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Caught in a riptide of secrets and mistakes…

The scandal didn’t just end my career. I lost my reputation. My family. My future.

Fate handed me a fresh start. Working patrol in a small beach town in Maine keeps me hidden from the world and out of trouble. ‘License and registration, please’ is about all the social life I’m looking for these days.

When a traumatized runaway crashes into my life, I reluctantly offer refuge, but his dangerously attractive older brother threatens everything. Tanner Weston is powerful. Arrogant. Always in control. He doesn’t deal well with opposition, especially not from a scruffy small-town cop.

We manage to negotiate an uneasy truce to support his brother’s recovery.

Until bullets cut through the peaceful night sky.

Now, I find myself fighting a dangerous shooter and my growing attraction to a man who plans to expose the secrets I’m trying to hide.

Riptide, book 1 in the Saltwater Trilogy, is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, M/M romantic suspense featuring two men with nothing in common but an excess of emotional baggage, so love just doesn’t fall easily into place in the first book. But if you love grit, heart, a good redemption arc, and a hard-won happily ever after, dive into the Saltwater Trilogy today.

Alcohol addiction, off-page SA (side character)

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2025

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About the author

A.G. Meiers

14 books38 followers
Eighteen years ago, AG Meiers came to the US for adventure and stayed for love. Currently, she lives in New England with her husband and two awesome kids—balancing work, friends and family, and writing.

As a writer she loves to put her characters through a lot of challenges, conflict and heartbreak, before she allows them to find their happy-ever-after.

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for ML.
1,714 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2026
It took me awhile to get into this book.

Sean is a mess and his escape to Maine allows him to hide away from what happened to him in Chicago 4 years prior.

He trusted the wrong people and for him being a straight shooter cop it was a lot to take. His life implodes.

KC comes into his life as an abused kid just 18. He takes him under his wing with the help of his friend Rose. They give him a safe place.

Tanner is KC’s brother and he’s like a bull in a china shop. Makes a very poor first impression. Sparks fly though.
The sex takes forever to develop though.. and this ends on a cliffhanger but book 2 is already out so.. off to read because this plot has more holes than Swiss 🧀 cheese 😬
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,511 reviews533 followers
December 18, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars


This is the start of the new Saltwater Trilogy series and the first book I have read by author AG Meiers. I was quickly taken in by the setting, the scenes, and Sean himself. The story is told entirely from Sean’s point of view, with a brief epilogue from Tanner. So, we see what Sean sees and can only interpret things the way he does. I can’t say that he’s particularly good at seeing what’s going on, even if he is a cop, which leaves a lot of story to uncover.

I am looking forward to seeing where the rest of the series goes, as there are many directions the larger plot could take while navigating the heated and somewhat volatile relationship between Sean and Tanner.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
Profile Image for LC.
836 reviews9 followers
February 10, 2026
Riptide
Saltwater Trilogy, Book 1
By AG Meiers

AG Meiers is a new to me author. I thought the blurb looked interesting and wanted to give it shot. I was not prepared for this book!

Sean Kelley is a cop, a true blue, follow the rules cop. His life blew up in Chicago, he was blackballed, and is now a cop in sleepy little Bedford, Maine. His life is in stasis, not really living just surviving. When he meets a runaway who needs help at the bar, he ends up starting to live again, but at what price?

This book is the start of a new trilogy. In my opinion, the author packed so much into this first book! Tenterhooks. I was on tenterhooks for the majority of this story. Were they after KC or was Sean’s past coming to get him? Oh my gawd!! It just got me hooked. Now I’m done and I’m just shocked. Like what the heck was he thinking? What will happen next? I’m so super excited to find out. AG Meiers has a really nice way of phrasing things. I highlighted so many little paragraphs that sounded so sweet. She really built these characters well and I’m cheering for Sean and KC. I’ve already looked up when the next book comes out and the final book in February 2026. I just hope everything works out for all these wonderful characters.
Profile Image for Sandy Kay.
1,085 reviews106 followers
August 21, 2026
Fun! Kind of a mess, including proofreading fails (missing words type stuff), but, fun! I enjoyed angsting at this book. Was thinking 3 stars, but honestly, this mess set up some terrific juicy conflict and tension so changing to 4. [EDIT:sorry taking it back to 3. No safe sex talk when it is very needed, and bare sex no condom. Won’t give a pass for that anymore.]

Sean is a former decorated detective, now a cop in disgrace. Run out of Chicago for a sex scandal that wound up putting bigwigs in jail, he's homeless and living in his car, on his last fumes when he gets a job in Bedford, Maine, Smalltown USA.

He's an alcoholic who hasn't bonded with his colleagues, holding himself apart mainly from shame. But he's eked out a life for himself, and now has an unexpected roommate, an 18-year-old kid-man who he found shaking in a bathroom locked in a sex device and has ben trying to find out what happened to him ever since. KC. Since Sean is the only one KC feels safe around, KC has become his unasked-for-but-Sean's-not-giving-up-on-him roommate.

Enter KC's older brother, Tanner Weston.

Explosions of anger, misunderstandings, overstepping, understepping, a contest for "custody" of KC, drama...irresistible attraction and incendiary chemistry...ooooooh JUICY stuff! KC was pretending to be something he wasn't, hoping to keep Sean's sympathy, and that was kind of a clusterF when Sean figures it out. But more threads to the tangle.

Meanwhile, a mysterious rash of burglaries is infesting the town....and then someone starts shooting at KC...or is Sean the target...

It's a chaotic mess but a fun one to sort through.

Oh. Did I mention the juiciest part? Tanner is

One would think this would be not for me, but, that person isn't with him at all at first and is on page in chaotic circumstances later on, adding great OP drama but no action (that we're aware of), so...I was eating this up and cursing Tanner out with joyful rage, yelling that Sean needs to find a spine and step away...! I had fun. Disliked Tanner but loved to hate him, and did enjoy the power he wielded as a wealthy man who seemed to be on Sean's side. And adored his little half-bro KC and their sister, Bee, who came along to also be reunited with the runaway KC. There's a whole drama in their family background with their shitty rich dad that adds a layer to the story.

We're in Sean's POV all the time so don't know what's going through Tanner's head. But the man clearly senses Sean's subby side...and it brings out the dom in his nature...and Tanner Knows about Sean's past, which becomes apparent and adds sticky threads to the plot and drama. Tanner GREATLY fucks up with one thing we learn later on that has to do with his so personal and awful for Sean... I loved Sean storming away.

Hated Sean enabling himself to keep drinking though, and this IS a narrator MC who is alcoholic and not trying to be sober, which hurts. TW for anyone that will impact.

LOVE Sean's partner, Joan! She rocks! And his friends at the bar, and the diner owner who gives KC a job, and the girl KC is interested in...!

Are there two villains? Only one?

Well. Tanner REALLY screws up, says some awful things, did some awful things, and Sean is Done and the whole thing solves one thing and not another and ends on an open thread...and I'm here to see what happens next!

Really wish it would get a proofread though.

Open ending. Disgraced cop and powerful rich guy (whose company helps clean-up reputaions/erase scandals online for people). Fun in that Sean is falling first, but...I think Tanner is falling harder. But can't do anything about it. 😂 No OP action on page (pretty sure none in this book). OP drama from...Stuff. Read it. Recommended. On to book 2.
Profile Image for JustJen "Miss Conduct".
2,434 reviews156 followers
December 8, 2025

4.25 stars - Well, this story sucked me right in. Sean is our main guy here who was forced to run from his past and has made a new life keeping his head down in a small Maine town. Trouble seems to be right on his heels though and starts with the arrival of KC, a scared teen also on the run who has seemingly escaped from sex traffickers. Sean gains KC’s trust almost immediately and various events lead to him taking KC in and offering him safety.

KC is very sweet. He’s young and naïve and just wants to feel safe with people who care about him. He has run from his family (mainly his father) and ended up in a really bad situation. He found a way out and ended up in Sean’s town where he ends up with found family who all care for him and take him under their wings. That is, until KC’s brother and sister show up looking for him.

Tanner and Bee are looking to become the family they never were and mean to do right by KC after letting him down previously. This is no small task, however, as KC has little to no interest in leaving Sean and the home he now found in this town. Tanner has always thrown money at things to make them go away, but that won’t work this time. He and Sean have some sizzling chemistry, but Tanner is in an open relationship with a woman and he and Sean couldn’t be further opposites. When Sean’s past comes crashing back, a major wrench breaks into the fragile tie between the two.

Someone is after KC. Is it the people who trafficked him? Or, is it something else entirely and Sean is the target? We still don’t know but there are some major trust issues going on with just about everyone in this story. I was fully invested by the end and ready to jump right into the next one. Things are really heating up all around and I’m really thankful we don’t have to wait too long for the next book in this trilogy. I sure hope these characters all get their happy endings at some point, because it sure seems like they deserve them for one reason or another. Bring on book 2!

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
Profile Image for Zoë Miranda.
662 reviews15 followers
January 1, 2026
1st person, past tense, single PoV (Sean)
Sean Kelley (36), police officer at the Bedford PD
Tanner Weston (31-ish), VP of Online Reputation Management for CONTEGO, Inc.

I was a huge fan of the author's Jake's Bar series, so I've been super excited for the release of this series and I absolutely tore through this book, reading the entire thing in one day and can't wait to read the next, I'm so incredibly invested in the story.

The scandal that caused Sean to leave Chicago and settle in Bedford, ME is fully revealed a little over halfway through the book. Little hints are sprinkled throughout to whet your appetite, but play second fiddle to KC's trauma; helping him recover and keeping him safe.

In addition to an intriguing story this book is filled with a great cast of characters. I really loved Sean's partner, Joan, who was a darn good small town cop and, of course, Tanner's brother, KC, is one tough cookie and his attachment to Sean as a protector serves to bring Tanner into Sean's orbit, where they repeatedly clash. Their chemistry is wicked, but they both have huge trust issues and things get really messy.

This book ends with a lot more questions than it answers and I'm eager to see Sean face his unresolved issues with his family and past.

I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
Profile Image for SNik.
848 reviews22 followers
December 7, 2025
First in trilogy (Saltwater Trilogy). Adversarial to lovers. Small town. Found family. Slow burn. Single POV. Cliffhanger. Heed content warnings.

Forced to leave Chicago, Sean is now a small town cop in Maine when a vulnerable teen becomes his responsibility. But KC’s older brother shows up and trouble starts brewing and Sean isn’t sure if it’s KC’s past or his own that has them in danger.

An angst filled start to a new suspense series. This is a character and plot driven story, with a good amount of intrigue, danger, found family, and a sprinkle of attraction that I wouldn’t call romance just yet. Sean is a multi-faceted character trying to escape his past while remaining committed to being a cop, being loyal to his found family, and struggling to sew his tattered life together. As this is from Sean’s POV it’s really hard to get a read on Tanner beyond what he says, mistakes are made and there certainly aren't any emotional declarations from Tanner so that leaves us with a messy non-relationship. This was a compelling read with a lot of depth to the characters so I look forward to where this trilogy leads. 4.5 rounded up
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,510 reviews25 followers
February 12, 2026
This first installment in the Saltwater Trilogy has plenty to offer: the setting is intriguing, the supporting characters are nuanced and interesting, and the plot has intrigue and peril to spare. It’s the main character, Sean, however, who really anchors the interest here: he’s got baggage and layers and plenty of heart. He’s also insightful about some things and deeply *not* about others– an interesting choice for a character who’s a cop. I like him, even when he’s frustrating, but I can’t say I feel the same about Tanner, who is just…deeply unlikeable? Which Sean finds attractive? I’m interested to see if he evolves over future books or if what you see is what you get. Tl;dr: there’s plenty to be riveted by here, and I can’t wait to see more. 4.5 stars.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Mary.
1,986 reviews12 followers
November 29, 2025
Oof, I’m not sure how to write this review. God bless, I love Sean. He is so deserving of a happy life, a new life, the hope of a found family in Bedford. Love KC, such a strong courageous young man, Rose, Julie, Winter, all of them. But dang, I want way better for our Sean than Tanner. What a jerk! And in the middle of all this, the suspense plot (plots?) keep Sean and the other police on their toes. One plot gets sort of resolved but now Sean must confront his past with a broken heart. Looking at you, Tanner! AG has their work cut out in the next portion of these two’s HEA journey, I’m not sure Tanner can be redeemed. But there is a slight glimmer, but major groveling, honesty will be needed. Read the content warnings! And thank goodness the second book will be out soon!
Profile Image for Chasary Mendez.
171 reviews7 followers
December 22, 2025
When I started reading this book I was immediately hooked Sean and Rose from the beginning add KC to the mix and the story started to unravel. Then Tanner shows up all hot as sin! The relationship KC & Sean have is beautiful he help KC through it all and of course being in Mother hen Tanner to mess up their dynamics. Tanner has his good qualities but he also has his bad qualities. Overall this book left me wanting more yes it’s part of a trilogy so you’re left with a cliffhanger and a cliffhanger it was so good. I love how it’s a one person POV until the very end when you get Tanners POV. You want suspense mystery enemies to lovers I totally recommend this book
29 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2025
Riptide is a sharp-edged, sexy romance with a fast-paced suspense/mystery plot that kept me glued to my Kindle. It’s a fantastic start to a new series.

It’s everything I love about enemies-to-lovers. Every confrontation between Sean and Tanner is packed with conflict, tension, and undeniable chemistry. Watching Sean’s attraction grow - amid the absolute clusterfuck he’s trying to untangle - is intense, messy, and completely addictive. Once the bullets start flying, the suspense escalates fast and never lets up.

I devoured this book and immediately downloaded the next one—bring on the rest of the Saltwater Trilogy.

Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
2,359 reviews20 followers
February 8, 2026
4.5 stars. A strong story mostly featuring Sean, a disgraced whistle-blower now working in small town law enforcement and struggling to cope with his past. After rescuing a traumatised KC, he becomes the only safe space for that young man. Tanner, KC's older brother, arrives on the scene, and although there is a strong attraction between Sean and Tanner, there are really a lot of things keeping them from becoming closer. I'm relieved that this is part one of a trilogy, as these characters and plots deserve a lot more time and depth.
254 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2026
I love this author! This mystery/suspense pulls you in from the start, when main character Sean finds a teen in trouble. There is mystery all around - Sean has secrets, his landlady Rose has secrets, teenager KC has secrets. So there is all sorts going on to keep you guessing. KC's brother Tanner brings a brooding, flawed hero into the mix - and he has secrets too! I devoured it because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next - and as it ends with a lot of unresolved issues I need book 2 in the trilogy NOW!
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,837 reviews26 followers
March 17, 2026
Riptide - Sean & Tanner’s Turmoil

‘Staying in the same space as Tanner was like wading into the ocean and straight into a riptide. Bad, bad idea…’

AG Meiers begins a fantastic MM romance with book one in the Saltwater Trilogy.

KC is a kid on the run and fortunate to come across Officer Sean Kelley, who takes him under his wing as each attempt to deal with their dangerous past.

Brilliantly written, Meiers pulls the reader deep into the story that has us feeling the pain and then the hope, once KC’s brother becomes part of the mix.

Angsty but romantic in all the best ways!
15 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2026
A great introduction to Sean. A complicated guy, Sean has a past that haunts him half way across the country, even as he tries hard to leave it behind. At first, love interest Tanner comes off as a bossy, cocky, rich jerk, and it’s hard to see the appeal. But low-and-behold, Meiers knows how to construct a character with a heart of gold, even though it’s hard to see at first. Hold on tight, though….you won’t get your HEA now, far from it. But by the time it comes around in book 3 it’s well-deserved and satisfying!
Profile Image for James Hill.
804 reviews5 followers
December 26, 2025
Rip

This book is a 4/5 for. The whole book is a big surprise. I am going to finish the series. The two main characters are two very strong and stubborn men who love an abused young man. One is a cop hiding from his troubled past and the other man is young man’s brother. Sparks fly when the two men meet. They will have to work together to protect the young man and help him heal. But will their own baggage get in the way?
Profile Image for Maggie.
Author 26 books341 followers
March 6, 2026
I enjoy a good mm romance, so when this book came up for review, I was in.

As stated in the blurb, Sean is hiding out in Maine. He’s trying not to drink away his past, but concentrate on his future, but the past is determined to catch up to him whether he likes it or not. Not only does he save a runaway teenager, but he also finds himself in the middle of a family feud between the teenager’s older brother and sister.

Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-eZG
3,676 reviews39 followers
March 17, 2026
A Mystery From the Past

A heart breaking story of a police officer, a young victim and his older brother.

You'll follow an investigation that goes back years and across state lines.

You'll find families torn apart and attraction growing between two different men spurred on by love, feelings of guilt and a desire for lost closeness.

I recommend this and can't wait to read the second book in order to get some closure and questions answered.
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
4,346 reviews45 followers
November 30, 2025
Riptide is the first book in the Saltwater trilogy and it was a really good start. This is a found family, enemies to lovers, slow burn read about Tanner and Sean. I'm enjoying this story and I liked the characters, except maybe Tanner, I'm going to keep an open mind throughout the rest of the trilogy.
Profile Image for Alicia Meyer.
1,658 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2025
Meh

I didn't get far because the writing just wasn't what I prefer. I like the concept but the writing was just poor. KC acted like a 13 year old and I just wasn't pulled in at all. I wanted to like this and was hopeful but I was disappointed.
493 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2026
OMG!! I loved this book so much. It was hot, intense, sweet and so much more. The chemistry between Sean and Tanner was off the charts. The whole story was perfect. The author's writing was brilliant. I felt like I was right there. I cannot wait for book 2!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews