Crashing Tides

by Casey Peeler

You can predict the tides but not the changes they make. Gunnison Del Valle was the current in the tide that was about to change my life.


Crash one we met.
Crash two we fell in love.
Crash three changed our perfectly planned lives forever.

ebook

First published March 31, 2015

About the author

Casey Peeler grew up and still lives in North Carolina with daughter. Her first passion is teaching students with special needs. Over the years, she found her way to relax was in a good book.

After reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston her senior year of high school and multiple Nicholas Sparks’ novels, she found a hidden love and appreciation for reading.

When Casey isn’t writing, you can find her listening to country music, spending the day at the lake, being a wife and dance mom, and spending time with friends and family.

Her perfect day consists of water, sand between her toes, a cold beverage, and a great book!

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw Crashing Tides available on Netgalley I jumped at the opportunity to review it. I fell in love with Southern Perfection so I wanted to see what Crashing Tides was about if it would blow me away just like Southern Perfection.

Our Story
Marleigh and GC meet during Spring Break and have a Spring Break Fling. I won’t lie I rolled my eyes at the insta-love but then I stopped because this just wasn’t insta-love it was true love. So anyway, they have the most wonderful week together during Spring Break and make a plan to go to college together and make things work despite the distance. Suddenly Marleigh decides to put an end to their relationship claiming the distance is too much and it would be better to break it off with GC. She breaks GC’s heart completely. He never really gets over her, he just tries to move on but it doesn’t matter with how many girls he ends up with he always ends up thinking about Marleigh or picturing when he’s with someone else.

Three years after they break up, GC is playing basketball at Costal his dream school. He walks around campus every day wondering if Marleigh ever came to Costal to make her dream of a Marine Biologist come true. In two years all he’s seen is Marleigh’s sisters Tinleigh and Carleigh (they’re triplets in case the whole name thing doesn’t give it away) every time he asks them where Marleigh is they avoid him or give vague answers.

Then one day he sees her. All those feelings he tried to forget just come running back to him and he has to know why. Why did she suddenly break up with? Did he do something wrong? Does she feel the same way about him still? Was it truly just a Spring Break fling or was it true love?

I wish I could go into detail about the story but that would really ruin it for you so I will stop there!

Our Characters
Marleigh is a junior in high school when she meets GC. I know many will say what she did was wrong but I cannot judge her for the decision she made. I made a similar decision that Marleigh made and I can say that at the time I thought the decision was the best one but now I know that it wasn’t. I really connected with Marleigh because I was in her shoes once upon a time only I was three years older. I guess that’s why I enjoyed her character because at one point in my life I was her; I made the same decisions only to regret them later. Either way it shaped Marleigh and when she makes things right you can’t help but be happy for her.

GC is so lovable. Seriously, he was crushed when Marleigh broke up with him without any explanation but he does everything with her in mind. He never stopped loving her no matter how hard he tried he just never got over her. When he finds her he refuses to let her go. You can’t help but love the man he becomes despite the reason Marleigh left him, he is truly amazing.

The Romance
Like I said I rolled my eyes at the insta-love but then soon realized it wasn’t like most insta-love stories because this one shows what happens when things don’t go according to plan. It shows how one decision could impact your entire life. Their fling wasn’t just a fling it was true love. Neither stopped loving each other and when they were reunited they picked up where they left off, like those years that passed never happened.

What I loved the most about their romance is that they dealt with real issues. They had to learn to make the decisions together and work towards being a couple. It’s what some people actually have to deal with. I know that it was very realistic.

Overall,
Casey Peeler is becoming one of my favorite authors….like I already purchased all her books so far. I love how both the books I have read by her have real life situations that pull at your heartstrings.

Sometimes I hated the sudden time passing you see throughout the book but it needed to be there for the whole story to come together. I loved how everything flowed well together and how even though you may not agree with Marleigh you understand her decision. And you seriously cannot help but fall in love with GC.

I was actually looking for a book with basketball romance. I love basketball and I wanted a book with romance and basketball. Even though it doesn’t give much details about basketball it still made satisfied my longing for a basketball romance story.

