They say time heals all wounds, but some cut too deep—or so I thought.
I’ve built a life I love and am proud of in Sandcastle Cove, running the bar, keeping things simple, and enjoying my single life. I don’t need anyone, especially not Parker—the boy who shattered my heart and left me to pick up the pieces after we lost everything.
Then he walks back into town. But he’s no longer that scared, reckless seventeen-year-old; now he’s a man—steady, confident, and determined to make amends. He says he’s here to stay and ready to fight for us.
But what does he expect? That I’ll just hand him my heart again? Forgiving him feels impossible. Trusting him? Even harder. Yet every time our eyes meet, it reminds me of what we once had, and my walls crack a little more, making me wonder if it’s worth risking my heart again.
Amber Kelly is a romance author that calls North Carolina home. She has been an avid reader from a young age and you could always find her with her nose in a book completely enthralled in an adventure. With the support of her husband and family, in 2018, she decided to finally give a voice to the stories in her head and her debut novel, Both of Me was born. You can connect with Amber on Facebook at facebook.com/AuthorAmberKelly, on IG @authoramberkelly or on twitter @AuthorAmberKel1. http://authoramberkelly.com/
H/h are high school sweethearts and she gets pregnant at 16. he's 17, she's 4 months pregnant and gets admitted at a hospital because she has a miscarriage. he goes to the hospital, she's very upset about the loss of the baby so he drops her back home and hightails it out of there. just dumps her and disappears.
he's back after 5 years acting like nothing happened. h is still grieving, i kept reading waiting for H to apologise/ comfort her on their shared loss but nope, nothing of that sort happened. he never not once said sorry, he only cared about getting into her pants.
while he's doing that, he also notices a random ow flirting and thinks
“What if we just want to get drunk and cut loose?” the brunette asks. I slide my gaze to hers. She’s more my type—beautiful in a soft, natural way. Her cream-colored sweater fits her perfectly. She gives me a seductive grin. this was almost halfway into the book btw .
you thought this was worse? wait for it. so H drops her home and ditches her that day right? you want to know where he goes after?
“You went to a party that night?”
“Yeah, I was … I needed to blow off some steam.”
while h was reeling from miscarriage, he was at a party. swoon right ? no grovel, no apologies, nothing except him gaslighting her into believing that she's the problem 🫡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a heartfelt story. When you are young, and in love, you don’t know how much what you do or don’t do will affect you years later. These Two are thrown together into a working situation and not realizing how much their past needs to be dealt with to move on, and see if they can have a future? This is a beautiful, emotional story that will give you hope for a future where your hart can heal, and you can heal emotionally. Beautifully written.
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for this book. And let me tell you - ALL OF THE FEELS.
High school sweethearts go their separate ways after a tragic event. Brought back together by mutual friends, roller coaster ride with their friendship turned into more blossoming. The author did a wonderful job with the story and I appreciated the chance to not only read a new author for myself but such a great storyline. You’re going to love the book. Definitely recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 Star Review Taming Waves (Sandcastle Cove # 4) by Amber Kelly
It was great to be back in Sandcastle Cove, and Taming Waves was a great addition to the series. I love small town romance, it’s a genre that I really enjoy and one that Amber Kelly has an affinity for.
Parker and Audrey dated in high school and both expected it to last for ever, until it didn’t. He left and broke her heart, now he is back and his biggest regret was leaving Audrey.
A second chance at love story this was at times an emotional rollercoaster. These two are meant to be together but can they both come to terms with the past and in doing so, create a lasting future together?
Another brilliant book in the Sandcastle Cove series. A second chance romance centring around Audrey and Parker.
Audrey and Parker had dated during high school, during senior year something happened that resulted in Parker leaving without a word. Years later, Parker is hired to help at the bar, Audrey works, and this leads to some drama. This book was so enjoyable, and I loved the development of the relationship between Audrey and Parker. The storyline wasn't rushed, as they needed to overcome past feelings before they could ever get to their happy ending.
