I do love a good sports romance set in a small town that has forced proximity and a lot of yearning and tension between the two main characters. This book was just it! Just like Match Point, this story was beautifully written and executed. I adored the setting, the pacing and both of the characters. Oh, and the fact that it wasn’t a sport that I am familiar with – surfing.

The story follows sports journalist Iris Grey, who we meet in Match Point, who is tasked to do a profile piece on a retired and quite controversial pro surfer Leo Silva, who is coming back to the surfing scene to compete one last time in his favourite and Australia's legendary Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach contest. In the past 10 years, Leo lived a quiet life far away from the spotlight, thus Iris needs to travel to a small seaside village in Portugal to find him and

Firstly, the chemistry between Leo and Iris was undeniable. I loved it so much. Also, I loved how in such a short time they helped each other grow so much and how there was so much yearning and tension. Although it was quite an instant love/chemistry between them, it didn’t really feel like it. It felt like everything progressed quite slowly thanks to the excellent pacing of this story.

Secondly, I loved that there wasn’t a third-act conflict in this book, as the more romances I read the more it gets tiresome. So it was a definite breath of fresh air.

Thirdly, the setting was amazing. The seaside town in Portugal. Beautiful scenery and backdrop for a romance. Put me in the mood for summer now.

I also really enjoyed reading a romance that featured a sport that I wasn’t familiar with. Again, a fresh take on a sports romance, which is appreciated.

Overall: A perfect, fresh, and warm story, perfect for summer, full of tension, yearning, slow burn, and proximity. All set in a gorgeous location! Love it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 🌶️🌶️ 2.5/5

🌊 Sports Romance
🌊 Grumpy x Sunshine
🌊 Forced Proximity
🌊 Small Town Romance

Iris is a sports journalist sent to Portugal to do a profile piece on a pro surfer who had recently come out of retirement after 12 years. Leo is looking for redemption, has a questionable reputation and is understandably mistrusting of journalists… what could go wrong? (Or right?).

I adored Match Point by Katherine Reilly and jumped at the chance to read Ride The Wave, I was not disappointed. Iris and Leo’s chemistry was so good! it was genuine and steamy and had a real enemies to lovers feel to it ( the spice was 10/10) and the character progression was phenomenal.

I really enjoyed a sports romance set in the surfing circuit, it was a nice change and I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. I adored this book so much and I rarely confidently say yep this is a 5 star read, Katherine Reilly has quickly become one of those authors that I will read whatever she publishes and I can’t wait for the next story.


A massive thank you to NetGalley & Aria and Aries for the ARC.

OMG, it's the perfect summer read! Leo and Iris gave it their all in this story. ❤️

This is my first time reading this author, and I really enjoyed the experience. 😮‍💨

Iris gets the opportunity to interview a retired ex-surfer in Portugal—a big career move for her. That surfer is Leo, but the problem is he doesn't want to be interviewed, and Iris is terrified of the ocean. They don’t start off on the right foot, but as the story unfolds, we see them slowly build a connection, and I absolutely love it!

I love that it's a sports romance, but not the usual hockey ones we always see. Instead, we get surfing and summer vibes, which is so refreshing! 🤌🏼

Read it if you're a fan of sports romance, slow burn, and a warm, perfect summer read🥹

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinions.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinions.

Iris and Leo are such a delight right from the very first page, i found myself rooting for them and the love story waiting to happen and i would like to use this opportunity to applaud the cover designer cos this cover is such a beaut!!

The way Leo redeemed himself tells a lot about his character, but it seems that there is a lot to unpack with him and his family, same with Iris—a lot was going on in the background but not enough to derail the story.

The plot was giving! A sports journalist is writing a feature for retired pro surfer Leo! Sparks fly; the chemistry was obvious 😍💞.

I also loved that the spice was not all there was with our MCs; there was love, chemistry, and tough choices to be made too.Thank you once again for the e-ARC.

Ride the wave was perfectly adventurous and loveable. The characters were so well rounded and creative. Iris was my favourite- she was so fiery and determined yet empathetic and warm. I loved her being a journalist and the dynamic of journalist x subject was sooo fun to read, even a little forbidden. Iris getting protective over Leo was SO HOT. like she absolutely was on fire. Leo is so passionate and caring despite his cold exterior at the start. You learn to love him and accept his flaws and understand his character. I was so interested in how their relationship would develop, they truly suited eachother so well I was so giddy reading this. The summer setting of Burgau was so scenic and tranquil, i wanted to get transported there and enjoy an icy cocktail on the beach! This is the ideal summer vacation romance which i would totally read by the pool or sitting at home daydreaming of somewhere tropical.

This book follows sports journalist Iris as she’s tasked with writing a profile on retired pro-surfer (and prolific party boy) Leo, as he prepares to come out of retirement for one final competition.

💚 Likes 💚
- This book had a great plot!
- I loved the chemistry between the two characters and the slow build up of tension.
- The surfing element was well executed. As someone who knew nothing about how surfing competitions worked, it was clear and well explained.
- I really liked the influence of friends and family and how they played a core role in the book.
- I loved the characters and their backstories. I liked how we slowly learnt more about them throughout the book.
- Good discussions on the media, journalists and tabloids and how this can impact a pro-athlete.

