As with all of Susan's books, I could not put this down! After her divorce, Beth is trying to figure out who she is. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book even though she had to go some hard things by way of her brother. This is not your typical chick lit, there is substance to it! So good!

The author, cover, description and title had me so excited to read this. Of all the Susan Mallery books I have read, this one was a little disappointing. I went in thinking it would be more beachy and less on the childish drama side. I did enjoy the sibling bonds and the friendship between Jana and Beth. I do appreciate the opportunity to read and review.

A book about where loyalties lie. Every character in this book has been dealt a raw deal. They've become productive members of society and trying to figure out their next steps in relationships and in life. I know Susan Mallery is a prolific author, and I was looking forward to reading her newest book, an ARC given to me in exchange for an honest review.

While the premise of the book sounded fun and beachy, a friendship book that I could relate to, I found it overly simplistic, a bit cheesy, and very repetitive. Same story every chapter, reiterating the same points. It wore on me and became tiresome. I could not enjoy the book because it just needed to move on. It seemed like it was trying too hard to be introspective, and it wrecked the flow and realism of the characters. Bummer.

The book turned out to be a great read. When I first started this book it was slow and I thought it might end up being a did not finish. But I love Susan Mallery books so I pushed through and was awarded for that. It was a great book about 2 Women (Beth & Jana)that befriend each other and have a lot in common, 1 of them being they both have brothers (1 a Dr, 1 a massage therapist). Jana starts dating Rick(Dr)who she is surprised to find out is Beth's brother. Through the whole book the way Rick treated her, I thought I would never put up with that and I immediately did not like him. Why isn't she kicking him to the curb. Ahh he's a narcissist and she just doesn't realize it. Beth starts dating Jana's brother and feels all the sparks and magic she never knew existed. Rick messes everything up and there are so many interesting details that come out of that and a surprising twist. I was so glad I kept going and wished it would have gone on longer.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the arc.

Great storyline, where the author immediately grabs you in, and you need to know how it ends. Felt very character driven, with the complexities of all the characters being the main focus of the storyline. The ending was suspected, but also felt very rushed. All in all, a great beach read, that leaves you with a good story to recommend to others.

The title is a little bit deceitful with this book. It is not a relaxing beach read in any way. Beth is divorced but when she sees her ex-husband proposing on a billboard, she rethinks her own life and her relationships with friends and family. It is a very deep book that juggles a lot of challenging topics and questions about life and family. I thought it was thought-provoking and I enjoyed it.

Exactly what you expect from a Susan Mallery novel. Formulaic romance. Girl meets boy, or in this case 2 girlfriends date each other's brothers, conflict ensues, estrangement, happy ending. All set among the backdrop of a California sandwich shop. No surprises here, just relax and enjoy the waves.

𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐲
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★★

The Southern California coast setting of this story was perfection! I loved all the talk of the beach, the location of the sandwich shop and the beach vibes that were mixed through the story. I did think this story was going to have a lot more to do with the beach itself, maybe even characters that were surfers, but I was kind of bummed it didn’t have a bigger place in the character’s daily lives.

I did enjoy the family dynamics of the story, the fact that there was relatable issues in each family and I loved the unconventional way Jana and Teddy came together to help each other out in their times of need. I was not at all a fan of Beth’s brother Rick. I understand there are usually villains in stories, but it seemed too deep and a bit unnecessary for this story. I also feel like things dragged on a bit too much and this could have been a lot shorter of a book.

In the end, this was a great read and I loved that this story gave you a mix of everything from romantic relationships, to family issues, battles with grief, strong character growth, so many different healing journeys, resilient characters and more.

Beach Vibes
Susan Mallery
March 18, 2025

In Malibu at her Surf Sandwich shop we find Beth Nield. She is overrun with customers when the surf rolls in and locals enjoy watching. Also during lunch or weekend customers who enjoy sitting in or out munching on one of the delectable sandwiches that Beth has created. Her time off is spent at the beach or at the free market volunteering. They are always in need of stocker or people to check out. There she befriends Jana. She spends a shift each week helping out at the market. She and Beth have met, worked together and now have a late dinner out back at the picnic table overlooking the ocean.
Beth has been divorced for a year and Jana is working medical insurance to pay for community college. She wants to get into the nursing program. Their friendship becomes a weekly dinner together to relax and chat. Beth brings sandwiches from the shop. They have become best friends.
Beach Vibes will be published by Harlequin Digital Sales on March 18, 2025. I was able to read Mallery´s latest novel via NetGalley. Mallery writes a delightful tale of friendship, love, and disloyalty. I was hooked from the start. When the betrayal happened I felt sad and truly hoped the characters could overcome it. It is a book readers will want to devour. It is a special story that I am certain will be loved by many. Do Enjoy!

I always race to my library to be first on the list to read anything by Susan Mallery. I was so excited when I was approved to read an advanced copy of Beach Vibes. A quick read, having read it in only two days, this romance not only has heart, but also lots of different families represented. Our main character Beth is coming off of her first year of a divorce. She puts all her heart and soul into her business as well as taking care of her brother. When Beth starts branching out and taking care of herself, she meets a new friend Jana and even gets a boyfriend Teddy, who is Jana's brother. But when Beth's brother turns out not to be the good guy she always thought he was, will Rick ruin the new relationships that Bath has created? Another great realistic fiction love story by Susan Mallery.

Beach Vibes by Susan Mallery ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Beth and Rick grew up in the foster care system. After being neglected by their mother. Beth becomes very protective.
Beth owns a sandwich shop on the beach as well as volunteering at the food pantry. At the food pantry she befriends Jana, a single mom of 3. Suddenly Jana shows interest in Rick, who is a widow with 3 kids.

Can Beth let go of Rick's tight hold she has on him to pursue a relationship with Jana? Will Jana walk away with a broken heart? Family, friendship or Love, you choose what's important


Thank you NetGalley for this advance copy.

I am new to this author, but I know she is popular very excited that I got to read this book. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I will definitely want to pick up more books by her.

I just finished Beach Vibes, and I like Susan Mallery, she's one of my favorite authors. I read this in one sitting butbim.not sure how how I feel about this book, I like it was it one of my favorites, no was it a bad book, no,, but I feel it was lacking somewhere. Sorry but I felt let down on this one, I guess they can't all be a four or five star book. I was disappointed.

A wonderful family drama novel with romance. Susan Mallery just doesn't disappoint at all.

I loved it all.

A rom com with some delightful unexpected twists! Just when you think it will be a predictable happy ending, the author slides a welcome plot twist. Susan Mallery doesn’t disappoint with her latest book. A picturesque location, some yummy foodie ideas and memorable characters.

Thank you to Susan Mallery, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC opportunity!

Family loyalty vs friendship loyalty is a tough wheel to spin
Beth, A successful beach sandwich shop owner has never had really close girlfriends.
So when she connects with Jana, a woman who volunteers at a food pantry that she donated time and goid yo, life is good.
Until its not
Unbeknownst to each of them, Jana is dating Beth's younger brother and Beth is dating Jana's older brother.
Family secrets, loyalty and trust in friendship all rear their heads in this not so light read.
Characters were, at times, a little too wishy washy for me and the story dragged a little .
I actually think each of their stories, on their own, would have made an excellent light summer read.
Together, they were just too,...........

“So much was lost because of a single decision.”
A wonderfully written complex family drama. Beth lost herself when she got divorce; no friends, no activities, no dating. She meets Jana and a friendship is formed. Unbeknownst to either of them, Jana is dating Beth’s brother and that’s when the drama unfolds. Beth is way too protective of her brother and too involved in his life. Then Beth starts dating Jana’s brother. She makes mistakes with her friendship and relationship. She soon has a dilemma of protecting her brother or saving her friendship and relationship. A very tough choice and a great “what would you do?” question for readers to ponder; great for blook club discussions. Wonderfully written, loved the characters, and how the how issue worked out and was handled. Recommend!

Beth has been focused on others for many years. She has made choices not for her own benefit but for the benefit of her family. When events surrounding her brother, best friend, and a chance at love come to light, she'll have to be prepared to make choices for herself. All too often we let others influence our path, in order to fully live, Beth will have to trust her own judgment and abilities. Filled with great friendships, a little family drama, and a whole lot of love, Beach Vibes is the perfect start to your summer reading.

Thank you to the publisher & Author for the ARC. Another great by Susan Mallery. I’ve read so many by Susan Mallery & this one made me want throw my kindle so many times, scream and cry. I found Rick repulsive, loved Jana, Beth, teddy and Dex. All of the kids were amazing

Another winner for Susan Mallery. A lighthearted and fun book with several unexpected twists. We’ll-written and made me think about what I would have done.