This was the first book i've read from the author and i already love her writing style so so much.
The tension? The spice? The characters? An absolute ten out of ten (or rather five out of five).
The setting between a sports journalist and a former surfer was new to me. I am not that much of a sports romance reader but i really enjoyed it. Also the character developement from both Iris and Leo ist just *chef's kiss*.

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.

This was a really fun summer read with a great romance. Leo and Iris were two great characters to follow, their back stories held a lot of intrigue and being whisked away to Portugal was definitely not something to complain about.

I definitely recommend this to any sports romance fans, get your copy when it releases June 19th 2025.

Set in Spain and Australia
Surfer x Sports Journalist
Slow burn
Sports Romance

Firstly I want to thank Katherine for a simple yet meaningful acknowledgement to the traditional owners, the Wadawurrung people.
I loved this book even more than I did Match Point.
I really loved immersing myself in the surfing world and it truly made the connections to Leo even stronger.
Leo and Iris were the perfect pairing.
Much like Match Point this book will make you want to join in by learning to surf.


Thank you to Katherine Reilly and Aria and Aries for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this - something a bit different in the sports romance world, while still hitting familiar beats. Iris and Leo have great chemistry, and it's fun to see them both gradually let their guard down and let their attraction and spark develop into something deeper. This is the first book of its kind I've read set in the world of surfing, and I thought the author did a great job of introducing a potential newbie reader to the sport, with enough establishing detail but nothing too overwhelming. It's also hard not to fall in love with the (initial) setting of Burgau, which seemed idyllic.

I think my main issue with this was pacing. It felt like it dragged in places, whereas other bits felt a bit rushed. And I appreciated that the author didn't feel the need to hand feed us every single detail, skipping forward in some places and referring to other things in passing, but I also felt like there were some things that could have done with a bit more time, not least Iris' relationships with her friends (most of which seem to happen off-page - maybe more show and less tell needed here), and there were a number of plot threads teased or introduced that ultimately went nowhere.

All that said, I think is a perfect summer read for fans of sports romance, and won't hesitate to recommend it to customers in the shop!

Ride the Wave by Katherine Reilly was everything I needed in the perfect summer romance!

In this unique sports romance about surfing, we get to follow Iris, a sports journalist, who is sent to Portugal to interview the famous ex-surfer Leo Silva. He has decided to enter one last competition, and the magazine Iris works for wants to show the world that Leo is still the sizzling hot topic everyone should talk about.

This book had me hooked from the start and I was so immersed in the story of Iris and Leo. I am now craving a trip to Portugal and even if I am as good as Iris at surfing, that's all I want to do now.

Another thing I enjoyed with this romance, apart from the fact that it's unique since it's about surfing, was how the feelings and the relationship between our main characters progressed. I loved Leo's grumpiness in the beginning of the story and the fact that this is forced proximity and forbidden love at its finest. I can't say too much without spoiling the plot, but I really really enjoyed this story, and I cannot recommend it enough for the summer! Loved it!!

This was a real easy-read hug of a book. I particularly really enjoyed the first half, and the slow burn romance between Iris and Leo.

Being an Aussie who grew up in London, and who loves travelling to Portugal and following the WSL, this book was a melting point of my favourite things, and I would definitely recommend as a fun holiday read.

Some points in the second half were slightly predictable for my taste, but all in all, it was an enjoyable read.

Many thanks to Katherine Reilly, Aria & Aries | Aria and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ride The Wave follows Iris, who is a journalist who is sent to Portugal for two weeks to write a feature on Leo Silva, a retired pro surfer who is making a comeback. Leo is a rather closed off person who doesn’t want to be interviewed, however Iris is writing for a paper that his mum owns.


I loved the descriptions of the small village that Leo lives in and the Iris goes to, it felt really cosy and I loved being transported there! I did think that all of the characters lacked depth though, despite learning more about Leo’s past and why he quit surfing 12 years ago, and why he is coming back for this particular cup. I enjoyed reading their interactions, and I loved that they found eachother, it wss quite predictable and a whirlwind, but in the nicest way! I loved a happily ever after and Iris’ actions towards the end - without spoiling, travel actions - were very romantic, and I loved Iris’ mums input in it!

Overall, Ride the Wave is a professional surfer x journalist romance that is making some waves in the sports romance corner, and I really enjoyed reading it! I am giving it 3.25 stars as I think there could’ve been more depth to a lot of things, but I enjoyed meeting all the characters and travelling the world with Iris and Leo!

3.5/5

Thank you to Katherine Reilly, Aria & Aries, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Ride the Wave, publishing date 19th June 2025.

Ride the Wave follows the story of sports journalist Iris Gray and formerly retired surfer Leo Silva where the former is to write an editorial on his comeback to the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach competition in Victoria, Australia. Iris travels to where Leo has been living and surfing since he retired and tried to go about her usual interview style with him.

I enjoyed this book and the story between Iris and Leo but felt like the third act conflict, which wasn’t really a conflict at all, could have been explained better. It probably needed more on page discussions between the two of them because it felt like it happened and then they just moved on as if nothing ever happened. The ending also felt rushed and I would have really liked to read Iris’s article about Leo which would have been a really good final chapter/epilogue.

All in all, I would recommend this book to my friends and will be going to read her first book, Match Point, which is not necessary to read before Ride the Wave.

This was just what I love in a good contemporary romance - beautifully described setting, slowly and reluctantly developing attraction and feelings, lots of vulnerability.

The surfing was obviously a huge part of the story, and I liked the way this was all presented and described. As someone who knows nothing about this sport, it didn't seem confusing or overwhelming.

Both Iris and Leo were great characters, I loved them together, but also as individuals with their own passions.

I liked that the first spicy scene was so detailed, not rushed, the intimacy and closeness were explored so carefully and tenderly. The rest of the spice was so hot too.

My only criticism is that I didn't find this very funny, for some reason it was just not my type of humour. I'd describe it as more of a charming back and forth, rather than romcom style banter.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the ARC! Ride the Wave totally delivered on the sports romance vibes—competition, redemption, and just the right amount of drama to keep things interesting. Plus, the setting? Absolute chef’s kiss.

* Leo Silva: Former surfing champ, certified heartthrob, and former tabloid magnet. After too many reckless parties and scandals, he peaces out and moves to Portugal. But surprise, he’s back, and this time, he’s here to prove he’s more than just a bad reputation. Watching his growth was honestly so satisfying.
* Iris Gray: A badass sports journalist from London who’s known for her deep, inspiring interviews. She’s assigned to cover Leo’s comeback, and let’s just say she’s not easily charmed. Loved seeing her hold her ground while also uncovering new layers of Leo (and herself).
* The Squad: Marina, Anna, Toni, Flora, and Adriano? Absolute gems. They bring the banter, the support, and the found-family energy that makes everything feel even more real.

The writing flows so well, and the way the author describes Portugal? Ugh, made me miss my country so much 😭. The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars is that some parts slowed down a little, but overall, I was hooked. If you love sports romances with tension, heart, and some seriously good vibes, Ride the Wave is 100% worth reading.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

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.