to workout.
I also have a fondness for cats, my family, tattoos, and a really good French fry.
Well, Diane, I don't know if my books are ever going to be on the shelves of libraries, but I'm sure as hell going to try.
When I'm not writing stories destined to be bestsellers, I enjoy devouring TV shows, listening to every type of music there is and going to concerts, reading pretty much anything (with a soft spot for romance and certain books located in 18th century Scotland), obsessing over makeup, and pretending to workout.
I also have a fondness for cats, my family, tattoos, and a really good French fry.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
October 1, 2025
4 stars
Kelsey Kingsley does a great job writing books that are so easy to fly through. I never want to put them down. I basically read this book in one sitting. I was planning on doing the next book next month and had another book ready to go, but plans change, and starting the second book in this Duology asap. Max's story was heartbreaking, but I have hope that in the next book, things will turn around for him.
Kelsey Kingsley does a great job writing books that are so easy to fly through. I never want to put them down. I basically read this book in one sitting. I was planning on doing the next book next month and had another book ready to go, but plans change, and starting the second book in this Duology asap. Max's story was heartbreaking, but I have hope that in the next book, things will turn around for him.
August 20, 2025
Max
He grows up in a horrible and unloving household. And he only stays because it's better that he take the abuse than his little twin sisters.
But when he's 18 he leaves aka has to leave for the Army.
And he comes back every once in a while - and his sisters are totally okay. But his live is just bubbling along. His highschool 'crush' Laura... things could happen there. But Max is scared - mostly for her. He doesn't want her to have to wait for him to come back home or not come back home one day...
Since this is a duology, we have to wait a tiny little bit for book two to arrive.
But we need the time to heal from all the crying we did in book one. Lol.
Jeez. You basically start crying with little Max in the first chapter and it doesn't stop until the end.
I loved reading this - even though it really reminded me of some other book... Maybe even a Kelsey Kingsley book? I can't remember - I suffer from Booksalzheimers - but I recognized so many things in here? Maybe it's just that we meet people in here that we met before? Did we? Which is always a problem for me - because: Bookalzheimers! I never remember what happened in other books!
Also - I kinda wished there was a year mentioned in the front. Because we are not in the present. Not anywhere near 2025!
I also could've lived without all those mentions of god and all the praying.
But other than that - I really liked reading this and I can't wait to see where Max is taking us in book two!
CRASHING WAVES was a really heartbreaking first part of the Life of Max! Can't wait to read how his story ends...
If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!
💜
💜
July 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I knew this book was going to destroyyyy me!!
Kelsey just knows how to really rip into your heart and now we’re stuck thinking about these characters FOREVER 😭😭
This is hands down one of the most traumatic books I’ve ever read and I simply couldn’t put it down!!
You can 1000% expect to be shocked, devastated, and truly asking yourself HOW?!?!
Absolutely a must read!!!
…Also definitely recommend checking trigger warnings‼️
I knew this book was going to destroyyyy me!!
Kelsey just knows how to really rip into your heart and now we’re stuck thinking about these characters FOREVER 😭😭
This is hands down one of the most traumatic books I’ve ever read and I simply couldn’t put it down!!
You can 1000% expect to be shocked, devastated, and truly asking yourself HOW?!?!
Absolutely a must read!!!
…Also definitely recommend checking trigger warnings‼️
July 23, 2025
This one is so hard for me to rate because the beginning truly had me!! I was so intrigued and I could envision everything so clearly that was going on with Maxwell! Maxwell's story truly breaks my heart. He deserves better.
But then when I truly think about it, I unfortunately feel like the book is all over the place and too long, even for a duet. I think Kelsey Kingsley does such an amazing job with how she writes emotion & heartbreak. She truly makes you feel like you are physically watching the story unfold. I think sometimes I struggle though because of the length. At times, the story feels repetitive. BUT - I am very intrigued with where this story is going, so I will definitely continue!!
-military
-broken mmc
-physical abuse
-second chance
-male pov
But then when I truly think about it, I unfortunately feel like the book is all over the place and too long, even for a duet. I think Kelsey Kingsley does such an amazing job with how she writes emotion & heartbreak. She truly makes you feel like you are physically watching the story unfold. I think sometimes I struggle though because of the length. At times, the story feels repetitive. BUT - I am very intrigued with where this story is going, so I will definitely continue!!