💔 Dislikes 💔
- There were some jumps in time which felt a little jarring. I wish we’d have had more info on how the characters communicated during these times.

Overall, I loved this book! If you’re looking for a sports romance with a beautiful setting and great characters, this is the book for you!

It was my first Katherine Riley book and it certainly won’t be my last. I will definitely be going back and reading her other book, March Point!

Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️

Release date: 19th June 2025

This follows Leo Silva, a former world surfing champion who was known for his reckless behaviour and parties in the tabloids who has decided to reemerge into the competition after many years and our FMC Iris Gray who is a sports journalist from London and has now been given the task to interview Leo to show the world a new side to him after all these years.

From chapter one I was sucked into this story and I fell in love with Leo & Iris instantly! (Leo took a bit longer to come around 😅)

This was my first surfer romance (and wow I am obsessed). It read like a 2000s rom com in the best way possible! It had me laughing out loud in some parts & now I desperately want to visit Portugal! I’m not usually one for nicknames but I adored when Leo called Iris ‘London’ 🤭

I could imagine every scene so well in my head (literally like a movie) which doesn’t happen often but made me love this even more! The side characters were great and added a lot to the story. I only wish we could’ve seen more of Iris’s fear towards the ocean- I feel like it was kind of resolved very quickly, although I did love that Leo helped her overcome this fear, I wish it was slightly drawn out a bit more.

If you’re looking for a fast paced, sports romance with the perfect summer setting this is the book for you! It gave me massive ‘blue crush’ vibes which is one of my fave movies 🏄‍♀️

Will definitely be looking out for Katherine Reilly’s future work!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻

I’d describe this book as realistic fiction. The author has done a fantastic job of creating imaginary characters and situations that depict the world and society. The characters focus on themes of growing, self-discovery and confronting personal and social problems. The language is clear, concise, and evocative, with descriptions that bring the setting and characters to life. Dialogue is natural and authentic, and the pacing is well-balanced, with enough tension and release to keep the reader engaged.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed, and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if it were in a bookshop.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

After reading March Point last year, I was very happy to be given the opportunity to read the newest book by this author.

And it did not disappoint.

The forbidden love and the heat…wow.

A fantastic sports romance that hit the spot.

Iris is a sports journalist who just been picked to interview Leo Silva a world champion surfer who after 12 years of been retired he will compete again . Leo when he was champion he was all the time high and drunk and that cost him his career so he left Australia and went to live with his father in Portugal where he works and surfs . Iris is there to write about his journey and while he is not happy at first with her she finally make him to trust her .
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

This is such a cute sports romance! I thoroughly enjoyed Match Point so was incredibly excited to pick up Ride The Wave and it did not disappoint. KR writes compelling characters with excellent romance plots and spice, making for a highly enjoyable read

This book is pure sun-drenched longing, wrapped in the salty breeze of forbidden romance. Leo is brooding, untamed, and so effortlessly magnetic that you can feel the weight of his past in every guarded glance. Iris is sharp, determined, and walking the razor’s edge between ambition and the pull of something deeper. Their chemistry is an undertow, slow and inescapable, crashing over them with the force of everything they’re trying to resist. Between the stunning coastal settings and the pulse-pounding tension of the surf world, this story builds like a perfect swell, sweeping you up in the thrill of competition, redemption, and a romance that feels as exhilarating as catching the perfect wave. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would be recommending too.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Genre: Sports Romance
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Nickname (London), Small Town Vibes, Forbidden Love

‘You would have the power to devastate me if I stayed here longer’

‘I want to ride this wave with you.’
‘Oh, London,’
‘I’m going to give you the ride of your f✖️king life.’

Iris, a sports journalist, is chosen to write an article on a retired professional surfer. But Leo Silva is not just that, he’s her boss’ son! After much butting of heads as Leo resists taking part & Iris’ persistent unwavering commitment to the piece, they slowly become close. Him helping her overcome her fears & him coming to terms with his past. But the real question is can he win the Bells Beach contest one last time?…

This book is the perfect beach read. It’s a sweet & sexy sports romance with all the best elements. There is no third act conflict, which I know some hate so this one is for you guys! I love Katherine’s writing style, this is my second read by her & they’re just great books. Nice to consume (I read this in a day, unheard for me), well written, funny. It’s just one of those feel good love stories & I’m all here for it.
I also loved how this linked to her previous novel, Match Point.

I don’t know what micro-trope it is where one of them helps the other overcome a fear, but that! I LOVE IT!
I also really enjoyed the age bracket of our main characters, both being over 30, it was very refreshing to read.

And I know some of you might be thinking the journalist angle has been done so many times, yes it has but a character as self-assured as Iris just hits different (and I’m not just talking about her work here 😉).

My only critique, where was the epilogue?? I need one. Hopefully there’s one in the published version because I need an engagement & to hear about Flora & 🍼👶🏻

Thank you Katherine Reilly, Aria & Aries & NetGalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ride the Wave was such an enjoyable read—I devoured it in no time! I’ve never read a surfer romance before, but this one really impressed me. It had all the beachy vibes (reading about summer in January is cool lol), and the emotional depth was a nice surprise.

Iris and Leo’s chemistry was fantastic. Iris wasn’t afraid to challenge Leo, and even though he tried to act all grumpy, you could tell he was falling for her. The slow burn between them was so well done, and I loved how they helped each other face their fears. Also, Leo calling her London, such a cute little touch. The surfing part of the story was great. It wasn’t just there for the sake of it, it actually mattered to both Iris and Leo. The competition scenes had me hooooooked.

If I had to pick something to mention, the ending felt a little long, but it wasn’t a big deal. Overall, this was easly a five star read for me! I loved Katherine Reilly’s Match Point and Ride the Wave definitely lived up to my expectations. If you like sports romance with a fresh twist, definitely pick this one up.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Despite what I found to be a bit of a slow start I really enjoyed this book, especially the last 20%! The Bell’s Beach part felt like a well rounded ending to a very cute and easy to read love story between Iris and Leo. Leo’s growth as a character opening up to Iris was a pleasure to read, and him standing up to his mum was perfection! Iris was a character who was easy to love and relate to- she’s feisty and determined but vulnerable and emotional. This was my first surfer romance as well as my first book by this author! A really light and easy read overall and I would recommend this to any sports romance fan.

I enjoyed my time with Leo and Iris, but my favourite parts were the side characters. Iris's mum - an icon. I loved her arc, and would have loved to see her introduction to Leo.

I sometimes find that once a couple gets together I kinda check out and get bored - but I actually really enjoyed the last 10% of this book. The entire Bell's Beach section just felt like the perfect finish to the story.

I haven't read the first book in this series, and while I don't think it's essential - I do think I might have enjoyed the first half of the book a bit better having already met Iris.

5 Stars / 3 Spice

‘Ride the Wave’ written by Katherine Reilly is an addicting standalone romance that was impossible to step away from.

Iris Gray is a sports journalist who seems to specialist in feature pieces about redemption. She is tasked with traveling to Portugal to interview and shadow an Australian surfer who retired twelve years prior and is making a comeback into the surfing world. At his prime, Leo Silva was in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons before disappearing from the competitive surfing industry. It is Iris’ job to unravel who the real Leo Silva is, what has spurred on his comeback and the demons he has been able to keep at bay to possibly succeed once again. Once breaking through Leo’s brick walls and defences, Iris find herself feeling more at ease and attracted to her interviewee then she has ever experienced before. The pull between these two cannot be denied as many factors push against them.

Leo Silva is an incredibly attractive individual. Although guarded and mistrusting at first, he is shown as sweet, easy going, funny and thoughtful once his defences are broken down.

'Go ahead, Leo Silva, put on your game face. I’ve had mine on all along'

Iris as a smart, confident, determined and self-sufficient woman in a male dominated industry. She is a natural charmer who can easily read a room and the people before her. Iris and Leo compliment one another greatly and their chemistry and care for each other is inspiring.

This novel was easily devoured. It was well-written and a charmingly beautiful read. The romance was powerful and the spicy was exceptionally delicious. I was unable to walk away from this book and found myself laughing out loud, swooning over a fictional male and even ended up shedding a few tears. I rode a rollercoaster of emotions, and I am truly grateful I was able to experience Leo and Iris’ story. I cannot wait to explore more of what Katherine Reilly has to offer.

'If you focus too much on what might happen in the future, you miss what the water is telling you at the time, and whatever you do, it will never be as good. You should live in the moment'

What to look forward to:
Forced proximity
Forbidden love
Sports romance (Surfing)
Grumpy x sunshine
Slow burn
Thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the ARC.

My first book from this author and I really enjoyed it.
This is my new favourite surfer romance. Chemistry and vibes were spot. This will make a fantastic summer beach read.

I loved Match Point so I had to get my hands on Ride the Wave, featuring Flora's best friend Iris. I was definitely NOT disappointed (and I also loved all the Melbourne references).

Sports journalist Iris Gray is offered a freelance assignment in Portugal to interview former surfing champ Leo Silva, whose making a comeback twelve years after his career washed out. There's a lot of pressure for Iris to deliver an immersive profile she's known for, as Leo is also the son of the magazine's big wig owner. Not only that, Iris is afraid of the ocean and Leo is disinterested in being interviewed.

I loved the slow-burn chemistry between Iris and Leo. Iris won't take Leo's diva crap to avoid being interviewed while Leo teaches Iris to literally and figuratively 'ride the wave' and be confident in herself. I love their journey as they open up to each other about their fears and their pasts, so they can help each other reconcile them.

This was another fantastic beachy escapist fiction from Katherine Reilly that had a lot of depth. If I had any complaint, it would be that this could've done with final chapter set a year or so in the future to really complete their arcs. I hope there's more to come.

Thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was I first book that I had a pleasure reading from this author. Yes, it is a little bit enemies to lovers, sports romance. And I loves it all. This was just a really refreshing read. I trully enjoyed it w