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Rising Tides #1
Undertow
When Gabriel dives off a cliff to save Kailani, neither expected to be swept away by more than the current.
In a bid to gain her independence, Kailani Kakoa traded the sunny shores of Hawaii for the mist-laden forests of Oregon. Her varsity swimming scholarship is her lifeline, and her college degree will be her ticket to freedom. She is ambitious. She is driven. She has a plan. But she didn’t plan on Gabriel.
Gabriel McEwen had abandoned his plan of becoming a rescue diver. But meeting Kailani ignited something in him he thought long extinguished. Tension with his father and unhealed wounds from the past keep him locked in a war with himself.
Kailani is everything Gabriel has ever wanted, but the one thing he cannot have. Will they be able to resist the attraction that could put their futures at stake?
In a bid to gain her independence, Kailani Kakoa traded the sunny shores of Hawaii for the mist-laden forests of Oregon. Her varsity swimming scholarship is her lifeline, and her college degree will be her ticket to freedom. She is ambitious. She is driven. She has a plan. But she didn’t plan on Gabriel.
Gabriel McEwen had abandoned his plan of becoming a rescue diver. But meeting Kailani ignited something in him he thought long extinguished. Tension with his father and unhealed wounds from the past keep him locked in a war with himself.
Kailani is everything Gabriel has ever wanted, but the one thing he cannot have. Will they be able to resist the attraction that could put their futures at stake?
- GenresSports Romance
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2021
9 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Kaia Knight
2 books7 followersKaia Knight is a contemporary romance author who loves to share her passion for adventure through driven, compelling characters facing challenges as they find their happily ever after.
As a competitive female athlete and engineer, Kaia’s goal is to improve representation for strong, smart women in the typically male-dominated sports romance genre.
Kaia pulls from personal experience as a lifelong athlete to take readers on immersive experiences in sport and recreation along the way to finding love.
When Kaia is not writing, she’s out exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two goofy puppies.
As a competitive female athlete and engineer, Kaia’s goal is to improve representation for strong, smart women in the typically male-dominated sports romance genre.
Kaia pulls from personal experience as a lifelong athlete to take readers on immersive experiences in sport and recreation along the way to finding love.
When Kaia is not writing, she’s out exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two goofy puppies.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 6, 2021
I absolutely adored this story!!
Undertow is described as a forbidden college romance and that's exactly what it is!
Kailani, aka Kai, is a hard-working scolarship student. As an integral member of the swim team, she spends endless hours training in the pool under the watchful eye of her stern coach.
A chance encounter between Kai and Gabriel, aka Gabe, sparks a moment of attraction, but of course, life has an unexpected twist in store for them.
Both characters have a level of maturity that I envy and their relationship remains platonic for the most part - much to my frustration! This is by no means a steamy book, but there were certainly a few scenes where my pulse began to race, and throughout, the author manages to keep you on the edge of your seat by a tension thread.
Throughout this story, Gabe is the perfect gentleman. And I don't use perfectly lightly. While struggling with demons from a traumatic past event, Gabe draws you in with his thoughts. You can't help but fall in love with him.
Kai is an engaging character who many girls will relate to. She's driven and loyal but it's her yearning for a sense of family that really gripped me.
Now... to get to my absolute favourite part of this book. No, it's not the love story between Kai and Gabe. It's the relationship the author created between Gabe and his brother, Eli. Their witty banter had me in stitches; then there were times when my heart broke for them. The bond between these brothers is so realistic and well written that I feel like I know them.
I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next. I really, really, really hope it's a sequel centered around Eli. Kaia Knight, please write it so I can get my Eli fix!!
Undertow is described as a forbidden college romance and that's exactly what it is!
Kailani, aka Kai, is a hard-working scolarship student. As an integral member of the swim team, she spends endless hours training in the pool under the watchful eye of her stern coach.
A chance encounter between Kai and Gabriel, aka Gabe, sparks a moment of attraction, but of course, life has an unexpected twist in store for them.
Both characters have a level of maturity that I envy and their relationship remains platonic for the most part - much to my frustration! This is by no means a steamy book, but there were certainly a few scenes where my pulse began to race, and throughout, the author manages to keep you on the edge of your seat by a tension thread.
Throughout this story, Gabe is the perfect gentleman. And I don't use perfectly lightly. While struggling with demons from a traumatic past event, Gabe draws you in with his thoughts. You can't help but fall in love with him.
Kai is an engaging character who many girls will relate to. She's driven and loyal but it's her yearning for a sense of family that really gripped me.
Now... to get to my absolute favourite part of this book. No, it's not the love story between Kai and Gabe. It's the relationship the author created between Gabe and his brother, Eli. Their witty banter had me in stitches; then there were times when my heart broke for them. The bond between these brothers is so realistic and well written that I feel like I know them.
I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next. I really, really, really hope it's a sequel centered around Eli. Kaia Knight, please write it so I can get my Eli fix!!
