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Through The Riptide
This is an entertaining, lyrical love story filled with saltwater, suspense, sweet romance and all the excitement of a summer by the sea. A thirty year old woman escapes from New York City to a charming beach town on Eastern Long Island. Sandy beaches, ocean view estates and seafood restaurants make her new home an exciting place to live. Lindsey is hoping to find inner peace after a disturbing incident shattered her confidence. Still recovering, she is stuck between the old love of her ex-boyfriend and the allure of a stranger she encounters on the bus. But will Lindsey ever be able to really trust a man again after what happened?
316 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2015
145 people are currently reading
1636 people want to read
About the author
Bert Murray
71 books255 followersBert Murray is an American author. Bert attended Princeton University.
You can find his books on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
You can find his books on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 27, 2015
The second installment of the life and times of Collin Preston doesn’t disappoint. Through the Riptide demonstrates the same lyricism, sensitivity and insight into the human condition that populated the original. Collin is now roughly twenty years on down the road, reaching full maturity and has the scar tissue to show for it. He has passed, perhaps successfully, through the riptide. The journey is refreshed by a new and equally engaging protagonist, and the book’s voice is her point of view. I hope there will be at least a third in the saga, perhaps when Collin reaches late middle age.
August 17, 2016
Review:
Thank you to the author, Bert Murray, for gifting me with a copy of Through the Riptide in exchange for an honest review!
One overall feeling before I get into the list: I really don't have that strong of feelings about this book. Everything was just kind of meh to me. I didn't hate it but I also didn't love it.
1. Plot. Hm... I have mixed feelings about this book. When I first read it, I didn't realize that it was the second book in a series (the author didn't mention that and I didn't look at the Goodreads page that closely) so I went in thinking that there were so many unexplained relationships and so many people that randomly showed up. This made the plot really hard to understand for me and I honestly didn't know what was going on. The thing with this book is that there isn't really an overarching goal that the book is centered around and that propels it forward. It just kind of has little plot bumps. For me personally, that was difficult because it felt like I was just reading an account of what happened over a large period of time (like someone's diary) of everyday things that happened. And then, near the end, when the supposed mystery is revealed, I was just really confused because that part of the plot wasn't emphasized at all. That being said, if that plot line was emphasized a little more and made so that it was clear it was the main plot line, I would have really liked it.
2. Characters. This sort of goes hand in hand with my first point that I didn't know that this was the second book. Because of that, naturally, the audience is already familiar with characters so they aren't introduced as thoroughly in the sequels. However, since I haven't read the first book, I was VERY confused and all of the characters seemed to just flash by. The problem with that is that all of the characters came across as very unmemorable and felt like cardboard cutouts. As for the main character, I really don't know how I feel about her. She did face some adversity (with her narrowly escaped sexual assault) but overall, she was just meh to me.
3. The romance. There is somewhat of a love triangle in this book but it's more loose. There's no real competition between the two male love interests but there are too so I feel justified in calling it a love triangle. Overall, unlike a lot of love triangles, I didn't really have strong feelings about it. The love interests didn't make me swoon or say 'aw' or anything of that nature. It was just a thing that was happening.
4. The writing. This writing style is almost diary style without the headings. The time jumps are a little disorienting especially because there isn't any direct indication as to how far into the future it's jumping. The writing itself is wonderful albeit a little lacking with the variety of adjectives. It flows very nicely and can be read aloud with out stumbling too much or it sounding terribly awkward.
The Final Verdict:
Overall, this is a nice book. I wasn't overly impressed by it but it wasn't terrible either. It would probably be best if you read the first book first and then this book to get a feel for the characters. The plot could have been very good but there wasn't much emphasis on what the central plot line was so it just felt like a diary that skipped random weeks.
3 stars
Thank you to the author, Bert Murray, for gifting me with a copy of Through the Riptide in exchange for an honest review!
One overall feeling before I get into the list: I really don't have that strong of feelings about this book. Everything was just kind of meh to me. I didn't hate it but I also didn't love it.
1. Plot. Hm... I have mixed feelings about this book. When I first read it, I didn't realize that it was the second book in a series (the author didn't mention that and I didn't look at the Goodreads page that closely) so I went in thinking that there were so many unexplained relationships and so many people that randomly showed up. This made the plot really hard to understand for me and I honestly didn't know what was going on. The thing with this book is that there isn't really an overarching goal that the book is centered around and that propels it forward. It just kind of has little plot bumps. For me personally, that was difficult because it felt like I was just reading an account of what happened over a large period of time (like someone's diary) of everyday things that happened. And then, near the end, when the supposed mystery is revealed, I was just really confused because that part of the plot wasn't emphasized at all. That being said, if that plot line was emphasized a little more and made so that it was clear it was the main plot line, I would have really liked it.
2. Characters. This sort of goes hand in hand with my first point that I didn't know that this was the second book. Because of that, naturally, the audience is already familiar with characters so they aren't introduced as thoroughly in the sequels. However, since I haven't read the first book, I was VERY confused and all of the characters seemed to just flash by. The problem with that is that all of the characters came across as very unmemorable and felt like cardboard cutouts. As for the main character, I really don't know how I feel about her. She did face some adversity (with her narrowly escaped sexual assault) but overall, she was just meh to me.
3. The romance. There is somewhat of a love triangle in this book but it's more loose. There's no real competition between the two male love interests but there are too so I feel justified in calling it a love triangle. Overall, unlike a lot of love triangles, I didn't really have strong feelings about it. The love interests didn't make me swoon or say 'aw' or anything of that nature. It was just a thing that was happening.
4. The writing. This writing style is almost diary style without the headings. The time jumps are a little disorienting especially because there isn't any direct indication as to how far into the future it's jumping. The writing itself is wonderful albeit a little lacking with the variety of adjectives. It flows very nicely and can be read aloud with out stumbling too much or it sounding terribly awkward.
The Final Verdict:
Overall, this is a nice book. I wasn't overly impressed by it but it wasn't terrible either. It would probably be best if you read the first book first and then this book to get a feel for the characters. The plot could have been very good but there wasn't much emphasis on what the central plot line was so it just felt like a diary that skipped random weeks.
3 stars
May 10, 2021
The book follows Lindsey who after escaping the terrifying act of sexual assault, decided to escape to Manhattan to recover and re-establish herself. Karl her ex-boyfriend asks whether she would like to start working in the Hamptons although warned by her mother the danger of returning to what she knows best she accepts the offer. Moving to the Hamptons with its gorgeous beaches and a new lifestyle Lindsey begins to fit in but it isn’t without its troubles. We follow Lindsey as she attempts to forger her past and move on.
Before I get into the nitty gritty I want to pause and say that this isn’t the first in the series but this definitely stands alone as a novel; there are hints of backstory but it isn’t told in so much detail that you feel you’re missing out which is always a bonus. It’s written really nicely; I normally hate that word but it has a pleasant relaxed feeling which I really needed. I was impressed by the authors ability to write from a different gender’s perspective I think it can sometimes be done badly but here it was well mastered and Lindsey comes across as a really delightful and personable character. I rooted for her throughout and found her very easy to relate too which is always brilliant. I found the mix of her re-building herself mixed with her potential new relationship an exciting plot to follow and one I really enjoyed.
The writing is compelling and moves with a sense of pace – keeping very steady but it flows which is perfect for this type of book plot. I liked the little additions and although I don’t want to give too much away the toying with the state of her relationship with Karl and her building relationship with Colin leads to an intriguing tale. I thought there was a great attention to detail and building the story rather than just the characters. Although I love character build up and think it’s really important I thought that the story was built too rather than being left to fall on the strong shoulders of the characters if that makes any sense. I thought the use of sexual assault and the re-building of our character after that was done well and handles really well; it did worry me a little at the start but I needn’t have.
Couple of little wobbles for me as a reader, I thought that Jasmine was difficult to warm to and I would have like to see more of her because I didn’t feel I really got to know her intently. Maybe it’s just me but it was a shame as she is/becomes Lindsey’s best friend. I don’t want to give away too much but I did feel I missed out a little on Colin and Jasmine due to not reading the first book; I found that Karl was built enough to not need that first explanation of their characters and seeing them grow but that’s I guess my fault for not reading the first.
