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Against the Current
What happens when your teammate is also your biggest rival … and the hottest guy you know?
A cocky, charismatic bad boy...
Miles Hann is the best freestyler on his college swim team. He works hard, and plays harder. He's got no complaints...except for his new teammate.
Jake gets on his last nerve. First he criticizes Miles' form, then beats his time during practice. It wouldn't be so bad if he weren't so unnervingly sexy--Miles doesn't know whether to punch him or kiss him.
Too bad Jake is straight.
A quiet, determined Adonis...
Jake Anderson won't compromise his swimming for anyone, even hotshot Miles. But he doesn't mean to get under the other man's skin...he'd rather be right up against it. His steely self-control seems to melt when Miles is around.
Too bad Miles is straight and can't stand him. Jake can't stop imagining what it would be like if they both lost control--together.
Turbulent waters...
No one's more surprised than Miles and Jake when their rivalry becomes something much more intimate. But keeping what they've found is like swimming upstream. Can they prevail against the forces pushing them apart, or is a real relationship forever out of their reach?
Against the Current is a standalone 22000 word new adult MM romance novella with no cheating and a happy ending.
A cocky, charismatic bad boy...
Miles Hann is the best freestyler on his college swim team. He works hard, and plays harder. He's got no complaints...except for his new teammate.
Jake gets on his last nerve. First he criticizes Miles' form, then beats his time during practice. It wouldn't be so bad if he weren't so unnervingly sexy--Miles doesn't know whether to punch him or kiss him.
Too bad Jake is straight.
A quiet, determined Adonis...
Jake Anderson won't compromise his swimming for anyone, even hotshot Miles. But he doesn't mean to get under the other man's skin...he'd rather be right up against it. His steely self-control seems to melt when Miles is around.
Too bad Miles is straight and can't stand him. Jake can't stop imagining what it would be like if they both lost control--together.
Turbulent waters...
No one's more surprised than Miles and Jake when their rivalry becomes something much more intimate. But keeping what they've found is like swimming upstream. Can they prevail against the forces pushing them apart, or is a real relationship forever out of their reach?
Against the Current is a standalone 22000 word new adult MM romance novella with no cheating and a happy ending.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2016
7 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Ashford
22 books56 followersElaine Ashford has worked in customer service, graphic design, property management, and banking. When she's not writing, she can be found pursuing her interest in athletic young men and long walks on the beach.
All of Elaine’s books are free with KindleUnlimited.
She loves hearing from readers! She can be reached via:
Email: elaine@elaineashford.com
Website: http://elaineashford.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Elaine-Ashfor...
All of Elaine’s books are free with KindleUnlimited.
She loves hearing from readers! She can be reached via:
Email: elaine@elaineashford.com
Website: http://elaineashford.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Elaine-Ashfor...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 6, 2025
It was a satisfying read, I enjoy how the author portrays MCs in her books. I find the writting style engaging enough, it’s a short novella so no major angst, quite a natural development of feelings, I liked that.
March 14, 2016
If you don't set the bar too high before reading this book, you may enjoy it. Based upon the reviews I read, I made that mistake. This was just an okay read for me. I didn't feel connected to the MCs, Miles and Jake, so I never bought into their romance. In fact, what romance? If it happened, then I missed it completely. I knew about their mutual attraction/lust because the author told me it existed, but I never felt the heat. Since my attention wandered, this was a super quick read for me. I can't attribute my issues to the brevity of this book because I recently read a twenty page short story which had me completely captivated. MEH!
February 3, 2016
Sweet
As far as I know, this is my first Elaine Ashford read. Against the Current is well written and nicely paced. Jake and Miles have delicious chemistry and I liked the secondary characters.
I have no trouble recommending this title.
As far as I know, this is my first Elaine Ashford read. Against the Current is well written and nicely paced. Jake and Miles have delicious chemistry and I liked the secondary characters.
I have no trouble recommending this title.
February 13, 2016
Cute M/M young college romance.
Very quick read no real story just two guys on the same swim team who didn't get along find themselves attracted to each other.
Very quick read no real story just two guys on the same swim team who didn't get along find themselves attracted to each other.
April 15, 2016
Short and sweet :-)
June 6, 2017
I loved it. These characters were perfectly written. Realistic thought processes and reactions. Loved the conection to Freshman Feint. I look forward to reading many more books from this author.
September 14, 2020
2.5 stars
October 11, 2021
Jake and Miles are freestyle rivals on the same swim team. They are both gay and secretly attracted to each other, but they can’t help but antagonize each other. And to top that all off, they think the other is straight. Provincials are around the corner, so their coach lines up Jake, Tom, Ryan, and Miles to pull up the rear for a freestyle relay. As the four guys work on their times and their switches, they start to loosen up around each other, and there’s a definite sense of unity among them, even between the rivals.
[MILD SPOILERS START (3 paragraphs)]
When Jake and Miles were at a party at Tom’s house, Jake learns that Miles is “pretty fucking gay”. Shortly after Miles learns that Jake is as well, they have a moment, a couple actually. Some moments see lips pressed together while others see hands and mouths wrapped around certain appendages. But before the could talk about what just happened, they’re interrupted, not once, but twice. The final interruption sees Ryan, who was none the wiser, escorting them back to the party.
I thought Miles was pretty cute, being a little shy when he approached Jake at the party. He’s off his game when he’s facing Jake; it’s kind of adorable. Then he became pouty and grumpy like he was disgruntled about being seduced by Jake’s kindness. Meanwhile, Jake wasn’t even aiming for seduction–he was just being nice and trying not to say anything that would piss Miles off. At this point, I didn’t think they had any real chemistry, but it wasn’t as it I couldn’t see it happening. The story’s told in first person, so somethings end up sounding a little cheesy, a little forced, and a little flat, especially at the beginning. I thought whole story might be that way, but it wasn’t… Or, perhaps I got used to it.
After the party, about a week goes by before they get a chance to catch up with each other, and when they finally do, they lightly flirt their way into a study date. And this might be my favorite part. Jake goes to Miles’ dorm room and sees the posters he has on his wall–sci-fi. Star Trek, Star Wars, Firefly, and Andromeda. He calls Miles a heathen because he’s missing the best Star franchise: Stargate! And I’m like, “Oh my goodness, I love you Jake! Jake you’re just perfect: tall, dark, handsome and you like Stargate and you think it’s the best? All the yes for you, Jake! You’re my new fave!”
[MILD SPOILERS END]
It’s all study dates and sleepovers until somebody freaks out. And that somebody is Miles. Provincials edge ever closer, but Miles seems to be falling behind. Miles’ non-coping skills leads him to break up with Jake. Well, separate, since they weren’t actually together. But nothing really changes for Miles; his time is still off. He knows he was wrong and he wants to apologize and make things right, but he’s afraid Jake will reject him. It’s worse because he’s arrived at the point where he realizes–they both have, actually–that their feelings are more than just hanging out and studying and having sex, that there is something more between them.
Happy ending, of course, but I do wonder how they’d deal with Miles always freaking out since he said he doesn’t handle stress well and hinted at his blow up being a thing that usually accompanies his stress. Not that Jake was a pushover, but he seems like he would just deal with Miles’ eruptions if they couldn’t talk it out. How long could they last like that, though? Well, the story wasn’t that deep, so I’m not going to fall down that hole. It was pretty basic. Cute, light, and quick, but just enough that I’ll probably think about it now and then.
[MILD SPOILERS START (3 paragraphs)]
When Jake and Miles were at a party at Tom’s house, Jake learns that Miles is “pretty fucking gay”. Shortly after Miles learns that Jake is as well, they have a moment, a couple actually. Some moments see lips pressed together while others see hands and mouths wrapped around certain appendages. But before the could talk about what just happened, they’re interrupted, not once, but twice. The final interruption sees Ryan, who was none the wiser, escorting them back to the party.
I thought Miles was pretty cute, being a little shy when he approached Jake at the party. He’s off his game when he’s facing Jake; it’s kind of adorable. Then he became pouty and grumpy like he was disgruntled about being seduced by Jake’s kindness. Meanwhile, Jake wasn’t even aiming for seduction–he was just being nice and trying not to say anything that would piss Miles off. At this point, I didn’t think they had any real chemistry, but it wasn’t as it I couldn’t see it happening. The story’s told in first person, so somethings end up sounding a little cheesy, a little forced, and a little flat, especially at the beginning. I thought whole story might be that way, but it wasn’t… Or, perhaps I got used to it.
After the party, about a week goes by before they get a chance to catch up with each other, and when they finally do, they lightly flirt their way into a study date. And this might be my favorite part. Jake goes to Miles’ dorm room and sees the posters he has on his wall–sci-fi. Star Trek, Star Wars, Firefly, and Andromeda. He calls Miles a heathen because he’s missing the best Star franchise: Stargate! And I’m like, “Oh my goodness, I love you Jake! Jake you’re just perfect: tall, dark, handsome and you like Stargate and you think it’s the best? All the yes for you, Jake! You’re my new fave!”
[MILD SPOILERS END]
It’s all study dates and sleepovers until somebody freaks out. And that somebody is Miles. Provincials edge ever closer, but Miles seems to be falling behind. Miles’ non-coping skills leads him to break up with Jake. Well, separate, since they weren’t actually together. But nothing really changes for Miles; his time is still off. He knows he was wrong and he wants to apologize and make things right, but he’s afraid Jake will reject him. It’s worse because he’s arrived at the point where he realizes–they both have, actually–that their feelings are more than just hanging out and studying and having sex, that there is something more between them.
Happy ending, of course, but I do wonder how they’d deal with Miles always freaking out since he said he doesn’t handle stress well and hinted at his blow up being a thing that usually accompanies his stress. Not that Jake was a pushover, but he seems like he would just deal with Miles’ eruptions if they couldn’t talk it out. How long could they last like that, though? Well, the story wasn’t that deep, so I’m not going to fall down that hole. It was pretty basic. Cute, light, and quick, but just enough that I’ll probably think about it now and then.
February 2, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Miles is a freestyles specialist in the swim team of University of Toronto. He is used to being the best but after another freestyler Jake Anderson joins the team that might not be the case anymore. Few harsh words later an challenge is issued and to Miles horror Jake wins the challenge.
To Miles amazement Jake does not rub the victory to his face and they seem to be avoiding each other.. Until the meet at a house party of a fellow swim team mate.. They realize they are both gay and can't hide the growing attraction towards each other.. The making out is sizzling hot and they end up spending more and more time with each other.. Everything is going well until something affects Miles's swimming just before a big competition and he totally freaks out.. Come the competition and luckily everything works out for the best. <3 <3
Against the Current is a lovely feel good short story. I was feeling kid of blue at time of reading but this beautiful story made me feel so much better. I mean can not just feeling better when reading about two gorgeous swimmers, sizzling sex and their growing love :) :)
Miles is a freestyles specialist in the swim team of University of Toronto. He is used to being the best but after another freestyler Jake Anderson joins the team that might not be the case anymore. Few harsh words later an challenge is issued and to Miles horror Jake wins the challenge.
To Miles amazement Jake does not rub the victory to his face and they seem to be avoiding each other.. Until the meet at a house party of a fellow swim team mate.. They realize they are both gay and can't hide the growing attraction towards each other.. The making out is sizzling hot and they end up spending more and more time with each other.. Everything is going well until something affects Miles's swimming just before a big competition and he totally freaks out.. Come the competition and luckily everything works out for the best. <3 <3
Against the Current is a lovely feel good short story. I was feeling kid of blue at time of reading but this beautiful story made me feel so much better. I mean can not just feeling better when reading about two gorgeous swimmers, sizzling sex and their growing love :) :)
February 17, 2016
Have you ever felt threatened? I think we all have felt something like that at a point in our lives. Have you ever felt threatened and wanted the person who was threatening you? Probably not, but that’s how both of the lead characters feel in Against The Current. It’s Miles’ world and he shouldn’t be worrying about the competition from someone from his own team, yet Jake has shown up on Miles’ turf to take his title.
Miles and Jake do the hot and heavy dance around their infatuation for each other. They go through all the traditional aspects of love – infatuation, interest, possession, hate, and eventually understanding. The journey they travel is extremely well written by Elaine Ashford. She brought me along for the ride as she did for the others in both boys lives.
What took me by surprise was the ending, which I will not divulge. I had it backwards in my mind and was pleased to see she didn’t agree.
This is not my first Ashford book, and won’t be my last. I enjoyed her writing style, the plot, and the suspense she intertwined into the chapters.
I gave Against The Current 4 stars and 3.5 flames of heat
Miles and Jake do the hot and heavy dance around their infatuation for each other. They go through all the traditional aspects of love – infatuation, interest, possession, hate, and eventually understanding. The journey they travel is extremely well written by Elaine Ashford. She brought me along for the ride as she did for the others in both boys lives.
What took me by surprise was the ending, which I will not divulge. I had it backwards in my mind and was pleased to see she didn’t agree.
This is not my first Ashford book, and won’t be my last. I enjoyed her writing style, the plot, and the suspense she intertwined into the chapters.
I gave Against The Current 4 stars and 3.5 flames of heat
September 7, 2016
My kids are competitive swimmers. There were way too many mistakes about swimming in the book. It interfered with my ability to enjoy it. Swimmers don't start on boards -- divers use boards. Swimmers use starting blocks. Completely different things. Baseball catchers squat. Swimmers do not squat at the start of a race. If the swimmer in the lane next to you wins by a whole second, you know it. It is not considered a close race. The scene in which Miles accuses Jake of cheating is ridiculous. You can't effectively cheat during a freestyle turn. There isn't anything a swimmer could do in turn that is illegal except for not touching the wall and not touching the wall does not give the swimmer any advantage. It just slows the swimmer down.
I suppose I am taking things too seriously. Perhaps different teams use different words. If you don't know the sport of swimming, I guess these things won't bother you.
I suppose I am taking things too seriously. Perhaps different teams use different words. If you don't know the sport of swimming, I guess these things won't bother you.
February 26, 2016
3.5 Stars
Wow, I liked this one! More than just a little...which surprised me. I'm not sure if I was deliberately challenging my willpower to get through her library or punishing myself for something when I decided to keep at it with this author...but I'm glad I did.
I am a sucker for rivals that end up together, and for the book to center around a swim team was a new, pleasant distinction. The challenge of being competitors can - and does - take it's toll on a relationship but it was handled well, had more emotion than any of the other books I've read so far by Elaine, and I liked the triumphant (but still bittersweet for one of the boys) yet ultimately HEA ending.
So, yeah. This one might have kept me from passing off on further works from this author...
Wow, I liked this one! More than just a little...which surprised me. I'm not sure if I was deliberately challenging my willpower to get through her library or punishing myself for something when I decided to keep at it with this author...but I'm glad I did.
I am a sucker for rivals that end up together, and for the book to center around a swim team was a new, pleasant distinction. The challenge of being competitors can - and does - take it's toll on a relationship but it was handled well, had more emotion than any of the other books I've read so far by Elaine, and I liked the triumphant (but still bittersweet for one of the boys) yet ultimately HEA ending.
So, yeah. This one might have kept me from passing off on further works from this author...
Read
January 30, 2016Enjoyed this short about rivals on the swim team. The characters seemed suitably immature for their age. The story was engaging.
It would have benefited from another chapter showing the initial thawing of things between them rather than telling the reader about it. And I would have happily lost the the prologue.
Personal pet peeve (and nothing against the quality of writing): 'Come for me'. Used twice in these 21000 words. It has its place but as used here I hate it.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It would have benefited from another chapter showing the initial thawing of things between them rather than telling the reader about it. And I would have happily lost the the prologue.
Personal pet peeve (and nothing against the quality of writing): 'Come for me'. Used twice in these 21000 words. It has its place but as used here I hate it.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2016
Great book!
This was a wonderful book! I absolutely fell in love with this author when her first book came out, Freshman Feint. But the next books just weren't my cup of tea. However, I'm glad I took a chance on this one because it was definitely up there with Freshman Feint. This book takes place at the the same college and we even get to see Nathan again. Definitely looking forward to more books from her. Especially Owens book!
This was a wonderful book! I absolutely fell in love with this author when her first book came out, Freshman Feint. But the next books just weren't my cup of tea. However, I'm glad I took a chance on this one because it was definitely up there with Freshman Feint. This book takes place at the the same college and we even get to see Nathan again. Definitely looking forward to more books from her. Especially Owens book!
February 2, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting read that I finished in one sitting. Jake and Miles were perfect for each other, and made a cute couple. Once they figured that out for themselves, of course. It was fun seeing them trying to work things out, and I was really happy with how things went for them. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.
This was an interesting read that I finished in one sitting. Jake and Miles were perfect for each other, and made a cute couple. Once they figured that out for themselves, of course. It was fun seeing them trying to work things out, and I was really happy with how things went for them. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.
February 13, 2016
This was an enjoyable read. The story was catchy and kept me interested throughout. The relationship between Miles and Jake starts out with the two disliking each other. But the drive to each be the best also seems to pull them together. Will things between them work? Or will the desire to be the best pull them apart? Can they figure out a way to be together and still give their all in swimming?
ARC provided for review
ARC provided for review
February 22, 2016
From rivals to lovers from two of the tops swimming of a Canadian college swim team. Miles and Jake will be their best to win against each other. Until one night at a friend's party that Jake finds out the Miles is not straight and they both come to a understanding and be more then rivals. It's a good novella just a few spelling errors but some of the swimming terminology got lost to me, but other then that it was a good story.
April 21, 2016
This was a short and cute story with a bit of angst, about 2 rivals in the same swimming team, that in the end understand they have feelings for each other and find out that the other isnt as straight as they thought.
The scenes where they make love were hot, but the book was still too short to give an higher rating. All happens really fast and I felt like the story needed more feelings.
Pratically in the summary there is all the story.
The scenes where they make love were hot, but the book was still too short to give an higher rating. All happens really fast and I felt like the story needed more feelings.
Pratically in the summary there is all the story.
February 5, 2016
A touching race to love.
Two men who know who they are, they're competitive. But the air between them is charged with something - anger, angst, envy or perhaps desire? Nicely written, the two main characters are well developed and you can empathise with them. I enjoyed this book and found that there was a refreshing absence of overt sex.
Two men who know who they are, they're competitive. But the air between them is charged with something - anger, angst, envy or perhaps desire? Nicely written, the two main characters are well developed and you can empathise with them. I enjoyed this book and found that there was a refreshing absence of overt sex.
February 14, 2016
Brilliant and breathtaking
From the first page of the prologue I knew this was a must read. Not complicated but easy flowing. The first person narrative took you I to the story. Completely immersed you lived the characters. A nice one to two hour relaxer on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
From the first page of the prologue I knew this was a must read. Not complicated but easy flowing. The first person narrative took you I to the story. Completely immersed you lived the characters. A nice one to two hour relaxer on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
December 11, 2016
Another great read by Elaine Ashford! Miles is all about the 100 free but when Jake, a transfer student challenges him, Miles works harder to prove him wrong. Despite their animosity toward one another, both of them have an attraction to the other. While Miles could be immature, Jake balances him out, and they make a great couple!!
February 3, 2016
I really enjoyed Against The Current. I liked Miles & Jake and their story. Both characters were easy to like, even Miles when he was being an idiot... It was a well written, moderately paced easy read. I happily recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
February 6, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was a quick read but very good! The characters were likeable and I enjoyed the camaraderie of the swim team. It's definitely an HEA with two hot guys that are actually very sweet.
March 1, 2016
This was my first Elaine Ashford book and I loved it.
Miles and Jake were both on the same swim team and both saw in each other something that the other lacked. But more than that, they each wanted the other.
When the water settles, will these two make it or continue to fight for control
Miles and Jake were both on the same swim team and both saw in each other something that the other lacked. But more than that, they each wanted the other.
When the water settles, will these two make it or continue to fight for control
February 4, 2016
I was given this book for an honesty review...
This was a good book. I liked the friendships with the swim team.
This was a good book. I liked the friendships with the swim team.
March 4, 2016
Short, sweet, tame.
February 8, 2016
Cute
Short and sweet. Cute story. nice characters. Not long enough to get into a lot of detail but still very enjoyable read.
Charo
Short and sweet. Cute story. nice characters. Not long enough to get into a lot of detail but still very enjoyable read.
Charo
July 13, 2016
Surprisingly dull. There's nothing objectionable about this book, except....nothing happens, no plot, no drama, no romance. It's completely forgettable.
March 27, 2016
MM romance.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews