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Shelby Beach #2
Testing the Waters
What if the right person could change everything?
Random hookups, saying “yes” to whatever, Zane thinks adulting should be easy. His childhood was a hard enough mess. After a health scare, however, Zane reevaluates his life and starts anew. When Zane meets Jordan, everything he secretly desires is finally in front of him. But Jordan Shelby’s family practically owns the town of Shelby Beach. Why would Jordan take a guy like Zane seriously?
Jordan only wants swimming lessons, so hiring Zane might have been a huge mistake. Even if Jordan resists Zane for now, the mere sight of the beautiful trainer fills him with yearning. Swimming isn’t Jordan’s only anxiety. Being nonbinary, Jordan’s dating life—hell, his life in general—isn’t always clear. Can he really trust Zane with his body? His heart?
Testing the Waters is a romance with a gender-fluid MC, a hurt/comfort trope, and a guaranteed happy ending.
Although it is in the Shelby Beach series, Testing the Waters can be read as a standalone. Note: Please look inside the copyright page for mentions of potential triggers.
Random hookups, saying “yes” to whatever, Zane thinks adulting should be easy. His childhood was a hard enough mess. After a health scare, however, Zane reevaluates his life and starts anew. When Zane meets Jordan, everything he secretly desires is finally in front of him. But Jordan Shelby’s family practically owns the town of Shelby Beach. Why would Jordan take a guy like Zane seriously?
Jordan only wants swimming lessons, so hiring Zane might have been a huge mistake. Even if Jordan resists Zane for now, the mere sight of the beautiful trainer fills him with yearning. Swimming isn’t Jordan’s only anxiety. Being nonbinary, Jordan’s dating life—hell, his life in general—isn’t always clear. Can he really trust Zane with his body? His heart?
Testing the Waters is a romance with a gender-fluid MC, a hurt/comfort trope, and a guaranteed happy ending.
Although it is in the Shelby Beach series, Testing the Waters can be read as a standalone. Note: Please look inside the copyright page for mentions of potential triggers.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2020
About the author
Skylar M. Cates
29 books302 followersSkylar M. Cates loves a good romance. She is happy to drink coffee, curl up with a good book, and not move all day. Her novels feature strong and passionate men. Skylar loves to craft stories where realistic characters are challenged with emotional situations. Although lately the laundry room is the farthest place she has visited, Skylar loves to chat with folks from all around the globe.
Please feel free to follow Skylar on other social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 13, 2020
Testing the Waters reminds me of Skylar Cates' Sunshine and Happiness series, not because the stories are particularly alike, but because the tone of the book is mildly melancholic and the main characters exude real human emotions, like insecurity and fear.
Following a near drowning incident when he was a child, Jordan develops aquaphobia. His beloved grandfather loves to swim, so Jordan decides to overcome his fear and hires hunky trainer Zane to help him.
Zane is chiseled and confident, but he hides insecurities of his own. Zane had a troubled childhood and is a cancer survivor. He runs a successful gym with his cousin Oliver but isn't truly passionate about his job.
Jordan resists Zane's flirting until he realizes that he doesn't want to and that there's more to Zane than meets the eye.
The relationship that develops between the men is tender, sensual, and filled with trust. The story, told in a dual POV, has elements of hurt/comfort and ends with a tentative HEA.
The secondary characters (particularly Oliver and Jordan's best friend Tristan, who is trans) are well sketched and essential to the story, but the focus is definitely on Zane and Jordan's relationship.
I appreciated that the nuances of Jordan's non-binary gender identity were explored in such depth.
I'm really looking forward to this series!
Following a near drowning incident when he was a child, Jordan develops aquaphobia. His beloved grandfather loves to swim, so Jordan decides to overcome his fear and hires hunky trainer Zane to help him.
Zane is chiseled and confident, but he hides insecurities of his own. Zane had a troubled childhood and is a cancer survivor. He runs a successful gym with his cousin Oliver but isn't truly passionate about his job.
Jordan resists Zane's flirting until he realizes that he doesn't want to and that there's more to Zane than meets the eye.
The relationship that develops between the men is tender, sensual, and filled with trust. The story, told in a dual POV, has elements of hurt/comfort and ends with a tentative HEA.
The secondary characters (particularly Oliver and Jordan's best friend Tristan, who is trans) are well sketched and essential to the story, but the focus is definitely on Zane and Jordan's relationship.
I appreciated that the nuances of Jordan's non-binary gender identity were explored in such depth.
I'm really looking forward to this series!
February 13, 2020
This is a gorgeous romance from Skylar set in her Shelby Beach world and it just made me happy.
There's two imperfect people, each with their own hang-ups and fears, seeking to move into a healthier and better place and finding their support in the other .
I loved both Jordan, a wonderful depiction of a non-binary MC who suffers with a perfectly understandable fear of the open water, and Zane, who on the outside looks like he's fit and healthy but who is still in remission from cancer and hasn't really mentally adjusted.
Together they slowly move from instant physical attraction into friendship and to love without there being any unnecessary dramady or angst for plot's sake.
I loved all the secondary characters and there's quite a bit of Leo and Julian from The Christmas Lights Battle. Now I'm hoping we're going to get Oliver's story next and possibly Tristan's but I'd love to visit Shelby Beach again soon.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
There's two imperfect people, each with their own hang-ups and fears, seeking to move into a healthier and better place and finding their support in the other .
