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Ryder Bay #3

Face of the Wave

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She was out cold. He was her lifeline. Will their unlikely connection survive the shocking truth? Skylar's memory fractured when she fell from the pier. After waking from a coma, the high school troublemaker has no clue if someone pushed her or she jumped. Surrounded by confusion, she discovers the kind voice that protected her unconscious moments belongs to a boy who's nowhere near her type…

Jed watched over the elitist Skylar when nobody else seemed to care. As a chubby black kid from the wrong side of town, he's completely shocked when the beautiful rich girl actually wants to spend time with him. But in a world where popularity is paramount, Jed's feelings could get him in serious trouble.

As they sift through the wreckage of her fragmented memory, Skylar and Jed discover an undeniable attraction.

Will uncovering the truth of the past rip them apart or give their unlikely romance a fighting chance?

Face of the Wave is the third book in the captivating Ryder Bay YA contemporary romance series. If you like sand and surf, star-crossed lovers, and a dash of dark tension, then you’ll adore Jordan Ford’s compelling novel.

Buy Face of the Wave to open your eyes to love today!

402 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 12, 2019

162 people are currently reading
221 people want to read

About the author

Jordan Ford

55 books793 followers
Jordan Ford is a teen and young-adult romance author. She loves to write romance novels filled with angst, mystery, danger and first love. If you're looking for heartfelt romance, loyal friendships, thrilling drama and characters you can fall in love with, then you're in the right place.

“Writing romance brings me the greatest joy. My heart bubbles, my insides zing, and I am at my happiest when immersed in a great scene with characters who have become real to me.”

To stay up-to-date with Jordan's latest news, you can sign up for her newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/JF_book...
You'll also get a free introduction to her Ryder Bay series.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Website: www.jordanfordbooks.com
Email: jordan@jordanfordbooks.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for *❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆*.
414 reviews93 followers
April 21, 2019
Wow wow wow!

The suspense of what happened to Skylar from Book 1 has finally came to an end! And let me tell you, you are in for a suspenseful ride!

After Skylar wakes up from her 4 week coma, she needs to start again. But the new Skylar that wakes up is very different to who she was before.
Worse yet, she doesn’t remember that night at the Pier.

Skylar is not sure if she was pushed or she jumped from the Pier that night, but ever since she woke up, she has been having nightmares of darkness and fear. She doesn’t know if she wants to remember anymore.

But it is during this time of need that she meets Jed, the boy who is way out of her league.

Jed has a heart of gold and would do anything to help Skylar’s recovery. But that road of remembrance is a difficult one to face.
The more they search, the more terrifying it becomes.

Will Skylar be brave enough to face the truth?

What an exception end to this plot that has been going on from book 1. But it’s not over yet!
Loved this serious and all this characters. This is perhaps my favourite couple, the beautiful, rich girl Skylar, with the chubby yet sweet boy Jed. Reminds me a lot of Beauty and the Beast <3

You’ll love this series so give it a try! Highly recommended!

Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, thank you!
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,835 reviews52 followers
March 29, 2019
Sleeping Beauty is awake. But Skylar no longer feels like the queen that cruelly ruled over her universe. Instead, she's confused, missing key memories, and no longer feels like she used to. This Skylar questions herself and doesn't think too highly of the girl she used to be. She doesn't seem to fit into her life any longer. Her best friend got a new boyfriend, made new friends, and took up a new hobby while she was asleep. Her cousin is dating the surf troll. Her room makes her feel scared, she's not attracted to her boyfriend, and the only time she feels really safe is when she's with a chubby black kid from the wrong side of town. Jed watched over Skylar while she was in her coma. He talked to her, played his music for her, fell in love with her. He knew the stories of the mean girl but his heart couldn't believe his beautiful butterfly was still that girl. He knew she was way out of his league. But he dreamed, he hoped, and he knew he would do anything to be a part of her life and help her heal. Sometimes the most unlikely matches end up Being perfect after all.

