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Book Review: “Out with the Tide” by Julie Olivia

Julie Olivia

Julie Olivia does it again folks

“I love Never Harbor, but I love Marina Starkey more. The woman who’s changed my life in only a short summer. The woman who believes in me.“

Oh I am obsessed. Julie Olivia does it again

With her new release called “Out with the Tide” a homey little tale of Small-Town Romance and two hearts in one home, Julie did everything right

“Out with the Tide,” the second installment in the Never Harbor series

 

The tropes in the book are:

  • Roommates to lovers
  • Forced proximity
  • Sunshine x sunshine
  • One bed
  • Slow burn
  • Cozy coastal small town
  • Sizzling open-door spice!

 

In the vast horizon of romcom tales, where stories come up like waves crashing against the shore, “Out with the Tide” stood as a source of warmth and hope, inviting readers into the charming little pretty coastal town of Never Harbor. Worded by our one and only indie writer Julie Olivia, this blooming tale of love and community unfolds, carrying us readers on a journey through the depths of a tight knit support and the transformative power of connection.

Julie through the book crafts a pulling story that embraces the beloved tropes of small-town charm, unexpected roommates, and heartfelt romance.

 

Never Harbor serves as the quintessential small-town setting, where everyone knows your name and a sense of belonging fuses through the atmosphere and secrets are not that hard to come out. Olivia expertly captured the essence of small-town life, populating her little bundle town of joy with characters that are hard to hate and cheery locales that come alive on the page.”Out with the Tide” is a romcom lover’s dream, complete with witty banter, playful flirtation, golden retriever energy, hot steamy tension, burning sex scenes, and heart-melting romance.

Nestled along the rugged coastline, Never Harbor exudes an irresistible charm that beckons travelers and locals alike. With its weathered docks, quaint cottages, and panoramic ocean views, the town serves as more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. Olivia’s graphic imagery brings Never Harbor to life, painting a portrait of a close-knit community where secrets are whispered in the wind and bonds are forged in the salt-tinged air. As readers wander the cobblestone streets and explore hidden coves, they become enveloped in the timeless magic of this coastal haven.

Amidst the old–fashioned charm of Never Harbor, passion simmers under the surface, ready to ignite at any moment. Olivia doesn’t shy away from exploring the steamier side of romance, delivering sizzling scenes that will set readers’ hearts racing. Against the backdrop of a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone else’s business, these intimate moments add an extra layer of tension and excitement to Marina and Cassidy’s budding romance, proving that love knows no bounds when desire takes hold.

At the heart of “Out with the Tide” are its two protagonists: Cassidy and Marina. Cassidy, the embodiment of small-town charm and unwavering loyalty, is a beloved figure in Never Harbor, known for his kind heart and steadfast nature. He was and has always been the neighborhood’s best friend, the child in a bustling household. Marina, on the other hand, is a free spirit, with a wanderlust that carries her from one adventure to the next.From the moment Marina enters his life, her vibrant energy and cheeky demeanor breathe new life into his quiet existence. Despite their differences, her stubbornness mirrors his own, creating a dynamic tension that draws them closer with each passing day.

 

As summer unfolds in Never Harbor they find themselves entangled in a web of shared moments and stolen glances.Soft touches and afternoon swims become the rhythm of their shared days deepening the connection between them.

 

But as much as he yearns for permanence, Marina is determined not to set roots in her home. She resists the pull of love, afraid to surrender to the allure of Never Harbors charm. Yet, with each passing moment, their hearts intertwine, blurring the lines of their present and future

Their paths collide in a whirlwind of emotion and longing, as they grapple with the complexities of love and the fear of vulnerability. Olivia’s nuanced characterization breathes life into Cassidy and Marina, endearing them to readers as they navigate the turbulent waters of romance and self-discovery.

 

The story begins with Marina’s return to Never Harbor, her childhood home, following a devastating ordeal at her previous job. Unbeknownst to the townsfolk, Marina’s departure was not voluntary; she was unjustly accused of impropriety by her boss, the son of the town’s mayor. In a calculated act of betrayal, he falsely accused Marina of engaging in unprofessional relationship and association to him, tarnishing her reputation and forcing her out of her job.