I loved both Jordan, a wonderful depiction of a non-binary MC who suffers with a perfectly understandable fear of the open water, and Zane, who on the outside looks like he's fit and healthy but who is still in remission from cancer and hasn't really mentally adjusted.
Together they slowly move from instant physical attraction into friendship and to love without there being any unnecessary dramady or angst for plot's sake.
I loved all the secondary characters and there's quite a bit of Leo and Julian from The Christmas Lights Battle. Now I'm hoping we're going to get Oliver's story next and possibly Tristan's but I'd love to visit Shelby Beach again soon.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
March 18, 2020
I expected to like this more. The writing seemed a bit off. I know this author is great writer but this one seemed choppy at times with a lot of unnecessary repeats.
The"mother" subplot took too much space for my liking and I expected some kind of conflict that never came.
Just ok for me.
The"mother" subplot took too much space for my liking and I expected some kind of conflict that never came.
Just ok for me.
February 13, 2020
Testing the Waters by Skylar M Cates is a story about trust. Both main characters have been hurt in the past, and find it difficult to open their hurts, but what starts as swimming lessons grows into more.
Testing the Waters had a lot of heart and felt real to me; I found myself emotionally invested in these characters and their stories. While it's true that I cry often during angst-filled moments in book, I don't often get choked up during happy moments, and I did, without realizing I had tears in my eyes.
Anyhoo, some highlights:
-Dual POVs
-Hurt/Comfort/Healing
-Nonbinary rep
-Pan rep
-Chemistry
-Character growth
-Steady story pace
-Realistic. Not every aspect of the story worked out, but that's ok. That's how life is, and I appreciated the author going that route.
-The end. I was a happy mess. As I said earlier, I got emotional and choked up.
I most definitely recommend this book. It had angst, romance, sexiness, and that all-important HEA we all love.
4.5 Stars
February 24, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I found the characters in Testing the Waters interesting as this book opens up a new series set in a Florida beach town. Jordan refers to himself as both non-binary and gender queer and, while he doesn’t have himself all figured out, he finally has some of it. He’s also trying to figure out his anxiety and with therapy he recognizes what triggers him and he’s working on it. He doesn’t have a tremendous amount of support, which is part of his battle. His love life has not been going well and it seems he chooses wrong all of the time with men that are only intrigued with his outside. He’s determined not to make the same mistakes and even though he is attracted to Zane, he feels hiring him teach him to swim and help him get over his fear of the water is a better plan than dating him.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
I found the characters in Testing the Waters interesting as this book opens up a new series set in a Florida beach town. Jordan refers to himself as both non-binary and gender queer and, while he doesn’t have himself all figured out, he finally has some of it. He’s also trying to figure out his anxiety and with therapy he recognizes what triggers him and he’s working on it. He doesn’t have a tremendous amount of support, which is part of his battle. His love life has not been going well and it seems he chooses wrong all of the time with men that are only intrigued with his outside. He’s determined not to make the same mistakes and even though he is attracted to Zane, he feels hiring him teach him to swim and help him get over his fear of the water is a better plan than dating him.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
February 22, 2020
I have to be honest - I don't feel like the author's writing in this book was strong enough to keep up with the promise of these two beautifully flawed characters.
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February 19, 2020
Enjoyable
March 7, 2020
This book is one of those reads that starts out one way only to finish another way. Now let me explain. Jordan is very insecure. He has a phobia of swimming and he does not believe anyone will ever accept him for who he is. Each and every day he might feel different on the outside. One day he may want to feel pretty so he will wear a dress. The next day he may feel more masculine and want to wear normal everyday wear for him. He does not define himself as someone’s boyfriend because of the fact that one day he does wear dresses when the next he may not. He honestly does not know what definition he would use.
Jordan has always fallen too hard and too fast for other men. In the end he has ended up with a broken heart more times then he can count. So when he meets a man named Zane, he turns him down when he continues to ask him out on a date.
Zane seems to be very secure in who he is and what he wants out of life. He is a trainer at his and his cousin’s gym UFit. Though he seems secure he does have insecurities about his health since a couple of years earlier he had cancer. He may be in remission but there is always that thought in the back of his mind that he will relapse. Since finding out he has cancer, things that meant so much to before his diagnosis just does not seem as important now. So Zane feels like he is kind of floating through life, searching for his purpose and what will make him happy.
When Zane meets Jordan, he is interested from the start. But the problem is Jordan seems indifferent to his advances. This throws Zane since he cannot seem to get him out of his mind.
When the two bump into one another one day on the beach, Zane quickly notices that there is something wrong with Jordan but he is not sure what it could be. When Jordan has a panic attack, Zane comes to his rescue. This sets in motion a set of events for both men that will change the course of their lives.
Jordan decides to ask Zane for help with his fear of swimming after the panic attack. Zane eventually agrees to work with him. With spending so much time together and slowly getting to know each other better, Jordan finds he can no longer resist Zane. Because of spending so much time with him before dating him, this has let Jordan feel more comfortable in his own skin around him and therefore he is able to be himself no matter who that may be at the time.
With everything starting to look up for them, it seems that nothing could come between them. Unexpectedly someone from Zane’s past returns and turns everyone’s world upside down.
Will Zane and Jordan be able to deal with the fallout? How will each man handle the role reversal that will inevitably happen between them when Jordan finds himself being the strong one for Zane instead of the other way around?
This was a good read. I enjoyed it even though I felt this book took a major one-eighty in the middle of the read. I look forward to more books in this series in the future.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Jordan has always fallen too hard and too fast for other men. In the end he has ended up with a broken heart more times then he can count. So when he meets a man named Zane, he turns him down when he continues to ask him out on a date.
Zane seems to be very secure in who he is and what he wants out of life. He is a trainer at his and his cousin’s gym UFit. Though he seems secure he does have insecurities about his health since a couple of years earlier he had cancer. He may be in remission but there is always that thought in the back of his mind that he will relapse. Since finding out he has cancer, things that meant so much to before his diagnosis just does not seem as important now. So Zane feels like he is kind of floating through life, searching for his purpose and what will make him happy.
When Zane meets Jordan, he is interested from the start. But the problem is Jordan seems indifferent to his advances. This throws Zane since he cannot seem to get him out of his mind.
When the two bump into one another one day on the beach, Zane quickly notices that there is something wrong with Jordan but he is not sure what it could be. When Jordan has a panic attack, Zane comes to his rescue. This sets in motion a set of events for both men that will change the course of their lives.
Jordan decides to ask Zane for help with his fear of swimming after the panic attack. Zane eventually agrees to work with him. With spending so much time together and slowly getting to know each other better, Jordan finds he can no longer resist Zane. Because of spending so much time with him before dating him, this has let Jordan feel more comfortable in his own skin around him and therefore he is able to be himself no matter who that may be at the time.
With everything starting to look up for them, it seems that nothing could come between them. Unexpectedly someone from Zane’s past returns and turns everyone’s world upside down.
Will Zane and Jordan be able to deal with the fallout? How will each man handle the role reversal that will inevitably happen between them when Jordan finds himself being the strong one for Zane instead of the other way around?
This was a good read. I enjoyed it even though I felt this book took a major one-eighty in the middle of the read. I look forward to more books in this series in the future.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 20, 2020
3.75 Stars
Jordan has had bad luck with relationships, which he credits to him being nonbinary. Easygoing Zane has been trying to get Jordan to go out with him for months to no avail, but now that Jordan needs Zane to help him overcome his anxiety to swim in the ocean, they might have a chance to get to know each other better. And perhaps by helping Jordan, Zane will finally see that he's worth more than any of his previous 'dates' gave him.
It took me a bit to warm up to Jordan, mostly because he was very judgmental of Zane at first, only seeing what was on the surface until Zane started giving him lessons. He did get better after that, and I was very glad Jordan was there for Zane to help him when someone from his past reappeared in his life. Now, Zane, wow, I wanted to hug him from the start. Despite the confident, carefree facade, he was hiding some serious self-esteem issues. It broke my heart to see how difficult it was for Zane to believe someone would truly care for him. Zane and Jordan had chemistry and I liked that they brought the best out of each other.
While the focus in the first half of the book was Jordan's journey to swim on the ocean and his growing friendship with Zane, this changed when we learned more about Zane's past. It definitely wasn't an easy part to read and I was glad the author didn't take the easy route and had everything magically get better.
Overall, it was a good, realistic hurt/comfort story. It was an enjoyable read, one I have no trouble recommending.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Jordan has had bad luck with relationships, which he credits to him being nonbinary. Easygoing Zane has been trying to get Jordan to go out with him for months to no avail, but now that Jordan needs Zane to help him overcome his anxiety to swim in the ocean, they might have a chance to get to know each other better. And perhaps by helping Jordan, Zane will finally see that he's worth more than any of his previous 'dates' gave him.
It took me a bit to warm up to Jordan, mostly because he was very judgmental of Zane at first, only seeing what was on the surface until Zane started giving him lessons. He did get better after that, and I was very glad Jordan was there for Zane to help him when someone from his past reappeared in his life. Now, Zane, wow, I wanted to hug him from the start. Despite the confident, carefree facade, he was hiding some serious self-esteem issues. It broke my heart to see how difficult it was for Zane to believe someone would truly care for him. Zane and Jordan had chemistry and I liked that they brought the best out of each other.
While the focus in the first half of the book was Jordan's journey to swim on the ocean and his growing friendship with Zane, this changed when we learned more about Zane's past. It definitely wasn't an easy part to read and I was glad the author didn't take the easy route and had everything magically get better.
Overall, it was a good, realistic hurt/comfort story. It was an enjoyable read, one I have no trouble recommending.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
February 25, 2020
4.5 stars.
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Note: While technically book 2 in this series, it works perfectly well as a standalone. I haven’t read book 1 yet, but I hope to soon 🙂
Jordan, the only grandson of the Shelby who pretty much owns the town of Shelby Beach, has returned home from Rhode Island School of Design because of a family matter. He wants to get over his fear of water and tries so very hard to swim, but he just can’t do it. Of course he has to freeze in the presence of the most attractive guy in town – trainer Zane Knox. Zane has asked him out twice and Jordan has rejected his advances. While he’s embarrassed and upset with himself, he thinks there might be a way to salvage this whole thing. He asks Zane to help him learn to swim.