-military
-broken mmc
-physical abuse
-second chance
-male pov
July 9, 2025
It's my personal opinion that the difference between a good author and a great author is the ability to make me FEEL the story, and Kelsey Kingsley is one of the best. I don't just read her books, I feel every single emotion right along with the characters, and I definitely felt every moment with Max in this first half of his story.
I was intrigued by Max from the moment that I met him in The Spider & The Storm (but you don't have to read that book before this one). I knew that his story was going to break my heart, but I was not prepared for this level of heartache. Max's story starts as a child and things just go from bad to worse as he grows up. I can't even remember the last time that I've been so angry on behalf of a character. I was angry, sad, heartbroken, and utterly devastated throughout this book. I felt it all, but Max's story is not over yet.
I have no idea where Max's story goes from here, and I'm both excited and nervous to find out. Whatever is to come, I know that I'll feel it all. I just really hope that there is a HEA. Poor Max definitely deserves it.
I was intrigued by Max from the moment that I met him in The Spider & The Storm (but you don't have to read that book before this one). I knew that his story was going to break my heart, but I was not prepared for this level of heartache. Max's story starts as a child and things just go from bad to worse as he grows up. I can't even remember the last time that I've been so angry on behalf of a character. I was angry, sad, heartbroken, and utterly devastated throughout this book. I felt it all, but Max's story is not over yet.
I have no idea where Max's story goes from here, and I'm both excited and nervous to find out. Whatever is to come, I know that I'll feel it all. I just really hope that there is a HEA. Poor Max definitely deserves it.
August 18, 2025
Rating: 10/10!!!
Spice: 1/5🌶
Tropes:military romance; broken mmc; second chance; abuse
ALL THE GUT WRENCHING STARS.
Max wrecked me.
Kelsey wrecked me.
This story WRECKED ME.
this story was so beautifully written but frick did it hurt like a sonofabitch.
I am so unwell until book two comes out. Read this if you are wanting to read something that will pull at your heartstrings and have you screaming WHYYYYY. idk, i dont know how to review this masterpiece because it hurt so bad but isn't that the sing of a good book... it destroys you so good that it takes a part of you heart with it? I just know this duet will be an infinity star read
Spice: 1/5🌶
Tropes:military romance; broken mmc; second chance; abuse
ALL THE GUT WRENCHING STARS.
Max wrecked me.
Kelsey wrecked me.
This story WRECKED ME.
this story was so beautifully written but frick did it hurt like a sonofabitch.
I am so unwell until book two comes out. Read this if you are wanting to read something that will pull at your heartstrings and have you screaming WHYYYYY. idk, i dont know how to review this masterpiece because it hurt so bad but isn't that the sing of a good book... it destroys you so good that it takes a part of you heart with it? I just know this duet will be an infinity star read
July 18, 2025
How much pain, trauma, and loss can one man endure before he finally finds hope? Before he discovers the love, peace, and answers he’s always deserved? By the end of this book, we still don’t have that answer.
This was one of those stories that left me repeatedly angry throughout, but I couldn’t stop reading. I needed to know where it was all headed. There’s no HEA here, not yet. The story is unfinished. It’s a duet, and even now, I’m desperate to see how things will turn around for Max. Overall, I felt like a lot of things were left out and the progression of time was a bit too fast in many instances.
My heart ached for Max as a child. I cried for the physical and emotional abuse he endured at the hands of his father for no clear reason. I have my own theories, but nothing could ever justify the sheer cruelty and hatred that man showed his son.
By the end, my heart was completely shattered for Max. I’ll admit, I never really cared for his love interest in this first book. I never felt the connection between Max and Laura, so their love didn’t click for me. I thought maybe the story would take a different turn though. Instead, Kelsey took it to an entirely new level of tragedy in her storytelling. And now I’m left with one burning question: how in the hell is this man supposed to heal from this?
“I have such a weakness for broken men. And it’s a legitimate problem. Like, I shouldn’t be like this. I should want stable guys without any issues, but I can’t help myself. It’s a curse.”
