The Waves

Love in Chaos #1

by Amy Matayo

Dillon Hayes is twenty-eight and single, an unfortunate status her overbearing family is determined to fix. So when she’s stuck on a cruise ship for a seven-day reunion with the lot of them, she's desperate for any escape she can find, even if it means partnering with a sketchy stranger for an off-the-beaten-path snorkeling excursion. After her mother's last matchmaking attempt, Dillon is more than willing to trade all her good sense for a few hours of solace.

Liam Gamble is stuck in the middle of family vacation hell. The worst part: it's not even his family. This will be the last time he ever accepts a free-vacation invitation from his best friend. At this point, he'd be willing to hand over his life savings to get off this crazy ship. So when he catches one of his friend's cousins sneaking off board, he decides to join her, hijacking her private excursion and nearly blowing her cover. If she gets to leave, so does he.

But what starts off as a secret escape turns into a very real nightmare when their shady tour guide leaves them stranded on an uninhabited island with nothing but the clothes on their backs and no idea how to keep themselves alive.

As hours turn into days, and the weather proves as threatening as their need for food and water, Dillon and Liam must join forces and rely on each other if they have any hope of seeing their families again. Funny thing: sometimes in life, the end of the rope is when you discover everything you value has been in front of you all along.

Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Fiction, Survival, Adventure, Forced Proximity

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Amy Matayo is an award winning author of The Wedding Game, Love Gone Wild, Sway, In Tune With Love, A Painted Summer, and The End of the World. She graduated with barely passing grades from John Brown University with a degree in Journalism. But don't feel sorry for her--she's super proud of that degree and all the ways she hasn't put it to good use.

She laughs often, cries easily, feels deeply, and loves hard. She lives in Arkansas with her husband and four kids and is working on her next novel.

www.amymatayo
Twitter: @amymatayo
Instagram: @amymatayo.author
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amymatayo

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went on my first cruise just over a year ago and I'm sooo happy to report that nothing like this happened to me. Phew! Matayo drew me right into this story, evoking emotions I wasn't expecting to feel and delivering a powerful escape with exactly the right amount of romance, adventure, and fear.

Dillon has a big, caring (almost too much) family, and her mother especially is determined to see her married off. This family cruise gets to be too much and Dillon goes off by herself for a little excursion. Luckily for her, her cousin's best friend, Liam, jumps in the boat at the last second and they find themselves lost at sea.

I honestly can't imagine the terror, the intense sun, and the unknowns that Dillon and Liam experienced and I had to keep reminding myself--this is fiction. I loved the way they worked together to survive and especially the way they were both able to explore their tentative feelings with the influences of well-meaning family and friends. But yikes!

Amy Matayo is the type of author who somehow manages to completely transport me from the comforts of my couch to a whole new world, all through her ingenious words, descriptions, and characters. I was knocked flat out with the world's nastiest cold while reading this, yet for a few hours, I was drifting in the tropical sea, being burnt to a crisp by the glorious sun, and getting to know a deliciously handsome man. Maybe it's time to get working on that bikini body...

Content: mild romance (swoony); mild moments of danger/peril; mild+ language

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining nightmare! I can't imagine being stranded on an island- it seems like it would be an adventure, but the author did a great job of portraying the realities of such a dangerous situation. The complex dynamics of Dillon and Liam's tenuous relationship are explored as they fight for survival... and often with each other. The narrative of their thoughts was a bit edgy at times, but realistic for the lifestyle and values of the characters. They have a great give and take as they learn to communicate and deal with the frustrations they experience. I enjoyed reading about the transformation they undergo through their shared experience and the aftermath of their connection. I don't want to give anything away, but it was an entertaining read and unlike anything I've read lately! I think fans of contemporary romance will love it.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Matayo just crushed this book head first into the waves and has you coming up for air begging for more! I recived this arc for my honest review. Let me tell you she never disappoints her readers! Right out of the port you set sail on a destination vacation with a very interesting family. The two main characters I just fell in love with! Things go wrong and they end up stranded on an island and have to find away to stay alive and pray they get rescued. Amy really brings her characters to life so well it’s like your right on the island with them. I wish I could give this more than 5 stars on here because it’s well worth more! Grab this for your next beach read or where ever! You won’t be sorry!

[Adrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to receive an advance reader copy of The Waves and finished it in two sittings. I have read all of Amy's books, but there was something different about this one. I enjoyed the depth of the characters and the internal struggle both were dealing with in their personal lives. Each character reminded me of someone in my real life and I liked watching how things could play out in a fantasy book world. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next in the series.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know what? I wish I had time to go back and read this book again right now. As I sit here thinking about this book and what I want to say, all I really want to do is read it again. I could probably just leave it at that for a review, don't you think? Because nothing says "I love this book" better than wanting to read it again.

I am an Amy Matayo fan. She writes books that fall right in my sweet spot. Her characters have depth and personality. In fact, this book has a whole load of memorable characters but I especially loved how Dillon and Liam learn about each other and rely on each other through a very frightening experience. A deserted island sounds so perfect and romantic but when you are actually stuck there reality is just a tad different. I hope I never know that personally!

This book played out like a perfect movie in my head. I loved it. And now I want to go to the beach. Or on a cruise. Or maybe I just want to read this book again! 😉 This book is available on Kindle Unlimited if you have that!

Content: mild peril, kissing

[Sara Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Glad I stumbled upon it on my way back from Hawaii vs reading it on the way there. Might have freaked me out a little. It was a cute story.

[Jennifer Willerton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Matayo is a gifted storyteller. After reading several of her books, I was excited to dig into this one (I have an advanced reader copy). It did not disappoint, and I could hardly put it down for the day and a half it took me to read it. I thought the story would be predictable at the start, but the author made it anything but predictable. A beautifully written story of love and loss and how our own perspective matters so much. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

[Beth Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat down to read the first couple of chapters and ended up finishing the entire book! So much fun!

I found myself simultaneously cringing at Dillon's family and cheering her on. When I found myself at the end I was still wanting to know what would happen after their rescue. Book, movie, wedding...what else could these two end up getting themselves into? Not to mention the side characters. Does Chad see Sabrina again? Who does Teddy have an interest in? There are more questions to be answered!

Am I sure glad to have received this as an Advance Reader copy from the publisher!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of the book and couldn’t put it down. Only reason I did was because I need to sleep. I picked it back up first thing the next morning. Such a great story. I enjoyed both Dillon and Liam and having such a deep look into their thoughts and what their past had done to shape their beliefs about themselves. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!! Highly recommend.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first in a series by author Amy Matayo. After the first couple of chapters I was hooked. I did not want to put it down! A must read for those who like a romance :)

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute deserted island romance. What threw me so much was how clean it was. The two barely share a few kisses and as someone who reads smut I guess I'm still taken by surprise. For people stranded on an island there's not much to do but somehow they manage to keep it platonic until after they get rescued. The two have crushed on one another for awhile but they don't think it's in the cards for them. When Dillon sees a chance to escape her overbearing family on a snorkeling expedition she jumps at the chance. Although she heeds the many warnings and gets in a boat with someone not associated with the cruise line. Luckily Liam doesn't let her go alone and so when the two are stranded alone in the middle of the ocean they have one another to lean on. At times things were hairy for them both until they come upon an island with little to no supplies. All in all they really are only there for a handful of days but being pushed to their limits also pushes them together. It was a cute and quick read.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun book and unique storyline. I loved being part of the journey of getting to know each of the characters even as they were getting to know themselves— and one another — on a much deeper and more meaningful level. Stripped of all of their pretense and walls of protection, and in the midst of crisis and deprivation, we begin to see the “real” Dillon and Liam as their fears and insecurities are put aside to reveal a deeper strength of character in each of them — and a growing bond that may ultimately be impossible to break.

I highly recommend this book and, as it is the first book in a new series by Amy Matayo, I look forward to hearing more about Liam and Dillon and, hopefully, get to read Chad’s and Teddy’s stories as well!

I was given a pre-release copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The thoughts and feelings expressed are definitely my own.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 5 out of 5]

When one of my besties texts and tells me to drop everything and read a book, I do it! Glad I did too, this was a great escape and fun summery type read. I loved the setting, getting stranded on an island together (I surprisingly don’t think I’ve read that before?..) and having a sort-of forbidden romance thrown in, made for a fun read. It’s quick and fun and well written. Ms Matayo has an excellent writing style, really sucks you into a story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Content: Clean romance, mild innuendo & passionate kisses, no violence, mild language

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[Candice Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me so crazy happy! I loved every second of it. Seriously, if Amy Matayo wrote a dictionary, I would probably read it because she can make anything worth reading. I love how she makes characters that are flawed but you love them anyway. How does she do that? The romance gave me all the feels and i was rooting for them the whole time. The only negative would be that every time Dillon was eating ice cream, it made me have to eat some(but is that REALLY a negative?) I cannot wait to read the rest of this series.

I received an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Nancy O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down! I thought I was going to have to call into work sick so I could finish this book! This is my new favorite book by Amy Matayo.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matayo did it again!!!! She is a masterful story teller and when she is done telling her story you are left wishing there was more!! It's so good, you never want do say goodbye to the characters you have grown to love! Good news! This time, we are promised more as The Waves is the first book in her new series Love In Chaos. I'm a sucker for a good love story, but often they can feel just the same as the last. That couldn't be farther from the truth in Matayo's case. She creates such interesting and believable characters that they become like friends. They are deep, complex, and relatable. She has you cheering for them, hoping for them, crying with them, and in the end celebrating with them. This is my fifth book of Matayo's to read and I have learned that I need to start her books when I have already carved out some time to be completely involved and enthralled. Again, I've read this one in one day- stealing away every moment possible to read. And, loving every minute. I highly recommend this book! It is a perfect summer read- only made better when read on the beach with a fancy umbrella drink in hand. I'm thankful for the advance reader copy provided to me. I'm already counting down until the next book in this series is released!

[Fiction Aficionado · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter the story she’s telling, Amy Matayo is a writer I find hard to resist picking up, (A) because I adore her voice—that blend of sass, sarcasm, and self-deprecation—and (B) because I could read her characters’ dialogue ALL DAY. I love the banter, I love the way her characters interact, and I love their complexity, often appearing to be one thing on the surface but revealing a different side of themselves as the story unfolds.

The Waves is lighter in mood than some of this author’s other books that have featured deeply wounded or flawed characters, making this one an entertaining read as well as an engaging one. And the whole Robinson Crusoe-esque plot gave the story a really unique twist for a contemporary romance. In fact, it took me completely by surprise, since I hadn’t read the book description before picking it up! Lol. What can I say? Amy Matayo’s an auto-read for me, and if that means I get an extra plot twist, all the better!

And the romantic tension… it crackles in this book. The physical attraction is more overt than in most of the books I read, but it felt natural for the characters and their situation. It’s also underpinned by a growing emotional connection, and that’s where I found the most satisfaction, particularly as Dillon and Liam began to recognise what it meant to be “found” on more than one level.

In short, this was a highly enjoyable, highly engaging read, and I can’t wait to see what the next book in the series will bring.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Jes Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little read about a grown woman who is trying to escape her overbearing family, and ends up on a tiny, deserted island with a friend invited by her cousin. The characters' banter was fun as they worked together to survive and, because humans are never content with just physical survival, work through the issues they brought with them to the island. There is some bad language, but the book is mostly clean.

Review first published on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...

[Courtney Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her distinct humorous tone and ability to weave deep themes into seemingly light situations, author Amy Matayo has decidedly penned another must-read story! Sarcasm and music references are included, along with a pleasant directnesss and a swiftly moving story of attraction and romance. Amy writes the guy's POV like no other.

I was laughing at the wit of Dillon from chapter 1 and crying by chapter 3. After that comes a twisting, adventurous ride with Dillon and Liam. I loved the subtle ways loss and hope, pain and loyalty are tackled through the journey of the characters. And the romantic chemistry! Trust me, it's there in spades. I also liked the ending. I am highly anticipating the next story in this series! (And I REALLY hope it's about Teddy.)

