Until the Tide: A Coastal Found-Family Romantic Suspense

Until the Tide Duet #1-2

by Christopher Kent

Glory Dawson escapes with a bruised body, a cracked phone—and one treasured gold-and-silver necklace from her father. She isn’t just running from her abusive boyfriend. She’s running from the life he shattered.

With nowhere left to go, a compassionate counselor offers a last-resort a dive center in the Florida Keys.

At Dave’s Outdoor Water Sports, Glory finds sunlit docks, turquoise water, a bar called the Hut, and a tight-knit crew that doesn’t ask questions—just gives her a place to breathe. For the first time in years, she starts to feel safe.

Then she meets Ellis—a magnetic, guarded dive instructor who’s equal parts temptation and warning sign. Their chemistry is instant, but so is Glory’s unease… because Ellis seems to know things he shouldn’t. And the deeper Glory sinks into the calm of the Keys, the more she feels something about her past doesn’t add up.

As flashes of memory surface and secrets swirl beneath the waves, Glory must decide what survival really means—keep running… or fight for the truth, the life, and the love she never believed she deserved.

UNTIL THE TIDE is a gripping romantic suspense set in the Florida Keys—an emotional, twist-filled story of healing, identity, and the kind of love that asks you to stop fleeing and finally come up for air.

(Optional content Includes themes of domestic abuse.)

Genres: Romance

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2025

About the author

Christopher Kent lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, their four incredible children, three lively dogs, and a mischievous cat. Growing up in a tough environment, Christopher faced challenges that shaped his resilience and creativity. Though he overcame those hardships, the lingering impact of trauma has profoundly influenced his writing, lending depth and authenticity to his storytelling.

Inspired by his late mother, who encouraged him to embrace his writing talent, Christopher channels her memory into every word he crafts. Her unwavering faith in him, even as she battled cancer, remains a guiding light in his life and career. His belief in the divine and the enduring strength of her spirit has pushed him forward on his journey to becoming a novelist.

Specializing in romantic and spiritual paranormal suspense, Christopher creates stories that explore love, loss, and redemption, weaving in themes of divine intervention and the complexities of the human spirit. His work invites readers to embrace the extraordinary within every day, offering a unique blend of heartfelt romance and thrilling supernatural intrigue.

When he’s not writing, Christopher cherishes time with his family, finding inspiration in the love and chaos surrounding him.

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mind Tricks

I don’t know how to even start this review, because this was a very different kind of story. It’s sort of a romance and sort of a mystery and suspense novel.

Glory was enrolled in the university and her boyfriend pushed her down the steps. She knew she had to flee when she ran into a school counselor named Cora. Cora told Glory about a place that sounded like paradise in the Florida Keys where everyone who worked there, also lived there. Like a family.

Glory was welcomed with open arms by everyone except one guy, a really gorgeous guy. He seemed upset that the dive shop owner took Glory in, though he eventually softens his stance. Everyone at Dave’s Dive Shop was like family, and yet she didn’t want to tell them about her past abuse and the fear Nick would find her again.

This is very readable, the ending is so different, and to me the theme seemed to be found family. Four stars for this unique story.

[Erin Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely AMAZING story!

[Wanda Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. I could not put it down.

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series will touch your heart

Last year, I remember reading Glory’s Key and loving the story, but I wanted more. When this double book came out, I rushed to read both stories. I won’t spoil anything because this story needs to be read like I read it. Until the Tide is a perfect title for this series. Oh, and I love Ellis.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is actually 2 parts.. a girl shows up at a dive camp in the keys. With a past she doesn’t remember

[Mercy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely recommend if you like a fun romance. I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the found family and self discovery. This kept me entertained throughout the whole book between the few suspenseful moments and kept me guessing how it was all going to end! I was afraid I knew how it was going to end, but I only partially knew and I was very happy about that as well!

[Gwenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprise

Likeable characters and interesting story. Slow and easy progression of the plot. Surprise ending. I enjoyed the friends/ family very strong.

[Christopher Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for reading my novel. Please reach out with any questions.

[Jan Hix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you guessing

This is a great book with twists and turns that puzzle you and keep you wondering about possibilities. I really enjoyed it.