*This book explores heavy themes, including physical and emotional abuse, war, the events of 9/11, alcohol abuse, suicidal thoughts, and death.
🌊 Male POV — *my absolute favorite
🌊 Broken/Reluctant Hero — *thats an understatement
🌊 Military Romance — *always love these
🌊 Coming of Age — *from child to teen to adult
🌊 Second Chance — *I have mixed feelings about this
🌊 Found Family — *Sid is the best battle buddy
🌊 Right Person, Wrong Time — *I’m holding out hope for a reappearance from a certain someone in book two.
This was one of those stories that left me repeatedly angry throughout, but I couldn’t stop reading. I needed to know where it was all headed. There’s no HEA here, not yet. The story is unfinished. It’s a duet, and even now, I’m desperate to see how things will turn around for Max. Overall, I felt like a lot of things were left out and the progression of time was a bit too fast in many instances.
My heart ached for Max as a child. I cried for the physical and emotional abuse he endured at the hands of his father for no clear reason. I have my own theories, but nothing could ever justify the sheer cruelty and hatred that man showed his son.
By the end, my heart was completely shattered for Max. I’ll admit, I never really cared for his love interest in this first book. I never felt the connection between Max and Laura, so their love didn’t click for me. I thought maybe the story would take a different turn though. Instead, Kelsey took it to an entirely new level of tragedy in her storytelling. And now I’m left with one burning question: how in the hell is this man supposed to heal from this?
“I have such a weakness for broken men. And it’s a legitimate problem. Like, I shouldn’t be like this. I should want stable guys without any issues, but I can’t help myself. It’s a curse.”
*This book explores heavy themes, including physical and emotional abuse, war, the events of 9/11, alcohol abuse, suicidal thoughts, and death.
🌊 Male POV — *my absolute favorite
🌊 Broken/Reluctant Hero — *thats an understatement
🌊 Military Romance — *always love these
🌊 Coming of Age — *from child to teen to adult
🌊 Second Chance — *I have mixed feelings about this
🌊 Found Family — *Sid is the best battle buddy
🌊 Right Person, Wrong Time — *I’m holding out hope for a reappearance from a certain someone in book two.
July 18, 2025
I swear to god nobody can make me so devastated over fictional characters and their stories the way Kelsey can. I think that’s what makes her a truly amazing writer. The ability to have me so close to these characters that I am physically feeling their pain alongside them.
This book was art. It was truly, deeply, devastatingly beautiful. I need book 2 asap.
After a few days I still don't think I can put into words how much this story and Max has straight up lingered in my brain. I don't think I've felt so deeply for a main character before. This man has taken up EVERY single cell. His story was heartbreaking and beautiful and tragic and all of the emotions.
I don't know how Kelsey does it, but she writes the most haunting, tragic, and absolutely magnificent stories told in only the male POV. The story and characters hit EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. She has truly not missed.
I have 100% been in her DMs every day begging for book 2 because my heart will not know peace.
-Male POV
-Veteran
-Trauma & Healing
-Grief
-Friends to Lovers
This book was art. It was truly, deeply, devastatingly beautiful. I need book 2 asap.
After a few days I still don't think I can put into words how much this story and Max has straight up lingered in my brain. I don't think I've felt so deeply for a main character before. This man has taken up EVERY single cell. His story was heartbreaking and beautiful and tragic and all of the emotions.
I don't know how Kelsey does it, but she writes the most haunting, tragic, and absolutely magnificent stories told in only the male POV. The story and characters hit EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. She has truly not missed.
I have 100% been in her DMs every day begging for book 2 because my heart will not know peace.
-Male POV
-Veteran
-Trauma & Healing
-Grief
-Friends to Lovers
July 14, 2025
I’m not usually one to break down a book’s tropes or summarize the plot in my reviews (and I don’t really feel like doing it here), so let’s get right into it.
