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Ryan Taylor
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Joshua Harwood
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Swimming Against the Tide Kindle Edition

by Ryan Taylor (Author), Joshua Harwood (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 437 ratings
Zach

I wanted what I thought was the ideal college experience—an excellent school and a great fraternity. Since I was a legacy, it was Zeta from the get-go. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it. In fact, I had so much fun I didn’t pay enough attention to one very important thing—the culture. The very conservative, closed-minded culture. The culture that welcomed no one who wasn’t a carbon copy of everyone else. The culture where a gay man has only one option: live in the closet and survive on occasional anonymous hookups.

I made it work until I saw a gorgeous guy jump into the bushes one night after a party. I went after him, and my life was never the same.

Connor

After my best friend ditched me at a frat party, I had nothing to do but drink away the time and wait for my own Prince Frat Bro to rescue me. Yeah, right. I was pretty sure I was the only gay guy there, and I finally gave up and left. Then, the night took an interesting turn on my walk home.

I guess you can’t find love when you beat around the bushes.

Swimming Against the Tide is a romance between two very different young men: a closeted frat bro sophomore and an out-and-proud freshman. Neither can resist the connection made at the most awkward, incredibly sweet, and impossible-to-forget meet-cute ever. How can they get what they want without being swept away by the tide?

This gay college romance features themes of Greek life, a secret relationship, undeniable chemistry, and steamy moments full of delightfully dirty talk. There are also tough decisions, coming out, and an HEA that will pull at your heartstrings every time you read it.
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  1. Print length
    118 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    May 11, 2023
  5. File size
    3.5 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Main character and book cover

"He'd burst into my life like sunshine, and I couldn't go on living in my dark closet."

Two young men who meet under the most unexpected circumstances form an unbreakable bond. Swimming Against the Tide is a gay college romance about young love and coming out. Difficult choices lead to a happy-ever-after ending that will pull on your heartstrings every time you read it.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C29QPK51
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wainscott Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 11, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 118 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8350710762
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Best Sellers Rank: #245,009 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 437 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Ryan Taylor

    Ryan Taylor

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    Ryan Taylor is a lawyer by day and romance author by night. As one half of the writing duo Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood, he creates contemporary MM romance novels, bringing authenticity and depth to every story. A lifelong swimmer, hockey enthusiast, and avid traveler, he often draws on his passions to inspire his characters and themes. Ryan loves the partnership he shares with his husband and co-author, Josh, and the family life they’ve built together. Follow Ryan for insights into his writing journey and updates on upcoming releases.

    Connect with Ryan at ryanandjoshth dot com.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Joshua Harwood

    Joshua Harwood

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    Joshua Harwood is a passionate storyteller who has always found his primary outlet in creative endeavors. With his husband and co-author, Ryan Taylor, he now focuses on heartfelt contemporary MM romance novels. When he’s not weaving emotional journeys and crafting unforgettable characters, Josh finds inspiration in music, a lifelong love and former career. He balances his artistic pursuits with family life and an enthusiastic love of hockey. Connect with Josh for updates on his latest releases and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his world.

    Connect with Josh at ryanandjoshth dot com.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
437 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this sweet coming-of-age romance featuring Zach and Connor, describing it as a beautifully written story with well-developed characters and steamy scenes. The book is full of humor and customers find it an amazing read. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it engaging while others note it moves quickly.

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Story qualityRomanceCharacter developmentReadabilityHeat levelHumorPacing
22 customers mention "Story quality"21 positive1 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as beautiful and fun, with one customer noting it's an awesome book by these authors.

"...We all love and adore Connor and Zach. They are well written and so very easy to like and become attached to...." Read more

"...was angsty and unfortunately felt realistic, but it had a very satisfying conclusion...." Read more

"...This college age romance is very well written with nicely developed characters that kept me engaged to the very end...." Read more

"Ryan and Josh are remarkable story tellers, but wow they have really outdone themselves with this one!..." Read more

17 customers mention "Romance"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a sweet coming-of-age story with a magnificent love.

"...A sweet, funny and very awkward meet/cute with Connor has Zach wondering if he can finally find the courage to pursue this guy he is desperately..." Read more

"This books is like a great big hug at the end of a long day; coming home after being on the road for months; sitting down after being on your feet..." Read more

"...The pacing in this was great and it was a really sweet coming of age romance...." Read more

"...This is a feel good story with loads of sweetness, humor, and heat! This book left me with with a full heart and permanent smile on my face." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly Zach and Connor, with one customer noting their courage in the face of adversity.

"...I really think you'll like it if you give it a chance. Zach and Connor are amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better version of this story...." Read more

"...I really enjoyed the story about Zach and Connor alot! It is a MUST READ! 10/10++" Read more

"...This college age romance is very well written with nicely developed characters that kept me engaged to the very end...." Read more

"I really enjoyed Zach and Connor's story. I just wanted more lol...." Read more

7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be an amazing read.

"...You know a book is good and its authors, talented, if it finds you fully engaged, attached, and wanting more...." Read more

"...It had some good sections more toward the end. The beginning, for me, was slow and stayed that way a little longer than I preferred...." Read more

"...If you’re looking for a beautiful love story, this book is a must read!" Read more

"...every book written by these two delightful authors and this book was no exception. As usual I fell in love with the two characters...." Read more

5 customers mention "Heat level"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the steamy scenes in the book.

"...The chemistry between Connor and Zach is super hot. Bump this up to the top of your reading list. These two will melt your Kindle!" Read more

"...This is a feel good story with loads of sweetness, humor, and heat! This book left me with with a full heart and permanent smile on my face." Read more

"...It's sweet, hopeful, full of humor, engaging, and full of heat. I did not want to put it down...." Read more

"...Love with heart, steamy scenes and a beautifully written ending...." Read more

5 customers mention "Humor"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one mentioning there are no cliches.

"...A sweet, funny and very awkward meet/cute with Connor has Zach wondering if he can finally find the courage to pursue this guy he is desperately..." Read more

"...This is a feel good story with loads of sweetness, humor, and heat! This book left me with with a full heart and permanent smile on my face." Read more

"...It's sweet, hopeful, full of humor, engaging, and full of heat. I did not want to put it down...." Read more

"I appreciate the way you tell your stories! No cliches and overused pictures, real life and real feelings...." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive2 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it engaging and noting that the action moves quickly, while one customer describes it as slow.

"...It's comforting, hopeful, engaging, heartwarming, and it just leaves you with a grin on your face long before you even finish it...." Read more

"...This is a novella so the action takes place quickly and I’m honestly sad it wasn’t a full length novel...." Read more

"This book hooked me from the beginning. It is a fun, sweet and sexy story. Zach and Connor stole my heart...." Read more

"...The beginning, for me, was slow and stayed that way a little longer than I preferred. The timeline seemed a bit off as well." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • OldLadyStauffer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Like a Great Big Hug at the End of a Long Day
    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This books is like a great big hug at the end of a long day; coming home after being on the road for months; sitting down after being on your feet all day; crawling into bed after you've washed the sheets. It's comforting, hopeful, engaging, heartwarming, and it just leaves you with a grin on your face long before you even finish it. It's a book that is the epitome of a comfort read and it's one that will stay with you long after you finish it.

    Reading through the reviews, no matter what people ranked it, the majority agree on one thing. We all love and adore Connor and Zach. They are well written and so very easy to like and become attached to. My heart hurt for both of them throughout the book but it also rejoiced for them. I was all too happy to root for them because they both deserve good things in their lives, to be happy, and to have someone see them for who they are.

    This story was the perfect length for an easy afternoon of reading. Sometimes you just want a book that's not quite as long as others but longer than some novellas. This hits that perfect spot. That said, I must agree with everyone. I want more! I love these guys so much and I will take whatever it is the authors hinted at after the epilogue ended. I can't wait to see what they have in store. I just hope it's not a long wait. I might get whiny! Haha.

    You know a book is good and its authors, talented, if it finds you fully engaged, attached, and wanting more. Great stories are always over before we are ready, and this one is no different.

    I felt like they handled the issues brought up in the story with care, respect, and sensitivity. Being own voices, I have no doubt it's not hard to draw from experiences - whether by them or people they know. It's hard to read, let alone think about just how many times this really does occur - or worse! I also feel that even though they tackled some bigger issues, this book has a lot of lighter moments to counter those and still feel this very much is a low angst romance. I don't think you have to have a ton of angst to address bigger issues. Sure, they usually go hand and hand, but I don't think it has to. I appreciate that these authors keep it happy, resolved without dragging it out, and stay away from the dreaded misunderstanding that can be resolved by a simple conversation. These characters were able to talk to each other, even if they took some time to make sure they were making the right choices. I think that is smart when it comes to ones that have a major impact on your life. It's wonderful to see it in stories. I adore stories with elements of personal growth and I definitely got that in Zach's journey from being closeted to coming out.

    No matter what kind of books you enjoy reading, I think this is one you should add to your reading list. I really think you'll like it if you give it a chance. Zach and Connor are amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better version of this story. I mean....I wouldn't say no if it were longer... ha ha.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Meredith's Shelf Reflections
    4.0 out of 5 stars Can I please have more.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    ✔ NA
    ✔ Coming Out
    ✔ Secret Relationship

    I have loved everything I’ve ever read by Ryan Taylor & Josh Harwood and this is no exception, however I’m greedy and this was too short.

    Connor & Zach

    When your love story begins with a meet puke instead of a meet cute; you have to read the book.

    This is a novella so the action takes place quickly and I’m honestly sad it wasn’t a full length novel. I’m sad because of how attached I got to these characters, even in the short time I had them. I’m such a character driven reader; and I’ve loved every single one of Josh & Ryan’s characters and I can’t seem to help myself. Connor and Zach are no different and I need more of them. Connor is self assured and insecure all at once and Zach is nurturing and not at all what I expected him to be.

    The action takes place quickly and there is a lot that happens in such a short span of time, and I hope I get to see these characters again somewhere because they deserve to have more of their story told.
    One person found this helpful
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  • buffpuff
    5.0 out of 5 stars Swimming with the Tides
    Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    ***** Spoiler Alert *****
    I have always enjoyed reading what Ryan and Josh have always written in the hockey series books. Then I had the pleasure of reading Christmas for Keeps. When I found out that there was a prequel or rather a beginning to the Connor and Zach story, I jumped for joy and then started binging this story too.
    I loved it. Because Connor was a person who felt very comfortable with himself as a gay man. Zach on the other hand was living a lie. He was gay but living completely in the closet because of the fraternity he was in. This fraternity, Zetas, were bigoted. He did not know that. When he wanted to go his Dad would not let him because it was his Fraternity. (I think if his Dad knew what they had become, he may have let him go sooner) It worked out though because Zach knew he no longer wanted friends with benefits with Connor, he wanted a boyfriend. He did not say that though until he broke his ties with Zeta and got a new room.
    In the epilogue they moved off campus but there are 2 more years for Connor and one for Zach. There is a missing explanation between the two books but I will see if it is in another book or if Book 2 was the only place that gave partial information. I was OK with it until I knew there was a prequel.

    I really enjoyed the story about Zach and Connor alot!

    It is a MUST READ!

    10/10++
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  • Andy Hunter
    3.0 out of 5 stars not so much
    Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve read many books in this genre by now. I also know that writing a book is not easy. I can’t say it was a bad book/story - it just did not do it for me. It had some good sections more toward the end. The beginning, for me, was slow and stayed that way a little longer than I preferred. The timeline seemed a bit off as well.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kitt
    4.0 out of 5 stars Short and sweet with some angst
    Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    These authors have gotten a lot better since their first book! The pacing in this was great and it was a really sweet coming of age romance. The secondary coming out plot was angsty and unfortunately felt realistic, but it had a very satisfying conclusion.

    The writing is a little simplistic, not a lot of descriptive prose and the dialogue sometimes felt too scripted to be realistic, but it was a nice, quick easy read.

    I will say, as someone who went to college for art, they could have used some research into that. There was a lot in the descriptions of his work and studio space that was not accurate, and it screamed ignorance of the artistic process in general, but that's a pretty specific nitpick that probably won't be an issue for anyone but another artist.

    Can't wait to read the sequel with these two sweeties and hopefully see where they are in a few years!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • P D
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended!!!
    Reviewed in Australia on May 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This tells the story of Zach, a young man feeling trapped in a closeted world where he keeps his sexuality a secret while fearing his truth becoming known to his fraternity. Having to pretend to be 'a brother' in a homophobic setting is getting to be torture. But when he meets Connor, someone who he wants to be with, who ticks all of his boxes as far as a boyfriend should be, he feels the walls caving in.
    Zach's inner torment was so sensitively written so that found myself dreading his times with his frat boys and their comments. Connor's understanding and support was beautiful to witness.
    Taylor and Harwood excel when it comes to making us feel the inner torments of their characters and can then make us rejoice in their happiness.
    Another winner and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me❤️
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  • Karin Baumann
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hot Hot Hot.
    Reviewed in Germany on June 10, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    One of the best romance novels in a long time! Loved it!
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  • Reading to stay awake!
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another gem from Harwood and Taylor
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I love everything Joshua and Ryan write and this book is as good as all the other books. If you are already a fan then you'll be in R&J heaven from beginning.

    It has all the usual essence but without the ice hockey.

    I totally recommend this book to fans and non-fans alike

    Well done boys, a total winner xx
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  • Tanya
    4.0 out of 5 stars Different but so good
    Reviewed in Canada on May 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I've only read the hockey romances from these authors so trying something new by them was a chance to see them outside this. I am aware they have other non hockey books but haven't read them yet

    This book even though deals with some heavy interactions also has some nice light moments. It was well written and kept me from wanting to put it down.
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  • Pat Johnson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wanting to live your truth!
    Reviewed in Australia on May 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Swimming Against The Tide drew me in from the very beginning.
    A wonderfully written college romance where Connor meets Zach most unconventionally!
    As the story unfolds you get to see into their lives which for Zach isn’t what it seems.
    Unfortunately for Zach, he can’t divulge his secret that has his stomach in knots, only with Connor can he be truthful.
    Connor, hugely confident in his skin is a lifesaver to Zach.
    Impeccable writing had me thoroughly invested in this wonderfully emotional story, an easy 5 stars from me.
    Customer image
    Pat Johnson
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Wanting to live your truth!

    Reviewed in Australia on May 11, 2023
    Swimming Against The Tide drew me in from the very beginning.
    A wonderfully written college romance where Connor meets Zach most unconventionally!
    As the story unfolds you get to see into their lives which for Zach isn’t what it seems.
    Unfortunately for Zach, he can’t divulge his secret that has his stomach in knots, only with Connor can he be truthful.
    Connor, hugely confident in his skin is a lifesaver to Zach.
    Impeccable writing had me thoroughly invested in this wonderfully emotional story, an easy 5 stars from me.
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