What do you think?
Rate this book
Seal Cove #4
Riptide
Award-winning author Anna Burke returns to Seal Cove in this highly anticipated fourth romance, perfect for fans of small-town settings, friends-to-lovers stories, and healing from heartbreak themes.
Kate isn’t seeking love. After a broken engagement, all she wants is to prove she can show up, smile, and maybe remember what it’s like to flirt again. Jen swore she’d never attend Seal Cove’s speed dating night—until her best friend begged her to come along. She’s only there to fill a seat, not to risk her carefully guarded heart.
But the sea air has its own pull, and the small town has a way of turning strangers into something more. One evening. Seven minutes. A spark neither of them planned.
Sometimes love doesn’t come with a grand gesture. Sometimes it waits across a wobbly café table, asking the simplest question of What if this time is different?
Kate isn’t seeking love. After a broken engagement, all she wants is to prove she can show up, smile, and maybe remember what it’s like to flirt again. Jen swore she’d never attend Seal Cove’s speed dating night—until her best friend begged her to come along. She’s only there to fill a seat, not to risk her carefully guarded heart.
But the sea air has its own pull, and the small town has a way of turning strangers into something more. One evening. Seven minutes. A spark neither of them planned.
Sometimes love doesn’t come with a grand gesture. Sometimes it waits across a wobbly café table, asking the simplest question of What if this time is different?
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
5 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Anna Burke
9 books1,087 followersAnna Burke enjoys all things nautical and generally prefers animals to people. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found walking in the woods with her dogs or drinking too much tea, which she prefers hot and strong—just like her protagonists.
She lives in Massachusetts with her wife, dogs, and too many houseplants. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College, where she now teaches in their Popular Fiction MFA program. She is also the Director of Education for the Golden Crown Literary Society.
You can follow her on Twitter @annaburkeauthor.
She lives in Massachusetts with her wife, dogs, and too many houseplants. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College, where she now teaches in their Popular Fiction MFA program. She is also the Director of Education for the Golden Crown Literary Society.
You can follow her on Twitter @annaburkeauthor.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 15, 2026
4.5 stars
While I don’t seek out butch/femme reads generally, this was written by the great Anna Burke so of course I’m going to read it.
She doesn’t usually write novellas either, but I understand this began as something she offered on her Patreon before updating it for publication. Sometimes readers feel cheated by novellas, not getting fully fleshed out stories. That was not the case here. It was certainly a satisfying read.
I have read more than a thousand sapphic books, yet Burke manages to write a ridiculously hot love scene here that I’ve not seen done before. Lord. Have. Mercy.
If you don’t have time for a full length novel but are looking for something to read, this one delivers.
While I don’t seek out butch/femme reads generally, this was written by the great Anna Burke so of course I’m going to read it.
She doesn’t usually write novellas either, but I understand this began as something she offered on her Patreon before updating it for publication. Sometimes readers feel cheated by novellas, not getting fully fleshed out stories. That was not the case here. It was certainly a satisfying read.
I have read more than a thousand sapphic books, yet Burke manages to write a ridiculously hot love scene here that I’ve not seen done before. Lord. Have. Mercy.
If you don’t have time for a full length novel but are looking for something to read, this one delivers.
March 17, 2026
Riptide
I love the Seal Cove series! This is Kate's (Morgan's ex) story, her second chance at love. She meets Jen, a local farrier with a heart of gold. Instant chemistry, great banter, good group of friends (of course) to help encourage their romance.
This was a great addition to the series, but it was short. I want more Kate and Jen! ❤️
I love the Seal Cove series! This is Kate's (Morgan's ex) story, her second chance at love. She meets Jen, a local farrier with a heart of gold. Instant chemistry, great banter, good group of friends (of course) to help encourage their romance.
This was a great addition to the series, but it was short. I want more Kate and Jen! ❤️
February 21, 2026
A cute, quick read
March 19, 2026
A cute, cozy, low-angst read!
Definitely not what I was expecting from the latest Seal Cove romance, as the rest of the series (and all of Burke's other books, let's be honest!) are delicious trauma porn. I kept waiting for the dark, gritty backstory reveals from one of the MCs in this one; for their love to be thwarted by some epic, sweeping conflict brought on by their broken hearts/souls/betrayal/loss/etc. It's what I've come to expect from Burke's writing! But this was one of those books where every time I set my ereader down, I looked at my progress and went 'wow, i'm this far in and there's been no drama yet?' or 'wait I'm this far in and they've known one another like, a week? How are they at this point already?'
The pace of the relationship definitely surprised me, though I do think that Burke did a good job of at least having both MCs address both through internal narrative, and through open communication with one another, that this was what was happening, so at least it didn't feel like the fault of developing the relationship slowly was because of the writing itself!
A couple of the plot threads I noticed and assumed would come to be big dramatic beats in the story didn't really materialize which, again, seemed off-brand from previous works? It seemed like, in particular, it would be a fantastic opportunity to see Kate interacting with her ex, to have an emotional resolution from Kate's perspective since the ex had one in book 1, and yet... no? Also, there was talk in the early chapters of Kate and that seemed like such an easy thing to build some of the relationship around, to use to show the two characters interacting and getting to know one another, see some disagreements or see how easily their personalities meshed during that process, so we see how they might function as a couple... but no?
So, if you're in the market for something breezy, check this one out! However, if you want something with a bit more bite to it in terms of juicy plot points, sass, and heartwrenching character development, maybe check out literally any of Burke's other books ahead of this one. I actually had a hard time keeping the two MCs straight (pun intended) in my head because neither one really had the substance to their personalities I've come to expect from other works by this fantastic author!
Definitely not what I was expecting from the latest Seal Cove romance, as the rest of the series (and all of Burke's other books, let's be honest!) are delicious trauma porn. I kept waiting for the dark, gritty backstory reveals from one of the MCs in this one; for their love to be thwarted by some epic, sweeping conflict brought on by their broken hearts/souls/betrayal/loss/etc. It's what I've come to expect from Burke's writing! But this was one of those books where every time I set my ereader down, I looked at my progress and went 'wow, i'm this far in and there's been no drama yet?' or 'wait I'm this far in and they've known one another like, a week? How are they at this point already?'
The pace of the relationship definitely surprised me, though I do think that Burke did a good job of at least having both MCs address both through internal narrative, and through open communication with one another, that this was what was happening, so at least it didn't feel like the fault of developing the relationship slowly was because of the writing itself!
A couple of the plot threads I noticed and assumed would come to be big dramatic beats in the story didn't really materialize which, again, seemed off-brand from previous works? It seemed like, in particular, it would be a fantastic opportunity to see Kate interacting with her ex, to have an emotional resolution from Kate's perspective since the ex had one in book 1, and yet... no? Also, there was talk in the early chapters of Kate and that seemed like such an easy thing to build some of the relationship around, to use to show the two characters interacting and getting to know one another, see some disagreements or see how easily their personalities meshed during that process, so we see how they might function as a couple... but no?
So, if you're in the market for something breezy, check this one out! However, if you want something with a bit more bite to it in terms of juicy plot points, sass, and heartwrenching character development, maybe check out literally any of Burke's other books ahead of this one. I actually had a hard time keeping the two MCs straight (pun intended) in my head because neither one really had the substance to their personalities I've come to expect from other works by this fantastic author!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sweet romantic pairing but story ended before I was ready to leave these characters (3.5 stars)
There's so much fluff and sweetness in this story and between mains Jen and Kate that part of me kept waiting for the drama hammer to drop; what drama there is is minimal although the subject matter for some of it may bother some readers. By the end of the book I was left wanting more - more pages to read, more character interactions between mains and others, more depth and scene time for aspects of the story that seemed to skim the surface. Riptide is a much shorter book than the other three in the series and brings back a few familiar names from those books; I've read all of them and cannot recall if Jen and Kate appear before Riptide, but their story here feels separate from the rest and is very different from the romance in Windlass (book three). Jen's a farrier (Kate is in real estate) so if you like butch women wielding tools in the workshop, wish fulfilled. There's some honest and difficult conversations between Kate and Jen when they're not acting on their mutual attraction I appreciated; the way they meet is the stuff of feel good movies, their friends and family the kind many long for in real life. Moments of drama aside, this is welcome escapism for the heart and soul, but before you know it you're thru the book and in my case left wanting. This isn't to say it's a bad story; more it reads like one needing more meat on the bones of its structure. The ending sort of glossed over minor plot aspects and raised more questions in my mind but for other readers it may be an invitation to speculate about where the story may go from there for the cast of characters. If you found the rest of the books in the series on the long side this one might appeal to you more and if you're wanting minimal drama and angst with butch and femme characters who aren't a rigid expression of those identities it's definitely worth a read. Although it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone story.
I look forward to reading whatever author Anna Burke publishes next.
There's so much fluff and sweetness in this story and between mains Jen and Kate that part of me kept waiting for the drama hammer to drop; what drama there is is minimal although the subject matter for some of it may bother some readers. By the end of the book I was left wanting more - more pages to read, more character interactions between mains and others, more depth and scene time for aspects of the story that seemed to skim the surface. Riptide is a much shorter book than the other three in the series and brings back a few familiar names from those books; I've read all of them and cannot recall if Jen and Kate appear before Riptide, but their story here feels separate from the rest and is very different from the romance in Windlass (book three). Jen's a farrier (Kate is in real estate) so if you like butch women wielding tools in the workshop, wish fulfilled. There's some honest and difficult conversations between Kate and Jen when they're not acting on their mutual attraction I appreciated; the way they meet is the stuff of feel good movies, their friends and family the kind many long for in real life. Moments of drama aside, this is welcome escapism for the heart and soul, but before you know it you're thru the book and in my case left wanting. This isn't to say it's a bad story; more it reads like one needing more meat on the bones of its structure. The ending sort of glossed over minor plot aspects and raised more questions in my mind but for other readers it may be an invitation to speculate about where the story may go from there for the cast of characters. If you found the rest of the books in the series on the long side this one might appeal to you more and if you're wanting minimal drama and angst with butch and femme characters who aren't a rigid expression of those identities it's definitely worth a read. Although it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone story.
I look forward to reading whatever author Anna Burke publishes next.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book was a very sweet story that devoted a lot of time allowing readers to watch and pull for two ladies to fall in love, but first having to overcome fears, past bad experiences, insecurities and also learning about oneself.
Our main characters were Jen, the butch who worked as a farrier and the fem, Kate, a realtor who dabbled in architecture. They both attended a speed-dating event at a local brewery. After eye contact and immediately liking what they saw in the other, they both put down the other’s name as the only one they’d like to see again.
It took time for the relationship to get rolling, but each had supportive friends to act as a sounding board and who provided encouragement. Kate had a twin, Cam, who was non-binary and was a very important character.
There were some steamy scenes in the book, but when things first started to become physical, everything was delayed by some issues, and, as I said at the beginning, rather than rush through the process of becoming a couple I feel that the author gave us a true glimpse of couple-communication and the reality that, in life, learning trust isn’t a finger-snap, overnight thing.
Not to be forgotten were the pets. Jen’s dog, Mable, was a brindled pit mix. Kate had a cat named Rufus who thought he was a lion. Rufus was the subject of an incident and provided some fun to the story as well as providing an opportunity for healing and learning.
I enjoyed this book and thank Bywater Books for the arc.
Our main characters were Jen, the butch who worked as a farrier and the fem, Kate, a realtor who dabbled in architecture. They both attended a speed-dating event at a local brewery. After eye contact and immediately liking what they saw in the other, they both put down the other’s name as the only one they’d like to see again.
It took time for the relationship to get rolling, but each had supportive friends to act as a sounding board and who provided encouragement. Kate had a twin, Cam, who was non-binary and was a very important character.
There were some steamy scenes in the book, but when things first started to become physical, everything was delayed by some issues, and, as I said at the beginning, rather than rush through the process of becoming a couple I feel that the author gave us a true glimpse of couple-communication and the reality that, in life, learning trust isn’t a finger-snap, overnight thing.
Not to be forgotten were the pets. Jen’s dog, Mable, was a brindled pit mix. Kate had a cat named Rufus who thought he was a lion. Rufus was the subject of an incident and provided some fun to the story as well as providing an opportunity for healing and learning.
I enjoyed this book and thank Bywater Books for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The best description of this book is that it is very mundane. It describes realistically how Jen and Kate meet via a speed-dating event and then slowly get to know each other to see if something real between them besides that initial spark. They both have bad breakups behind them so important to take it slow, they do not look for something casual but something real, the perfect match and not just that chemistry they feel. Especially Jen is all for slow, she does not want to get physical before real commitment and that takes a while and is a bit frustrating to read about as well as for Kate.
Besides all this slow burn we get a great friend group, a cute dog and cat and some details on what it is like to work as a farrier, Jen, and as a real estate agent, Kate. A bit of drama with Kate’s cat and with her slimy co-worker but beyond that it is smooth sailing towards the climax and a very short epilogue. I would have loved the book to give more meat on the bone, really getting to know the MCs since now this is missing. Overall, a fast sweet read and perfect if you don’t crave those big feelings and angst as I normally do.
I received a free ARC from Bywater Books and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Besides all this slow burn we get a great friend group, a cute dog and cat and some details on what it is like to work as a farrier, Jen, and as a real estate agent, Kate. A bit of drama with Kate’s cat and with her slimy co-worker but beyond that it is smooth sailing towards the climax and a very short epilogue. I would have loved the book to give more meat on the bone, really getting to know the MCs since now this is missing. Overall, a fast sweet read and perfect if you don’t crave those big feelings and angst as I normally do.
I received a free ARC from Bywater Books and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
hot & sizzling romance
This romance is a wonderful mix of chemistry, more chemistry, feelings, attraction and good people (including Rufus, the cat, and Mable, the dog). Anna Burke really knows how to build up the tension way before the first kiss happens. So enjoyable to take the time to read the fully developed romantic dance of Jen and Kate and what a release when those two finally come together: oh my hotness - in the forge of Jen who is a farrier! A veritable Riptide.
I loved how Anna Burke played with the butch / femme dynamic and subtly introduces meaningful symbols, e.g. Jen‘s still empty cabin waiting to be inhabited or the ammonite. So well written!
This is part of the seal cove series but can be read as a standalone.
This romance is a wonderful mix of chemistry, more chemistry, feelings, attraction and good people (including Rufus, the cat, and Mable, the dog). Anna Burke really knows how to build up the tension way before the first kiss happens. So enjoyable to take the time to read the fully developed romantic dance of Jen and Kate and what a release when those two finally come together: oh my hotness - in the forge of Jen who is a farrier! A veritable Riptide.
I loved how Anna Burke played with the butch / femme dynamic and subtly introduces meaningful symbols, e.g. Jen‘s still empty cabin waiting to be inhabited or the ammonite. So well written!
This is part of the seal cove series but can be read as a standalone.
March 26, 2026
This was a great low-stakes read; really chill, bar a few plot elements. Just two sapphics falling in love, with a great group of queer side characters for that safe and cosy found family vibe. Exactly what's needed after trying to exist in the world today. It was sweet, a little bit spicy, and filled to the brim with queer joy and sapphic yearning.
March 13, 2026
Sweet and quick read, but this one is like a black sheep in the series. Bi dimensional characters and few angst. I was sadly bored
Also, interoducing NB characters for the sake of representation feels really woke
Also, interoducing NB characters for the sake of representation feels really woke
March 26, 2026
2.5
characters felt kinda flat and the pace felt rushed but it was also a novella so-
characters felt kinda flat and the pace felt rushed but it was also a novella so-
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews