Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Against A Rising Tide
AUTHOR: Samantha Cayto
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 194 pages
RELEASE DATE: June 29, 2021
BLURB:
Love always finds a way.
Scott, a Navy SEAL, returns to his childhood beach house to deal with the emotional trauma of his latest mission. When a sniper killed his closest friend, Scott was left dealing with survivor’s guilt and the disturbing feeling that his friend meant more to him. He has always identified as strictly straight, attraction to men being something he has ruthlessly suppressed.
When he finds Kitt, a friend of his sister’s, hiding out from his abusive boyfriend, Scott is once again drawn to someone of his own gender. Although annoyed at the intrusion, Scott also instantly develops an interest in his unwanted houseguest. Keeping his distance is proving to be impossible and his growing desire for Kitt cannot be ignored.
Forced to leave home, Kitt entered into a relationship with a man who turned abusive. Having finally found the courage to escape, the last thing he wants or needs is another alpha male invading his space. But having nowhere else to go, he ends up staying with a man who disturbs him in more ways than one. As scary as the SEAL is, Scott is exactly the type of man Kitt dreams about.
The beach house is small, and the two men cannot avoid one another or the attraction between them. With each passing day, their bond grows stronger. Hesitation slowly gives way to passion. They need to trust their feelings and let go of the things that frighten them, to find safety and solace in each other.
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence, attempted murder, stalking, PTSD and references to death in a war zone, abusive parents and relationship abuse.
REVIEW:
A hot Navy Seal comes to the rescue of his sister’s abused friend! Yep, of course I chose it!!!
Scott, a navy seal, is told to take two weeks leave when his best friend is killed right in front of him. He jumps on a plane and heads to his go-to place for solitude…his family’s remote seaside cottage. What Scott wasn’t expecting when he opened the door was his big sister’s very naked friend standing there. Karen hadn’t thought to tell him, because he was out on a mission, that she hid her dear friend/hairdresser, after he fled from his abusive boyfriend, at their cottage. Can a Alpha Navy Seal and a shy, abused beautiful and kind young man share the small seaside cottage and manage to work through their traumas?
There is no way, unless you have a cold, dead heart you couldn’t fall for Kitt! His smile and enthusiasm can light up even the most dreary day. He deserved such much more than his short life so far had dealt him. And watching Scott’s transformation was wonderful. I loved watching his learn to trust his heart and where it lead. And there is nothing quite as swoon worthy as an Alpha Navy Seal going all protective of someone he is attached too. Emilio never stood a chance and I loved it!
What I wasn’t a big fan of was the all of a sudden appearance of Emilio at 85% and then the made-for-tv-movie sudden wrap-up and ending. The book, although only taking place in less than two weeks, had a nice, smooth flow and allowed for Scott and Kitt’s budding romance to bloom. However, the end felt rushed and left me feeling like I was robbed a bit. I did love JJ’s brother’s appearance and his reassurances to Scott. I may have had some misty eyes at that point.
Even though the end felt rushed I still enjoyed getting to know Scott and Kitt and like the book.
RATING: 
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