Jordan’s lessons begin at his grandfather’s house – or estate more pointedly. Zane realizes just how far apart he and Jordan are in so many ways. Zane is the party guy, the easy-going one who always has a smile on his face. This of course is hiding a lot of hurt and sorrow and disconnectedness. Jordan has been left to his own devices by his parents who are traveling the world – but luckily he did have loving and supportive grandparents. But with his anxiety and his gender identity, it’s not been at all easy for him either. He’s got his art though and he’s making a lot of progress there. He’s got a good friend, Tristan, from school and he’s starting to build a friendship – or something – with Zane. The thing is the chemistry between them is getting harder and harder to ignore.
Zane is fascinated by Jordan, but he realizes that Jordan is afraid of rejection because of how he presents himself at times. Zane is sensitive to Jordan’s moods and also his anxiety. It’s apparent that he feels something for Jordan, but he doesn’t want to spoil either his job teaching Jordan or their burgeoning relationship. But soon, they are unable to stay away from each other and they begin a physical relationship as well. Zane is careful with Jordan and always asks and Jordan surprisingly finds himself opening up to Zane about his past and his fears about how his gender fluidity has been treated by other guys. But for some reason Jordan trust that Zane will not hurt him. Zane has a more difficult time opening up and sharing with Jordan. He’s got a lot of feelings of inferiority because of this upbringing and his lack of education compared to Jordan. He’s also been hiding some things about his past, but he understands that if he’s going to be with Jordan, he’s going to have to be brave and tell Jordan his fears. Things happen that force his hand in a way, and send him down a bit of a spiral. But Jordan is getting stronger and stronger and he’s not going let Zane fight his battles on his own.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Skylar Cates book. This is a very touching story with two main characters that have had difficult pasts – for very different reasons. One thing I really like about the story is that neither’s issues are trivialized. Despite the more positive things in their lives, they are definitely damaged and affected by the things they’ve gone through. The author also shows how both men are helped through therapy which I think is very important these days in addressing the stigma of needing assistance to deal with life in the 21st century. Thankfully that seems to be diminishing in some areas, but it is something that definitely needs more good press. Jordan is a character who identifies as gender fluid and his ability to express how he feels to Zane is paramount to their being able to build a friendship as well as romantic relationship. Zane’s open mind and natural curiosity serve him well to listen to Jordan and help him feel comfortable explaining his feelings. Zane’s support from his family – cousin and business partner, aunt and uncle and found family as well as his dogs – help him to deal with the things life has thrown at him, but he still keeps a lot to himself. Until Jordan. Jordan opens up to Zane and eventually Zane is able to confide in Jordan as well. Jordan doesn’t take that gift lightly – being trusted to know about Zane’s hard times. I really loved how the story brought these two very different people together and how they each really show up for the other. That is not to say there aren’t some rough patches in their relationship and they certainly have to deal with a lot of stuff, but they really learned how to support the other without adding more stress and pressure. They learned how to give space when it was needed as well. Very very well done and I’m looking forward to more books in this world.
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Note: While technically book 2 in this series, it works perfectly well as a standalone. I haven’t read book 1 yet, but I hope to soon 🙂
Jordan, the only grandson of the Shelby who pretty much owns the town of Shelby Beach, has returned home from Rhode Island School of Design because of a family matter. He wants to get over his fear of water and tries so very hard to swim, but he just can’t do it. Of course he has to freeze in the presence of the most attractive guy in town – trainer Zane Knox. Zane has asked him out twice and Jordan has rejected his advances. While he’s embarrassed and upset with himself, he thinks there might be a way to salvage this whole thing. He asks Zane to help him learn to swim.
Jordan’s lessons begin at his grandfather’s house – or estate more pointedly. Zane realizes just how far apart he and Jordan are in so many ways. Zane is the party guy, the easy-going one who always has a smile on his face. This of course is hiding a lot of hurt and sorrow and disconnectedness. Jordan has been left to his own devices by his parents who are traveling the world – but luckily he did have loving and supportive grandparents. But with his anxiety and his gender identity, it’s not been at all easy for him either. He’s got his art though and he’s making a lot of progress there. He’s got a good friend, Tristan, from school and he’s starting to build a friendship – or something – with Zane. The thing is the chemistry between them is getting harder and harder to ignore.