This was an interesting book. I can't say I have ever read a book where the main guy was described as Jed. He's usually the best friend, sidekick or the comic relief. And in books 1 and 2, this is exactly what he was, but in book 3, he became the leading man. I know this was Skylar's book; her journey, her mystery but to me, it was all about Jed. This guy's heart is as big as he describes his body. He always put others first. His sweetness is unmatched. Skylar and Harley were both lucky to have him choose them. It broke my heart to hear him describe and criticize himself even in his mind. I hate that we live in a world where appearance ranks as a higher quality than character. Jed is worth 100 Craigs. He made Skylar worthy. In the previous books, the only things she had going for her was her pretty face and her parent's bank account. With Jed's help and her own strength, she discovered a much better person inside. Now she's actually beautiful.

This was a more serious book than the others. There is trauma's after-effects, a crime, and a cover-up. The mystery was handled perfectly. It was always present but never overshadowed the characters. The subject matter is difficult and could trigger certain readers but it is treated delicately. It is appropriate for the story; never sensationalized or made sexy. There are a few twists along the way and it never loses its seriousness. Skylars many fears are all justified and addressed. The other parts of the story were of friendship and of falling in love. They were realistic and sweet. Very enjoyable. Now I am looking forward to Lettie's story. Little Miss has so much pain. I can't wait for her to find her happy.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,132 reviews119 followers
September 27, 2023
Face of the Wave is the third book in the Ryder Bay series, and we finally find out what happened with Skylar. She comes around at the beginning of the book and is understandably very confused. She goes along with how her parents, and everyone, expect her to be, but she knows something isn't right. She just can't figure out what it is yet. Jed has been there for Skylar whilst she was in a coma, but now she's awake, Jed is sure she won't want someone like him.

This book deals with some serious issues, that I thought were excellently written. Skylar not only has her physical recovery to deal with, but she also has to figure out the black hole in her mind, plus decide on how she wants to be around others. The new group take her under their wings, and with Jed's help, Skylar is prepared to tell all.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I'm so very glad my guess of the 'big bad' was correct! However, I did feel that Skylar's problem (while HUGE) actually overshadowed the romance part with Jed. Although I can see them as incredibly good, close, friends. I just can't see them as a couple. That saddens me, as I really wanted Jed to get his HEA, and he does. He does get it here, but for the first time ever with one of Ms. Ford's books, I just don't get it.

Even though this story didn't quite work for me, I still have no hesitation in recommending it! Remember, this is just my opinion, and I am sure many out there will think differently. A fantastic story, with great characters, and wonderful scenery! Go on, try this series for yourself.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 1, 2019
Profile Image for Lola.
1,949 reviews273 followers
March 28, 2019
I received a free copy form the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

Skylar's story already started in book 1 when she falls off a pier and lands in a coma. This book would finally reveal what happened to Skylar and was I quite excited to get started and find out what happened to her, did she jump off that pier or was she pushed? I had my theories about this and who was involved, but the author managed to surprise me with some great twists.

While the first 2 books are quite light and uplifting and they touch upon some heavier topics, Face of the Wave has a much darker and heavier feel than the previous two books. And it makes sense given what Skylar's gone through, but it took some getting used to as the tone was so different. I also can't really say it's a fun read most of the time, but it is a good book. The author handled the topics very well. It deals with some difficult topics and at times it was hard to read. But there are also some uplifting and happy moments, which helps.

Skylar was one of the most popular girls at their school. She's rich, pretty and not afraid to show that off. She had a hot boyfriend and even a guy who sort of stalks her. She liked being admired and seems to be the girl who has everything. Which all changes once she wakes up from the coma. She's not the same Skylar anymore, she is more anxious, doesn't feel the same, thee's this black space in her mind about what happened and her behavior changes quite a bit too. It was interesting to see how much Skylar changes, she wasn't the most likable character in book 1, but in this book she's a different person.

While there is a romance, this book is first and foremost Skylar's story. It's about Skylar having to figure out who she is now, about figuring out what the black space in her head protects her from, what really happened that night at the pier and then once she knows that how to deal with and move forward. It's heartbreaking and sad to read what Skylar went through and her feelings and struggles surrounding everything made me feel so sad. I am so glad she has a great group of friends around her to help her through this.