 

As Marina copes with the aftermath of her getting fired from her job, she finds solace in the familiar embrace of Never Harbor, seeking refuge from the pain of betrayal. Determined to rebuild her life and center herself, she immerses herself in the rhythms of small-town living, rediscovering the simple joys of community and connection.

In a moment of sheer coincidence, Marina’s quest for shelter leads her straight into Cassidy’s bed—or so we all read and  think. With the innocence of her seeking refuge, she slips beneath the covers, unaware of the hilarity and the hunk of a man that awaits her.

Cassidy’s waking up is a moment of pure comedy, as he struggles with the surreal sight of a stranger nestled in his bed. Confusion gives way to amusement as he realizes the absurdity of the situation, and before long, laughter fills the room as Marina’s mortification mingles with Cassidy’s bemusement.

Despite the initial awkwardness of their encounter, Marina and Cassidy soon find themselves bound together by circumstance, as Cassidy graciously offers her a place to stay. What begins as a temporary arrangement soon blossoms into an unexpected friendship, as they navigate the ups and downs of cohabitation with humor, grace and a tension as they sure were into each other a bit more than friends and not in a ‘you’re my roommate’ way.

 

The charming little town of Never Harbor is thrown into chaos when the mayor’s son returns, disrupting the beloved music festival with his own personal agenda. As tensions rise and plans are derailed, the community must band together to traditions and stand up with each other because that’s what they did. Even if something did not go the right way they accepted the change and stood chin up to face and prepare for it.

With his return to Never Harbor, the mayor’s son casts a shadow over the town’s cherished music festival, transforming it into a wine mixer against the wishes of the locals. With arrogance and entitlement, he imposes his own vision upon the festival, transforming it into a wine mixer that bears little resemblance to the cherished event of years past.  His disruptive behavior and interference in community affairs become a source of frustration for residents, as he undermines their efforts and tarnishes the festival’s spirit. Amidst the chaos wrought by the mayor’s son, Marina finds herself ensnared in a web of deceit and slander. Falsely accused of inappropriate advances by her former employer, the mayor’s son exploits his influence to drag Marina’s reputation through the dirt and root a different opinion of Marina as she is within the community. As whispers of scandal spread like wildfire through Never Harbor, Marina becomes the main star, and never once ostracized by those who once welcomed her with open arms on a contrary of what she initially thought would happen. Her budding relationship with Cassidy, already strained by the accusations was what she thought would have happened,in her mind their relationship teeters on the brink of collapse under the weight of doubt and mistrust. Despite the mayor’s son’s best efforts to sow dispute and division, our lovely residents of Never Harbor refuse to surrender to despair. United by their love for their town and their unwavering commitment to each other, they rise above the turmoil to reclaim their festival and defend Marina’s honor.

 

“Out with the Tide” is not just a love story; it’s a blanket of relationships woven together by threads of love, friendship, and community. From Cassidy and Marina’s budding romance to the enduring bonds of friendship that anchor them, Olivia explores the intricate web of connections that define the human experience. Through heartwarming moments and poignant revelations, readers witness the power of love to heal old wounds, bridge divides, and illuminate the darkest corners of the soul. Against the backdrop of Never Harbor’s tight-knit community, Cassidy and Marina discover that true happiness lies not in isolation, but in the embrace of those who accept us for who we are.

 

As Cassidy and Marina navigate the highs and lows of their relationship, they grapple with themes of identity, belonging, and the search for home. For Cassidy, Never Harbor represents a sanctuary—a place where he is accepted and loved unconditionally. For Marina, it’s a temporary stop on her journey—a fleeting oasis in a sea of uncertainty. Together, they confront their deepest fears and insecurities, learning that home is not a place but a feeling—a sense of belonging that transcends physical boundaries and withstands the test of time.

 

“Out with the Tide” is more than just a romance novel; it’s a testament to the enduring power of love and the strength  of the human spirit. Julie Olivia’s amazing storytelling and graphic imagery invite readers to immerse themselves in a world where love knows no bounds and the ties that bind us are stronger than the currents of fate. As Cassidy and Marina’s journey unfolds against the backdrop of Never Harbor’s timeless beauty, we are reminded that love is not a destination but a journey—a journey worth taking, no matter where the tide may lead.

By Neelakshi Singh