Synopsis:
In surfing, everyone’s chasing the perfect ride…
Twelve years ago, Leo Silva was a world champion surfer-until reckless partying and tabloid scandals ended his career. After a mysteriously sudden and early retirement, Leo retreated to a sleepy seaside village in Portugal, where he’s remained out of the spotlight ever since. But when he receives a surprise invitation to compete in Australia’s legendary Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach contest, the news of his comeback sends shockwaves through the surf world.
Enter Iris Gray, an ambitious sports journalist from London. Her editor wants her to make Leo and his comeback the topic of glossy Studio magazine’s next big feature, but there’s one small catch – he happens to be the son of TV star and media proprietor Michelle Martin, the owner of Studio. With a lot of pressure riding on this project and Iris’s career hanging in the balance, there’s simply no room for mistakes.
When Iris flies to Portugal, she expects to uncover the truth behind Leo’s infamous past, but she is unprepared for his stubbornness-or the undeniable chemistry that simmers between them. But as her interviewee and the boss’s son, Leo is strictly off-limits…
With a fierce rival threatening to derail Leo’s comeback and the competition fast approaching, can they stay focused on their goals, or will love pull them under?
Review:
Ride the Wave was one of my top choices for a summer read and it definitely ticked that box. While this was an entertaining read, I was in such a huge slump while trying to get through it that it took me over two weeks to finish. I’m not sure if this was fully down to being busy or the book itself.
My favourite thing about Ride the Wave was the setting. I’d never heard of Burgau before picking this up but it sounds wonderful. It was the perfect setting for a surfer and I loved the cast of characters. Leo’s dad in particular was a favourite.
Having studied and worked a little in journalism, I loved every moment of Iris interviewing Leo and writing her piece. When she talks about having a dictaphone: “Which is why I also have an old-fashioned Dictaphone in my bag recording the whole conversation, too, as back-up. No harm in being safe rather than sorry.” It took me back to interviewing bands and artists and how I’d have a phone and a dictaphone recording just in case.
Speaking of Iris, having her stand up for Leo against his mom, who also owns the magazine she works for mind you, was actually crazy. I get that she fell for him hard and fast but you’ve known him for three weeks, I wouldn’t say that’s worth potentially losing your job for. It also made him seem a little pathetic. He’s a full grown man, he can stand up for himself. I got a bit of secondhand embarrassment for this part.
One thing I did like about Iris was how headstrong she was. She knew what she wanted and she’d make sure she’d get it (respectfully, for the most part). The development of her realising she didn’t want the big promotion to Sports Editor because she’d miss making a connection with interviewees was something I admired. The best part of being a journalist is getting to learn people’s stories – I do miss it sometimes.
There’s a fair amount of spice in Ride the Wave but it’s not until the second half of the book. These chapters were pretty well written, and not cringeworthy, so that’s a point in its favour. Nothing over the top, just two people that really like each other having a good time. There is one case of public sex though, that was a little wild, especially as someone could easily recognise Leo, but that’s the worst of it.
I’d love to have more to say about Ride the Wave but my experience of reading it was so disjointed and long that I didn’t really get a chance to make any notes or form much of an opinion. I think this was entertaining but nothing more than that. It’s not revolutionary in the genre of romance but it’s a fun read that’s perfect for summer.
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