[Misty Wilson read.fine.print · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Waves is the first book in a new series by Amy Matayo. Can you imagine if you were stranded on an island with someone? How you would have to figure out survival together and find something to do with all your free time? A cruise ship excursion goes bad and leaves Dillon and Liam stranded, so that’s exactly what they have to do.
•
It’s fun to watch these two figure out how to stay alive while they get to know each other better. It’s less literary than Castle of Water, if you’ve read that one, and it’s more fun. It’s the perfect beach read this summer!

[Courtney Stears · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Waves is an amazing story of two people struggling for survival and despite the circumstances, managing to find something beautiful out of this experience. Couldn’t put this book down! I can't wait for the sequel!

[Deanie Nelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually 3.5 stars

Therapist Dillon Hayes thinks her life isn't too bad, until she finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her. So, in the wake of heartbreak, she reluctantly joins 40+ friends and family members on a family reunion cruise. Family friend Liam Gamble is along for the ride, and joins Dillon when she sneaks away from her family for a solo snorkeling excursion -- until their guide abandons them at sea, leaving them to make their way to a deserted island.

This is a cute, fairly fluffy romance novel. Liam and Dillon are great characters (though honestly, Dillon's mom is a piece of work). Their developing relationship is fun to watch. There's nothing super exciting or revolutionary about The Waves, but it's a good, solid romance novel.

[Rissi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Waves Review: Make Time to Be Taken to This Island Romance!

STORY | Dillon isn’t the luckiest girl when it comes to romance and keeping a guy. Her latest boyfriend not only has a fianceé, but to make things worse, Dillon finds out
about his lies because his fiancée is her client! None of the books prepare you for this. To pile more disaster onto her already chaotic life, Dillon is about to embark on a seven-day cruise… with her entire family; a family who’s ready to marry her off with the bus boy if need be!

Enter Liam. Best friends with Dillon’s cousin, Liam has liked Dillon from a far for a long time. Trouble is, his brother also has a thing for their pretty best friend’s cousin. When a one-day snorkeling excursion strands Dillon and Liam on a remote island with no form of communication, the pair will have to learn to rely, not just on each other, but their instincts if they hope to return.

THE WAVES REVIEW | This book is 210 pages of adventuring delights; albeit just from a reader’s point of view. From opening page to the final turn of a page, it will grip you. I love its short, fast paced premise not just in theory, but also for the current state of my reader mind. The story keeps the plot clipping at its best pace, and the story only becomes more interesting from there.

Complex, but sweet, adventurous and romantic, The Waves is an ideal summer time read. Dillon and Liam are characters you’ll enjoy being stranded with, and if you like a steamy kiss or two or good chemistry, inside these pages, you’ll find a romance with both attributes. There’s also some family dynamics that add personality to the “bigger picture” story. Perhaps the best part is, that while this experience is frightening emotionally (being unsure if rescue will come), it stays away from other scary possibilities.

So, pick up The Waves and get lost in an exiting summer time adventure!

Content Note: While "clean," this novel does have some sensual kissing scenes that many not be suited to everyone's reader preference.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I really liked how getting stranded on an island can certainly change one’s perspective on what is truly important in life and what is not. Who you really miss and why, and missing just the basic necessities we take for granted every day can make a person really thankful when they get home.

Dillon wants to run away from her family and her life. She seems to attract all the wrong men and usually ends up broken hearted by the end of the relationships no matter how long or short they are. Enter her family, especially her mother, who would really like to see her married, and they just won’t stop. Going on a cruise to please her grandparents does not seem like a good idea especially when all the matchmaking relatives will be there.

Liam is invited on this cruise along with his older brother by Dillon’s rock star cousin. Thinking it might be nice to get away and for free he has not quite prepared himself for the adventure that awaits him.

I liked Liam and that he was really a great guy to stick by Dillon when she decided to stray from the others. I am not sure I would be able to survive on a deserted island, but I liked how real author Matayo kept everything. The fight for survival and for food, trying to find shelter from the sun and storms, the bugs, and any number of ways one could come to harm. I felt like I was on the island with Liam and Dillon.

Not only must they survive but they must work together to make it. Their perspectives come into much clearer focus and love for family trumped everything. I really felt for Dillon’s parents as well, especially all the worry and stress they had gone through over their lost daughter.

If you are looking for a little island fun, adventure, romance, and family drama: then The Waves might be just what you are looking for.

I received an advanced copy from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I don't want to be lonely."
"I don't want to spend my life pushing people away and never truly being known. I have blown my chance with everyone else I've ever known, but I'm not going to blow my chance with Liam."

Dillon Hayes comes to this conclusion after she and Liam Gamble have been stranded on a deserted island. During this time of struggling to remain alive they both realize that they couldn't have chosen anyone better to be with!

This is the first book that I've read by author Amy Matayo and she has created two very likeable characters for The Waves, the first book in her new series Love in Chaos. Dillon and Liam are both flawed but they are both decent human beings who are looking for love and commitment. Their time together has some laugh-out-loud moments but there are times of reflections as they consider what they want for the future. They also experience some feelings of sadness when they are rescued and are forced to return to the real world. Dillon and Liam share an incredible chemistry but the author avoids graphic details in showing how they view each other and how they react to each other physically.

Many of the feelings that all of us have experienced are part of this story: insecurity, fear, loss, and love. The Waves is a book that will appeal to readers who enjoy contemporary romantic fiction.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Matayo's latest book doesn't disappoint. After ending up on the same cruise with Dillon's large, somewhat overbearing extended family, Dillon and Liam find themselves in quite a predicament. Dillon, desperate to get away from the crush of well-meaning family who really want to see her married, heads off on an excursion not authorized by the cruise line. Liam, who has feelings for Dillon but tries to ignore them (because his brother Chad really carries a torch for Dillon), won't let her go on the sketchy excursion alone, and joins her. The excursion guide leaves them stranded in the middle of the ocean, and they make it to a small island. They have to work together to survive, with limited resources, and they discover that adventure doesn't always mean fun.

This is a story of making the best of a really bad situation. It's a quick read, and one that draws you in. Ms. Matayo doesn't coddle her characters or make things all sunshine and roses. Dillon and Liam read as real people, with real issues, and there are moments you aren't really sure how things will turn out. I enjoyed this book, and I'd recommend it if you like adventure, suspense, and romance.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All opinions expressed here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't like.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

W-I-L-S-O-N !!!! Thank heavens that Dillon and Liam have each other to talk with and not just a volleyball! Amy Matayo did a wonderful job writing this light, fun and enjoyable novel. There are definitely deeper issues that are taking place in the book but the banter and relationship that develops between Dillon and Liam is just so sweet. You fall in love with these characters and how they care for one another in desperate times. There is a lot that we can all learn in the chaos of our lives, we just need to be looking around for what God wants to show us. I have read many of Amy Matayo's books and this one is definitely one of my favorites that she has written. Thank you Ms. Matayo for this novel and I can't wait for the rest in this series! I was provided a copy of this book by the author. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Kara Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Great characters and great writing. Half the book has only two characters in all the scenes which would have been a real challenge to write and she did a brilliant job. Can't wait to read the next two book in the series!

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4. 5 Stars

Despite grieving her third failed relationship in the past year, Dillon agrees to join the family (the ENTIRE family) on a cruise to celebrate her grandparents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary. But too much not-at-all subtle attempts at matchmaking haver her seeking solace and peace on a private excursion.

When Liam discovers Dillon’s venture, he goes along for the ride. One that neither of them expects will leave them stranded in the middle of the ocean.

As Dillon and Liam fight to survive, moments of despair overwhelm them but there are also open and honest conversations and examinations that bond them closer.

Amy Matayo delivers a story with both humor and a deeper message of finding worth when all hope seems life and discovering what is held dearest when all the distractions and noise is stripped away.

I am already anxiously awaiting the next installment in Matayo’s Love in Chaos series because The Waves was read in one sitting.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.