The group of friends that form throughout this series is one of my favorite parts of this series. I love how they form this close knit group that's there for each other. And how they have each other's back. I really liked how Skylar and Harley form a tentative friendship in this book and I liked their friendship more than Skylar's friendship with Savannah. I actually felt Skylar and Savannah's friendship was quite strained, while Skylar's friendship with Harley is so different and they have more in common than they thought. I really liked how Harley is there for Skylar as it's such a surprise. I also liked Aidan and how she has his cousin's back. I like seeing these characters all interact with each other.

And there is Jed, the love interest for Skylar. And while the full focus isn't on the romance, I do think it's a great romance. I just wished we get to see more of how their romance continues as it feels like this is only the beginning. I liked how their romance takes a less common path than we usually see in romance books. I also liked how the author gave Jed his own story as he's the type of character that usually stays to the sidelines. It did bother me how often he got referred as fat as I just wanted to tell them all how irrelevant that was as he's such a great character. But luckily the people around him do realize what a great person he is. He's sweet and supportive, he's there for Skylar in a very selfless way, being what she needs. And I liked seeing how Skylar slowly falls for this sweet guy who's so different form the guys she normally goes for, but who is so perfect for her.

To summarize: Face of the Wave is a heavier read than the previous two books in this series as it's about Skylar who landed in a coma and is now awake. This book is mostly Skylar's journey, her journey to find out the answers to what happened to her that she can't remember at first and also her journey to find herself. There is a sweet romance as well as Skylar falls for Jed who is such a sweet character who's there for her. I also liked seeing the characters from previous books again and I especially liked the tentative friendship that Skylar and Harley start. Skylar changes a lot from who she was in the first book and it was interesting to see, but the reason behind it is very sad as she went through something horrible. It's a bit of a sad story and hard to read at times as Skylar is remembering what happened to her. But there are moments of light as well and it's a very well written story.
Profile Image for Karla Vértiz.
150 reviews
March 24, 2019
Face the wave is the third book of The Ryder’s Bay series by Jordan Ford and if you think that this book can’t best the other two you are wrong. This story is about Skylar, Aiden’s cousin and Savannah’s best friend and Jed, Harley’s BMF. Skylar finally wakes of her coma and realizes she has been out an entire month. She has this darkness inside her that frightens her and makes her avoid her memories. Jed has been watching her from the sideline and when he sees Skylar needs support he is always there. She is broken. He is not her type. These are the best ingredients for an awesome love story.
I love Jordan Ford’s stories so much because they are so heartwarming and Face the wave is this and so much more. I was so intrigued and willing to find out what happened to Skylar and when I finally discovered the truth it was overwhelming. The way this topic is portrayed is beautiful and how Skylar endures it is breathtaking. Jed is the most wonderful character in the whole series and you can’t stop loving him. I can’t say this is my favorite book of the three because I love them all but it is the most uplifting.
I received this book as an ARC copy for a honest review.
Profile Image for ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ .
1,518 reviews102 followers
July 21, 2019
She definitely faced the wave with the help of Jed (awesomeness)

https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...

***Just a few spoilers going throughout this review*****


I already knew this book was going to be good because for one... the way it started off... I like how it was Jed, aka Jeremiah was the that helped Skylar get her memories back, and he was actually the one to take his time with her and help her get her memories back. Though she ended up getting them entirely at the police station...when Jed ended up going in for something that he didn’t commit...

Like I already knew that wasn’t going to stick because everybody that knew Jed I mean even those in the hospital should’ve known what type of person Jed was. Also, he brought the good out of Skylar though what happened to her also did too...

But before her memory came back... I assume that Craig was the one that raped her or maybe it was that kid Wyatt but the thing I was like nah.., it wasn’t him then somewhere in the book..... I kind of figured it was either Craig or his dad... which now I remember was when she stated that Craig dad took her home; well more so her cousin Aiden mentioned that detail...


I do wonder if Craig dad always was watching her one the DL... I mean you could never know... because clearly that something he always wanted to do... I mean he was disgusting and evil; because she more likely underage if she wasn’t 18 yet since it didn’t mention her age though she was a senior going into her last year. Not only that she was his son girlfriend at the time... I was glad that people ended up believing her in the end though it took her father a while to believe her...


Clearly rich people are some idiots because they always assume that just because someone is NICE they wouldn’t do anything to hurt; harm or destroy someone.., whereas someone who’s don’t have the money as a rich person he like heck yeah so and so did this you can’t believe what they say.. they could be lying while she’s telling the truth. Clearly Jed and even Harley believe her.., I wish Harley would’ve ended up stating she gotten raped too but if not I do hope her ex-boyfriend did get into trouble if he had done it again once he moved...


But at least end the end her parents accepted that Jed was an awesome guy.., I like how she didn’t care about his weight size when he clearly was insecure about how much he weight... though I believe that he could’ve exercise by walking long walks, jogging or doing some type of exercises may be in the gym. If he was that concern about his weight... but I think that with him being with Skylar I think he will eventually accept that he a big guy and love the size that he is... just as his friends and Sky does. Clearly, he’s her teddy bear 🧸♥️❤️💚🖤
Profile Image for Brandie.
37 reviews
March 26, 2019
Book 3 of the Ryder Bay series that follows Skylar and Jed May contain spoilers

Skylar, after being in a coma for four weeks, finally wakes up while Jed is in her room cleaning and talking to her. When she wakes up she is groggy and does not remember what happened to her. Since she has been asleep for so long, she has to go through physical therapy to learn how to walk again. A few days after waking up and learning to walk again, Sklyar is released to go home. When she arrives home and goes to her room she gets a bad feeling and can’t stay in her room so her mom sets her up in the downstairs guest room, it also makes it easier, as she is still weak.

Her mom tries to do everything she can think of to get her back to the old Skylar, even throwing her a party with all her friends. It’s too much for her to take and she ends up slipping out, going to the roof where Savannah finds her thinking she is going to do something bad. Skylar has a darkness in her that she can’t escape from. She keeps having flashes of color in her mind but is not able to connect the dots. Savannah, not being able to help her, asks Jed for help, as she feels like it will benefit her to have new people around and not people from her past. She slowly gets to know Griffin, Savannah’s boyfriend; Harley, Adian’s girlfriend; and Jed, Harley’s BMF. When she is around Jed she feels a safe prescenes around her;when she is around her boyfriend, Craig she gets this off feeling.

After some time, Skylar remembers what happened to her on that fateful day. Luckily, she feels safe enough with Jed that she tells him everything and he promises to help her but that she needs to tell everyone else what happened. When everyone learns the secret, they come up with a way to help with the solution.

There is so much more I could write about but in order to leave you hanging and wanting to read the book yourself, I will leave off with this: once you find out what happened and what is going to happen you will need tissues but then you will be cheering for Skylar. This story focus is mainly on Skylar and Jed unlike the previous books where all the characters had semi-equal roles, but it’s what this one needed. Hope you enjoy this trilogy as much as I did. Now we wait for Little Lettie.

I was gifted this ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lexee Toste.
2,805 reviews19 followers
April 4, 2019
I absolutely loved this story! I was not ready for it to be over. I need more of Jed and Skylar for sure! Skylar has just woken up from being in a coma for a month. She doesn't have a clear recollection of the days leading up to her accident. They are trying to figure out if she jumped or was pushed and what led up to it. She is having a very hard time with everything and is not the same person that she was prior to and she doesn't know why. She just knows that there is this black hole in her memory that scares her. I really enjoyed the way that this story was done. It handles all of the problems that are facing Skylar very well. Jed is just a fantastic character. He's someone that you can really relate to. He's not the hot guy but he is perfect for Skylar. I loved how he just wanted what was best for her and did everything he could to make sure that she found it. This book does deal with some hard topics but it is done very well. This story pulled me in from beginning to end. It is the third book and the series and I think it can be read as a standalone but you do get some of their story in the previous 2 stories as it affected those. Everything you need is in this one but I think you can/will get more out of it, more of a connection earlier, if you've read the previous books. They are fantastic and well worth checking out. I can't wait to see more of these characters and get more of a check in on where they are and how they are doing a little later on. I'm glad that there is going to be another character's story coming in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
926 reviews7 followers
March 24, 2019
What an absolutely amazing story. We are back at Ryder Bay and Skylar has finally awoken from her coma. Now the lingering questions can finally be answered...was she pushed from the pier or did she jump?
Social classes are once again smashed aside, as not only are the south side poor kids getting better aquanited with their rich north side counterparts, but the most unlikely friendship blooms from the most unexpected place.

Jed is Harley's best friend. He's a big chubby dark kid, living with this grandparents on the South side of Ryder Bay, however when he sees a sleeping Skylar in hospital where he works as a cleaner, he is immediately drawn to her. Old Skylar would not have given him the time of day, however after her traumatic event she is learning to grow as a person and not fall into the trap of being who she was before.

There are some heavy issues that come to light for a YA novel, but nothing graphic and it is portrayed in a tragic but necessary way. There were definitely some tears shed and also some beautiful heartwarming moments. I loved Skylar and Jed's friendship and was so happy we got to see all their new friends come back and offer their love and support. I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
2,817 reviews17 followers
April 12, 2019
Skylar has finally awakened after weeks in a coma. Everyone keeps asking what happened to her, unfortunately, Skylar doesn't remember exactly what happened. Jed's grandmother works at the hospital, and helped him get a job on the cleaning staff. He has been cleaning Skylar's room and talking to her, he has even been playing his favorite music for her, he also has a major crush on Skylar. Jed wants to help Skylar remember what happened on the pier, and is determined to be her friend. Skylar quickly realizes that Jed is a great guy, the opposite of other guys she has dated, and that as improbable as it might seem to everyone else, she wants Jed to be her boyfriend. With Jed, and the people she has come to realize are her true friends, Skylar will find the courage to the remember the events that led up to the night she almost died.

Wow! These are amazingly complex, unique characters, and beautifully well written. Even though they are young they will find a way to get justice for a friend who was wronged. I will admit to thinking I knew "who done it" a couple of times, but an unexpected twist stunned me, I cried. I think this is a must read book, a fantastic conclusion to an absolutely wonderful series, and I loved it.

I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
Profile Image for Kitlina.
2,003 reviews22 followers
March 26, 2019
*I have received an ARC of this book for a honest review!*

This was a little tough for me. I thought I had it figured out but in the end I was surprised.
I really can't tell you much about this book because it will be spoilery and you don't want that.
Sky surprised me. She really did a one eighty and I was stunned. I absolutely loved her character growth. She has an amazing development. And thanks to Jed and the other Ryder Bay couples we all know and love her circle is complete.
I love how friendships form with the most unusual of people, and when you least expect it. You think you know it all but you realize you don't know anything.
That's the great thing about life. It throws you a curve ball and you either dodge it, catch it or take it to the face. The best thing is how you respond to it.
And Sky was the perfect girl for the job. She and Jed deserve so much happiness.

I can't wait to read another book in this adorable series. And of course I hope that there will be a Wyatt book, he has grown on me :)))
Profile Image for Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart.
2,421 reviews26 followers
March 30, 2019
This series gets better with each book. This one had all the emotions, it was powerful. The discussions were real, I got teary and anxious for her.
Skylar had a major wake up call after she came out of a coma. She grew up fast, changed her ways, lost bits of her memories and found she didn't like herself very much. The 'prom queen' became a new young woman. Parts of this story were dark, more so than the other two books...but necessary to the story.
I enjoyed the interaction with all the characters and love Jed and his Grandma.
I must say I did not see that end coming and the author wrapped it up well leaving us guessing a little as to what the outcome could be. I look forward to any more in the series for an insight into these characters lives later.
Profile Image for Sophie Koufes.
1,992 reviews26 followers
April 5, 2019
Face The Wave (Ryder Bay #3) takes on the challenge of dealing with stormy topics.
This is Skylar's story where she deals with coming out of a coma and figuring out the gaps in her memory. Her journey is sad with moments of light bleeding throughout the narrative.
I love how the friendships between these character's in this series grow & prosper more in each novel.
I liked the cute acronyms that Jed uses.
A love story with just the right dose & key ingredients to create a cloak and dagger with romance seeping throughout the narrative.
Looking forward to July for the release of Riptide (A Boys Of Summer Novella) Lettie's love story (Savannah's younger sister).
Profile Image for Sherry Vaughan.
841 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2019
Skylar is finally awake and meets Jed, the boy who cleans her room and talked to her during her coma. Much to everyone's surprise, they become good friends. Her personality has changed during her coma and she is no longer the wild child, spoiled rich girl she used to be. Her memories are fuzzy and she doesn't know whether she jumped off the pier or was pushed. Something dark is haunting her dreams and she can't rest easily until she brings it into the light. But is she strong enough to handle the truth?
A tense thriller entwined with a sweet romance.
Profile Image for Nati.
2,876 reviews16 followers
March 30, 2019
Skylar I send back from the coma after one month from the accident. Will she be able to remember what happened? With the help of some people she never thought will be their friends, Harley, Griffin, Jed and Savvy and her cousin Aidan, she will discover the truth and will set her free. She will become a new a better person thanks to their new friends and, above all, thanks to sweet Jed. A rollercoaster of emotions. A tough story to tell.
Profile Image for Carly Bemberg.
11 reviews
April 4, 2019
I have been enjoying reading this series but this book was a slow start for me. It’s a very heavy topic but I think Jordan Ford did very good writing about it. I love a good book where the underdog comes out as a winner. While I said the book was a slow start it does pick up and OMG she drops a bomb I did not see coming. She’s keeps you guessing up until the very last minute. This book was a great read and I definitely recommend reading it. I can not wait to read the next story!
Profile Image for Bella.
693 reviews31 followers
April 5, 2019
There are a lot of places many authors just won't go. Jordan Ford is one of those authors who definitely should go there. The delicacy and sensitivity applied to some hard hitting topics by this supremely talented author is astounding. The way the author has captured the uncertainties and frailties of the young-adult experience is fantastic, and the attention to detail in developing and nurturing these characters is second to none. I can not praise this book enough.
Profile Image for Nana Pickrell.
678 reviews10 followers
April 9, 2019
I was privileged enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book from the author for a voluntary and honest review.
Extremely entertaining, captivating, emotional and very interesting read. I could not put it down. The great plot was well written and the characters were so well developed that as I turned each page the chemistry between the characters kept me totally hooked until the very last page! Looking forward to Lettie's story.
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,077 reviews39 followers
April 8, 2019
This book is amazing. It makes another great book in this series. Just amazing and very addictive
Profile Image for Linda.
1,357 reviews
April 21, 2019
The 3rd book in the series and the toughest to read as you begin to suspect what Skylar was working so hard to forget. Everyone wants to know if she jumped or was pushed. When she first awakens, all she knows is a darkness where her memory should be, and the pain of having to learn to walk again. Knowing she spent almost a month in a coma, that she almost drowned, and having to come to terms with who she was, who some expect her to be again, and that things have changed while she was lost is a little more than she can take. She needs a safe harbor and although Savvy and Aidan are still there for her, they have new people in their lives, so she turns to someone she would never have been friends with before her accident. Jed is sweet, loyal, and definitely not Skylar's type. Jed knows he isn't her type, but he's come to care for her and wants to help her in any way he can.

As Skylar works to get her life back on track, and her memory starts to return, she and everyone around her begin to realize that not only have they changed, so has she, but they still need to deal with what happened to her. When she finally does get her memory back, she realizes that her old way of life may be a little harder to overcome, but with Jed's and her new group of friends' help, she'll have to face not only what happened to her, but make sure that it never happens to anyone else.

Definitely one of those subjects that is hard to read about and you cannot imagine ever happening to your child. It does happen, and they do need people around them to support them and help them in whatever way they need. I like how Skylar grows. It isn't immediate, but seeing how happy Savvy and Aidan are with Griffin and Harley, and that her comfort with her old friends is gone, she feels lonely and Jed is there to help her see that she can get through this and that there are people that care for her. She eventually starts to embrace the change in herself that the accident brought about. The overall series is about growing, but over each book, they continue to grow. A great YA series, but with some sensitive subjects.
Profile Image for Han.
128 reviews18 followers
January 13, 2024
"𝗜 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗜'𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱. 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗜 𝘀𝗮𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗱, 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲."

*~*~*~*~*

Opposites Attract✔️
Friends to Lovers✔️
Star Crossed Lovers✔️

Before I dive into the review, can we just appreciate how cute that quote is and how amazing Jed is?! He is by far, the best love interest in the series as of this moment!

This book wasn’t as light as the first two and yet I adored it more than the others. What happens when you wake up from a coma but struggle to remember what happened? Skylar De Beer did exactly that and my heart broke for her. She wasn’t the perfect person and I really disliked her character when I first met her, she was rude and obnoxious, and the way she treated others who didn’t have as much money as her was disgusting.

At first I found Jed a little bit weird, he was definitely a character who came across awkward a bit OTT, but he was also full of advice that logical and realistic. He had a heart of gold from the start and that only seemed increase as you got to know him more.

Something I found incredibly sweet was the way he would do things for Skylar while she was asleep, and how kind she was to him as he got to know her. The character development was fantastic for Skylar within this story and I love the person she turned out to be.

The plot twist threw me as I thought I knew who had done what but obviously, I got it wrong. I was furious when I read the plot twist, but also liked how realistic it was as the plot twist that happened to Skylar does happen nowadays.

Jordan Ford does a wonderful job and highlighting serious issues that has a lot of stigma surrounding them and she shows women that it’s okay to dress how they want and be who they are.

Finally, the romance was adorable and they’re my favourite couple and I hope I still get to see them in the next couple of books!
Profile Image for Karen Voitik.
3,219 reviews
May 8, 2019
>Book Review – Face of the Wave
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 3rd in the Ryder Bay series and ends in an HEA. This book involves the most unlikely couple, Jed and Skylar. Skylar has been at the center of a mystery. She wakes from a coma, but doesn’t know what happened to her. As she recovers, she realizes who she used to be is not who she wants to be. Her old friends haven’t stuck around, but she finds out her old friends really didn’t have her best interests at heart. Jed is the sweetest gentle giant ever described on page. He met Skylar during his shift at the hospital, playing music for her and encouraging her to wake up. I think the scene where Skylar tries to kiss Jed and Jed is floored that she’s ever want to kiss him is the most romantic thing ever.
>The mystery is solved by the end of the story as Skylar remembers what happened to her. No spoilers, but I didn’t see that one coming. The other 2 couples from the previous 2 books are all present in the book. The most heartbreaking part of this story is how undesirable Jed feels, which is so sad. Skylar slowly changes his attitude. Seeing Jed freely hug and kiss Skylar causes the best feelings ever.
>This book is appropriate for a young adult (18+) audience. There aren’t any explicit love scenes, but there is a vague description of rape, which may be upsetting. I am giving this book 5 stars. The story and series is wonderful.
Profile Image for April.
368 reviews7 followers
April 14, 2019
Face the Wave is the third book in the Ryder Bay series and the one where you find out what happened to Skylar. When you first met Skylar, she was snobby, mean, promiscuous, and it was hard to see past all that. This book starts with her still in a coma in the hospital. Jed, Harley’s friend, is the janitor and has been talking to Skylar, sharing his music with her while she sleeps. What happens when she wakes up? Will we find out what really happened to her on that pier? I loved seeing this Skylar, the one who wakes up a changed and better person. We get to relive the events through Skylar when she starts remembering. I also loved how she realized she changed since being in a coma. I loved her and Jed together. He is so kind, thoughtful, and a great person. He was definitely what she needed. I really enjoyed this series and loved the mystery throughout, you definitely need to read the previous books before this one though.
Profile Image for Juliana Ignácio.
1,109 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2019
Jed accompanied Skylar the entire time she was in a coma, always talking to her and putting on music to encourage her to wake up.
When Skylar wakes up from the coma, she doesn't remember anything that happened before she fell off the pier, she only has a few nightmares.
Living in completely different worlds, Jed believes he will have no chance to be friends with Skylar, but she seems to have changed after the coma.
The attraction that seemed impossible happens between them, and the way Jed encourages her is perfect! The interactions between them are lovely and sweet.
And when Skylar finally remembers what happened before falling off the pier, her revelation can alter many people's lives.
I loved the story and the conclusion about Skylar's mystery, as well as being able to see again the characters from the other books in this series.
I highly recommend the reading.
Profile Image for Michelle Ferrari-Johnson.
1,559 reviews39 followers
May 7, 2019
When the Past Changes You

After waking up in the hospital, Skylar learns she's been in a coma for a month. She has no memory of anything that happened. She's feeling claustrophobic as her parents, BFF and boyfriend are in and out of her room. There is a soft voice and sense of safety as she speaks with a boy on the cleaning crew. Jed is her complete opposite but the only one who makes her feel safe.

He's been talking to her every chance he gets since her accident. He can't explain why this beautiful and rich girl has moved right into his soul. How can he explain to her that they belong together.

Be prepared for a heart wrenching journey as Skylar and Jed embark to unravel what led to her accident ~
Profile Image for Kat.
119 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2023
I went into this book not really knowing what to expect considering the coma aspect, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked the character development throughout the book. I really liked how Savannah (?) ended up becoming friends with Harley and even decided to be courageous after something Harley told her.

I also liked that the friend group ended up growing .

Overall the character development and how Savannah's story ended up made me very happy.

Hot take, but I think this is my favorite book of the series so far just with not just the story but with the moral meaning in it.
Profile Image for Louisa.
593 reviews70 followers
April 26, 2019
Will the truth finally set her free

Wow, that was twist I didn't see coming and a story that had be hooked from beginning to end. Jed has visited Skyler every day though his job as the hospital janitor and feelings for her have grown. Skyler is finally out of her coma but her memory is hazy and she has become timid. A very different girl than before her coma. Can her new friendship with Jed help her find not only the truth of what happened but courage in herself that she thought she lost.
Can't wait to read the next book in the series
Profile Image for Rachael.
956 reviews
February 9, 2021
Skylar wakes up

I didn’t really like Skylar’s character from the first Ryder Bay book, Over the Falls, but her near death experience and coma have changed her. She can’t remember what happened and seems to have lost her confidence.

Jed watched over Skylar while she was sleeping and now finds himself watching over her and helping her recover from her “accident “.

This story is a fabulous journey of growth, pain, and healing. New friendships are formed and lives are torn apart. I loved this story from the first page!
Profile Image for Annie Strydom.
52 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2023
I realised I didn’t do a review of this book. This one was a bit painful. The thing is- I liked the story line. I enjoyed the characters and what they were dealing with. Jet is WONDERFUL and i appreciate Skylars Character development. But the way that everyone just called Jet fat all the time and that Skylar was so little and he’s “ugly” and she’s this beautiful bombshell - realllllyyyyy put me off. I couldn’t enjoy their story because every other line it was like reminding us “oh my the way,,, Jet is fat”.
Profile Image for Tammy Criswell Brock.
123 reviews
April 13, 2019
Skylar wakes up from her coma and there are blanks in her memory, her personality has changed she realized she didnt really like the person she used to be. Her friends help her piece her memories together and she makes some new friends along the way. Jed is such a sweetheart and they form a bond. Then her memories come back and threw a twist in there I was very surprised. This is a great story and I have enjoyed this series
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