What an emotional second chance story that will have you wanting to give Audi the biggest hug and tell her that everything will be ok. For her to let love find her heart again and to see that the man she once loved as a boy, is not the man that is standing right in front of her. Ms. Kelly has given us a story where hearts were broken, lives were changed forever and full of a love that stood the test of time. However, that love was hard for Audi to believe after all that she had been through. Audi, Audrey, and Parker were childhood sweethearts however life through them a curve ball, shattered Audi's heart and her life changed forever Having the one person that held her heart in his hands, Parker leaves in silence. Five years later and coming face to face with the person who caused the broken heart, Parker, sees the two of them having a hate to love relationship. Well, Audi is the one with the hate to love relationship, Parker has never stopped loving her. I loved how Parker never gave up in his quest to win back her heart. Yes, there were times I wanted to give him a shake and ask him what the hell was he thinking, but deep down all he wanted was to she Audi that he had changed and that she should give him a second chance. To see both of them grow and to see the chemistry that was once there, ignite again, had me smiling from ear to ear. The love that she pushed so far down started to resurface and she was able to open her heart to the one man that she truly loved since the beginning.
So glad to be back in Sandcastle Cove . That small town gets better with each new book in the series. So can I move there? Or just continue with the series. Because so far Sandcastle Cove series is a blast and Taming Waves is such an emotional whirlwind. Knew it that there is a story between Audrey and Parker but never expected it to be that heartbreaking and soul wrenching. What they went through as teens was heartbreaking . They have to manage with so many emotions that all the love they have wasn't enough to help them through. Parker left Audrey to deal with her feelings and her grief alone . And he never acknowledged his own feelings. Now he's back and is planning to stay but he didn't make any progress to get her back . And then they are working together and he sees his chance to convince her that he's here for her and to give them a chance. Audrey is stubborn and let's her heartache and pain lead her . Parker is grown up and changed and he's no longer that scared teen who left years ago. He never knew what Audrey went through. But a few things make him understand it . A few times I was ready to cry my heart out for those two. Loved it that their friends were there for them and Audrey found her place with the girls. Loved all the sneak peaks on the other couples. And I'm so glad that Parker and Audrey could fix the broken parts of their hearts and gave a second chance on their relationship . After that epilogue I think that they'll make it this time around. I'm wondering who's story is next and when carefree Anson will find his match?
Thanks to the author and WordSmith Publicity for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
How do you forgive your first love after he up and leaves without a word? That’s what Audrey has to figure out. This second chance romance takes place on a small coastal town with old memories and new obstacles. The first obstacle being Parker is back in town and Audrey has to either learn to get over her anger, accept that she still loves Parker, or find a way to deal the fact that he is everywhere she turns. Including at the bar she works at. He agreed to do some temp work to help the owner out, and it is the biggest shock to Audrey. Audrey’s character has made work her life and she only has one real friend. Besides work she has Sunday dinners with the fam, if she’s not working. She is strong and independent but she is also fragile, and is learning to live with the heartache of never getting over Parker. Parker on the other hand, wants to be around Audrey, he wants to flirt and be handsy. But, they have a history that can’t be ignored and if they ever want a second chance with each other they have to work on forgiveness first. This is a very realistic portrayal of how messy love can be. Both characters are relatable and likable. I enjoyed Audrey letting lose and finding new friends to spend time with outside of work. Parker’s presence did make all the wounds come to the surface, but he also introduced her to new people she likes, and having fun. He knows he has to be careful, and take things slow. If you are in the mood for a story about learning to live again and possibly finding love again, this is excellent.
This was another really good installment in the sandcastle Cove series. I love series like this because we get to see all the previous couples that we met in the earlier books.
Audrey and Parker dated in high school. They loved each other in the way that young teenagers do. Life took a turn for them and what they thought would last forever was suddenly over. Parker didn't handle the situation they were in very well and just left when he had the opportunity. Problem was he left Audrey without a goodbye or an explanation or anything...just gone.
Audrey was devasted for more than just Parker leaving. Her life wasn't turning out the way she thought it would. She fell into a dark place and wasn't sure how to get out of it. But eventually she found her purpose and did her best to move on. Until Parker shows back up trying to act like nothing happened and that everything is fine.
Parker finally sees how badly he handled things in the past and is determined to make things better. He won't stop until Audrey sees the future that they could have.
I was glad when these two finally had a talk and put everything out in the open. Audrey carried so much grief and anger on her shoulders, and it was definitely weighing her down. She needed Parker to hear what she suffered through. I was glad they finally worked through everything and found their forever.
Audrey und Parker waren jung und verliebt. Doch dann verschwand Parker nach einem einschneidenden Ereignis von heute auf morgen. Jahre später kehrt er in seinen Heimatort zurück, fest entschlossen Audrey zurück zu gewinnen. Doch Audrey hat mittlerweile hohe Mauern um ihr Herz erbaut und versucht sich gegen die Anziehungskraft zu wehren. Aber Parker ist fest entschlossen alle Geschütze aufzufahren.
Taming Waves ist Band 4 der Sandcastle Cove Reihe, aber problemlos unabhängig lesbar. Es geht zurück in den süßen kleinen Küstenort namens Sandcastle Cove. Diesmal bekommen Parker und Audrey ihre zweite Chance auf die Liebe. Wird anfangs noch angeteasert, dass etwas Großes zwischen den beiden vorgefallen ist wird das glücklicherweise schnell aufgelöst. Ich finde so Dinge werden oft genutzt um die Geschichte unnötig aufzubauschen. Dem war hier nicht so. Als Leser weiß man schnell bescheid was vorgefallen ist und kann so Audreys und Parkers Verhalten besser einordnen und die Geschichte konzentriert sich mehr auf die Gegenwart als auf die Vergangenheit, was mir persönlich immer besser gefällt. Ich mochte die Reise mit beiden sehr, fand es wahnsinnig interessant tiefer in die Charaktere der beiden einzusteigen, um sie verstehen zu können. Dazu ist die Liebesgeschichte super süß, weil Parker einfach umwerfend ist. Taming Waves ist witzig, spannend, kommt ohne Drama aus und bleibt dabei jederzeit eine wundervolle cozy romance.
Since the beginning of this series, I’ve been in love with Sandcastle Cove and wished it were a real place. I loved getting to revisit characters from earlier on who give the story so much color and are the heart of the community. And I’ve been dying for Parker and Audrey's story and just knew it would be a poignant, emotional ride.
Audrey Fulbright and Parker Alston have a haunting history together. It was easier to put the past behind her, until Parker returned to town. And he seems determined to get in her space and rekindle what they once had. But they’ll both have to deal with the ghosts of their past and find healing if they’re to move forward together.
If you love small-town romance with vivid, unique characters that takes you on an emotional journey, you'll love Audrey and Parker's story. With the backdrop of a coastal community and an immersion in shore life, this is the perfect beach read. Sweet, heartwarming, and steamy, you absolutely won’t want to miss this phenomenal, enchanting second chance!
*4,5 stars* It's been a great series and was excited to return to Sandcastle Cove; this time it's the story of Audrey & Parker and one that definitely will pull on all of your hearstrings. A lot of emotions and ups & downs got thrown in the mix. I truly enjoyed the relationship growth between Audrey & Parker as it definitely made me curious for how the story would end and I'm always rooting for a happy ending.
Parker comes back into town and when Audrey's work needs an extra set of hands, he's the first to volunteer but Audrey's definitely not happy about it all as there's a lot of history between them. But Parker is determined to make her see that he's not the same person he was when he was a young boy and that he's ready to not only take on more responsability but to let her know that he's ready for a commitment. There's still a lot that they need to work out but she's trying to keep her distance. As time goes on, some of Audrey's walls are coming down but will they find their way back to each other in the end....
Amber Kelly delivers an emotional and heartfelt second-chance romance in Taming Waves, set against the picturesque backdrop of Sandcastle Cove. This story is a perfect blend of love, loss, and redemption, pulling readers into a whirlwind of emotions as two former lovers navigate their painful past to find their way back to each other.
Audrey has spent years rebuilding her life and guarding her heart, is strong and independent, making her internal struggle with Parker’s return feel authentic and deeply moving. Parker, on the other hand, is no longer the reckless boy who left—he's a man determined to prove he's changed and ready to fight for a future together. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension between heartbreak and hope keeps the pages turning.
Kelly’s writing is immersive, painting vivid imagery of small-town life and tugging at heartstrings with raw, emotional depth. The journey of healing and forgiveness is beautifully executed, making this book a compelling read for fans of second-chance romance.
"Amber Kelly delivers an emotional and heartfelt second-chance romance in Taming Waves, set against the picturesque backdrop of Sandcastle Cove. This story is a perfect blend of love, loss, and redemption, pulling readers into a whirlwind of emotions as two former lovers navigate their painful past to find their way back to each other.
Audrey has spent years rebuilding her life and guarding her heart, is strong and independent, making her internal struggle with Parker’s return feel authentic and deeply moving. Parker, on the other hand, is no longer the reckless boy who left—he's a man determined to prove he's changed and ready to fight for a future together. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension between heartbreak and hope keeps the pages turning.
Kelly’s writing is immersive, painting vivid imagery of small-town life and tugging at heartstrings with raw, emotional depth. The journey of healing and forgiveness is beautifully executed, making this book a compelling read for fans of second-chance romance. "
Audrey’s life had been pretty peaceful until her ex suddenly decides it would be a good idea to help out at her work.
Parker left her years ago, but has been on the outskirts of her life since coming back to town.
He knows he messed up when they were younger, but he is determined to show her he is not the scared, immature young man he was back then.
Audrey is rightly sceptical of allowing him back in to her life, but reluctantly lets him work his way back in slowly.
I must admit Audrey was a lot more forgiving than I would have been. I’m not sure I could have gotten over their past. I did feel like she let him off a little too lightly.
They did still have that elusive chemistry that we are all looking for which definitely helped.
I liked watching him show her the man he is now and seeing her knock down some of her walls.
It was really nice to see characters from previous books, they definitely added to the story.
I love a good second chance romance and Taming Waves was just that. Amber writes romance that pulls on the heartstrings and gives you all those romantic feels. It’s such a treat to get swept away in Sandcastle Cove and these amazing characters.
Parker comes off as the love ‘em and leave type but then again he left and let the one get away. Audrey has resentment for Parker leaving without a second glance. Now that these two are in each other’s orbit you can see the chemistry and connection that never extinguished.
Audrey is a boss lady. She is running a bar like a pro and loves what she does. Parker and Audrey have a chance to right the past and get their second chance at a happily ever after. I absolutely loved their banter, the sensual touches and the connection that is undeniable. Even the secondary characters were fun. This crew is the friend group you want behind you.
I can’t wait for more from this cute, island town.
Audrey loved Parker and believed they had a future together. She soon realizes how wrong she was when he left their hometown and her behind when she needed him the most and she was left to try and create a new life for herself. The last thing she needs is for him to return and she is determined to protect herself from the same pain.
Parker’s biggest regret in his life was ending his relationship with Audrey. She has always been the woman he was destined to be with and now he is determined to show her that she can count on him to always be there for her and that he will guard her heart as the precious gift that it is.
When the love that Audrey and Parker shared was tested, he believed his only choice was to leave. They take us on emotional journey as with maturity and experience they realizes how special what they shared truly is as they fight for the future they have always wanted.
3.5 stars Tropes: small coastal town, childhood friends to lovers to enemies Trigger warning: discusses miscarriage This is a coastal town story between Audrey who runs a bar and Parker, who works for a fishing charter company. They were once lovers, as young adults, and went through tragedy. After that, they went their separate ways until now, where circumstances draw them together, forcing them to figure out if they can overcome the ways their hurt and heartbreak. Amber wrote a cute, coastal, slowburn romance with a sombre edge, enviable friendships and a sweet couple you're rooting for. I loved Parker's repentance and his fight for what he wants, the way Audrey's pain was depicted and their chemistry. The side characters added a lot to this story, and as this was my first Amber Kelly book, I am keen to try others in the series. It's great for a fairly uncomplicated easy read with a beautiful setting, and nothing unexpected.
Loved this novel! Wow, I have read other novels in this series by this author and loved them. This novel did not disappoint. I love a great novel about second chance romance, and this novel checked so many boxes for me. Loved it! From the first chapter this novel reached across the pages and grabbed ahold of my heart and held on tight. Once I started reading I could not put this novel down, even if it meant staying up all night to finish it. So worth losing sleep over. I loved that Parker and Audrey got a second chance at love. My heart hurt for what they went thru in the past. I loved that Parker wanted to do anything to win Audrey over again and make things right. I loved watching them lower their defenses and walls and fall in love. Loved it! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next.
I was so excited to finally get Parker and Audrey's story. Having read the previous books in this series you knew there was history between them but nobody really understood how deep it was.
Audrey and Parker's past is an emotional one and there were quite a few times I teared up.
Parker will do anything to get Audrey back into his life even if that means he has to face his past and the decisions that he made that hurt both him and Audrey. You could feel the tension and angst between these two. You could tell how much Audrey wanted to fight the pull she had towards Parker to protect her heart and I understood that 100% especially after what happened. It took deep conversations between these two and Parker talking to her parents and apologizing/groveling for Audrey to finally open her heart to him and the future they could have.
This was a beautiful and emotional journey of past and present that Amber Kelly handled with such care and delicacy.
Thank you to the Author and Wordsmith Publicity for the arc of this book.
I love the Sandcastle Cove series so much and each book just feels like coming home. Parker & Audrey were such a great addition to the series. I am such a sucker for a second chance romance and these two are an epic second chance romance.
High school sweet hearts with plenty of history, full of emotion and angst. There were several times in the story I teared up. Parker is willing to do anything to have Audrey back in his life. It takes him a while to realize what she actually needs from him, with some help from her best friend. You can tell that Audrey still had deep feelings for Parker still but is trying to fight it. You can’t blame the girl For being hesitant given their history and what she went through.
The cast of characters in this series is top notch and they add so much to the story. This was such an incredible story and will stay with me for a long time.
Parker and Audrey used to be high school sweethearts, but there happened some things and Parker took off. Years later, he came back, but it’s still a while before he enters Audrey’s life again. That is until he starts helping out at the bar she’s running. But can she forgive him for what happened and are those feelings still there? I love going back to Sandcastle Cove. There are some glimpses from the other couples from the series, but it is just a place I could feel like home. How Miss Kelly describes the place, the people, the bond and friendship they all share… Parker and Audrey are a second chance romance, but things don’t come so easy for them. Parker really has to prove his in it and that he won’t abandon her again. Somehow, Audrey is still recovering from her heartbreak years ago. She may be tough on the outside, but she’s just a fragile girl on the inside.
Ok I don’t know about you guys but I have been wanting to know what happened between Audrey and Parker many books ago. Like what made them have such animosity between the two. I mean in books prior to theirs when we had gotten little glimpses of these two you could feel the sexual tension yet the anger from Audrey so yes I was excited for this book. Oh boy let me tell you I was right when I thought it was going to be a poignant, emotional ride. These two sure did have a very haunting history together. I absolutely loved everything about their journey. Sure it was emotional and sad and full of regrets and grief. However it was ultimately a beautiful journey towards forgiveness and healing for them and a beautiful second chance at love. Definitely one to read and one I highly recommend.
Parker and Audrey’s story might just be my favorite in the series! This was a great second chance, lovers to enemies to lovers again, small coastal town romance. Being young and in love when things don’t go as planned leaves them on opposite sides of the country. Years pass and the trauma is still there but neither side really knows what the other felt when they went through it. Parker knows it has always been Audrey for him and is determined to prove he can be the guy she wants and needs. Aubrey isn’t quite so sure she can get past the past. The pull between them is undeniable and you are rooting for Parker to do the work and make it happen right from the beginning. With a little help from some good ol’ forced proximity and their found family circle it just might workout in his favor.
“You’re wrong. I love you, and I’m gonna love the hell out of you for the rest of my life. And whether that’s up close or from a distance is up to you. Your participation is wanted but not required. If necessary, I’ll stand at the back of the fucking room and love you from afar until my dying breath.”
What a heartbreakingly beautiful second chance love story!
Audrey is strong, beautiful, and self-reliant. Not to mention stubborn, but life has made her that way. Parker is carefree, sexy as sin, and definitely on Audrey's list. Sh*t list that is. these two have a ton of baggage to unpack and filter through. but is it worth either of their time and effort?
Wow! This was an absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful second chance love story. They have so much of their past to overcome but watching their eyes open and their walls crumble in the process was worth every heartbreaking part. Full of passion, heartache, wit and love. These two amazing characters were made for each other and you will fall instantly head over heels for them and root for their "hea"! 5 easy stars!
I really enjoyed this second chance romance between Parker and Audrey. He had a lot to make up for since he broke her heart and she is definitely not making it easy for him. I saw good for you, girl...make him sweat it out! But she wasn't doing it just to get back at him, Parker legitimately broke Audrey's heart when she needed him most and all the cutesy flirtyness won't help him heal that pain. While he's a different person than he was back them, so is she. Watching them find their way back to each other was at times heartbreaking but so very worth it. I'm loving this series, I enjoy seeing characters who have already gotten their HEA and Audrey's girl squad is something every woman deserves!
This book truly gave you a story that felt real and real. Audrey and Parker were high school sweethearts. Something happened and they went their separate ways with no closure. Years later Audrey is the manager at the small beach town’s restaurant and bar. They are in need for bartenders and her owner offers the position to Parker. He was unaware of the history of Parker and Audrey so when Parker shows up to sign a 90 day contract, Audrey is blindsided. She is still so mad at Parker and Parker fuels that to show Audrey he’s not that boy anymore, he wants her back! The hurtles she puts him through and he does it with a smile.
Tropes: Second Chance Beach Town Forced Proximity- work It’s Always Been You Slow Burn- 54%
I hated teenage Parker for being the irresponsible boy that he was. No wonder Audrey was so angry with him. But ten years later, Parker gets his chance to show Audrey that he is a changed man, when they are forced to work together at the bar she works at.
As they start working closely together, they agree on a truce with Parker suggesting that they re-start as friends. But their friendship doesn’t last long as Parker’s default mode is to flirt with her. 😆
The chapter where they finally had a proper discussion about the past broke me. I cried so much reading that, feeling sad for the young Audrey and Parker. Thank God for Heather who helps Parker see the truth behind the issue. The ending was one that was full of hope for the future.
This is the fourth book in this amazing series, and this is Parker and Audrey’s story. Audrey had her heart shattered by Parker, and rebuilt her life becoming stronger and independent, while guarding her heart. Parker is not the reckless boy her used to be, and he back in town determined to make amends. Will Parker and Audrey be able to overcome the past and take chances on being together again? This is an easy to read, emotionally charged story, with family, friendships, loss, redemption, tension, humor, witty banter, lovers / enemies / lovers, second chances, healing, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, poignant, and heartwarming, small town romance. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.