This book is easy to digest, and I finished it pretty quickly! I enjoyed the premise of the overall story, but the execution didn’t quite deliver for me, causing me to lower my rating. My main issue is that the dialogue didn’t seem natural—it felt like the characters over explained things quite often. For me, it’s just as important to have a character not say something as it is for them to say something, and that balance felt off in this book. There was too much explaining in the dialogue from the characters, and it took away from them feeling real to me, and subsequently reduced my potential emotional investment in the story. It also makes it much easier for me see plot twists coming, and I’m hoping that some of the things the characters said don’t come to fruition in the second book because it makes it too easy for me to guess (what should be) future plot twists and revelations.
However, I did still feel quite a bit for Maxwell and everything he suffered. This book touches on a lot of sensitive topics and I think that those topics are going to hit home for a lot of readers. I think a lot of my friends will like this book, so please take my personal preferences with a grain of salt and give this book a try!
Thank you Kelsey for the ARC!
This book is easy to digest, and I finished it pretty quickly! I enjoyed the premise of the overall story, but the execution didn’t quite deliver for me, causing me to lower my rating. My main issue is that the dialogue didn’t seem natural—it felt like the characters over explained things quite often. For me, it’s just as important to have a character not say something as it is for them to say something, and that balance felt off in this book. There was too much explaining in the dialogue from the characters, and it took away from them feeling real to me, and subsequently reduced my potential emotional investment in the story. It also makes it much easier for me see plot twists coming, and I’m hoping that some of the things the characters said don’t come to fruition in the second book because it makes it too easy for me to guess (what should be) future plot twists and revelations.
However, I did still feel quite a bit for Maxwell and everything he suffered. This book touches on a lot of sensitive topics and I think that those topics are going to hit home for a lot of readers. I think a lot of my friends will like this book, so please take my personal preferences with a grain of salt and give this book a try!
Thank you Kelsey for the ARC!
July 18, 2025
This book was breathtakingly beautiful, and tragic. Max grew up as the black sheep of his family. No matter what he did he could never please his father, he took the beatings, the insults, all in the hopes that it would keep his father from turning his fists and hatred onto his younger twin sisters. Despite Max excelling in school, taking care of his sisters, and majority of the household chores it was never enough.
Max’s father suggests, or more like orders, him to enlist in the Army. As much as Max doesn’t want to leave his sisters this could be his opportunity to finally gain a semblance of love from his father. Max excelled and rose quickly through the Army, becoming a Sargent sniper. The only thing he had to look forward to coming home on leave was his sisters, his best friend and his first and only love Laura. Max struggled with accepting love, and Laura was getting tired of waiting. The night Max finally caved 9/11 happens.
Max finds himself quickly being sent to the frontlines, where tragedy strikes, leaving him permanently disabled, the only thing Max knows however is to be a good soldier.
This books tackles ptsd, and brings to light the real hardships veterans face every single day. Max has turned to alcohol, and after a run in with his Dad over Christmas dinner plans to end it all, until his first love Laura shows up and shows him what it’s truly like to be loved.
This book does not have a hea for all of the characters, there will be tears, but it’s so tragically beautiful. This story is emotionally gripping and will be one that sticks with me. Kelsey captured every facet perfectly, and I was honored when she reached out asking me if I would like to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review.
Max’s father suggests, or more like orders, him to enlist in the Army. As much as Max doesn’t want to leave his sisters this could be his opportunity to finally gain a semblance of love from his father. Max excelled and rose quickly through the Army, becoming a Sargent sniper. The only thing he had to look forward to coming home on leave was his sisters, his best friend and his first and only love Laura. Max struggled with accepting love, and Laura was getting tired of waiting. The night Max finally caved 9/11 happens.
Max finds himself quickly being sent to the frontlines, where tragedy strikes, leaving him permanently disabled, the only thing Max knows however is to be a good soldier.
This books tackles ptsd, and brings to light the real hardships veterans face every single day. Max has turned to alcohol, and after a run in with his Dad over Christmas dinner plans to end it all, until his first love Laura shows up and shows him what it’s truly like to be loved.
This book does not have a hea for all of the characters, there will be tears, but it’s so tragically beautiful. This story is emotionally gripping and will be one that sticks with me. Kelsey captured every facet perfectly, and I was honored when she reached out asking me if I would like to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review.
July 19, 2025
Devastatingly beautiful and tragic. If you want your heart to be simultaneously warmed and shattered, read Crashing Waves. I sobbed like a baby. No HEA…. yet. Can’t wait to get my hands on the follow up novel - Ebbing Tides.
Kelsey, your mom and teachers were correct, you are incredible at telling stories. I just know your mom would be beyond proud of Crashing Waves. Thank you for choosing me as an ARC reader, I cannot wait to read the entire backlog of Kelsey Kingsley.
Kelsey, your mom and teachers were correct, you are incredible at telling stories. I just know your mom would be beyond proud of Crashing Waves. Thank you for choosing me as an ARC reader, I cannot wait to read the entire backlog of Kelsey Kingsley.
July 16, 2025
4.5⭐️
Wow this was my first ever read of Kelsey’s and damn did she get me in my feelings. I truly sobbed during this read. I just wanted to grab Max and shower him with all the love he deserved and spare him from his father’s rage. I was not expecting that ending i seriously was mouth on the ground and tears in my eyes again. I’m hoping the second part of this duet doesn’t do me in like book one here!!
Tropes
Male POV
Second Chance
Broken/Reluctant Hero
Found Family
Wow this was my first ever read of Kelsey’s and damn did she get me in my feelings. I truly sobbed during this read. I just wanted to grab Max and shower him with all the love he deserved and spare him from his father’s rage. I was not expecting that ending i seriously was mouth on the ground and tears in my eyes again. I’m hoping the second part of this duet doesn’t do me in like book one here!!
Tropes
Male POV
Second Chance
Broken/Reluctant Hero
Found Family
July 14, 2025
Fuckin hell this book is heartbreaking.
But so fucking good.
I NEED book 2.
But so fucking good.
I NEED book 2.
July 18, 2025
ARC Review!
This book tore me up, in a good way! All of Kelsey’s books hit the feels and are so good!
This one was the same, and seeing Max and his struggles with things. I loved getting to see his life from start to finish because seeing it put so much into perspective.
I just wanted to wrap him up in blanket and give him a hug with a warm cup of tea.
This book kept me up at night and sucked me in, I struggled to put it down.
I seriously need the second book because I need to know what happens next, that cliffhanger about ruined me!
This book tore me up, in a good way! All of Kelsey’s books hit the feels and are so good!
This one was the same, and seeing Max and his struggles with things. I loved getting to see his life from start to finish because seeing it put so much into perspective.
I just wanted to wrap him up in blanket and give him a hug with a warm cup of tea.
This book kept me up at night and sucked me in, I struggled to put it down.
I seriously need the second book because I need to know what happens next, that cliffhanger about ruined me!
August 6, 2025
I had the privilege to ARC read this beauty as member of Kelsey’s street team.
This book broke me. I cried half the book, had a few loud laughs and cried Some more.
Def one of the best books my Kelsey’s hand.
This book broke me. I cried half the book, had a few loud laughs and cried Some more.
Def one of the best books my Kelsey’s hand.
July 16, 2025
Where the fuck was the trigger warning? 260 should be illegal to write and not have a list wtf
July 26, 2025
This was a pretty emotional read. It follows Max from his rough childhood all the way into adulthood, and I actually really liked getting a deeper look into his life. His family situation was heartbreaking, and seeing how everything he went through shaped how he saw himself and the world was really powerful. Definitely sad, but it felt real.
I also loved his best friends, Sid and Ricky. They were such strong side characters and exactly the kind of people Max needed in his corner. Every time they showed up, I felt like they made the story better and helped Max in ways he really needed.
My biggest issue is the romance. This was labeled as a second chance romance, but honestly, the romance didn’t really come into play until the last 20 percent of the book. And even then, it felt kind of rushed and more like a summary of what happened instead of something I could really feel. I didn’t get to see the chemistry or the connection build, so I had nothing to root for. It didn’t hit me emotionally the way I was hoping it would.
There were also a lot of time jumps, and while I get why they were there, I didn’t always feel like I had enough time to really sit with the emotions of each part of Max’s life. It kept me from fully connecting with the story at times.
Overall, I think it’s a solid book if you’re looking for a character-driven story about someone trying to heal from a really painful past. Just don’t expect a romance to be the main focus, because it’s definitely not.
I also loved his best friends, Sid and Ricky. They were such strong side characters and exactly the kind of people Max needed in his corner. Every time they showed up, I felt like they made the story better and helped Max in ways he really needed.
My biggest issue is the romance. This was labeled as a second chance romance, but honestly, the romance didn’t really come into play until the last 20 percent of the book. And even then, it felt kind of rushed and more like a summary of what happened instead of something I could really feel. I didn’t get to see the chemistry or the connection build, so I had nothing to root for. It didn’t hit me emotionally the way I was hoping it would.
There were also a lot of time jumps, and while I get why they were there, I didn’t always feel like I had enough time to really sit with the emotions of each part of Max’s life. It kept me from fully connecting with the story at times.
Overall, I think it’s a solid book if you’re looking for a character-driven story about someone trying to heal from a really painful past. Just don’t expect a romance to be the main focus, because it’s definitely not.
July 21, 2025
Kelsey I hate you. Well, I don’t, I love you and you’re one of my favourite authors but how could you do this to me? To us? 😭
Our MMC - Max, is a tortured soul who’s fathers way of upbringing is beyond cruel and I hate him more than anything in the world. The dad, not Max. Max is an angelbaby of a boy who takes such good care of his sisters until he’s old enough to get out of his father’s house.
We follow him as he navigates his way through life, at the hands of his awful, awful father and barely there mother. My heart shatters for him throughout because I’ve never known a character with that amount of love, never get it back. And just when you think he’s getting his life together, it breaks and shatters. Like his poor, broken soul.
The dad is triggering, especially if you grew up in a house with a cruel parent or step-parent. That feeling of dread and doom when they’re in the house, or if something happens. Max’s Dad can fuck off.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🚫🌶️
Sad boy/army life/cruel upbringing
Loves McDonald’s
Cliffhanger
Our MMC - Max, is a tortured soul who’s fathers way of upbringing is beyond cruel and I hate him more than anything in the world. The dad, not Max. Max is an angelbaby of a boy who takes such good care of his sisters until he’s old enough to get out of his father’s house.
We follow him as he navigates his way through life, at the hands of his awful, awful father and barely there mother. My heart shatters for him throughout because I’ve never known a character with that amount of love, never get it back. And just when you think he’s getting his life together, it breaks and shatters. Like his poor, broken soul.
The dad is triggering, especially if you grew up in a house with a cruel parent or step-parent. That feeling of dread and doom when they’re in the house, or if something happens. Max’s Dad can fuck off.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🚫🌶️
Sad boy/army life/cruel upbringing
Loves McDonald’s
Cliffhanger
July 18, 2025
First and foremost, please check the trigger warnings. As an ARC reader I was unable to find them for a while until I downloaded the book on kindle unlimited today to find that there IS in fact a link to them. *whew* Otherwise they were not easy to locate, which was disappointing because much of the subject matter in this book can be very triggering for some. The main character himself struggles with his own triggers in relation to the abuse he suffered as a child and his experience in the war.
That aside, the official list of triggers are as follows:
-military death/death in combat
-mention of suicide and suicidal thoughts
-death
-child abuse (physical, mental, emotional)
-pregnancy/infant loss
-spousal death
Moving forward, you have to know that this book is a modern romantic tragedy. Max endures so much heartache and loss. It’s a wonder he is still standing at the end of this book. As his story is incomplete, there is much hope for his happiness in the next book.
Overall, at the finish, I wasn’t sure this book was quite for me but I do find myself very invested in Max’s character. I didn’t really enjoy much of the pacing either and the abundance of foreshadowing.
That aside, the official list of triggers are as follows:
-military death/death in combat
-mention of suicide and suicidal thoughts
-death
-child abuse (physical, mental, emotional)
-pregnancy/infant loss
-spousal death
Moving forward, you have to know that this book is a modern romantic tragedy. Max endures so much heartache and loss. It’s a wonder he is still standing at the end of this book. As his story is incomplete, there is much hope for his happiness in the next book.
Overall, at the finish, I wasn’t sure this book was quite for me but I do find myself very invested in Max’s character. I didn’t really enjoy much of the pacing either and the abundance of foreshadowing.