There is so much I WISH I could say about this story but I seriously cannot because that would totally ruin it for you. If you pick up Crashing Tides then please please talk to me about it because I need someone to talk to.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Gunnison, aka: GC, meets Marleigh during their junior year of High School. While on a trip for spring break, they run into each other. He's got his friends with him and she's got her two sisters who she happens to be a part of a triplet set.

They have a good time and fall into young love that they believe will last forever. They make plans to go to the same college and to be together. Until one night changes their lives forever. Marleigh makes a choice for the both of them, leaving GC in the dark for the next 3 years.

They end up at the same school eventually, with her avoiding him, until she can't.

Life is about to change for them both, again ...and for GC? It's about to get even more real then he ever thought.

I like the aspect of this story and I liked the characters. What bothered me mostly would be how fast the story went, leaving me feeling like it didn't have enough depth to it. Also, I wasn't a fan of how EASY everything seemed to be. The forgiving and getting over things and accepting and so on....just way to easy. Then it abruptly ends at 91% and shoots straight to the epilogue.

I really wanted more:
1. depth to the whole story
2. feelings & emotions involved and shown
3. thoughts, actions and the story to slow down and be a bit more dramatic and drawn out and for everything to NOT be so dang easy!
4. healing done for the wrong done -not a quick forgiveness

Also- I was surprised Summer and Brett didn't make life harder for GC and Marleigh.

One last ALSO moment- the nickname GC was totally throwing me off. I kept wanting to say CG. It didn't work for me and tripped me up the whole book.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring Break…..it’s a time for letting loose, having fun, and making memories. For Gunnison ‘GC’ De Valle a trip centered around a basketball tournament will forever change his life. The moment GC spots Marleigh Anderson - he knows something is different about her.

In the days that follow, GC and Marleigh spend all of their free time together. Hoping to soak up every moment they can. As their time winds down, the couple makes plans to keep their relationship going despite living in different states. Their last night was spent savoring each nuance to memory. Capturing each moment…..reveling in the love that they felt for one another.

As GC and Marleigh return home, they both anticipate the start of their senior year in high school. Knowing that college, and their future are just a heartbeat away. Then the unexpected occurred. GC receives a devastating call from Marleigh, ending their dreams. A finalization to the Spring Break fling that they shared. GC is crushed but decides to find a way to get over Marleigh and enjoy his last year of high school before heading off to college.

Changes have taken place for Marleigh as well. Nothing could prepare her for the way her future altered in such a significant way. Now - three years have gone by. Fate has intervened. Once again their paths cross. This time GC has made up his mind….he needs answers from Marleigh. Discovering why she broke things off when they had their future mapped out is all GC can think about. Answers come in unexpected ways. The results lead these two down a path that will shape their future.

Are you familiar with the nuances of the Carolinas? Casey Peeler takes readers on a journey wrapped in a little sweet southern romance. From the dialect to the coastal cities, every aspect of this novel stays ‘true’ to the local region that serves as the setting in Crashing Tides.

This story will leave you feeling every nuance that goes along with that first love. Mistakes will be made, and the result will be a learning experience for both Marleigh and GC. As each tries to live their dream….their paths will cross once again. Fate may have a hand in their relationship, but where it leads is entirely up to GC and Marleigh. Discover their journey….listen to the pull of the Tides.

[H.J. Bellus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start?

I don't want to give anything away! Read the synopsis and be prepared to CRASH! What I love about this novel is the "REAL LIFE" aspect. We all plan out our futures and know EXACTLY how we want them to play out...well rarely does that happen. I really hope there's more in store for these characters...JUST SAYING! #family #bball #truelove #crashingtides #hope #lovestory #country

[Jaci · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.

CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS ; WARNING: CONTAINS MATURE AND ADULT CONTENT

This story has multiple POV's. These are my favorite type of books to read, simply because you get to see what is happening from all angles.

This is a good book with a solid sorry line. Not my favorite by this author, but a great book just the same. I would still recommend this book to everyone. Ms. Peeler's work is always guaranteed to be a 5 star in my book. Her writing is always solid and promises to engage the audience with all consuming love and growing experiences from the characters. In my opinion my expectations for this book were very high and it was just shy of meeting them. I see this author doing more unbelievable work in the future.

Marleigh meets GC (Gunnison) on the spring break of her Junior year of high school and this story follows her story from the end of that year to the end of her and GC's senior year of college.

Marleigh is a triplet. She can be described as the more grab the bull by the horns, do what you want and fly by the seat of your pants type a girl. Her two sisters Carleigh and Tinleigh are more grounded and keep her grounded when things tend to get out of control.

Gc is a basketball player with a good head on his shoulders. He works had on the family farm when not doing the best he can in school. GC is your typical hot jock, but not a player.

Here is a little about their story:

When Mar (Marleigh) and GC meet there is an instant attraction. They can not seem to break a bond that was put there years before they met. After spring break they promise to keep in contact. GC holds up his end of the bargain, however Mar grows distant so much that she breaks it off with GC. They had made a pack to go to College together and everything. Mar even breaks this off. She stays at home while her sisters and GC go off to college. She finally shows up at college 2 years later and drops this enormous bomb on GC. Well after that GC and Mar have to figure out if they can move on or stay in the zone of uncomfortableness that has all of a sudden consumed them. GC also played basketball the whole time in college and Marleigh's sisters watched him play and kept an eye on him, so to speak...

What has Marleigh dropped on GC? Why did Marleigh grow so distant to break a lovers pack? Did the other 2 triplets have anything to do with this? Did Marleigh end up with someone else after GC? Can Marleigh and GC overcome all and have a HEA? What ever happened with GC and his basketball career?

You need to read this book to figure out all the answers to these questions. I really hope that Ms. Peeler writes another book after this one because there is just and ending that could be continued in so many different ways

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 or 3 stars I can't decide. I'm not really sure how to feel about this book. Here's why https://youtu.be/SHi2SFIUJ70

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: This ARC was provided by The Hype PR via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Marleigh Anderson and Gunnison "GC" del Valle meet in their junior year of high school while on spring break in Garden City, South Carolina. In that one week, they fall in love and believe that the fact that they plan on going to the same college as a sign that they're meant to be together. Once they return to their respective lives, his in Pennsylvania and hers in elsewhere in South Carolina, they try their best to stay in touch, but when Marleigh unexpectedly puts an end to their young love affair, GC is devastated.

Three years later and while GC has never forgotten Marleigh or loved anyone after her, his life has gone on. He's in college and playing basketball and he's had an on and off relationship with one particular girl. When he realizes that Marleigh is now studying at the very same college, he knows that his feelings for her are still very much alive but he wants answers to why she ended their relationship. As soon as GC finds out the secret Marleigh's been keeping all this time, his life begins to go down an unplanned path.

Crashing Tides is a young adult (YA) romance novel that begins when the main characters are still in high school and continues into their college years. While less than a week may seem like a really short time for two people to fall for one another, both Marleigh and GC were teenagers and they went with their feelings, believing in forever after. There's an obvious bit of immaturity that the two still have but that merely helps them come off as more realistic and easier for younger readers out there to relate to.

The twist in the story is revealed within the first three chapters but I'd rather not reveal it in my review in order to give those who have yet to read the book the full experience. With as far as my opinion on the twist, my feelings are more about how it was handled by the lead characters than its actual existence. I felt GC's reaction and corresponding decisions and choices were better managed and that Marleigh seriously needed more guidance from her parents instead of them giving in to the choice she made.

Crashing Tides was a pretty good book, though I felt there were parts that could have been edited out in order to make it a more concise and better read. Some moments were stretched and became repetitive, so that did take away from the overall impression of the book. This is currently a standalone, though I would be interested to see if there will be future books on Marleigh's two sisters, Carleigh and Tinleigh. With author Casey Peeler's mix of teen angst and southern charm, this book gets four out of five stars. ♥

Release Date: 31 March 2015

[Stephannie Tolitsky- Seppyreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marleigh, "Gunnison Del Valle was the current in the tide that was about to change my life."
"Crash one we met; Crash two we fell in love; Crash three changed our perfectly planned lives forever".

In just one week during spring break, Marleigh Anderson and Gunnison "GC" del Valle met and fell hard for each other. It was like fate that they planned to attend the same college after their senior year. The plan was for them to stay in touch and be together once they got to college. It was only one year. Marleigh discovered something that changes things. She doesn't want to but she decides to puts an end to their young love affair, GC is devastated.

GC has never forgotten Marleigh. But he has to move forward that doesn't mean he has ever loved anyone after her. He's in college and playing basketball and when he realizes that Marleigh is now at the very same college. He must find out why she ended their relationship. GC finds out what Marleigh's secret, his life begins to change. What will happen between these two long lost loves?

This is a good book about an young couple who fall and love and make the mistakes that young people do. I want to yell at Marliegh that she is making an mistake. But teenagers think they know everything and that is what happens she doesn't listen to her family and does what she thinks is right. I hurt for GC, his love for Marleigh is so beautiful. He never really moves on and I love when characters have those kind of feelings. Its deep and I love it.

The story is good and it would be a fun beach read. It has a twist and the characters have to deal with this twist. Its was enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone who loves YA type books.
This book gets four out of five stars. ♥

[Bibliophile Wonderland Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ARC was provided by The Hype PR via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


Release Date: 31 March 2015




Another story that tugged on my heartstrings. Marleigh Anderson meets Gunnison “GC” while they are both on spring break in Garden City in South Carolina. They are both in high school at that time. They fall head over with one another in a week. They hatch out a plan to keep in touch with each other to keep going what they had. Even go as far as plan to attend the same college together. The week is up and they go about their lives one in South Carolina the other in Pennsylvania. They try there hardest to make things work but Marleigh puts a stop to all of it and GC is heartbroken.

I think this was fate putting them together again. After they break up three years later GC feelings over Marleigh are stronger then ever and still loves her. He has never moved on from her, he has just learned to live with it even though he has a complicated relationship with a girl.

GC discovers that Marleigh attends the same college as him He decides then that he wants answers. Why did she break them up? What was her reason? Did she still feel the same way as he felt about her? He finds out the reason secret why she did what she did?

You literally CRASH at the reason. This book is very related able to teens; YA (young adults) with the book starting off where are done. The young teenage love the heartbreak of it. Typical spring teenage love, with the short time. Even though the secret comes of early on in the book it still floors you. Over all I liked the book not loved, but don’t get me wrong its still a good book. Just wished there was a little more.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a sweet love story and perfect for a summer beach read. Anyone who has gone on vacation for the summer has had that dreamy thought of what if I meet someone here and have this epic vacation love or we fall in love forever. Gunnison and Marleigh have instant chemistry. From the moment they laid eyes on each other they knew their lives would never be the same. An epic love was definitely in the cards for them but they never expecting an even bigger life altering change.

Marleigh and Gunnison try the long distance thing until one day Marleigh realizes she's pregnant. They have all these future plans together that revolve around reaching their dreams. Marleigh panics and breaks up with Gunnison without a reason and he never hears from her again. Marleigh takes her responsibilities as a new mother and learns to put aside her impulsive nature. Secrets can never remains secrets though and eventually Marleigh has no choice but to come clean.

I seriously about died when the truth came out. I mean we all knew Marleigh was about to spill the beans but the way it happened actually surprised me. If I was her I don't know how I would even react. It was lovely seeing them grow up so quickly and trying to find their place and handling everything as adults and as co-parents. Even though the majority of the book was very predictable, a lot of it was very realistic and kind of the ideal way that someone in their situation would wish it would play out. It was a fun read and I definitely enjoyed it. If you find yourself sitting by the pool or beach I would say this is a good read while soaking up some sun.

[Lynn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received and ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.



Gunnison along with his 2 friends and parents are on spring brake in Garden City, North Carolina. Out cruising and looking for girls they see three identical girls walking down the street. Marleigh one of the triplets feels the pull towards Gunnison. Finding out that they are both going to the same college believe it is meant to be between them. Staying in touch after spring break everything was going good until Marleigh breaks it off. Fast forward three years and Gunnison is in college, still in love with Marleigh but she isn't there. He thought once he got there it would give him a second chance with her. He tries moving on but he just can't get over her. Marleigh has been keeping a secret from Gunnison all this time. She thought she was doing the right thing. Even though she never stopped loving him, she had to give him a chance to fulfill his dreams.

Wonderfully written. I enjoyed the characters and the interactions with them. While I didn't agree with Marleigh keeping the secret. Honesty would have worked so much better. But the book is more about what happens when you choose a path. How it affects your life and the lives of others. In order to become adults we have to learn from mistakes and decisions we make as teenagers. What we think at that age isn't always the best decision.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Looking for a book to take to the beach this summer or maybe something to read while you relax on the deck under the umbrella with a glass of ice cold sweet tea? Crashing Tides is a light and fun summer read full of sweetness and southern charm. Being the southern girl that I am, I’m always on the look out for romances about southern characters written by southern authors. This book was also nostalgic in a way because it brought back those feelings of first love and the fun times that can be had on spring break when you are young and carefree.

“It’s the week that our worlds changed for the better.”

Crashing Tides is a fast-paced, character driven story about Marleigh and GC, two high schoolers at the beach for spring break that have a chance meeting that changes the rest of their lives. If insta-connection is a huge no-no for you then it’s possible the book may not work for you because the very first page of the story begins with:
…instantly I feel a connection.

However, if you enjoy New Adult romance novels that are sweet and emotional but also gives you good feelings inside, then I think you may just like reading this standalone too. This was a story about young love, second chances, and forgiveness, and I actually found Crashing Tides addicting! I stayed awake until 2am reading the first 50%. I couldn’t put it down. A good read!

[Donna ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS!!!
Anytime I am in the mood for some sweet southern charm I know exactly where I can turn. Casey has a way of wrapping you up in the comfort of home and allowing you to get lost between the pages. I absolutely loved this book! A quick and heartfelt read about choices, consequences and second chances. Sometimes you just have to ride the waves until they crash and see where you land.

Loved the sass and free spirit of Marleigh. Quickly grounded after spring break, Marleigh finds herself on unfamiliar ground forced to put her own feelings aside for the better of another.

GC.....well he had me swooning from the moment he arrived on the pier. Hot, athletic and a southern yankee too! All that charm will have the ladies beating down his door, but there is only one girl that he wants even if he can't have her.

When Marleigh and GC's paths cross again, they find that the sparks are still there but can retracing the night you first met lead you on a path to your future or just remind you of all that has been lost?

A story full of "real" life, Casey will have you on the edge of your seat as you turn the pages and ride the waves of GC and Marleigh's story. Grab your copy today and see what the tides have in store for this couple.

[Jina · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I will try to avoid spoilers.

Crashing Tides by Casey Peeler

It was April 2011/Spring Break

Gunnison and his basketball team had arrived in Garden City, South Carolina.

Later that evening Gunnison and his two friends cruise down Ocean Drive where they spot identical triplets but one catches Gunnison's attention.

Marleigh is a confident young woman who lives in the moment.

What starts out as a trip to get ice cream turns into an unforgettable week.

The two make plans of meeting up again when they realize they both have plans to attend the same college.

However, their final night of spring break changes everything.

Is it possible for an ending to change into a new beginning?

I LOVED THIS BOOK!! The storyline is not ideal but realistic. I loved the family loyalty and the determination of the characters. I will be reading more books from this author in the future.

*Checkout and follow my blog:
http://wicked-blogs.blogspot.com

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marleigh is a triplet, which I thought was cool. While on spring break she meets Gunnison. He takes a liking to her right away. During their week together they fall and love. Everything seems perfect, they even plan on going to the same college. My thought was that this one going to be one of those love at first sight books but then there's a twist that changes everything. Something happens and Marleigh makes some tough hard choices. Marliegh is an amazing strong character who whether you agree with your decision or not you can see why she decided what she did. This is a great story. I loved reading Gunnison and Marleigh story. It's an emotional read but well worth reading.

