While Beth may have found love, it won’t be an easy journey. In the meantime, she’s made a new friend in Jana. Soon, Beth and Jana discover that they’re each dating one another’s siblings. Both couples are drawn to each other, but problems arise.

In addition to the conflicts in Beth and Jana’s dating relationships, this latest novel by Susan Mallery also explores family dynamics. Beth is living with her loving Aunt Agatha and is very grateful that she and her brother Rick were adopted by their aunt after being separated for a time while they were in the foster system. Jana is very close to her widowed brother Teddy. She is the mother of a little girl, and he is the father of three children, and they all live in his large house. Soon Beth begins dating Teddy.

With the excellent narration by Tonya Eby, it was easy to stay engaged in the story. However, one thing that annoyed me throughout, even more than the major conflict, was how Rick’s character was portrayed, making him rather unlikable from the start.

I enjoyed the family aspect of the story, especially the bond between Gina and Rick, despite some of the friction that existed between them. The bond that Beth has with her young daughter and her brother, as well as his children, also added a warm and heartwarming vibe to the narrative. Knowing from the blurb that at least one of these relationships wouldn’t work was a bit of a distraction, but the book itself was a good read that I was able to enjoy in just a couple of sittings.

Many thanks to HQN and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

A slower read for me that didn't do it for me. Maybe it was the seasonality I am in, so going to give the print version a go to see if that helps!

"Beach Vibes" by Susan Mallery is a family drama with a touch of romance, though the romantic elements take a backseat to the emotional complexities of familial relationships. While I appreciated the family dynamics, I found the story lacking in the kind of romance I was hoping for.

One of my biggest frustrations was Rick—his character felt deeply flawed, and rather than being complex or redeemable, he came across as simply terrible. I struggled to find any empathy for him, which made it difficult to connect with certain aspects of the story. I also wished for a deeper exploration of Rick and Beth’s past, as understanding their history could have added more layers to his character and made his actions more comprehensible.

Additionally, the narration didn’t quite work for me, particularly the way the children’s voices were performed. Their dialogue felt grating, and I often found myself tempted to skip through those sections.

Overall, Beach Vibes was an okay read—I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. I just wanted more—more character growth, more emotional depth, and a stronger connection between the characters. While Mallery is skilled at weaving family drama, this book left me wishing for a richer, more developed story.

Beach Vibes, by Susan Mallery, is a romance novel of intertwined love stories, misleading relationships, and family support systems. When you think things are going one way, Mallory throws in a twist and the reader and the characters are thrown off. How they recover makes this one a happily-ever-after... for most. I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

3.5 sibling loyalty stars

Set in Malibu, we meet two women, their brothers, extended families, and friends. Things get very complicated, as lies and secrecy test loyalties.

Beth runs Surf Sandwiches, a successful sandwich shop in Malibu. Her business has created a family with dedicated employees. Her brother, Rick, is a surgeon who has built a strong medical practice. Beth and Rick lost their parents and spent some time in foster care before landing with an estranged aunt and uncle.

Jana works in medical billing and is a single mom. Her brother Teddy is a widower with three wonderful kids.

Jana runs into Rick at work, and he asks her out several times before she says yes. Jana has been reluctant to date because of her past bad experiences with men and negative interactions with her daughter. It feels like a fairy tale romance to Jana.

Beth and Jana meet while volunteering at a food bank and become friends. They eventually realize that Jana is dating Beth’s brother Rick.

While this one does have some romance vibes, it is also about family dynamics and loyalty. Would you lie for a sibling? Do you give siblings the benefit of the doubt over friends?

I liked how these characters had good growth throughout the story, and I think it ended the right way!

I enjoyed reading Beach Vibes by Susan Mallery. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

This story took a strange, unexpected turn about halfway through the story. I didn’t like that turn and found it hard to believe. The biggest relationship in the book was the friendship between the main character, Beth, and the secondary protagonist, Jana. Beth’s romance was hard to believe. It was just insta-lust and insta-love that didn’t seem real. I really ended up being pretty disappointed with the whole story.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Susan Mallery has always been an automatic buy for me. I enjoy her romance series (Fool's Gold is my favorite) and the women's fiction she has evolved into more recently. This spring release is titled Beach Vibes and is set in Malibu Beach. Here, we find new friends, Beth and Jana, each of whom ends up dating the other's brother. How does one mix friendship with family loyalty when one of the guys is caught cheating by his sister? Sit down and read this new novel and find out all the juicy details.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

This was an interesting thought provoking book about family and family loyalty.  I liked the characters of Beth, Jana, Aunt Agatha and Kai.  My feelings for Rick, Beth's brother, changed during the story as I saw him for who he was.
I liked how Beth and Jana became friends and were strong women, who had overcome their pasts and were making a future for themselves.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

Wonderful storyline. I couldn't put the book down.
Beth is divorced, she owns a sandwich shop.
She has a new friend, who is also dating Beth's brother, then she meets Jana's brother and she finds out what love is.
Then something happens and destroys everything.
I enjoyed this book very much.

Zero Beach Vibes. Solid Mallery Tale. I normally get a bit into the review before explaining star deductions, but in this particular case the reason for the star deduction is the most critical thing you need to know about this book:

It has *ZERO* beach vibes. Yes, it takes place in Malibu - largely across the street from the beach, at best - but the setting here is largely completely irrelevant to literally anything about the story. Mallery could have changed the location names to almost literally "Anywhere" and the overall story would read and feel *exactly* the same.

Now, with that said, this actually *is* a solid tale of its type = in other words, a women's fiction/ romance blend that Mallery is so prolific with and does so well. If you've never read her works, this is a decent one to begin with - not her worst in my own experiences with her books, yet also not her best, but solidly indicative of her overall style of writing and storytelling.

So if you're ready for a drama filled tale of two strangers who happen to become friends and who happen to develop an uncommon cross bond with each others' siblings... this tale will work well for you.

Note that the spice level here is somewhere north of a warm glass of milk yet south of habanero - again, fairly typical of Mallery's overall style. So those that prefer the warm glass of milk or those that prefer ghost peppers... either direction there, you're likely going to be left a touch disappointed. Yet the overall tale, outside the bedroom, is actually quite strong in its own right, and you really should give it a chance anyway - there will most likely be other things about this tale that you truly enjoy, and maybe you can glass over the bedroom stuff.

Overall a solid, well told tale... that simply has absolutely *zero* to do with anything remotely associated with its title.

Very much recommended.

I read this in one sitting. After a great first line, I was pulled into the lives and friendships of Agatha, Beth and Jana. Mallory explores sibling relationships and what you do for family as well as being caught between a friend and family. I did wish the blurb hadn’t set up the coming conflict as I kept waiting for it to happen. Agatha is a pip, and I appreciated the female friendships. Mallory is an auto-buy for a reason. Recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love Mallery’s older works and this new one does not disappoint! Beach Vibes follows Beth, a recent divorcee, Jana, her new best friend, and their two brothers. While Mallery is known for her romances, and this does have elements of the classic romance story, this is so much more than a traditional romance, and was much more of an emotional read than I was expecting based on the title and cover. I’d recommend this novel to someone looking for a relaxing read with great friends, everyday family life, and no shortage of drama.

3.5 stars

Beach Vibes by Susan Mallery introduces us to Beth, who is recently divorced and spends all her time at the sandwich shop she owns in Malibu and volunteering at the local food bank. While volunteering there she meets Jana, who quickly becomes her bestie. When Beth's younger brother comes into Jana's life things get a little more complicated.

While this book is marketed as a romance (and a beachy, summer read - hello beautiful cover!), I felt like it read more like a family drama/womens lit. I did enjoy the friendship and happy vibes, but wish there was less drama and more sweet romance. I didn't really enjoy Rick's character from the get-go and wish he wasn't involved.

This was a good, easy read with a happy ending for some, but if you're looking for a beachy romance, this one might not be for you. I mean, the beach wasn't really a part of this story at all? Maybe I misinterpreted the beachy vibes, I don't know.

This was my first Susan Mallery book and I'm a little indifferent. I will try another one for sure, as I've heard great things about some of her other books.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Thoughtful read with lots of depth

I love Susan Mallery's books and Beach Vibes didn't disappoint! It features two strong women becoming friends but then having conflicting priorities between family and friendship. The resolution is surprising, somewhat heartbreaking, and highlights the stresses on sisters and women in general to take care of everyone. A thoughtful read with lots of depth masquerading as a romance novel! Highly recommended!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me an e-arc via Netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Susan Mallery's latest, 'Beach Vibes,' delivered exactly what I crave: a heartwarming story of strong women navigating life and love. Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the advance reader copy! Mallery beautifully developed the two main characters, evoking genuine emotional responses. I felt their struggles keenly, from righteous anger to well-deserved disgust at the cheating brother. Mallery's signature theme of empowering women shines in 'Beach Vibes.' She skillfully portrays characters who discover their inner strength, demonstrating that love is a beautiful addition to a fulfilling life, not its sole purpose. The narrative celebrates the possibility of balancing career, love, and family. 'Beach Vibes' offers dual perspectives, allowing readers to intimately experience the journeys of two distinct yet relatable women as they navigate the complexities of love and life. I highly recommend 'Beach Vibes' to readers who enjoy heartwarming contemporary romances with realistic, relatable characters. If you're a fan of Diana Palmer's emotional storytelling, you'll find a similar appeal in Susan Mallery's work."

Thank you to Susan Mallery, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

Susan Mallery has been a favorite author of mine for quite a while. She usually doesn't disappoint in writing an entertaining story. She kept my attention in this book. In Beach Vibes, the central character Beth Nield finds herself stuck after her divorce. She takes stock of her life after seeing her ex's marriage proposal to his new someone on a billboard. The things she finds, and the people she meets add to this complex story.

Susan Mallery's latest novel, Beach Vibes, explores the complicated issues surrounding loyalty, particularly to family and friends. The protagonist, Beth, faces a dilemma on whether to uphold loyalty to her family when she discovers her brother's unfaithfulness towards her new friend Jana. Beach Vibes has strong, likeable characters along with a well-defined plot. The themes highlighted are those of familial loyalty, friendship, and trust. While romance is present, it does not dominate the story-line. This is an engaging and thought-provoking read and I would recommend it to Susan Mallery fans.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press for advance readers copy.

“Beach Vibes” isn’t quite the right title for this one. Something like The Real Women of Malibu or Oceanside Sandwiches would be much more fitting. That being said, I really enjoyed this book!!

Beth finds herself in her 30s, newly single after a divorce that was more anticlimactic than catastrophic. Determined to start fresh, she sets out to rediscover herself, forge new friendships, and—dare she hope—fall in love again. Just as she starts to put the pieces of her life back together, the one person she has always counted on begins to unravel everything she’s built.

I loved the depth of character development and the emotional twists that kept me hooked. It’s a story about reinvention, resilience, and the complicated ties that bind us. Definitely worth a read! Solid 3.75 stars.


Posted to Goodreads and Instagram as of 3/17/2025.

Sooo the cover on this one is a little misleading as this isn’t really a beach read. It’s more of a story that takes place near a beach.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press, and the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.