July 14, 2025
There are so many great authors out there, but Kelsey Kingsley is an amazing author. Her ability to make you feel these raw emotions along with her characters, and the way you feel the story with them, it is truly remarkable.
I cried, I cried several times. This book goes from bad, to worse, to so beautiful, and the heart break I felt at the end. I can’t wait for the second book in this duology!
Max has been through unbelievable heart break, a broken down hero, who found his second chance at happiness… just to have it escape his grasp.
Read. This. Book. Just do it!
Thank you for the ARC and the opportunity to feel such an array of emotions.
I cried, I cried several times. This book goes from bad, to worse, to so beautiful, and the heart break I felt at the end. I can’t wait for the second book in this duology!
Max has been through unbelievable heart break, a broken down hero, who found his second chance at happiness… just to have it escape his grasp.
Read. This. Book. Just do it!
Thank you for the ARC and the opportunity to feel such an array of emotions.
July 13, 2025
Damn y'all.... I was NOT prepared for this book! I went in totally blind to this ARC read. And when I tell you, I cried so hard! I had to wear an eye pack to bed! I am NOT EXAGGERATING!!! The trauma that Max goes through is just unthinkable!
This book is all from the male POV of Maxwell. The story starts when he is young. Being "raised" by parents that should NOT have had children. His mother is very neglectful (likely due to a severe mental illness) and his father just treats him like shit. But Maxwell makes some friends and gets through school. Then enters the military, where he excels! But that is when he thinks things are all going well...... his life starts to fall apart. Every time things seem to start going well for him, he gets kicked down again.
No I will say that this book kind of ends on a cliffhanger. While there isn't something that happens that makes you freak out wanting to know how that situation continues, you just in general want to know what happens for Max! You fall so in love with him and his story..... that you dont want the book to end the way that it does!
Luckily the conclusion comes out next month!
This book is all from the male POV of Maxwell. The story starts when he is young. Being "raised" by parents that should NOT have had children. His mother is very neglectful (likely due to a severe mental illness) and his father just treats him like shit. But Maxwell makes some friends and gets through school. Then enters the military, where he excels! But that is when he thinks things are all going well...... his life starts to fall apart. Every time things seem to start going well for him, he gets kicked down again.
No I will say that this book kind of ends on a cliffhanger. While there isn't something that happens that makes you freak out wanting to know how that situation continues, you just in general want to know what happens for Max! You fall so in love with him and his story..... that you dont want the book to end the way that it does!
Luckily the conclusion comes out next month!
July 9, 2025
This book is a must read! I had the amazing opportunity to ARC read this book, and I just have to say Crashing Waves tore me to pieces and I need Ebbing Tides to put me back together. Max is such a beautiful and complex character. I didn't expect anything less from Kingsley who knows how to write a sweet yet morally grey man. My heart truly hurts for Max who can't seem to catch a break and I can't wait to see his character grow in Ebbing Tides.
July 20, 2025
Oh my gosh……I seem to tear up a little with pretty much all of Kelsey’s books because she has a way of making you feel included in her books but this book had me sobbing nonstop…Max is such a sweetheart with a tragic tale but his character development throughout the story was beautifully written and heart wrenching.
July 14, 2025
✨ARC Review
This was such an emotional roller coaster. How much can one man take in a life time? How much pain, loss, and misery can he take before he can have happiness. Then to think that happiness is forever. I had all the emotions in this. Anger, sadness, happiness, and I was just a pure emotional train wreck. I had so much anger for Max to being so happy for him but then I cried like no other for him. This was such a tragic, eye opening story that just grips your attention from the authors letter to the readers on page 1. Kelsey’s writing is so beautiful, so captivating and just had me wanting more and more. This was so well done. Prepare for one of your biggest heart breaks.
This was such an emotional roller coaster. How much can one man take in a life time? How much pain, loss, and misery can he take before he can have happiness. Then to think that happiness is forever. I had all the emotions in this. Anger, sadness, happiness, and I was just a pure emotional train wreck. I had so much anger for Max to being so happy for him but then I cried like no other for him. This was such a tragic, eye opening story that just grips your attention from the authors letter to the readers on page 1. Kelsey’s writing is so beautiful, so captivating and just had me wanting more and more. This was so well done. Prepare for one of your biggest heart breaks.
July 9, 2025
First thank you to the author for this arc. I thoroughly enjoyed the story as a whole. This is a 3.9 ⭐️ for me personally. For most of the book I was at a solid 4.5 just because I felt as if there were parts of the story that were rushed or didn’t flow as well. However by the end I just can’t say I’d subject myself to this again. I’m not big on gut wrenching reads and didn’t realize how heavy this would be for me. I can’t get over the fact that our MMC was treated horribly by basically everyone around him and anything good he had in his life was taken. His sisters ended up with the only two true friends he has who then (besides Sid) weren’t the best to him. In my opinion anyway. Also I can’t get over that by the end he’s 35 and basically nothing about his life has been good for the most part. Every time he finds happiness it’s ripped away. Also Laura did not deserve him and he should’ve left them all to be with Melanie in Connecticut because screw everybody else. Besides Sid at least.
Anyway overall it was great writing and a great story but I can’t get over the roller coaster that this was going from happy to sad to angry and back and forth.
Anyway overall it was great writing and a great story but I can’t get over the roller coaster that this was going from happy to sad to angry and back and forth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2025
I had the amazing opportunity to ARC read this book and I'm so thankful I was! I read this in less than 24 hours and I could not put the book down. I got attached to the main character Max immediately because of how amazing he was throughout the whole story. The trauma and things he went through as a child and his experience in the army was very traumatic but he found a way to get through it. The ending broke my heart and I wish Laura could have had that happy ending with Max.
In the end, he realized he is here for a reason and I think that is the most important part of this book.
In the end, he realized he is here for a reason and I think that is the most important part of this book.
July 10, 2025
Oh, Mrs. Kingsley, this was a rough one to get through!
I am thoroughly invested in Max and I cannot wait to see what awaits him in Ebbing Tides.
This was one of those books that made me want to reach in and strangle a few characters! There were a few scenes that had me pausing but just long enough to let my emotions run their course. My attention was held from the beginning to the last page!
If this isn’t your first book by Kelsey Kingsley you know that her stories are known to tug at your heart and there’s always this personal connection she creates to her characters.
Mental health and self worth are two of the main topics in Crashing Waves.
Spice is slow burn and doesn’t dominate the plot.
This story is for everyone, regardless of their normal reading preference.
I am thoroughly invested in Max and I cannot wait to see what awaits him in Ebbing Tides.
This was one of those books that made me want to reach in and strangle a few characters! There were a few scenes that had me pausing but just long enough to let my emotions run their course. My attention was held from the beginning to the last page!
If this isn’t your first book by Kelsey Kingsley you know that her stories are known to tug at your heart and there’s always this personal connection she creates to her characters.
Mental health and self worth are two of the main topics in Crashing Waves.
Spice is slow burn and doesn’t dominate the plot.
This story is for everyone, regardless of their normal reading preference.
July 9, 2025
Crashing Waves by Kelsey Kingsley is the first book in a military second chance romance from the male POV duet. When I tell you this book got me hooked from the very beginning I mean it had me hooked as soon as I read the letter from the author at the beginning of the book. From that moment I knew this book would be special and MAN is it special. It’s been a while since I’ve read book and thought “I just want them to be happy , when are they going to be happy?!” And just when I thought FINALLY .. something else happens and you’re left with a cliffhanger. I’m going to need that second book Asap !
July 10, 2025
When I tell you to grab tissues I am not even kidding. Because what a freaking ride this was. Max’s story has broken me. Honestly I didn’t think anything would hurt me as much as soldiers story but in came Maxwell tailor. And my freaking heart is a puddle on the ground. I can not wait for the conclusion of his story because there has GOT to be a happy ending right? It can’t be like this forever for him, RIGHT? I need to know what all happens and I need answers. 😩
July 10, 2025
This is a story about Max. How much abuse a boy can endure as a child. How strong he was. How loyal he was. My heart hurt for him!!! This book was beautifully written. I was hooked from the first chapter. I can’t wait to read book 2 to see how Max is after that ending..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews