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Against the Tide
An alternate title/cover for this ASIN can be found here.
One night can change forever
Megan Randall craved a distraction from her dull, monotonous life. But she got more than she bargained for with the mysterious, tattooed stranger who gave her a night she'd never forget.
When Finn James saw the alluring, dark haired, beauty across the nightclub, he had to have her. But he could never have predicted the devastation his impulsive decision would cause.
He felt like a dream.
She tasted of heaven.
But in the harsh light of day, their moment of weakness becomes a situation of nightmares. And one things for certain... nothing will ever be the same again.
One night can change forever
Megan Randall craved a distraction from her dull, monotonous life. But she got more than she bargained for with the mysterious, tattooed stranger who gave her a night she'd never forget.
When Finn James saw the alluring, dark haired, beauty across the nightclub, he had to have her. But he could never have predicted the devastation his impulsive decision would cause.
He felt like a dream.
She tasted of heaven.
But in the harsh light of day, their moment of weakness becomes a situation of nightmares. And one things for certain... nothing will ever be the same again.
279 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2015
7 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 2, 2015
4 Dramatic Stars!
Against the Tide is the story about Megan and Finn's love/hate relationship. Megan works at a tattoo shop doing body piercings. When we first meet Megan, we find out that even though she has a boyfriend there's not really a relationship there and there hasn't been for a while. She's just going through the motions. She knows he's selling some drugs on the side, but she ignores it instead of leaving him because it's what she knows and she's too afraid to make a change and be alone.
Finn on the other hand is a mechanic. His mother is terminally ill, so he's taking care of her and his little sister. To blow off a little steam he frequents a club called The Cabin where he's constantly on the lookout for her. Even though he doesn't know her name, there's just something about her that he's drawn to.
Megan and Finn continuously flirt with each other until one night their chemistry is too much to handle and they end up hooking up. After this their relationship goes on a roller coaster ride of love and hate and the drama begins. Unforeseen circumstances of that night tie Finn and Meg together in more ways than one. They both seem to be on a journey of self discovery.
I have to say the secondary characters, Torran, Kyle and Harley were great. From the little bit of attitude we saw there has to be something brewing between Harley's twin sister and Kyle. It should be interesting to watch the development between those two, but I really can't wait for Harley's book. There's just something about him that I was drawn to.
Wonderful job Nikki! Even though real life kept interrupting, causing me to take forever to read this book, I really enjoyed it.
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Against the Tide is the story about Megan and Finn's love/hate relationship. Megan works at a tattoo shop doing body piercings. When we first meet Megan, we find out that even though she has a boyfriend there's not really a relationship there and there hasn't been for a while. She's just going through the motions. She knows he's selling some drugs on the side, but she ignores it instead of leaving him because it's what she knows and she's too afraid to make a change and be alone.
Finn on the other hand is a mechanic. His mother is terminally ill, so he's taking care of her and his little sister. To blow off a little steam he frequents a club called The Cabin where he's constantly on the lookout for her. Even though he doesn't know her name, there's just something about her that he's drawn to.
Megan and Finn continuously flirt with each other until one night their chemistry is too much to handle and they end up hooking up. After this their relationship goes on a roller coaster ride of love and hate and the drama begins. Unforeseen circumstances of that night tie Finn and Meg together in more ways than one. They both seem to be on a journey of self discovery.
I have to say the secondary characters, Torran, Kyle and Harley were great. From the little bit of attitude we saw there has to be something brewing between Harley's twin sister and Kyle. It should be interesting to watch the development between those two, but I really can't wait for Harley's book. There's just something about him that I was drawn to.
Wonderful job Nikki! Even though real life kept interrupting, causing me to take forever to read this book, I really enjoyed it.
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2015
☆ I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
Nikki Groom’s third novel from her book debut and I have to say that I really and truly enjoyed it a lot.
Here, you have two individuals who just don’t have the best of luck and end up meeting one night at a nightclub.
As you may call it, that one encounter changes everything and the two find themselves on a tumultuous courtship that felt very raw, unconventional, witty at times, and very steamy.
I really liked the banter and give and take both Finn and Megan give each other as they battle their pasts and most trudge on to succumb to their futures: each other.
Great story and characters!
Nikki Groom’s third novel from her book debut and I have to say that I really and truly enjoyed it a lot.
Here, you have two individuals who just don’t have the best of luck and end up meeting one night at a nightclub.
As you may call it, that one encounter changes everything and the two find themselves on a tumultuous courtship that felt very raw, unconventional, witty at times, and very steamy.
I really liked the banter and give and take both Finn and Megan give each other as they battle their pasts and most trudge on to succumb to their futures: each other.
Great story and characters!
April 20, 2015
"You feed something in me, a desire, I can't explain it. But you also hurt my heart in the most excruciating way possible. It breaks every time I see your pretty face." Finn James.
Goodreads is asking me what I think, and I don't know if I have the words inside me that can give this book the justice it deserves but I am damn well going to try. For want of a better description, Against The Tide is fucking amazing!
No, I won't filter because this story blew my mind! I connected with it immediately. Maybe because it is set in one of my favourite parts of England and written in true southern British dialect, or maybe because from the offset this book goes from 0 to 60 in a heartbeat that gave me the shivers and rendered me speechless, and, if I'm honest, a little awed. Whatever it was, I can tell you that this book sank its talons into me and even though it hurt, I didn't want it to let go.
I am going out on a limb now to say that Against The Tide has a strong drug theme in the first few chapters and there are no hearts and flowers here, only heartache, confusion, lust, hate, and a need for revenge. I loved the moody tone, it was atmospheric and gripping without being depressing and sombre. Even though there is an element of that, the characters are too interesting to be anything but likeable even though they are trying to overcome some challenging times. But please, DO NOT let any of this deter you, because I loved how it started dark and manifested into something profoundly beautiful.
Megan and Finn are thrown together at the worst and best possible time. The girlfriend of a renowned and protected drug dealer, Megan is not naive when it comes to her high school sweetheart's career choices, but having him work away from home more often than not, Meg throws herself into her job at the local tattooists, as a body piercer. In those moments she is free doing something she loves, something honest.
Finn hasn't had a serious girlfriend before, a hook-up now and then has even lost its appeal as of late since the devastating news of his terminally ill Mother. Life has dealt a hard blow and drugs and alcohol are his escape from the harsh reality that everything is about to fall to shit.
It doesn't help that the woman he lusts after is just a shadow behind the boyfriend who thinks he owns the club he frequents. Her face a welcome sight in a world that seems so unbelievably cruel.
When she smiles, he forgets his name. When they come together in a dark alley and there is no running from the face that haunts his dreams, it only ends one way... a frantic sex session and a whispered goodbye. That is until fate deals another hard blow and Finn and Megan are thrown together under very different circumstances, and lust turns to hate, only to manifest into something real, solid, something resembling hope...
I loved how it started angsty, and manifested into something beautiful. I loved Meg and Finn even when they struggled to love themselves. Finn... he is a special kind of broken and you will just want to wrap him up in a security blanket and never let go.
Gah... I even loved Harley, Kyle and Torran even though they were secondary characters, and I can't wait for them to get their own books. The banter, the honesty, the fear, the guilt, the passion, I felt it all, but what I loved most was that Meg and Finn worked at their love and it wasn't just thrown out there within the first few chapters. It was thwart with challenges that added depth and substance. Against The Tide tackles real issues that break and destroy families, but it also focused on friendship, new beginnings and gave a message of hope.
With alternating POV's, Against The Tide paints a picture with words that I cannot get out of my head but I sure as hell don't want to. That epilogue had me shed a tear or two, that's how much this book affected me. Nikki Groom has proved her author status with this one as it shoots onto my favourite reads list of 2015.
'I've gone from wanting her, to believing I hated her, to not even being able to imagine my future without her in it.'
It is so hard not to give anything away. Avoid spoilers where you can. Go in blind. You won't be disappointed!
5 stars
Goodreads is asking me what I think, and I don't know if I have the words inside me that can give this book the justice it deserves but I am damn well going to try. For want of a better description, Against The Tide is fucking amazing!
No, I won't filter because this story blew my mind! I connected with it immediately. Maybe because it is set in one of my favourite parts of England and written in true southern British dialect, or maybe because from the offset this book goes from 0 to 60 in a heartbeat that gave me the shivers and rendered me speechless, and, if I'm honest, a little awed. Whatever it was, I can tell you that this book sank its talons into me and even though it hurt, I didn't want it to let go.
I am going out on a limb now to say that Against The Tide has a strong drug theme in the first few chapters and there are no hearts and flowers here, only heartache, confusion, lust, hate, and a need for revenge. I loved the moody tone, it was atmospheric and gripping without being depressing and sombre. Even though there is an element of that, the characters are too interesting to be anything but likeable even though they are trying to overcome some challenging times. But please, DO NOT let any of this deter you, because I loved how it started dark and manifested into something profoundly beautiful.
Megan and Finn are thrown together at the worst and best possible time. The girlfriend of a renowned and protected drug dealer, Megan is not naive when it comes to her high school sweetheart's career choices, but having him work away from home more often than not, Meg throws herself into her job at the local tattooists, as a body piercer. In those moments she is free doing something she loves, something honest.
Finn hasn't had a serious girlfriend before, a hook-up now and then has even lost its appeal as of late since the devastating news of his terminally ill Mother. Life has dealt a hard blow and drugs and alcohol are his escape from the harsh reality that everything is about to fall to shit.
It doesn't help that the woman he lusts after is just a shadow behind the boyfriend who thinks he owns the club he frequents. Her face a welcome sight in a world that seems so unbelievably cruel.
When she smiles, he forgets his name. When they come together in a dark alley and there is no running from the face that haunts his dreams, it only ends one way... a frantic sex session and a whispered goodbye. That is until fate deals another hard blow and Finn and Megan are thrown together under very different circumstances, and lust turns to hate, only to manifest into something real, solid, something resembling hope...
I loved how it started angsty, and manifested into something beautiful. I loved Meg and Finn even when they struggled to love themselves. Finn... he is a special kind of broken and you will just want to wrap him up in a security blanket and never let go.
Gah... I even loved Harley, Kyle and Torran even though they were secondary characters, and I can't wait for them to get their own books. The banter, the honesty, the fear, the guilt, the passion, I felt it all, but what I loved most was that Meg and Finn worked at their love and it wasn't just thrown out there within the first few chapters. It was thwart with challenges that added depth and substance. Against The Tide tackles real issues that break and destroy families, but it also focused on friendship, new beginnings and gave a message of hope.
With alternating POV's, Against The Tide paints a picture with words that I cannot get out of my head but I sure as hell don't want to. That epilogue had me shed a tear or two, that's how much this book affected me. Nikki Groom has proved her author status with this one as it shoots onto my favourite reads list of 2015.
'I've gone from wanting her, to believing I hated her, to not even being able to imagine my future without her in it.'
It is so hard not to give anything away. Avoid spoilers where you can. Go in blind. You won't be disappointed!
5 stars
July 25, 2015
Against the Tide by Nikki Groom
3.5 stars!!
I do love a love/hate relationship and this one is a good one, all that pent up aggression and frustration just spills over into some of the hottest and most passionate scenes whereby you cannot help but go PHEW! Nikki Groom really captures that sentiment in this book and what I loved the most was that you knew deep down that these two actually fancied the pants off each other and really they were incredibly well suited. In this book it is circumstances and situations that fuel that love/hate, whereas if they had met another time or another place you knew that things would have progressed totally differently.
Megan works at a tattoo parlour and has been with her boyfriend for five years but he does his thing and she does hers, even though they are “together” they are not really and have not been for quite a while. These two have drifted apart and their ideals and aspirations are totally opposite from one another. Megan knows that it is time to move on but he is not an easy man to get away from. One night though all that changes, Megan is finally given the kick that she needs to make that break and this is also the same night that she finally gets to speak to the man that has captured her attention for the past few months…their eyes have always found each others and that is as far as it has gone…but that night…club…alleyway…HOT!!
Finn is a mechanic and to be honest his life is a bit of a mess at the moment, he spends all his waking moments trying to look after his terminally ill mum and his little sister. He does anything and everything he can to keep his mum and sister comfortable; they are his main focus in life. On the rare nights when he unwinds he goes to a club, this is THE club where he sees her…their eyes always connect as if they seek each other of their own accord. There is something about her, something that cannot keep his eyes away, but she has always been an enigma, someone he looks at but never touches, never talks to, but he wants to.
Their paths cross and this is where this story really begins and from this point I cannot say anything more, you need to read it and experience it for yourself. This book does contain plots that revolve around drug abuse in the beginning and the fall out thereafter.
I have to say I was hooked while reading this book, the song and dance and push and pull was perfectly written capturing that will they won’t they feeling as their story progresses. I felt their chemistry and it oozed off the page and it is this that has you championing these two from the beginning. There is a fair amount of drama and angst but at no time did I feel it was too much. It all had its purpose. I loved the secondary characters as well, Kyle and Harley had me itching for their story, especially Harley, and I bet his will be a hoot if the author takes that route. Torran was also an enigma; I want to know more about him too…I am sure that secretly he has a bit of a crush on Megan.
For me, this would have been a solid 4 star read had I not felt it was rushed at the end and while I loved the epilogue I felt that it still left some doors open and I didn’t really feel that their story had come full circle. This maybe because it will be continued in the other characters stories?? I just felt a bit empty at the end. But overall I loved it and I hope that their will be more from this series. I loved that it was set in the UK and loved the typically British dialogue. This was my first read by Nikki Groom and it won’t be my last.
www.theromancecover.com
3.5 stars!!
“I’m done fighting against the tide, it’s time to move with it.”
I do love a love/hate relationship and this one is a good one, all that pent up aggression and frustration just spills over into some of the hottest and most passionate scenes whereby you cannot help but go PHEW! Nikki Groom really captures that sentiment in this book and what I loved the most was that you knew deep down that these two actually fancied the pants off each other and really they were incredibly well suited. In this book it is circumstances and situations that fuel that love/hate, whereas if they had met another time or another place you knew that things would have progressed totally differently.
Megan works at a tattoo parlour and has been with her boyfriend for five years but he does his thing and she does hers, even though they are “together” they are not really and have not been for quite a while. These two have drifted apart and their ideals and aspirations are totally opposite from one another. Megan knows that it is time to move on but he is not an easy man to get away from. One night though all that changes, Megan is finally given the kick that she needs to make that break and this is also the same night that she finally gets to speak to the man that has captured her attention for the past few months…their eyes have always found each others and that is as far as it has gone…but that night…club…alleyway…HOT!!
“…I don’t know who stole your fun, but I’m going to give it back to you.”
Finn is a mechanic and to be honest his life is a bit of a mess at the moment, he spends all his waking moments trying to look after his terminally ill mum and his little sister. He does anything and everything he can to keep his mum and sister comfortable; they are his main focus in life. On the rare nights when he unwinds he goes to a club, this is THE club where he sees her…their eyes always connect as if they seek each other of their own accord. There is something about her, something that cannot keep his eyes away, but she has always been an enigma, someone he looks at but never touches, never talks to, but he wants to.
“…it’s like he sings in a pitch that only I can hear. I know he’s there before I see him…”
Their paths cross and this is where this story really begins and from this point I cannot say anything more, you need to read it and experience it for yourself. This book does contain plots that revolve around drug abuse in the beginning and the fall out thereafter.
I have to say I was hooked while reading this book, the song and dance and push and pull was perfectly written capturing that will they won’t they feeling as their story progresses. I felt their chemistry and it oozed off the page and it is this that has you championing these two from the beginning. There is a fair amount of drama and angst but at no time did I feel it was too much. It all had its purpose. I loved the secondary characters as well, Kyle and Harley had me itching for their story, especially Harley, and I bet his will be a hoot if the author takes that route. Torran was also an enigma; I want to know more about him too…I am sure that secretly he has a bit of a crush on Megan.
“I’d choose you in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred different worlds.”
For me, this would have been a solid 4 star read had I not felt it was rushed at the end and while I loved the epilogue I felt that it still left some doors open and I didn’t really feel that their story had come full circle. This maybe because it will be continued in the other characters stories?? I just felt a bit empty at the end. But overall I loved it and I hope that their will be more from this series. I loved that it was set in the UK and loved the typically British dialogue. This was my first read by Nikki Groom and it won’t be my last.
www.theromancecover.com
June 18, 2015
4 solid stars
First off, gotta say that's a great cover!!
I was chuffed to bits that Nikki asked me to read her new book, it's so completely different to her first one which was okay for me and reviewed really well, but this one is much better.
You can't beat a gritty, erotic British read! Throw in tat's and piercing's, some hot sex (loved the alley scene!), great H/h characters, I liked both Meg and Finn, a cracking cast of back characters to bring through into book 2 and a decent story that got better and better and you have yourself a solid 4.
Loved the dual POV's. I didn't connect as deeply as I wanted to with Meg and Finn but I think that's due the story itself which starts low with drugs, death and sorrow but does pick up around the 25% mark.
This could be read as a standalone read - there isn't a cliffhanger and I think more in the series could work well as the sadness (no spoilers!) in this one will have passed.
PRE_REVIEW:!!
Ooh this looks terrific
First off, gotta say that's a great cover!!
I was chuffed to bits that Nikki asked me to read her new book, it's so completely different to her first one which was okay for me and reviewed really well, but this one is much better.
You can't beat a gritty, erotic British read! Throw in tat's and piercing's, some hot sex (loved the alley scene!), great H/h characters, I liked both Meg and Finn, a cracking cast of back characters to bring through into book 2 and a decent story that got better and better and you have yourself a solid 4.
Loved the dual POV's. I didn't connect as deeply as I wanted to with Meg and Finn but I think that's due the story itself which starts low with drugs, death and sorrow but does pick up around the 25% mark.
This could be read as a standalone read - there isn't a cliffhanger and I think more in the series could work well as the sadness (no spoilers!) in this one will have passed.
PRE_REVIEW:!!
Ooh this looks terrific
May 17, 2015
4.5 Crowns
A Standalone novel, unrelated to the authors 'The Kingdom' series.
This is the story of two damaged people. She is lonely, stuck in a world that some might want, but a world that she has come to hate. He is surrounded by the love of both his friends and family, but is struggling to come to terms with something he has no control over. Meet Megan and Finn; this is their story.
Megan is living with her long-term boyfriend Damien, in a huge town house near the Marina in Brighton, East Sussex. A body piercer by trade, she loves what she does but that is about all she loves about her life. Feeling trapped in her relationship with Damien, she struggles with his need to control her and his position as Brighton's drug kingpin. He provides her with material goods that most people would dream of, but it has become a burden and she is finding it harder and harder to maintain the mask of happiness she feels slipping away a little more each day.
Finn's life is changing. The man of the house for years, his main goal in life is protecting and providing for his mother Kathy and younger sister Lizzie. Having dabbled with drugs over the years, both as a form of income and recreational pastime, he finds himself turning to them once again to blot out the pain of having to watch his mum die from the brain tumour she has recently been diagnosed with. His best friends, Harley and Kyle are a huge support, but no one can provide him the escapism that a tiny white pill can.
One night is about to change the paths that both Megan and Finn are on. A hook-up between two people inexplicably drawn to each other will have repercussions that no one could see coming. Tragedy, secrets, lies, blame and a boat full of suspense. Will they beat the tide that seems against them? or will they sink in the emotions that threaten to drown them both?
What an amazing book. This is my first Nikki Groom book, but it most certainly won't be my last. I could totally relate to the world she has created and loved the voice she has so eloquently wrote it with. This is British writing at it's best. As a reader I found it a refreshing change to read about the streets I have walked, a language I speak and a tale that is raw, honest and one that could well be happening as I write in towns and cities across the U.K.
It delves into the drug culture/club scene that many young people jump into every Friday and Saturday night, but Nikki doesn't stop there. She moves this storyline into a whole new territory and it quickly becomes a fast-paced suspense with a heavy dose of family, friends and an undeniable connection and attraction between two people that find it hard to walk away, no matter the cost.
You will love both Finn and Megan, they are a true reflection of British 20 somethings, and they have a magnetism that sizzles of the page. But not content with that, Nikki has also created a secondary cast that has depth and most certainly their own stories that I hope will be told. Harley is the firm, no nonsense, voice of reason and Kyle, well he added the much needed light moments in this gritty read.
If you are a fan of true contemporary romance, heavy on grit and raw in it's honesty, this is an absolute MUST READ!! Big up the Brits, Nikki Groom has wrote a book that highlights the talents of indie authors this side of the pond!
A Standalone novel, unrelated to the authors 'The Kingdom' series.
This is the story of two damaged people. She is lonely, stuck in a world that some might want, but a world that she has come to hate. He is surrounded by the love of both his friends and family, but is struggling to come to terms with something he has no control over. Meet Megan and Finn; this is their story.
Megan is living with her long-term boyfriend Damien, in a huge town house near the Marina in Brighton, East Sussex. A body piercer by trade, she loves what she does but that is about all she loves about her life. Feeling trapped in her relationship with Damien, she struggles with his need to control her and his position as Brighton's drug kingpin. He provides her with material goods that most people would dream of, but it has become a burden and she is finding it harder and harder to maintain the mask of happiness she feels slipping away a little more each day.
Finn's life is changing. The man of the house for years, his main goal in life is protecting and providing for his mother Kathy and younger sister Lizzie. Having dabbled with drugs over the years, both as a form of income and recreational pastime, he finds himself turning to them once again to blot out the pain of having to watch his mum die from the brain tumour she has recently been diagnosed with. His best friends, Harley and Kyle are a huge support, but no one can provide him the escapism that a tiny white pill can.
One night is about to change the paths that both Megan and Finn are on. A hook-up between two people inexplicably drawn to each other will have repercussions that no one could see coming. Tragedy, secrets, lies, blame and a boat full of suspense. Will they beat the tide that seems against them? or will they sink in the emotions that threaten to drown them both?
What an amazing book. This is my first Nikki Groom book, but it most certainly won't be my last. I could totally relate to the world she has created and loved the voice she has so eloquently wrote it with. This is British writing at it's best. As a reader I found it a refreshing change to read about the streets I have walked, a language I speak and a tale that is raw, honest and one that could well be happening as I write in towns and cities across the U.K.
It delves into the drug culture/club scene that many young people jump into every Friday and Saturday night, but Nikki doesn't stop there. She moves this storyline into a whole new territory and it quickly becomes a fast-paced suspense with a heavy dose of family, friends and an undeniable connection and attraction between two people that find it hard to walk away, no matter the cost.
You will love both Finn and Megan, they are a true reflection of British 20 somethings, and they have a magnetism that sizzles of the page. But not content with that, Nikki has also created a secondary cast that has depth and most certainly their own stories that I hope will be told. Harley is the firm, no nonsense, voice of reason and Kyle, well he added the much needed light moments in this gritty read.
If you are a fan of true contemporary romance, heavy on grit and raw in it's honesty, this is an absolute MUST READ!! Big up the Brits, Nikki Groom has wrote a book that highlights the talents of indie authors this side of the pond!
April 15, 2015
After reading Nikki’s first two books Holding Aces and High Stakes and absolutely LOVING them, you can only imagine how excited I was to get my hands on this book. Yet again I had my mind blown! The quality of Nikki’s writing keeps everything fluent and smooth.
Megan found herself in the middle of a mess when she was naive and ignorant to some wrong doings around her, the less she knew the better right? Her long time sweetheart turned into a stranger so she wanted an out.
Introducing Finn the hotty across the club. Going through a rough time himself feeling responsible for his sister and his mum.
One night of letting loose turned into something more.
Finn and Megan had such a magnetic pull between them you couldn’t help but hold your breath and wait for the outcome! Nikki’s writing again keeps you captivated and intrigued with all the feels, I laughed and cried and everything in between, as if I was there with the characters watching everything play out before my very eyes.
The supporting characters were charismatic, Harley, Kyle and Jamie my ultimate faves! The camaraderie between the boys is at times hilarious, and there were a few times I would have spat my drink out laughing (if I was drinking) at the bluntness of Jamie, who doesn’t have one of ‘those’ friends?
The plot twists were totally unexpected and kept you reading on as fast as you possibly could.
The thing that stood out the most for me was the raw emotions created. Not only was the scene set in enough detail for you to picture it like a movie but the moods flitting across the pages were intense and awe inspiring.
Thoroughly enjoyed this Nikki, Thank You and keep them coming! <3
Megan found herself in the middle of a mess when she was naive and ignorant to some wrong doings around her, the less she knew the better right? Her long time sweetheart turned into a stranger so she wanted an out.
Introducing Finn the hotty across the club. Going through a rough time himself feeling responsible for his sister and his mum.
One night of letting loose turned into something more.
Finn and Megan had such a magnetic pull between them you couldn’t help but hold your breath and wait for the outcome! Nikki’s writing again keeps you captivated and intrigued with all the feels, I laughed and cried and everything in between, as if I was there with the characters watching everything play out before my very eyes.
The supporting characters were charismatic, Harley, Kyle and Jamie my ultimate faves! The camaraderie between the boys is at times hilarious, and there were a few times I would have spat my drink out laughing (if I was drinking) at the bluntness of Jamie, who doesn’t have one of ‘those’ friends?
The plot twists were totally unexpected and kept you reading on as fast as you possibly could.
The thing that stood out the most for me was the raw emotions created. Not only was the scene set in enough detail for you to picture it like a movie but the moods flitting across the pages were intense and awe inspiring.
Thoroughly enjoyed this Nikki, Thank You and keep them coming! <3
May 27, 2015
4.5 Stars by Jen Skewes
Against the Tide is the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be my last. I loved this book. My goodness did Nikki Groom take me on one heck of a ride. I felt all of the emotions with this book, it was at times so raw and intense and plenty of drama and angst to keep you immersed in this story. I did not want to put this book down.
Meg has been in a relationship with her boyfriend for the past five years. But things have changed and the boy that she fell in love with in high school is not the same man that he is today. He is possessive and while he loves her and gives her everything she could ever want she is tired of the life that she lives with him. Her boyfriend is a drug dealer and while she has always known what he does she is at the point where she doesn’t want that life any more but at the same time is afraid of leaving and being alone.
Finn has never been in a relationship before. His main concern in life is to take care of his dying mother and protect his little sister. He loves his family and they mean the world to him. To blow off some stress Finn frequents a club and one night he sees this woman across the crowded room. He has no idea who she is but he feels some sort of connection with her. Like he feels her in the room before even seeing her. He cannot explain but he knows that she feels it too. And she does. When Meg looks him in the eyes she feels that same connection. And one night she finally decides to follow him and they end up having one very hot moment together. But when that one moment is over and they go back to their friends at the bar they both find that their life will never be the same again. The paths that they thought they were on, have just been changed. And at this moment all the passion that Finn felt for Meg just turned to hate.
Something happens that cause Finn to blame himself for, but he also blames Meg. He wants to hate her, but he can't. He blames her for his pain but at the same time he cannot help the feelings he has for her and hates himself for even wanting her. This is where Meg and Finn’s love/hate relationship starts. There are moments between the two of them that is just so raw and so intense that I felt my heart beating out of my chest. I was not sure what would happen with Meg and Finn or where their story would even go. But I did know that I wanted them together. Because beneath the hate there was a man who was lost in a world filled with pain and guilt. He was a man who was capable of loving Meg, you just had to find him and bring him back to life.
Finn was such a good guy. Something happened in his life that caused him to go down this very dark road. But with the help of his loving friends he was pulled out of the darkness and brought back to the light. He realized how horrible of a person he had been and swore he was going to make things right with Meg. He would do everything he could to get her to forgive him and give him a second chance. And once you see the real Finn you will fall in love with him. Well to be honest I fell in love with him from the beginning but you will love him even more. Him and Meg were so good together. I loved the witty banter back and forth and the chemistry between them was off the charts. They were connected in so many ways and while they both wanted each other I think they both needed to find themselves. This was a journey about self discovery for both of these characters an in order to find love they needed to find themselves and accept the path that they now had to face.
Nikki Groom did such an amazing job with this story. There is a heck of a lot of drama, suspense, some hot scenes, and a lot of emotion. I was on the edge of my seat just waiting to find out what happened next. And the supporting characters were a fantastic addition to this story. I am hoping they we get to see Torran, Harley and Kyle get their own story’s because I loved all three of them. And I am wondering if Loretta will be the one woman that can actually tame Kyle. This was an excellent story and I look forward to reading more from this author!!
Against the Tide is the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be my last. I loved this book. My goodness did Nikki Groom take me on one heck of a ride. I felt all of the emotions with this book, it was at times so raw and intense and plenty of drama and angst to keep you immersed in this story. I did not want to put this book down.
Meg has been in a relationship with her boyfriend for the past five years. But things have changed and the boy that she fell in love with in high school is not the same man that he is today. He is possessive and while he loves her and gives her everything she could ever want she is tired of the life that she lives with him. Her boyfriend is a drug dealer and while she has always known what he does she is at the point where she doesn’t want that life any more but at the same time is afraid of leaving and being alone.
Finn has never been in a relationship before. His main concern in life is to take care of his dying mother and protect his little sister. He loves his family and they mean the world to him. To blow off some stress Finn frequents a club and one night he sees this woman across the crowded room. He has no idea who she is but he feels some sort of connection with her. Like he feels her in the room before even seeing her. He cannot explain but he knows that she feels it too. And she does. When Meg looks him in the eyes she feels that same connection. And one night she finally decides to follow him and they end up having one very hot moment together. But when that one moment is over and they go back to their friends at the bar they both find that their life will never be the same again. The paths that they thought they were on, have just been changed. And at this moment all the passion that Finn felt for Meg just turned to hate.
Something happens that cause Finn to blame himself for, but he also blames Meg. He wants to hate her, but he can't. He blames her for his pain but at the same time he cannot help the feelings he has for her and hates himself for even wanting her. This is where Meg and Finn’s love/hate relationship starts. There are moments between the two of them that is just so raw and so intense that I felt my heart beating out of my chest. I was not sure what would happen with Meg and Finn or where their story would even go. But I did know that I wanted them together. Because beneath the hate there was a man who was lost in a world filled with pain and guilt. He was a man who was capable of loving Meg, you just had to find him and bring him back to life.
Finn was such a good guy. Something happened in his life that caused him to go down this very dark road. But with the help of his loving friends he was pulled out of the darkness and brought back to the light. He realized how horrible of a person he had been and swore he was going to make things right with Meg. He would do everything he could to get her to forgive him and give him a second chance. And once you see the real Finn you will fall in love with him. Well to be honest I fell in love with him from the beginning but you will love him even more. Him and Meg were so good together. I loved the witty banter back and forth and the chemistry between them was off the charts. They were connected in so many ways and while they both wanted each other I think they both needed to find themselves. This was a journey about self discovery for both of these characters an in order to find love they needed to find themselves and accept the path that they now had to face.
Nikki Groom did such an amazing job with this story. There is a heck of a lot of drama, suspense, some hot scenes, and a lot of emotion. I was on the edge of my seat just waiting to find out what happened next. And the supporting characters were a fantastic addition to this story. I am hoping they we get to see Torran, Harley and Kyle get their own story’s because I loved all three of them. And I am wondering if Loretta will be the one woman that can actually tame Kyle. This was an excellent story and I look forward to reading more from this author!!
May 2, 2015
I was honored to be able to beta read this book. I had fallen in love with Nikki Grooms first two books and her style of writing but she has really grown into an even more brilliant author with the unique story of Finn and Megan.
This story isn’t rushed, yet it flows consistently and packed with action and events that will keep you invested and turning those pages. Megan and Finn both are coming from heart break and disaster, so when they see each other across a crowded club they know that there is something there, love, passion, hope or escape, it didn’t matter it was better than what they had. Of course hope doesn’t instantly surface, it is just that, a hope, maybe a dream of escape, either way, they find themselves in an alley giving into a few moments of lust that will open up a ton of wounds that will need to heal.
Finn will face a level of loss that could crumble him, if not for the need to care for his mother who is dying, I am not sure Finn would have found a reason to go on. He had some good friends who cared and helped him but how his sister died will never release his soul from the guilt and pain he feels. Someone is to blame and his anger needs to be released but Megan might not be able to handle his rage.
Megan is trying to get away from a drug dealing abusive boyfriend. She just wants to be free of his behavior and business but she has nowhere to go. She left her family for him years back and now she isn’t so sure they will take her back. Sure she sees something in Finn that keeps drawing her to him but when he lashes out she is firm that this won’t be accepted in her life again. How many chances can she take in life before it just becomes to difficult to stand back up?
On the occasions Finn and Megan give into the lust and attractions, new bonds are created between them yet neither know if being together is even possible. One gives the other a chance to love and in their lives, the other is terrified of life and losing another person. Revenge fuels their soul. It will take something big or an event to bond them together. I am not giving hints; you will have to read to find out.
I loved how the author wrote this. It truly came across to the reader as two lost hearts, roaming the streets, passing each other once in a while…….trying to find their meaning in life. It takes not a chance encounter but a huge shove from fate to make them finally stop and talk. Watching the characters, slowly emerge from their sheltered cocoon to bloom into mature adults who take risks for love, was a beautiful journey that the author took us on. Suspense, crime, loss and pain all surrounded by fate, love and value of the human spirit is what you will be exposed to in this beautiful book. Grab yours now.
This story isn’t rushed, yet it flows consistently and packed with action and events that will keep you invested and turning those pages. Megan and Finn both are coming from heart break and disaster, so when they see each other across a crowded club they know that there is something there, love, passion, hope or escape, it didn’t matter it was better than what they had. Of course hope doesn’t instantly surface, it is just that, a hope, maybe a dream of escape, either way, they find themselves in an alley giving into a few moments of lust that will open up a ton of wounds that will need to heal.
Finn will face a level of loss that could crumble him, if not for the need to care for his mother who is dying, I am not sure Finn would have found a reason to go on. He had some good friends who cared and helped him but how his sister died will never release his soul from the guilt and pain he feels. Someone is to blame and his anger needs to be released but Megan might not be able to handle his rage.
Megan is trying to get away from a drug dealing abusive boyfriend. She just wants to be free of his behavior and business but she has nowhere to go. She left her family for him years back and now she isn’t so sure they will take her back. Sure she sees something in Finn that keeps drawing her to him but when he lashes out she is firm that this won’t be accepted in her life again. How many chances can she take in life before it just becomes to difficult to stand back up?
On the occasions Finn and Megan give into the lust and attractions, new bonds are created between them yet neither know if being together is even possible. One gives the other a chance to love and in their lives, the other is terrified of life and losing another person. Revenge fuels their soul. It will take something big or an event to bond them together. I am not giving hints; you will have to read to find out.
I loved how the author wrote this. It truly came across to the reader as two lost hearts, roaming the streets, passing each other once in a while…….trying to find their meaning in life. It takes not a chance encounter but a huge shove from fate to make them finally stop and talk. Watching the characters, slowly emerge from their sheltered cocoon to bloom into mature adults who take risks for love, was a beautiful journey that the author took us on. Suspense, crime, loss and pain all surrounded by fate, love and value of the human spirit is what you will be exposed to in this beautiful book. Grab yours now.
April 15, 2015
Against The Tide
By Nikki Groom
4.5 stars
*****WARNING THIS BOOK CONTAINS ADULT SITUATIONS*********
*****OVER 18 STRONGLY SUGGESTED******
This review may contain some spoilers
This book was given to my for my honest opinion
The characters in this book are Finn. He is a mechanic. Finn lives with his best mate Harley. He looks after his little sister, and takes care of his mother.
Megan lives with her boyfriend who was her high school sweet heart. She is very unhappy with him. He is doing drugs, and keeps leaving her alone all the time.
This is a story about alot of loss. Maggie has been going to a club with her boyfriend. At the club she feels a need to seek out a stranger who keeps showing up. The stranger Finn feels the same attraction to her every time they are at the club they only stare at each other. His friends have noticed the stares and are razzing him to do something about it. As he works up the courage to go to her he runs into his 19 year old sister. Thrown off by this he heads outside to cool off asking his friends to keep an eye on his sister. Outside he gets his first meeting with his beautiful stranger and it is one he will never forget. When she abruptly runs back into the club he follows only to find out that his sister took something while he was gone. Finn's life changes in the blink of an eye in that moment. What ever would have been with the mystery women is forgotten. Megan has no clue what is wrong with her. She has never acted this way before. She runs into the club to get a drink, and her boyfriend is waiting for her seems he sold some bad drugs to someone. Now hes running, but Megan won't run so he runs without her. Megan is through with everything and definitely with the mystery man but he may have left her with something that won't let her be through with him yet.
What can I say about this book. It was very different, and fast paced. With a few unexpected turns. Danger at every turn it will keep you turning the pages one after the other till the end.
By Nikki Groom
4.5 stars
*****WARNING THIS BOOK CONTAINS ADULT SITUATIONS*********
*****OVER 18 STRONGLY SUGGESTED******
This review may contain some spoilers
This book was given to my for my honest opinion
The characters in this book are Finn. He is a mechanic. Finn lives with his best mate Harley. He looks after his little sister, and takes care of his mother.
Megan lives with her boyfriend who was her high school sweet heart. She is very unhappy with him. He is doing drugs, and keeps leaving her alone all the time.
This is a story about alot of loss. Maggie has been going to a club with her boyfriend. At the club she feels a need to seek out a stranger who keeps showing up. The stranger Finn feels the same attraction to her every time they are at the club they only stare at each other. His friends have noticed the stares and are razzing him to do something about it. As he works up the courage to go to her he runs into his 19 year old sister. Thrown off by this he heads outside to cool off asking his friends to keep an eye on his sister. Outside he gets his first meeting with his beautiful stranger and it is one he will never forget. When she abruptly runs back into the club he follows only to find out that his sister took something while he was gone. Finn's life changes in the blink of an eye in that moment. What ever would have been with the mystery women is forgotten. Megan has no clue what is wrong with her. She has never acted this way before. She runs into the club to get a drink, and her boyfriend is waiting for her seems he sold some bad drugs to someone. Now hes running, but Megan won't run so he runs without her. Megan is through with everything and definitely with the mystery man but he may have left her with something that won't let her be through with him yet.
What can I say about this book. It was very different, and fast paced. With a few unexpected turns. Danger at every turn it will keep you turning the pages one after the other till the end.
April 14, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Against The Tide from Nikki Groom!
I have been looking forward to reading this book since I saw the very first teaser! It was amazing! This is now my favourite book by Nikki! Make sure you set aside enough time to read this in one go as you will not want to put it down!
We meet Megan and Finn two characters that both are not having a very easy time of things. The two have been catching each other's eyes across a crowded club for a while now. The night they actually come together is the start of a downward spiral for both of them! Megan is a strong character all piercings and tattoos with a loud mouth. Finn isn't one to go after women he has too much happening in his personal life to worry about relationships.
I am not saying anymore as you have to read it and experience it all first hand! Against The Tide is packed full of emotion, it's not very often a book can reduce me to actual tears, but this one did and that in itself is a feat! I cried more than once! There's plenty of giggles to be had and the chemistry between Meg and Finn was so hot I'm actually quite jealous! Be prepared to be shocked there's no guessing what's gonna happen in this story!
I absolutely loved this book and am going to be recommending it to all my book friends as a must read! I am now left feeling lost as I don't think another book will quite match up to this one for quite some time! Five stars isn't enough, but that's the most I'm allowed to give in here! Thank you for sharing this amazing story with us Nikki Groom!
I have been looking forward to reading this book since I saw the very first teaser! It was amazing! This is now my favourite book by Nikki! Make sure you set aside enough time to read this in one go as you will not want to put it down!
We meet Megan and Finn two characters that both are not having a very easy time of things. The two have been catching each other's eyes across a crowded club for a while now. The night they actually come together is the start of a downward spiral for both of them! Megan is a strong character all piercings and tattoos with a loud mouth. Finn isn't one to go after women he has too much happening in his personal life to worry about relationships.
I am not saying anymore as you have to read it and experience it all first hand! Against The Tide is packed full of emotion, it's not very often a book can reduce me to actual tears, but this one did and that in itself is a feat! I cried more than once! There's plenty of giggles to be had and the chemistry between Meg and Finn was so hot I'm actually quite jealous! Be prepared to be shocked there's no guessing what's gonna happen in this story!
I absolutely loved this book and am going to be recommending it to all my book friends as a must read! I am now left feeling lost as I don't think another book will quite match up to this one for quite some time! Five stars isn't enough, but that's the most I'm allowed to give in here! Thank you for sharing this amazing story with us Nikki Groom!
November 30, 2016
I have been struggling with this review. Why? Because I didn’t feel like I loved the book when I was done but as I tried to process the story. The word love kept coming to mind. I finally settled with the fact that this book became the book I love to hate or is that hate to love. Honestly, it really doesn’t matter.
I think I struggled with the illegal drug use by some of the characters. I understand the plot side of Damian’s profession. I can even forgive Megan’s use while she is with Damian but Finn’s behavior at the club just didn’t do anything to endear him to me. Since Damian was aware of Finn and Megan’s attraction long before they acted on it, I was left wondering if Liz’s death was more premeditated than we really know.
What I absolutely loved was Finn and Megan’s journey. And because I feel like I’m just giving too much of this story away. I’m going to leave it as you need to read this book, yes, you may want to through it at the wall a time or two but I promise the end is worth it.
I think I struggled with the illegal drug use by some of the characters. I understand the plot side of Damian’s profession. I can even forgive Megan’s use while she is with Damian but Finn’s behavior at the club just didn’t do anything to endear him to me. Since Damian was aware of Finn and Megan’s attraction long before they acted on it, I was left wondering if Liz’s death was more premeditated than we really know.
What I absolutely loved was Finn and Megan’s journey. And because I feel like I’m just giving too much of this story away. I’m going to leave it as you need to read this book, yes, you may want to through it at the wall a time or two but I promise the end is worth it.
April 3, 2015
I'm a huge fan of this author as I love Holding Aces and High Stakes. I had high hopes for this book and I really wanted to like it but I didnt like it....I LOVED IT. From the get go I was dragged into the story. The writing is amazing & so is the story & the love/hate relationship between Megan & Finn. Loved the banter they had & the passion was off the scale, so freaking HOT. Loved Finns relationship with Kyle & Harley & how they respected & cared for one another & also how his friends love Finns mum. It made me cry at the end writing what he found (wont give anything away) & the loss he suffered was hard to read at times but relevant to the story. Five million stars from me Nikki. Well done lovey you did it. Would love to read more about Torran. He's a very intriguing character & would love to read more of Kyle, Harley & Jamie too. Fantastic third book. Very Well done. xxxx
May 19, 2015
A huge 5 stars!!!!
I loved this....I've never read anything from this author but I'm so so glad I read this but it was bloody AWESOME!!! I loved the emotion, the angst, the storyline was AMAZING and I loved that it was set at the seaside being british myself I love British settings!!!
I totally loved Meg and Finn I did feel sorry for Meg the way Finn treats her at first but also totally understandable I suppose....I'm not saying anything else my lips are sealed I went into this book totally blind and I think you should too it makes the story and the feelings you get that much more!!!
Will definitely be looking out for more from Nikki Groom as there could be a book from Kyle coming....claps hands....and that is straight from the lady herself!!!! :) <3
I loved this....I've never read anything from this author but I'm so so glad I read this but it was bloody AWESOME!!! I loved the emotion, the angst, the storyline was AMAZING and I loved that it was set at the seaside being british myself I love British settings!!!
I totally loved Meg and Finn I did feel sorry for Meg the way Finn treats her at first but also totally understandable I suppose....I'm not saying anything else my lips are sealed I went into this book totally blind and I think you should too it makes the story and the feelings you get that much more!!!
Will definitely be looking out for more from Nikki Groom as there could be a book from Kyle coming....claps hands....and that is straight from the lady herself!!!! :) <3
May 9, 2015
Loved Against the Tide. It's gritty, but it's also an easy read. It'll want you to turn page after page. Until your finished with the book. That is why it only took me 6hrs to read. Nikki grabs your attention from the 1st page and she doesn't let go.
You'll fall in love with Finn straight away, Meg is a girl who you'll love as a best friend. It's got love, death betrayal heartache. All you need for a great novel. All of Nikki's characters are strong willed and in need of their own stories. I know my copy of this book will be past from pillar to post, in a good way of course. This book has made me want to download Nikki's other novels. So I'm now off to Amazon in search of them.
Enjoy x
You'll fall in love with Finn straight away, Meg is a girl who you'll love as a best friend. It's got love, death betrayal heartache. All you need for a great novel. All of Nikki's characters are strong willed and in need of their own stories. I know my copy of this book will be past from pillar to post, in a good way of course. This book has made me want to download Nikki's other novels. So I'm now off to Amazon in search of them.
Enjoy x
November 28, 2016
When someone across a room catches your attention and will not get out of your mind, what would you do? In the case of Megan, try to ignore it. She has a possessive boyfriend who thinks of her more as arm candy than an equal. But when his dodgy dealing finally catch up with him and throws Megan and Finn together, can they really make anything work. Secrets, lies and heart break are a common theme throughout the book. But can the heart get what the head says you can’t have??
I was soooo happy to see Torren in this book, we met him in Lovestrong, and I love the guy. I really hope he gets his happy ever after soon.
Definitely worth a read, a complete stand alone and a great read.
I was soooo happy to see Torren in this book, we met him in Lovestrong, and I love the guy. I really hope he gets his happy ever after soon.
Definitely worth a read, a complete stand alone and a great read.
July 12, 2015
Holy flippin' hotness!
This book wastes no time getting the party started! People are getting high, doing shots, getting screwed in an alley and overdosing!
I can't even describe all the emotions that you will feel while reading this. You just have to read it.
nd it some hot panty melting scenes, too! ;)
This book wastes no time getting the party started! People are getting high, doing shots, getting screwed in an alley and overdosing!
I can't even describe all the emotions that you will feel while reading this. You just have to read it.
nd it some hot panty melting scenes, too! ;)
April 20, 2015
I cannot actually put into words how much I loved this book!! Meg and Finn were amazing! I loved them! Nikki has done it again and written another amazing book!! Love this author!!
June 2, 2015
4 Stars!!!
June 16, 2015
A good book... With good characters and story but not so written by mature hands...
November 28, 2016
Megan & Finn are two loss souls on a journey when they come together. This eloquently written novel is well developed with no plot holes. What a wonderful story that will touch your heart & have you in tears. The premise is engaging & kept me captivated the whole time. I love the highly entertaining character's. A sweet & sexy spicy hot read that you won't want to put down. This novel offers humour, mystery, suspense along with a emotionally gripping story. I volunteerly reviewed an advance reading copy.
December 1, 2017
Poor Finn. He has so much going on in his life. He is a happy go lucky guy living his life in Brighton. Circumstances beyond his control affect how his life progresses.
April 3, 2015
3.5 Stars / 3 Flames
Drama, Drama Drama! (to the tune of Marsha! Marsha! Marsha!)
Let me say it again - Drama. This book was chock full of it. If you enjoy love-hate relationships, hate sex, and roller coaster love stories - this book is for you. It was well-written despite all the ups and downs... but the drama just got to be too much for me. I realized on the way home today that PMS had turned me into a whiney bitchy shrew this week, so I may be under-rating some of the books I have read. So keep that in mind while reading this review.
The main characters of this book are Meghan and Finn (love this name!). I am not sure that their ages were ever mentioned... but I think they were maybe in their early 20s. Finn is a mechanic and Meg is a tattoo assistant and piercer. Both engaged in the gratuitous use of drugs and alcohol, so this made them seem younger to me.
As for the characters individually, I really liked Finn. He was dealing with a horrible set of circumstances, so I could forgive part of his wanting to escape into a bottle. I was glad he pulled himself together and I loved the person that Finn turned out to be as the book unfolded. I also really liked his group of guy friends that pulled Finn out of his funk. Harley was your boy next door turned law enforcement, and Kyle was the quintessential ladies man that didn't take life seriously. I have a feeling there may be a story building between Harley's twin sister, Loretta, and Kyle. Maybe I am wrong - but that was what I took from their interaction.
As for the female lead, Meghan, I didn't really care for her. She came across as superficial and shallow and immature. The fact that she starts off the book dating a drug dealer, and considers going back to him after what he did to Lizzie, well - that did not ingratiate her to me at all. Damien was a good scumbag villian. He was written to hate, and the author did a good job with his character. I was somewhat confused as to how he found out about Meg and Finn though - I wish that aspect would have been developed a little more.
So I really started to enjoy the book at about the 70% mark when the relationship drama between Finn and Meghan died down. Their coming together was quite sweet from that point forward. I only wish it would've happened a little earlier for my mood. I would recommend this book to those rabid fans of dramatic new adult relationships.
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Drama, Drama Drama! (to the tune of Marsha! Marsha! Marsha!)
Let me say it again - Drama. This book was chock full of it. If you enjoy love-hate relationships, hate sex, and roller coaster love stories - this book is for you. It was well-written despite all the ups and downs... but the drama just got to be too much for me. I realized on the way home today that PMS had turned me into a whiney bitchy shrew this week, so I may be under-rating some of the books I have read. So keep that in mind while reading this review.
The main characters of this book are Meghan and Finn (love this name!). I am not sure that their ages were ever mentioned... but I think they were maybe in their early 20s. Finn is a mechanic and Meg is a tattoo assistant and piercer. Both engaged in the gratuitous use of drugs and alcohol, so this made them seem younger to me.
As for the characters individually, I really liked Finn. He was dealing with a horrible set of circumstances, so I could forgive part of his wanting to escape into a bottle. I was glad he pulled himself together and I loved the person that Finn turned out to be as the book unfolded. I also really liked his group of guy friends that pulled Finn out of his funk. Harley was your boy next door turned law enforcement, and Kyle was the quintessential ladies man that didn't take life seriously. I have a feeling there may be a story building between Harley's twin sister, Loretta, and Kyle. Maybe I am wrong - but that was what I took from their interaction.
As for the female lead, Meghan, I didn't really care for her. She came across as superficial and shallow and immature. The fact that she starts off the book dating a drug dealer, and considers going back to him after what he did to Lizzie, well - that did not ingratiate her to me at all. Damien was a good scumbag villian. He was written to hate, and the author did a good job with his character. I was somewhat confused as to how he found out about Meg and Finn though - I wish that aspect would have been developed a little more.
So I really started to enjoy the book at about the 70% mark when the relationship drama between Finn and Meghan died down. Their coming together was quite sweet from that point forward. I only wish it would've happened a little earlier for my mood. I would recommend this book to those rabid fans of dramatic new adult relationships.
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2016
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
Against the Tide was just an okay read. I thought this would be the story of two people who have to overcome so much to be together, but while reading this I thought is this it? A bit disappointed in what the situation actually was and I never really felt like I knew the characters. I usually didn't understand their thoughts and actions and it was just an eh read for me.
Meg is in a relationship with a drug dealer. She thought she used to love him, but there hasn't really been anything between them in a long time. He still thinks she is his, but she is apathetic at best. He is gone for long periods of time and she doesn't really care. In fact she is happier when he is not there, and yet she won't do anything to change the situation. I am not entirely sure why she won't break it off with him, I know she had some weak excuse, but it never felt real.
Finn has a terminally ill mother and does everything he can to take care of her and his little sister. He goes to a club sometimes to blow off some steam and it is there where he first meets Meg. Only they don't really do much but lock eyes across the crowded room. They both want the other, but never do anything to act on it until one fateful night. They hook up in the back alley without really know anything about each other. They just...they just hook up. It was not so good. I don't mind random hook ups, but these two were just strange for me to read. I couldn't figure them out.
After their hookup some things happen that make Finn angry and he take his anger out on Meg. She has to have known what was going on, she has to be a bad person, whatever. Whenever he sees her at her work (a tattoo parlor) or anything he is kind of mean. And yet she still wants him for some reason. Then suddenly he does a 180 and realizes that he is being unfair to her and they should date and live happily ever after. There are some other circumstances that I didn't care for much and it was all a bit much. Of course the drug dealer is not happy that Meg wants to move on with someone else and he added a lot of lame drama for drama's sake. I was hoping for a gripping story, but instead I got characters that didn't feel real and a story that was a bit too much for me to believe.
Against the Tide was just an okay read. I thought this would be the story of two people who have to overcome so much to be together, but while reading this I thought is this it? A bit disappointed in what the situation actually was and I never really felt like I knew the characters. I usually didn't understand their thoughts and actions and it was just an eh read for me.
Meg is in a relationship with a drug dealer. She thought she used to love him, but there hasn't really been anything between them in a long time. He still thinks she is his, but she is apathetic at best. He is gone for long periods of time and she doesn't really care. In fact she is happier when he is not there, and yet she won't do anything to change the situation. I am not entirely sure why she won't break it off with him, I know she had some weak excuse, but it never felt real.
Finn has a terminally ill mother and does everything he can to take care of her and his little sister. He goes to a club sometimes to blow off some steam and it is there where he first meets Meg. Only they don't really do much but lock eyes across the crowded room. They both want the other, but never do anything to act on it until one fateful night. They hook up in the back alley without really know anything about each other. They just...they just hook up. It was not so good. I don't mind random hook ups, but these two were just strange for me to read. I couldn't figure them out.
After their hookup some things happen that make Finn angry and he take his anger out on Meg. She has to have known what was going on, she has to be a bad person, whatever. Whenever he sees her at her work (a tattoo parlor) or anything he is kind of mean. And yet she still wants him for some reason. Then suddenly he does a 180 and realizes that he is being unfair to her and they should date and live happily ever after. There are some other circumstances that I didn't care for much and it was all a bit much. Of course the drug dealer is not happy that Meg wants to move on with someone else and he added a lot of lame drama for drama's sake. I was hoping for a gripping story, but instead I got characters that didn't feel real and a story that was a bit too much for me to believe.
April 13, 2015
My Review
Megan was a young woman, completely isolated from most of her friends and her family all in the name of, what she thought, was love. She'd been in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend since she was a kid and had learnt to turn a blind eye to some of his less than stellar qualities and dealings. Whenever he was around they'd frequent a local club where she'd ''eye fuck'' the same stranger from across the room.
Finn was a deeply hurt and confused guy, his mother was seriously ill and he wasn't coping well with it. He's had a habit of internalising all of his problems and emotions since he was a child. Luckily he has a group of amazing friends that watch his back and try and keep him on the straight and narrow.
The two have an immediate and undeniable chemistry that reaches a peak in an alleyway...However, life has a way of throwing a harrowing spanner into the works and suddenly the duo are at each others throats. The chemistry that they initially felt for each other is still there but masked in a veil of hurt and muddied misdirected emotion.
The supporting characters deserve a mention here, Kyle and Harley both had me utter stitches! (I claim Kyle Lily so hands off!) There's one particular scene with Kyle that even now, thinking back, i'm still laughing about! utterly inspired! I'm hoping that this is going to become atleast a 3 book series (please Nikki?!)
I was in love with Megan's sass and spunky attitude from the beginning, she'd made some less than wise life choices but she was a genuinely relatable character that i defy any woman not to see shreds of themselves in her. She's the perfect balance of sass and vulnerability! For once, i'm in love with the female lead!!
Having previously loved 'Holding Aces' and 'High Stakes' i had pretty high expectations for this book and Ms Groom has more than stepped up to the plate...Nikki has created a tale here that will have you spitting out your coffee (wine in my case) with gut-retching laughter one minute and have you reaching for tissues the next. The emotions switch and change as quickly as the plot line! This is a clever, hilarious and exceptionally well written book from an extremely talented young author! Thank you so much Nikki!
5 very well deserved Stars!!
Megan was a young woman, completely isolated from most of her friends and her family all in the name of, what she thought, was love. She'd been in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend since she was a kid and had learnt to turn a blind eye to some of his less than stellar qualities and dealings. Whenever he was around they'd frequent a local club where she'd ''eye fuck'' the same stranger from across the room.
Finn was a deeply hurt and confused guy, his mother was seriously ill and he wasn't coping well with it. He's had a habit of internalising all of his problems and emotions since he was a child. Luckily he has a group of amazing friends that watch his back and try and keep him on the straight and narrow.
The two have an immediate and undeniable chemistry that reaches a peak in an alleyway...However, life has a way of throwing a harrowing spanner into the works and suddenly the duo are at each others throats. The chemistry that they initially felt for each other is still there but masked in a veil of hurt and muddied misdirected emotion.
The supporting characters deserve a mention here, Kyle and Harley both had me utter stitches! (I claim Kyle Lily so hands off!) There's one particular scene with Kyle that even now, thinking back, i'm still laughing about! utterly inspired! I'm hoping that this is going to become atleast a 3 book series (please Nikki?!)
I was in love with Megan's sass and spunky attitude from the beginning, she'd made some less than wise life choices but she was a genuinely relatable character that i defy any woman not to see shreds of themselves in her. She's the perfect balance of sass and vulnerability! For once, i'm in love with the female lead!!
Having previously loved 'Holding Aces' and 'High Stakes' i had pretty high expectations for this book and Ms Groom has more than stepped up to the plate...Nikki has created a tale here that will have you spitting out your coffee (wine in my case) with gut-retching laughter one minute and have you reaching for tissues the next. The emotions switch and change as quickly as the plot line! This is a clever, hilarious and exceptionally well written book from an extremely talented young author! Thank you so much Nikki!
5 very well deserved Stars!!
April 14, 2015
I was given this novel for an honest review, however would like to add that I also purchased it as it was too good of a story to not have in my library to read again.
Against the odds will one quick session in the alley behind a club become anything more? The odds for success for Meg & Finn are slim. There are too many obstacles, her boyfriend, his sister, his mom.
The author drew me in to the screwed up lives of Meg & Finn. Drugs, alcohol, death & trust are key elements in this story. Meg & Finn had to meet in the middle to get things sorted. My heart ached for both of them. The chemistry was there. They had to work through the odds.
With these words that first face to face encounter will knock your socks off & make you want to continue with Meg & Finn’s story. The chemistry & heat between the 2 characters could be felt 10 fold:
“I’ve wondered what would happen if we actually came face to face” he says in a raspy whisper that I feel across my skin. But I don’t want to talk. I grab his face and pull his lips to mine in a fierce passionate exchange. I devour him…………………
There is much back & forth between the 2 characters throughout the story. Interwoven with insight in to their pasts which have made them the way they are. The added characters of Meg’s boyfriend, Finn’s mom, Meg’s friends & Finn’s friends are actually integral parts of this story. I don’t believe I have had the pleasure of getting to know “extras” as well as the author allowed us to get to know them in this story. It was refreshing.
Can they beat all of the odds? I recommend you read this story & find out for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
Against the odds will one quick session in the alley behind a club become anything more? The odds for success for Meg & Finn are slim. There are too many obstacles, her boyfriend, his sister, his mom.
The author drew me in to the screwed up lives of Meg & Finn. Drugs, alcohol, death & trust are key elements in this story. Meg & Finn had to meet in the middle to get things sorted. My heart ached for both of them. The chemistry was there. They had to work through the odds.
With these words that first face to face encounter will knock your socks off & make you want to continue with Meg & Finn’s story. The chemistry & heat between the 2 characters could be felt 10 fold:
“I’ve wondered what would happen if we actually came face to face” he says in a raspy whisper that I feel across my skin. But I don’t want to talk. I grab his face and pull his lips to mine in a fierce passionate exchange. I devour him…………………
There is much back & forth between the 2 characters throughout the story. Interwoven with insight in to their pasts which have made them the way they are. The added characters of Meg’s boyfriend, Finn’s mom, Meg’s friends & Finn’s friends are actually integral parts of this story. I don’t believe I have had the pleasure of getting to know “extras” as well as the author allowed us to get to know them in this story. It was refreshing.
Can they beat all of the odds? I recommend you read this story & find out for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
May 17, 2015
This story of Megan & Finn is worlds away from Nikkis Kingdom series and I applaud her for that, I don’t think I’d have been as invested if it had followed in the same vein.
We kick off meeting Megan, who’s in not only a loveless relationship but a dangerous one too. I have to say I didn’t like her much, she’s complicit in her boyfriends lifestyle and makes dubious decisions at best, it took me a while to warm up to her and actually like her.
Fate steps in and Megans life collides with Finns in the most devastating of circumstances and you wonder how these two self destructive people could ever have a healthy relationship!
They’re both like a moth to a flame and despite the burn they cannot leave each other alone, even though each time they discover something new from their past they hurt each other irrevocably.
I loved Finn, he’s intense, loyal, alpha & freaking HAWT, he’s been hit by grief and is on the verge of losing his mum and he loses himself for a while, his friends are his strength and like any great read the supporting characters really help make this book a winner, the banter, wit & humour are welcome light hearted relief in the total angst fest.
And it’s angst straight off the bat, it’s also dark, emotive, deals with some sensitive issues & is a little twisted at times, I loved how it wasn’t an easy ride, they hit so many obstacles I honestly could not see a Happy Ever After for them, they both go through the roughest ride of self discovery and it’s worth every angst filled minute, I loved their story, I loved their journey and I loved that Nikki knocked it out of the park. Well done Nikki, can’t wait to see what’s next!
We kick off meeting Megan, who’s in not only a loveless relationship but a dangerous one too. I have to say I didn’t like her much, she’s complicit in her boyfriends lifestyle and makes dubious decisions at best, it took me a while to warm up to her and actually like her.
Fate steps in and Megans life collides with Finns in the most devastating of circumstances and you wonder how these two self destructive people could ever have a healthy relationship!
They’re both like a moth to a flame and despite the burn they cannot leave each other alone, even though each time they discover something new from their past they hurt each other irrevocably.
I loved Finn, he’s intense, loyal, alpha & freaking HAWT, he’s been hit by grief and is on the verge of losing his mum and he loses himself for a while, his friends are his strength and like any great read the supporting characters really help make this book a winner, the banter, wit & humour are welcome light hearted relief in the total angst fest.
And it’s angst straight off the bat, it’s also dark, emotive, deals with some sensitive issues & is a little twisted at times, I loved how it wasn’t an easy ride, they hit so many obstacles I honestly could not see a Happy Ever After for them, they both go through the roughest ride of self discovery and it’s worth every angst filled minute, I loved their story, I loved their journey and I loved that Nikki knocked it out of the park. Well done Nikki, can’t wait to see what’s next!
April 12, 2015
I was given this ARC by the author for an honest review.
~~~~~~Nic's Review~~~~
Against the Tide was a great read and it's going to be really hard to put my review into words. First off, this was a very well written book full of angst, emotion, humor and love. I was absorbed by the whirlwind of misfortune Finn and Megan encounter through such a short period of time. Finn and Megan see each other in a night club and are instantly intrigued and feel a connection to each other. They can't seem to fight the attractions. When they do act upon it , it is a life altering change. A Change that ultimately makes them both start on a new life's journey. One of anger, compassion, despair, depression, fear, hate, hope, regret, love, understanding and most of all healing. I don't want to give to much away about this book but I would highly recommend it. It is an emotional book. However, it is a book about events that indeed happen in real life. On some level everyone could relate and understand to what these characters are going through.
I love when Finn is trying to heal and change and show Megan his more sensitive loving personality. You get to see his playful and humorous side. I loved every single bit of it. I laughed like I was there with them and it was wonderful. I also enjoyed getting to know a little bit of the other characters in the book as well. Finn's friends Kyle and Harley. I do hope Nikki Groom writes about these two guys. I would love to find out more about them as well. This book does end with a bittersweet ending which left me in tears. Nikki Groom definitely earned 5 stars from me! Brilliant read. Thank you Nikki!! :-)
~~~~~~Nic's Review~~~~
Against the Tide was a great read and it's going to be really hard to put my review into words. First off, this was a very well written book full of angst, emotion, humor and love. I was absorbed by the whirlwind of misfortune Finn and Megan encounter through such a short period of time. Finn and Megan see each other in a night club and are instantly intrigued and feel a connection to each other. They can't seem to fight the attractions. When they do act upon it , it is a life altering change. A Change that ultimately makes them both start on a new life's journey. One of anger, compassion, despair, depression, fear, hate, hope, regret, love, understanding and most of all healing. I don't want to give to much away about this book but I would highly recommend it. It is an emotional book. However, it is a book about events that indeed happen in real life. On some level everyone could relate and understand to what these characters are going through.
I love when Finn is trying to heal and change and show Megan his more sensitive loving personality. You get to see his playful and humorous side. I loved every single bit of it. I laughed like I was there with them and it was wonderful. I also enjoyed getting to know a little bit of the other characters in the book as well. Finn's friends Kyle and Harley. I do hope Nikki Groom writes about these two guys. I would love to find out more about them as well. This book does end with a bittersweet ending which left me in tears. Nikki Groom definitely earned 5 stars from me! Brilliant read. Thank you Nikki!! :-)
April 12, 2015
I was given this ARC by the author for an honest review.
Against the Tide was a great read and it's going to be really hard to put my review into words. First off, this was a very well written book full of angst, emotion, humor and love. I was absorbed by the whirlwind of misfortune Finn and Megan encounter through such a short period of time. Finn and Megan see each other in a night club and are instantly intrigued and feel a connection to each other. They can't seem to fight the attractions. When they do act upon it , it is a life altering change. A Change that ultimately makes them both start on a new life's journey. One of anger, compassion, despair, depression, fear, hate, hope, regret, love, understanding and most of all healing. I don't want to give to much away about this book but I would highly recommend it. It is an emotional book. However, it is a book about events that indeed happen in real life. On some level everyone could relate and understand to what these characters are going through.
I love when Finn is trying to heal and change and show Megan his more sensitive loving personality. You get to see his playful and humorous side. I loved every single bit of it. I laughed like I was there with them and it was wonderful. I also enjoyed getting to know a little bit of the other characters in the book as well. Finn's friends Kyle and Harley. I do hope Nikki Groom writes about these two guys. I would love to find out more about them as well. This book does end with a bittersweet ending which left me in tears. Nikki Groom definitely earned 5 stars from me! Brilliant read. Thank you Nikki!! :-)
Against the Tide was a great read and it's going to be really hard to put my review into words. First off, this was a very well written book full of angst, emotion, humor and love. I was absorbed by the whirlwind of misfortune Finn and Megan encounter through such a short period of time. Finn and Megan see each other in a night club and are instantly intrigued and feel a connection to each other. They can't seem to fight the attractions. When they do act upon it , it is a life altering change. A Change that ultimately makes them both start on a new life's journey. One of anger, compassion, despair, depression, fear, hate, hope, regret, love, understanding and most of all healing. I don't want to give to much away about this book but I would highly recommend it. It is an emotional book. However, it is a book about events that indeed happen in real life. On some level everyone could relate and understand to what these characters are going through.
I love when Finn is trying to heal and change and show Megan his more sensitive loving personality. You get to see his playful and humorous side. I loved every single bit of it. I laughed like I was there with them and it was wonderful. I also enjoyed getting to know a little bit of the other characters in the book as well. Finn's friends Kyle and Harley. I do hope Nikki Groom writes about these two guys. I would love to find out more about them as well. This book does end with a bittersweet ending which left me in tears. Nikki Groom definitely earned 5 stars from me! Brilliant read. Thank you Nikki!! :-)
April 13, 2015
Reviewing this book is difficult because I can't find the words to express how it made me feel, the fact is it did make me feel, a lot! I went through every single emotion whilst reading, the sadness brought me tears and the happiness left me smiling.
This is a story of two very wounded souls and their journey through the toughest time of their lives. It's a perfect take on the 'can they overcome everything that's standing in their way' story but the stand out to this story for me is how real it feels. Quite often in books of a similar theme too much is thrown at the characters that it's hard to relate too, Nikki keeps this simple it's not the quantity of things that's the issue it's the severity.
It's hard not to imagine yourself as the characters and feel as if you're experiencing their drama, that's in part down to Nikki's beautiful writing that flows fluently in all her work but also props go to the story itself. It's gritty and relatable. Funny and heartwarming. Along with the sad times there's light and happiness. Then there's Finn well he's a whole lot of hotness with a round of fun and a sprinkling of broodiness. I fell for him easily and his passion with Meg was beyond hot! As for Meg she's the woman everyone has the potential to be, she's run down by life but underneath she's a fighter and we see her strength grow throughout.
In summary it's a beautiful, fresh and beguiling read. I was captivated from the get go and the way I felt when reading those final four lines will stay with me forever.
Another job amazingly done Nikki!
This is a story of two very wounded souls and their journey through the toughest time of their lives. It's a perfect take on the 'can they overcome everything that's standing in their way' story but the stand out to this story for me is how real it feels. Quite often in books of a similar theme too much is thrown at the characters that it's hard to relate too, Nikki keeps this simple it's not the quantity of things that's the issue it's the severity.
It's hard not to imagine yourself as the characters and feel as if you're experiencing their drama, that's in part down to Nikki's beautiful writing that flows fluently in all her work but also props go to the story itself. It's gritty and relatable. Funny and heartwarming. Along with the sad times there's light and happiness. Then there's Finn well he's a whole lot of hotness with a round of fun and a sprinkling of broodiness. I fell for him easily and his passion with Meg was beyond hot! As for Meg she's the woman everyone has the potential to be, she's run down by life but underneath she's a fighter and we see her strength grow throughout.
In summary it's a beautiful, fresh and beguiling read. I was captivated from the get go and the way I felt when reading those final four lines will stay with me forever.
Another job amazingly done Nikki!
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