[For the Love of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author and looked forward to reading this book, and I wasn't disappointed. This book deals with real life situations accurately without taking away from the storyline. Marleigh and Gunnison are two very typical teenagers in love, they have fun together and the chemistry is certainly apparent. However, a surprise changes the course of their young lives forever and how they deal with it will effect them both. I adore the bond that Marleigh and her triplet sisters have, this is heart warming.
I enjoyed this book and thought the author continues her winning streak of fantastic books. I happily award it 4 stars ~ Rosie

[Leslie Penrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS ONE AMAZING READ FULL OF LOVE ANGST AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN IN TRUE CASEY PEELER STYLE THIS WAS A SWEET ROMANCE AND A BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY THAT BEGAN WITH ONE WEEK SPRING BREAK BUT THAT ONE WEEK CHANGES EVERYONES LIVES RELATIONSHIPS ARE TESTED LOST AND LIES ARE TOLD HEARTS ARE BROKEN CAN LOVE TRULY WIN ? WHEN THE TRUTH COMES OUT WILL MARLIEGH AND GC RECOVER WHAT WAS LOST ALL THOSE YEARS AGO CAN THEIR LOVE SURVIVE WHEN SECRETS COME TO LIGHT ?

[Lesley Peck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh boy what can I say about this book? It was truly amazing but it also frustrated me to no end! Maybe that's the sign of a good book. I wanted to shake the characters. I wanted to scream at them to see what was in front of their faces. I couldn't believe what was so obvious to us they couldn't see. This book had me crying and holding my breath. A great story!

[Chris Murray]

A Lovely Southern Romance

Casey Peeler writes a wonderful Southern Romance again. I love how the difficulties of young adults lives are brought to life with a HEA. Yeah, No Cliffhangers. Although I would love a follow-up novella to find out how the family is making it.

[Jenell Shull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I absolutely loved this book. Casey has out done herself with this one. The emotions the sacrifice the heartbreak the love the tears and joy. I could not ask for more in a book. Don't miss this amazing story.

[Amber Britten · Rating 5 out of 5]

So emotional:)

What a emotional story. I'm sad to say I relate to this book 100% just not the baby daddy coming back in my life. Thank god for that. it definitely hit home. I love this book it's one of your best Casey Peeler. Can't wait for the next.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love sweet, happy-ending romance then this book is for you. I’ll be honest, I’m not always in the mood for romance but these sweet southern reads are my favorite when I’m in the mood for romance. I’m a southern girl at heart and I can’t get enough of a sweet southern boy.
When Marleigh and Gunnison meet their junior year of high school over spring break it’s like a crashing wave; instant and all consuming. At first it feels like a quick spring break fling but they quickly realize it will be something more. Their last night together they share a night of passion that will change their lives forever.
Two months later when Marleigh arrives home she realizes that she is pregnant. After telling her family she decides to keep the baby but break things off with Gunnison and not tell him about the baby so he won’t have to give up his dream of playing basketball in college and possibly the NBA.
Gunnison is heartbroken because he has no idea what made Marleigh break up with him. He decides to try to move on with his life and ends up getting a full basketball scholarship to play at Costal University where he and Marleigh had planned on going together.
Gunnison is never able to fully get over Marleigh and when she comes crashing back into his life by arriving at Costal University all bets are off. Will Marleigh finally be honest with Gunnison about why she ran from a relationship with him? How will Gunnison react with he finds out about their baby? Will their love be enough to hold them together or will it go out like the tide?
I love reading books by Casey Peeler. They have just enough twists to keep me guessing and cute, charming southern boys to keep me coming back for more.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gunnison (GC) and Marleigh live states away, meet by chance, and automatically fall head over heels over Spring Break, planning their life and college adventures. Their love continues long distance, until suddenly, Marleigh breaks everything off with barely an explanation, leaving GC heartbroken. Years later, life finds them back in each other’s lives, figuring out the answers they both need to know.

My review: Wow. What a breath of fresh air to read this book and experience Casey’s writing. She captures the characters personalities and you feel like you know these people. Her details are perfection and I swear I could place myself in Marleigh and GC’s relationship. GC is essentially the perfect man, while Marleigh is such a relatable personality; a grounded young woman with dreams, but still had flaws of her own and not afraid to take on the tough stuff. Their story was beautiful, yet heart wrenching. But some of my favorite parts was the inclusion of the whole family dynamic.