Overall this is a really pleasantly written book with some lovely characters and a really interesting plot-line. The pace is strong and the writing clean – a brilliant, lovely little read.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Before I get into the nitty gritty I want to pause and say that this isn’t the first in the series but this definitely stands alone as a novel; there are hints of backstory but it isn’t told in so much detail that you feel you’re missing out which is always a bonus. It’s written really nicely; I normally hate that word but it has a pleasant relaxed feeling which I really needed. I was impressed by the authors ability to write from a different gender’s perspective I think it can sometimes be done badly but here it was well mastered and Lindsey comes across as a really delightful and personable character. I rooted for her throughout and found her very easy to relate too which is always brilliant. I found the mix of her re-building herself mixed with her potential new relationship an exciting plot to follow and one I really enjoyed.
The writing is compelling and moves with a sense of pace – keeping very steady but it flows which is perfect for this type of book plot. I liked the little additions and although I don’t want to give too much away the toying with the state of her relationship with Karl and her building relationship with Colin leads to an intriguing tale. I thought there was a great attention to detail and building the story rather than just the characters. Although I love character build up and think it’s really important I thought that the story was built too rather than being left to fall on the strong shoulders of the characters if that makes any sense. I thought the use of sexual assault and the re-building of our character after that was done well and handles really well; it did worry me a little at the start but I needn’t have.
Couple of little wobbles for me as a reader, I thought that Jasmine was difficult to warm to and I would have like to see more of her because I didn’t feel I really got to know her intently. Maybe it’s just me but it was a shame as she is/becomes Lindsey’s best friend. I don’t want to give away too much but I did feel I missed out a little on Colin and Jasmine due to not reading the first book; I found that Karl was built enough to not need that first explanation of their characters and seeing them grow but that’s I guess my fault for not reading the first.
Overall this is a really pleasantly written book with some lovely characters and a really interesting plot-line. The pace is strong and the writing clean – a brilliant, lovely little read.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
July 21, 2015
Review
Through the Riptide
By Bert Murray
It is a difficult thing to write convincingly from the perspective of the opposite gender yet Bert Murray appears to do this with ease when he tells Lindsey’s story in the first person.
The novel successfully stands on its own although it is part two of a series.
An assailant attacks Lindsey and in a bid to regain her equilibrium, she leaves town and re-establishes contact with a former boyfriend, Karl by working for him in his event management company. Throughout, she questions whether she should re-establish their affair.
His success and high-flying lifestyle has a lot going for it and there is safety in the familiar.
Her mother sums Lindsey up in the following way, “…Karl is a passing enthusiasm, – you’re prone to them. Like the salamanders you found with your Aunt Paula…”
Although it appears to be a passing comment, the Salamanders play a part in the plot. We discover this when Karl finally confesses to Lindsey what really lies behind all that success that so dazzles her. Also find out who the shadowy phantom-like figure AK really is.
This is one example of how this story is neatly packaged. The attack that opens the story and leads to Lindsey re-establishing contact with Karl is loosely linked to the events that make Lindsey realise that things are not always as they seem and nor are people.
In the end, Lindsey realises her mistake, meets Colin who is less exciting but more reliable, and discovers that the story all began with the loss of a parcel of land to conservationists wanting to protect the rare salamanders that lived on it.
The chapter of the washed up dead whale is fabulous.
It is a pleasant read with great attention to detail and characterisation. The storytelling was tight and compelling with wonderful surprises at the end.
Through the Riptide
By Bert Murray
It is a difficult thing to write convincingly from the perspective of the opposite gender yet Bert Murray appears to do this with ease when he tells Lindsey’s story in the first person.
The novel successfully stands on its own although it is part two of a series.
An assailant attacks Lindsey and in a bid to regain her equilibrium, she leaves town and re-establishes contact with a former boyfriend, Karl by working for him in his event management company. Throughout, she questions whether she should re-establish their affair.
His success and high-flying lifestyle has a lot going for it and there is safety in the familiar.
Her mother sums Lindsey up in the following way, “…Karl is a passing enthusiasm, – you’re prone to them. Like the salamanders you found with your Aunt Paula…”
Although it appears to be a passing comment, the Salamanders play a part in the plot. We discover this when Karl finally confesses to Lindsey what really lies behind all that success that so dazzles her. Also find out who the shadowy phantom-like figure AK really is.
This is one example of how this story is neatly packaged. The attack that opens the story and leads to Lindsey re-establishing contact with Karl is loosely linked to the events that make Lindsey realise that things are not always as they seem and nor are people.
In the end, Lindsey realises her mistake, meets Colin who is less exciting but more reliable, and discovers that the story all began with the loss of a parcel of land to conservationists wanting to protect the rare salamanders that lived on it.
The chapter of the washed up dead whale is fabulous.
It is a pleasant read with great attention to detail and characterisation. The storytelling was tight and compelling with wonderful surprises at the end.
September 27, 2015
After fighting off an attack and escaping a sexual assault with the help of her neighbour and his dog, Lindsey decides to leave Manhattan for a time to recover emotionally. Her ambitious and self-absorbed ex-boyfriend, Karl, offers her a job and a change of scene in the Hamptons, and although her mother warns her of the dangers of going back instead of moving forward, she accepts Karl’s offer.
The setting moves from bustling New York to the idyllic Hamptons with its wonderful beaches and exclusive restaurants and lifestyle. While Lindsey is there, she encounters some charming and other dangerous characters, among them, a quiet stranger she meets on a bus. They will all help her on her way to a partial recovery from trauma, and make her stay at the Hamptons unforgettable.
The plot moves forward neatly, gradually unravelling secrets, lies and criminal acts, leading to a satisfying ending. Lindsey does finally manage to find a way of moving forward emotionally and professionally, ironically by following her mother’s advice, which she ignored at the beginning of the novel. Mothers are so wise! Finally it looks like love could win the game, and each character is dished out what he or she deserves!
I didn’t realise there was a previous novel where some of the characters were introduced until I finished reading Through the Riptide, so it could be read as a stand-alone. There are hints of a back-story involving Karl, Jasmine and Colin, which isn’t told in any detail, but I could imagine many things which had happened twenty years ago, were disclosed in book 1, which should probably be read to get the complete picture.
It was a pleasant and well-written summer read, with interesting characters and a sound plot.
The setting moves from bustling New York to the idyllic Hamptons with its wonderful beaches and exclusive restaurants and lifestyle. While Lindsey is there, she encounters some charming and other dangerous characters, among them, a quiet stranger she meets on a bus. They will all help her on her way to a partial recovery from trauma, and make her stay at the Hamptons unforgettable.
The plot moves forward neatly, gradually unravelling secrets, lies and criminal acts, leading to a satisfying ending. Lindsey does finally manage to find a way of moving forward emotionally and professionally, ironically by following her mother’s advice, which she ignored at the beginning of the novel. Mothers are so wise! Finally it looks like love could win the game, and each character is dished out what he or she deserves!
I didn’t realise there was a previous novel where some of the characters were introduced until I finished reading Through the Riptide, so it could be read as a stand-alone. There are hints of a back-story involving Karl, Jasmine and Colin, which isn’t told in any detail, but I could imagine many things which had happened twenty years ago, were disclosed in book 1, which should probably be read to get the complete picture.
It was a pleasant and well-written summer read, with interesting characters and a sound plot.
February 5, 2017
Lindsey is followed to her apartment on her way from work one night. Her neighbour intervenes but the impact of the attack leaves its mark on Lindsey and her confidence is quite understandably shattered.
Karl, her ex boyfriend offers her a job in the Hamptons where she might be able to put this unpleasant experience behind. She accepts on the condition that their relationship stays strictly professional but this doesn't stop Karl from trying! Even when old feelings resurface Lindsey sticks to her gun. Karl appears to be very good in running his business but is neither reliable nor trustworthy when it comes to his personal relationships.
When Lindsey meets Colin, she takes an instant liking to him but he is very aloof and doesn't say much about himself when he does try to make conversations. They meet again by chance and strike a friendship which is somewhat uncomfortable to begin with. Whilst out walking on the beach, Colin starts to open up and confides in Lindsey. They witness someone being attacked and this brings back Lindsey's bad memories. She in turn confides in Colin but can either of them trust again after their past experiences with bad relationships?
Jasmine becomes Lindsey's best friend in the Hamptons but I found it hard to warm up to her.
I haven't read the first book in this series and although this one can be read as a standalone, I would have liked to have met Karl, Colin and Jasmine when they were college students. This novel still captured and held my interest. There is so much going on and with all the twists and turns it becomes a compelling read.
Karl, her ex boyfriend offers her a job in the Hamptons where she might be able to put this unpleasant experience behind. She accepts on the condition that their relationship stays strictly professional but this doesn't stop Karl from trying! Even when old feelings resurface Lindsey sticks to her gun. Karl appears to be very good in running his business but is neither reliable nor trustworthy when it comes to his personal relationships.
When Lindsey meets Colin, she takes an instant liking to him but he is very aloof and doesn't say much about himself when he does try to make conversations. They meet again by chance and strike a friendship which is somewhat uncomfortable to begin with. Whilst out walking on the beach, Colin starts to open up and confides in Lindsey. They witness someone being attacked and this brings back Lindsey's bad memories. She in turn confides in Colin but can either of them trust again after their past experiences with bad relationships?
Jasmine becomes Lindsey's best friend in the Hamptons but I found it hard to warm up to her.
I haven't read the first book in this series and although this one can be read as a standalone, I would have liked to have met Karl, Colin and Jasmine when they were college students. This novel still captured and held my interest. There is so much going on and with all the twists and turns it becomes a compelling read.
June 2, 2015
This author wrote "Colin Preston Rocked And Rolled" and I read it a couple of years ago and adored the book. I begged for a "part 2" and while I'm sure it was not only because of my request, I got it!
"Through The Riptide" is the sequel of the story of Colin and his college friends/enemies.
While I was expecting Colin to be the main character in this sequel, he was not! A wonderfully strong female protagonist is introduced by Bert Murray that I fell in love with immediatly. I'm not even sure that I should be calling this a sequel because it could be read as a stand-alone novel.
I found the examination into Karl & Jasmine 20 years after college a fascinating story I did not expect. What a pleasant surprise to learn they reap what they sow!
All of the new characters introduced were even more detailed and deep than in the first novel and the writing was much more mature and flowed well.
While I don't want to go into great detail, I will say this: a third book is needed in this fantastic series! Once you read this book you will agree you want (and need!) to know what happens next in the life of Colin and his community of characters.
Bert Murray is a great writer and kind friend. His ability to connect you to his story and characters continues to amaze and delight me. Do I still like Colin 20 years after I first met him? You bet! Even more so knowing he has struggled to get to where he is and kept his passions for creativity and the loves in his life.
Colin does not let anything stop him - and neither should you! Read this awesome book!
"Through The Riptide" is the sequel of the story of Colin and his college friends/enemies.
While I was expecting Colin to be the main character in this sequel, he was not! A wonderfully strong female protagonist is introduced by Bert Murray that I fell in love with immediatly. I'm not even sure that I should be calling this a sequel because it could be read as a stand-alone novel.
I found the examination into Karl & Jasmine 20 years after college a fascinating story I did not expect. What a pleasant surprise to learn they reap what they sow!
All of the new characters introduced were even more detailed and deep than in the first novel and the writing was much more mature and flowed well.
While I don't want to go into great detail, I will say this: a third book is needed in this fantastic series! Once you read this book you will agree you want (and need!) to know what happens next in the life of Colin and his community of characters.
Bert Murray is a great writer and kind friend. His ability to connect you to his story and characters continues to amaze and delight me. Do I still like Colin 20 years after I first met him? You bet! Even more so knowing he has struggled to get to where he is and kept his passions for creativity and the loves in his life.
Colin does not let anything stop him - and neither should you! Read this awesome book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2015
Twenty years later, Karl Tuck is still up to his old tricks. He somehow manages to convince his former girlfriend, Lindsey, to come back to him and work for him in Southampton. After being rescued from an attempted rape, Lindsey is still hesitant to leave New York City and take Karl up on his offer, but she eventually agrees after realizing that a change in location would be good for her.
Meanwhile, Jasmine is also living in Southampton, bouncing from one rich man to the next in search of valuable assets. To most, including Lindsey, Jasmime would seem like the typical gold digger, but she hides a secret which only Karl seems to know. All this is unbeknownst to Lindsey, who becomes concerned about her friend’s lifestyle.
Colin enters the scene when he and Lindsey meet on a bus. Their change meeting becomes more after Colin learns discovers that Lindsey is acquaintances with his grandfather and two great aunts. While Karl keeps on pressing for her attention, Colin seems like an enigma who is slowly making his way into her life.
Slower-paced, but full of mystery in an enchanted setting, “Through the Riptide” delivers glimpses into the unseen past. As the mysteries begin to unfold, the reader becomes truly engaged and sucked into this world full of secrets!
Meanwhile, Jasmine is also living in Southampton, bouncing from one rich man to the next in search of valuable assets. To most, including Lindsey, Jasmime would seem like the typical gold digger, but she hides a secret which only Karl seems to know. All this is unbeknownst to Lindsey, who becomes concerned about her friend’s lifestyle.
Colin enters the scene when he and Lindsey meet on a bus. Their change meeting becomes more after Colin learns discovers that Lindsey is acquaintances with his grandfather and two great aunts. While Karl keeps on pressing for her attention, Colin seems like an enigma who is slowly making his way into her life.
Slower-paced, but full of mystery in an enchanted setting, “Through the Riptide” delivers glimpses into the unseen past. As the mysteries begin to unfold, the reader becomes truly engaged and sucked into this world full of secrets!
September 12, 2015
The book doesn't start with Colin Preston but instead tells the story of Lindsey, a PR woman in Manhattan who gets attacked in her apartment. Following the trauma she moves back to Westchester, where her ex Karl offers her a job on a boat. She struggles with her emotions as well as with her trust, as Karl used to be a womanizer. Can a leopard change his spots.
While this starts like chick lit there is a lot of character depth and serious writing, including issues such as sea wild life preservation. Only 27% into the book do we meet Colin Preston from the title. He and Lindsey have great chemistry but the romance takes time to blossom as Karl is upping his game to get her back.
The characters are less stereotypical than I might make them sound and the pace is perfectly timed to make the events realistic and relatable. A sweet romance, character driven and very well written. A great novel.
While this starts like chick lit there is a lot of character depth and serious writing, including issues such as sea wild life preservation. Only 27% into the book do we meet Colin Preston from the title. He and Lindsey have great chemistry but the romance takes time to blossom as Karl is upping his game to get her back.
The characters are less stereotypical than I might make them sound and the pace is perfectly timed to make the events realistic and relatable. A sweet romance, character driven and very well written. A great novel.
September 12, 2015
I loved the first book and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. The book doesn't start with Colin Preston, which was a big surprise. Lindsey tells us about an attack on her in Manhattan, which gets her to leave the city and return to her more rural and coastal home. Her new job brings back her philandering ex-boyfriend Karl, who split up with her for her benefit. Now he wants her back. Enter Colin Preston, a wonderful character.
With serious undertones about environmental issues and personal character development this is a delightful romantic novel. Very recommendable.
With serious undertones about environmental issues and personal character development this is a delightful romantic novel. Very recommendable.
Want to read
July 18, 2015I read his book, Colin Preston and really enjoyed it, so looking forward to follow-up book. Bert's books feel almost as if you are watching a movie, LIVE, in your head because the characters jump off the page and feel real to the reader.
April 7, 2025
I thought this one started out fairly promising and was going to end up being a standard romance novel. Lindsey is living in NYC and working at a PR firm. In the first chapter, she is followed home and attacked by a man in her apartment. The attack rattles her and she decides to spend some time at the shore working for her ex-boyfriend.
While I thought the writing was a bit choppy, I figured the book was going to be about Lindsey being in a love triangle with her ex and a new "mystery" man. But the books just suddenly went in a whole different direction. The story was not cohesive at all. Characters popped in and out and seemed to have no real place in the story. After reading some reviews because I felt like I just wasn't getting it, I discovered this was book 2 of a series about Colin (the mystery man). And while admittedly I could be missing something by having not read the first book, Colin didn't even play a main role in this book until towards the end, so it all just didn't make sense.
Not a romance novel and not a thriller. Writing is not great and not good plot development. I have to advise to skip this one.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While I thought the writing was a bit choppy, I figured the book was going to be about Lindsey being in a love triangle with her ex and a new "mystery" man. But the books just suddenly went in a whole different direction. The story was not cohesive at all. Characters popped in and out and seemed to have no real place in the story. After reading some reviews because I felt like I just wasn't getting it, I discovered this was book 2 of a series about Colin (the mystery man). And while admittedly I could be missing something by having not read the first book, Colin didn't even play a main role in this book until towards the end, so it all just didn't make sense.
Not a romance novel and not a thriller. Writing is not great and not good plot development. I have to advise to skip this one.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 27, 2017
A bit of a ramble, this story of a woman trying to regain her mojo on Long Island after suffering a frightening attack in NYC took off in several disjointed directions. It's a story with a lot of descriptive detail and, yet, I never really felt I knew where the author was heading. I really knew very little more about Lindsey, the heroine, at the conclusion than I did after her trauma in the opening pages of the book. The best characters were "Green" Jack and his elderly siblings because most of the other secondary characters were amoral and seemingly unredeemable.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 19, 2024
DNF at 30%.
I hate giving such a low rating, but this book is not good. Or at least it’s not for me. The characters are poorly developed—even 1/3 of the way through the book, I know very little about the characters. And the writing seems juvenile—it probably would be much better after a good editor worked it over. Looking at the other ratings here on Goodreads, my impression is not in the majority, but others did agree with my view.
Thank you to #Goodreads Giveaway for this complimentary Kindle copy.
I hate giving such a low rating, but this book is not good. Or at least it’s not for me. The characters are poorly developed—even 1/3 of the way through the book, I know very little about the characters. And the writing seems juvenile—it probably would be much better after a good editor worked it over. Looking at the other ratings here on Goodreads, my impression is not in the majority, but others did agree with my view.
Thank you to #Goodreads Giveaway for this complimentary Kindle copy.
May 12, 2020
A BEAUTIFUL NOVEL OF LOVE & HOPE
I enjoyed this novel. It was a book that was easy to read & was believable. The characters had a richness that could only be found with realistic, multi-dimensional people. The authors created a plot that was positive & full of hope.
“Through the Riptide” was a nice book, & well worth reading.
I enjoyed this novel. It was a book that was easy to read & was believable. The characters had a richness that could only be found with realistic, multi-dimensional people. The authors created a plot that was positive & full of hope.
“Through the Riptide” was a nice book, & well worth reading.
December 23, 2024
Overall I enjoyed this book.
For me it didn’t grab me the way romances usually do but I nonetheless the less enjoyed it enough to finish it. The plot was a little touchy at points but all in all I did still recommend to a friend as she loves any and all romances so I’m looking forward to hearing her takes on it as well!
For me it didn’t grab me the way romances usually do but I nonetheless the less enjoyed it enough to finish it. The plot was a little touchy at points but all in all I did still recommend to a friend as she loves any and all romances so I’m looking forward to hearing her takes on it as well!
June 21, 2020
Just barely ok
The storyline was very scattered and the characters just unrealistic. I only finished the book because I was bored and really hate not finishing one. I kept hoping it would get better but it didn’t.
The storyline was very scattered and the characters just unrealistic. I only finished the book because I was bored and really hate not finishing one. I kept hoping it would get better but it didn’t.
April 3, 2020
Compelling thoughts
Really enjoyed this book and the idea of finding new perspective on life when understanding past experiences and their meaning. Interesting and thought-provoking
Really enjoyed this book and the idea of finding new perspective on life when understanding past experiences and their meaning. Interesting and thought-provoking
June 16, 2020
The first time I read any of this author's books; enjoyable style.
August 8, 2015
This book mainly centers around Lindsey, Karl, Jasmine and Colin. Lindsey lives in Manhattan and is attacked and seeks refuge with her aunt to recover from her experience in Manhattan. While with her aunt, her ex-boyfriend, Karl, comes a calling. Karl, with all his wonderful charm,*major sarcasm* offers Lindsey an opportunity with him in the Hampton’s. During this haphazard adventure, she finds Colin and so much more.
Lindsey was a beautiful character full of such heart and goodness. Of course, people with these types of characteristics have a tendency to be walked all over. Thankfully, Lindsey retains her beautiful soul throughout the book. Karl appears to me a lot like a narcissist, and Jasmine has some serious issues. She and Karl must hail from the same planet.
This is the second book of the Colin Preston Series, the first book is titled “Colin Preston Rock and Rolled”. I admit that I have not read the first book and the second book can be read as a standalone. Personally, I would recommend you reading the first book and then reading this one. I felt a little lost at times wondering what am I missing. I think the first book may have filled that in for me.
I will admit I was initially drawn to this book due to the beautiful cover, but the way the book is so descriptively written is absolutely poetic. With the author’s words, you can almost feel the ocean on your face, hear the seagulls, and imagine yourself there.
Overall, I would give this book 3 out of 4 salamanders. If you are asking yourself, “salamanders, really?”. Read the book.
A small precaution to those that have experienced a sexual assault in the past, there is a small portion of the book that deals with that issue.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lindsey was a beautiful character full of such heart and goodness. Of course, people with these types of characteristics have a tendency to be walked all over. Thankfully, Lindsey retains her beautiful soul throughout the book. Karl appears to me a lot like a narcissist, and Jasmine has some serious issues. She and Karl must hail from the same planet.
This is the second book of the Colin Preston Series, the first book is titled “Colin Preston Rock and Rolled”. I admit that I have not read the first book and the second book can be read as a standalone. Personally, I would recommend you reading the first book and then reading this one. I felt a little lost at times wondering what am I missing. I think the first book may have filled that in for me.
I will admit I was initially drawn to this book due to the beautiful cover, but the way the book is so descriptively written is absolutely poetic. With the author’s words, you can almost feel the ocean on your face, hear the seagulls, and imagine yourself there.
Overall, I would give this book 3 out of 4 salamanders. If you are asking yourself, “salamanders, really?”. Read the book.
A small precaution to those that have experienced a sexual assault in the past, there is a small portion of the book that deals with that issue.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2017
Colin Preston Rocked and Rolled was a nice surprise. I didn't think it would be my cup of tea, but Colin drew me in and kept my interest. I cared about him and could imagine his pain when he was betrayed. So, I was interested to read the second book, Through the Riptide.
Lindsey, the narrator of Through the Riptide, did not grab and hold my attention and sympathy as Colin had. While I found some of the details of life in the Hamptons interesting, I soon tired of the superficial people and activities described. I did not recognize Colin in this book.
There are two reasons why I kept reading and finished the novel. The first is the writing. It was a pleasure to read. The second reason is that the characters of Karl and Jasmine are reintroduced early, so I was curious how they would cross Colin's path again after a number of years have passed. After sympathizing with Colin in the first book, I enjoyed the ending of this book enormously, and I understood why the author had spent so much time on the superficial people and scenes.
Although I did not enjoy this book in the same way as the first, it is well done. The ending did justify the means used by the author to get there.
Lindsey, the narrator of Through the Riptide, did not grab and hold my attention and sympathy as Colin had. While I found some of the details of life in the Hamptons interesting, I soon tired of the superficial people and activities described. I did not recognize Colin in this book.
There are two reasons why I kept reading and finished the novel. The first is the writing. It was a pleasure to read. The second reason is that the characters of Karl and Jasmine are reintroduced early, so I was curious how they would cross Colin's path again after a number of years have passed. After sympathizing with Colin in the first book, I enjoyed the ending of this book enormously, and I understood why the author had spent so much time on the superficial people and scenes.
Although I did not enjoy this book in the same way as the first, it is well done. The ending did justify the means used by the author to get there.
Read
February 12, 2016Modern Chick lit.
Heroine is clueless about bad people.
Heroine is clueless about bad people.
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