Zane is fascinated by Jordan, but he realizes that Jordan is afraid of rejection because of how he presents himself at times. Zane is sensitive to Jordan’s moods and also his anxiety. It’s apparent that he feels something for Jordan, but he doesn’t want to spoil either his job teaching Jordan or their burgeoning relationship. But soon, they are unable to stay away from each other and they begin a physical relationship as well. Zane is careful with Jordan and always asks and Jordan surprisingly finds himself opening up to Zane about his past and his fears about how his gender fluidity has been treated by other guys. But for some reason Jordan trust that Zane will not hurt him. Zane has a more difficult time opening up and sharing with Jordan. He’s got a lot of feelings of inferiority because of this upbringing and his lack of education compared to Jordan. He’s also been hiding some things about his past, but he understands that if he’s going to be with Jordan, he’s going to have to be brave and tell Jordan his fears. Things happen that force his hand in a way, and send him down a bit of a spiral. But Jordan is getting stronger and stronger and he’s not going let Zane fight his battles on his own.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Skylar Cates book. This is a very touching story with two main characters that have had difficult pasts – for very different reasons. One thing I really like about the story is that neither’s issues are trivialized. Despite the more positive things in their lives, they are definitely damaged and affected by the things they’ve gone through. The author also shows how both men are helped through therapy which I think is very important these days in addressing the stigma of needing assistance to deal with life in the 21st century. Thankfully that seems to be diminishing in some areas, but it is something that definitely needs more good press. Jordan is a character who identifies as gender fluid and his ability to express how he feels to Zane is paramount to their being able to build a friendship as well as romantic relationship. Zane’s open mind and natural curiosity serve him well to listen to Jordan and help him feel comfortable explaining his feelings. Zane’s support from his family – cousin and business partner, aunt and uncle and found family as well as his dogs – help him to deal with the things life has thrown at him, but he still keeps a lot to himself. Until Jordan. Jordan opens up to Zane and eventually Zane is able to confide in Jordan as well. Jordan doesn’t take that gift lightly – being trusted to know about Zane’s hard times. I really loved how the story brought these two very different people together and how they each really show up for the other. That is not to say there aren’t some rough patches in their relationship and they certainly have to deal with a lot of stuff, but they really learned how to support the other without adding more stress and pressure. They learned how to give space when it was needed as well. Very very well done and I’m looking forward to more books in this world.
April 18, 2022
Testing the Waters is book two in Skylar M Cates' Shelby Beach romance series and while I deeply enjoyed book one, this book swept me off of my feet. I loved it. Zane and Jordan are one of my favorite couples now, because they just felt so incredibly real and raw.
On the surface, Jordan and Zane could not be any more different. Jordan Shelby is from one of the wealthiest families in town. He's plagued by anxiety. He's insecure and he's had more than enough men who have wanted him to fit a certain role only to be upset when his genderqueer identity didn't match what they believed it should be. Zane, on the other hand, is confident and fun loving, has a reputation for hooking up, and doesn't seem to ever be down about anything. But underneath, Jordan is the brave and strong one, despite the demons he wrestles with, and Zane is the one who is always hiding and avoiding. Its an interesting dichtomy and I loved watching the author dissect these parts.
The relationship between Jordan and Zane felt fresh and incredibly real. Their connection and attraction to one another was instant, and it grew as they got to know one another. The growth of their relationship, the hurdles it hit, they all felt very real. Their communication was beautiful. The support they showed one another was beautiful. Everything about their love story was beautiful - and it all felt so genuine and not at all overdone. Instead, it was two men making one another stronger through their feelings for one another.
I loved getting to see more of the other Shelby Beach citizens. I loved the peek in at Julian and Leo from book one. I loved getting to know Oliver a little better and cannot wait to read his book when I get to book four.
This book does have a few triggers, mainly for mentions of cancer in a main character, mentions of illness in a family member, addiction in the form of another family member, and a few passing references to transphobia. Please be wary of these in case you are sensitive of them. The author provides a full trigger list in the book.
Testing the Waters has a bit of angst, but overall is relatively light. It has a good level of spice including some kindle melting scenes. It also features a genderqueer character which yay, more representation!
Now onto the next!
On the surface, Jordan and Zane could not be any more different. Jordan Shelby is from one of the wealthiest families in town. He's plagued by anxiety. He's insecure and he's had more than enough men who have wanted him to fit a certain role only to be upset when his genderqueer identity didn't match what they believed it should be. Zane, on the other hand, is confident and fun loving, has a reputation for hooking up, and doesn't seem to ever be down about anything. But underneath, Jordan is the brave and strong one, despite the demons he wrestles with, and Zane is the one who is always hiding and avoiding. Its an interesting dichtomy and I loved watching the author dissect these parts.
The relationship between Jordan and Zane felt fresh and incredibly real. Their connection and attraction to one another was instant, and it grew as they got to know one another. The growth of their relationship, the hurdles it hit, they all felt very real. Their communication was beautiful. The support they showed one another was beautiful. Everything about their love story was beautiful - and it all felt so genuine and not at all overdone. Instead, it was two men making one another stronger through their feelings for one another.
I loved getting to see more of the other Shelby Beach citizens. I loved the peek in at Julian and Leo from book one. I loved getting to know Oliver a little better and cannot wait to read his book when I get to book four.
This book does have a few triggers, mainly for mentions of cancer in a main character, mentions of illness in a family member, addiction in the form of another family member, and a few passing references to transphobia. Please be wary of these in case you are sensitive of them. The author provides a full trigger list in the book.
Testing the Waters has a bit of angst, but overall is relatively light. It has a good level of spice including some kindle melting scenes. It also features a genderqueer character which yay, more representation!
Now onto the next!
July 1, 2020
A beautiful story with a sweet interesting romance developing, along with flawed and wonderful characters that I adored so much.
There is exploration into gender how fluid it can be and that not all the same for everyone, I really liked seeing Jordans confusion but also his awareness and desire to be himself. He is still figuring out what his comfortable with in many ways from pronouns and day to day, his feelings may change and I loved that this was discussed in such a great way.
Zanes acceptance and adoration of Jordan in every way was so sweet, neither of them are perfect and both make mistakes which I appreciated so much. As it felt true to life as they're getting to know one another and both have difficult history's, in very different ways but their support for one another throughout is incredible.
While Zane is helping Jordan overcome his fear of the water, Jordan is supportive of Zane in his history with his mother and his health. I just feel there is a lot of amazing development throughout between them as a couple, but also in themselves which was great to see.
There is plenty of steam and hot scenes, but I really enjoyed all their interactions so much throughout the swimming lessons especially because they're just so sweet and the tension is awesome between them.
I liked the shift from Zane being the one going after Jordan, to Jordan then having to chase him. As a pair they have such a great push and pull, I like the challenge between them and how they support each other to look at things in new ways so much!
Overall I enjoyed this story a lot. It was deeper then I expected it to be and I appreciated that so much, life may not be perfect but together day by day they create their own happy. Its got a super sweet end fitting to them and a beautiful look towards their future together.
There is exploration into gender how fluid it can be and that not all the same for everyone, I really liked seeing Jordans confusion but also his awareness and desire to be himself. He is still figuring out what his comfortable with in many ways from pronouns and day to day, his feelings may change and I loved that this was discussed in such a great way.
Zanes acceptance and adoration of Jordan in every way was so sweet, neither of them are perfect and both make mistakes which I appreciated so much. As it felt true to life as they're getting to know one another and both have difficult history's, in very different ways but their support for one another throughout is incredible.
While Zane is helping Jordan overcome his fear of the water, Jordan is supportive of Zane in his history with his mother and his health. I just feel there is a lot of amazing development throughout between them as a couple, but also in themselves which was great to see.
There is plenty of steam and hot scenes, but I really enjoyed all their interactions so much throughout the swimming lessons especially because they're just so sweet and the tension is awesome between them.
I liked the shift from Zane being the one going after Jordan, to Jordan then having to chase him. As a pair they have such a great push and pull, I like the challenge between them and how they support each other to look at things in new ways so much!
Overall I enjoyed this story a lot. It was deeper then I expected it to be and I appreciated that so much, life may not be perfect but together day by day they create their own happy. Its got a super sweet end fitting to them and a beautiful look towards their future together.
March 12, 2025
This was a beautiful story.
As a non-binary person I related to Jordon and as someone with chronic illness I was also able to relate to Zane. I am also a water baby and love the ocean. Jordon and Zane were able to bring out the best in each other.
It reminded me of the saying I was taught as a child "Don't judge a book by the cover". We don't know what is happening on the inside and this is the same with people!
This is my first book by this author. I look forward to more of this series and from the author.
Thank You for your stories!
As a non-binary person I related to Jordon and as someone with chronic illness I was also able to relate to Zane. I am also a water baby and love the ocean. Jordon and Zane were able to bring out the best in each other.
It reminded me of the saying I was taught as a child "Don't judge a book by the cover". We don't know what is happening on the inside and this is the same with people!
This is my first book by this author. I look forward to more of this series and from the author.
Thank You for your stories!
December 19, 2020
Beautiful
This was a beautiful love story. Zane and Jordan both sweet, funny and sexy! They both felt broken in their own way but learned they are stronger than they thought and so worthy of love. Their journey was such a great read. I loved this book so much I just want to sit and read it again.
This was a beautiful love story. Zane and Jordan both sweet, funny and sexy! They both felt broken in their own way but learned they are stronger than they thought and so worthy of love. Their journey was such a great read. I loved this book so much I just want to sit and read it again.
May 17, 2022
Jordan and Zane were great. I loved seeing Jordan work on overcoming his fear of the water. He was a very insecure and anxious person who didn’t have good experiences with people accepting him for who he is. Zane was confident, but also had difficulty trusting people due to his mother being an addict who abandoned him. They found comfort and trust in each other and it was lovely.
February 28, 2020
Love love
Awesome story! I started reading it and I just couldn't stop! Two beautifully broken souls find each other and their love is amazing. A must have and a must read
Awesome story! I started reading it and I just couldn't stop! Two beautifully broken souls find each other and their love is amazing. A must have and a must read
June 8, 2021
Good potential, not well executed.
December 11, 2021
cute second entry in the Shelby Beach storyline.
February 16, 2020
Sweet book
This was very nice read.
It touches some hard subjects but it balances it out with the love and sweetness.
I really enjoyed Zane and Jordan's relationship, started of as slow and a nice friendship with so much chemistry and became so much more.
Great book that I couldn't put down
This was very nice read.
It touches some hard subjects but it balances it out with the love and sweetness.
I really enjoyed Zane and Jordan's relationship, started of as slow and a nice friendship with so much chemistry and became so much more.
Great book that I couldn't put down
February 15, 2020
I loved it!!
This writer never fails to deliver a great read. Sweet and romantic with deep complex characters you can’t help but love. I can’t wait to read Oliver’s story.
This writer never fails to deliver a great read. Sweet and romantic with deep complex characters you can’t help but love. I can’t wait to read Oliver’s story.
August 30, 2020
I received this story free of charge from the M/M Goodreads Group DBML program in exchange for an honest review.
Testing the Waters had so much potential and starts so well. Jordan has an artistic soul and talent and is desperately trying to overcome his fear of water while dealing with the mental decline of his beloved grandfather. Zane for his part is a warm, affable guy who works hard on keeping in shape and athletic activities to make up for the time he had cancer. Jordan and Zane have an amusing friendly/frosty relationship in the beginning that I was here for, but that is resolved quickly after Jordan asks Zane to help him learn to swim and the story never pulled me in from there.
Jordan and Zane are exceedingly complicated characters. Jordan is gender fluid and though he has accepted who he is, he’s tired of being a fetish and one night stand. His parents essentially abandoned him and his grandfather is in the beginning states of dementia. Zane was also abandoned by his mom and after surviving cancer overcompensates with physical activity to prove he’s healthy. There is so much here and while the boys talk about their pasts, I never felt connected to either character.
Much of the book is talking, sex, talking, sex, and so on. There isn’t much externally to move the plot along. If the characters and dialog are engaging, then it doesn’t matter. But everything felt flat. I found myself stepping away, not very interested in what happens next. While we are told much about the characters, I never felt I knew them. It’s hard to explain other than there should have been so much emotion in this but the writing never pulled me in. There’s not even any foreshadowing of potential tension to come.
The main external emotional event happens with Zane too late in the story and it was dealt with very quickly. Though that did lead to a positive in that the resolution to that event was perfect and one of my favorite parts of the book.
I wanted to love this but the writing didn’t work for me.
Testing the Waters had so much potential and starts so well. Jordan has an artistic soul and talent and is desperately trying to overcome his fear of water while dealing with the mental decline of his beloved grandfather. Zane for his part is a warm, affable guy who works hard on keeping in shape and athletic activities to make up for the time he had cancer. Jordan and Zane have an amusing friendly/frosty relationship in the beginning that I was here for, but that is resolved quickly after Jordan asks Zane to help him learn to swim and the story never pulled me in from there.
Jordan and Zane are exceedingly complicated characters. Jordan is gender fluid and though he has accepted who he is, he’s tired of being a fetish and one night stand. His parents essentially abandoned him and his grandfather is in the beginning states of dementia. Zane was also abandoned by his mom and after surviving cancer overcompensates with physical activity to prove he’s healthy. There is so much here and while the boys talk about their pasts, I never felt connected to either character.
Much of the book is talking, sex, talking, sex, and so on. There isn’t much externally to move the plot along. If the characters and dialog are engaging, then it doesn’t matter. But everything felt flat. I found myself stepping away, not very interested in what happens next. While we are told much about the characters, I never felt I knew them. It’s hard to explain other than there should have been so much emotion in this but the writing never pulled me in. There’s not even any foreshadowing of potential tension to come.
The main external emotional event happens with Zane too late in the story and it was dealt with very quickly. Though that did lead to a positive in that the resolution to that event was perfect and one of my favorite parts of the book.
I wanted to love this but the writing didn’t work for me.
February 19, 2020
Beautifully written romance.
This book had me hooked from the start and I just wanted to know more about the characters and what had happened to them. It's quite an emotional rollercoaster! Beautifully written, with two compelling MCs, both very different, but both full of insecurities.
I loved the way in which Zane and Jordan's relationship developed, and that they were there to support the other. The secondary characters were also well written, they fit nicely into the story, and I'm hoping that some of them will get their own stories. I haven't yet read Leo and Julian's story, book one in the series, but I'm certainly going to do so.
It's a story of love, hope, despair, happiness and romance all beautifully wrapped into an extremely engaging love story. I couldn't put it down, and read it in one sitting. Highly recommended.
Merged review:
This book had me hooked from the start and I just wanted to know more about the characters and what had happened to them. It's quite an emotional rollercoaster! Beautifully written, with two compelling MCs, both very different, but both full of insecurities.
I loved the way in which Zane and Jordan's relationship developed, and that they were there to support the other. The secondary characters were also well written, they fit nicely into the story, and I'm hoping that some of them will get their own stories. I haven't yet read Leo and Julian's story, book one in the series, but I'm certainly going to do so.
It's a story of love, hope, despair, happiness and romance all beautifully wrapped into an extremely engaging love story. I couldn't put it down, and read it in one sitting. Highly recommended.
This book had me hooked from the start and I just wanted to know more about the characters and what had happened to them. It's quite an emotional rollercoaster! Beautifully written, with two compelling MCs, both very different, but both full of insecurities.
I loved the way in which Zane and Jordan's relationship developed, and that they were there to support the other. The secondary characters were also well written, they fit nicely into the story, and I'm hoping that some of them will get their own stories. I haven't yet read Leo and Julian's story, book one in the series, but I'm certainly going to do so.
It's a story of love, hope, despair, happiness and romance all beautifully wrapped into an extremely engaging love story. I couldn't put it down, and read it in one sitting. Highly recommended.
Merged review:
This book had me hooked from the start and I just wanted to know more about the characters and what had happened to them. It's quite an emotional rollercoaster! Beautifully written, with two compelling MCs, both very different, but both full of insecurities.
I loved the way in which Zane and Jordan's relationship developed, and that they were there to support the other. The secondary characters were also well written, they fit nicely into the story, and I'm hoping that some of them will get their own stories. I haven't yet read Leo and Julian's story, book one in the series, but I'm certainly going to do so.
It's a story of love, hope, despair, happiness and romance all beautifully wrapped into an extremely engaging love story. I couldn't put it down, and read it in one sitting. Highly recommended.
February 17, 2020
It's never easy to open yourself up, being vulnerable, especially after you feel as though your whole world has imploded.
Jordan has enough issues dealing with life because he's non-binary, dating is definitely not on his radar.
So lusting after his new hot swim instructor is as far as it's ever going to go.
Zane has had a rough upbringing and is getting his life back on track.
Jordan is beautiful and everything he's ever wanted, but there's no way someone that confident and put together would ever want anything to do with him, right?
I absolutely loved these characters and the author's portrayal of them.
They had great chemistry, were emotionally complex, showed great growth and development and were successfully messy and realistic.
They had to work hard, both individually and together to get to a place where their romance would flourish and their HEA was so well deserved.
Jordan has enough issues dealing with life because he's non-binary, dating is definitely not on his radar.
So lusting after his new hot swim instructor is as far as it's ever going to go.
Zane has had a rough upbringing and is getting his life back on track.
Jordan is beautiful and everything he's ever wanted, but there's no way someone that confident and put together would ever want anything to do with him, right?
I absolutely loved these characters and the author's portrayal of them.
They had great chemistry, were emotionally complex, showed great growth and development and were successfully messy and realistic.
They had to work hard, both individually and together to get to a place where their romance would flourish and their HEA was so well deserved.
February 13, 2020
this book was adorable. The characters were enriching.
I loved how Zane rolled with gender fluid Jordan. He accepted everything that Jordan threw at him with mostly grace.
Jordan was a sweet person who wanted to prove that he was perfect as he was and the water wasn’t going to stop him from taking care of his grandpa.
There was a lot going on this book. It felt almost preachy at times, but I went with it and the story smoothed out as they progressed in their relationship.
despite my comment about the preachiness, there was a lot of real moments in there, that made me nod my head and agree.
Enjoyed the book, can’t wait to see what happens in the next
I received an ARC for my honest review.
I loved how Zane rolled with gender fluid Jordan. He accepted everything that Jordan threw at him with mostly grace.
Jordan was a sweet person who wanted to prove that he was perfect as he was and the water wasn’t going to stop him from taking care of his grandpa.
There was a lot going on this book. It felt almost preachy at times, but I went with it and the story smoothed out as they progressed in their relationship.
despite my comment about the preachiness, there was a lot of real moments in there, that made me nod my head and agree.
Enjoyed the book, can’t wait to see what happens in the next
I received an ARC for my honest review.
February 18, 2020
Beautifully story of learning to believe and trust in yourself. Just all the feels!
This is a character story, one that drew me in from the beginning and held me all the way through. i loved the character development and the feel of reality in their situations. The writing was good and the pace was great.
Jordan and Zane are terrific together, their chemistry, connection, willingness to be vulnerable all combine to create a wonderful story.
One of my favorite lines from the book is: "Hoped, not planned... because life was constantly transforming in ways nobody could predict."
This is book two of the Shelby Beach series and can be read as a stand-alone story.
I was gifted this book from the LesCourt Author Services and i freely give my honest opinion and review
This is a character story, one that drew me in from the beginning and held me all the way through. i loved the character development and the feel of reality in their situations. The writing was good and the pace was great.
Jordan and Zane are terrific together, their chemistry, connection, willingness to be vulnerable all combine to create a wonderful story.
One of my favorite lines from the book is: "Hoped, not planned... because life was constantly transforming in ways nobody could predict."
This is book two of the Shelby Beach series and can be read as a stand-alone story.
I was gifted this book from the LesCourt Author Services and i freely give my honest opinion and review
February 5, 2020
Trusting someone with your heart is hard. Especially when it's been broken in the past.
Loving someone, only to be abandoned, doesn't form a good basis for your future love life.
Luckily friends and family can help. As can the deep inner strength and self love you can develop and grow over time.
Sometimes love comes just at the right time.
You will find yourself caring so much about these characters. Jordan and Zane have very different backgrounds but inside, where it really counts, they just need to be seen for who they are and accept the love they are offered. Only then can they give it back.
Loving someone, only to be abandoned, doesn't form a good basis for your future love life.
Luckily friends and family can help. As can the deep inner strength and self love you can develop and grow over time.
Sometimes love comes just at the right time.
You will find yourself caring so much about these characters. Jordan and Zane have very different backgrounds but inside, where it really counts, they just need to be seen for who they are and accept the love they are offered. Only then can they give it back.
February 17, 2020
Testing the Waters is an okay read by Skylar M Cates.
I like the overall storyline, but found a lot to my dislike. I wanted more depth, feeling it was too ambitious to cover so much in so few pages. I feel like that storyline needed to be developed in further depth over a lot more pages.
I enjoyed all the topics explored, and trust me, there are plenty. But they were all rushed, not allowing me to fully connect. I wasn't pulled into the main characters' emotions much either.
I wanted to love this, but I had to force myself to even finish it.
February 18, 2020
This was such a beautiful, grab-you-by-the-feels, poignant, amazing, fantastic, sweet, delightful, sexy, lovely, wonderful, and totally awesome story. I absolutely adored Jordan's determination to live life on his terms, and Zane was such a sweetheart. I was hooked from the very first page, and I can't wait to see what happens next in this marvelous series.
February 19, 2020
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but I expected a fluffy, easy read. This was not fluffy and there were real issues the MCs faced. I felt like this story focuses so much on the issues they faced, particularly Zane, that it took away from the romance aspect. It was a good book, but it felt too long.
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