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Beth Bolden
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The Rivalry (The Riptide) Kindle Edition

by Beth Bolden (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 944 ratings

Rival. Enemy. Teammate. Friend. Lover.

The first time NFL quarterback Heath Harris meets Sam Crawford, it’s just them, a luxury yacht and a few days of fun in the sun. Sam turns out to be nothing like Heath expects. He’s kind and funny and irreverent—and also unbelievably, shockingly sexy. For three short, glorious, life-changing days, there are no rules.

The second time they meet, Sam has just been traded to Heath’s team, and instead of lovers, they’re now rivals. Heath has spent the last five years working desperately to be the best quarterback the Riptide could ever need, but when injuries threaten to derail his career, Sam is right there, standing on the sideline. Ready to take over, and ready to ruin everything Heath has given his life for.

Rival. Enemy. Teammate. Friend. Lover.

As their orbits collide, sparks fly, and Heath struggles to find the right label and the right box to shove Sam into, hoping to keep him contained. But Sam—and Heath’s feelings—refuse to cooperate.

Sam might not be just one of those things, he might be all of them, and so much more.

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  1. Part of series
    The Riptide
  2. Print length
    463 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    March 9, 2020
  5. File size
    3.7 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. I could have lived my whole life and never known this, he thought with wonder. I could have lived my whole life and never known you.
    Highlighted by 81 Kindle readers
  2. “I love you, you know that, but I’m not sure love is enough. Not for me, not anymore.”
    Highlighted by 65 Kindle readers
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0858FWBYD
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (March 9, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 9, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 463 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B085KT8CKM
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 944 ratings

About the author

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Beth Bolden

Beth Bolden

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A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published twenty novels and six short stories.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
944 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book beautifully written and emotionally deep, describing it as a modern sports romance with soul that keeps readers hooked throughout. The characters are relatable, and customers appreciate the chemistry between them, with one noting the steamy opposites-attract romance. Customers describe the book as hot and sweet, with one review highlighting the romantic gestures.

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20 customers mention "Story quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers love the story of the book, finding the plot well done and the premise great, with one customer particularly appreciating the suspense and angst elements.

"...I liked Sam a lot, and found him super relatable: he leads with his heart and is kind, generous, funny, and forgiving, up to a point...." Read more

"...This book captured my spirit, take the time to read this one or really anything This author’s writing; they have a connection with the human soul." Read more

"The story had a good premise, but the actual writing felt very stiff...." Read more

"...Overall, it’s an enjoyable story with a good balance between the sports aspects and the personal struggles." Read more

15 customers mention "Character development"15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them relatable, with one customer highlighting the great supporting cast.

"...bulk of the effort has been put is in the character development with complex realistically flawed humans!..." Read more

"...the sex was not the only thing lol this novel actually had a great character story as well as steamy scenes!!!! Highly recommend this novel!!!..." Read more

"This is such a fantastic read! Sam and Heath are such amazing characters that you can’t help fall in love with!..." Read more

"...But the book is good because the characters were relatable, the feels came through." Read more

11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one mentioning it kept them hooked throughout.

"...I’ve completely read everything out of order but each book has been fantastic!..." Read more

"...Beautifully written with such depth and intensity! Even if you’re not a football fan you just might be after reading this!..." Read more

"...Sam wasn’t a whole lot better. But the book is good because the characters were relatable, the feels came through." Read more

"...I loved this book and totally shipped the main characters...." Read more

10 customers mention "Emotional depth"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, describing it as a modern sports romance with soul that features enough angst to keep readers engaged.

"...Overall, I loved the emotional rollercoaster that was this story, and especially the HEA." Read more

"This is a modern sports romance; it’s in the first book in the “Ripetides” football series, but read “Rainbow Clause” first before this series and..." Read more

"...story with a good balance between the sports aspects and the personal struggles." Read more

"...This story is amazing. It has so much angsts, it will punch you in the heart. I balled so hard for the MCs. These guys struggled to be together...." Read more

6 customers mention "Heat level"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the heat level of the book, describing it as hot with steamy scenes and opposites attract romance.

"...The chemistry was on fire!!!! It was sexy hot, but the sex was not the only thing lol this novel actually had a great character story as well as..." Read more

"...and Sam's meet cute on fishing trip and just how hot their chemistry was from the beginning...." Read more

"...They have serious chemistry and heat! Heath and Sam suddenly find themselves both in contention for the same position on the same team...." Read more

"...Beth Bolden’s writing is funny, honest, sensitive, and includes just the right amount of heat. I can’t wait to read the remainder of the series." Read more

5 customers mention "Chemistry"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the chemistry in the book, with one describing it as "on fire."

"...The chemistry was on fire!!!!..." Read more

"...They have serious chemistry and heat! Heath and Sam suddenly find themselves both in contention for the same position on the same team...." Read more

"Heath and Sam have great chemistry and are so good together. The football team setting gives a fresh spin to this enemies to lovers romance...." Read more

"...Omg they’re both hot hunky nfl ball players, and they have a chemistry i really liked. Can’t wait for more like this one!" Read more

5 customers mention "Sweetness"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet, with one mentioning the romantic gestures that keep it from being overly sugary.

"...a lot, and found him super relatable: he leads with his heart and is kind, generous, funny, and forgiving, up to a point...." Read more

"...I loved the sweet, romantic gestures, the push and pull and their communication and honesty with each other...." Read more

"A sweet and steamy opposites attract romance!" Read more

"...characters, a strong storyline, and enough angst to keep it from being too sweet...." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as beautifully written, with one customer noting it's perfect without being super cheesy.

"...him super relatable: he leads with his heart and is kind, generous, funny, and forgiving, up to a point...." Read more

"...Beth really brings out all the feels with this one! Beautifully written with such depth and intensity!..." Read more

"...Beth Bolden’s writing is funny, honest, sensitive, and includes just the right amount of heat. I can’t wait to read the remainder of the series." Read more

"...We all need to find our people. Beautifully written, fantastic characters and an awesome story line." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Coffee♥︎
    5.0 out of 5 stars deeply rewarding emotional rollercoaster
    Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I think fans of football will appreciate the attention to team dynamics and the structure of play-- while those who know nothing about sportsball (me, that’s me) won’t be bogged down in the detail: this is clearly a sports romance, but it’s an accessible one, and the real heart of the story lies in the complicated, gloriously messy ties between the two quarterbacks, Heath and Sam. I liked Sam a lot, and found him super relatable: he leads with his heart and is kind, generous, funny, and forgiving, up to a point. Watching the damage Heath did to his trust, confidence, and sense of self was hard sometimes, and the fact that Heath didn’t *mean* to do it-- that Sam was just collateral damage to Heath’s own damage-- didn’t always make it better. That said, I liked Heath too: the author does a great job of showing how Heath’s life experiences have shaped him, and his obsessive desire for control, emotional antipathy, and tendency to lash out all make sense given his deep seated need to protect himself. Watching him build for himself a more stable sense of identity, and then try to fix his mistakes with Sam, was really rewarding. Overall, I loved the emotional rollercoaster that was this story, and especially the HEA.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Psychobooklover42
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good story, enjoyed the characters
    Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Wasn’t what I was expecting…it was soo much more! This story has so many arcs and personalities! Was an amazing story to read, I felt both the MC were portrayed so well and you felt for them both and their sides of the story! Definitely will be reading more of this new to me author.
    One person found this helpful
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  • FoolishFeathers
    5.0 out of 5 stars A modern sports romance with soul
    Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is a modern sports romance; it’s in the first book in the “Ripetides” football series, but read “Rainbow Clause” first before this series and the “Food Truck warriors series after this series. I’ve completely read everything out of order but each book has been fantastic!

    First off, the author does a great job of giving you a brief world-building but one that makes sense since it’s the Earth we know today. Where the bulk of the effort has been put is in the character development with complex realistically flawed humans! I believed in these characters, cheered for them and got emotional that I couldn’t bridge the gap of their HEA. I was especially raw at the competition between mental health and the sport’s world. This book captured my spirit, take the time to read this one or really anything This author’s writing; they have a connection with the human soul.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Monique Monahan
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good Premise
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The story had a good premise, but the actual writing felt very stiff. It was also told in third person, which made the reader feel removed from the characters.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Larissa_S
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable sports romance
    Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The Rivalry showcases a “messy” romance. Heath and Sam have a vacation fling. In an unsurprising turn of events, it turns out both Heath and Sam are super talented quarterbacks, both closeted, playing for the same team. Heath is the QB and Sam is his backup. The similarities end there, though. Heath lives and breathes football and has succeeded through grit and determination, despite isolation and a volatile home life. In contrast, Sam seems to excel on pure talent, he has a loving family and friends … basically, everything Heath wants but doesn’t have.

    With this setup, big issues between Sam and Heath are to be expected. Heath in particular has a tough time working through his own feelings and emotional baggage. I think the “rivalry” concept worked well not just in terms of the obvious plot device, but as a metaphor for Heath’s internal war with himself about his value, self-worth, and whether he “deserves” to be loved. Overall, it’s an enjoyable story with a good balance between the sports aspects and the personal struggles.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • LCullen
    5.0 out of 5 stars loved it!!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Actually really did enjoy this!!!!! Even took a longer lunch at work bcse I was so hooked on this story! Literally these characters felt so realistic!!! Was immersed in this world! That to me is sign of skill to any author who can make me eat sleep breathe this fictional world!!!!! The dynamic was on point! The banter & overall plot was well done! Definitely dud her research on the sport of football probs to that alone lol! It flowed nicely! The tension was there, but not angsty everything had a purpose nothing was a clunky random mess to simply drive the plot of this story! The chemistry was on fire!!!! It was sexy hot, but the sex was not the only thing lol this novel actually had a great character story as well as steamy scenes!!!! Highly recommend this novel!!! Definitely going to be read more by this author!!!!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Barb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a wonderful story!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is such a fantastic read! Sam and Heath are such amazing characters that you can’t help fall in love with! Beth really brings out all the feels with this one! Beautifully written with such depth and intensity! Even if you’re not a football fan you just might be after reading this! Absolutely loved it and highly recommend! Received arc and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
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  • Misanthropic
    4.0 out of 5 stars A lot of work
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Heath was exhausting and reading felt like a lot of work at times. I wasn’t sure if he was ever gonna pull his head out. Sam wasn’t a whole lot better. But the book is good because the characters were relatable, the feels came through.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Lily
    5.0 out of 5 stars More than football...
    Reviewed in Canada on March 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I give this one a 5, not because it’s perfect, but because it is an enlightening take on what goes into the making of a truly outstanding football quarterback. In the context of a disastrous family background and the unsettling fact of being gay, in a still uncertain environment, Heath Harris battles his father, his demons, the demands of his job and the societal demands of football icons. Injuries and the complication of Sam Crawford, who replaces him, brings everything crashing down. What emerges is a wonderful love story and a healing ending.
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  • Jo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love Love :Love
    Reviewed in Australia on July 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I liked this book so much that I have read it twice already. I love sport based books and throw in a MM tilt and I'm there to read it. The angst for Heath is palatable and how this is handled is amazing. Sam is such a cute character as well. A fantastic book by Beth Bolden and I can't wait to explore this series further.
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  • Chiara
    5.0 out of 5 stars Complex characters and storyline
    Reviewed in Italy on April 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I'll start by saying that I generally don't enjoy "messy" romance novels, because I think if the MCs fight so much, they would be better by staying a part. This book wasn't an exception, I was frustrated with the MCs at some points in the book. Despite all of this, this book still deserves 5 stars.
    - Beth is an incredible writer and storyteller
    - Heath's journey, while frustrating in some parts, was amazing
    - Both MCs, in their flaws, were three-dimensional and credible characters
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  • emse
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super
    Reviewed in Germany on November 28, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Das war mein erstes Buch dieser Autorin, aber definitiv nicht mein letztes. Es war trotz der über 450 Seiten sehr kurzweilig und die Charaktere waren überraschend tiefsinnig und gut beschrieben. Ich fand vorallem die Psychiatersitzungen sehr spannend und glaubwürdig .
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  • Edga
    5.0 out of 5 stars An intense, beautiful romance.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 10, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    An interesting book which is not just a fluffy romance. The story's made more interesting with all the thought Ms Bolden has obviously put into both her main characters and the plot.

    I loved Sam, he's an open book, takes joy in what he does, but can also be impetuous. Heath, on the other hand, totally rubbed me up the wrong way from the word go. I wanted to strangle him at times! By the end of the book though, I felt tremendously guilty, and just wanted to hug him. I don't want to give any spoilers here, just know that Heath is a very complicated character.

    The characterisation is good, and the plot flowed really well. On the whole, I found Sam and Heath's story quite moving. Its not your straightforward sport romance, there's depth to the tale. It isn't all fluffy and fairytales. It's raw and shows the lonely side of accepting yourself.

    A good read. Highly recommended.
    Report

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