Dark secrets swirl beneath the waters of Maverick Key in the second suspenseful romance from Margot Keene.
Ever since her beloved Nathan disappeared and was presumed dead after a catastrophic dive, Crystal has done whatever it takes to heal and care for her young daughter, Natalie. Nathan had always harbored secrets he claimed were meant to protect her, but with his disappearance declared a closed case by local authorities, she may never know the whole truth about his work.
As the island's elite diving team scrambles to address a growing environmental crisis, a newcomer suffering from amnesia arrives in Maverick Key, bringing Crystal face-to-face with what she believed existed only in her dreams.
Author’s Note: A young widowed marine biologist struggles to rebuild her life after escaping an abusive relationship. Blending diving adventure, small-town romance, romantic suspense, and a touch of the speculative, this second book in the Maverick Key series returns readers to its unforgettable setting and into the lives of both new and familiar characters.
Author of Maverick Key: Hearts on the Line, Margot Keene is a Florida native who turned her lifelong passion for storytelling into a full-time career. A former business analyst and project manager, she now creates swoon-worthy men, relatable heroines, and heart-stopping mysteries set amid the beauty and intrigue of the Florida coast. Her debut romantic suspense novel, Maverick Key: Hearts on the Line, is the first book in The Maverick Key Series and is available in eBook, print, and audiobook formats. Book Two, Tides of the Heart, is available on Kindle now, and print and audiobook formats are coming soon.
3⭐️! I was excited to return to the Maverick Key world! After the events of the first book, I was looking forward to learn what happened to Nathan and learn more about Crystal and Natalie.
I did feel like this book did overlook some of the bigger emotional aspects and trauma when it came down to what these characters went through. Although we did get some heartwarming and sweet moments, I feel like some of the inner dialogue came off as more dry and rushed. I feel like some more tension and buildup would’ve really sufficed in certain parts.
The mystery and suspense was definitely the highlight in this one, although surprisingly I found it to be a bit better in the first book. This second book definitely sets up for the third book, and the cliffhanger has me absolutely stoked for what seems like Wes Harrington’s story. He’s been my favorite character since first reading Maverick Key and I can’t wait to see what he’s been up to.
Thank you to Margot Keene and Book Sirens for this eARC!
I enjoyed book 1 (Maverick Key) so much and this was no different, it was such a pleasure listening to!
The multi-cast of narrators really brought this book to life imo!
The melancholic narration of Crystal's POV had me truly invested in her story and rooting for her happiness. She was such a good mom and really loved her partner before he went missing.
The stranger's dreams sad, yet beautiful were enough to plant a seed of hope that Maverick Key is where he's supposed to be.
The found family aspect was so heartwarming and at times emotional.
Next to the romance there is enough suspense and diving action to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I was so immersed in listening that I really felt like I was transported to Maverick Keys experiencing the whole story and mystery unravel.
Definitely recommend reading or listening to book 1 before this book so as to really get a good impression of this lovely coastal town and it's charachters. I really cannot wait for book 3!
Many thanks to HighGravityAudiobooks and Author for the opportunity to listen in advance and share my honest thoughts💖
The way she mixes in romance, mystery, and the technical aspects of diving is just so amazing! This book really pulls you into the next layer of suspense surrounding Maverick Key and Carter’s Drop.
I love that Nathan and Crystal were reunited and that Nathan is back where he belongs with his friends and family. The romance aspect of this book was written beautifully with Nathan’s amnesia and Crystal just happy he’s alive.
I’m glad we won’t have to wait too long for the third book to come out because I NEED answers! November is when the next book of the series comes out : The Hearts True North.
I highly recommend you read Maverick Key first as this book is the second in the series and builds upon a lot of what happened in the first book.
Tropes : * found family * Second chance * Amnesia * Romantic suspense * Ocean exploration
Thank you Margot Keene for the gifted copy of this book for my honest review!
Tides of the Heart The Maverick Key series By: Margot Keene Narrated by: Angelina Rocca, Tim Paige, Andi Arndt, Brandon Francis, Gregory Salinas, Greg Tremblay, Robert Fass, Victoria Connolly, Christopher Tester
Produced by High Gravity Productions
Margot Keene welcomes you back to Maverick Key with another fantastic novel, an enthralling and adventurous small-town romantic suspense that captivates your attention and tugs at your heartstrings the entire time. This is the second book of the series and is best enjoyed after the first book, “Maverick Key: Hearts on the Line”, which ended with a twist you never saw coming and one that left you needing to know more and lets say the author does not disappoint. This book follows Crystal, who is rebuilding her life with her young daughter, Natalie, and trying to make sense of everything that happened and continues to happen in Maverick Key. The stakes are higher now that something is happening in the water, which marine biologists are trying to figure out, and divers are eager to get back into the cave at Carter’s Drop to find out what Nathan came across. And there is as much mystery on land, with new arrivals in town, including the mystery man with amnesia and several other characters who are untrustworthy. There is never a dull moment in this fast-moving, multi-layered story, a story with plenty of drama, angst, mystery, action, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions, and romance. Once again, the writing, plot, descriptive details, and world-building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Margot Keene, thank you for another fantastic story and wild and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧Another amazing High Gravity multi-cast production performed in duet by a wonderfully talented cast, led by Angelina Rocca and Tim Paige in the two lead roles, Crystal and Nathan, supported by Victoria Connolly and Christopher Tester who join Andi Arndt, Brandon Francis, Gregory Salinas, Greg Tremblay, Robert Fass who reprise their roles from the first book and were all amazing in their role. With all that talent working their mics, you know you are in for a treat of a listen. Each embodied their character role(s) completely, perfectly showcasing their personalities and their every emotion. Their captivating performance not only keeps you glued to the story, but it takes the already amazing story to another level. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.
Margot Keene has done it again with Tides of the Heart, the second installment in the Maverick Key series, and I might actually love this one even more than the first book, Maverick Key: Hearts on the Line. This story completely swept me away with its perfect balance of emotional depth, second-chance longing, and intense romantic suspense. Keene’s incredible descriptive writing brings the vivid coastal setting of Maverick Key to life, flawlessly mixing a high-stakes mystery, technical diving adventures, and an environmental crisis into a plot so full of action that it is nearly impossible to put down.
The emotional core of the book revolves around Crystal, a beautifully written, strong yet tender heroine who is determined to rebuild her life for herself and her daughter, Natalie, after escaping trauma and heartbreak. The tension is immediate and gripping from the very first chapter; Nathan’s disappearance has long hung over the town like a storm cloud, so when a stranger suffering from amnesia arrives in Maverick Key, the mystery deepens. Watching Nathan and Crystal reunite is written beautifully. Navigating his amnesia while she is just grateful he is alive creates a romance built on healing and rediscovery rather than instant perfection.
The ocean itself feels like a living character—beautiful, dangerous, and full of hidden truths that mirror the secrets buried within the plot. I found myself holding my breath, crying, laughing, and feeling a genuine chill of fear as the narrative makes you question who can really be trusted. It feels cinematic, and the phenomenal duet-style multicast narration by Angelina Rocca, Tim Paige, Andi Arndt, Brandon Francis, Gregory Salinas, Robert Fass, Greg Tremblay, Victoria Connolly, and Christopher Tester truly brings the story to life in your head, maximizing the emotional payoff.
Because this book builds heavily on the events of the first, I highly recommend reading Maverick Key:Hearts on the Line first to fully appreciate the layers of the plot. This is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves romantic suspense with strong heroines, deep secrets, and unforgettable settings. The ending leaves us with a massive cliffhanger, and I desperately need answers—thankfully, we won't have to wait too long since the third book, The Heart's True North, releases this November!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tides of the Heart (Maverick Key, Book 2) by Margot Keene ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️ Trilogy * Romantic Suspense * Mystery * Contemporary Romance * Cave Diving * Cave Diving Accidents * Grief * Unaliving * Single Parent * Small Town * Healing Romance * Amnesia * Hidden Secrets * Grief * Pet (Dog) * Spousal Abuse * Kidnapped * Holiday (Christmas) 📖282 pages 🎧7h08 🎙️narrated by Andi Arndt, Gregory Salinas, Tim Paige, Brandon Francis, Angelina Rocca, Robert Fass, Greg Tremblay, Christopher Tester & Victoria Connelly
This is NOT a standalone. While it follows different main characters than Book 1, the core events and mysteries introduced in the first book are essential to understanding the continuation of the trilogy. There's another cliffhanger at the end, along with what I believe is a pretty clear indication of who the next main characters will be. Book 3 is expected to release on November 16, 2026, and will conclude the story.
The audiobook for this current one isn't out yet. I haven't found an official release date, but it appears it may be coming sometime in July 2026. If you're an audiobook fan, I highly recommend waiting for it. The full cast returns to reprise their roles from Book 1 and delivers another stellar performance.
This story picks up right where the previous book ended, this time following the young widowed marine biologist we met in Book 1. The tension is ramped up as the cave discovery may be connected to the rapidly rising temperatures in the surrounding waters, impacting the local sea life and coral. The political battle between those wanting to continue the cave exploration for their own hidden agendas and those fighting to protect the ecosystem adds a strong layer of conflict throughout the story.
There are also a few twists that caught me completely off guard. Normally, I'm pretty good at spotting them coming, but this time I missed them. I won't say more because I don't want to spoil anything.
While still firmly rooted in romantic suspense, this installment begins to lean slightly into speculative fiction territory, which added an interesting new dimension to the story.
I'm definitely eager for Book 3 and can't wait to see how everything comes together.
Tides of the Heart by Margot Keene completely swept me away. This story has that perfect balance of emotional depth, suspense, and second chance longing that makes you feel everything right alongside the characters.
Crystal is such a beautifully written heroine. She is strong but still tender, determined to rebuild her life for herself and her daughter after so much heartbreak and trauma. Watching her navigate grief, unanswered questions, and the weight of her past felt incredibly real. You can feel how much she loves Natalie, and that mother daughter bond adds such warmth to a story filled with mystery and uncertainty.
The suspense element kept me hooked from the very first chapter. Nathan’s disappearance hangs over everything like a storm cloud, and when a stranger with no memories arrives in Maverick Key, the tension is immediate. I found myself holding my breath through so many scenes, trying to piece together what was truth and what was buried beneath layers of secrets.
The diving adventure and environmental crisis added such a unique layer to the romance. The ocean feels alive in this book. It is beautiful, dangerous, and full of hidden truths, much like the love story at its center. The small town setting of Maverick Key is vivid and immersive, and I loved returning to this world.
What truly makes this book shine is the emotional payoff. The romance is tender and hopeful, built on healing and rediscovery rather than instant perfection. It is about facing the past, finding courage, and choosing love even when it feels risky.
Tides of the Heart is heartfelt, suspenseful, and deeply moving. If you love romantic suspense with strong heroines, layered secrets, and a coastal setting that feels cinematic, this one is absolutely worth the dive.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Margot Keene’s latest offering in the Maverick Key series is a masterful blend of romance, suspense, and mystery that promises to captivate readers from start to finish. In this second book, Crystal’s journey of rebuilding her life with her daughter, Natalie, unfolds with gripping intensity. The town of Maverick Key is rife with intrigue, both in its waters and on its streets. As marine biologists and divers delve into the enigmatic happenings at Carter’s Drop, the arrival of a mysterious man with amnesia and other dubious characters adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Keene expertly crafts a fast-paced, multi-dimensional story that is as thrilling as it is emotionally resonant. With her trademark descriptive flair and intricate world-building, she invites readers on a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with drama, action, and heart-warming romance. It’s a must-read for anyone who savoured the twists and turns of Maverick Key: Hearts on the Line and is eager for more. The latest High Gravity multi-cast production is an auditory delight, skilfully brought to life by an exceptionally talented ensemble. Led by Angelina Rocca and Tim Paige as Crystal and Nathan, the cast delivers a mesmerizing performance. Victoria Connolly and Christopher Tester offer outstanding support, alongside returning members Andi Arndt, Brandon Francis, Gregory Salinas, Greg Tremblay, and Robert Fass, who reprise their roles from the previous installment with remarkable finesse. Each actor embodies their character with precision, capturing the essence of their personalities and emotions flawlessly. The synergy of their voices elevates the narrative, making it an enthralling experience that keeps listeners fully engaged. This production is a testament to the art of storytelling, where every moment is a pleasure to hear.
I was so excited to jump back into Maverick Key after the ending of book one, and this sequel absolutely delivered everything I wanted mystery, emotion, suspense, and finally answers.
Crystal has been through more heartbreak than anyone should ever have to endure. After losing Nathan, finding out she was pregnant, raising their daughter alone, and then ending up married to the man responsible for Nathan’s disappearance, all I wanted while listening to this story was for Crystal to finally get her happy ending. And honestly? Watching her slowly piece her life back together while all the secrets of Maverick Key started unraveling was such an emotional journey.
Then we meet Elliott a man with amnesia who doesn’t remember the last seven years of his life, only that he woke up on a beach and somehow ended up in Miami trying to rebuild himself from nothing. From the moment he arrives in Maverick Key, you just know something bigger is happening. As more truths come out about Nathan, his disappearance, and everything that led to his attempted murder, the entire story starts clicking into place in such a satisfying way.
I loved getting more answers about Maverick Key while also seeing familiar characters from book one again. The suspense kept me hooked the entire time, but the emotional side of the story is what really got me. Nathan/Elliott trying to reconnect with pieces of his old life while Crystal is still carrying years of grief and trauma made this story feel incredibly layered and emotional.
And the AUDIOBOOK?? Absolutely phenomenal. The multicast dual narration elevated this story so much. Every narrator brought so much emotion and personality to their characters that it made the suspense hit harder and the emotional moments feel even more impactful. I genuinely didn’t want to stop listening.
If you love romantic suspense with small-town secrets, emotional second chances, mystery, and characters fighting their way back to each other, this series is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to High Gravity Productions and the Author for an advanced copy of this audio book!
This is book 2 in the series, and I was so excited to return to Maverick Keys! Once again, the audio for this was multicast duet style with a stacked cast of narrators. The main two characters were narrated by Angelina Rocca and Tim Paige, and then we added in Andi Arndt, Brandon Francis, Gregory Salinas, Greg Tremblay, Robert Fass, Victoria Connolly, and Christopher Tester. They did a fantastic job bringing the characters and story to life.
I was so curious how this story was going to go. Crystal is strong and resilient, but she has been through a lot and is trying to rebuild her life for herself and her daughter. Her emotional journey felt real to me. Because of her job as a marine biologist, she is still tied into the diving world which I imagine can be tough considering how she lost Nathan. Of course, his disappearance hangs over the whole book.
The stranger aka Elliot was an interesting addition, however, was super predictable. Even though it was predictable for me, I loved this part of the story and how it was weaved in. I loved seeing the pieces come together and how the relationship with him and Crystal built.
Of course, we also had that underlying mystery and suspense throughout the book that kept me hooked in wanting to know what was going to happen. I feel like this one was a little more emotional and heartfelt, but it kept me invested in. I can't give any more than that without spoilers! I can't wait for the next one and to see how the story continues!
Huge thank you to High Gravity Productions and the author for the early copy to listen to! Highly recommend listening to this on audio!
Crystal is the kind of heroine you immediately root for. She's strong and resilient, but also so heartfelt as she tries to rebuild a life for herself and her daughter after everything she's been through. Her emotional journey felt real to me, especially the way she carries grief, unanswered questions, and the weight of her past all at once. And her relationship with Natalie adds such a sweet layer. It gives the story a softness that really balances the darker, more suspenseful moments.
The mystery pulled me in right away. Nathan's disappearance hangs over the whole book, and when a stranger arrives in Maverick Key with no memory, the tension kicks up instantly. I loved Elliot Traver's storyline. Waking up with no idea who he is and slowly piecing it together worked so well alongside Nathan's returning memories. It kept me hooked cover to cover, and the emotional payoff, especially Nathan's revelations and that reunion with Crystal, really landed.
The audiobook was fantastic. The duet-style multicast performance with Angelina Rocca, Tim Paige, Andi Arndt, Brandon Francis, Gregory Salinas, Robert Fass, Greg Tremblay, Victoria Connolly, and Christopher Tester adds so much depth. Each narrator brings something different, and it makes both the emotional scenes and the suspense hit harder.
Overall this was an emotional, suspenseful, heartfelt listen that kept me invested the whole way through. Not quite a 5-star love for me, but a very solid 4 stars. Gripping, memorable, and definitely worth the listen.
🌊🎧 Returning to Maverick Key felt a little like coming home. After that ending in book one, there was no way I wasn’t diving straight into Tides of the Heart.
What I really enjoy about this series is how it balances mystery, suspense, and emotion without losing sight of the characters at its heart. Crystal’s story pulled me in from the beginning. Watching her navigate grief, motherhood, and the uncertainty surrounding Nathan’s disappearance made for an emotional journey that felt genuine and easy to connect with.
The underwater setting continues to be one of my favourite parts of this series. Having experienced the wonder of scuba diving myself, I love how Margot Keene brings that world to life, adding both beauty and tension to the story. The mystery deepens in this instalment, with plenty of questions, unexpected twists, and moments that kept me curious to see how everything would unfold.
The multi-cast duet narration was once again a standout. Every narrator brought warmth, emotion, and personality to their characters, making it easy to become completely immersed in the story. The performances added so much depth to an already engaging listen.
Overall, Tides of the Heart delivered everything I hoped for from a follow-up book—heartfelt moments, intriguing mysteries, and a return to the beautiful yet secret-filled world of Maverick Key. I’m already looking forward to seeing what comes next.
🐬An engaging continuation of the series that deepened the mystery while delivering plenty of heart along the way.
Thank you, Margot Keene and Book Sirens for the advanced copy of "Tides of the Heart".
I fell in love with Maverick Key and all of the characters in the 1st book in the Maverick Key Series, "Hearts on the Line". So of course I was excited for the 2nd book, "Tides of the Heart", to come out.
I don't know how it's even possible, but I love this 2nd book even more! From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the story. This book is full of so much action, it's hard to put down. I love reading books with mysteries, suspense, thrillers and romance. "Tides of the Heart" has it all and so much more. The author has amazing descriptive writing skills that have a way of making you feel like you're right in the middle of what's going on. There were times that I caught myself smiling, laughing, crying and holding my breath. I even felt the chill of fear during a few scenes and the "not knowing" who could be trusted felt REAL.
There's a lot going on in this book, which made it really hard for me to put down. I could go into more detail, but then I might give too much away and spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it, so I'll just stop here and say that I highly recommend "Tides of the Heart" to anyone who enjoys reading "second chance" romance books filled with action, mystery, suspense, thrillers and of course, cliff hangers!!! And now, I must add, I CAN'T wait for Book 3 to come out!
Tides of the Heart by Margot Keene is the second book in the Maverick Key series. After the epilogue of the first book, I was very much looking forward to this installment. While I didn't connect with this story as much as I did with the first book, I am still eager to read the conclusion of the trilogy. The pacing felt uneven at times. The action seemed to fluctuate throughout the story, with some sections feeling rushed and others lacking enough detail. One aspect that stood out to me was Nathan's return after seven years. It felt like a major event that was somewhat overlooked, and the reactions from those around him weren't as significant as I expected. While I can't say exactly how people would respond in that situation, it still felt like the emotional impact wasn't fully explored. There were also quite a few unanswered questions by the end of the book, clearly setting the stage for the third installment. While I understand the need to build anticipation for the finale, I found myself wanting more resolution before reaching the end. One of the highlights was the audiobook narration. The full cast performance by High Gravity Productions was excellent and did a fantastic job bringing the characters and story to life. Overall, this wasn't as strong for me as the first book, but it kept me invested in the series, and I'm looking forward to seeing how everything comes together in the final book.
After the cliffhanger from the first book I was excited to get to the second book in this series.
This was an emotional journey for both of our lead characters. The Story continues to weave in mystery elements with strange happenings under the water due to elevated temperatures, feelings of being watched or actually being watched by strange mystery men and while some questions do get answered there are still several left to be revealed... hopefully that will be coming in the next book. This book had me wanting to know what would happen next.
I did feel that that some elements of this story felt rushed. Over all I really enjoyed this story and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Listening to the Audio version of this book really brought this story to life for me, I loved the Multicast dual narration they did a great job with this and if you enjoy romantic suspense novels add this one to your list! Thank you to the author and High Gravity productions for this early listen copy.
𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: I loved being back in Maverick Key and spending time with these characters again, their connections and small town chemistry are really the heart of the story. The bones of the plot are strong, and I can tell the author put a lot of effort into researching diving terms and procedures to make it feel authentic. That said, the diving jargon was a bit overwhelming at times and felt like it was trying a little too hard to prove how realistic it was, which sometimes pulled me out of the story instead of pulling me in.
My biggest struggle was that the story felt rushed and a little underdeveloped. I kept wishing the author had slowed down and expanded the storyline to build more suspense and let the emotional moments breathe. Some transitions felt sudden, especially with the amnesia plot. I had a hard time fully buying into someone forming such a close relationship with what was essentially a stranger just because they were told that person was their spouse and a child so quickly calling someone daddy and being instantly attached. Even with those issues, I really love these characters and am invested in where their stories go next. I’ll definitely be reading Hearts True North when it releases.
Tides of the Heart is a delightful heartfelt continuation of the Maverick Key series. In this book, we learn more about Crystal and Nathan. Their story takes center stage-and it is a beautiful heartbreaking and heartwarming romance. The mystery of the environmental crisis is ongoing. Beware of the cliffhanger. The multicast duet narration was absolutely extraordinary. Angelina Rocca was magnificent as beautiful, brilliant, caring Crystal. Tim Paige was spectacular as Nathan-pre and post amnesia. Their relationship was wonderful. I loved when he finally had his family back. Andi Arndt returns as Maddie and stands out as intelligent, adorable Natalie. Gregory Salinas is back as Scott, cave diving expert. Greg Tremblay is still evil, menacing Mark Glassier. Robert Fass is pompous, arrogant, power hungry professor Dr. Garrett Harlow. Victoria Connolly was superb as flirty, fun, adventurous Sydney. Brandon Francis is once again Wes(and several other interesting characters). Christopher Tester was splendid as pretentious, untrustworthy scientist Finn. These talented voice actors truly embodied these characters and brought this story to life stupendously. I highly recommend listening to this fantastic audiobook. Thanks to the author and High Gravity Productions for this ALC. AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Story 5 stars Narration 5 stars
Thank you Margot Keene for this ARC of Tides of the Heart.
Tides of the Heart takes place approximately 9 months after Maverick Key…
This is EXACTLY the follow up that I needed after Maverick Key! I loved book one, and this felt like an extension of that! We got more answers but of course more questions await… with a kinda cliff hanger, I have grabby hands right now for book 3‼️
I love how some of the questions from Maverick Key were answered, that you didn’t make us wait with long drawn out dramatics, it was perfect! I don’t wanna say too much as it would be a spoils for book 1 and 2 so just please read them both!
The way the mystery is stacking up is phenomenal and I NEED MORE! Maddie and Scott are magnetic and Nathan and Crystal are so special and I can’t wait for what’s next with Sid and Wes? Plus the divulgence of all the other details!
I love how Margot has made Carters Drop into its own sort of character, with so much going on around it and its discovery…
Tropes: 🌊Second Chance (of sorts) 💗MMC with Amnesia 🌊FMC Marine Biologist 💗Found Family 🌊It’s always been you 💗Memory Recreation 🌊Archeological Mystery 💗Atlantis Vibes?
Special thanks to Margot Keene for an advanced copy in exchange for my opinion.
I couldn't wait to be back in Maverick Key and book two did not disappoint. The end of story one left me with questions, so I was thrilled to continue the story. This book focuses on the widow (Crystal) and the stranger (Elliot). The gang was all back plus a few new people whom I do not trust. This time there's a pending ecological disaster. The coral is dying, the cave is heating up, and people are getting sick. The best divers and scientists come together to try to figure out the problem before it's too late. There's also a strange man who keeps showing up, adding a layer of mystery to the book. I won't spoil the details, but the romance part of the story was emotional and beautifully written. And the end still leaves unanswered questions. I want to know what happened to Nathan! I am patiently awaiting book three to see how the story all wraps up.
I was so excited for this book after reading the first one but ended up having mixed feelings.
I was so happy for Crystal having her family back together pretty early into the story. But I couldn’t get over the fact that Nathan threw himself back into the role of husband and father to people who were basically strangers, considering he had no memory of them.
The book occasionally lost me with the heavy use of diving terminology. While it clearly added authenticity to that part of the story, it sometimes felt like too much and pulled me out of the story a bit.
On the other hand, the setting descriptions were wonderful. The beachy atmosphere was vivid and relaxing, and it really helped create a strong sense of place and made me miss my sunny Florida home. Even with my mixed feelings, the coastal setting alone made the book enjoyable to spend time in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
From the start, this story hooked me. Nathan Carter, in Miami’s Maverick Keys, strikes up a cute meet-cute with marine biology student Crystal on the beach. Seven years later, Crystal is the assistant director of environmental resources, still haunted by Nathan’s disappearance and presumed death. She married Mark, who betrayed her by killing Nathan and another professor, then kidnapped Maddie, who was saved in the first book. Crystal learns about a bleaching reef and is handed Nathan’s diary, feeling his presence still linger. Meanwhile, Elliot Traver dreams of Maverick Keys, waking up with no memory of his past as Nathan Carter. Their worlds collide as Nathan’s memories slowly come back, leading to emotional moments, including Nathan’s revelation and his reunion with Crystal. This book is an emotional roller coaster, intense, heartfelt, and captivating. I loved seeing Wes and the crew again, and I can’t wait for Wes and Sid’s story next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
🤿 Tides of the Heart 🌊 ✍️ Margot Keene Kindle Edition Published: March 9, 2026 Available in print: April 6, 2026 Pages: 284 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️/5
Tides of the Heart is the second book in the Maverick Key series. Both books are easy reads and I enjoyed the mystery and suspense along with the romance of the characters, Crystal and Nathan. The island location and environmental crisis are fast paced and adventurous that kept me wanting more. No spoilers here.
I highly recommend reading Maverick Key: Hearts on the Line before Tides of the Heart so it has all the details of what happened to Crystal and Nathan.
Thank you @margotkeeneauthor for the opportunity to read the Maverick Key series. It has been a pleasure. I eagerly await the third book, The Heart’s True North in mid-November.
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🎧 Back to the diving world curtesy of High Gravity Productions.
🎧 The story picks up where book one finished. Again, one of my highlights was the way the diving parts did not bother me at all but added to the story. Even though I know nothing about them (well apart from whatever I picked up from book one :) ). I like it when the technical part of a romance does not take away from my enjoyment.
🎧 Amazing performances from all of them. My favourite part was how different Ms. Rocca, Ms. Arndt and Ms. Connolly perform and sound which is something I appreciate. Sometimes I have a hard time distinguish narrators when the main voices sound similar. Not in this one. I like how each narrator, all of them, brought something to the character they were portraying.
🎧 There is a lot of trauma in the characters. Not heavily addressed which made me focus on the suspense with the diving parts.
First of all… Thank you to the author for the ARC. Tides of the Heart releases March 9th.
Tides of the Heart is the second book in the Maverick Keys trilogy, and while I went in excited, I also knew one thing: I was not going to get full closure yet.
And I didn’t. 😅
What I love most about this series is the characters. I’m genuinely invested in their lives now — their relationships, their questions, the tension still simmering beneath the surface. There’s more love in the air in this installment, but also more mystery lingering in the background.
Some answers come into focus, but not all of them — and that’s what makes November feel very far away.
Another solid 4-star read for me. I’m hooked… but I don’t love being left hanging.
Now I’ll just be over here hoping I get that ARC for book three. 👀
Tides of the Heart follows a marine biologist named Crystal, a widow who finds herself in the middle of an ecological crisis just as a stranger suffering from amnesia visits her beach town and turns her world upside down.
Book Yays: - Vibrant prose that really pulls you into the setting - Well-developed characters with natural relationship development - A unique plot line that manages to have significant depth while still feeling adventurous and heartwarming. - The suspense in this book delivers just as strongly as in book 1!
Book Nays: - I would have loved to see more development of the side characters. This book was much more focused on the primary characters than the first.
Thank you to Margot Keene and Book Sirens for providing me with an advance review copy of this book! I am leaving this review voluntarily, as it was a delight to read!
Margot Keene does it again with the romantic suspense! My review is going to be short and sweet because I don't want to ruin even one surprise. The titles of the chapters maybe should have clued me in - and now I realize why they are named what they are - but they didn't and when I realized the first twist - WOW. I was all in. I was gasping and kicking my feet the entire time. Every part of this book had me anxious and just waiting for the next surprise. I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that it is so satisfying to see some hurt become healed and for hearts to find their way back. I love the mystery elements and I cannot wait for the third book!
what to expect: *reunion *found family *twists! *romantic suspense *small town *ocean exploration
I received a complimentary eARC and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author!
I read book 1 and immediately started this one once I finished. We knew from the beginning who the stranger was, and the first third was just waiting for him to run into anyone from his past.
It felt like maybe there were too many things going on here, between the “big, mean man” showing up randomly, the reef issue, people getting sick, Nathan coming back from the dead and learning about himself again, the thermal suits and all the various government programs/agencies involved, drama with Garrett, introduction of new character Finn… It was just a lot. And we didn’t get closure on most of it?
Natalie was also allegedly unsafe, yet she was never around. And some of the diving parts got a little boring for me.
I still enjoyed the book but it felt a little…incomplete? I presume we’ll get more answers in book 3. Looking forward to reading it.
Tides of the Heart is everything I needed in a Book 2 and then some. Margot Keene takes everything that made Maverick Key special — the coastal setting, the layered suspense, the slow-burn romance — and cranks it up with Crystal’s story. An environmental crisis, an amnesiac stranger, secrets from the past… I was hooked from the first chapter and never came up for air. 🌊
The full cast audiobook production is genuinely stunning. Angelina Rocco, Andi Arndt, Victoria Connolly, Tim Page, Brandon Francis, Gregory Salinas, Greg Tremblay, Robert Fass, and Christopher Tester each bring so much depth and nuance to their characters — the emotional performances are the kind that make you forget you’re listening to a book. Just feeling it.
This series is a hidden gem and the audiobook format is 100% the way to experience it.
I was thrilled to listen to this audiobook. I enjoyed the first book and this one even more. The multicast of narrators delivered a stellar performance. I loved listening to them give life to the characters and the story. The romance, mystery, suspense, and dynamics were so good. The writing is descriptive and vivid helping to paint a visual of what's going on in the narrative. And of course the characters were incredible. Loved the second chance component. I also liked how the amnesia component was written into the story. I think the author did this well. Then the ending was something I did not see coming but I did like that it was left off that way. And I am so looking forward to the next piece of this amazing series. So if you like heartfelt, suspenseful, small town romance with strong heroines, mystery and intrigue, then grab a copy of this. Thanks so much to High Gravity Productions and the author for a copy of this. All opinions are my own and freely expressed.