I loved the layout of the story. At times, I did feel like it moved FAST, which I didn’t love, but upon finishing the book, I realize this was necessary to get the whole story. Also, some parts were definitely not realistic necessarily and SO cheesy, but it was such a feel good read, making it a perfect escape from reality.

As a Nicholas Sparks fan, I loved how Casey made mention of some of his work in the story. Personally, I’d love to see Casey and Nicholas combine their writing styles and create a book together!

Overall, I recommend this book if you’re looking for a simple, quick, feel good romance read!

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Crashing Tides" is a nice and easy read, however it just did not get to me as I wished it did.

Overall the storyline was flat: all went way too smooth and the conversations were way too cheesy. Maybe because those and the whole interactions between the characters could have used some more depth.

Personally I think the story really has potential as well as the characters, but throughout the book I don't see any real development rather than the one they keep talking about.

Nevertheless I enjoyed reading "Crashing Tides". :)
If you are looking for a nice distraction in-between, this might be your book.

"We might have met by chance, but that chance made life worth living."

"Standing here watching her walk toward me was the moment I knew this wasn't just a normal beach fling, but little did I know this girl would be my future."

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, the author has a great writing style and I was enthralled from beginning to end, I just couldn't put it down.

This is the story of young love when Gunnison and his two friend were driving through Garden City on their spring break. They drove past triplets, one of them caught his eye and he had to talk to her. Marleigh and her two sisters decided to join them on their journey.

Gunnison and Marleigh were inseperable for the week and then they parted with plans to met up in college and stay together forever. Marleigh had a decision to make, would she make the right choice or face heartache and upset?

This story has some heartache but it is well worth reading as the HEA ending is worth waiting for.

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's just start by saying that I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked it but I didn't like it as much as I wanted to.

I liked the fact that the book was a quick summer romance. There wasn't much drama, but there were real emotions in there.

But I felt like the book was too fast paced. (Is that even a thing?)
I felt like everything went by too fast. I love the build up, the will they won't they, the chase. But in this book it was a story of insta-love, which I've realised that I'm not a big fan of. I would have loved for the story to have a little more depth and build up. Come on! Sweep a girl off her feet!

But again, the book had its sweet moments too. Hence the mixed feelings.

Overall, I think this is a perfect summer romance.

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, quick, good read, but I feel it's very predictable. Marleigh & Gunnison meet during spring break, falling for one another instantly even though they live several states apart. They try the long distant thing for a bit, then Mar calls it quits to keep a secret. They run into each other years later, and fall instantly again. But...the secret and stuff that has happened in the years they've been apart is heavy, and to just be okay with it immediately isn't real at all. The way everyone handles the secret is wayyyy too easy. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that other than being very easy to predict and the way the secret was handled, it was a good book.

[Sue Ouellet-Cofsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it ok...While I really enjoy young adult, generally...this was missing something...not sure what it was. The book could have ended in the middle and I would have had the same feeling as the rest of the book added. While Mar and GC have a beautiful love story to start with...and the secrets kept by Mar certainly create issues...I feel this didn't go deep enough for me. I'm having a difficult time pinpointing why. Everything seemed very surface-y I guess. It's not that it wasn't well written exactly, I just felt that it was written by a teen for a teen. Not bad, not great. It was certainly very, very sweet!

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a southern girl, I stinking loved this book and how authentic it felt. I want to read more!
Marleigh and GC meet their junior year of high school over Spring Break, while Mar is at her families beach home and GC is down for a basketball tournament. They instantly hit it off and have dreams of forever. Things happen. Three years later they are thrust back into each others lives and it's fabulous! I loved this book so much! I want more of them!

[FeeMac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst I enjoyed reading this book it wasn't one where I was riveted to the pages. Unfortunately I felt that the storyline lacked a bit of depth. I know that this is a work of fiction but unless they are saints, I found that some of the characters actions or responses were not realistic to the situation they were confronted with. I found this book to be a sweet story of love, sacrifice and regret.