February 5, 2021
A sweet and tender love story about a strong willed woman grappling with her identity and a man who is caught between his career and the pain of the past. Full of family secrets and loss that defines them both, these characters are swept together like a current.
This gripping story is breathtaking and beautiful, full of visceral imagery that pulls you in and doesn't let go. The way the author weaves the character development so smoothly throughout the narrative is a testament to her skill at storytelling.
This book was a hard one to put down! and I eagerly await her next installment in this series.
This gripping story is breathtaking and beautiful, full of visceral imagery that pulls you in and doesn't let go. The way the author weaves the character development so smoothly throughout the narrative is a testament to her skill at storytelling.
This book was a hard one to put down! and I eagerly await her next installment in this series.
February 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this novel. It was fun. I cared about the characters and enjoyed seeing them grow. It was steamy without being overpowering. I don't usually go for female main characters in their early twenties but this worked for me. Can't wait to read Kaia Knight's next novel.
February 5, 2021
I'm simultaneously swooning and fanning myself. Wow. I LOVED this story so much. It tugged on my heartstrings in all the best possible ways.
February 6, 2021
Was lucky enough to have an ARC. I love sports romance and always a nice change of pace to have a female athlete MC. We need more books like this! Well done.
February 5, 2021
Gabe and Kailani come from two different worlds, yet they share the same driving need to succeed in what they're passionate about. Gabe wants to pursue rescue diving, and Kai has been granted a scholarship for the swim team at her college.
A brief encounter leads to an unexpected turn of events, one that neither of them can forget. There's only one problem. Gabe is her swimming coach, and she can't risk losing her scholarship by falling for him.
Gabe is haunted by a tragic past that prevents him from letting anyone get close, most especially the new girl on his team. But when sparks continue to fly between them, he realizes that what he ultimately needs to heal from his past is her.
They each have to decide what they're willing to risk to get their heart's desire, but what will it cost them in the end?
This new adult romance will keep you glued to the pages and rooting for Gabe and Kai from start to finish. You will not be disappointed!
A brief encounter leads to an unexpected turn of events, one that neither of them can forget. There's only one problem. Gabe is her swimming coach, and she can't risk losing her scholarship by falling for him.
Gabe is haunted by a tragic past that prevents him from letting anyone get close, most especially the new girl on his team. But when sparks continue to fly between them, he realizes that what he ultimately needs to heal from his past is her.
They each have to decide what they're willing to risk to get their heart's desire, but what will it cost them in the end?
This new adult romance will keep you glued to the pages and rooting for Gabe and Kai from start to finish. You will not be disappointed!
February 8, 2021
Covid preventing you from taking that much wanted trip to the pacific northwest? Pick this book up and be immersed in the fog and greenery of Oregon. I love the description in this book. The scenery made me feel like I was right there with Kai and Gabe. Also, I'm not a swimmer, but the descriptions of the indoor pool took me back to my childhood at the public pool. Kai and Gabe's romance was sweet and, though forbidden, I couldn't help but root for them to find a way. The character's past lives were complex and the very definition of bringing your past baggage to your present relationships. The mystery of what had happened to Gabe had me guessing throughout, but I won't spoil anything here. :) Great for a beach read, or just taking a break from real life for a minute. Highly reccommend!
February 6, 2021
Gabriel saves Kailani after he accidentally causes her to fall over a water fall. Both kailani and Gabriel seem to be running and hiding from something in their pasts. Is it love? or Is it commitment? They grow close and easy in each other's company. Will this be enough for them? They soon discover that their attraction should not be allowed and there is a lot at stake. They both have enemies who will do anything to keep them apart and will come between them. Can these two ride the wave of their new found love for their own HEA? or will they crash and burn at the bottom of the sea? A very good read.
February 6, 2021
A beautiful love story, the perfect combination of sweet, heat, and swoon. The writing is gorgeous, with scenes so vivid I felt I was living the story, not just reading it. Kailani and Gabriel are layered and complex characters struggling with self-discovery and tragic pasts that bring them closer while also keeping them apart. I didn't want the story to end, and can't wait for the next book in the series.
February 13, 2021
Wonderful read from New author
Love when a new author comes along and hits a homerun. Kai and Dave's story was a solid 4.5. Good character development and story line. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Love when a new author comes along and hits a homerun. Kai and Dave's story was a solid 4.5. Good character development and story line. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 23, 2026
Undertow was SO cute and such an easy, fun read! The story flowed beautifully, the characters were lovable, and I flew through it. It had that perfect cozy-romance vibe that just makes you smile the whole time. Definitely a feel-good read I’d recommend! Solid 4.5 stars for me.
May 26, 2021
Great story
I love how the characters grew and developed. This is a great college age story of overcoming obstacles and taking in love. I can't wait for the next book, great job!
I love how the characters grew and developed. This is a great college age story of overcoming obstacles and taking in love. I can't wait for the next book, great job!
June 2, 2021
Great story,
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews